Oxford, Alabama – On the evening of October 24th, the Oxford Arts Council is set to host a remarkable event at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, one that promises to transport its audience back in time to a world of innocence turned upside-down. “An Evening with Dolores Hydock & Bobby Horton” will feature a captivating performance that delves into the life and times of Sallie Independence Foster, a young girl who began keeping a diary in the midst of the Civil War and continued to do so for 26 years.
Sallie Independence Foster was just 12 years old when the War Between the States began in Florence, Alabama, in 1861. Her diary became her closest confidant, a “dear companion” with whom she shared her thoughts, dreams, and experiences throughout a tumultuous period in American history. These diaries, along with her personal papers and letters from her brothers who were off at war, have now found their way to the Archives of the University of North Alabama, thanks to the generosity of Sallie’s great-grandson and great-granddaughter.
The event, presented by the Oxford Arts Council with support from the Oxford City Council and the Oxford Performing Arts Center, features two exceptionally talented individuals who will bring Sallie’s story to life in a way that is both funny and touching. Storyteller Dolores Hydock and musician Bobby Horton will collaborate to create a unique and personal glimpse into Sallie’s world. The performance combines Sallie’s writings with period camp songs, beloved tunes from the era, and original compositions.
This unique collaboration between Dolores Hydock and Bobby Horton promises to be a poignant and powerful experience, allowing the audience to connect with the past in a meaningful way. Through the words of Sallie Independence Foster and the melodies of the Civil War era, attendees will gain a profound understanding of a world marked by upheaval and transformation.
