180 Years to the Day…

June 4th, 2024 marks 180 years to the day that young Ulysses S. Grant wrote his first love letter to Julia. This June 4th feels like a wonderful day to celebrate the love letters of Ulysses S. Grant! His very first letter was written with a pen in the hot pine forests of Camp Salubrity, near Natchitoches, Louisiana. The then Lieutenant Ulysses was encamped there awaiting further orders as tensions between the United States and Mexico continued to rise.

In 2006, our producer and historian, Patricia Cameron, visited Natchitoches to do research. There, she met Buddy Maggio and his wife, Nita. Buddy had spent 30 years collecting artifacts in the abandoned Camp Salubrity. Buddy showed Patricia his collection, guiding her on a simple, yet, whimsical trip through the past using his artifacts as one would markings on a map.

Later, upon her return to Los Angeles, she received a surprise package from Buddy Maggio; a tableau of treasures from Camp Salubrity. In 2010, Buddy and Nita hosted Patricia again, taking her on a wild ride up to Camp Salubrity via ATV.

(Buddy and Nita on their 60th wedding anniversary)

We honor Buddy and Nita today for their warmth and generosity. Patricia would never have comprehended Ulysses’ time at Camp Salubrity without them. The sweet couple passed away within weeks of one another this spring and we shall forever cherish the memory of their kindness and passion.

(The Old Courthouse Building in Natchitoches serves as a base for the Natchitoches Genealogical and Historical Association)

We also honor Virginia Tobin of the Natchitoches Genealogical and Historical Association, who helped Patricia with research on the Natchitoches post office of 1844. The post office no longer exists, but we recreate it in whole within the walls of our own rustic barn in Burbank, California, complete with custom-made Natchitoches post office stamps!

Take this June 4th to mail a love letter of your own!