I mentioned a few days ago that my mother had written a personal account of exploring a cave near the Illinois River. People going out to fish on the Illinois may not realize it was once a free-running river, with no dam to block its progress. They may not know that caves lie hidden on the high bluffs, dark and secret. Unless they are one of those who live there, far from town, they might scoff at the idea that mountain lions inhabit those shadowed hills and valleys, but they are there–the caves, the mountain lions, and many other secret things known only to those with ears to hear, eyes to see, and minds to believe.
Mom wrote the following true story on a piece of notebook paper, years ago. I included it one of the Etta books. I reprint it now, in her words.
“There is a cave in a high bluff above the Illinois River near the Latty farm. Now and then the Etta Community gathered on a Sunday afternoon in winter for a trip to explore the cave. They wore old clothes and work shoes. Part of the way was across the muddy fields and the hill was rough and rocky.
“Several lanterns were filled with oil and globes cleaned because it was very dark inside the cave. Mothers didn’t need to caution their children to stay close to them. They were all scared and nervous and wanted a grown-up to hold their hands.
“There were huge stalactites hanging from the ceiling and down the sides of the caves which was moist with water seeping down the sides. The light from our lanterns caused these stalactites to sparkle like a fairyland. It was really beautiful.
“Numerous bats were hanging on the ceiling. We tried to be careful not to disturb them. We had been told they would bite. Rattlesnakes were sometimes lying on rocky promontories, sluggish during the winter. Everyone was searching for bits of the stalactites which had broken off the huge icicles and were lying on the floor of the cave. They, too, sparkled like diamonds when our lantern light struck them.
“We tried to stay close to the lanterns. It was very scary and spooky with our voices echoing. The cave was several feet long, ending in a hole at the back which no one ever explored very far. There were stories of underground streams and no one was brave enough to risk finding out. The hole was so small, a grown up had to crawl into it. There were suggestions bears might have a den back there. All these suggestions made us glad to turn around and head back for sunlight and fresh air.”
What a delightful memory from your Mother
Yes, I feel very blessed that she told me so many childhood stories. Mom had a happy life on their family farm at Etta. Sometimes, in memory, I go there and imagine the peace and joy they must have know. Thanks for writing, Helen.