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REMEMBERING RALPH LAEL & The Brown Mountain Lights by Linda Wolff Ralph Lael was my father’s uncle and quite a unique person. He was the author of “The Brown Mountain Lights” which was published in 1965. According to my memories of Ralph, he was a wonderful man. Gentle, kind and very generous. He owned and operated the “Outer Space Rock Shop Museum” near Brown Mountain, North Carolina. This was quite a unique shop, to say the least. The most curious object on display was an alien mummy. I remember peering into the glass covered “casket” and staring in awe at the tiny teeth! According to my father, Ralph ran for Congress under the “Progressive Party” in 1948. While standing on Main Street in Hickory, N.C. giving his political speech, people actually threw eggs at him. Ralph dodged as many eggs as possible but went right on speaking! Apparently, this is where my family gets their “spunk and determination” that seems to dwell in each of us. His book, “The Brown Mountain Lights” touches on the history of the lights and goes into great detail about his close up encounter with them. He experienced the movement of them across his body and felt their vibration. In time, the lights communicated with him and beckoned him to follow them to a large rock. As he stood at the rock, a door appeared and he stepped in. Once inside, he turned to look back at the door and it was no longer there. | |||||
Photo of Ralph Lael courtesy of Linda Wolff | |||||
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Looking forward once again, the rock appeared to go under the mountain without end. The walls were of solid crystal and voice communication began from what we, in these times, would term an alien. The alien explained why earth was chosen to be observed and how life on our planet once was. He told about the future of our planet if man does not change his ways. He then said what we call “space ships” are really vessels used by aliens from the planet Venus to patrol the Universe. Ralph is taken by the aliens to visit Venus and while the space craft moves through space, his description of the planets and stars flying by is so vivid that you can almost feel the speed! The ending describes his visit to Venus in great detail...the people he met, their odd manner of dress, the food, furniture and how they observe the planet earth on large screens. He is returned safely to earth with a message for all mankind. Ralph dedicated this book to his mother, along with a message, “A good Mother, some richer, some poorer, but none better.” Knowing the way my family is, and remembering Ralph in the manner I’ve described, he would never dedicate a book that wasn’t true to his dear Mother! Ralph was my grandfather’s brother and my grandmother did not care at all for Ralph’s stories of strange lights, aliens and the like. She, in fact, held so much disbelief that she actually changed the spelling of my grandfather’s last name. My father often remarks that it is so sad to visit the family cemetery where one half of the markers say “Lael” and the other half “Lail.” However, I sort of chuckle, for after all, I have always believed his stories...and that, to me, is a tribute. So, Uncle Ralph, here is a tribute to you...may you always soar with the stars! | |
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Linda Wolff was born in Hickory, N.C. and resided there until the age of nine. At that time, the family moved to Florida. She has two adult sons and three lovely grand daughters. Linda shares her life with Steven, the love of her life, and lots of beautiful cats. Interests include: Antiques, museums, old restored homes and Titanic history. Favorite charity: Friends of strays. Main Concern: The care, safety and benefit of all animals. Linda is a free-lance writer and proud descendent of Ralph Lael, author of “The Brown Mountain Lights.” | ||||
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Other AP articles on the Brown Mountain Lights can be found here. | ||
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