William L Wheeler and Martha Jane Cartret/Cartrette

William and Martha Jane were Grandparents of Kathleen Carson.

William Wheeler married Martha Cartret/Carterette

Loyd Rogers married Blanche Wheeler

Kathleen Rogers married Chester Carson

The slash in Martha's name means that I've found records with both spellings. Name changes such as this can create havoc with genealogists. Perhaps I will post an article on that subject one day.

As for William and Martha, I'll tell you what I know of them over the next several posts.

Final thoughts from Tami

Kathleen's Tea Room & Day Spa has been open for several weeks. I hope you've enjoyed learning about it, how it came into existence, and how you too can start your own business.

Before we get back to tales of our ancestors, I asked Tami if she has any final thoughts on her Great Grandmother, Kathleen Carson.

"Obviously Grandma Carson made a huge impact on many peoples lives. My mom has great memories of her love, I have a few memories also. Everyone I have talked to have had wonderful things to say about her. She left a legacy of love for others. I would say: model her love for those around you. Always make people feel special and loved. Treat people like they have a broken heart because they probably do. Leave a postive mark on other lives. Who knows - you may one day have a tea room named after you!"

I'd like to thank Tami for answering all my questions, and agreeing to let me post these articles. Please join me in wishing her luck, and if you are ever in Fletcher, N.C., stop in, relax, and have some hot tea!

Mystery Photo Monday #8

Here is another photo that came from the oval frame that Kathleen and Chester had on the wall in their family room. Does anyone know who this group of people are, or the home where the photo may have been taken? The only information imprinted on the back of this photo was the paper manufacturer (Fox) and the location where the film was processed (San Antonio, Texas).

Tami's "Start Your Own Business" Advice

Perhaps one day you will get the chance to visit Kathleen's Tea Room & Day Spa. Your visit might even motivate you to start your own business. If so, Tami has some advice for you.

First of all, she will tell you, "Write down exactly what's in your mind to do - every detail, the way you see it in your mind. Walk through it over & over in your mind." Many people think about how they can turn something they love into a business. Of course, running a business is different from personal enjoyment, but starting with something you enjoy is a great place to begin. "" Then educate yourself," on the fundamentals of starting and running your own business and everything you need done before you open the doors.

To be certain that you've thought out the key components of the business, "Write a business plan. The small business adminstration offers free counseling for new business and can help you write a business plan. Whatever amount of money you decide you need from that plan - double it! Surprises are everywhere, you just don't know how to plan for everything. It's better to have more than you need than less. Don't forget to plan for payroll expenses for the first several months."



Tami learned that "If you are going to go with new contruction have the builder write down everything he is going to do and everything you are responsible for. Make sure it is written down, you don't want surprises popping up, especially at the end when you are ready to move in and the builder is saying, "No, you were suppose to paint, do the floors, provide baseboards....." Confusion leads to delays, increased work, and increased costs.

It is also valuable that your contractor invests in your need to open on time, and get your business started, so, "right up front tell him you want at least 45 days rent free to be able to set up your business." If he agrees, then you know that he is committed to helping you start a business, not just building his own.

Next time, some final thoughts from Tami.

What's next at Kathleen's?

Kathleen's Tea Room & Day Spa is off to a very good start. Knowing that people sometimes need a place to just relax for a while. Tami has built a new business that is strongly influence by the timeless values of family and love for others. In fact, one of her daughters, Amber, have returned home to help with the business.


Yes, after years of being a mom working to raise a family, "Amber is working for me." Tami continues, "She works full time and runs the gift shop. She also coordinates all the appointments between the tea room and spa. She is invaluable because she is so detail oriented, she keeps everything running smoothly."

After two years of planning, working with builders, lawyers, her partner, and so many others it made her head spin at times, the shop is finally open, and Tami has started to think, once again, of the future.

"I hope the tea room becomes a favorite place for people. I can already see that happening and we have only been open for about 2 weeks. We already have several "regulars". They just love the place and want to hang out with their friends. As for future business, I would love to one day do this on my own. Right now I have a partner, who is invaluable, but I would love to just own one completely. For Daniel, I hope I can make enough money to pay our bills and Daniel can finally be free to do what he dreams of: training horses."

Look for the next posting, where Tami will share her advice for starting your own business.

Mystery Photo Monday #7

This is one of many images that were originally in an oval frame that Grandma had hanging in her family room. There are no notes or writing on the back of this photo.

My guess is that these two are Virgil Carson and his wife Zetta, at Kathleen and Chester's house in Brentwood (although I am not certain that they ever had split-rail fence at that house). Can anyone confirm this, or provide correct names, date, and location?

UPDATED 18 April 2005: My guess was correct. The couple is Virgil and Zetta Carson. The date and location remain a mystery.

Kathleen Carson's influence on the Tea Room and Spa

Tami's new business, Kathleen's Tea Room & Day Spa is named after Kathleen Carson. When asked why she chose to name her new business after her great grandmother, she said, "I didn't know her well, but I have fond memories of her. My mom, Patti, adored her and talked about her a lot. She says she always treated each grandchild as her favorite. Many people name tea rooms after grandparents and I thought it would be a great tribute to someone loved so much by so many."

She went on, "We went to visit her for Christmas when I was young. I loved her, her house, her attic, everything about her. I have bubble lights on my Christmas tree to this day to remember her. I also remember her and Grandpa carson coming to Florida and our great crab feasts. I loved those times."

Based on the success the business is seeing so far, it's obvious that people have found that it's a special place. So, I asked Tami how she thought Kathleen would react if she could pop in for a visit. "I think she would gleefully clap her hands and smile real big. I hope she would love it and want to spend lot's of time here."

What's next for Kathleen's? Stay tuned for more.

What are your memories of Grandma Kathleen? What influence did she have in your life? Click on "Comments" and let us know!

The Ambiance and Memorabilia at Kathleen's

When surveys are taken for which amusement parks have the best rides, neither Disneyland nor Disney World top the list. So, why are they the most visited amusement parks in the USA? It's because people have an expectation of a pleasant experience, and the park delivers exactly that.

So, I thought it would be interesting to know what Tami wanted people to experience and remember about their visit at Kathleen's Tea Room & Day Spa. She said, "I want people to come to realize the tea room is a place of refuge. A place to be still, slow down, relax, meet with good friends over good food & great tea."



And how have people reacted so far? "What I am seeing is when people walk in", Tami says, "they are blown away. It is nothing like what they expected. They expected another small restaurant, cafe, or even deli! What they find is a place with great music, beautiful decor, and a restful place." Tami has carved out a distinct niche in the marketplace. "We are not fast food. It will take some people a while to get it. People's expectations are so low with food establishments now that they cannot believe what we have here. They all want to come back and bring their friends. Also, when they are here, they don't want to leave, we've had several couples talk the whole afternoon away. I love that!"



Part of the experience that keeps people coming back is family memorabilia that lends to the relaxed and accepting atmosphere. Tami explains, "We have old family photos under glass on each table along with some dollies made by Daisy Boynton, my great grandmother on my dad's side. We also have some framed pictures of Grandma Carson around the tea room, and our website has pictures of Grandma Carson on it."

These family displays are so important to her vision of the business that she display more if she had it. "Yes, I would love to have more. Old letters or postcards would be fun. Anything flat, because we are putting things under the glass on the tables to keep them protected."

Why did she name her new business after Kathleen Carson? Find out next time!

Mystery Photo Monday #6

I have no idea who the young man in the wagon, labeled "1927" is, nor do I know who is in the wagon labeled "1928". I imagine that the year on the wagon refers to the year each photo was taken, and that the name "Amarillo" probably means that the 1927 photo was taken in Amarillo, Texas. Any ideas on who these two are, or if they are the same person?

UPDATED 18 April 2005: Neither of the people in these photos have been identified. Although it is known that Kathleen and Chester lived in Amarillo, Texas for a time, the identity of these two remain a mystery.

Kathleen's is more than a Tea Room

The trip that Dan had won at work was a get-away to a spa and resort in Boca Raton, Florida. Tami says, "As I was having a massage my mind was racing...". A spa might be the perfect compliment for a tea room. At the end of their get-away, she got to work on the idea. Thinking about it now, she recalls, "I got home, put it all on paper, talked to some people and thought 'this is it!'" The two businesses would compliment each other very nicely and provide a fun place for people to come in, enjoy good food, great tea, and just relax.

From there it took two years for the idea to become a reality. When asked about the greatest challenges in going from concept to welcoming the first customer, Tami said that it was, "Overcoming my own ignorance. Things started falling into place faster than I could educate myself, especially with the builder. There were just so many things I needed to know and didn't." What do you do when faced with a problem that you're not prepared for? Tami believes, "In many areas you can't be prepared - you just handle problems as they come along."

As with any service-based business, image is key. Find out what it's like to visit Kathleen's Tea Room & Day Spa in the next posting.

Kathleen's Opens In Fletcher, N.C.

Kathleen Carson's strong belief that women can succeed in business if they just have the time and the drive, is a reality for her Great Granddaughter Tami. Kathleen's Tea Room & Day Spa opened on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 in the St. John's Marketplace, Fletcher, North Carolina.

Home-schooling four daughters required a significant investment of time. When the last of her girls moved away to pursue their dreams, Tami found herself with some time on her hands. For those of you who don't keep up with her hectic schedule, Tami is not one to let available-time become idle-time.

But, how to fill it? She began to think about starting a new business.

Tami had experience launching and running a business. She had successfully operated the Genesis Herb & Vitamin shop, after starting it with a friend. For her next venture, she wanted something that would provide more of a return on her investments of time and energy. She also hoped to build a business that would allow her husband, Dan, to spend more time on his love of horses: specifically, training them. She loves tea, and had enjoyed her past visits to tea rooms. But her research convinced her that she would need to offer more than just a setting for tea enthusiasts.

Ironically enough, the answer would come during a trip won by Dan at work. Watch for the next posting to find out what happened.

Mystery Photo Monday #5

Here is a new photo for you. I actually have a guess as to who is in this photo, but I'd like to find out if I'm right. So, is anyone certain of who these two are, or when and where the photo was taken?

UPDATED 4 APRIL 2005: This is the fastest and most complete identification of a photograph so far. Kathleen Carson is shown in this photo, taken in 1947 or 1948, with her grand-daughter Jeannie. They were standing in front of a warehouse, next-door to Kathleen and Chester's family home on Water Street (now known as Maine Avenue).