Meet Me at the Wall

Show Notes and Photos

Arriving Sweet Briar…
In the inaugural episode of 'Meet Me at the Wall,' our hosts introduce a podcast dedicated to uncovering and bringing to life the history of Anne's grandmother, Florence Westgate. Anne details how her deep dive into letters written to her Grandmother led her to write historical fiction based on real-life nuggets of history such as Florence's romantic entanglements and the tight-knit community of Sweet Briar College. The hosts ponder the ephemeral nature of modern communications compared to the lasting legacy of handwritten letters, and also touch on the historical context of the changing oil industry and its impact on their families. The episode includes sketches inspired by these letters, setting the stage for a season devoted to the 1920s.

00:00 Introduction to Meet Me at the Wall
01:30 Discovering the Letters
04:13 Time Traveling with Florence
08:53 The Sweetbriar Girls
11:40 Sketches and Scenes from the 1920s
25:25 Truth or Historical Fiction
30:21 Ink on Paper vs. The Cloud
32:13 The Oil Business and Community Impact
34:10 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Meet Me at the Wall
album art photo

From left to right: Shiney, Florence, Byrd, Kay, Anne, Unidentified, Lily

Portrait of
Florence June
Westgate-Kraffert

We’re Family Now…
In this episode of 'Meet Me at the Wall,' Anne explores her grandmother's history through century-old letters, discussing the concept of a 'Mrs. degree' and Sweet Briar College traditions. She recounts a visit to Sweet Briar and the emotional impact of walking in her grandmother’s footsteps. Anne also shares a poignant sketch depicting an adoption ceremony created for a friend in need, blending fact and fiction to highlight enduring friendships.

00:54 The Concept of a Mrs. Degree
02:45 Exploring Sweet Briar College
04:22 Meeting at the Wall
09:50 The Amazement Journal
13:11 Sketches and Scenes from the 1920s
22:18 Byrd's Adoption Ceremony
25:36 Lifelong Friendships and Letters
30:28 Fact or Historical Fiction

Letter from
Theodore Westgate
to Florence

The Tryst
From Reggie's relentless affection to Ben's sincere courtship, this episode delves into Florence's challenging decision between her suitors. Offering insights into the Sweetbriar College era, the hosts touch upon the historical context and familial influences shaping Florence's choices. Additionally, the show features a touching segment recounting Anne’s recent visit to connect with a descendant of one of Florence’s friends, providing a rich tapestry of both personal and historical narratives.

00:43 Confessions
01:32 The Tryst: Unveiling Secrets
04:10 Love Letters and Romantic Gestures
08:48 Overlapping Engagements
11:11 Sketches and Scenes from the 1920s
27:20 Fact or Historical Fiction
36:29 A Special Meeting