Gary Mitchell was reared in rural South Alabama, and the memories that he captured in this book are some of the fondest that he recalls during that special time when life seemed so much simpler. Family has always been central in his constellation of in uences. "Whippoorwills at Dusk along Gourd Neck Road" is a collection of stories recounted by some of his most signi cant, in uential family members, as well as some of his own experiences during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. The book also contains a brief description and history during his early years of the small community in which he spent most of his life. Fullers Crossroads is a small community just north of Luverne, the seat of government for Crenshaw County, Alabama. This community and the small dirt lane, Gourd Neck Road, which is located within the community, is the focus for the majority of the stories recounted in the book. These stories were recorded to prevent them from dying at the passing of the author's generation. It is hoped that the reading of this book will allow the reader to experience similar recollections from their own past so that they, too, will share those precious memories to the current generation.
Gary Mitchell is a retired social worker and manager with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, the agency charged with the protection of children and families. He owns and operates the G. Mitchell Gallery, a small art gallery/studio in Luverne, AL, where he showcases his original art. He has previously published "The One That Got Away," a novel based on life experiences from rural South Alabama culture. He is involved in several community non-pro t organizations and activities which are designed to enhance the community life experience for residents of the city and county, including the Crenshaw County Arts Council. He strongly supports the development and enhancement of various art programs in the school systems within his county of residence and in the community at large.
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