From a story printed in the Clipper September, 1885

Putnam Stephens Railroad Story

Editor Clipper - Thursday morning last found a merry
party assembled at the depot, waiting to board the
train for Putnam.  Several of the quartette had
quite a distance to walk; half way on the route the
engine bell rang - such scampering to race the
train.  When nearly to the depot, some kind voice
sounded load and clear "plenty of time, ladies."

We slackened our pace immediately, but arrived at
the cars almost breathless.

Soon, "all aboard!" was heard from the lips of the
polite and attentive conductor, Mr. W. G. Singleton,
the whistle sounds, the great wheels move and we are
off on a frolic.  A short pleasant ride and we are
cordially met and welcomed by Mrs. Stephens and
family.  The home of our friends is built in
irregular commodious style; a pretty, sandy, flower
yard, shaded by big oaks, gives this stately home an
inviting look, while growing crops, fine young
orchards, whitening cotton-fields give evidence of
the energy, industry and thrift of our host.
Especially fine in our estimations is the large
sweet potato patch just to the left as you leave the
cars.  The morning passed quickly in the excellent
company of our hostess and her charming daughters
and niece.  Mr. Stephens came in from the store, and
chatted to us a few moments, then invited us to
dinner - and such a dinner.  A regular old-fashioned
Southern dinner, barbecue, ham, (home-cured) dishes
piled high with fried chicken, crisp and brown,
back-bone vegetables in variety, fine, fall turnips,
to say nothing of cakes, preserves and jellies,
'twas a dinner superbly prepared and elegantly
served.

We could not help but think just here of the good
pun we once heard on a_tuble, which parted in twain
just as the guests were seated.  One of the guests
with hands uplifted remarked: "What a downfall of
Turkey, an overthrow of China, and a division of
Grease, (Greece)".   But no such accident happened
for this was a day of pleasure and not accidents.
Added to the afternoon's enjoyment was a lunch that
will be remembered by us for many long years to
come.  Thinking only of others, and ever forgetful
of self, Miss Lissa remembered those, "left at home"
in the shape of a box of good things.

What in life is comparable to a comfortable home and
a happy family?  We are told that this is the
homestead once occupied by the father and mother of
Mr. P. S. Stephens, and that the old--- of sheltered
a large family of brothers and sisters.  Pleasant
indeed must be his memories of the past as he goes,
"hand in hand with nature," and looks upon the trees
he perhaps planted in his youth, and enjoys their
generous shade as their leaves rustle above him.
But the approaching train warns us we cannot longer
linger; then with a hasty goodbye, we turn our faces
homeward, bringing with us the memory of a sunny
September day happily spent.

By One of the Party