1864 Sunnyside continued-2

1864 Sunnyside continued-2

Henry was just finishing his breakfast when Mary Ann reminded him of his father's request. "Yes ma'am," he reluctantly responded. On his way to the chicken house, Henry stopped to reward his dog with a bacon treat from breakfast. Suddenly, he was startled by a loud voice saying “Good Morning Hen!" and turned to see Axson. "Good Morning sir," Henry replied. "Father asked me to tell you to hitch up a wagon and bring it to the kitchen, as we are going a picnic today, and it being Sallie's birthdays and all." Axson nodded and said "Well I sho-nuff will. I hope they've baked a good cake." With that, Axson waved goodbye and headed to the stable while Henry continued on his mission to feed the chickens. He thought to himself, how fast those two prize laying hens that Mr Paul gave him were growing. Just then, he noticed that the waterer was low, so he completed his job and made his way to the well for some water. Suddenly he heard the sound of a wagon and saw Axson riding by. "Climb on Hen, I'll give you a ride," he shouted, and Henry eagerly accepted the offer, jumping on the back of the wagon with a sense of adventure.

Sallie’s best friend Margaret Mimms was looking forward to the upcoming picnic and couldn't contain her excitement. Margaret was 10-years-old, a twin to her sister Mindy. Both were adopted by Robert Paul and Maria after they became orphans. Robert and Maria had other children and Margaret quickly became one of Robert's favorites, especially after Maria's passing in 1860. She constantly looked after Robert and was eager to learn how to cook, farm and hunt - a brave, strong-willed girl! The Paul family was living near Marion, three and a half miles from Sunnyside and across Savage Creek, in the Bluff District. Robert and his brother John had found success in the area, having established a successful farm with cattle, livestock and an orchard. The Paul brothers were known for their excellent hospitality which was only enhanced by their fine homes and their reputedly amazing hunting dogs. Their farms yielded many sought after goods like fresh fruits and veggies, sweet sugar cane syrup, and delicious hickory smoked hams.

Margaret, Mindy, and Robert's eldest daughter were loading the wagon with a few delicious hams, a hamper filled with assorted fruits, plus Robert's special syrup. They had a very special present for Sallie which Margaret bought during her recent trip to Macon. Robert had an order to deliver of smoked hams, syrup, and produce at the Bowdre and Anderson Grocery store on the corner of Cotton Avenue and Cherry Street. On the way back home, Robert stopped at George Payne's Drug Store to buy some much-needed supplies. Here, Margaret noticed an exquisite sliver three-piece vanity set and thought it would be the perfect birthday present for Sallie. She grabbed Robert's attention and asked if she could purchase it for the gift for Salli. Even though Robert admired the gift and joked that it is quite expensive, he suggested something more affordable. Margaret was really persistent about getting the vanity set. "Papa, it's perfect," She pleaded, "If you let me have it, I'll work even harder to repay you. I'll clean the chicken pen, fetch the water and slop the pigs. Pretty please, papa!" Reluctantly, Robert agreed, exchanging 4 hams, 10 bottles of cane syrup and a bit of cash. As the girls loaded the buggy, Robert presented Margaret with her gift for Sallie and they drove away in the direction of Denson Level.