The Way It Was
A Telling of the Williams-Seward Family History, Southern Life, and Old Traditions
Dedicated to my parents Herman & Louise Williams who made a lot of sacrifices for the four children.
For the best viewing experience please use a computer to navigate this site instead of a mobile device.
This video is a collection of photos taken out of the Williams family album, scanned in high resolution, and annotated by Herman Williams.
Among the photos included are a complete family tree dating back to the late 1800s, photos of cornerstone members of both sides of the Williams-Seward family line, and family occasions through the years.
Growing Up In Little Texas & Mudville
The audio recording to the right is a collection of stories and information about what it was like growing up in the community of Little Texas.
A Talk With The Brothers
The audio recording to the right is a conversation between Herman, Richard, and Edwin Williams on January 25th, 2020.
Richard’s Writings
Daddy Took Me Fishing
Jim Driver’s Chairs
Grandma Got Run Over By A John Deere
Dried Beans
Sundown and Hannah
The Planter’s Son
To The Editor
Wings of Grace
Clarence Gregory
Families In The Community
The audio recording to the right is more information about the families that lived in the community near Mudville.
Buildings At Mudville & Other Communities
This slideshow is a collection of stories and information about homes and buildings in Mudville and the surrounding communities during the 1940s and 1950s.
It explores members of the community who were close to the Williams and Seward families and provides some background on how things were laid out.
COMING SOON
Traditions
Aprons
This slideshow talks about how aprons were used in almost every home during the early 20th century. The humble apron could be used in a variety of ways around the farm and in the home.
Aprons were commonly made from used flour sacks and sewn in the home. The ultimate tool for many chores, these aprons stressed utility over appearance, and were worn almost every day by hardworking women.
Canning
This slideshow talks about how important the practice of canning was for preserving food items for the winter.
Clothes Lines
This slideshow talks about clothes lines.
Cotton Ginning
This slideshow talks about ginning cotton.
Cotton Picking
This slideshow talks about picking cotton.
Grapette
This slideshow talks about Grapette soda.
Grave Digging
This slideshow talks about how graves were dug in the “old days” and about the traditions surrounding the process of a death and burial.
Hog Killing
This slideshow talks about the practice of hog killing and highlights it’s importance to families having meat available throughout the year.
Piano Man
This slideshow talks about a man in the community named “Blind Josh”.
Pocket Knives
This slideshow talks about pocket knives and their use and significance in every day life.
Sitting Up With The Dead
This slideshow talks about the old practice of sitting up with the dead.
The Second Table
This slideshow talks about the “second table” and the illustrious “first table”.
Wash Pots
This slideshow talks about wash pots and their many uses in every day life.
Farm Implements
This slideshow talks about various pieces of farm equipment and how it was used during the growing season.
Odds & Ends
CCC Camps
Maw’s Chefferobe
Dirt Roads
Heirlooms
Arrowheads
Four Generations
Maw’s Table
Outhouses
Phone Booths
Remember When
Maw’s Table
Outhouses
Toys & Games
Unicoi
Engraved Memories
Sayings
Closure