I’m very excited and proud that our mother, Sarah Evelyn Holland Shaw’s book is finally published! Mama began this book at the age of 80. The book is the story of Mama’s life as she moved with her family to different locations with turpentine stills in the early 1920s South Georgia. Her father was a wood rider in the turpentine industry.

Mama was a gifted storyteller. We grew up listening to her exciting tales. She loved sharing her stories with everyone. In her 80s, Mama and I took a road trip to try to find all of the places where her family had lived. We had such a great time locating these places. Mama’s memory was unbelievable! We found her schools and her old home place. The only thing left of the home place was the chimney in the house where she was born. I had chill bumps knowing that this was the very spot that my dear mother was born on Feb. 4, 1923! As we traveled from place to place, I took many pictures so that eventually we could share this journey.

Mama began writing her story in 2013. She was 90 years old and we were fighting time to get her story completed as she would have liked. She was growing weary. By the grace of God, and much help from family and friends, we were able to complete her story and have it spiral bound. It was not published at this time, but Mama and her living brothers received a copy that she was able to hand to them before she went to her heavenly home.

The book is as if Mama is telling you her stories in her delightful voice. As you read the sometimes funny, historical and heart-wrenching tales of her life as a Turpentine Girl, it will take you to the early days of life in South Georgia. This book is a true gift to our family and to the world.

The book may be purchased from Amazon or Barnes and Nobles as well as some local stores around Bainbridge, including Flint River Outfitters, Reeves and Bainbridge Pharmacy.

Mama passed away July 20, 2017. She was 94. What a legacy she has left for us!

WE DID IT, MAMA! THE BOOK IS PUBLISHED!!

I love, love, love you!

Jill Shaw

Daughter of Sarah Evelyn Holland Shaw