LETTERS

American Visions, August, 1999

FINDING LOST CREEK

I am writing you to seek your assistance in obtaining information about a play listed in the December/January 1999 American Visions. Lost Creek Township is a love story set in the 1880s that portrays an all-colored town in Indiana during post-Reconstruction.

Over the past few years, I have been researching my family history. I've learned that the majority of my ancestors on my father's side (Scott, Anderson, Chavis) came from Lost Creek Township, Vigo County, Ind. When I read about the play, the name seemed so unique that I could not help but think that the information was about my Lost Creek Township.

I am hoping that you can provide me with information on the author of the play so that I may communicate with him/her regarding his/her knowledge of the makeup of Lost Creek Township and its residents.

-- Carolyn "Peggi" Thompson Seattle, WA

Editor's note: Playwright Charlotte A. Gibson can be reached through her agent, Wendy Streeter, at (212) 354-6825.

TEACHING TOOL

I am a native Washingtonian now living in exile in Northern Virginia. You are invincible! I am a subscriber to AV and wanted to let you know that you are doing a great job.

I am the sponsor of the Young African American Achievers of Herndon High School, and I use your magazine as a powerful tool to assist my students in their cultural identity.

Keep up the great work and remember: By touching others, you are invincible!

-- Mark A. Ausbrooks Herndon, VA

TAKE PRIDE IN ILLINOIS

My compliments to those who compiled the informative and historically significant Illinois. Discover the Pride Inside guide (produced by American Visions in 1998). The section on Burr Oak Cemetery makes mention of Robert S. Abbott, founder and publisher of the Chicago Defender, but no longer notes that Attorney Nathan K. McGill is also buried there. I am disappointed that Attorney McGill's name, which was noted in previous editions, is omitted from this wonderful Illinois tourism guide.

Attorney McGill may not be widely known, but deciding to delete his name is a shame. McGill served as counsel to the Chicago Defender beginning in 1925. He also was president of his own company-- N.K. McGill & Sons Inc., in the historic Bronzeville community. McGill lived in a home just four doors south of Robert S. Abbott. Their business and personal relationship spanned many years.

Many thousands of blacks were encouraged to migrate to Chicago due to information given in the Chicago Defender. Attorney McGill's wife met and greeted African Americans when they migrated to Chicago. She personally would give information on housing and jobs to those who arrived at the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Station.

I urge you to again include Nathan McGill's name in future issues of the State of Illinois' Discover the Pride Inside.

-- Sherry Williams Chicago, IL

American Visions welcomes letters from readers. Please address them to LETTERS, American Visions, 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 820, Washington, DC 20004, and include your name, address and telephone number. All letters for publication must be signed, and they may be edited for space and style.

You may also write to American Visions via the Internet, to editor@avs.americanvisions.com or 72662.2631 @compuserve.com.