About 2000, when I was driving halfway across Ohio for work every day, more-or-less following the path the pioneers took, I got the idea of writing a folk-based music celebrating certain historical highlights of the heartland - or as coast-dwellers call it, the "fly-over" zone.

Inspired by musicals like "Smoke on the Mountain" in which the cast plays all the instruments, I told the story of a somewhat estranged family gathering at the ancient home of a deceased aunt and going through her possessions. Lots of music and "sorting out," not only of stuff, but of attitudes. Plus some real history stuck in between the wise-cracks and arguments.

For more information, start at the following link:

http://creekdontrise.com/index_play.htm

Took the play to a group claiming they were looking for plays to do staged readings. Could be fun.
Also, I've thought about putting it on as a one-person play just to get some traction.