Email 3

Welcome to the fourth of my IN THEIR PATH! emails.

I am IN THEIR PATH now. I walked 6 miles this morning and my daughter Martha drove and my grandson Nate walked.

Date: 5/3/02

Weather: mid 60s and overcast most of this week

Where I walked this week: I walked along 142 east to London, OH then rt40 east towards Columbus, OH.

The Safe house where I stayed: I have been staying at Wilberforce University Dean Henderson and his brother Dr. Henderson arranged for me to stay at the new honors dorms on campus. It is the cutiest little suite. Nothing like when I was in college in Syracuse, NY way back when. Then I stayed with Eric and Petra Williams in Columbus, OH. Eric is a teacher and Petra is a Physical therapist. They are also avid hikers and have
provided me with all the right gear for my walk. I spent Tuesday evening with
Rev. George Williamson and his family in Grandville, OH I visited their
church First Baptist Church.

What I learned about the Underground Railroad: Last Tuesday I visited Springboro, OH. Carol Stone and another guide told me about the history of the area. My sister Letitia Harris and our friend for the past 45 years Marilyn Solomon came from Syracuse, NY to help drive. They were with me for the tour. It was fascinating. There are more than 27 safehouses in the town and many tunnels from house to house. I Learned so much that I asked Carol to write an email that I could send out about it. Carol has created a
persona named Grace Pardeau (I hope that is spelled right.) She gives the tours in dialect and dresses in period clothes. It really takes you back in time.

On May 3rd I spoke at the opening of the Underground Railroad Learning Center at Kelton House in Columbus, which was wonderful. I was so moved by the fact that descendants of the Margaret Lawrence family; the slave who was being honored were in attendance. When I got up to speak I got a standing ovation and I know that it was not just for me but for those brave ancestors. The Kelton house was unveiling a underground railroad
Learning station which will be used in schools all over the state.

The people I met: What a week I hope I dont forget anyone. There was Patti Jameson, her son Andy, Andys brother and cousin. I met a man from new Zeland who walked with me and there was also a dog named Gracie who was very well behaved. I visited Columbus academy (they gave a donation and some great Bath stuff), also Jewish Day School and 2nd Ave. Elementary School (this was the group that sent me messages and good wishes to Cleveland
before I began my walk.)

Who walked with me: Well in addition to the folks I mentioned Last week a reporter from the Cleveland {lain Dealer Margaret Bernstein joined me for a couple days. Petra Williams drove for me. I am walking still and walking strong. On, Saturday May 4, I made it through Johnstown, Ohio, about an hour north of Columbus. There were a lot of hills but I felt pretty good. Did about 10 miles today. The weather has been cool but pleasant. My daughter Martha and grandson Nate will be with me helping out with the driving and walking until Tuesday. I'm on to Mount Vernon Ohio by Wednesday for a big walk into town and reception. Andy, the 13 year old from Mount Vernon who walked with me took his Underground Railroad project to a state school history fair and came in third in competition with high school seniors. The whole town is proud of him. I am too. I look forward to my trip to Mount Vernon and beyond.

One thing I really want you to know about my week: That I am having the time of my life and I really mean that. My daughter Teci says I remind her of a gospel song that goes So good I just cant tell it all. So good so good Just cant tell it!!

What young people had to say: My son Robert Southgate and daughter in law Candace called my cell phone then I heard a small voice say Keep walking grandma! I love you. And I realized it was my grandbaby Irene Marie Southgate age 2. I have played the message over and over. They live in Memphis TN and they will join me near the end of the walk May 22-25th 2002.

Email: gonnawalk439@hotmail.com