Teacakes and Historical Preservation

E.E. Samples & Lillie Chambers Samples


Three descendants, representing one generation of Lillie Chambers Samples family, are working to preserve the John R. Chambers Farm. This is the farm where many of our family were born, and where we each remember growing up under the watchful eyes of our grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and of course Wheeler.

The table behind the dining room door held a gallon jug which was always full of teacakes. Your entire hand would fit inside once the lid was removed. Many hands, both large and small, reached for those teacakes. I cannot enter the farmhouse kitchen without thinking of those teacakes. To this day I remember their taste and texture. We are planning to once again be able to smell teacakes baking in that kitchen .

Last month the porch floor was replaced, and not a minute too soon. My brother, William, crashed through the porch to the ground below when a rotten floorboard gave way. The perils of historical preservation are not to be underestimated!