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Personal History for Rosalie Horlivy


Just The Facts

Please enter the date you began answering these questions.

February 26, 2006

What is your name (first, middle, maiden name, last)? Do you like your name? If you could, would you choose another? What name would you choose? Who were you named for?

Rosalie La Vonne Arp-Weyer-Horlivy. Yes. Maybe. Candace.
I had asked a sister not to name her girl that, because if I ever had another girl, I would name her that. Then, when I did have another daughter, my husband would not accept that name! Nobody.

Are you male or female?

Female

In what country, state, and city were you born? What hospital?

On a farm, in Minden township, near Shelby, Iowa, U.S.A..
In the farm house-No hopitals back then.

What is your birth order?

Third. I had an older brother and sister.

How old are you today? How old do you feel?

83 years, 1 month, 24 days. 83 years, 1 month, 24 days.

Do you speak any foreign languages?

No. My Father was born in Germany, but was so proud to become an American Citizen, he would not teach us German, even tho my Grandmother never learned English.

What is your birth date?

January 2, 1923

Are you right-handed or left-handed?

Left-handed, and it caused me a lot of problems in school. One teacher insisted in changing me, and when she cut my hand with a steel-edged ruler, the wrath of my Father ended her 20 years of teaching at that school.

Are you near-sighted or far-sighted?

Far-sighted, until I had cataract surgery on both eyes in month of March, 1999- Now, I need my glasses for everything.

What is your height, your weight, your eye color? Do you wear corrective lenses?

I am now 5'3" (from 5' 5 1/2")-weigh 127 lbs. and have green eyes. Yes

What is your mate's name?

First husband-Thomas Weyer, Sr.-Second Husband-Fred Horlivy

What was your maiden name? If you are a woman and married, was it difficult to give up your maiden name and take your husband's name?

Arp. No, I looked forward to aquiring my husband's name. Grandaughter Lynette, tho, kept her Father's name, with PRIDE.

What is your anniversary date? How many years have you been married or were you married?

First marriage-January 24, 1942
Second marriage-December 10, 1966

Are you overweight or underweight?

Average

How many children do you have? What are their names? How old are they?

5 children-2 daughters & 3 sons.
Sandra Ruth Weyer-Welter-Egger-Vosta, 63, 10-4-1942
Thomas Weyer, Jr., 60, 1-11-1946
Jery Lee Weyer, 58, 6-3-1947
Timothy Scott Weyer, 47, 6-28-1958
Kimberly Rose Horlivy, 35, 6-11-1970

How many grandchildren do you have? What are their full names (first, middle, last)? How old are they?

11 grandchildren
Sandy's 6
1. Lynette Ann Welter (marreied to Carl Franz) 2 sons
She will be 44- 5-7-2006
2. Maria Egger Taylor-42-bd.7-25-1963-3 daughters
3. Lia Marie Welter Pettigrew-Eickhoff-2 girls 3 boys(twins)
Bd. 9-18-1963
4. Richard Egger, Jr.-39-bd.6-7-1966-2 sons
5. Jason Paul Welter-38-bd.1-30-1968-1 son
6. Laura Louise Egger-Eisele-35-bd.10-17-1970-1 daughter
Tom's 3
7. Marina Rose Weyer-Martinez-Batista-39-bd.10-3-1966-2 sons
8. Lyon Joseph Weyer-bd.7-25-1970
9. Thomas Weyer, III-bd.7-25-1970
Tim's 2
10. Dakota Scott-8-bd.10-3-1997
11. Dylan Thomas-3-bd.10-28-2002

What is, or was, your occupation?

Mainly Gift Wrap and office work at JC Penney's 1952-1966

What is your race? What is your religion? What is your political affiliation?

Caucasian-father born in Germany-mother's father in England.
Presbyterian. Very active in church affairs, when younger.


Do you live in the suburbs, a city, a town, or in a rural area? What is the population? Do you live in an apartment, a house, a condominium, or a retirement home?

Born on a farm, raised in the small town of Shelby, Iowa.
Population 600.

Are you allergic to anything? What is your blood type?

Need to avoid aspirin, caffiene, and MSG. Blood type "O"+

How would you describe yourself?

I like to do handicarafts-beads-plastic mesh with yarn, card making, embroidery etc. I am a "Christmas decorating nut". Like Sandy says, on a mug,"If it doesn't move, decorate it". I can get on my "soap box about patriotism and seein the wrong chages in our UNITED STATES! Otherwise, I don't like to "rock the boat". I try to be friendly, and I am quite contented living her at Tabitha Village. Have been here for over 12 years. I cannot be as helpful any more, like I would like to.. Would like to have much more time with my loved ones. More one-on-one. I am an "old country" music fan-not the new style. and I like traditional hymms-the old standard songs. You used to be able to tell who was singing the song, or the band playing, now, they all sound alike to me, maybe because they say the same words over and over and over, anyway, that is this gal's opinion.


Your Family and Ancestry

List the names and birthdates of your mother, father, maternal grandmother, paternal grandmother, maternal grandfather, paternal grandfather and other great grandfathers and grandmothers. What did you call them?

My mother's name was Clarissa Ruth Smith, but she always went by her middle name of Ruth, and when she was an adult, she had it legally changed. She had a nick-name of "Kink", though, and that is what everyone called her. She was born on a farm near Persia, Iowa. Her birthday was 9-13-1899, the fourth of eight children - 2 boys and 6 girls. She died on October 26, 1987, in a nursing home in Attumia, WA.

Her father was George Joshua Smith. He was born in Scotter, England on 12-27-1899, only son of Thomas and Elizabeth Dawber Smith. A sister, Elizabeth was born 3 years later, but his mother died in childbirth a few days later. His father later re-married on 2-6-1868. She was a widow, with 2 older girls, 16 and 13. His sister died when she was 16 and Granddad Smith came to America in 1875. He died on 7-2-1938 on his farm near Persia, Iowa.


Her mother was Clara Belle Dawdy. She was born in Smithland, Iowa, on October 16, 1875. Clara and George were married July 9, 1893. She died of cancer on 11-10-1935 just after her 60th birthday. Not much was known, yet, of cancer.

Grandma Smith's parents were Mathew Howell Dawdy, born 4-29-18 in Kokomo, Indiana and Clarissa Peckenpaugh, born 9-28-1856, in Cameron, Illinois. They had 11 children. He died on Feb. 18, 19313 in Smithland, Iowa and she died on sept. 29, 1938, in Smithland, Iowa.

My maternal great-grandfather was Thomas Smith. He was born in 1926 in Scotter, England. and was baptized on Sept. 9, 1926. He died in 1917-1918 in Scotter. My maternal great-grandmother was Elizabeth Dawber. She was born in 1839, in Rotherham, England. She died on August 12, 1862 in rotherham,at age 23, from childbirth complications.

My father's name was Maxwell Earnest Arp. He was born 6-14-1886 in the town of Laboe, on the Baltic Sea. Schleswig-Holstein, Prussia (now Germany); the area borders Denmark. He was the youngest of 6 children - 1 girl and 5 boys. His father died in 1900. The 2 oldest brothers had already gone to America, probably with some cousins, in 1892, and his sister in 1894. In 1903, the oldest brother went back to Germany and helped his mother get ready to move to America with the 3 youngest boys. They sailed on a new ship,"The Bluche", built in 1901. They left Hamburg on January 16th, and check thru Ellis Island on January 29, 1903.

The family stayed briefly in New Jersey, then went to Avoca, Iowa. The daughter had married, and was living there. They later settled in Minden, Iowa-a little German community of maybe 200 people. My father died June 6, 1973, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

My grandma, Catharina Hilbert, born 2-2, 1846 in Probsteirhagen, Prussia, never learned English. She later married John Roost, who lived just a few years. She lived in her little house-2 small rooms-until she died in December of 1943. She was 97 year old. Granddad Arp's name was Jochim, christened on 9-29-1848 in Laboe, Prussia. He died in 1899..

Great grandparents were Hans Arp, born 5-2-1812 and Antje Koppen, born 7-28-1823. All were born in Prussia. Unfortunately, most were gone, when I was a child. I only knew Grandma Smith the most. When staying over night, she would let me help brush her hair, 100 times. It was beautiful-fell in little waves and snow white! Dates of their deaths are not known.

Other great-grandparents are Johann Hilbert and Magdalene Havemeister. There were both from Prussia but there is no other information on them.

Do you have brothers and sisters? What are their names? When were they born? Do you remember the first time you saw them?

Alfred Arp

Born January 28, 1918 on Grandfather Smith's farm near Persia, Iowa.
Died March 29, 1997 in Olympia, Washington.

Ila Rae Arp

Born September 2, 1920 in Silvercreek township in Iowa.
Died April 10, 2004 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Rosalie Arp
Born January 7, 1923 on a farm near Shelby, Iowa.

Janice Arp
Born October 21, 1929 on a farm near Shelby, Iowa.
Died June 1, 2005 in Greeley, Colorado.


Ramona Arp
Born May 4, 1932 on a farm near Shelby, Iowa.
All I remember is waking up and I had a new sistr. I told school friends the doctor "brung her is a little black bag" because that all I saw him carrying and they all laughed at my ignorance.

I had one brother and 3 sisters. My brother's name was Alfred Roscoe Arp. He wanted to have the initial of AAA, so he chose Arther, and had it legally changed. We girls were happy with the toys Dad would make, as presents for us, doll beds, cradles, ironing boards, etc., but Al got an Erector set and big fire trucks and electric trains. It was easy to see who was the "big cheese" in our family. The town knew it, too. If he went to a party, or some place to drink, he would let down his hair and was more fun than a barrel of monkeys! Al was born on 1-28-1919 in Persia, Iowa-our mother's home place. He married Robera Scott. "Bert" was a great gal. They adopted two little girls, who were sisters-but exact opposites in their personalities and disposition. What a change in their lives! Lona was 3 and Marty was 2. She was the active one. Al and "Bert" celebrated their 25th Anniversary, but separated soon after. My older sister, Ilarae Lucille Arp-Morton,bd. 9-2-1920, in the township of Silvercreek, Iowa. She was just a little over 2 years older than me, so we were always close-shared the same room, as long as we were at home. She was a quiet person-compared to me. We were about the same size, but she was four inches taller. We never exchanged clothes, because there were none to exchange. We helped our mother a lot with household cooking and cleaning. When FDR was elected President, he started a lot o f projects to get everybody back to work, an out of the terrible depression. This included the youth. My brother had gone to CCC, after graduating, in 1938. CCC means Civilian Conservation Corps, I think-do forget things! Among other things they made or repaired parks. When Ila finished High School, in 1939, she was able to go to a Jr. College, through another project, called NRA-I know I don't rmeber that. I do know it changed Ila completely. She came out o f her "cocoon" and emerged a lovely butterfly-a little mischievious tho. I can tell this story because we all know how one night she and some of her new friends got a cow-yes-from somewhere, took it into their dormitory, led it up a flight of stairs, then had trouble getting the durn thing to go back down. Anyway, they got caught, also go expelled. That wasn't exactly the king of education FDR had in mind. The school was in Pacific Junction-near Glenwood, where there is a home for retarded people. Ila got a job, there and that is where she met "Bert"-worked and we were always so glad of that...Al met "Bert"-they married April 10, 1942-just before Al was called to the Army, and "Bert" and mom became so close. But back to Ila. She started sending me other clothes to wear and did I like that. She had a brief marriage, and a little boy. So she was a single Mom, after the war was over!! When she met Dean Morton, who had been in the Navy. He was born near Norton, Kansas on 11-11-2. They married February 24, 1946. He later adopted Tom and they had more than 50 years happily, together. My younger sister, Janice Nadine Arp-Tritt, was born 10-21-1929 the week of the stock-market crash and as I have asaid elsewhere, I lost the privilage of being the spoiled baby of the family, for almost 7 years. She had acting ability, and a great singing voice. She would go around the house, singin those operatic arias, that only sound good if you have the voice-like Jeanette McDonald and Kathryn Grayson. When I mentioned this to her daughter a few years ago where they were visiting, "Korki" looked so surprised. She said she had never heard that. Jan was in the little school plays we had-she had the lead role, and I can still remember one song she sang. Jan quit school when she was 16, to marry Wayne Tritt, who was 16, also. They were married January 15, 1946. A month before their first anniversary, on November 15, 1946 Korina Kay was born. I gave her the nick-name "Korkie"-which everyone calls her. About a year later, on November 7, 1947 son Michael Wayne was born. Then Jan said they all grew up together, so teenage marriages can work. Jan, like most of we gals, enjoyed sewing and other handicrafts-even got proficient in wood-working. Oh, I forgot to say Jan was born in Shelby, Iowa, at home. My youngest sister, Ramona Ann Arp-Suttles-Jones, bd. May 4, 1932 in Shleby, Iowa at home. She only weighed 4 lbs. when she was 2 weeks old-fully dressed. She just about didn't make it. I thought I had great news to tell at school, the morning after she was born. Remember, this was the age of innocence-long ago-my youngest daughter thinks it was so long ago that dinosaurs were still on the earth, roaming around-HA! Well, when I said I had a new baby sister one smarty friend said she knew that was going to happen. I said, how could she, because the Doctor just brought her that nite in his little black bag. So my friends all laughed and proceeded to tell be about the birds and the bees-but I never did understand what they had to do with that topic. Ila and I were capable to take over the household duties, while Mom was in bed. I named Ramona-but it was later just "Mona". She was a feisty gal, made friends easily and had a lot of them. She met and married Leo Guttles, and named all 7 children with names starting in "L"--altho Leo's right name was "O>L>" Otis Linden. He was a Sergeant in Air Force and they were stationed several years in France. Two of their six girls were born there, so they have "dual citizen". They later divorced, and she married Major Billy Jones-also Air Force. He had 2 girls and 2 boys from former marriage, and he had two boys, not yet teens-and they became part of Mona's family. Both boys joined the Army, were over in "desert Storm". Kent got discharged-Kevin stayed in , and is now in Iraq. Pray for him and all the troops. His family-wife Amy, Taira-13, Hagen-6, Peyton, not quite 2 are in a base in Germany. One of Mona's girls, Linda has been a stewardess on Northwest for several years. Maybe some of you have flown with her. She goes mostly overseas.

Where was your mother born? Where was your father born? What circumstances brought your parents to the place where you were born? Were there people already there whom they knew, or did they come into the community alone? Was the community welcoming to them?

3 & 4 go together former. I have answered part of it. I have a lot to write about circumstances of my birth. For a while, my father was a "hired-hand" for farmers. That is how he met my mom. He was working on a farm next to hers. Later, he was a "hired-hand" on the farm of John Moore-about 3 miles from Shelby. By that time my brother and sister was born-and I was about to be. My mother said she danced all New Years Eve 1922, so I would be born, but I was stubborn, even then and was not born until January 2nd 1923. They lived in a little "hired-hand-type" dwelling-but Mrs. Moore insisted that my mother come to their house for me to be born-and, oh the ties I have to it. The Moore's had a son-Lawrence-who was 22. Grandma Smith was supposed to come and care for the children-but another daughter was having difficult in pregnancy- and the little girl-their only child, was born and died the same day. So, my mother's younger sister, Edna, came to help. She was about 18, met Lawrence-so, as they say, the rest is history. They were married a year later on February 20, 1924. The older Moores moved to town, and Lawrence inherited the farm. I wrote more details in Chapter 5. My Memorial services say my ashes are to be scattered on that area, that I have such deep feelings for.


On my parent's story I forgot to say they were married in Council Bluffs, Iowa in Broadway Methodist Church on July 9, 1918 which happened to be on her parent's Silver Anniversary.

I am making a separate paper to answer part of question 4.

Tell about your aunts and uncles. Did they play an important part in your growing up? Do you remember any special aunts and uncles?

The unhappy events are part of family history, too, especially ours-perhaps most everybody feels they have more than their share. I already said my Dad's father had died in Germany. He was approximately 50 years old and I have told my Mom's father lost his mother when he was only 3 and his only sister at 16. Mom's first brother was born in September of 1894, and died just a month after his second birthday, 1896-3 years before she was born.

Her other brother Fred, disappeared on January 13, 1937 and was never seen or heard from, again. A body was found later, wearing a raccoon coat and galoshes, with one buckle sewed back on with red thread, just like he wore-but that was before DNA, and it was said he could have tossed or given his clothes away, but not all think this way. Mother's youngest sister had a daughter who had a house fire and lost 2 children-Tim, who was the same age as my Time-to graduate in the Spring, and Lori, who was in Jr. High.

My dad's brother Herman had a house fire, and he lost his wife and baby son. The two older girls escaped, and 3 year old Billy was having super with a friend. Another brother Fred, lost his wife to blood poisoning-leaving him with 5 children for 16 years to 6 months. Both brothers raised their families without re-marrying.

Sister Jan's only son, Mike, in Navy, caused his own death. Her husband Wayne, died of cancer, just when he was planning to retire, at 62 and I lost Jan last June to lung cancer.

Roberta-Al;s former wife, was going to be married in Arizona-but show and her fiance were both killed in a car accident.

Mother died of Alzheimers in 1987, brother Al, in 1997 and my sister Ila, with tow Myers ago-so I watch my memory problems. Our families have lost 4 dear babies to SIDS. Mona lost a granddaughter at 6 weeks and my grandson was just 20 days old. This was Sandy and George's first boy. When their 2nd boy was 10 days old, George was killed. He was a motorcycle policeman, here in Lincoln.

Did you play with your cousins? Who are some of the cousins you know best?

The two cousins I was closest to, were Aunt Edna's two girls Dixie Ruth-bd.1-16-1933 and Diane Sandra-bd.11-27-1936. There was also a boy cousin-we were very close-"kissin' cousins", but knew all of the cousins very well, from Mom's side of family. Did not get much chance to know cousins on Dad's side. As I said my Grandma did not learn english and Dad didn't teach us any German. His one brother lived next to Grandma, so we did get to know the other 2 girls who were about the ages of Al and Ila. Many other cousins I never met. When my son, Tim came home on leave one time he said he wanted to meet some of his Grandad's family, so I contacted them, and a planned short visit turned out to be an all day affair, because we enjoyed getting to know each other. In 1991, about half of Mom's nieces and nephew are gone-all but one were younger than me and only 3 of us left from Dad's side-of we think were 29. Grandma Smith had 26 with 15 left.

Was there someone your family was particularly proud of?

I don't think anything special need to be done or awarded to be proud of someone. None of my children went directly to college an so far, only one grandchild, the actress Lynette, who is a VERY talented gal. My children have climbed the ladder to success rung by rung working- taking classes-working-taking more classes. Son Tom is not an AIA Architect. Son Tim, high position in electricity-Grandson Jason, president in this area of "Black-box" in computer cable installation-granddaughter Laura is now an RN in our new Heart Institute-Daughter Kimberly in kitchen and cabinet planning. Sandy had worked her way up to a goo office position, just before she had to quit because of health reasons. This is just to name a few. I think education is very important-no matter how you acquire it.

If you could do anything differently about your family, what would it be?

The only thing I would change is to have my family spend more time with me. They are all real busy and don't have time to see me because of thier jobs and they are so far away.

Did the family get together much casually, or did you have to travel and dress up to spend time together?

Casually

Was yours a religious family? Did you attend services together? Were these dress-up affairs?

We children went to Sunday School. No matter how poor, we always had special clothes, hats and gloves.

Did your family say grace? Did you sit down at the table together for every meal?

We all sat down together for supper in the dining roon for everyday meals, as well as special ones.

Did your family take vacations? Did you go to the same place every year; a summer house or resort?

Never. No one got paid vacations back then. My father worked 6 days a week. 52 weeks of the year.

Do you remember any special stories your grandmother or grandfather told you? Do you tell any of the same stories to your grandkids?

I answered about grandparent before. My grandkids keep telling me "Grandma, write your story". This is my part of it.

What was your relationship with your parents like? Would you describe it as warm? Formal? Loving? Stern? Demonstrative?

Warm, with my Mom. Stern with my strict father. But people back then didn't show loving emotion and remember he was raised in a German household. I got closer to him after my second marriage. Fred wanted to meet Dad, and they got along well, so we saw a lot of him and he so loved our little girl, Kimberly. He was born on our Flag Day, and he was so pleased about that and was a very patriotic American, and instilled it in me. When he was 85, I think, I made a cake with a big American flag, and all those candles! I have a picture of this. He died in 1973, June 6, just before another birthday. His age has been debatable-between 85 and 88.

Did your grandparents live nearby? How often did you visit their homes? Did their homes have a special cooking smell? Onions? Cookies? What did their couch feel like? How big was the kitchen? Describe their home as you remember it.

Granddad Smith built their home(by the way, he also helped to build our State Capitol). They were just average wage farmers. He did own their farm, tho, not rent, and have to move every March, like a lot of farmers had to do back then. The kitchen was big-7 living children, and later, the youngest and her husband lived with them, with their growing family. There was a beautiful stain glass section above the bay window in the main room-frosted picture glass in front door. I also remember their special guest bedroom. It had a raised bed, with dark red velvet brocade bedspread and drapes. I was on the 2nd floor, and had a little balcony. Even had it's own heating stove. It was really a show-piece, but hardly ever used. One time tho, a cousin and I got to sleep there, with a big feather bed we almost disappeared in, it was so thick!

Did your family ever have a reunion? What were some of the best reunions and why?

When I was a child, we used to have family picnics, with all the cousins, etc. so I guess they were reunions I have fond memories of them. Years later, we had a surprise gathering for my Mother's 80th birthday. We sent invitations, but the one to my favorite Aunt got lost, and she thought she was being ignored. We did not send one to some one else, but she heard about it, and said she was coming, anyway. Mom always clashed with her, but that day Mom even invited her back to her place after party was over in the park, so go figure! Daughter Sandy planned our first Arp Reunion in 1991, and sent initiation to Dad's side, to get a chance to ge re-acquainted. Cousins Greg and Jean Arp from Bennet came with their 2 boys. We had never met them, tho they lived that close. Turned out, they were only ones there with the name of Arp. Greg's grandfather and my father were brothers. Greg has the Clock Shop in Bennet. Thru the years, we have gotten together, and now are becoming friends, and can talk up a storm, when we get together. They have been to Germany, where all our ancestors came from and Jean has put together a big family history. I get it out frequently, and always discover something new. Greg's mother was born and raised in Persia and some of her family is buried in the same Valley View cemetery as are so may of mine. Mom wanted to be there, too, but we had to change that.

Can you remember any stories you heard about your grandparents when they were children? Do you feel as if you knew much about their lives?

No. No. I learned more about Mom's dad when a cousin went to England and sort of a spur of the moment thing, decided to do some research, and the more she found, the more she researched. Got copies of birth and death certificates, etc.

As a teenager, did you get along well with your parents, or was there trouble?

Who is perfect? Maybe not as much as now. We didn't have all the temptations.

How about your brothers and sisters? Did you get along with them? Do you remember ever playing a trick on your brother or sister? What pictures come to mind when you think about playing together?

I think I have answered some of that. There is a trick I played on Ila once, at a very stupid time. We always had to be so quiet when we did dishes-no talking allowed! I thought I would give her a laugh, and picked up Jan's toy duck that quacked when it was pulled along or moved its bill. I was going to have it bite her ear, but Ila chose that moment to pick up the boiling tea kettle to scald the dishes, and instead, go scalded a little herself. The strap of education never let me make that mistake again!

Did someone in your family cause your folks more trouble than the rest?

Probably me or maybe Mona-Sorry, Sis.

Have your pets been like family members, or just like animals? Did you ever have a dog that ran away? Try to list all the pets you've had through the years and their personalities.

I have answered that, too. However, after I married, for a few years we bred some pail haired Cocker Spaniels. Our AKC dog's name was Lady Fair of Brodmoor-, and she was a Lady. After mom retired we got a Chihuahua-fit in a cup, when it was a pup. Mom named his "Amigo" and she babied him more than any of us. She had him 13 years, and was heart-broken when he died. He was all ears and BARK!

Did anyone in your family do handiwork? Needlework? Wood work? Was anyone particularly mechanical or artistic?

I have answered this, too-being passed on from generation. I have to mention the Children's father, Tom. He only had a 5th grade education, but always willing to learn. He was a mechanic, and when working on our car, would spread newspaper on the floor an bring part in, then teach mea about them. Them his boss went from farm machinery to electricity, so Tom learned about that-then TVs came out and I read those big books to him explaining what I could, and he learned that. We were on e of the first in area for a TV.

What did your dad do for a living? Your mom? Your grandparents?

When I was a year and a half, my folks moved to town, and Dad started working go n Rock Island Railroad. He was a a section hand-helped inspect the tracks every day to make sure ties were still good an spikes were holding them on the rails. He worked 6 days a week, the year round, and if it stormed at nite-it was always storming in Iowa-he would have to go out in the dark, too. It was steady work, but pay was small, and Dad always was busy doing odd jobs, scooping coal, trimming hedges cutting wood for others, as well as us-we all learned to say and chop wood. My Mother was busy raising 5 children, without help of modern conveniences-sometimes not even electric appliances. I remember pulling that old stick on the wood washing machine, to switch the clothes around. She also washed and ironed for others, and on hand to help the ailing. My grandparents were farmers, as were most of my Uncles. There used to be more farmers that town folk. It was a good life. What a shame all the little farmers are getting squeezed out-mainly by big corporations owned by foreigners. We were poor but working poor, and yes, times were tough, and we had to do without a lot of things, but not food. My Dad would go hunting for rabbit or squirrel, or even pigeon, and mom made the tastiest meat pies out of them. Our family were not fancy dressers, but my Mom had one of those fox scarves, that everybody had to have! I don't think they made men's colognes, way back then. There was something called bay rum. Don't know if Dad had any. I suppose mom had perfume, like "Evening In Paris".

Were you considered rich, poor, or middle class? Were times ever tough for all of you, or was it always smooth sailing? Did you have to go without things that your friends had?

See question 22.

Were your parents fancy dressers? When you think of them, what do you remember them wearing? Did your mother wear a special perfume you remember? Did your father wear cologne or after-shave?

See question 22.

What was it like when you took your mate to meet your family? Were they welcoming or standoffish?

Yes, Mom and siblings like Tom. He was a charmer. Dad had gone to the Bluffs to work. But every time we talked of marriage, Mom kept saying to wait a little longer. Then, after WWII started, on e night we just eloped. My Uncle Lawrence was the most upset. Like I said, I was their girl, too. Even tho the marriage ended in divorce, after 4 children, and he charmed his way in and out of a couple of other marriages, and he has been gone nearly 19 years. He is still the Love of my life-my happiest time. When we moved to the big city, the honky-tonks and wicked ways were too tempting to him. It was like the life-style he had left behind in St. Jo.

Was there one moment when you felt that your parents and siblings accepted your mate as a family member?

See question 25.

What are the treasured pieces of furniture or family heirlooms that belonged to your parents or grandparents?

My mother taught a little piano before marriage, and with the first money she earned, she bought a gold plated tea pot. I knew she had willed it to me, but one Christmas she surprised me with it-said she wanted to see the joy of me having it. My plan was to leave it to Sandy, but one Christmas I surprised her the same way for the same reason. I don't know who she plans to pass it on to.

How did the Great Depression affect your family?

Greatly, like everyone! Dad's wages were cut. We had to move to a much smaller house. We had been living in a spacious one 2 houses from school-still no indoor plumbing. We moved clear across town-about 12 blocks, I guess-a long way to walk on cold days, and hurry home and back at lunch. No hot meals or snacks served.

When you think back on your mother and father now, what do you realize about their lives that you didn't understand when you were growing up?

I didn't think much about it. Like I said before-people did not show or share feelings too much. Then when they moved to the Bluffs, they separated, she went to work in cafes, and they later divorced, so , no, they were not happy.

Looking back, do you think your parents were happy with the circumstances of their lives?

See Question 29.


The House of Your Growing Up

Do you have warm feelings about the childhood home that you remember the most?

Only the farm I was born in. I had lived in five different houses in town, by the time I graduated.

What did your home look like? Apartment, walk-up, condominium, or house? What was the color? Was it stone, wood - other? One story or two?

They were all wood. At least two were white, one was yellow, and the last one was light green.

What did you look out onto?

Dirt streets and other houses. In one house, there was an old maid who saw everything going on. One day I went to call on her. She had invited me for supper, because I had done some errands for her. I had never eaten with sterling silverware and I was surprised how easily the forks bent. She asked me about my friends. Back then, you didn't date the same guy and they were just dates, not relationships or whatever. It seemed that this particular week I had gone out with three different guys and May had noticed. She asked little questions, like if my boyfriend had gotten a different car or if he borrowed his dad's car, etc. When I said they were three different boys, which I am sure she knew, I could hear her saying to me, "My, you are a flirt." I didn't think so. They were just friends and a chance to get out of town for a good movie. If I got a call to baby-sit for a whole quarter, I would break my date.

What was your bedroom like?

A room with a bed and dresser, A board was nailed on the wall behind the door, with hooks to hang our change of clothes.

Did you share it with your siblings, or was it cozy by yourself?

I always shared a room with my older sister, Ila.

Can you remember the pictures that hung, wallpaper, carpeting, etc.? Can you remember your telephone number and address?

Not in our bedroom. My mom had two little oval pictures of angels. Come spring cleaning, the 9x12 carpet in the living room was rolled up and put on the clothesline and we beat the heck, and hopefully the dirt, out of it with a rug beater, or a contraption made of heavy wire shaoed like an over-sized tennis racket. That was going on all over town. Curtains were taken down, washed, then put on and stretched to dry, not too tightly or they made little points. Storm windows were taken off and stored away. Windows were washed inside and out with
Bon Ami or something white. This was before Windex and we didn't like newspaper. Then the screens were put on, the heating stove was taken down, and we had room to move around in again. More than once, I got too close and got burned. It sat right below our bedroom window and there was a floor transom to get the heat, but we were never allowed to waste the heat. No matter how quietly we tried to open it, Dad always knew it; so lots of cold mornings we would wake with frost on our covers from our breath. I am sure others can tell the same stories.

What did you do to make your room your own? Did you sleep with a stuffed animal or doll? What was your animal or doll's name?

Nothing. No.

Can you remember what you daydreamed about in those days?

Granddaughter, Lynetee, this will surprise you. I, too, once dreamed of being an actress. Dad always had a stack of old ties piled up, about as high as me and they made a perfect stage for me to get up on and do my acting. I was once chosen for a good part in a school play, but the next day I found it had been given to another, whose father was more prominent. That happened when I was chosen for a beauty contest, too. Even way back then, sometimes it's who you know. Lynette, of course, became an actress. She majored in theatrics at U.N. She was as good playing a teenager as she was playing an old crone, and did a lot of her own makeup too. She moved to Chicago, got in some plays, then met Carl and had two fine boys. He wanted her to stay home and care for them. Now they are nearly 13 and 18. Last year, she got involved in a couple of different plays, and she uses her talents at church, too.

What time did your mail come? Was it exciting anticipating the mail? Can you remember anything in particular that you received that was special?

In small towns, you walk to the post office and get your mail out of a little pidgeonhole box. Ours was 102. We never checked it every day. I do remember when I had a pen-pal for a while, and a couple of boys from another town might send a letter or penny postcard. It was only after I married and Tom was called to service, that mail time became important to me, but by that time I was living in Council Bluffs and mail was delivered. All his letters were special.

Was security an issue? Did your parents keep the door locked or did family and friends come and go with the door unlocked?

Doors were seldom locked so I never needed a key.

What do you remember having in the refrigerator growing up? Could you graze freely or eat only at meal times?

What refrigerator? we still had an ice bow, with a drip pan that would spill over and make a big mess, and father decided what we would eat, whether we liked it or not. To this day, I gag on a piece of tomato

What was your parents' room like (beds, bedspreads, easy chairs, etc.)? Did you spend much time in their room with them? Were you allowed to rest in their bed when you were sick?

Just a room, no special memories.

Was there much music in your house or was it relatively quiet? What type of music, if so? Did you play a Victrola, radio, record player, boom box, CDs?

What's a boom box? We had a crystal set with one pair of ear phones and the male members got to do most of the listening. We would sometimes get to hear Grand Ole Opry or barn dance.

Was there a lot of talking going on? Did you feel part of the adult conversation?

Not much. No part,you know the old saying of children should be seen and not heard. That was true in our place.

Was there any place in your house that scared you (the basement, attic)?

I was a scardy cat of everything.

Did you have a lawn? Have to mow it? Did you have gardens of flowers, vegetables or herbs? Did you help care for them?

We had a yard we had to mow with the old push type. We had 3 gardens. My father got land leased to him along the tracks and we were allowed to worrk in all of them even one we had to walk a couple miles down the track. It was scary not knowing when a train would come We pumped water, gardened, choped and saw wood. My favorite season had always been winter because of Christmas. Our fun in the snow was mostly sooping that stuff in time to make room for more. summers were hot and full of files and no fans we slept outdoors alot.

What was your favorite season at your house? Do you remember summer as too hot or exhilarating and perfect? Did you swim a lot in the summer? Did you ski or do winter sports in the cold weather?

My favorite season had always been winter because of Christmas. Our fun in the snow was mostly sooping that stuff in time to make room for more. Summers were hot and full of flies and no fans we slept outdoors alot!

Were there books in evidence around your house? Was there a special room in the house considered the "library"? Which of your parents' books and magazines do you remember reading?

My dad had a set of Zane Gray books and I read them over and over. To bad they have to make even "R" rated western movies. I did alot of memorizing as I was growing up, because of lack of my own books but I like to recall some favorite poems.

Were you or your parents interested in the news? Which news stories made the greatest impression on you?

We couldn;t affrod a daily paper but I remember about Lindburgh's flight and then the terrible baby kidnapping when Dionne 5 were born and the crash of the stock market.

Where were the telephones in your home? Were you allowed to stay on the phone as long as you wanted or was there a time limit?

No telephone not even til several years after I was married I guess when Tom started started doing extra work mechanical, electrical, hay bailing,etc.

Which door did you use mostly? Front door, back door, kitchen door, side door? Was there usually someone there to greet you when you came home?

Front door it was main entrance we ate supper at 6 p.m. prompt and to bed at 9 p.m. prompt. It was just a plain house, like all my other friends but clean!

Did your parents have friends over often? Can you remember them having parties? Where did everyone gather? Did company come often for meals?

My father used to call for square dances when I was very small
you and they did some socializing, then. My aunt Edna and family would come fairly often for sunday dinner, adn we got to use Mother's best dishes from the china cabinet. People

Do you remember your house having a particular scent (cooking smells, aroma of flowers, laundry scents)?


The scent of my mother's twice-weekly bread baking.
M_M_M good!

What was the street like where you lived? Did you have a front stoop or porch? Informal or formal?

Our home had a large screened-in porch.

Can you remember excitement about a certain purchase (washing machine, phone, addition to the house) or repairs to the house?

When brother Al was in that CCC camp I mentioned before, he bought Mom new linoleum for her kitchen. When it was being laid down, it buckled and cracked, and I saw my mother cry. New things were not too common in our place.

If you could now move back into the house you grew up in, just the way it was then, would you? Why or why not?

Back to the farm house -- YES! I was always happy there -- so contented. I felt so loved and secure with Aunt Edna and Uncle Lawre. I am sure Dixie and Diane know what I mean. Oh, I don't think I said -- my oldest daughter is named after the two girls' middle names, "Sandra Ruth."


Childhood/Neighborhood

Who were your best friends in your neighborhood? Do you still know them or know what happened to them?

There is one girlfriend from 2nd grade, that I have kept in contact, thru the years. She also lives in Lincoln, now; but at my age, most of those I grew up with, are gone.

Did you play at your home, theirs or mostly in playgrounds, the streets, fields?

All of those listed.

What do you remember about your friends' houses and families?

Nothing particular. We all had plain homes, but one friend did have INDOOR PLUMBING!!

Did you have a secret path you used to take to meet your friend?

No

Did you play house? Were you the mother, father, doctor, etc? Did you play stickball, ice skate, play basketball or baseball (what position did you play)? Did you go to the library?

No. We were too busy doing real housework. My sister and her friend played "beauty shop" once and cut each other's curls off-short!

I guess this is a good place to tell how the neighborhood kids would gather in the pasture of the liver stable, and play a game called "Andy-over", try to throw a ball over the roof of the building to kids on the other side etc.-but one day we didn't have a ball so someone found the round wood seat from a stool. It was broken in 3 part, and we took the one end-with sharp ends and started tossing it back and forth. One time, as it came over it landed-point down on my sister's head and made a big gash-that was one thing my mother could not doctor by herself--STUPID KIDS!

No town library-but I spent a lot of time in school libraries and have encouraged all my children to read, read, read!

Was there a neighborhood bully? Did that bully ever hurt you?

No.

Did you have a nickname? How did you get it? Has it stuck with you?

No.

What sidewalk games did you play? Did you collect anything (bugs, baseball cards, marbles, etc.)?

Hop-scotch, jacks, jump rope, marbles, and boys all had pocket knives, to play "mumblety-peg" and to carve and whittle. It was never a dangerous weapon, then.

Did you have pets? What were their names? Were they usually strays? How did you acquire them?

No pets. I was bit by our dog when I was 3, so no more.

Do you remember having the chicken pox, mumps or other childhood diseases? Were you ever seriously ill as a child? Who took care of you?

Yes, yes, yes and more not named. Seems like we always had a quarantine sign, for something. Brother had "sleeping sickness" and was very ill in the hospital, when he was about 10. Dr. made house-calls, the, but Mothers did most of the doctoring.

How did you go downtown and get back home? Trolley, bus, car, horseback, walk? Can you remember your first trip? Why did you usually go?

In a small town you walk, and it was no big deal.

Did you ever have a natural disaster in your town like a tornado, flood, or immobilizing snow storm?

No

Describe your neighborhood - rural or suburban? Lots of grass or concrete? Did anyone have fancy gardens, a horse, or something "different" from the norm?

Lots of dirt and dandelions but those dandelions always had to me mowed down, too. Thank goodness, we did not have to dig them. There would gave been no green left in out yards.

Do you remember a new family moving into your neighborhood? Did your family welcome them by sending food; were they hard to get to know; did they join your circle of friends?

We were usually the new neighbors, because we were always moving-at least 5 times by the time I graduated, but everybody knew everybody.

What were your favorite board games?

Monopoly, definitely, and Dominoes, to help pus learn our math and checkers, and "old maid" etc.

Did you ever go door-to-door selling anything to your neighbors? Did you have a lemonade stand?

Yes, a paper called "Grit" for 5 cents! and cloverine salve-and my mother was an "Avon" lady way back when. No lemonade stands in small towns.

Would you like to have raised your children in a neighborhood like the one you grew up in? Why or why not?

Yes. I think every child needs to know what it is to live a simple life, and their values and priorities would change.

Did you have any imaginary friends growing up? Did your parents play along?

No

Were you afraid of the boogeyman or the monster under the bed?

I was probably the one under the bed. My siblings always said I would hide under there, when I was scared-and I was scared of everything-creepy, crawly, and storms!

What were your favorite books, poems or bedtime stories as a child?

No choice-only nursery rhymes and fairy tales in one book that everyone had to share. Children don't know how fortunate they are to have access to such a wealth o f knowledge and entertainment.

Did you go to camp? Did anyone from your neighborhood go with you? Do you remember any of the counselors or groups of kids? What did you do at camp?

No

What did you ever do that got you into trouble with your parents? At school? What were the punishments?

Almost anything late curfew-Father was VERY strict-punishment was always razor strop-choice of most parents. In school, I am not telling all-but I was a "Spit-fire" in High School. One teacher and I crossed swords, all the time. And I played "Hooky" to go on date with boyfriend-but my mother knew it.

Did you attend a religious school? Did you bring those values with you into adulthood?

No

Was your neighborhood a good, safe place in which to take walks? Do you remember any incidences?

Of course-but we did have a window-peeker, a well-known business man!

Did you ever want to run away? Why?

Yes. As I said my father was very strict.

What was a perfect day when you were a child?

On the farm where I was born, it was 3 miles from town, but I would often "hitch-hike" out. It was safe, the, and all the farmers along the way knew me. Unfortunately, all the dogs did, too, and they would let me ride. If I didn't come home from school, my parents knew where I was. That was one thing my Father did not punish me for. My Aunt and Uncle were married for over 9 years, before they had any children-so I was their little girl. Life was so very pleasant with them. They did not spoil me. I had chores to do, there, too, but atmosphere was so very different!

What is your first memory?

I was baby of the family for nearly 7 years, but when sister, Jan was born, did my nose ever get out of joint, and I remember my Dad starting to spank me for things I used to get away with.

What were the names of neighborhood landmarks? The ice cream store? Drugstore? Barber shop? Grocery store? Flower shop? Shoe repair shop? What do you remember most vividly about them?

No ice cream store-we bought that at drug store. YBR grocery and butcher shop-a hardware store, a bank, a post office, a shoe repair-but my Dad did ours-he had his own shoe "last". One place I lived, I walked right by a blacksmith shop and it was so interesting to watch the sparks fly as a horse shoe would be hammered into shape. No movie house-but in summer we had weekly movies-free-the old serials, and the "cowboy and indian"-sometimes talking, but mostly silent ones.

Now that you are an adult, what advice would you give to a child about childhood?

Don't be in such a hurry to grow up. Enjoy your childhood. It is the shortest and most care free period in your life.

Is there anything else you would like to write about your childhood?

With all the "do-withouts", I still feel fortunate to have been a child in the 20's and 30's.

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