Weedpatch Camp

-Excerpt from "The Heart of Weedpatch Camp" by Brie

Dad went out to the camp to have a look around.  When he came back he wore the biggest smile I'd seen in years.  And that smile was like a spark to firecrackers.

"Come on Dad, spill it!  Wha'dya find?"  Jeb and Jack shouted as they ran up to 'im, Chelsie not far behind.

"Dad!  Dad!  Spill Daddy!  Spill spill!"

Me and Clara walked up while Dad swooped Chelsie into the air.

"What is it Daddy?"  Clara asked with her eyes wide, while I held my breath.

"We are movin' into the camp!"

"But Dad," Jeb said, his face hardening.  "You don't have a job yet."

Dad's eyes twinkled.  "I do indeed, Jeb.  I'll be doin' maintenence work 'round the camp with some other men, and they said that's enough pay."

A grin cracked across Jeb's face.  "Aw, slip me five Dad, we're in!"  He said, as they shook hands and clapped each other across the back.

I smiled 'n hugged Clara, then we both smothered Chelsie.  But as Dad headed toward our tent shack, I thought I saw pain behind his smile.

Brie was interested in what life was like for people during the Dust Bowl/Great Depression Era when we studied this time in history last year.  She began writing this story, wanting to learn more and share what she learned about a man who was a hero to many of the children of Weedpatch Camp, Leo Hart.  We drove out to the location of Weedpatch Camp and listened to some of Brie's story...  She hasn't even gotten to the part about Leo yet! Don't you think she should get it finished?  ;)

"There are three buildings remaining from the camp that make up this National Register of Historic Places property: the community hall, the post office, and the library." - from Wikipedia

Brie really wanted to get in there!  Not happening this time...

It was really hot.  Can you tell?  ;)