Around the Banks

Johnny Bullard Guest Columnist Southern families in rural provincial areas always have a few members who know how "so and so" is kin to "so and so." Years ago, a lady from up north came to teach at a school in Columbia County, where I was employed at the time. One day, we were conversing in the hall as classes were changing, and she said, "Mr. Bullard, I understand you come from an old, established family in this area. Any advice for a newcomer like me?" "Yes," I responded. "Until you KNOW the lay of the land regarding family connections, it's better to say nothing than to make what could be perceived as an unpleasant statement about the kinfolks of someone. The South is a unique pla