My great-aunt Bonnie Peters turned 90 April 1 this year. She’s the Union County Historian. She requested me to do a painting of the home place. This was my great-grandparents home, Dempsey and Elsie Heiskell. The house is no longer there, but Bonnie had a good black and white photo of it dated back in 1963, which is before my time. I do remember visiting there when I was a little girl. The house was located on Heiskell Road. The farm was divided up and several family members have tracts of it and part of it is now the Walnut Pointe Subdivision.

In researching the details of the grounds surrounding the house I learned there was a dark house used for photography, but it was also used as a storm shelter if needed. I knew of my great-grandfather’s (Dempsey Heiskell, also known as D.V.) artistic ability as an engraver for the monumental works. You can find his beautiful carvings in local cemeteries—although he offered several designs, his specialties were lambs and bibles. He often helped his brother Nip Heiskell, owner of a marble quarry in Luttrell at that time. Dempsey owned DV Heiskell Monument Shop which still stands on old Highway 33 at the entrance of the Ousley Cemetery. I did not realize my great-grandfather was also a photographer. He was also known locally as a wonderful musician. I’ve been told he could play any instrument that he picked up. I have his fiddle that was made by one of the Cassidy brothers back in either 1902 or 1904.

The fond childhood memories of the farm made this painting come to life. Our family roots run deep in Union County. I remember both of the Heiskell farms, Dempsey and Elsie’s place and my grandparents Roscoe and Naomi’s farm. With them being so close together, to me it actually felt like one big farm. The fence rows were well maintained. They had cattle along with crops including tobacco. Most of my time was spent on my grandparent’s farm versus Mamaw Elsie’s. I remember playing in the fields at my Papaw’s farm, along with playing in the hay loft, helping in the garden, riding horses and sledding down that big hill.

My brother reminded me of hearing the story of our great-uncle Fred finding a cave opening on the home place. The opening was close to Heiskell Road between the house and the tobacco barn. I find it fascinating to hear the cave ran from Heiskell Road and came out on the other side of Hickory Star Road. I doubt the opening is still there, but it certainly strikes my curiosity.

I’m sure my mom, aunts and uncle can elaborate on many more stories. Remembering the good ole days at the “Home Place.”

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