Laurel, but not Nebraska

Wed., February 26, 2003 - Mary took me to have my hair-do and Zoya brought me home -- we had planned to have lunch together but she wasn't feeling too well.  Went to Book Club in evening.

Thurs., February 27, 2003 - Called Marjorie C. -- today is her birthday.  Tom came in the evening for the usual reasons.  We played 2 games of Rummikub.

Fri., February 28, 2003 - Went to the movies in the library this evening.  Saw a Laurel & Hardy show and also a Roy Rogers show.  Called Helen.

And here's some information on Laurel and Hardy, most of which I absolutely did not know.  From Wikipedia:

    "Laurel and Hardy were a comedy duo act during the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema, consisting of Englishman Stan Laurel (1890–1965) and American Oliver Hardy (1892–1957). Starting their career as a duo in the silent era, they later successfully transitioned to "talkies". From the late 1920s to the mid-1950s, they were internationally famous for their slapstick comedy, with Laurel playing the clumsy, childlike friend to Hardy's pompous bully.  Their signature theme song, known as "The Cuckoo Song", "Ku-Ku", or "The Dance of the Cuckoos" (by Hollywood composer T. Marvin Hatley) was heard over their films' opening credits, and became as emblematic of them as their bowler hats.

    Prior to emerging as a team, both had well-established film careers. Laurel had acted in over 50 films, and worked as a writer and director, while Hardy was in more than 250 productions. Both had appeared in The Lucky Dog (1921), but were not teamed at the time. They first appeared together in a short film in 1926, when they signed separate contracts with the Hal Roach film studio.  They officially became a team in 1927 when they appeared in the silent short Putting Pants on Philip. They remained with Roach until 1940, and then appeared in eight B movie comedies for 20th Century Fox and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1941 to 1945.  After finishing their film commitments at the end of 1944, they concentrated on performing stage shows, and embarked on a music hall tour of England, Ireland and Scotland. They made their last film in 1950, a French-Italian co-production called Atoll K.

    They appeared as a team in 107 films, starring in 32 short silent films, 40 short sound films, and 23 full-length feature films. They also made 12 guest or cameo appearances, including in the Galaxy of Stars promotional film of 1936.  On December 1, 1954, they made their sole American television appearance, when they were surprised and interviewed by Ralph Edwards on his live NBC-TV program 'This Is Your Life'. Since the 1930s, their works have been released in numerous theatrical reissues, television revivals, 8-mm and 16-mm home movies, feature-film compilations, and home videos. In 2005, they were voted the seventh-greatest comedy act of all time by a UK poll of professional comedians. The official Laurel and Hardy appreciation society is The Sons of the Desert, after a fictitious fraternal society in the film of the same name."

Sandwiches

Tues., October 15, 2002 - This was my dad's birthday.  Had my hair washed, etc.  Nancy came after work & took me to "Jim's", a place that specializes in home health.  New "skis" were put on my walker -- take the place of the tennis balls (Called Greta to report on dental deal).  We then went to Staufers' Restaurant & had chicken fried steak, etc.  Was really good.
Wed., October 16, 2002 - Went to Book Club in evening.
Thurs., October 17, 2002 - Called Myrtle this morning.  Also called Marjorie C.  Tom came in evening & brought some special sandwiches.  The usual routine of laundry, shower & Rummikub.

Speaking of special sandwiches . . . Mitch, Mom and I hosted 15 of our family members (plus Tanner and Willa) for a meal Sunday at Mom's of traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches.  Well, we researched and were as traditional as we could manage.  We were a bit nervous as to whether everyone would like the nutty, malty Danish bread but very little of anything went in the trash at the end of the meal.

Afterwards, some of us played Squeak -- something we had not done after a family meal in a very long time.  Needless to say, it was great fun.  So glad everyone could come and that they enjoyed our efforts.  We should probably do it again sometime, I think.

I got nothin'

Mon., December 28, 1936 - Howard cutting wood. Misty & cold.  Helen & Mom stopped for the girls.  I went along to Clara's.  Went to Dane Xmas tree with kids.  Ate our lunch at Alma's.  Good crowd considering weather.
Tues., December 29, 1936 - Howard cut wood this p.m.  He brought a load home with the tractor.  We went to bed quite early.
Wed., December 30, 1936 - Snowed all a.m.  Cleared up this evening.  Howard & I played Pinochle tonite.

Not a lot to work with here.  So, I'll just add a photo and get this posted.

Photo from brooklynpaper.com

A Sunday recipe, finally

Fri., December 25, 1936 - I finished the holders while Howard baked peppernuts.  Were over home for dinner.  All the kids there.  Got some lovely presents.  Spent the evening at home eating nuts & candy.
Sat., December 26, 1936 - Cleaned up the house.  Invited to Jo's for supper.  Those there:  Rews, Iversen kids, Clara's, Margaret's, Alma & John.  Ate too much as usual.  Jean & Marjorie came home with us.
Sun., December 27, 1936 - We got up late.  Between spells we played 500 Rummy.  We all played tonite.  Irene went back to Sunol today.

How fun to imagine Grandpa baking peppernuts so Grandma could finish her handiwork.

I do not recall Grandma or anyone else making this recipe, but it's in her book and in her handwriting.  I'll gladly be corrected if she did make it often and I'm just not remembering.  It certainly is a possibility.  Also possible it was made for Christmas once or twice.

Fudgie Scotch Ring

1 cup (6 oz. pkg) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (6 oz. pkg) butterscotch chips
1 can Borden Eagle Brand Condensed milk
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. walnut halves
Maraschino cherries, if desired

Melt chips and condensed milk in top of double boiler over hot (not boiling) water.  Stir occasionally til morsels melt and mixture begins to thicken.  Remove from heat -- add chopped walnuts and vanilla.  Blend well.  Chill 1 hour til mixture thickens.  Line bottom of 9" pie pan with a 12" square of foil.  Place 3/4 cup walnut halves in bottom of pan, forming a 2" wide flat ring.  Spoon chocolate mixture in small mounds on top of nuts to form a ring.  Decorate with remaining nuts.  Add maraschino cherries if desired.  Chill in refrigerator until firm enough to slice. Cut into 1/2 inch slices.

I am guessing once the mounds are in place, you spread the mixture out a bit to also make a 2" wide flat ring.

The lovely 1936 Christmas card is from:  https://the-light-keeper.blogspot.com

Swearing?

Wed., March 18, 1936 - Goodlings have a baby boy, born early this a.m.  Seem to be feeling better.  Mom called up about 6:00.  Niemans went to town tonite and took me up home.  Mom was at Thies' quilting so I had to go up there to see her.
Thurs., March 19, 1936 - I don't think this ??? rheumatism is getting any better.  The worst part is getting in and out of bed.  Irene came about 5:00 and we went to Lewis for treatments.  Howard was here at Nieman's when we came back.
Fri., March 20, 1936 - Rheumatism not any better.  Irene and Helen came to schoolhouse for me.  Irene and I each had an adjustment.  The girls had a shampoo and fingerwave.  We had a farewell party for Jean and Marjorie C.

Are those question marks Grandma's way of swearing about her rheumatism?  She certainly seems to have been patient with it so far, but everybody has a limit.

As for Baby Goodling, I found a Walter "Ed" Goodling, Jr. born on the right day, buried in Pennsylvania.  His parents were Walter, Sr. and Bertha Koch Goodling.  The information says the junior Goodling was a retired farmer and carpenter.  His parents are buried in Pennsylvania as well.  Another Goodling son, Donald "Buster" Goodling was born in 1928 in Laurel, Nebraska and buried in the same cemetery as the rest of the family.  It's got to be the right family, I would think.

Birthday blizzard

Sat., February 1, 1936 - Went to Norfolk on the train.  Saw Niemans and came home with them.  The oxfords I got at Buck's before Xmas were breaking out at the side.  I took them back and they gave me a new pair.  Tonite Mom and I went to Gormley.  Mom had four teeth pulled, and I had one wisdom tooth pulled.
Sun., February 2, 1936 - Frank Fleer & Edwin scooped out our street this morning.  I typed parts for the program.  Raymond brought Irene's typewriter in yesterday.  We had oyster soup tonite.  Howard was here, too.  He took me out to Nieman's tonite.
Mon., February 3, 1936 - Treated the kids to candy bars today.  Jean & Marjorie brought me a cream puff.  Pete C. & Temmes came at 3:00 for their kids.  A regular blizzard had started.  At times we could hardly see south to Nieman's.  The rest got rides home at 4:00.  Went to bed early.

Ah, cream puffs.  Such a wonderful food invention.  I know Mom has said she wonders why she doesn't make them more often, easy and so good.

Photo from cookieactress.com

Too cold for me

Mon., January 20, 1936 - The kids made a snow house in the bank of snow near the snow fence in John Mann's pasture.  They're having quite a time with it.
Tues., January 21, 1936 - The kids have 2 rooms in their snow house.  We had baked beans and mashed potatoes for hot lunch.  Grandmother 83 years old today.
Wed., January 22, 1936 - Jean and Marjorie came home with Verdelle Mae tonite.  They had a grand time playing.  Some thermometers registered 24 degrees below most of the day.

I don't know how cold it was this particular Monday and Tuesday, but bully for the kids for building a snow house.  When it get awfully cold, I don't even take my dog outside to do her business anymore.  I took two lengths of baling twine to extend her leash and now I stand inside while she has enough length to find the right spot.  Brrr!  That's the real her in the photograph, not just some random dog photo.

Hard to keep up

Mon., October 21, 1935 - Ray took me to the 2-mile corner.  I walked the other mile.  Earl absent, the Christensens were back again.  Mom came out after me tonite.
Tues., October 22, 1935 - Car acted funny today.  The report is that Marian Davis has smallpox, so that's why Earl isn't here.  Frederick Niemann has it, too, I guess.  Jean had an earache this a.m.  Mr. Goodling took her home.  Baked cookies tonite.  Howard brought us a pheasant this eve.
Wed., October 23, 1935 - Car worked fine today.  Benthack says Frederick doesn't have smallpox, so Herbert was in school today.

Such comings and goings with students.  Grandma's attendance book must have looked rather festive.

The name Benthack to me means Dr. Benthack at Wayne.  I was not sure of his first name, but found this on the Wayne State College site:

     "While the building boom of the 1950s and 1960s came to an abrupt end, the applied science and home economics programs benefited from the completion of a new Applied Sciences Hall, named for Dr. Walter Benthack, a member of the college governing board (1939-45) and a prominent Wayne physician for more than half a century."

So, perhaps the Benthack Grandma is referring to was this one.  I was not aware there was a Benthack Hall at WSC.  My familiarity with the buildings on campus came from traipsing around for district music contest during my high school years.  In addition to the large halls for the big groups, other buildings were pressed into service for solos and small groups.  If I was ever in Benthack Hall, I have long forgotten it.  I can't believe I couldn't find a better photo.

Rain, rain go away

Tues., September 3, 1935 - School went just fine. Another rain this afternoon.  Typed tonite and then listened to the radio.
Wed., September 4, 1935 - Jean and Marjorie brought muskmelons to school.  They tasted fine.  It seems today that finally after about 3 weeks of cold and rainy weather it's going to warm up.  I hope so.
Thurs., September 5, 1935 - School as usual.  I should have studied tonite but didn't feel like it.

Grandma's not all that talkative at the moment.  The fourth day of school and it's already "as usual".  I hope things pick up a bit.  I'm ready to talk about canning again.

No more canning; school has started

Sat., August 31, 1935 - Mom washed clothes this morning.  I helped some.  I went to Wayne to the teacher's meeting with Alma, Irene, and Helen.  Tonite Raymond, Helen, Irene, Howard and I went to Wayne.  We saw "Going Highbrow" and Shirley Temple in "Curly Top".  Ray went to Wayne this a.m. to see if he could get work with Joe Baker.
Sun., September 1, 1935 - Rained about all day.  Ray came home at noon from Uncle Hans', to Wayne with Willie, home again at 4:30.  He starts working for Joe Baker tomorrow.  He's going to board and room with Meta.  Howard took me and my junk to Goodlings tonite.
Mon., September 2, 1935 - Just had school this morning.  Cloudy all day.  Jean, Marjorie, and Verdelle Mae were here at school all afternoon, so I didn't get much work done.  Typed tonite.

Here's what wikipedia has to say about "Going Highbrow".  I think it sounds rather fun:

     Going Highbrow is a 1935 American comedy-musical film directed by Robert Florey. Guy Kibbee and Zasu Pitts play a newly rich couple, so eager to buy their way into society they hire a waitress to pose as their daughter.

"Curly Top" I have heard of, but have not seen.  I did not realize the song "Animal Crackers in my Soup" is from this movie.  From wikipedia:

     Young Elizabeth Blair (Shirley Temple) lives at the Lakeside Orphanage, a dreary, regimented place supervised by two decent but dour women. Her older sister Mary (Rochelle Hudson) works in the kitchen, laundry, and dormitory. Elizabeth is a sweet child but her high spirits often lead her into trouble with the superintendent.

     When the trustees descend on the orphanage for a tour of inspection, Elizabeth is caught playfully mimicking the head trustee and is threatened with being sent to a public institution. Young, rich, handsome trustee Edward Morgan (John Boles) intervenes. He takes a liking to Elizabeth and, in a private interview with the child, learns that most of her life has been spent obsequiously expressing her gratitude for every mouthful that has fallen her way. He adopts her but, not wanting to curb Elizabeth's spirit by making her feel slavishly obligated to him for every kindness, he tells her a fictitious "Hiram Jones" is her benefactor and he is simply acting on Jones's behalf as his lawyer. He nicknames her "Curly Top." Meanwhile, he has met and fallen in love with Elizabeth's sister Mary but will not admit it.

     Elizabeth and Mary leave the orphanage and take up residence in Morgan's luxurious Southampton beach house. His kindly aunt, Genevieve Graham (Esther Dale), and his very proper butler Reynolds (Arthur Treacher) are charmed by the two. Elizabeth has everything a child could want including a pony cart and silk pajamas.

     Mary secretly loves Morgan but, believing he has no romantic interest in her, she accepts an offer of marriage from young navy pilot Jimmie Rogers (Maurice Murphy). Morgan is taken aback but offers his congratulations. Hours later, Mary ends the engagement when she realizes she doesn't truly love Jimmie. Morgan then declares his love, reveals he is the fictitious "Hiram Jones", and plans marriage and a long honeymoon in Europe with Mary.

A happy ending for the movie, and now I have a song caught in my head . . .

She's an Energizer Bunny -- more canning

Thurs., August 22, 1935 - Canned 2 quarts and 2 pints of tomatoes.  Boiled some apples for apple butter.  Meta and Melvin, Alma, and Mrs. Loebsack were here this afternoon.
Fri., August 23, 1935 - Felt punk today.  Boiled apples for jell.  Uncle Hans here in p.m.  He, Grandma R., Lillie and Hans are going to Dalton this weekend.  Alma and I went to lodge and came home from lodge together.  Rebekah picnic at Pete Christensen's September 8.
Sat., August 24, 1935 - Canned 4 quarts and 2 pints of tomatoes, 3 quarts of apple juice and 4 quarts of apple pulp.  Ola here a few minutes at noon.  Rained tonight but Howard came up anyway.  Got a card from Aunt Emma saying we could have pickles if we wanted them.

I think it's time for some Winside history, this installment is for 1911:

     January 5, the Halstead stock of dry goods and groceries has been purchased by George Gabler.
     January 19, Fred Bright bought the Lloyd Prince interest in the Winside Dray and will take possession February 1.
     February 2, T. A. Strong has taken over route No. 2 succeeding Dick Waddell.
     February 9, Mesdames Grace Cavanaugh, Lydia Needham and Lute Miller of the Woman's Club, went before the town board to present the Free Public Library idea to them.  The board will act on this next month.
     February 11, Helen Hoffman's school, the Rew District, made $58.00 clear on their box supper.
     February 16, the band played a few selections in the band stand this afternoon.  The day was warm and just like summer.
    February 23, W. D. Whitaker is the new agent of the railroad.
     March 2, H. O. Sipp and family have moved to Gordon, Nebraska; Godfrey Shabrum and family to Sheridan county; Art Larken and wife to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; W. J. Templeton and family to Wessington, South Dakota.
     March 2, Fire destroyed the Wm. Thies pool hall.
     March 16, Mrs. R. B. Crawford was granted a divorce claiming non-support.  Her husband owned the business section of Winside from 1884 to 1886.
     March 23, Library benefit play, "Grand Opera at Persimmon Ridge," was given to a packed house.
     April 13, J. R. Mundy moved to Aurora, Illinois.
     April 14, Sam Reichert drove home his new International automobile.
     May 4, George Gabler is the first merchant to deliver his groceries by auto.
     May 25, most of our autoists can get up enough speed to go up a hill on "high" except when they are accompanied by a young lady.  Then for some reason they are obliged to use the "low."  This is said to be no fault of the machines.
     June 8, Walter Gaebler has a new Mitchell auto.
     June 23, those taking the 8th grade examinations today are:  Gladys Mettlen, Naomi McDaniels, John Mettlen, Clarence Henderson, Minnie Stamm, Mary Von Seggern, Katie Dimmel, Caroline Dysart, Leo Farran and Alta Prince.
     August 10, the horrible looking telephone wires on main street will be placed in a cable this month.
     September 14, depot platform has been taken up and is being replaced by brick.
     October 12, rummage auction sale was held to benefit the library.
     November 2, Champ Clark spoke three minutes from the rear of the train to an unusually large crowd.
     November 2, Prof. Bicknell arranged a debate in the opera house on the question, "Which has done more to determine the destiny of a nation, Lincoln or Jefferson."  A .W. Stockham and M. H. Boyle supported Lincoln and Walter Gaebler and Dr. B. M. McIntyre, Jefferson.  Mrs. I. O. Brown sang two selections and Tot Chapin rendered a piano solo.  Jefferson debaters won.

A few findings --  I found a very short summary of the play: "Wax figures" with vacant stare and jerky movement sing killing songs. Uproariously funny.  I guess we'll take them at their word.  Also, from wikipedia:  James Beauchamp "Champ" Clark was a prominent American politician in the Democratic Party from the 1890's until his death.  He represented Missouri in the United States House of Representatives and served as Speaker of the House from 1911 to 1919.   I read elsewhere in the Winside history book a piece about Dr. McIntrye.  It portrayed him as quite the good person.  I'll get around to adding some of those biographies once I've finished with the year-by-year information.

I've used the photo before, but here's a nice one of the Pete Christensen family.

School's out!

Wed., May 15, 1935 - The three sixth grade boys cleaned the basement today and did an excellent job.  Robert took Co. exams. The rest worked on fair work.
Thurs., May 16, 1935 - Finished fair work today.  The sixth grade helped the 3rd and 4th grade make letters.
Fri., May 17, 1935 - Warmed up in p.m.  Cloudy all this week.  Checked in books.  Dismissed before noon.  Marjorie, Jean, and Verdelle Mae stayed until 1:30 to help me!  Went to Card Club at Walkers.  Howard didn't go, he was plowing late.

Oh, the last day of school.  Knowing you would wake up in the morning with a whole summer ahead.  It didn't matter if you had to get up early now and then for this and that, it was SUMMER!  The country kids thought I was nuts, but I always told them how much I liked riding on the bus whenever I stayed overnight at their places.  I was especially jealous to learn there were water fights on the way home after the last day of school.

I am not sure when the above photo was taken, but it certainly looks like Grandma with some students, likely her students.

Another birthday

Tues., February 26, 1935 - Warmer today, thawed some.  To practice at South school with Walkers and Howard.  Put up stage.  Howard went back to Pete's again tonite.
Wed., February 27, 1935 - Warm and thawing today.  Marjorie C. treated with homemade candy for her birthday.  Practice again.  Vaudeville entertainers there tonite.  Howard went to Pete's again.
Thurs., February 28, 1935 - We had mashed potatoes and macaroni for hot lunch.  Dress rehearsal tonite.  Went to practice with Walkers and Howard.

I looked it up and little Marjorie was 7 years old in 1935.  I thought I had a photo of when she was a young girl, but after several days of thinking and looking and finding nothing suitable, I am going with the above photo of the Christensen family; Marjorie, Jean, Pete, Margaret and Allen.  A fine looking bunch.

28 North

Fri., January 4, 1935 - Gave exams all day.  The card club met at Hank Koch's tonite.  We're each going to entertain again.  Sides were chosen, at end of season losing side will entertain winning side.
Sat., January 5, 1935 - Washed out some clothes.  Was down town to Miss Mettlen's and the library this evening.  After supper corrected examination papers and embroidered.
Sun., January 6, 1935 - Ray came home late last nite.  Went to S.S.  After dinner I went up to Alma's.  Mom and I went to Mrs. W. Miller to have her bake a cake for Alma and I to take to installation tomorrow nite.  Howard took me to Goodlings.

It's not the best quality, but the photo is a page from the Winside Centennial big red book with the article about 28 North.  There you can see Jean and Marjorie and the Goodling kids, as well as Grandma.  Sort of.  I would sure be nice to have a better image, but again, it is great that someone took the time to take those pictures and that they were around long enough to make it to the book.  It's all good.

These photos were the only mention in the whole book of any Goodlings.  And I can't find anyone with that last name on findagrave in the Midwest.  Not that it matters as to commenting on Grandma's diary, but I find I like the detective work that sometimes comes up.

Scandal?

Sun., November 12, 1933 - A real wind storm raged all day.  At about 2:00 p.m. it was so dark that it seemed like 5:00 or 6:00.  The dust sifted into the house.  Edwin went home about 10:30.  I went to S.S. and church.  We had Holy Communion.  Didn't do much this p.m.  Howard came about 6:00, but I wasn't ready until 7:00.  We stopped at the school house and started a fire.
Mon., November 13, 1933 - I'm glad a fire was started last nite, so much warmer in the school house this morning.  Everything was covered with dust.  After school I washed three of the north windows and wiped down the woodwork.  Had to put compound on the floor.  I baked a cake after supper, Mrs. Mellor's sour cream chocolate cake.  It fell a little bit.
Tues., November 14, 1933 - Delmar and Bruce were at school ahead of me this morning.  We played outside this noon, although it was rather chilly.  George had a headache at recess and I sent him home.  Tried to write lesson plans this evening but didn't succeed.  Mrs. Behmer and I talked until 10:30.

Students arriving to school before the teacher?  Sounds scandalous to me.

Speaking of students and their teacher, I was copying part of the Nielsen/Iversen family history book that Jean and Margie did back in the day to send to Mitch.  I couldn't help but read bits here and there while I was at it.  I stumbled upon a little story I had not heard before.  Here it is straight from the book, under Margie's section:

     Marjorie, Jean and Allen attended 28 North school with Marian Andersen as their teacher, she later married their uncle, Howard Iversen.  They walked the one and a quarter miles to school most of the time with Allen and Jean dragging and helping her along.  According to Jean, she would say "Now Yeannie, you KNOW I is the lillest one"  And it worked wonders.  Sometimes they would cut across the fields as a short-cut and in one hay field stood a hay stack that was fun to climb and slide down the sides a few times on the way.  One morning they stayed a little too long and suddenly heard the school bell ringing and ran madly -- but they were late.  When Marian asked why the five of them (there were two neighbor boys that walked with them) the older boys said some dumb thing like the cows were out or something.  To their amazement, she didn't believe it and they had to stay after school -- she had seen the reflection of the sun off the bottom of their dinner buckets as they were sliding down the stack!

I chuckled after reading this story and had NO problem whatsoever in believing it.  Grandma was nothing if not sharp as a tack.

2015 goings on

September 29, 1932 - My "Wayne County Teacher" came and says that Institute is next Monday and Tuesday.  I played ball this noon.  Talked to Mayme tonite.
September 30, 1932 - Mom came after me about 5 o'clock.  We went over to Behmer's a few minutes to see about having the school furnace fixed.  Annie and Ola and kids were in this evening for watermelon.  Claus, Pete and Clara were here a few minutes, too.
October 1, 1932 - Mom, Ray and I went to Norfolk this morning.  I got some school prizes.  I went with Ray to the barn dance at Carr's tonite.  Had such a good time that I want to go next Saturday.

I am guessing Institute is what we called teachers' convention (I think that is what we called it in my day anyway . . . my day is 35 years ago now).  I do remember we got out of school for a few days and that was what mattered.

This last weekend was the Nielsen-Iversen family reunion.  We didn't make it up for the Friday night weenie roast and fireworks, but went to the gathering on Saturday at the Legion Hall in Winside.  I feel safe in saying a good time was had by all.  Dorothy Jo wished to pass along her recording secretary duties and gave them to Mom, who wasted no time in passing them to me.  I suppose I should find out what all is involved so that I do not drop the ball somewhere along the way.  I did a very quick count of the sign-in sheet and counted 89 people for the Saturday lunch.  Not bad.  Not bad at all.  The next reunion, in 2018, will be Grandpa's kin's turn to be in charge.  The last I knew the weenie roast would be at our place and the Saturday meal in Wahoo.

I made a concerted effort on Saturday to talk to people other than those I see most often and did pretty well.  I had a grand time sketching out the family tree for Sabrina.  I think I managed to clear the air rather than muddy up the waters, but the family tree is a slight bit confusing for the younger ones.  I am so happy that she wanted to know who was who and what was what.

The photos are from 4th of July picnics in the past.  Thank goodness.  Some of these hairstyles and fashion statements definitely need to stay in the past. (The blog program has a limit on the characters in the label box where I name who and what is in the post -- so I couldn't get everyone tagged.)

More normal stuff here

"February 25, 2002:  Had prescriptions delivered from National Pharmacy.  Organized my birthday cards.  Played Seven-Up in party room in evening.
February 26, 2002:  Very cold and windy today.  Mary took me for my weekly shampoo, etc.
February 27, 2002:  Called Marjorie C. this morning for her birthday.  Mary here at noon and I took my shower.  Book Club tonight."

I was surprised when I learned (prior to today) that there were still pharmacies in Lincoln that made deliveries.  I figured that was something that had gone by the wayside over time.  I imagine there is a fee, but I do not know that for sure.  Regardless, it is a very nice service that I am sure many people appreciate.

I had forgotten that for awhile there I took Grandma to her hair appointment one day and then came to lunch the next.  I know eventually we got down to me picking her up from the beauty college and having lunch the same day.  Grandma didn't shower those days since we visited over lunch.  I think I still was there for a shower now and then, but I just don't recall how that worked.  I suppose I will find out in time as I go through the journal.

I am trying to figure out which photos I may not have used at all, or used only once.  I believe this is one of those.  Grandma Anna's husband is in the middle.  He is with, as I understand it, other members of a threshing crew.  It may be Uncle Chris, his brother, there on the left.

Quilting lesson, part 4

"January 31, 2002:  Received 18 birthday cards.  Snowed lightly all day.  I baked six loaves of banana bread.  Have received 66 cards.
February 1, 2002:  Clear this morning.  19 cards today.
February 2, 2002:  18 cards today.  Took banana bread to Evena S., Zoya, and my neighbors Bernice and Dale A.  Helen called for my birthday -- so did Raymond and Arlene P., also Jean and Marjorie.  Nancy came the middle of the afternoon.  Brought groceries and then washed floors, vacuumed, etc.  I took my shower."

The total cards would be over 100 at this point and spoiler alert -- she got more after February 2.

How nice to make gifts and deliver them around the time of your own birthday. 

On to more quilt information.

Quilts have had a place in history.  I found these stories in quilt magazines. 

One quilt in history concerns an Irish family by the name of O'Hara.  The father, Thomas, came to America first.  After two years and three months he was able to send for his wife and two daughters, Jenny and Patty.  The grandmother had given each of the little girls a fine handmade quilt to wrap up in on their sea voyage.  When they arrived at Ellis Island, Jenny had a bad cold and was kept there until she as over it.  After two weeks she rejoined her family but with new clothes and no quilt.  The law was to destroy the clothing of anyone held because of sickness.  The family was very upset over the loss of the quilt as the grandmother was very frail and died before she could make another quilt for her granddaughter.  Girls became involved in school and new friends and soon forgot the disappointment.  Several months later a woman came to the door -- had written description of pattern and materials -- searched stores for similar material, etc.  Quilt not too different from the original -- made Jenny realize the kindness in the new country.

Another quilt story involves an 8 year old girl who had difficulty with multiplication tables (no calculator then!) [teacher to home, etc.]

This quilt story is told by Mary Louise Kitsen whose ancestors were from Arnsdorf in Austria.  People used quilts more as robes than covers.  As a child Mary's grandmother had a favorite "church" robe which had bright red material that was "soft" to the touch.  (churches not heated).  She used this robe on the Christmas Eve in 1881 when the Pastor, Josef Mohr first sang "Silent Night" to the accompaniment of a guitar-like instrument.  The church organ had been damaged by mice gnawing at the organ bellows.  The lady likes to imagine the little congregation, sitting in the cold church, with snow falling outside, many wearing "quilted robes" listening to the new song and then singing with the pastor.

Oh, phooey.  Apparently Grandma didn't need more notes for the multiplication story and so all we have are these bare notes.  I am curious as to what that story is.  Maybe I can find it.

Here is a photo of the Baby Blocks quilt that was given to Tom and Merilyn.  I like Nancy's quilt-modeling pose.

A van?

"June 18, 1995:  Greta, Howard and I to Lincoln to Nancy's for Father's Day.  All the kids there -- weather was ideal.  Dale's got a "new" (to them) van.
June 23, 1995:  Sophia Morris and Arlene Lurz here in p.m.  I had Arlene R. play for me at Pinochle Club.
June 25, 1995:  To church in a.m.  Helen came here in p.m and we Scrabbled.
June 27, 1995:  Jean, Marjorie, Dorothy Jo and Helen here in p.m."

I am guessing the out-of-state folk were in town for the 4th of July even though it wasn't a big reunion year.  Which is very nice.

Either Grandma is playing fast and loose with the word "van" or I am totally forgotten that Dale and Lynn ever had one.  I just don't remember that or see them as van people.  But, as I have admitted on this blog before, I don't claim to remember much.

I have always liked this photo of Jean and Marjorie and Grandpa.  They certainly got a kick out of their Uncle Howard, and vice versa.

Horn tooting

"May 27, 1995:  Nancy came in morning.  We went to greenhouse in Wakefield for plants in p.m.  About 5:00 p.m. we had heavy rain with some hail.  To alumni banquet in evening.  The class of 1975 honored me -- paid for my dinner and gave me a corsage.  After Greg L. introduced the class, Brian W. said some nice things about me -- I got a standing ovation.
May 28, 1995:  From Friday evening until this morning we had over 5 inches of rain -- the rain gauge ran over.  To Dorothy Jo's in p.m. to visit Ronnie, Sheryl and Kristine, also Marjorie C.  Ronnie and Marjorie had come for class reunions in Laurel."

I do not think I am mistaken in saying this is one of the very few times I remember (I guess remembering is the key word here) Grandma tooting her own horn.  But it seems this was a well-deserved occasion to do just that.

I am glad May is almost over as I keep typing Mary instead of May and having to go back and correct.  I may have missed a few, but I don't want to know about it.

Semi-appropriate to what Grandma wrote about, here's a photo of Ronnie in or out of the basket, and Lloyd and Mom in the box