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About the Janice Holt and Henry Giles Society

Another great Giles Festival was held Saturday, October 5,2024, and was reported to have been among the best. Weather was perfect for the event.

The Knifley festival volunteers Saturday shared literature of the Janice Holt Giles and Henry Giles Society, Inc., a dedicated nonprofit organization, committed to preserving and promoting the enduring legacy of renowned authors Janice Holt Giles and Henry Giles. The society's mission encompasses several key objectives that follow.

Preservation and Promotion: Safeguarding the rich legacy of Janice Holt Giles and Henry Giles, ensuring their contributions to literature remain recognized and celebrated.


Heritage Collection: Collecting materials that pertain to the lives and works of the Gileses, thereby preserving their heritage for future generations.

Educational Opportunities: Offering educational opportunities to the public, focusing on literature, authorship, and the humanities, thereby enriching the cultural fabric of the community.

Fundraising Initiatives: Raising funds to support the above purposes and ensure the society's continued success in its mission.

A Remarkable Journey

Janice Holt, born in Arkansas in 1905, moved to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) during her childhood, where her father worked as a teacher. Immersed in books and music, Janice grew into an accomplished young woman. Following the end of her first marriage, she relocated to Louisville with her daughter, where she found work with the Dean of Presbyterian Seminary.

In 1943, a chance encounter on a bus led Janice to meet Henry Giles, a soldier en route to a new assignment in Texas. Their friendship blossomed rapidly during the two-day journey, and they began corresponding daily. Despite the distance and Henry's deployment overseas, he proposed to Janice via mail. Remarkably, they married the day he returned from active duty in 1945.

After spending a few years in Louisville, the couple settled in Knifley, Adair County, Henry's hometown. There, Janice devoted herself to writing while Henry focused on farming. Inspired by his wife, Henry eventually began writing as well. Their collaborative efforts and experiences, including the building and relocating of their log house due to the construction of the Green River Dam, are vividly captured in their books A Little Better Than Plumb and Around Our House.

The preservation of the Gileses' home and their literary heritage is a central endeavor of the society. To support these efforts, the Janice Holt Giles and Henry Giles Society invites donations from those who wish to help maintain this significant cultural legacy. Contributions are tax-deductible and can be sent to: The Giles Society, 380 Spout Springs, Knifley, KY 42753

Support will ensure that the stories and achievements of Janice Holt Giles and Henry Giles continue to inspire and educate future generations. Dues to join the literary group are $30 per year to help maintain the property. For more information, contact Keysha Tucker at 270-849-8893.


This story was posted on 2024-10-06 23:26:16
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