1864 Sunnyside 3

1864 Sunnyside continued-3

Axson had just finished loading the wagon at Sunnyside with all of Ophelia's delicious food - fried chicken, turnips, deviled eggs, hoecakes, peach pie, and even a birthday cake! His mouth was watering and he couldn't resist the temptation of sliding his finger through the icing and tasting it - "Wow, this cake is sho-nuff sweet!" he smiled. Ophelia, a bit bewildered, whacked him with a straw broom and playfully scolded him, "Axson, what ARE you doing? Get away from that cake!" Axson just chuckles and replies, "Calm down, Ophelia. Why can't you be as sweet as that cake you made?” With a shake of her head, Ophelia walked back into the kitchen with a smile.

The wagon seemed full as everyone climbed on board. Mary Ann was cradling George Jr. as she squeezed in between Daniel and Nancy. Across from them, Ophelia was seated by Sallie. Axson was in the driver's seat, with Henry sitting at his side. As they embarked on their journey down Richland Church Road, Axson began to tell Henry about his grandfather Mark Sr. And how he used this very wagon to transport items from Savannah to Milledgeville. He explained it would have taken 10 to 12 days, but it could have been a bit longer if they had had any setbacks. Axson revealed there were six wagons travelling together and said fondly, "Your grandpa treated us so well. I'll never forget those days - they were some of the happiest times of my life." By the end of the story, the wagon had reached Denson Level.

In the late 1700s, the Densons' traveled from Wales and settled the first settlement of Twiggs County - Denson Level! It was known as 'Twiggsville', and provided the location for the very first courthouse of the county - which was later moved to Marion. It also had the Denson and Faulk cemetery located only a mile or so from Sunnyside.

As they arrived at Denson Level Mary Ann suggested they draw the wagon near the ruins of the old courthouse. The lush green grass and tall, majestic white oak trees provided lots of soft shade and a gentle northwesterly breeze made it a perfect day for a picnic. It was a wonderful September day to share together!

Axson began taking items off the wagon while Mary Ann and Ophelia spread out some blankets under the canopy of the oak trees. Nancy and Daniel were happily running around and chasing a butterfly. Henry was lending a hand to Axson, helping him create a table out of wood and sawhorses they'd brought. After it was built, Ophelia arranged the food and set the cake and gifts on the end. As Sallie waited for Margaret and the other guests to arrive, she placed a ribbon at her grandpa's burial site. Suddenly, Henry shouted for Sallie, “Sallie, come quickly! Margaret and Uncle William have arrived!”