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Articles by Jack McCall
Jack McCall: Making it through life’s tough times
Jack McCall It’s almost that time of year again – the time when tobacco farmers begin hauling their crop to market. For me, this time of year has a magical quality about it. In years long past, it seemed like every farmer in the surrounding communities had a tobacco crop. Come November, the roads were busy with big, flat-bed trucks, pickup trucks and hay wagons piled high with golden tobacco. Like ants to an ant hill, they poured into town to their tobacco warehouse of choice.
Jack McCall: Things in today’s world that bother me
Let me begin this column by saying I am an optimist by nature and by upbringing. I have always been inclined to see the “glass half-full” rather than “half-empty.” Both my parents were practical, hard-working people who approached life with determination, optimism and hope. Neither were “complainers.” As a matter of fact, there was not much room for “moaning and groaning” in the household where I grew up.
Jack McCall: The sounds and scenes of a tobacco harvest
Having traveled the southeastern region of these United States for many years, I have come to realize there is a significant number of my generation whose roots run deep in tobacco country. In Kentucky, Virginia, the Carolinas and Tennessee I have found countless numbers of men and women who have shared my experiences. When this time of year rolls around, I can’t help but go back in time and relive the sights and sounds of tobacco harvests of the past.
Jack McCall: The sunny side of the street
My late mother, Mary Helen Brim McCall was an advocate for living on “the sunny side of the street.” She often spoke of the “sunny side of life.” When I was growing up, I figured the other side must be the “cloudy side of the street.” I determined I didn’t want to spend much of my time there. Through the years I have met many a soul who allowed themselves to be lured over to the cloudy side – the side where the sun doesn’t shine through.
Jack McCall: It really is a small world after all
The deck on the house where I live faces the Eastern horizon. In recent years from that deck, I have witnessed no small number of magnificent sunrises. One day last week as I stepped out into the morning I encountered another delightful surprise. It appeared as though the sun’s rays were streaming directly at me barely above ground level. The sunlight, in concert with the glistening dew, highlighted hundreds of tiny spider webs as they lay motionless in the morning grass.
Summertime
The great George Gershwin song goes like this: “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” A well known lyric from another popular song goes this way: “In the good ole summertime.” Summertime — that time of year right after spring has done its work. I recall a movie titled, “The Long Hot Summer.” Some summers are long and hot. Some are short and cool. Some summers seem to drag on and on, and are miserably dry, others wet and humid. And here we are again, on the leading edge of another summer.
Jack McCall: ‘Summertime and the livin’ is easy’
The great George Gershwin song goes like this: “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” A well-known lyric from another popular song goes this way: “In the good ole summertime.” Summertime – that time of year right after spring has done its work. I recall a movie titled, “The Long Hot Summer.” Some summers are long and hot. Some are short and cool. Some summers seem to drag on and on, and are miserably dry, others wet and humid. And here we are again, on the leading edge of another summer.
Escape to the Brim Hollow
On a Sunday afternoon recently past, I made my way back to the Brim Hollow. It had been a long time since I ventured over hill, through creek beds, and along a shaded lane to arrive in “the hollow” — too long. As I made my way up the hollow road, memories rushed at me like stampeding wild animals. I was relieved to find the old homeplace still standing after all these years. It has endured almost six decades, empty and forlorn.
Mother’s Day
A week from Sunday is Mother’s Day. And I must admit, my thoughts of Mother’s Day have changed over the years. For the 15th time, my mother will be absent when our family gets together to celebrate her day. In my earliest years, I called her “Mama.” In later years, when my brothers, my sister and I thought we had become sophisticated (high school days), we started calling her “Mother.” (At first, she didn’t like it, but she went along with it.) “What’s wrong with calling me ‘Mama’?” she protested.
Jack McCall: Now that’s a cold trip!
My speaking travels have taken some interesting twists and turns over the years. One was particularly interesting. One winter I received a phone call from a speaker’s bureau with which I had worked for several years. The call came just after noon. The owner of the bureau asked if I was available to do a speaking engagement “in the next few days.” I informed him that I was, indeed, available.
Adventures in Grandparenting
As of this writing, we have three grandsons. (A fourth will arrive very soon.) All three are of the 10-year-old variety, give or take a few months. A “sleepover” at my house has become a high priority on their request list. I must be very careful about scheduling sleepovers, as I tend to be “wasted” on the morning after. Not that they are bad or unruly boys; on the contrary, they are good, well-mannered young men, but they are boys. Managing a sleepover has its challenges.
As of this writing, we have three grandsons. (A fourth will arrive very soon.) All three are of the 10-year-old variety, give or take a few months. A “sleepover” at my house has become a high priority on their request list. I must be very careful about scheduling sleepovers, as I tend to be “wasted” on the morning after. Not that they are bad or unruly boys; on the contrary, they are good, well-mannered young men, but they are boys. Managing a sleepover has its challenges.
Jack McCall: More adventures in grandparenting
As of this writing, we have three grandsons. (A fourth will arrive very soon.) All three are of the 10-year-old variety, give or take a few months. A “sleepover” at my house has become a high priority on their request list. I must be very careful about scheduling sleepovers as I tend to be “wasted” on the morning after. Not that they are bad or unruly boys. On the contrary, they are good, well-mannered young men, but they are boys. Managing a sleepover has its challenges.
Jack McCall: Changing times send pork production sky-high
In 1973, I found myself just barely out of college, managing a livestock market in Woodbury, Tennessee. The facility, owned by Mid-State Producers, was managed by Tennessee Livestock Producers, a service company of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. The market eventually became one of the largest feeder pig sales in all of Tennessee. I must admit the success of the market was not due to my management skills. It was simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
Jack McCall: Two January days carry special meanings
I suppose Jan. 9 and 15 will come and go without much fanfare this year. Of course, that depends on one’s perspective. Jan. 9 marks the birthday of my late father, Frank Thomas McCall, Sr. Born in 1922, my father was the eldest of nine children born to D.T (David Thomas) and Amy Manning McCall. Dad passed away on Father’s Day, 2003. On the 9th I will pause to reflect on his life and influence. I will think about his patience, his kindness and his bashful smile.
Post Christmas and Pre New Years Thoughts
For me Christmas Day came faster and passed more quickly this year than in years past. I think Thanksgiving Day showing up later on the calendar had something to do with it. I also blame the time change for throwing off my mental clock. Seems I heard more people complaining about traffic this year. The term “Christmas rush” may have to be changed to “Christmas rampage.” I sensed a weariness in many this holiday season.
Post Christmas and Pre New Years Thoughts
For me, Christmas Day came faster and passed more quickly this year than in years past. I think Thanksgiving Day showing up later on the calendar had something to do with it. I also blame the time change for throwing off my mental clock. Seems I heard more people complaining about traffic this year. The term “Christmas rush” may have to be changed to “Christmas rampage.” I sensed a weariness in many this holiday season.
Jack McCall: The smells and delights of Christmases Past
I was cleaning out a fence row over the weekend. I say I was “cleaning,” when I was just beginning. It’s not like the fence row was in bad shape. The four stains of barb wire had taken on some blackberry briars and a few cedar bushes over the years. I was determined to clean the fence up a bite at a time, 30 minutes here, an hour there. My tools of choice were a hand-held, battery-powered chainsaw and a hedge trimmer. Both meant I was not too terribly serious.
Jack McCall: Owing our freedom to God’s grace and the military
Another Veterans Day in the books. I had the good pleasure of participating in two Veterans Day celebrations this year – one in Macon County, the other in Trousdale.
Thansgiving
Thanksgiving Day is almost here (and will be here before you know it) — a time to stop and reflect on the past year and years — a time once again to recount our blessings. I’m writing this column a bit early so the “Day” doesn’t take you by surprise. (Personally, I wish things would slow down a bit.) A few years back I was making a speaking presentation to a credit union group in Cleveland, Ohio, the home of the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame.
Jack McCall: A big list of little Thanksgiving blessings
Thanksgiving Day is almost here (and will be here before you know it) – a time to stop and reflect on the past year, and years – a time once again to recount our blessings. I’m writing this column a bit early so the “Day” doesn’t take you by surprise. (Personally, I wish things would slow down a bit.) I was making a speaking presentation to a credit union group in Cleveland, Ohio a few years back – Cleveland, Ohio, the home of the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame.
A step back in time
I visited the University of Tennessee campus for the first time in a long time a couple of weeks back. That’s not to say I haven’t been back to attend football games many times over the years. But this time I had time to actually make a campus visit. I was in Knoxville for one of those meetings mayors attend from time to time. The first morning allowed time for me to take a long walk before the first gathering. Staying in a hotel in uptown downtown Knoxville, I was about a half mile from campus.
Jack McCall: Walking back into a time capsule
I visited the University of Tennessee campus for the first time in a long time a couple of weeks back. That’s not to say I haven’t been back to attend football games many times over the years. But this time I had time to actually make a campus visit. I was in Knoxville for one of those meetings mayors attend from time to time. The first morning allowed time for me to take a long walk before the first gathering. Staying in a hotel in uptown downtown Knoxville, I was about half a mile from campus.
Jack McCall: October’s special place in our calendar
I love the month of October. When it arrives, I think of October beans, October skies, October harvest, Oktoberfest, the Third Saturday in October (Go Vols) – well, everything October. For me, October ushers in the holidays. I have a dear friend, Kim Winfree, who starts playing Christmas music on the first day of October. (She can wait no longer to begin celebrating.) Oct. 1 begins the fourth quarter of the calendar year.
Jack McCall: Many different ways to show ignorance
Webster’s defines “ignorant” adj. or “ignorance” n. as having little or no knowledge, unlearned; unaware, uninformed. In the house where I grew up many years ago there were a few words which my brothers, my sister and I were not allowed to “throw around.” Our mother forbade the use of the words “stupid” or “ignorant” (and a few more) to describe others, especially when spoken in harsh tones. And we were taught to handle the word “liar” with great care.
Jack McCall: Finding my way through the tobacco patch
I’ve seen some beautiful sights in my time. Many of them take me back to my formative years — a set of mama cows with their calves out in lush spring pasture, rows of square bales of hay lined up across a hay field, dark green corn fields in full tassel and a patch of tobacco, yellow as a pumpkin, ready to be cut. And I have always considered a tobacco leaf a beautiful thing. Maybe it is because tobacco played such a major role in the early years of my life.
Jack McCall: Remembering the Tobacco Bowl
From Chester Davis, general chairman of the Tobacco Bowl, 1961: “Acclaimed by sportswriters and football fans as one of the most astounding successes in high school postseason games, the Tobacco Bowl has developed into one of the greatest attractions in the state. All games have been given the widest publicity through the press, radio, and television.
Jack McCall: The untimely ending of raccoons, birds and ‘possums
Well, it was an interesting summer. It was, for me, a summer that came and was gone as fast as any I can remember. Maybe my age is telling on me. Sometimes I wish things would slow down a bit. I’ve always been fascinated with roadkill. Maybe fascinated is not the right word. Let’s just say roadkill stirs my curiosity. It always makes me sad…. every time. I take it especially hard when I come upon a dead raccoon. I don’t know why, but I have a fondness for raccoons. Maybe it is because they wash their food.
Jack McCall: Encouragement paves way for accomplishments
The story goes that, many years ago, the great American inventor Thomas Alva Edison was attending a convening of forward thinkers in a major city. Henry Ford, who would become America’s foremost car maker, was in attendance. During the convention, Edison was seated at a table attempting to explain the workings of the internal combustion engine to a group of onlookers. During his discussion, Ford walked up and began listening to Edison’s presentation.
Jack McCall: ‘Dropping sticks’ a key step in tobacco harvest
I found myself dropping sticks in a tobacco patch one day last week. Well, in a way. I was caught up in a trip down memory lane. Now, to the uneducated, the term “dropping sticks” might sound a bit foreign. It is not like you are walking through a tobacco patch and accidently let some sticks fall to the ground – like “dropping a stick.” Veterans of the tobacco patch, on the other hand, know that dropping sticks is a very important part of the tobacco cutting (harvesting) process.
Jack McCall: Meeting heroes in my life every day
I’ve always been careful about picking heroes. Too often you end up being disappointed. But I do have a few. You might say they picked me. I suppose my first hero was my father. I am one of those fortunate sons who can say my father was the best man I have ever known. He was a prince of a man – quiet and shy and solid as a rock. He was one with the land and he had a natural feel for the miracle of the seed and the sun and the soil. Never once did I see him angry.
Jack McCall: Much obliged to hear these unique sayings
A few years back, I presented the opportunity for my readers to send in some of the favorite sayings they had heard over the years. The response I received was impressive. I promised it would not be my last column on sayings. After giving the subject some thought you might want to send in one of your favorites. You never know what fond memory you might resurrect for someone. Years ago, my friend the late Jack Petty sent in some of his favorites.
Jack McCall: Making the Red Rock Ride
I had the privilege of making the Red Rock Ride a few weeks back. It was the culmination of several serendipitous events over many years. All was set in motion in organic chemistry class at the University of Tennessee in around 1972. On a spring day, my lab partner introduced himself. He was one with a big smile and neatly cut auburn hair. “Hi,” he said, “I’m Dickie Reese.” “You wouldn’t be any kin to Dick Reese, would you?” I asked. It was a dumb question now that I think about it.
Jack McCall: Me and grandfather’s bull session
Sometime in the late 1960s or early 1970s (I can’t remember the exact date), my grandfather, D.T. McCall, and I went on a mission to purchase a herd bull at Coley Hereford Farm’s annual production sale in Lafayette. (You may want to go back and read last week’s column for details leading up to our partnership.) There is nothing quite like an auction, especially a livestock auction.
Jack McCall: The true meaning of Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formally known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died in military service. According to Wikipedia, Decoration Day was first observed on May 30, 1868. The alternative name of Memorial Day was first used in 1882. It was declared the official name by federal law in 1967.
Jack McCall: More sayings that explain common sense
Not only did my recent column on sayings generate an excellent response from readers, but it also stirred my imagination. My brothers, my sister and I cut our teeth on these words from our mother.
Jack McCall: Sayings and quotes keeping us on the proper path
I suppose we all have stored in our memory a few favorite quotes and sayings of famous people and persons we have known. There are words that encourage us, words that instruct us and words of warning. It seems to me, as time goes by, fewer and fewer words of warning are being heeded.
Jack McCall: Skunks have a way of making you remember them
You’ve probably heard the 1972 novelty song “Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road.” Written by Loudon Wainwright III, it features the lyric, “You got your dead skunk in the middle of the road stinkin’ to high heaven.” I suppose most of us have encountered a skunk’s final demise on a highway or byway. Even in the darkness of night you realized he was there. Skunks have a way of leaving their calling card. Seems their final act of defiance is to unload their stores.
Jack McCall: Late-night adventures in grandparenting (times three)
In my immediate family, there are 15 of us now – three sons, three daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren (5 girls, 3 boys), and me. I am discovering that it becomes increasingly harder to try and fill the shoes of a kind and loving mother and grandmother. The following story is true. The names have been changed or omitted to protect the innocent … or the guilty. Last week one of my sons, acting as agent for his son, contacted me to see if a grandson could “spend the night” at my house.
Jack McCall: Adding Christmas music and a great 2025
So, I probably listened to more Christmas music this past Christmas season than ever before. Several factors contributed to this new reality. Some years ago, as part of her Christmas present, I gave my late wife, Kathy, a subscription to Sirius XM Radio. Somehow, in the ensuing years, I continued to renew her subscription although she no longer considered it a part of her Christmas present. The subscription was tied to her Toyota 4-Runner.
Take Your Time
I’ve often heard people say, as words of encouragement, “Take your time.” Sometimes it was advice given to a person recovering from surgery or an injury or an illness — “Take your time.” On other occasions it was offered to someone who was grieving over a great loss — “Take your time.” And I’ve heard it said when an individual was attempting a task which required their full concentration and focus — “Take your time.” C.S. Lewis, in his classic, “Mere Christianity,” observed: “The real problem...
Country Ham and Red-Eyed Gravy
You might say I was introduced to country ham and red-eyed gravy at a very early age. When I was five months old my mother began to tear the middle out of biscuits and soak them in red-eyed gravy for my breakfast. She declared that I could put away “some more” biscuits and red-eyed gravy.
Jack McCall: Take your time to enjoy life’s comforts
I’ve often heard people say, as words of encouragement, “Take your time.” Sometimes it was advice given to a person recovering from surgery or an injury or an illness – “Take your time.” On other occasions it was offered to someone who was grieving over a great loss –“Take your time.” And I’ve heard it said when an individual was attempting a task which required their full concentration and focus – “Take your time.” C.S. Lewis in his classic “Mere Christianity” observed: “The real problem of...
The Sears Christmas Wish Book
I’m not really sure when the commercialization of Christmas began to impact modern America in dramatic fashion. Maybe it was in the 1960s. If not that early, it certainly was underway by the 1970s. The first signs, I think, were when Christmas displays began to appear in retail stores as early as August. I was a young man when I first remember the subject being discussed among churchgoing people with no small amount of consternation.
Jack McCall: Real naughty/nice list found in Sears Wish Book
I’m not really sure when the commercialization of Christmas began to impact modern America in dramatic fashion. Maybe it was in the 1960’s. If not that early, it certainly was underway by the 1970’s. The first signs, I think, were when Christmas displays began to appear in retail stores as early as August. I was a young man when I first remember the subject being discussed among churchgoing people with no small amount of consternation.
Jack McCall: Staying warm in the late fall weather
I love this time of the year. It has been documented in other columns I have written. Cooler nights are upon us. Soon the weatherman will be warning of a chance of hard frost in the “outlying areas.” That’s where I live. When the air is bordering on frost, it has a certain “feel” to it. The air will soon have that “feel.” I can hardly wait. It is exhilarating. This is the time of year to think of wool socks and pants, flannel shirts, vests, sweaters, lined jackets and warm caps.
Jack McCall: Stop and smell the blessings on Thanksgiving
I will frankly admit that a few days back when October turned into November I experienced a slight tinge of panic. When I was a boy it seemed Thanksgiving was slow in getting here and after Thanksgiving, Christmas came even more slowly. Not anymore. The time has come in my life where time truly does fly. The sense of panic overcame me because Thanksgiving, then less than four weeks away, would be upon me before I knew it. It was coming too fast. I found myself wishing things would slow down a bit.
Smoking in the Brim Hollow
The story you are about to read is true. Names have been changed or omitted to protect the innocent…or the guilty. I grew up in tobacco country. My great-grandmother Icey was a snuff dipper. My grandparents on both sides of the family refrained from using tobacco products of any kind. My mother admitted she smoked “a little” corn silk and “rabbit tobacco” when she was a girl. On the other hand, my father enjoyed a good chew now and then.
Smoking in the Brim Hollow
The story you are about to read is true. Names have been changed or omitted to protect the innocent…or the guilty. I grew up in tobacco country. My great-grandmother Icey was a snuff dipper. My grandparents on both sides of the family refrained from using tobacco products of any kind. My mother admitted she smoked “a little” corn silk and “rabbit tobacco” when she was a girl. On the other hand, my father enjoyed a good chew now and then.
Main Street Media of Tennessee
Eight county players suiting up for Cumberland By Monte Hale | on August 14, 2024 POST REPORT LEBANON — Eight former Rutherford County football standouts will suit up for Cumberland University when the Phoenix open the 2024 football season on the road at Missouri Baptist University Saturday, Aug. 31 in St. Louis.
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