'Blackberry Rain' author Graham Murdock at Vachel Lindsay Home Aug. 4

[July 28, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- The "Saturday Mornings at 603" series will return to the Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site on Aug. 4 with a 10 a.m. program by Graham Murdock, author of "Blackberry Rain."

In "Blackberry Rain," Graham and his brother Gilmer wrote about their personal experiences growing up in the Children's Home of Winston-Salem, N.C., from 1947 to 1959. Graham and Gilmer lived in the children's home until they entered the U.S. Marine Corps.

"You may not know us by name, but you will know us through our firm actions, our kind deeds, our warm smiles, and our kind, assuring words. That is what we were taught, and that is what we graciously pass along," Graham Murdock said. "Now, if we told you we grew up in an orphanage, would you think differently about us?"

"Saturdays Morning at 603" is a free program. The doors open at 9:30 a.m. and coffee and light refreshments will be served. There will be a book signing and books may be purchased following the discussion.

Graham Murdock served six years in the Marine Corps and went on to become successful in the computer and telecommunications industry. He is now retired and resides in Springfield with his wife, Ednita. Gilmer served 22 years in the Marine Corps and now works as a contract adjuster in Carthage, S.D.

The Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St. in Springfield, is the birthplace and longtime residence of poet, author and artist Nicholas Vachel Lindsay, 1879-1931. The site is administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free public tours.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]