Introduction–The Chestnut Point Stories Series

• The Chestnut Point Storybook Series

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• INTRODUCTION

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     In this narrated story series, the jocund storyteller, Jack Chapman, takes us on a rambling journey through the curious history of the Patuxent River Mann Family from colonial times to the twentieth century. His peregrinations are full of anecdotes, vignettes, narratives, and the occasional canard, best described as “real whoppers.” The stories are concoctions of history and fiction blended with cupfuls of comedy, ample amounts of adventure, a measure of mystery, and a pinch of the paranormal, all topped with a relish of romance. They feature a hodgepodge of characters plucked, kicking, and screaming, out of the historical and cultural mixing pot of the Mid-Atlantic region of America.
     You will note that Jack often makes personal comments and observations during his narrations. And in his exuberance for the characters and settings, he sometimes wanders off the storyline for a while. However, we trust you will find the added detail and changing points of view he presents are well worth the indulgence.
     While in his company, expect to experience many intersections of the past with the present and the present with the future. And be forewarned; ghosts and past lives are very real in The Chestnut Point Stories. So, don’t be surprised to encounter, from time to time, a spirit or two or someone, including himself, who makes repeated appearances many generations or even centuries apart.
     Occasionally, the storyteller is confronted by a person who actually lived in the period in which one of his stories takes place and insists on setting the factual record straight.
     He always assures them, “Alright, okay, have it your way!”… until the next time, his imagination leads to a conjectural crossroad, ducks down an intriguing side alley, or is drawn into an irresistible wayside attraction. Then, we just might be lured by him off the straight and narrow for who knows how long.
     The journey through The Chestnut Point Story Stories and companion Wayward Stories is not linear in the traditional chronological sense. An analogy might be that the stories are like sailors’ knots in which the storylines are repeatedly twisted, turned, crossed, wrapped around, over, and upon each other until the other end is reached. Thus, the past, present, and future events become intertwined.
     All of The Chestnut Point Stories and companion Wayward Stories are available for free on this website to our traveling companions. Only excerpts are provided to non-members. So join up for a Traveling Companion Membership, then choose any story from the directory below to get started. 

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