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ABSTRACTThis essay looks back at what accountancy and the world were like in 1973, when the Academy of Accounting Historians was formed. It can be considered a minor reminiscence—perhaps a miniature time capsule to refresh recollections as the 50th anniversary year of the Academy approaches.

ABSTRACTThis is a story in two parts. The first describes the timber industry and the ad valorem tax structure in Mississippi during the first several decades of the 20th century. The second introduces Ran Batson, an entrepreneur and lumber mill operator, whose history illustrates the adverse consequences of the Mississippi ad valorem tax as it inspired extensive clear-cutting of forests and resulting devastation. Fortunately, the Mississippi tax structure has subsequently changed to a more favorable approach, and in the last several years of his life, Ran Batson learned the benefits possible from managing his land holdings in a more environmentally sensitive manner.