Some of you will know immediately but others will ponder why the name sounds familiar.

“McWilliams, McWilliams,” hmm? “Wasn’t there a McWilliams family who lived on Pine Springs Road many years ago?”

 BINGO!

Mrs. Elsie Williamson McWilliams did reside in the Pine Springs area (whoa!) around 100 years ago. That’s a long time ago but she is still remembered as the sister-in-law of Jimmie Rodgers (sister to his wife, Carrie). Oh, and as well as my grandmother’s cousin.

Grandmother had many, many cousins and she talked to them all. I can remember Cousin Elsie’s name was included in our conversation at times when my grandmother called me.

It was a wonderful time. I was young but I remember. Family has always been important to me.

It is true, Cousin Elsie was a songwriter, very successful although on many of Jimmie Rodger’s hit songs her name is not included in the credits. It was said Mrs. Elsie wanted her sister and Rodgers to garner all of the commissions and besides, when some of the lyrics included drinking and the such, Mrs. Elsie, a staunch church woman, did not need her name possibly smeared with that type of living, although she could write those lyrics just fine.

If you want to know more details about the life of Mrs. Elsie McWilliams, come on Saturday (today) to Soule Steam Museum and attend the museum’s event, Maker Faire. Rose Hill Storytellers will present stories about historical Meridian, beginning at 10 am to 4 pm. Mrs. Elsie’s story will be presented at 2pm as told by Master Storyteller, Brenda Stewart.

Also, while you’re at Soule hang around for additional stories from the time period 1854 to WWI era. There are so many fantastic tellers and their stories that you might be overwhelmed but hang-on because each story is researched and well presented.

Oh, and one more question that you will learn the answer to today: Why is Meridian called the Queen City? You might be surprised.

And while at the steam museum don’t miss the Machine Shop. Foundry, Steam Engine Collection, Steam Alley and the entire event.

TODAY, beginning at 10 am, Soule Maker Faire, 1808 4^th Street, in downtown Meridian.