I have learned over the years that there is no greater feeling of accomplishment than to give something of oneself in hopes that others will benefit from that gift. The idea was planted in my being by my father's way of raising his children. It grew in leaps and bounds and, in fact, was magnified when actually I began to listen to stories about my family history. I took those stories passed on to by my father, mother, grandmother, and other family members to form a story about my Grandmother Gracie Hampton. It was her lifestyle, environment, conditions and timeline in which lived, that is the story's anchor, and my inspiration. And make no mistake, even though I have used the real names of the Hampton's family central characters, and most relatives, all words written as dialog in this book are mine and mine alone. I've adding my words as dialog, along with a few fictional characters to facilitate a story line of how it could have happened during the events noted. At times, it was a struggle to keep an eye on my purpose in life. God knows I have been distracted many times. Often, by my own misguided actions. Yet, I've always returned to my roots, the foundation of my upbringing, the unapologetic belief that I can not only survive but thrive and compete in any environment. I learned that from my ancestors. My youngest son, once remarked, "I'm not sure who I am." At the time, he was going through an identity crisis trying to find out where he belonged in life. My advice was simple, "Go look in the mirror. That's who you are and who will get you where you want to go." I hope this book helps others remember who and where they came from. " I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The love that Ms. Gracie had for Mr. John was unmatched, genuine, and divine. I admired the fact that she persevered through the tough times after the death of her husband and even when her children left for a better life. Most importantly Ms. Gracie reminds me a lot of myself: a strong, resilient, independent, do the right thing, faithful woman of God who went through the obstacles of pain, joy, happiness, and sadness for her family. Gracie Hall-Hampton is a true SHE-ro to Lameka Nalls Hampton." Author's daughter-in-law, Lameka Nalls Hampton, Atlanta GA 2014 "I read the book and I thought it was great, it was good reading. Keep your head up, pray, pray and things have a way of working out" Louis Johnson, Milwaukee, WI "I loved this book. Codis was able to weave history and a great story into an eminently readable book." Maureen Kreklow, SF-Oakland Bay Area "I love the book. What I like is the story telling. How can the author write a story that flows so vividly? Is this his memory? I put myself into the storyline. This story can be anyone's story. Even how he explain the details, the food on the table, etc. I can see this in a film. Or, would like to. But, the film is in your head while reading it. Thanks for sharing your story through Granda Gracie." Angela Cleo Smith, Richmond, CA. Mar. 2014 "I like the character development and story. Very good and engaging. The dialogue and story draw the reader and I'm eager to continue reading." Endeliza Hampton GRACIE HALL-HAMPTON The Arkansas Years, 1917-1953 By CODIS HAMPTON II AuthorHouse Copyright © 2013 Codis Hampton II All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4918-3113-7 Contents Acknowledgement I, vii, Acknowledgement II, ix, Chapter 1 A Tragedy strikes home, 1, Chapter 2 Gracie's Sixteenth Birthday, 42, Chapter 3 Gracie's Engagement—A Community Development for Entertainment, 75, Chapter 4 Sammy's On the Run—Gracie & John Hampton's Wedding, 102, Chapter 5 The Honeymoon & Shots Fired on the Road to Banks, 134, Chapter 6 John and Gracie Hampton's First-Born, 174, Chapter 7 The Significance of Four Years prior to The Crash, 196, Chapter 8 Ill Economic Winds Bring Harder Times & Personal Grief, 205, Chapter 9 1930-33 Hangovers, FDR Programs & Family Illness, 228, Chapter 10 Papa Warner's Grand Cuties, 260, Chapter 11 A Mixture of Southern Attitude, National Progress & War, 281, Chapter 12 The Aftermath of Winning a War While Losing a beloved Statesman, 312, Chapter 13 Little Hamp Revisits His Place of Birth, 324, Chapter 14 What's Next and What Should I Do?, 332, CHAPTER 1 A Tragedy strikes home Harriett was behind in her chores, thus the reason she rushed to get supper ready on this evening. It was Friday, and as has been the Hall household tradition, fried fish was the main entree along with a side-dish of smothered potatoes, prepared in such a way as one would notice the steaming pearl like surface onions speckled throughout the bowl. She gently placed a serving bowl of hot and creamy vegetable soup on the table alongside the hot buttered biscuits. Already on the table was a bowl of leftover fried chicken that had been reheated for this festive like supper. There was a small can filled with molasses along with a bowl of fresh churned butter