Now what??

Sun., March 21, 1937 - Left for Pete's at 9:00.  Had a blow-out 3 miles east on the highway.  Met the folks at the South school & went with them.  Went over to Rews for supper.  Jensens, Iversens & we were the guests.  Had a very delicious meal.
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Wed., March 24, 1937 - Howard over to Holtgrews his a.m.  To Wayne this p.m. with Lettman.  Started to snow about 2:30 -- a regular blizzard by evening.
Thurs., March 25, 1937 - Clear and thawing.  Howard went over to Holtgrews to finish working on the tractor this p.m.

I wonder how, in the days before cell phones, that Grandma and Grandpa managed to meet up with Grandpa's parents (I'm guessing) after having a blow-out.  All sorts of ways how it could have worked out, but I'm curious nonetheless.  Problem is, I'll never know.

I titled this "Now what??" because I believe I am at the end of Grandma's diaries from the 1930's.  I know there's nothing more for 1937 in this particular diary because I paged through to the very end.  So, it is up to me to figure out where I left off when I diverged from when she was living in Lincoln to back when she was a young, unmarried lady.  Who knows how long it will take me to find the spot I need and then find the right journal to pick up there I left off.  I vow to try to make it sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, and I do hope it's a short break, here is a photo of Grandma's door tag from the Pioneer House.  As some will recall, she voluntarily took part in a little scheme to check on some of the residents living there.  In the morning, those with tags were to put them on the outside doorknob of their unit.  Then, a volunteer would check all the participating doorknobs to look for tags.  A tag showing would mean the resident was up and about and okay.  If one was not visible, the resident would be called or a knock made on the door just to be sure all was well.  The tag was to be brought back inside each evening.

When we were cleaning out Grandma's unit after she died, I decided to take her tag.  When I see it, I am reminded that everything is okay.  And I rather like that.

Capper's Weekly

Thurs., March 18, 1937 - Howard & Raymond finished hauling wood this morning.  They took the tractor over to Holtgrews this afternoon.  I subscribed for Capper's Weekly.
Fri., March 19, 1937 - Howard at Holtgrews working on tractor.  Started to snow at noon.  Howard went to town this p.m. to get corn for chickens.  Quite a blizzard by evening -- not very cold though.
Sat., March 20, 1937 - Received an apron from Irene today.  We went to town this afternoon.  Clear & thawing today.  Mom has my sweater just about done.  Over to Howard's folks this evening.  Had to walk down the east hill because of the snow that drifted in there yesterday.

I have some fond memories of Capper's Weekly.  I remember looking at it, specifically the recipes and the patterns that you could order.  I had a subscription back in the day, but no new subscription for me now.  It ended publication in 1986.  You can find single edition copies and patterns and cookbooks on eBay, however.  There is a current publication called Capper's Farmer which is under the umbrella of "Grit", as was Capper's Weekly.

I have quite a few of the patterns that Grandma and Mom used to have.  I've made things from them, too, but even if I hadn't or didn't have future plans to do so, I'd probably hold on to them anyway.  It's what I do.

The boys

Mon., March 15, 1937 - Howard cutting wood today.  Tonite we went to Wayne with Raymond & Helen.  The Wayne IOOF had a play & program.
Tues., March 16, 1937 - Baked 2 pies & a cake.  We went to town tonite with Raymond.  The boys had to see about getting a truck to haul wood -- they loaded the wagon too heavy & broke a wheel on the way home.
Wed., March 17, 1937 - Bill Loebsack hauled the wood today.  The boys have to go back tomorrow because his truck wouldn't hold all of it.

I'm guessing Grandma is referring to Grandpa and Uncle Raymond as "the boys".  I've not heard them called that before.

I didn't know before that the Odd Fellows started across the pond, but now I do.  From wikipedia:

"The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is a non-political and non-sectarian international secret society and fraternal order of Odd Fellowship. It was founded in 1819 by Thomas Wildey in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Evolving from the Order of Odd Fellows founded in England during the 1700s, the IOOF was originally chartered by the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity in England but has operated as an independent organization since 1842, although it maintains an inter-fraternal relationship with the English Order. The order is also known as the Triple Link Fraternity, referring to the order's "Triple Links" symbol, alluding to its motto "Friendship, Love and Truth".

While several unofficial Odd Fellows lodges had existed in New York City circa 1806-1818, because of its charter relationship, the American Odd Fellows is regarded as being founded with Washington Lodge No 1 in Baltimore at the Seven Stars Tavern on April 26, 1819, by Thomas Wildey along with some associates who assembled in response to an advertisement in the New Republic. The following year, the lodge affiliated with the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity and was granted the authority to institute new lodges. Previously, Wildey had joined the Grand United Order of Oddfellows (1798-) in 1804 but followed through with the split of Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity (1810-) before immigrating to the United States in 1817.

In 1842, after an elementary dispute on authority, the American Lodges formed a governing system separate from the English Order, and in 1843 assumed the name Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows became the first fraternity in the United States to include both men and women when it adopted the "Beautiful Rebekah Degree" on September 20, 1851, by initiative of Schuyler Colfax, later Vice-President of the United States.

Beyond fraternal and recreational activities, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows promotes the ethic of reciprocity and charity, by implied inspiration of Judeo-Christian ethics. The largest Sovereign Grand Lodge of all fraternal orders of Odd Fellows since the 19th century, it enrolls some 600,000 members divided in approximately 10,000 lodges in 26 countries, inter-fraternally recognised by the second largest, the British-seated Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity."

Photo from cheatsheet.com

More woodcutting and more cards

Fri., March 12, 1937 - Howard cutting wood all day.  Elmer & Myrtle came about 10:30.  Elmer went to town & Myrtle stayed here.  Snowed off & on about all day.  To lodge tonite.
Sat., March 13, 1937 - Cleaned the house this a.m.  We went to town about 1:30.  I got a new pair of everyday slippers.  Went to Mrs. Wolff's with lodge work & then up home.  We received a rose bedspread, a wedding present, from Trena & Mildred in the mail.
Sun., March 14, 1937 - Nobody here all day.  Howard and I played Pinochle this afternoon and evening.  We were over home a few minutes this p.m.  Helen got a gift for me to give Gertie in Norfolk yesterday.

I am not sure who Mildred is, but Trena would be the wife of Andrew Andersen, first cousin to William Andersen.  I really like the idea of getting a gift the March after a June wedding.  Busy people put in extra time to make something for the new couple.  Would loved to have seen the bedspread.  (I just plucked a photo off the internet to add here; photo from Pinterest.com)

I don't know who Gertie is.

Visiting and chopping wood

Tues., March 9, 1937 - I baked bread and cinnamon rolls.  Howard was gone this afternoon cutting wood at Hendricksons.  Howard wanted to go to Holtgrews but I didn't because I didn't have a clean dress.
Wed., March 10, 1937 - Howard gone all day cutting wood.  We went to Holtgrews tonite -- they weren't home so we went to Carl Troutmans.  Played Pinochle -- home about 12:00.
Thus., March 11, 1937 - Howard cutting wood again today.  I ironed most of the day.  Crocheted while the irons were heating.  The gas iron wouldn't work.

I find it fascinating that in these days, people just up and went visiting in the hopes that whoever they planned to see was home.  I guess it meant you always had to have your house ready for company and perhaps always had something on hand for a little treat or snack.  And coffee, maybe?

I'm glad Grandpa got to cut lots of wood.  I hoped he enjoyed doing it in 1937 as he did much later in life.

Canning stuff

Sat., March 6, 1937 - Finished rendering out the lard.  Got all the meat canned except head cheese & liver sausage.  Absolutely hot outside all day.  Howard hauled the straw from Chris' old place.  I helped unload it.  Took Mom home tonite.
Sun., March 7, 1937 - Howard fixed a rack for the canner & partitions for silverware drawer.  I canned 8 half-pints of head cheese & 4 of liver sausage.  Leo, Nels, Raymond & Helen here this evening.  We played cards & popped popcorn.
Mon., March 8, 1937 - Howard's Uncle Nels from Colorado, his dad, & Raymond were here for dinner today.  I put the meat in brine this morning.  Howard to lodge with Mike & Art.

I've heard family members talk about head cheese but do not recall anyone mentioning home-canned liver sausage.  Sounds rather interesting, I must say.

I remember hearing of Uncle Nels of Colorado, but am short on details.  I will have to do a little research.  Is this him in the photo on the left with Grandpa Peter Iversen on the right?

Oh, dear

Wed., March 3, 1937 - We took the meat down to Elmer & Myrtle today.  We ran out of gas just before going in to August's pasture.  I got tired of waiting for Howard to hunt up gas & walked over home.
Thurs., March 4, 1937 - Howard helped me cut up the meat this morning.  I cleaned up the house this afternoon.
Fri., March 5, 1937 - Howard went in this morning after Mom.  We got quite a bit done today with the meat.

I wonder if Grandpa had a moment of panic when he got back to the car and Grandma was gone.  Or maybe she warned him she might not wait.  In any event, it seems somewhat un-Grandma-ish to just take off.  Apparently he didn't hold any sort of grudge as he was helping her the next morning with the meat and went to get Grandma Anna the next day.  I wonder what they talked about, if anything.

Pound shower?

Sun., February 28, 1937 - We went to church.  Stayed after church for the pound shower & dinner for Rev. Knaub, the new minister.  Over to Graef's tonite for Raymond G.'s birthday with the kids.
Mon., March 1, 1937 - Baked 2 cakes but neither was very good.  We went to installation with the folks.  Wayne installed for both Reb. & Odd Fellows.
Tues., March 2, 1937 - We went over home to butcher.  I expected Myrtle to be there but she stayed home to bake bread.  They butchered 3 hogs.  We get a half & a quarter.

I had to do a search and am not sure, but I think a pound shower is where you bring a pound of something.  Perhaps this was a welcoming gift for Rev. Knaub?  I had not heard of such a thing before but it's a neat idea, I think.

Here's me today for the photo.  I got a new haircut just an hour ago.  Don't count on it looking like this again, though.

A birthday slipped by

Thurs., February 25, 1937 - Nicer today.  This is Irene's birthday.  I should write because she sent me a card and a letter for mine.  Too tired today to do much.
Fri., February 26, 1937 - We went to lodge tonite -- ran out of gas near Oscar Mann's.  Howard had to go up there to get some.
Sat., February 27, 1937 - Took our first eggs to sell to town today.  Also some cream, the washing, and bread to bake.  I was invited to a shower in Wayne today for Gertie Most but couldn't go.

Why did Grandma take bread to town to bake, I wonder.

I can't believe she hadn't already written a letter to Aunt Irene in anticipation of her birthday.  Maybe Grandma was really busy.

Look at those gams!!

Skipping ahead a bit

Mon., February 22, 1937 - Went with Howard over to Chris & Clara's to help move.  We packed fruit jars this morning.  I stayed all night.
Tues., February 23, 1937 - Packing! & more packing.  I went home with Howard tonite.  We got a grant check for $16 today.
Wed., February 24, 1937 - Jo helped today at Clara's too.  We were over to the new place & had dinner at 12:00.  Cold & windy with occasional snow flurries.

That was a pretty good grant check, I think.  I did a little looking online and it appears the buying power of $16 in 1937 equates to about $280 in 2018.

I will have to remember to ask where Uncle Chris and Aunt Clara were moving from and moving to.

I still like this photo of (l. to r.) Aunt Irene, Aunt Helen and Aunt Clara.

We kids?

Sat., February 6, 1937 - I baked a cake and fried a chicken to take to Clara's tomorrow.
Sun., February 7, 1937 - We went to Jensen's this morning.  From there Mike, Jo, Helen, Raymond & we kids went in the bobsled to Clara's for her birthday.
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Fri., February 12, 1937 - Baked cakes today to serve at lodge tonite.  Helen, Raymond, & we kids went to lodge with Mike & Jo in their car.

Is Grandma referring to her and Grandpa as "we kids"?  If so, I'm loving it.

Birthday celebration, and what I hope was a lovely bobsled ride aside, I must share the "fun" I had this morning.

I should have been soundly sleeping at 4:00 a.m. but that was not the case because the one dog was barking incessantly starting at about that same time.  Normally I would go out and see what the problem was, but the smell of skunk spray was already in the house, so I knew what was making the hound bark.  Our closest neighbors are far enough away that the barking wouldn't be bothering them so I wasn't being inconsiderate.  I figured I would not have to go out and deal with the skunk at all as it certainly would soon tire of the noise and wander off.  Wrong. 

I opted to pass on my second hitting of the snooze button around 5:40 a.m. and instead wandered out in the dark with my headlamp for light.  Turns out the poor skunk got itself into the dog's pen and could not get itself out.  So, Roscoe had it in a corner of the pen, barking in its face.  Thankfully it was in a corner with a gate.  Unfortunately, the gate is rarely used and the grass has grown up around the bottom a bit, making it unclear to me if I can even get it open with the speed I am hoping for.

Here's a mental picture --- me, in my nightgown, light strapped to my forehead, at the corner of the fence.  I am trying to get the dog to stop being so excited about its treasure to let me grab his collar on one side of the corner while I'm stretched against the fence trying to keep myself as far from the skunk as possible while reaching for the latch just around the corner on the adjoining side of the pen so the stinky thing can find its way out. 

Remarkably, luck was on my side and the dog let me hold him, the gate did open somewhat, and the confused and likely tired skunk pushed itself right out and wandered off.  Instant silence, but the fog of skunk perfume was still in the air so I have no idea if the dog got himself sprayed or not. 

Don't let anyone tell you I don't live a fascinating life.  I should also mention the female dog was wisely hid inside the garage, as far away as she could get from the noise and smell.  Smart dog. 

Photo from abcwildlife.com

The winter that won't let up

Wed., February 3, 1937 - Snowing & windy today.  It's impossible to go after the car.
Thurs., February 4, 1937 - Jo & Mike brought our mail tonite.  About half on hour after they came Raymond, Helen & Bess came.  The girls had walked all the way from Rews.  The weather was too bad yesterday on my birthday so they came tonite.  Mike & Jo didn't know they (the girls) were going to come tonite.  So we were all surprised.
Fri., February 5, 1937 - Howard went over home to see about taking the tractor to get our car but decided it was too cold.

While it's not fun to swelter in summer heat, it surely doesn't sound like the extreme opposite in 1937 was any better.  Nice, though, that Grandma got a bit of a surprise, well two maybe, for her birthday.

And here's a photo of a birthday 68 years later, Grandma's last as it turned out.  Gosh, but I still miss her so much.

New one for me

Mon., January 25, 1937 - Mike over this a.m. to see if Howard would go to town with him tomorrow.  Raymond brought our mail this evening.  Howard feeling better today. Clear - quiet.
Tues., January 26, 1937 - August here to see Howard this a.m.  Howard went over to Jensen's when August left & went to town with Mike.  Clear -- wind in south.
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Tues., February 2, 1937 - We went to town today - second time for me this year.  Coming home our car stopped half way up Hagleman's hill.  Cold wind from the south.  They took us as far as Jensen's stubble field & we walked the rest of the way home.

I don't know that I've heard of Hagleman's hill.

I wonder if Grandma was getting a bit of cabin fever having not been to Winside hardly at all in 1937.  I think I would have.

For no particular reason, a nice photo of Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle Raymond.

Grandpa sick and wonderful 2018 news

Fri., January 22, 1937 - Howard was down to Vahlkamps and over home today.  They're busy over there scooping out roads again.
Sat., January 23, 1937 - August Vahlkamp & his team & Howard & his lumber wagon went to town.  Howard brought home chicken feed.  He had chills & a headache when he came home.  We each had a hot drink & greased ourselves.
Sun., January 24, 1937 - Howard went to town with August again -- brought home some coal.  Also oysters, frozen fish & soup beef.  We had the oysters for supper -- also a hot drink before retiring. 

I wonder if the hot drink was warmed blackberry brandy.  I don't know that anyone ever warmed it, but I do know that it was Grandpa's cure-all for what ails you.  Or maybe just one of his cure-alls, I'm not sure.

Friday over lunch at Mom's, we were treated with the news that Dane and Alison are expecting a little one in April.  Sooooo very excited and happy for them!  If Dane had only provided me with the wedding photos reprints I ordered, I could post a wedding photo of the two of them.  I must admit, his delay in getting them to me only proves we are closely related.  As it is, here's a photo from their trip to Europe last year.

What a winter!

Tues., January 19, 1937 - Men finished opening the road to town.  I went home with Carl & Dorothy about 4:30.  Howard came after me about 6:30.  We stayed for supper.  Talked until 10:30 after we got home.
Wed., January 20, 1937 - Howard was going to town with the Ford but about 9:00 a.m. the wind began to blow & by noon the roads were blocked -- a heck of a note!
Thurs., January 21, 1937 - Howard scooped out the silo.  Clear and quiet.  Impossible to go to town since the wind blew so hard yesterday.

It's bad enough now when the road crews have to go out to clear and then have to do it all over again fairly soon, but this was much worse.  What a mess.

Here's a photo of me last winter on a particularly cold day.  Have fogged up glasses, frost in my hair and on my hat, and hay on my face.  Who says I don't have a good time?

Of course

Sat., January 16, 1937 - Clear & warm today.  About 5:00 tonite we decided to walk to town.  We left at 6:00.  About 1-1/2 miles from town the wind changed to the northwest.  Soon after we got a ride with Clarence Hoeman.  We played Pinochle from 12 to 3:30.  Stayed all nite.
Sun., January 17, 1937 - Howard walked home about 9:30.  Mom and I canned 12 pints of sausage and 12 quarts of roasted pork today.  We talked all the time of course.
Mon., January 18, 1937 - Howard came about 3:30 this p.m.  All of VonSeggerns except the 2 older boys are sick in bed with flu.  Dorothy Troutman & I are supposed to stay there tonite.  After we got there they took Janice [Janie?] who has pneumonia to Wayne.  Jo stayed here, too.  Carl & Howard were here until 12:00 Howard stayed with Carl.

Why, of course, Grandma and Grandma Anna talked all the while they were canning.  I would be shocked if it were any different.

We went to Jayme and Ashley's wedding this last weekend.  Such a lovely and wonderful couple they make.  So happy for them.

Taters

Wed., January 13, 1937 - Howard had a terrible time getting the car out this morning.  He got corn & coal today.  We were going to town tonite to see Mom, but when we got started the wind was drifting so badly, we turned around & came home.
Thurs., January 14, 1937 - Holtgrew brought our groceries over today.  He drove over in a buggy.  We had fried potatoes for supper -- been so long since I've fried potatoes that I've about forgot how.
Fri., January 15, 1937 - I washed out some underwear and stockings today.  Afterwards when I was mopping the floor I spilled about a pint of kerosene -- Brrr!!!

I remember Grandma's fried potatoes very much, so I am personally very pleased that she did not forget how to make them.



Photo from:  stormofflavors.wordpress.com

Snow, snow. snow

Sun., January 10, 1937 - Howard walked over home today. Met Carlos Martin who said Foxie [?] was coming down this road with the snow plow & the farmers should help.
Mon., January 11, 1937 - Howard helped scoop all morning.  This afternoon he went to town with Carl.  He came home with Holtgrew -- left the groceries there & walked home.
Tues., January 12, 1937 - Howard took the tractor over home today to get our car.  I rode along with him.  We got stuck in the pasture coming home and left the car there.

It must have been really bad, she said, searching for the Winside history book.  I had to clear part of my office once for the install of my new desk, only to be told the vendor forgot to order my desk.  I put everything back, only to have to clear again recently once the desk finally came in.  Anyway, I found it.  This is what it said for part of January 1937:

"January 1, Winside was completely isolated when the worst blizzard in years struck suddenly today.  School will be closed for several days owing to the high drifts.
January 14th, snow has again blocked the roads and railroad. Three trucks were used to take the snow off of Main street."

The January 1st snow mentioned was the one when Grandma commented she could barely see Grandpa when he was outside.

Getting more settled in

Thurs., January 7, 1937 - Cold today -- hard to get the house warm.  I made myself a pair of pajamas this p.m.  Howard started to make a shelf for the kitchen this evening.
Fri., January 8, 1937 - Clear & much warmer -- blew some all day. We played cards tonite.
Sat., January 9 1937 - Finally tacked up the pockets on the bedroom door.  Sorted out old hose & silk underwear & mended some, too.

New p.j.'s, a shelf, organized hose and undies . . . things are coming right along for the still-newlywed couple.

It's not timely for either the here and now nor Grandma's journal entry, but I had to share this silly pic an internet friend made of me.  Cute, huh?

First that, now this

Mon., January 4, 1937 - Warm & clear -- thawed a little.  Howard helped a bunch open the road to town.  They got within a mile of town & walked in from there.  We read the papers since Friday's tonite.
Tues., January 5, 1937 - Raw east wind & cold.  Had quite a time keeping the house warm.  Baked the rest of the peppernuts tonite.  The touch of sciatica that's been bothering me the last week or so seems to be leaving.  Howard has massaged my feet for me the last several evenings.
Wed., January 6, 1937 - Snowed a little -- wind from northwest making drifts bigger than ever.  Mike over this p.m. to pay lodge dues.  Mom enclosed a letter from Ray & Uncle Jim in the letter I got from her yesterday.  Ray is in Greenwood, Cal.  Uncle Jim is working near Chicago.  He went back to Pueblo for Xmas holidays.  We played cards this evening.  Mailman didn't go.

First Grandma is checking for Grandpa out in the snow, and now he's massaging her feet.  How sweet is all of that?

I believe Greenwood, California is correct.  Grandma's handwriting was pretty tiny, but there is (at least currently) no Greenwood, Colorado, so Cali it is, rightly or wrongly.

I think 1937 is it

Thurs., December 31, 1936 - Clear today.  Howard went to sign for gov't money this a.m.  We were planning to go to the midnight show at Norfolk with Rews.  The snow yesterday put an end to that.  We played cards until about 10:30 before going to bed.
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Sat., January 2, 1937 - Cold, windy - a regular blizzard.  Half the time I couldn't see Howard when he was going to the bar or hen house -- the air was so full of snow.  Terrible drifts -- pump just about covered.
Sun., January 3, 1937 - We had planned on going to Annie's for her birthday but the storm yesterday ended those plans.  Clear & not very windy.  Howard walked over home to get his glasses.  I embroidered this p.m.

I wonder how many times Grandma checked out the window to try to spy Grandpa in the snow.

I will certainly double-check, but it looks that there is enough in 1937 for about 20 posts and then I will have to back-track and see where I was in the 2000's with Grandma's journals.

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

Look at me, posting on a Saturday

Tues., December 22, 1936 - Baked cookies & stirred up peppernuts.  Tonite Howard & I made out our lodge reports.
Wed., December 23, 1936 - Sent my lodge report this p.m.  Howard took me to town while he went to McClary sale.  Went with kids to Elmer & Myrtle's.  The rest of the bunch came later & surprised Howard & Elmer for their birthdays which were a week ago.  I believe they here surprised.
Thurs., December 24, 1936 - Worked on Xmas presents.  Tried to make some candy but it wasn't so good.  We went into town tonite.  Mom was pleased & surprised with her quilt.  Home at 12:00.

So, it all was a surprise -- how nice.  And Grandma Anna got a surprise, too.  I wonder what the quilt pattern was.  Photo borrowed from ahhhquilting.blogspot.com.  Look at the neat quilting there -- I think I may need to check out that blog.

Being Danish

Sat., December 19, 1936 - Iny came home today.  Cleaned the house.  Irene, Helen, Bess, & Dorothea came over tonite for our slumber party!  Iny & Bess slept on the lounge.  Howard stayed over home.
Sun., December 20, 1936 - Up to Margaret's for dinner with the folks.  Had a grand dinner.  Tonite we & the Rews were over home and made candy.
Mon., December 21, 1936 - Made some candy.  One batch failed, but the other O.K.  Went to town tonite to lodge Xmas party.  Everybody brought candy or popcorn.  The lodge bought apples.

I can just see Grandpa's reaction to an upcoming slumber party at his house.  I wonder how quickly he beat feet out the door.  Haha.  First no birthday celebration, and now this.

I went to my first Danish Sisterhood of American function this weekend.  It was not a regular monthly meeting, but their annual district convention.  Which was very nice as there were people not in our local lodge there, meaning there were extra people to visit with.  I learned over supper (and it was news to most of us at the table) that back in the earlier days of Danish immigration, there were basically two groups -- Happy Danes and Holy Danes.  The Holy Danes were very strict due to religious beliefs.  The lady next to me at supper was probably in her 70's and she said she was not allowed to go to movies or dances, and there was not a deck of cards in their house until she was in high school when her mother apparently thought she was old enough to handle the temptations and evils attached to playing cards.  She said she played Solitaire, which I imagine was fairly safe.  From what I gathered, the Holy Danes were, for whatever reason, more likely to put aside their "Danishness" -- traditions and history, etc.

The Happy Danes liked to drink and dance and were eager to embrace and preserve their "Danishness".  Based on the above photo (Uncle Nels Petersen and Peter Iversen), and the thousands of hours spent playing cards in just my childhood, I am sure that we are descended from Happy Danes.  I think I will take the photo to the next meeting as my proof.

But back to Holy v. Happy Danes.  When the Danish Museum that eventually ended up in Elk Horn, Iowa was being contemplated, the nearby town of Kimballton thought they should have the museum because they were Happy Danes and were the ones already preserving their heritage.  However, someone gifted land in Elk Horn to the museum (in their will or otherwise, I didn't hear) and that clinched that.  There were hard feelings between the two towns (only about three miles away from each other = awkward) for quite awhile.

But, that is behind them now and the museum, genealogy center, and windmill are quite the big deal for the general area.

Poor Grandpa

Wed., December 16, 1936 - Howard kept pestering me all day as to whether they were going to have a party for him.  The kids didn't -- they're waiting until next week when Iny is home.
Thurs., December 17, 1936 - Helen, Raymond,  Howard & I went to Elmer's for his birthday.  Myrtle had gotten some tickets to a free show in Pilger, so we went -- "36 Hours to Kill".  A gangster picture -- not so much shooting.
Fri., December 18, 1936 - I baked 7 kinds of cookies today.  We took some into town tonite & Mom & I packed a box for Ray.

I can't tell really if Grandma was putting Grandpa off -- if the later party was a surprise -- or not.  Or if the poor man just thought there was not going to be a party for him at all.  Oh, to be a fly on the wall.

Here's the movie plot summary, courtesy of wikipedia.  I got a bit lost, but it seems like it might be enjoyable to watch:

Duke and Jeanie Benson, an outlaw couple hiding out under assumed names in a calm, suburban community, read a newspaper article about a sweepstakes winner who has not yet claimed his prize. Duke realizes that he has the winning ticket and will win $150,000 if he can cash it in without getting apprehended. Fed up with suburban life, Duke decides to board a train to Kansas City, where he bought the ticket, while Jeanie plans to fly there and get a "stooge" to cash in the ticket. At the train station, reporter Frank Evers boards the train and starts a conversation with Duke, who calls himself "Downey." At San Bernadino, Anne Marvis boards the train, followed by Doyle, a process server. Finding the door to Duke's room open, Anne hides in his bed, and when Duke sees Doyle enter in pursuit, he pulls a gun on Doyle, who says that he mistook Duke's "wife" for the woman he was after. Duke is attracted to Anne, as is Frank. When Jeanie gets on the train because her plane was grounded, she suspects that Duke and Anne are having an affair and pulls a gun on them; however, Duke calms her fears by introducing Frank as Anne's husband. Anne and Frank go along with the ruse. Sometime later, Frank accompanies the conductor to a room next to Duke's, where they listen through a surveillance device to Duke and Jeanie bicker about their plans to have the "boys" meet him in Kansas City. Frank, in reality a G-man, hopes to nab the whole gang and decides to hold off arresting Duke. After Jeanie gets off the train at Albuquerque to board a plane to Kansas City, Duke tries to flirt with Anne, but she rejects his advances. That night, Frank and Anne agree to be honest with each other, and Anne reveals that she is really a Los Angeles reporter and has been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury concerning a political scandal which she had unearthed. She says that she felt it would be "healthier" to go out-of-state for awhile. When Frank continues to claim that he is a reporter for The Telegraph , Anne indignantly reveals that she works for the paper and knows that he does not. In Topeka, after Flash, a porter, inadvertently finds the listening device in Duke's room, Duke knocks out the conductor. Anne receives a wire that it is all right for her to return to Los Angeles and gets off the train. When Duke sees Frank pursuing him, he gets into Anne's cab. They go to Borden's Sanitarium, where Duke meets Jeanie, who is unhappy to see him with Anne. When Duke reads in a newspaper that another man has surfaced to claim the lottery prize, he sends his shyster lawyer Rickert to dispute the claim to the insurance company that handles the contest. While Rickert is away, Duke kisses Anne and asks her to leave with him after he collects the money. Anne agrees, but he locks her in her room anyway. Jeanie then unbolts the shutters of Anne's room to help her escape, and Anne hitches a ride on a truck, but the driver works for Duke's gang and brings her back to the sanitarium. Upon deducing that Jeanie let Anne out, Duke slugs Jeanie. Frank, impersonating an insurance agent, accompanies Rickert to the sanitarium. Duke shoots Frank as a carload of G-men arrive and then unlocks Anne's door to take her with him, but Jeanie shoots him and then cries over his body. The gang is captured, and Anne is pleased to see that Frank is only wounded. On the train to Los Angeles, Flash comments that Frank and Anne have not come out of their cabin in two days. They kiss and it is revealed that they have recently married.

What I want to know is what happened to the $150,000?

Poster credit:  By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48538771

Suddenly December

Sun., December 13, 1936 - Myrtle & I had the whole family here for [it stops there]
Mon., December 14, 1936 - We were at Elmer's all day.  Howard helped butcher a beef.  Went to Gladys Reichart's party tonite.  We exchanged gifts. I won chair prize.
Tues., December 15, 1936 - Howard took me to town to wash.  This evening Ola's & Mom came out.  We played Razzle-Dazzle.  Ola's bought 4 roosters from us.

Me and my spelling questions . . . I thought Reichart was Reichert.  But, I was just a kid when I had to even remotely worry about that.  And I mainly just went to class.  I didn't have to spell my teacher's name.

For no particular reason, here I am with Aunt Myrtle in front of the old porch I still miss.

Busy again

Sat., November 14, 1936 - Howard baling again.  I was pretty tired.  Cleaned up the house for tomorrow.  Howard went to town tonite but I stayed home.
Sun., November 15, 1936 - Still warm.  Annie, Ola, kids, & Mom were here for dinner.  Tonite Alma, John B., Raymond & we went to Elmer & Myrtle's for supper.  We played Hearts afterward.
Mon., November 16, 1936 - Howard baling again.  I worked on quilt pieces.

Wow, guests for lunch and then off somewhere else for supper.  Such a flurry of activity.  Grandpa probably deserved a rest from all that baling lately.

For some reason this got me to wondering -- Ola and Dorothea apparently did not go visiting much that Grandma mentions, well,to see Grandma at least.  Was it perhaps difficult for them to get out and about at this time?  Or, maybe they just preferred to stay home and let people come visit them.  I get that.

Baking and baling

Wed., November 11, 1936 - Howard baling for Dale Brugger.  Clear & warm all day.  I baked bread for the first time since I've been married -- and it was good!
Thur., November 12, 1936 - Howard baling for Leo Nelsen.  I sewed all day.  Elmer and Myrtle were here a few minutes this noon.
Fri., November 13, 1936 - Howard baling for Hoffman Bros.  I washed some clothes by hand -- some job!  We went to lodge tonite.

I still have not made a yeast bread with any success.  Tried maybe twice and neither worked out.  But, I'll try again after attempting to figure out what I have been doing wrong.

I did make aebleskiver this weekend.  The first pan of seven looked somewhat like sad, abandoned turtle shells, but I got better as I went.  John liked them quite a bit, so perhaps I'll make them on a regular basis -- after all, practice makes perfect.  That, and Youtube videos.  Photo from frugalityisfree.com.

And should that be Dale Bruegger?

The Bunch

Sun., November 8, 1936 - Jo & Mike over this p.m.  Mike helped Howard saw wood so Howard could bale this week.  Warm all day.  "The bunch" went up to Alma's tonite and surprised her for her birthday which was Friday.  We played Hearts.
Mon., November 9, 1936 - Howard & I were in town this a.m.  I went up home tonite while Howard went to lodge.  Mom helped me cut out 2 everyday dresses.
Tues., November 10, 1936 - Strong wind all day.  Howard cut down 4 trees.  We were over at Andrew Andersens tonite for quilting.  Iversens, L. Hansens, & Mrs. Jens Andersen were there.

Not sure exactly who "the bunch" is, but that's okay.

I did not know her well, but I always thought that Johanna was one of the sweetest people around.  And she made great cookies!

Cottonseed meal

Thurs., November 5, 1936 - Worked like the dickens.  Uncle Chris & Gerald were here for supper.  We had milk & dumplings, chicken, baked potatoes, string beans, vegetable salad, and graham cracker pie.  After supper we played Pinochle -- Uncle Chris & I against the others.

Fri., November 6, 1936 - Howard borrowed $25 at the bank.  He bought 9 bu. of oats & 2 sacks cottonseed meal which cost about $10.  We went to the party dance at Hoskins with Gerald -- Helen & Dorothea were among those giving it.

Sat., November 7, 1936 - Cold today and snowed some more.  Howard cutting wood again.  Too cold to go to town tonite.

I must admit I've never heard of cottonseed meal before.  I learned it can be used for animal feed or for fertilizer.  Grandma skipped several days, but even so, since Grandpa was buying oats, too, I am guessing the cottonseed meal was for feed.  But, he did have a garden going as well.  Maybe he used it for both. 

I think graham cracker pie sounds really good.  Seems like the name comes largely from the crust as the pie filling only has crumbs on the top -- at least based on my quick internet search.  And can be made with or without meringue.

Photo from:  thespruceeats.com

Another jump

Here we are in November already:

Mon., November 2, 1936 - Windy -- rained and snowed a little.  Still stormy this evening so the T.D.S. Club didn't come nor did Howard go to lodge.
Tues., November 3, 1936 - Cold today.  Howard cut wood.  The folks stopped and took us along to vote.  We went to Jensens tonite and got the 12 hens Jo promised us for a wedding present.
Wed., November 4, 1936 - Raymond helped Howard haul in corn fodder.  I went to town this p.m. -- got some groceries and was up to see Mom.  Grandpa Tangeman who died Monday was buried today.  Warm today.

That might be F.D.S. Club, I'm not sure.

I know Grandma used the term 'grandpa' rather liberally, but I must confess I do not have any idea who this gentleman is.  I did find he was Herman Tangeman, married to Maria, and buried in Otoe County.  Someone is going to have to help me out as to how he is connected to the family, relationship-wise or friendship-wise.

I am thinking 12 hens was probably a pretty nice gift.

Wouldn't you know?

Mon., September 21, 1936 - I went to town to wash this morning.  Howard came for the car this a.m. to see about getting a different corn binder as the one he's using is always breaking.  Went home after lodge with Howard.
Tues., September 22, 1936 - Ella Ruschmann is being married today.  Lilly & Edna Ruschmann are bridesmaids.  They went out there Sunday with Harry Kahlers.  Howard fixed fence today.
Wed., September 23, 1936 - Raymond & Howard still cutting corn.  They went after Clint Troutman's binder -- it didn't work so good -- so they're using the old one again.  I ironed all day.

That's my kind of luck right there -- something doesn't work, start using another something and it doesn't work, so you are back with the first non-working something.  Hopefully they were able to see the humor in that particular situation, either right away or afterwards.

I'm having trouble finding all the Ruschmanns mentioned.  I found an Edna who lived in Nebraska and married a Herbolsheimer and that name is familiar as to our family.  I see there's a Louise E. Ruschmann about Grandma's age, so maybe that's Louise Ella.  I also see some Ruschmanns in Terry Brogren's ancestry.com family tree.  I may be on to something.  Or not.  I bet Mom and Nancy can help me.

And having witnessed washing clothes the old-fashioned way and also "helped" with ironing, I can fully believe it took all day.  Actually, I did help some.  I sprinkled some clothes and got to iron Grandpa's handkerchiefs every now and then.  Fond memories.  I'm not sure what I think about an old ironing board being used for shelves.  I guess I'm okay with it.  Seems it would be better as a small table, though.  Or at least put something in the bare top part -- a framed photo or paint right on there.  Photo from etsy.com.

Slow down, already

Fri., September 18, 1936 - Raymond and Howard still cutting and fixing the binder each day. We went with Raymond and Helen to a party dance at Hoskins -- Gus Perskes and Ed Schellenbergs among those giving it.
Sat., September 19, 1936 - Howard, Raymond, and Dad ground fodder this a.m.  I went with Helen, her mother, Clara & kids & Jo to Wayne to 4-H Club fair and school exhibit.  Howard and I went to town tonite.
Sun., September 20, 1936 - Chris & Clara, Elmer & Myrtle, Mike, Peter, & the folks were here today.  The men made the silo bigger.  We were over to Lettmans awhile this evening.  Howard wanted to see Ed Heithold.

Seems everyone is quite busy, busy, busy.  Glad there was some down-time involved.

Interesting how Maggie is Helen's mother and not Grandma's mother-in-law or Mrs. Iversen or something like that.  Nothing to infer, but somewhat interesting.  To me, anyway.  Here's an undated photo with some of the many people mentioned in this post.  Who is that with their arms folded in the background?  For that matter, who is sitting next to Maggie/Little Grandma?

It just occurred to me

Tues., September 15, 1936 - Cloudy this morning.  We got home about 1:00 p.m.  Howard and Raymond cut corn this afternoon.  I slept most of the time.
Wed., September 16, 1936 - We had silo fillers this p.m.  They were here for supper.  Carl T., Raymond, and Holtgrew.  Dorothea R. stopped here and asked me to substitute for her tomorrow -- she's going to the funeral of her aunt at Tekamah.
Thurs., September 17, 1936  Got to school about 10:15.  Dorothea left right away.  Stopped and visited with Mrs. Florenz Nieman on my way home.

It just occurred to me that it is September and Grandma isn't talking about school, until this particular mention of substituting.  I guess I didn't realize she quit teaching right away after she got married.  Was this a requirement as late as 1936?  I know once upon a time teaching was a single woman's vocation only.  I figured (without giving it a lot of thought nor researching) that that wasn't the case in the 1930s.  Otherwise, I suppose it was Grandma's choice given she had lots of things to do to keep her household and garden and etc. etc. up and running.

Skipping around

Grandma took a little break, two of them really.  The last entry in my last post was August 30, and now we are to September 6.

Sun., September 6, 1936 - Howard went to Andrew Andersen's for a corn binder.  We had a very heavy rain late this afternoon.  Howard took me to town to church tonite -- Mission Festival.

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Sun., September 13, 1936 - John B. Jensen here for dinner.  He brought a little calf from Von Seggerns.  Raymond and Allen here awhile this p.m.  Tonite we took Annie's hens back to her.  Mom went along.

Mon., September 14, 1936 - Raymond and Howard cut corn this a.m.  This p.m. Mom, Howard and I went to Washington in the V-8 to Trina and Andrew's silver wedding.  Stopped in Fremont so I could get some slippers.  We stopped at Adolph's.  Mom stayed there while Howard and I went to Mildred's.  We stayed all night at Mildred's.

Trying to keep this straight in my own mind, but Andrew Andersen was Grandpa Bill's first cousin, with Andrew's father being Niels Andersen, brother to Bill's father Ole C. Andreasen.  It appears Trina (or maybe Trena) died in 1952 and Andrew in 1975, with both of them buried in Washington County.  I have in my Ancestry family tree that they had at least one child, a son Raymond born in 1914.  I do not know who Adolph nor Mildred might be.  Unless Mildred was the Mildred once married to Uncle Chris but not married to him in 1936.

Perhaps Mom and I need to go on another cemetery trip to visit the graves of what I believe are quite a few Andersens in Washington County.

And here's a corn binder with me throwing a complete dart as to whether it resembles what Grandpa might have used.

Canning peaches

Fri., August 28, 1936 - Howard helped Carl Troutman this p.m.  We went to Lodge tonite.  I was named delegate to the Rebekah Assembly which is in October.
Sat., August 29, 1936 - I canned 14 quarts and 7 pints of peaches today.  Howard went to town tonite but I stayed home.
Sun., August 30, 1936 - I canned 10 pt. of peaches this a.m.  Howard helped cut corn over home today.  I went over there for dinner.  Helen and I went to her school this p.m.  Stopped at Rews on way home.

Gotta love canned peaches.  I have never seen the house Grandma and Grandpa are living in at this time, but I believe it was on the small side.  Where did Grandma store all those many jars of canned goodies?

Now another puzzle

Tues., August 25, 1936 - Raymond came over and they dug silo awhile today.  I canned 5 1/2 quarts of pickled apples.
Wed., August 26, 1936 - Howard helped Holtgrew fill silo.  Raymond and I went to town this morning.  Howard and I went to town tonite.  We stopped for Raymond but he had gone on in the V-8.  The ladies came home this p.m.  Talked quite awhile to Loretta Perske.  I bought an Aladdin lamp.
Thurs., August 27, 1936 - Didn't do much of anything this morning.  Howard went to a sale this p.m.  I stayed over at the folks.  We had a dandy rain late this afternoon.

Okay, who are "the ladies"?  I think Grandma called Aunt Helen and Aunt Irene "the girls" previously, so perhaps this isn't them.

Here's some newly-acquired photos (thank you, Nancy!) of Grandma, Uncle Ray and Aunt Nan in 1934.  I do not know who the kids are.

Well, I'm getting confused

Sat., August 22, 1936 - Over to the folks all day.  The men dug silo.  I cleaned up the house.  We went to town tonite.
Sun., August 23, 1936 - We were alone all day.  Quite warm this afternoon.
Mon., August 24, 1936 - We went over to the folks this a.m.  Howard and Raymond took the tractor and paraphernalia to our place to dig a silo.  Elmer and Myrtle came.  They got some apples.  They all came here for dinner.  Myrtle helped me dress two chickens for dinner.  Howard killed a chicken hawk this a.m.  I went up home tonite while Howard and Raymond went to lodge.  Raymond took the car tonite.

Grandma surely didn't foresee some snoopy granddaughter reading and sharing her diaries, or she surely would have distinguished between Ola and Dorothea, and Peter and Maggie when she says, "the folks."  In this case, she might be referring to both for all I know.

Lots of digging, lots of family

Wed., August 19, 1936 - Howard helped dig silo over home.  The men came over here for dinner.

Thurs., August 20, 1936 - Went to town for Old Settlers Picnic.  Had dinner up home.  Rained good about 6:00 this evening.  We were home by 12:00.

Fri., August 21, 1936 - Howard went over to the folks this afternoon and they dug silo.  I washed up the dishes for Raymond.

I cannot begin to imagine how much digging would be involved to install a silo.  Big around, and I imagine fairly deep to be sure the darned thing would stay put in a high wind.

How interesting that Old Settlers should pop up, given that the weekend before last was our every-three-year family reunion.  Grandma and Grandpa both would have really enjoyed it.  For the first time, I believe, our branch of the family tree was represented via the youngest in attendance; Tanner was 5 weeks old over that weekend.  The number 17 on his onesie says that he is the 17th Iversen born here, from Peter and Maggie's children to Tanner.

As usual, I talked too much to the people I see often and not enough with the people I do not see so much.  Lots of Aunt Helen's family came back for the interment of Uncle John's ashes.  It was a nice service.  I learned quite a bit I did not know about Uncle John when the minister read his obituary.  For example, I had no idea he played in the band for Truman's inauguration.  How cool is that?

In all, a great reunion -- lots of people said so.  And as I said, Grandma and Grandpa would have enjoyed it, probably even more so than some.

Off to western Nebraska

Sun., August 16, 1936 - Had the dinner with Bess, Dorathea, Irene, Raymond, Helen, Alma and John B. here.  Everything just fine.  Pete's stopped awhile late this afternoon.
Mon., August 17, 1936 - Howard away bailing.  Went over to the folks.  I ironed while they packed.  Helen & Mrs. I. are taking Irene to Sunol tomorrow.  They're going to visit relatives in Colorado, too.  Stayed home while Howard went to Lodge.
Tues., August 18, 1936 - Went to town to wash.  On my way home Stopped to see Florence.  Emelia, Marcella, and Dallas were there.

There is a Sunol, California but, after confirming with Mom, I can say with confidence that Grandma is talking about Sunol, Nebraska.  It is in the Panhandle and therefore, close to Colorado.  And, Aunt Irene taught there.

I am not confused about that, but now I have Grandma calling her grandparents and her in-laws "the folks" so I may be confused every now and then about that.

Photo is of Sunol, Nebraska.  There's not much to say about the town, I suppose.  The population as per the 2010 census was 73.  It was platted in 1909 and a post office was established at Sunol in 1910, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1973.

Credit:  By Ammodramus - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14957510

Getting back to normal

Thurs., August 13, 1936 - Annie, Annabelle, Haroldean & Mom came out this afternoon.  They helped me hem my living room curtains.  Howard bailed today.
Fri., August 14, 1936 - Took Howard to Rews to bail.  Stopped to see the folks. Helen & I went back to Rews.  I asked the girls to come over for dinner Sunday.  Went to Rebekah Lodge tonite.
Sat., August 15, 1936 - Howard away bailing.  Cleaned 4 chickens, fixed curtains and shades in kitchen, baked cakes.  Had a bad dust storm late this afternoon.  Rained a little.  Went to town before supper.

I've been a bit absent lately with these posts and do not want to hold this one up, so I'm going with just Grandma's words.  And shouldn't that be "bale"?

Back home again

Mon., August 10, 1936 - Dora had a bath.  All of us shopped, went sight-seeing and visited with Aunt Kate.  Iny & I packed our clothes tonite and went to bed early.
Tues., August 11, 1936 - Left at 2:40 this a.m.  Had breakfast in Sidney, Iowa.  Stopped in Omaha an hour.  We had dinner at Olga's.  Had watermelon at Carrie's.  I got home at 5:45.  Howard came a little later.  He has been bailing straw.
Wed., August 12, 1936 - Howard bailing again today.  I went into town before dinner to see Mom. Stayed all afternoon.

I sure would be interested to know what sight-seeing they did, but there's no one to ask anymore.

Here's a little bit of information on Sidney, Iowa from my favorite go-to site, wikipedia:

     Sidney is in Fremont County, Iowa. The population was 1,138 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Fremont County and is one of the smallest county seats in Iowa.  It was laid out in 1851 and was originally to be named Dayton. The surveyors were boarding with the Milton Richards family. Richards wife suggested they rename the city for her hometown of Sidney, Ohio.  The Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo operated by American Legion Post No. 128 since 1924 claims to be the world's largest continuous outdoor rodeo and one of the world's largest rodeos with around 38,000 visitors each year.  The event is held in late July/early August.

Even little towns have people that go on to big things.  Sidney can claim John Scott Redd:

     John Scott Redd (born September 10, 1944) was a vice admiral of the United States Navy, and afterward the first Senate-confirmed Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, serving from 2005 until 2007.  According to David Martin at the CBS Evening News, "Scott Redd may be the most important person you've never heard of."  He is also the past President of the Naval Academy Class of 1966 and has served on the advisory boards of several non-profit organizations. An avid amateur radio operator, Redd has won twelve world championships and nine national championships.

And that's all I have for that.

I learned how to property credit a photo (I think), and here it is for the county courthouse, above: 

By JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22698424

Monopoly disrupted

Fri., August 7, 1936 - Just had a hot pack today as I had a funny pain in my chest.  Rained most of the day.  Tonite we were invited by our foot doctors Hazel Linard and Dorothy Masters to play Monopoly with them.  We were just nicely started when we had to go home because they had a call to fix a lady's sprained ankle.
Sat., August 8, 1936 - Iny took her last bath yesterday.  She read while I took mine.  We went to a beauty shop this p.m. and had our hair shampooed and waved.  We didn't like the place very well.
Sun., August 9, 1936 - I took my last bath today. Carrie Sweet, Dora & Olga came down today to visit Aunt Kate.  They persuaded us girls to wait until Tuesday and go home then when they do.

Ah, Monopoly.  The creator of family feuds and angry board-flipping incidents.  But, still fun.  Here's what wikipedia had to say about the game's history.  Interestingly, it appears it was still very new when Grandma and her group were attempting to play.

"The board game Monopoly has its origins in the early 20th century. The earliest known version of Monopoly, known as The Landlord's Game, was designed by an American, Elizabeth Magie, and first patented in 1904 but existed as early as 1902.  Magie, a follower of Henry George, originally intended The Landlord's Game to illustrate the economic consequences of Ricardo's Law of Economic rent and the Georgist concepts of economic privilege and land value taxation.  A series of board games were developed from 1906 through the 1930s that involved the buying and selling of land and the development of that land. By 1933, a board game had been created much like the version of Monopoly sold by Parker Brothers and its related companies through the rest of the 20th century, and into the 21st. Several people, mostly in the Midwestern United States and near the East Coast, contributed to the game's design and evolution."

We all know what a Monopoly board looks like, so I'm sharing a page from the patent submission of its precursor. 

Very busy day

Tues., August 4, 1936 - We went to the matinee and saw "The Dancing Pirate" -- a picture in colors.  Rec'd a letter from Howard and one from Mom.
Wed., August 5, 1936 - Rec'd another letter from Mom.  Iny rec'd 4 letters today.  Were up to see Aunt Kate tonite -- we've been going up every night after supper to see her.
Thurs., August 6, 1936 - This p.m. Aunt Kate, Iny and I went sightseeing.  We were out to Lake Maurer, an amusement park, and to the Jesse Kennels.  Saw all kinds of pups there.  This evening Iny and I went to the show.  We saw "Dames" with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler, and "Sins of Man" with Jean Hersholt and Don Ameche.

Photo above and this summery from lakemaurer.com:  Lake Maurer has rich history.  As early as the 1920’s-30’s, Lake Maurer was an amusement park where families spent their weekends.  In 1965, the Assemblies of God purchased the grounds and developed a camp and the Northern Missouri District offices.  In 2008, the NOMO District moved its offices to Columbia, Missouri.  The leadership appointed Lloyd and Bunny Hartzler as Executive Directors to further develop the grounds into a retreat center with year-round activities.

From wikipedia re "Dancing Pirate":  This movie is an American musical comedy film directed by Lloyd Corrigan. It is the third film shot in the three strip Technicolor process and the first musical in that format.  The film features the debut of stage star Charles Collins and the cast includes Rita Hayworth as one of The Royal Cansino Dancers. Other dancers in the film were Pat Nixon and Marjorie Reynolds.

Set in Boston in the 1820s, the film tells of dancing teacher Jonathan Pride, shanghaied by pirates and forced to be a slave aboard his own ship. Jonathan is able to join a provisioning party that lands on the coast of California, then a part of the Spanish Empire where he makes his escape; his only possessions being his umbrella and music box that he uses for his dancing lessons.

He is seen by a shepherd who warns the nearest town whose excitable population transform Jonathan's arrival into a full-fledged pirate invasion. The Alcade Don Emilio Perena leads the militia into shooting up their own town whilst Jonathan is later captured in the boudoir of Alcade's daughter Serafina. Jonathan is sentenced to death.

When Serafina and the women of the town discover Jonathan's profession of dancing teacher, his execution is delayed until he teaches the waltz to the women of the town.

Meanwhile, Serafina's suitor, Don Balthazar a Captain of the Guards of the Presidio of Monterey and some of his soldiers visit the town to not only marry Serafina, but unbeknownst to the town has been cashiered from the Army along with his men who seek to loot the town. Don Balthazar also plans on secretly executing his rival Jonathan.

Jonathan makes his escape and motivates the local downtrodden but peaceful Indians into an uprising through a teaching them a torrid war dance. The Indians use their only "weapons" their lassoes to capture the former soldiers now bandits. Don Balthazar challenges Jonathan to a duel with swords but Jonathan defeats and captures him with his umbrella and his dancing skills.

The photo was also found on wikipedia.

Another summary and photo from wikipedia:  "Dames" is a 1934 Warner Bros. musical comedy film directed by Ray Enright with dance numbers created by Busby Berkeley. The film stars Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, Guy Kibbee, ZaSu Pitts, and Hugh Herbert. Production numbers and songs include "When You Were a Smile on Your Mother's Lips (and a Twinkle in Your Daddy's Eye)", "The Girl at the Ironing Board", "I Only Have Eyes for You", "Dames" and "Try to See It My Way".

Eccentric multimillionaire Ezra Ounce (Hugh Herbert), whose main purpose in life is raising American morals through a nationwide campaign, wants to be assured that his fortune will be inherited by upstanding relatives. He visits his cousin Matilda Hemingway (ZaSu Pitts) in New York City, in Horace's view the center of immorality in America. What Ounce finds most offensive are musical comedy shows and the people who put them on, and it just so happens that Matilda's daughter Barbara (Ruby Keeler) is a dancer and singer in love with a struggling singer and songwriter, her 13th cousin, Jimmy Higgens (Dick Powell). On Ezra's instructions, Jimmy the "black sheep" has been ostracized by the family, on pain of not receiving their inheritance.

Matilda's husband Horace (Guy Kibbee) meets a showgirl named Mabel (Joan Blondell), who's been stranded in Troy when her show folds, and connives her way into sleeping in Horace's train compartment as a way to get back home. Terrified of scandal, he leaves her some money and his business card, along with a note telling her to not mention their meeting to anyone; but when Mabel discovers that Horace is Barbara's father, she blackmails him into backing Jimmy's show.

Photo from wikipedia, summary from imdb.com:  In this drama, Austrian church bell ringer Freyman loves music and wants his two sons (both played by Ameche) to love it too. The first goes to America and the second is born deaf-mute but gains hearing during WWI bombing.

I am really liking all of these movie posters.  Very cool.