About Nancy

 I was fortunate to be able to go to Lowell Celebrates Kerouac in October of 2018. I am a member of an online Kerouac group and I had been talking to Amanda Ziller. When I asked her about motels in Lowell, she invited me to stay with her and her family. She said that Jack would approve of her helping a fellow traveler that was on the road.   

I live in Northeast Arkansas and a friend took me to the closet airport which is in Memphis, TN on the morning of October 4th. I arrived at Amanda's at about seven that night. Amanda and I immediately "clicked." I felt that I had known her forever. We walked downtown to Cappy's Copper Kettle and met Brian Hassett, David Amram, John Allen Cassady, and many friendly people. Brain and I are internet friends and I loved meeting him "in person" All of the locals were very friendly to me and they loved my southern accent.   

The next day, Amanda and two of her friends, Cheryl Green, Amy Farmer and I went to visit Jack's grave. I liked Cheryl and Amy and felt very comfortable with them. That night, Amanda and I went to the Zorba Room where Brian Hassett and John Allen Cassady read Jack and Neil's words from On the Road.    

October 6th, we went on a tour of Kerouac "landmarks". I saw the home where Jack was born, the funeral home where his wake was held, and the Catholic church where his funeral was held. I liked talking to my fellow Kerouac fans. I don't remember everything about that night but Amanda and I went to several bars and I seem to remember a poetry reading. I met a young man named Jan Jan and he stopped in Arkansas to see me the next year. 

I booked my return flight too early the next morning but Amanda's boyfriend Justin was happy to take me to the airport. I loved my time in Lowell and Amanda was the perfect hostess.            

Nancy Jones Fulkerson