Jim Wilson writes about the hardships and the good times in Vicksburg

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 20, 2008

, starting in 1931 and continuing through the Great Depression.Wilson, now 83, lives in Columbia, Mo. He’s the author of 10 books on gardening and may be best known for the 10 years he spent as a presenter on the PBS series, “The Victory Garden.”His memory of detail is remarkable – and readers are invited to converse with him by postal or e-mail methods.His family moved to Memphis on his 15th birthday and after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor two years later, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps as soon as he turned 18, earned his wings and became an air-to-air gunnery instructor.His 50-year horticulture career followed for the next years and he lived in 14 homes in nine states.Today, he writes, lectures on gardens and gardening and has served as a guest speaker aboard river cruises which, from time to time, have brought him back to Vicksburg.August 20, 2008Renting the Franco place bridged ‘Hard Times’August 13, 2008Hobos were welcome, but scam artists were notAugust 6, 2008Tailgate sales of garden goods sustained familyJuly 30, 2008Fires meant excitement, and devastation, tooJuly 23, 2008Search for work brought Wilsons back to VicksburgContact him here:Jim Wilson4200 E. Richland RoadColumbia, MO. 65201E-mail at gardengeezer@centurytel.net

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