Monday, April 14, 2008

Soulful Savannah

Last Thursday, my Executive Director, Kathy Brandt, and I flew to Savannah, Georgia where I was an invited speaker for the Georgia Chiropractic Association Spring Convention. As we approached downtown the historic nature of this charming Southern city came to life.

The sessions were well attended and it's amazing how even some of the "old-school" chiropractors are coming around to instrument adjusting. One doctor told me of his practice of 51 years and how he followed Dr. Gonstead's model. He bought a motel in town and for many years had it filled with patients who traveled from a distance to be treated by him several times daily during their stay. I adjusted him with Impulse, and he was hooked. He bought one on the spot!

Although busy with the Conference, Kathy and I were able to take advantage of staying right on the riverfront and made our way there for some fresh seafood.

On the riverfront, we came upon Bernie's Raw Bar where oysters were in season. Kathy opted for the peel and eat shrimp, but I was able to talk our friend, Chris Mullinax into sharing a bucket of steamed oysters with me. Make that two ...

Bernie's is one of several establishments dating back to the Civil War era. Built in 1817, this particular building was used to store Cotton bound for shipping transport from the Savannah River to ports of call all over the world.

In 1793, a gentlemen named Eli Whitney was invited to Savannah by the widow of General Nathaniel Greene to provide tutoring for her children. During his stay, Mrs. Greene told him of the trouble the cotton farmers had in separating cotton seed from the fibers of the plant. Intrigued by the problem, Mr. Whitney locked himself away for 10 days in the barn of the plantation subsequently to emerge with the prototype for the now famous Cotton Gin. Whitney's invention is largely responsible for making Cotton the "King" of Commerce in the South.

Prior to returning home on Sunday, Kathy and I took a liesurely walk about the city and happened upon Vic's on the River where we had a wonderful lunch served up with Southern hospitality. Boasting the best view in the City, we dined window-side mixing our conversation among both business and pleasure. There's really no other way.