Ron Castleman

Julip Ron Castleman

Ron Castleman has done us all a great service in writing "Julip". In recording his memories and in clarifying them with careful research, he has given himself "some inner peace," and has given us a wonderful glimpse (a second look for those of us old enough to remember) into those important years in the late 1940's and early 1950's in Mt. Juliet.

The facts are here. In relating his father's and brother's experiences as highly skilled craftsmen of many talents, Ron shows us what it was like to start, manage, and maintain a business before, during, and after World War II. The pictures illustrate his points in supporting ways that words could never do.

We learn about the challenges of constructing a blockhouse while living in the garage-home underneath. And, as interesting as the building is, the implied story of the family's obvious determination to maintain their love and respect for each other is even more impressive.

Two chapters, "Scrapbook of Nine Fiery Years" and "The Fire Chief" are important local history and beg for reprinting to a wider audience. Using pictures and newspaper article reprints, Ron has illuminated an era in Mt. Juliet's history that has never, to my knowledge, been so thoroughly covered. Particularly, "Scrapbook of Nine Fiery Years" instantly becomes the definitive history of those incredible years when it must have seemed that the very gates of Hell had been opened on the village. The chronological retelling of those times by reprinting the words of those who were reporting events as they happened is a credit to Ron's lack of ego and his concern for historical accuracy.

In addition to the facts, the supporting pictures, newspaper articles, and other items of research lend credibility to the chapters that personal reminiscences alone could not accomplish. These items will cause you to keep returning to "Julip" through the years to remind yourself of when the events occurred and to settle arguments