CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

It’s a Family Affair

March 4, 2021 | by CJ Woods III

On the day that most Americans celebrated the federal holiday commemorating the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a family that had accepted me into their grouping in 1970 included me in a Zoom meeting to discuss their history. My first bride may have lobbied for my inclusion, but … Read More

Black Socks

February 25, 2021 | by CJ Woods III

A message from a friend asked if I would soon be at my favorite cidery; he had a gift for me. I told him that I would, and met Wes Homoya at his brother’s cider house. He said to me, “You’re a ‘sock guy’, so I thought you’d like these,” … Read More

The Lorax of Indiana

February 11, 2021 | by CJ Woods III

A friend contacted me, distraught about an Indiana Senate Bill. I met Wesley Homoya — who signed his e-mail to me, “Ornithologist. Ambassador. Friend.” — in September 2016, and wrote of his passion for birding and nature in a column, “Bird Man of Indianapolis.” Since then, Wes has taken me … Read More

A Black History Story

February 4, 2021 | by CJ Woods III

This column first appeared in the Feb. 2, 2018 issue. In September, 1944, The Franklin Times published an obituary on its front page for a printer who, after moving from Noblesville, Indiana, died while employed as a pressman for the newspaper. Fred Hord’s long service to the paper was written … Read More

History Lesson

January 28, 2021 | by CJ Woods III

My youngest daughter, with a keen eye for history, asked if I could watch my granddaughter on Wednesday, January 20th. Since I have been replaced as primary caretaker for the 2.7 version of my youngest granddaughter — she goes to daycare while her mother works, and her grandmother picks her … Read More