Yeoman's in the Fork Blog

There is something in the water folks... It would appear that being seen on the popular Antiques Roadshow (on PBS) makes men and women swoon! This past weekend, we played host to Rafael Eledge of Shiloh Relics. Rafael has appeared as a Civil War Arms expert on the Antiques Roadshow for eleven years and his knowledge and witty demeanor do not disappoint. This guy just flat out knows his stuff. We had discussed bringing Rafael up for an event in Leiper's Fork for years, but this past weekend was the first time we were able to pull it all together. We had a great turn-out and some interesting items came out of a few nearby attics. We had assumed that we might see a few treasures, but were not prepared for the fan reaction that Rafael has on a crowd! He is a rock-star!

In addition to the appraising fun going on out front, Eric Jacobson from the Carnton Plantation came out to discuss and sign his new book on three of the units that saw action at the Battle of Franklin. "Baptism of Fire" is an impressive looking piece and sales went well. Eric is always enthusiastic and his passion for the Civil War in Tennessee cannot be overstated. Eric is one of those guys out there that we are so thankful to have met. His position at Carnton and his attention to a subject that is largely passed over is keeping the fight alive and keeps the memory of the souls that were lost here one step further away from lost. ..

This past Saturday would not have been complete without Larry Montgomery in the back of the store with a metal detector. Larry spoke to a group of relic hunters on the ins and outs of digging for civil war treasures in Tennessee. Special thanks to Larry for joining in with us and sharing another level of his entertainment repertoire that seems to never end. Larry is the owner of a successful business here in town, an artist, a metal detecting guru, a good friend and the "sheriff" of our little village...

Saturday was fabulous guys!! It is nice to take a break from the rare book game now and then when we have a chance to support our town by hosting an event like this. Kids of all ages were having fun and the Yeoman's cause took root in a few hearts that might have wondered about these "rare books in the woods guys" just a week ago...

Please visit Rafael on the web at www.shilohrelics.com

To inquire about a tour of Carnton Plantation with Eric Jacobson, please visit www.carnton.org