Surprise, Surprise! Posted on February 10, 2026

Having a summer birthday has its good points. The weather is nice, and you can have your party outdoors. However, if you were hoping to have a big crowd, everyone might be on vacation.

Not the case for Dr. Floyd Scott, who turned 70 in 1964. His family arranged for a surprise family birthday party for him at his home in Union Ridge, Alamance County, North Carolina. It is a good thing that his birthday was in the summer, because there were more than 100 guests! 

Dr. Scott was of course the guest of honor. Everyone is at their own birthday party. But there were some other special guests as well.

One was Governor Terry Sanford, one was Ernest Melville, and one was Ernest’s granddaughter.

We all know who Governor Terry Sanford was, but what about the Melvilles?

The Scotts and the Melvilles go way back.

In 1907 a group of twenty young men from Scotland boarded the Astoria, a ship bound for America. They were sent to families around the United States, to work and to learn about farming. One of the names on the list was chosen by Robert W. Scott. Robert did not know Ernest, but he was intrigued by the boy’s last name, which was Melville, the same as Robert’s farms. Ernest stayed with the Scott family for almost a year before starting a career in Boston, Massachusetts.

Ernest was deployed all around the world during World War I. He was a witty and insightful correspondent, sending letters to family and friends when he could. Some of the letters he sent were to Floyd and his siblings.  The Scotts and the Melvilles kept in touch over the years, and Ernest was pleased to see Floyd again in 1964. Ernest passed away only two years later, so this was a very special visit. I wonder what kind of cake was served? I think I might know. I was told Dr. Floyd’s favorite cake was caramel.