Thursday, April 28, 2016

Two Drawings by Belle Tisdale

A Devil of a Sight by Belle Tisdale




















Among the old papers, letters, and photos in Belle's trunk were two faded pencil drawings on yellowed 8 1/2" x 11" paper. The drawing style is similar to several that Belle did in her letters. The thermal copies made many years ago are in my possession, but the location of the originals is unknown.

The first drawing is titled "A Devil of a Sight" and shows a wind and rain storm. A child stands by the open gate, presumably at Grandma and Grandpa Pratt's Oakland Plantation.

A Gallivant by Belle Tisdale


The second drawing, titled "A Gallivant" is even more faded. It shows three horseback riders. One gallops out ahead, one is in the process of jumping a fence, and the third trots along behind. A man stands on the far left exclaiming "Well I'll swear by the living God!" Could that have been Uncle Jene? Were the riders Belle's brothers?