During the annual first-of-October Arts and Crafts Fair, the Giles' cabin at Spout Springs was surrounded by people enjoying themselves on all sides. The fall event has become a popular one for book lovers as well as those who enjoy a chance to come together and appreciate the gifts left to us by author Janice Holt Giles and her author/craftsman husband, Henry Giles.

A historical marker in the wooded hills outside Knifley is the only indication to turn down a little gravel driveway and cross the brook to get to Janice and Henry Giles' famous cabin. Then the drive opens up to an impressive lily-edged fish pond in front of the long log house.

I never see that pond without remembering Henry telling that someone once stopped by for a visit, surveyed the rustic home and fishing pond, sighed and said, "You are one lucky man."

"I told him, luck hell!" Henry said, "I planned and built every inch of this."

Henry and Janice Holt Giles did love their home, and they loved to have company, sharing discussions about politics, world events, writing and reading. I might not have known that first hand, but for having married my first husband Ed. Back in the '70s, he and Pete Walker would go to the Giles' occasionally to discuss politics with Henry, so Pete's wonderful wife Edith and I got to share books and writing news with Janice.

Janice and Henry were delightful hosts, and I can't help but think how proud they would have been of all the company stopping by to enjoy the home and grounds they so proudly built and shared in their lifetimes.

I'm sure they would have smiled at the authors signing books in the living room by the beautifully restored fireplace, and they would have enjoyed seeing Evelyn McCloud show off all the food lined up along the counters of the kitchen cabinets that Henry built. And they would have loved sitting with the guests under the big trees on a crisp, sunny fall day tapping their toes to the gospel, country and bluegrass music coming from the front porch.

It was truly the most perfect of south central Kentucky fall days for this year's event. The temperature under a sunny sky required only a light jacket or sweat shirt. Leaves were just beginning to blaze on the edges of maple, locust, paw paw, beech, poplar, persimmon and oak trees, which, for timely drama would release only one at a time to float on the gentle breeze to the surface of the pond, giving young boys reason to lay on the board walk, take sticks and try to reach them.

Board members and co-chairpersons of the event, Sharon Greer and Beverly England, were happy with the croud of two hundred or so who perused the crafts booths and food tables. "This is our third event," Sharon says, "and we want it to grow each year. Everything in our booths is Kentucky hand made and we welcome all persons who might want to know more about next year's event to call me, Sharon, 465-7190 or Beverly England at 384-5906.

Background hammering announced that even more expansion is taking place on the property. Henry's wood shop, affectionately called the "Becky House" is being added on to, and will be the future home of a lucky person who will reside there year round.

To find out more about the Janice Holt and Henry Giles Foundation, persons may contact any of the region's board members pictured at right, or the Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce at 270-384-6020, or for complete details, go the the world wide web on the internet,

http://www.columbiamagazine.com/giles/

or

http://www.kih.net/janzepub/giles.html