As I was reading Chapter 15 of Reynold’s Walt Whitman’s America, I realized that he’s following me… or maybe I’m following him (rather unconsciously I’ll admit).
During his Camden years, Whitman befriended the Stafford family, who owned a farm outside of Camden. This family still has living members today, all of whom live in or around Voorhees – where the still-standing Staffordshire Farm now stands as preserved space.
I grew up in Voorhees, relatively close to this farm. My best friend grew up with the farm as her backyard.
Whitman also spent time at Timber Creek, a creek for which the high school I work at is named.
Finally, I (obviously) found my way to Camden for Graduate School.
Awesome craziness.