All Things Dry Creek!
All Things Dry Creek! Dry Creek Baptist Camp Website Curt Iles Creekbank Stories Website Curt Iles Amazon Page There’s no place quite like Dry Creek, Louisiana. It’s where my roots are, the place where I grew up and where we raised our three boys. It’s the place I return to regain my balance and reset my inner compass. Dry Creek is where I come from. And the center of my Dry Creek solar system is the Old House at the end of Clayton Iles Road. The Old House at the End of the Road If it’s possible to love a house like a person, Then the Lord knows I love this old house. It’s a place that reminds me of family, And the things in life that really mean the most. It’s a place I return to when I’m lonely. . . . . . Or it seems I’ve lost my way. A place where I always feel welcome, As I sit down and think for a while. This old house is more than boards and nails Because it tells me of our past . . . As I walk through it, I’m reminded that The special people in our lives never last. Although they’re gone, I will remember How they still live on inside of me. Because this old house reminds me of who I am, And everything I ever want to be . . . No tears in the writer, No tears in the reader. I believe they’ll move you, too. Chapter “Why I Love Louisiana” from Where I Come From “Tell me who you are, and I’ll tell you where you’re from.” —Wallace Stegner I was born in Louisiana when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. Yes, I’m a Louisiana writer, and I’ve been around. The experts say, “Write about what you know.” So that’s what I do. I know Louisiana, and more importantly, I love Louisiana. I write about Louisiana because I know it. I’ve lived here all my life, and my roots go deep. My people began arriving here in the early nineteenth century, and we’ve been here ever since. In spite of my state’s many quirks and flaws, I write from the heart of a deep love of its people and their fascinating stories. Everyone’s got one if we take the time to stop and listen. My love of Louisiana overflows in my writing as I choose to share stories about our good, caring people, unique culture, and outdoor beauty. Someone else can write about our shortcomings. I’m often asked, “What is it you like best about Louisiana?” That’s easy: “How our people are big-hearted.” Big-hearted. We’re a state of big-hearted people. In Where I Come From, you’ll meet many of them. I believe you’ll fall in love with them just as I have. We also have vast expanses of big-hearted places as we make some memorable field trips. We Louisianians can also poke fun at ourselves and others. A few years ago, LSU played Ohio State for the national championship. A Tiger fan held up a sign: Faster players, better food, prettier women. Let me clarify this. I don’t write about the part of Louisiana most readers and tourists know. I write about the Pineywoods. Don’t get me wrong. I love the diversity of our state, with its rice paddies, canefields, New Orleans, Cajun culture, and expansive swamps; what other state could hold Mamou, Flatwoods, Tickfaw, and New Orleans in the same bowl of gumbo? We’re the only state “The Father of Waters” chooses to pass through on its way to the Gulf. I’ll put our river, the Mississippi, against any of the great rivers of the world. However, my calling isn’t to write about the well-known parts of our state. I write about the overlooked and still undiscovered western spine of Louisiana, known as No Man’s Land. My people come from this isolated forested area adjacent to the Texas border. In earlier history, No Man’s Land was known as the Neutral Territory, Neutral Strip, and my personal favorite, the Outlaw Strip. The strip got its name from the fact that anyone running from the law in Spanish Texas or French Louisiana could find a safe haven in the Outlaw Strip. This reputation continued even after the United States took ownership. So, remember when I brag about my ancestors arriving early in the Neutral Territory, you can surmise that some of them were running from something or someone back East. My ancestors chose to settle in this specific area of No Man’s Land, known as the Pineywoods. It’s a band of pines stretching across the belt line of Louisana. My hometown of Dry Creek sits dead center in those pines. As I said, it’s where my people come from. Let’s see if I can untangle this. I’m a Southern writer who lives in Louisiana’s Pineywoods and No Man’s Land. I’m in a good season of life to write this book and share its stories. They match up with my life philosophy: Stay curious. Be amazed. Share moving stories. These sixty-six chapters moved me deeply as I wrote them, sometimes to laughter, often to tears. No tears in the writer, No tears in the reader. I believe they’ll move you, too.
The Old House at the End of the Road
”The Old House at Night” 1963 tempera on cardboard by my uncle, Bill Iles. The Old House in Dry Creek. First constructed by my great-great grandparents circa 1892, this family home is my favorite spot in the world, the source of many of my stories, and my best writing muse. Below is the opening story from my second book, The Old House. ”The Old House at Night” 1963 tempera on cardboard by my uncle, Bill Iles. The Old House at the End of the Road If it’s possible to love a house like a person, Then the Lord knows I love this old house. It’s a place that reminds me of family, And the things in life that really mean the most. It’s a place I return to when I’m lonely. . . . . . Or it seems I’ve lost my way. A place where I always feel welcome, As I sit down and think for a while. This old house is more than boards and nails Because it tells me of our past . . . As I walk through it, I’m reminded that The special people in our lives never last. Although they’re gone, I will remember How they still live on inside of me. Because this old house reminds me of who I am, And everything I ever want to be . . . There it sits- surrounded on the east side by tall, long-leaf pines and along the west fence line by oak and hickory trees as the land slopes down to the swamp. Out in front is a dilapidated old barn, and behind this house to the south are overgrown fields- once bearing tall field corn and purple hull peas but now grown up in a tangle of briars, tallow trees, and weeds. In the middle of this sits the most special place on earth to me—The Old House. Built by my great-great-grandfather in 1892 on land he and his wife homesteaded, it is now vacant and slowly deteriorating the way homes do when not lived in. However, to me, it is a beautiful place of peace, reflection, and solitude. As the above poem states, it is the place where I go to get my bearings and remember what is really important to me. Recently, my sister frantically called me at work. “A woods fire is burning close to the Old House!” I ran to my truck and quickly drove to the Old House, which is next to my parents’ home. As I turned down their gravel road, I could see the dark smoke billowing up above the tree line. The one-mile drive down the road seemed much longer as I hurriedly drove, wondering how close the fire was to the most special house I know. I’ve always lived with the fear that the Old House would burn. I sped by the homes of my parents and two sisters and parked in the driveway of the Old House. I breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that the fire was much further away than my sister, Claudia, had thought. I was both relieved and thankful. As I sat in my truck looking at this original log house, built by five generations of my family, I was once again reminded why this is my favorite place in the entire world. I’ve gone far away over the years, but invariably, I return, in body and spirit, to the Old House at the end of the road. You see, the Old House is where I come to write. On a beautiful spring day like today, when the world is once again alive with the dazzling greens of early spring mixed with the colors of the azaleas, dogwoods, and honeysuckle, my heart yearns to sit here and write. On days like today, I write on the porch, sitting in the same rocking chair that “Pa,” my great-grandfather, sat in as he read Louis L’Amour books during the last years of his life. It’s the same porch where his son, my grandfather, would call up to our house, two hundred yards away, “Come on down. I’ve got a fresh pot of coffee.” Out front is the same yard where he would yell out his “pig call” each evening, and woods hogs would come tearing out of the swamp for the shelled corn they knew awaited them. During the chill of winter it is often too uncomfortable to sit on the porch, so I move inside to the middle bedroom. There by the double fireplace, I attempt to stay warm by sitting right up near the fire and doing what I love best- writing. There’s an art, which I’ve never quite mastered, of being up close to a fireplace without getting too hot. The trick is to get warm and toasty on the front of your body while your backside is freezing to death. The most important thing to remember is not to let your front side get too hot. Nothing burns worse than the front of your jeans sticking to your legs as you move away from the hot fire. During these cold days of winter, my fingers become numb as I type on the laptop, but I still love being here. The warmth and companionship of a fire, whether it is a blazing campfire in the Arkansas mountains or this fireplace, gives comfort and security to anyone fortunate to sit beside its warmth. Often, when I’ve camped in the woods, I’m amazed how a campfire unites a group of men- physically as they huddle together and emotionally as they begin to open up. Something about staring into a fire causes us to lose our inhibitions- somewhat like being under the influence of alcohol. I’ve seen tight-lipped men, who normally would never show outward emotion, gaze into the fire, and begin telling their deepest secrets. The eyes of a man staring into a campfire as he shares deep feelings from his heart
The Old House Comes Alive
The Old House Comes Alive Again I leave my mom’s home and walk the short distance to the Old House. It’s sunset and our homestead, built in 1892, stands starkly against the background of Crooked Bayou swamp. I hurry in from the cold and build a fire in the middle room fireplace, my favorite room, where I spent countless hours with my grandmother. The Old House is over 130 years old and hasn’t been occupied since the 1970s. Despite that, the old lady is in fair shape for her age. But it’s been dark, empty, and lonely for many years. Sitting by the roaring fire, I have an odd thought. Why don’t I go through the house and see which lights work? Amazingly, as I pull the light cords, every light, including the porch lights, comes on. I walk out in the front yard, and I’m amazed. The Old House is aglow with light. The Old House is alive . . . again. I can’t recall the last time I saw it like this. Alive again after all these years of darkness. I take a chair to the front yard and soak in that eerie time of day when dusk slides into nightfall. This gathering darkness only serves to illuminate the Old House. I recall, as a boy, coming out of the swamp after dark walking in the general direction of home until I saw the lights of the Old House. I now knew where I was. I was headed home. I return to my mesmerizing fire, carefully easing onto a rickety cowhide chair as my dog, Bandit, takes his place by the hearth. I have a vivid imagination. That’s where thirteen books and novels will lead you. What happens next isn’t a dream or vision. It’s just imagination from deep in my heart. It wasn’t real, but I wept like it was: I hear footsteps on the wooden porch. I step outside to see generations of my family emerging from the dark. They’re all healthy and alive again—several walk up from the swamp, smelling of squirrels and Garrett’s sweet snuff. Another shadow appears from the upland east forty carrying an armload of rich pine kindling. My grandfather walks by with a bushel of roasting ears. Headlights appear on the gravel road, and other ancestors arrive in old cars with fiddle cases, guitars, and homemade casseroles. They crowd into the places where I knew them best: the log room, the old kitchen, and the two bedrooms sharing a double fireplace. Most congregate on the dogtrot porch, where they tune their instruments. As always, it takes forever. My father, healthy again, stands among them, poised to launch into one of his old ballads. The aroma of dark roast Seaport coffee wafts from the kitchen. It’s mingled with the laughter of country women working together. As they come in and out, the sweet sound of swinging screen doors fills the air. They’re all here. I’m surrounded by my grandparents, great-grandparents, and a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins. I do not recognize several people, but they smile and seem to know me. I realize they’re the ancestors of this house I never knew. There are John and Sarah Wagnon, who built this old house, and their daughter Louise. They lived their entire lives here long before my time. These are the pioneers who homesteaded these eighty acres, built the log house, cleared the land, and laid the foundation for what the Old House is today. But the foundation they laid was much more than logs and boards. It’s a legacy passed down to me and the generations to follow. A legacy of the land. a legacy of enduring family ties, a legacy of love. Next, in my dream, other cars arrive. It’s my sons, their wives, and my nine grandchildren. They mix and mingle with family members they only knew by name or story. I think about the old Southern song, ‘Will the Circle be Unbroken?’ Tonight, that circle is complete at the Old House. We’re all here. I’m not sure how long this reunion lasts. I look up, and the fire has died down. Although the lights are on, the Old House is empty again. It’s just me and Bandit, but I don’t feel lonely or sad. I feel a warmth from the legacy of my deep roots in these piney woods. I cover the fire and walk through each room, pulling the switch cords until the Old House is once again dark. Before stepping away, I flip a porch light back on. Just in case someone is arriving late at the Old House. The Old House that sits on the edge of Crooked Bayou swamp. Curt Iles December 2023 Alexandria/Dry Creek, LA Postscript: Was it real? Of course not. But I really wept in front of the fireplace and out in the yard. I’m weeping at my keyboard as I type. It may not have been real, but it was special. It moved me beyond words. As they say, no tears in the writer. No tears in the reader.
The Big Rocker at Dry Creek Camp
2026 The Big Rocker at Dry Creek Camp A Love of the Land The Rocker at Dry Creek Camp “Do you think now that rocker is worth $1500?” “No, it’s worth more like $15,000.” It was a conversation I’ll always remember. Framed with a lesson I will not forget. My special friend Karan Robinson shoved a photo into my hand. “Don’t you think that’d look good on the front porch of the Camp Tabernacle?” The photo was of a huge rocking chair that held about six children. I smiled. There’s not much I wouldn’t do for Karan, the mother of Brad Robinson, and a trustee of Dry Creek Baptist Camp. We’d just finished another stage in the Tabernacle renovation at Dry Creek. The new front porch was filled with six wooden rockers and several “baby bear” matching rockers. Karan continued her sales pitch. “There’s a man in Arkansas who makes these giant chairs.” I asked the typical manager’s question. “How much would one cost?” “Fifteen hundred.” I grimaced. “Karan, I just don’t believe that’d be the best use of camp funds.” “Bro. Curt, It’d sure look good on the porch.” “Yes it would, but I’m not sure we can do it at this time. A month later, Karan drove up with a huge rocker on a trailer. Karen said, “Our church youth raised the money for the chair.” She pointed to the top of the rocker where it was engraved, “Dry Creek Baptist Camp.” “It belongs here.” I could only nod. She was so right. The staffers manhandled it into place on the Tabernacle front porch. Our first act was to make doorstops to place under the rockers so they wouldn’t move. It was heavy enough to pinch a toe off. Two months later, Karan and I stood watching two dozen squealing preteen girls crowded onto the rocker as a counselor snapped their photo. She eased up to me and, in the same grin her son Brad was famous for, and said, “Do you think now that rocker is worth $1500?” “No, it’s worth more like $15,000. In fact, it’s priceless.” The rocker, or as it is best known, “God’s Rocking Chair,” is an integral part of Dry Creek Camp. It’s probably the strongest symbol of what marketers call “Branding.” It is symbolic of what the Camp is about: A big God who has always worked at this place we love called Dry Creek Baptist Camp. A Camp that operated for one hundred years. Its doors have been open through tough times, the Great Depression, a devastating World War, hurricanes, and tornadoes. This Camp has a big God. He’s bigger than any of the above. I love to watch squealing campers crawling over the Big Rocker like cat squirrels, but I especially like to sit by it when the Campgrounds are quiet and still. I think of the refrain I’ve heard my entire life, “When I drive through those gates, I feel the presence of God.” That God is much too big and powerful to sit in anybody’s rocking chair, but this beautiful cedar rocker is symbolic of His presence and watch care. In the years since the Big Rocker arrived, I’ve helped my grandchildren up into the chair as well as several octogenarians. The Big Rocker was another big lesson for me. It’s a lesson that some things are priceless. Some expenses are not a true outlay, but an investment. Thanks, Karan for a good lesson on the economics of the heart. A lasting symbol of what makes Dry Creek Camp so special. I hope you make a visit to Dry Creek. You’ll always be welcome. And why you’re there, climb up in the Big Rocker. Curt Iles began attending Dry Creek as a child and worked every sweaty job to be found. In 1993, he became the manager of Dry Creek Baptist Camp until 2006. He still considers that time as one of the most fulfilling times of his life.
All Trails Lead to “Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale. Sam Rides Again!
Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale Rides Again! Order your copies of Uncle Sam at Amazon. Read the entire book at https://www.creekbank.net/uncle-sam-2/ The experts say, “Don’t leak your book or give access to readers. They’ll read it for free and will skip buying it.” What do they know? Let’s prove the experts wrong. I’m putting all 38 pages of this special book here. I’m excited about the re-release of our popular Children’s book, Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale. It’s an illustrated book told by a U.S. Cavalry horse during the 1941 Louisiana Army Maneuvers. Uncle Sam also reveals the legend of how the Fort Polk Wild Horses came to roam the Kisatchie National Forest. It’s a fun book, beautifully illustrated by Pineville artist Jade Ross Nugent and designed by Dry Creek graphic artist Julian Quebedeaux. We’ve added some fun bells, whistles, and actual photos from 1941. You’re going to love it, and your children will love it best! I’m inviting you to order a stack of copies for the children on your Christmas list. Click here for the Amazon Uncle Sam order page. Uncle Sam is available both as a paperback and an e-book. It will not be available in bookstores until January. All trails lead to Uncle Sam! Read the entire book at https://www.creekbank.net/uncle-sam-2/ Order your copies of Uncle Sam at Amazon/Curt Iles/Creekbank Stories. Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale is much more than a children’s book. It contains a wealth of Louisiana and military history, people, and culture from western Louisiana’s Pineywoods, also known as “No-Man’s Land.” Additionally, it tells (through a horse’s mouth!) the story of the historic 1941 Louisiana Army Maneuvers and the legend of the Kisatchie wild horse herds, U.S. Cavalry, and 1941 Louisiana Pineywoods people and culture. We’ve developed a blog page that includes all of the above and much more at www.creekbank.net/all-trails-lead-to-uncle-sam You can also find a classroom discussion guide, assessments, and projects for students, including a teacher’s guide. This information will serve as an excellent project for classrooms and homeschool co-ops. x The Battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill thwarted the Yankees’ attempt to capture Shreveport and steal the cotton. There are several interesting books on “The Red River Campaign.” The Union Army retreated to Alexandria, then burned the city on its way south. Author’s Note on the flags. The Union flag has the correct number of stars (for states) in 1863. I’ve chosen to use the original official Confederate flag. It was called “The Stars and Bars.” The later Confederate flag we are familiar with was officially known as “The Stainless Banner.” (Google to learn more.) Some readers will disagree with my replacement of the familiar “Rebel Flag.” Here is my reason: I’m adopting a library in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. I look forward to reading Uncle Sam to them and am aware of the offensive nature of the flag I’ve upheld for my entire life. So I chose to change the flag. I’ll put my Confederate pedigree up against anyone’s. All of my paternal 3x grandfathers fought for the South. One died of typhoid fever near Opelousas, and another was captured at Vicksburg. I’ve always been proud of my heritage, but have no desire to shut doors on my writing influence and impact. Lloyd Iles riding Dallas by Jade Ross Nugent X 1st Cavalry Horseman, 1941 Louisiana Maneuvers Read the entire book at https://www.creekbank.net/uncle-sam-2/ Order your copies of Uncle Sam at Amazon/Curt Iles/Creekbank Stories. Coming soon: A Spent Bullet classroom discussion guide/syllabus/unit for YA school groups and book clubs.
‘Uncle Sam’, our new Louisiana children’s book. A companion to ‘A Spent Bullet’
“Children are enjoying the book nearly as much as the adults.” The recent release of our new children’s book, Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale, has been a great experience. This early reader tells the story of Sam, a US Cavalry horse who journeys to Louisiana in 1941. Sam and several of his friends are set free and become the basis to what is now the Fort Polk Wild Horse Herd. This good tale that also shares the history of western Louisiana is the perfect companion book to our latest novel, A Spent Bullet. For your reading pleasure, here are the first pages of Uncle Sam. Enjoy! Learn more at www.amazon.com “Curt Iles/Uncle Sam”
Grades 3-4-5 Student Lesson Units for “Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale” by Curt Iles
Lesson Guides for Grades 3-4-5 Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale by Curt Iles Uncle Sam is available as an Amazon paperback, Kindle e-book, and Audible audiobook. To learn more about the story behind Uncle Sam, visit xxxxx Thanks to Patty Taylor for designing these study units for Grades 3, 4, and 5. Uncle Sam is the story of a grizzled Calvary soldier freeing his horse at the end of the 1941 La. Manuevers. Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale Written by: Curt Iles Illustrated by: Jade Ross Nugent Graphic Design: Julian Quebedeaux Lesson Guide created based off Louisiana State Standards for Third Grade Created by Patty Taylor Grade Level: 3 Teacher: Brief Overview of Lesson This lesson uses the book, Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale to support and integrate Grade 3 English Language Arts and Social Studies instruction aligned to the Louisiana Student Standards. The overall goal of the lesson is for students to develop reading comprehension and speaking/listening skills while understanding how life changes over time due to historical and technological advancements. Through a teacher-led read-aloud, collaborative discussions, and the completion of a selected illustration activity, students will analyze the text, build vocabulary, and analyze characters. Louisiana ELA standards are supported by engaging students in purposeful discussions, responding to text-based questions, and demonstrating understanding through speaking and writing. It also aligns with Louisiana Social Studies standards by helping students identify historical changes over time and understand cause-and-effect relationships in history. These activities connect to the larger goals of literacy and social studies by strengthening critical thinking, communication, and historical awareness while fostering empathy and social-emotional learning, preparing students for deeper analysis and inquiry in future lessons. Relevance Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale connects historical change to student experiences, such as adapting to new routines, technology, or roles. By exploring change through the perspective of Uncle Sam, the story supports comprehension, and empathy for learners. The lesson builds on students’ prior knowledge and abilities by using discussion, visuals, and illustration activity, allowing students to demonstrate understanding through speaking, writing, or drawing. Partner/small-group activities promote peer interaction and support diverse learning needs.Peer and Social Interactions Structured partner talk/small-group activities allow students to learn collaboratively, practice listening and speaking skills, and develop social competence. These interactions support Social Emotional Learning by encouraging respectful communication and shared problem-solving.Language & Culture The lesson provides verbal modeling, sentence frames, and discussion norms to support students from diverse language backgrounds. By emphasizing storytelling and discussion, the lesson honors oral language traditions and cultural ways of sharing knowledge.Family & Community Connections Students are encouraged to relate historical change in the story to changes in their families or communities (e.g., technology, transportation, jobs). This connection validates family experiences and community history as valuable sources of knowledge.The historical theme allows teachers to reference local or regional history, such as Louisiana’s agricultural past, military connections, or changes in transportation, making the lesson culturally and geographically relevant. Louisiana State Standards English Language Arts – Louisiana Student Standards (http://www.louisianabelieves.com/resources/library/academic-standards) : Reading Literature (Historical Fiction) RL.3.1 – Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring to the text for evidence (e.g., story events, characters). RL.3.2 – Recount stories and determine the lessons or themes (e.g., Uncle Sam’s journey). RL.3.3 – Describe characters and explain how their actions contribute to events (e.g., Uncle Sam’s choices). RL.3.4 – Determine meanings of words and phrases as used in the text (vocabulary in context). RL.3.7 – Explain how illustrations contribute to story meaning (important for this illustrated book). RL.3.10 – Read and comprehend grade-level literature independently. Vocabulary & Language (Language Strand) L.3.2 – Demonstrate command of standard English conventions (capitalization, punctuation, spelling) when writing. L.3.3 – Use knowledge of language conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening (e.g., word choice for effect). L.3.4 – Determine or clarify meaning of unknown/multiple-meaning words using strategies such as context clues (vocabulary practice). Speaking & Listening (Discussion Skills) SL.3.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions about grade-level texts and topics (page discussions, partner shares). SL.3.3 – Ask and answer questions about information from others, offering relevant elaboration. SL.3.4 – Report on a topic or recount an experience with facts and details (book retelling activity). Social Studies – Louisiana Student Standards (http://www.louisianabelieves.com/resources/library/academic-standards) History & Historical Thinking 3.H.1 (within 3.1) – Create and use a chronological sequence of related events to describe change and continuity (e.g., Uncle Sam’s life before and after Army transition). 3.H.2 / 3.2 – Explain connections between ideas, events, and developments in U.S. history (e.g., mechanization vs. horse cavalry). 3.H.5 / 3.3b – Identify facts and opinions from primary or secondary sources (book content vs. real history). 3.H.6 / 3.4 – Construct and express claims supported with evidence (cause/effect, why change occurred). 3.H.7 / 3.5 – Compare life in the United States in the past and present (transportation changes from horses to vehicles). Civics & Cultural Understanding 3.C.1 / 3.6.c – Describe history of American symbols, including Uncle Sam (tie in the character to national symbols). Geography & Contextual Awareness 3.G.2-3 – Describe American landmarks & symbols; identify geography that shaped people’s lives (Louisiana piney woods setting as a local land form). Student Objectives Two objectives are provided, one simple and one complex, both aligning with the Louisiana State Standards above. As a result of reading the book, Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale, students will be able to: Explain how change affected Uncle Sam and how he adapted. Identify how the story connects to Louisiana history. Demonstrate social-emotional skills such as empathy and responsible decision-making. Objective 1: Vocabulary Development (RL.3.4, L.3.4) TSW determine and use grade-appropriate vocabulary from Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale by explaining the meanings and using context clues and applying the meaning accurately in discussion and written responses. Objective 2: Reading Comprehension: RL.3.1, RL.3.2 TSW retell key events from Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale in correct order, including the beginning, middle, and end, using details from the text to show understanding of the story’s main ideas. Objective 3: Character
The Creek: March 2026 Newsletter
The Creek March 2026 Newsletter Two new audiobooks narrated by Curt Iles: One Night in Winterset Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale It’s the book that’s gripping readers by the heart. One Night in Winterset is a book I’ve wanted to write for years. It’s a great story, not because I wrote it. It’s memorable because it contains all the things that readers love: a Louisiana teen, Luther Perkins, cast adrift during the Great Depression. During his years of wandering and facing adversity, he carries a photo that could be the answer to his longing for belonging and purpose. Even when I read the stunning climax to groups, I become emotional. You can hear this in my voice as I narrate the Audible audiobook. It’s fiction but feels real. It’s a shorter novella, but it packs the punch of much longer books. I wrote it as a YA (Young Adult) book, but it captivates readers of every age. She held up the photo, waving it in my face. “Just who are you, Son, and how’d you get this?” I sat there, not quite knowing what to say. One Night in Winterset is available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle ebook, and audio formats. We’ll be highlighting the re-release of Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale in our April newsletter. Uncle Sam is currently available in paperback, Kindle ebook, and as an Audible audiobook. Parents and teachers are enjoying turning the pages as children listen to the author’s narration. Uncle Sam shares about the connection between the Fort Polk Wild Horses and the U.S. First Cavalry during the 1941 Army maneuvers. It’s an illustrated children’s book that is chock-full of pictures and stories of the rich legacy, beauty, and history of western Louisiana’s No Man’s Land. How you can help: Sign up for our monthly newsletter. Purchase copies of both Uncle Sam and Winterset. Share the books with your family and circle of friends. Pray for me that I’ll stay focused and have the grit to finish A Broken Cup: Notes From a Fellow Struggler this Spring. It’s a memoir of my lifetime struggle with depression. It’s been a spiritual struggle to finish this important book. Please pray! Pray for my devotional book, “On Solid Ground,” that I’ll begin writing in June. May it glorify God, highlight scripture, and incorporate life stories. It’s especially written for readers who might normally shy away from devotionals. It’ll be a big project, but one I’ve wanted to do for years. It’ll be a challenge, but I feel that now is the time. Our plan is to release it on November 1, 2026. Our YouTube posts, books, blog posts, and newsletters are all accessible in the top menu at www.creekbank.net Order your copy(s) of all of Curt Iles’ Creekbank books at Amazon/Curt Iles Books. If you’re really curious, “Google” “Curt Iles.” There’s always more at the Creek. www.creekbank.net The Mission of Creekbank Stories is to share moving stories that encourage and inspire. There’s always more at the Creek. www.creekbank.net The Mission of Creekbank Stories is to share moving stories that encourage and inspire.
Historical Background on “Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale
Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale, our illustrated children’s book, will gallop again before Christmas 2025! Stay tuned at www.creekbank.net and Facebook for updates. Although Uncle Sam is a fictional work, it mentions actual place names and events from the colorful and overlooked history of our Louisiana Pineywoods, Stay tuned for updates.
‘Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale’ A Real Louisiana story
Scroll down for links on website template survey Please peruse the back cover of my upcoming childrens’ book, Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam, a cavalry horse, travels to Louisiana in the months before America enters World War II. Sam and his best friend, Sergeant Ed, are thrust into the middle of the Louisiana Army Maneuvers. This series of mock battles pits tanks, jeeps, and other modern machines against traditional cavalry units. As the battles end and Pearl Harbor nears, Uncle Sam and his friends escape into the piney woods of western Louisiana where they become forerunners of the famous Fort Polk wild horse herd. Told by storyteller Curt Iles with creative illustrations by emerging artist Jade Ross, Uncle Sam: A Horse’s Tale is a delightful story of a memorable time seventy years ago. These are the Author’s Notes at the end of book: For the last year, I’ve been test-reading Uncle Sam on my five grandchildren. Recently I took the three oldest ones for a wonderful day of hiking in Kisatchie National Forest. As we came out of the woods, a lone brown horse appeared in the pines. The boys excitedly said, “Look, it’s Uncle Sam.” They began asking where Bonnie, John Henry, and Sgt. Ed were. Honestly, I was as thrilled as they were. It was a special moment with Noah, Jack, and Jude as a Kisatchie wild horse, munching blue stem grass, warily eyed four boys jumping up and down. * * * Recently someone from my rural area asked, “What do you do for a living?” “I’m a writer.” They smiled and said, “That’s good. We like horses too.” I’m a writer who lives among a population of riders. It’s a part of our history and culture in the area I love called No Man’s Land. If you enjoyed Uncle Sam’s story, I believe you’ll enjoy its companion historical novel, A Spent Bullet. It tells the story of the 1941 Louisiana Army Maneuvers through the eyes of a young rural schoolteacher and a homesick Wisconsin soldier. Visit http://www.creekbank.net to learn more about A Spent Bullet as well as the other nine books from our Creekbank Stories collection. From the creek where good stories flow, Curt Iles Dry Creek, Louisiana Listed below are three (3) templates that we’re considering for the newly redesigned Creekbank website. Author Media is working with us. I must choose one by Friday morning. I would love your votes on the top template. Click on hotlinks and take a look. Rank the three from top (1) to bottom (3) listing by their template name (ex: Coda, Daily Edition, EBusiness.) Thanks so much. You may comment on Facebook or email me at curtiles@aol.com A. Coda Template preview: http://demo.woothemes.com/?name=coda B. Daily Edition: Template preview: http://demo.woothemes.com/?name=daily-edition Example: http://www.lesliewilson.com/ C. eBusiness: Template preview:http://www.elegantthemes.com/preview/eBusiness/ Example: http://www.susyflory.com/
Eliza Iles in Africa
The following fascinating article is from a Beaumont Daily Journal article in November 1920. It features a letter from the Belgian Congo, Africa written by my great-grandfather’s sister, Eliza Iles: Headline: Miss Eliza Iles writes of trip to Congo, Africa Miss Eliza Iles, who was deaconess for the First Methodist church in this city for three years and is now in Africa doing mission work, has written an interesting account of her trip to her uncle, Dr. D.C. Iles of Lake Charles. The letter was written November 12, 1920 from Wembo, Niama, Lusambo, Congo Belgi, Africa, and the following extract from the letter tells of her trip: “We reached here November 3, making three months and three days since leaving New York City. Suffice to say, we had a great time shopping and sight-seeing in London, though we were delighted leave that chilly country. Spent a part of three days in Brussels and saw lots and enjoyed it. Then came the three weeks from Plymouth, England to Africa on board the Albertville.Caught glimpses of France and Spain.Stopped at one of the Canary Islands.Tenerife, and at Dakar on the west coast of Africa and then straight on to Bama, the capital of Congo Belge, and then to Matadi, where we left the ship. Here we spent a week with Dr. Sims, who has been in the Congo as a medical missionary for nearly forty years and has only had three furloughs. He is in charge of the Baptist Mission at Matadi. We went form Matadi to Kimbasa by rail and it was an awful trip. Fifteen of us were in a veritable box car that had only twelve seats. We traveled all day, almost next to the engine that burned wood, and several of us caught fire, but put it out before much painful damage was done. I might add that the clothes that we used on that trip were not used thereafter! We spent the night at a small placed called Thyaville and resumed our awful trip in the afternoon to find no place to stay, so we went on to Leopoldville, a few miles further on, and spent two nights and a day at an abandoned Baptist mission. We did our own cooking, slept two on a single bed and paid $10 for a sugar cured ham that I am sure must have been as old as I. We were a happy crowd, when we learned that we could go on board a river boat the next morning.We were three weeks coming up the four rivers and the scenery along the journey was beautiful.We saw hippos bobbing up out of the water, monkeys swinging from trees, and crocodiles sunning themselves and the natives all along were most interesting, and I learned to love them long before I got here. We had goat meat, mutton, and Irish potatoes on the trip, with not much else but fruit, as it could be bought along the way.I sure enjoyed the sugar cane and bought it every chance I got. Dr. Mumpower gave us medical lectures on tropical diseases, as we came up the river, and he also taught us the language.We reached Lusambo, October 18 and my but we were glad.Mr. Shadel from our own mission was there to meet us.A man from the Presbyterian mission met us also and we stayed with them a week until our caravan came here for us. It was a thrilling sight when188 men came marching in, keeping time to a hammock song, and say: but we were glad to see them.There are larger men than some of the other tribes and are a proud people for they have never been slaves and have never been conquered save by the Belgians, who own the Congo. We left Lusambo on the long, long trail for our destination on October 25. The first thing we encountered was an awful hill and one of the men had to go ahead and partly pull me up, for we could not ride up the hill in our hammock. We traveled about three hours that day and spent the afternoon and night at a native village. At each village is a “red house” put up by the chief for travelers. When we got there the natives crowded around so thick that we could hardly turn. The chief had his natives bring us fruit, such as “paipais”, bananas, peanuts, mangoes, and egg rice, cassava root and other vegetables. We had two boys along to do the cooking and a couple more to look after our beds. We slept on army cots and had to have mosquito nets. The nurse in charge here had sent a special boy along for me and he was quite handy in looking after my canteen, raincoat, sweater, and the pillow for my hammock. We would get up between 3:30 and 4:30 o’clock and get started by 4 or 5 o’clock. We would travel until 11 or 12 o’clock when we would stop at a village for the afternoon and night. At last on the ninth day we came to Wembo Niama. Before we were nearly here, many natives from the village met us, also native drummers- and what with the drums beating and all of the natives singing and keeping time to hammock song, and the men trotting with our hammocks, we were somewhat stirred up. We had to pass through the native village of Wambo Niama first and at last halted within our own gates of the mission and the missionaries came running to meet us. I was overjoyed to see my friend Kathron. My, but she had had some experiences. She has been the only physician, nurse or dentist within two weeks travel, for three years. My, how the missionaries and natives love her. He furlough is due and she and Mrs. Shadel will soon be leaving. We surely have lots of servants—mostly boys—and they do not want us to do a thing. I am
A War Fighter Named General Abram
A War Fighter named General Abram: Right out of Army Ranger/Navy seal doctrine. It’s an overlooked passage in Genesis 14 when Abram/Abraham takes a rapid deployment strike team deep into enemy territory to rescue his nephew Lot. It’s right out or Army Ranger/Navy Seal doctrine. Here’s the brief passage, followed by Commentary from Uncle Chat: Genesis 14: NLT/ESV side-by-side: When Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men who had been born into his household. Then he pursued Kedorlaomer’s army until he caught up with them at Dan. 14 When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 There he divided his men and attacked during the night. Kedorlaomer’s army fled, but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 15 And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Abram recovered all the goods that had been taken, and he brought back his nephew Lot with his possessions and all the women and other captives. Commentary from Chat GPT: A War Fighter named General Abraham Curt — Genesis 14 is one of the most underrated “military narratives” in the entire Old Testament. You’ve got a Pineywoods clan-leader (Abram) who’s essentially a pastoral sheikh… suddenly planning and executing what today we’d call a long-range special operations raid. Let’s walk the battlefield. ⸻ 🗺️ The Theater of War — Abram’s Pursuit Route The Situation (Genesis 14:1–12) A Mesopotamian coalition led by: • Chedorlaomer (Elam) comes west to suppress a rebellion in: • Sodom • Gomorrah • Admah • Zeboiim • Zoar They defeat: • multiple regional kings • including the Rephaim (giants) They sack Sodom and: • take Lot • along with captives • and spoil ⸻ 🧭 Abram’s Intelligence Report (v.13) “Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew…” Abram now has: • human intelligence (HUMINT) • confirmation of: • enemy force • movement • captives • direction of withdrawal He also has: • a personal stake (Lot) ⸻ ⚔️ Force Composition (v.14) “he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them…” Key points: • These are: • not hired mercenaries • but: • trained retainers • loyal household troops The Hebrew implies: • drilled • disciplined • accustomed to coordinated action This is essentially: a private standing force In ANE terms: • Abram is acting like a minor tribal warlord or sheikh But note: • 318 vs a victorious regional army → This will not be a conventional battle ⸻ 🤝 Coalition Warfare (v.13, 24) Abram allies with: • Mamre • Eshcol • Aner Local Amorite chiefs. Genesis 14 Modern Term Local allies Coalition partners Shared objective Joint operation Combined forces Task force ⚔️ Force Composition (v.14) “he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them…” Key points: • These are: • not hired mercenaries • but: • trained retainers • loyal household troops The Hebrew implies: • drilled • disciplined • accustomed to coordinated action This is essentially: a private standing force In ANE terms: • Abram is acting like a minor tribal warlord or sheikh But note: • 318 vs a victorious regional army → This will not be a conventional battle ⸻ 🤝 Coalition Warfare (v.13, 24) Abram allies with: • Mamre • Eshcol • Aner Local Amorite chiefs. Operational Movement Abram moves from: • Hebron to: • Dan Distance: 👉 ~120–140 miles With: • infantry • possibly animals • in pursuit of a moving enemy That’s: forced march logistics Modern parallel: • light infantry rapid pursuit • Ranger-style mobility ⸻ 🌙 The Attack Plan (v.15) “And he divided his forces against them by night…” Now this gets very modern. 1. Division of Forces • Classic maneuver warfare • Multiple elements • Possibly: • enveloping movement • flanking strike Modern: • multi-axis attack • platoon-level tasking Night Attack Ancient armies feared night combat: • confusion • friendly-fire risk • loss of command & control Abram uses: shock + surprise Modern equivalent: • special forces night raid • SEAL / Ranger doctrine • “Own the night” ⸻ 3. Pursuit Beyond Contact He drives them: “…as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.” Meaning: • does not merely: • rescue captives • but: • breaks enemy retreat • denies regrouping Modern: • exploitation phase • pursuit to prevent reconstitution ⸻ 🎯 Mission Outcome (v.16) He recovers: • Lot • goods • women • people This is: a hostage rescue + recovery of matériel ⸻ 📘 Modern Military Correlations Pursuit Beyond Contact He drives them: “…as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.” Meaning: • does not merely: • rescue captives • but: • breaks enemy retreat • denies regrouping Modern: • exploitation phase • pursuit to prevent reconstitution Mission Outcome (v.16) He recovers: • Lot • goods • women • people This is: a hostage rescue + recovery of matériel ⸻ 📘 Modern Military Correlations Abram’s Action Modern Doctrine HUMINT from escapee actionable intelligence 318 trained retainers organic quick-reaction force Allies (Mamre etc.) coalition partners Long forced march rapid deployment Division of troops maneuver warfare Night attack special operations Deep pursuit exploitation phase Rescue of captives hostage reco Abram’s approach avoids: • set-piece battle • open-field engagement Instead he uses: • speed • surprise • decentralization That’s: asymmetric warfare
Rita McGuffee Terry: A Memorable Woman
We called her “Ma” and she was the rock solid center of the Terry Clan. Rita McGuffee Terry was my wife DeDe’s paternal grandmother. She lived in the home of DeDe’s parents, her son Herbert and daughter-in-law Juanita Terry for over a half century. DeDe and Ma shared a bed for all of her growing up years. Today, February 13, is her 123rd birthday. She was born February 13, 1903 in the Aimwell Hills of Catahoula Parish. She died on May 29, 1994 at the rich old age of 91. She is buried at Spring Ridge Cemetery in the Aimwell Hills of Catahoula Parish. Ma’s life was remarkable as was she. She was one of the strongest women I’ve known. Her faith was strong, her work ethic was solid, and her love of her family was without depth. She lived for most of the 20th Century spanning from the Wright Brothers to a man on the moon. She lived under 17 presidents from Teddy Roosevelt to Bill Clinton. Two World Wars, A Great Depression, and thousands of both the joys and sorrows of life. The A-Model car to sputter through Harrisonburg to the dawn of the Internet. She was a remarkable and memorable woman. We called her Ma And we loved her dearly. View a photo collage of Ma’s life at www.creekbank.net
Pondering
Thoughts on Pondering We all need places to ponder. Somewhere to slow and think carefully in silence. Our own red rocker on the dogtrot porch. We need times to”Mull it over”, a term that harkens back to its meaning of stirring the pot. Reflecting. Meditating. Praying. The Old House porch in Dry Creek is a perfect place to ponder. Perfect place to ponder. However, I’m only here weekly. I’ve been forced to find closets and corners to think, reflect, and let stories come alive. You can create your own red rocker. It’s a quiet place. In a quiet time. It won’t happen on its own, but every human can choose to find that spot.
