Some big trees grow in Broughton, Their boughs now old and weak.They were growing in the village when Broughton reached its peak.

When Charley Allen had his store Near Hamilton and Gaines--When Draper half-soled all the shoes, and cut the bridle reins.

The Blacksmith's hammer rang back then, You could hear them every day. They fixed the plows and shod the mules--Gunter, Sullivan, and LeMay.

In Cotter's shop, down near the road, Casey Jones fixed Model Ts. Across the town on North Main Street Cougar Shroyer had his bees.

Herman Griswold hauled the livestock then, He bought them every day. Bought cream and eggs, and sold the feed---Had a store across the way.

It was Arther Dawes who ran the bank, Fred Wilson bought the grain, Ben Foley ran the Depot Back when Broughton had a train.

Broughton had its share of Barber Shops, The town supported three--- George and Josh were in mid-town, Wiley Brown and Hardesty.

The mail went out by horses then. Through the mud roads all around , Ed Gholson, with his pintos, Clyde Acord, and Albert Brown.

Emma Perkins sold the Ladies hats, Dave Essary had the mill. Lodge Grant was Principal of the school out near Hardin Porter's hill.

When you visit now in Broughton You'll like the folk you meet, But hundreds you will never see left tracks here in the street.

John L. Gwaltney

A bright sun was shining in Broughton The weather was hot and dry it was Saturday morning and the farmers came in to sell there produce and buy.

Their eggs were candled and put in case, The cream was tested and weighed ..... The housewives were paid in credit or cash and went to the store to trade.

The farmers gathered in the shade of a store, Near the hitch rail where their horses were tied. They talked of their cattle, their hay crops and corn, and horses they were breaking to ride.

Across the street near Ed Barker's store, Washer pitching was in full swing. and not far away by the town barber shop the kids had a marble ring.

The clang of a hammer rang out now and then, A blacksmith was plying his trade. A mule was tethered by a big open door---The shoes were being fitted and made.

The clerks were busy in the big Allen's Store, things were packaged and sacked by hand. The big fork hung by the pickled meat barrel, A lard paddle in a fifty pound stand.

The big store smelled of sweet pickle brine, and coffee beans ground by hand. You could smell the box of P & G soap and new harness freshly tanned.

Some men were looking at the new overalls, Osh-Kosh seemed the favorite then. The ladies browsed through new bolts of print, that came in on the old L&N.

As the evening wore on the farmers left town the hitch rails were empty and quiet. The washers lay idle, the stores were all closed, and Broughton settled in for the night.

John L. Gwaltney