Our Mother was a stickler for propriety!! She would not go to town without a bath, lipstick, stockings and when she was younger she even wore a corset! That must have been torture, but it was required of a lady.
She was a pretty woman and kept herself nice at all times. Dresses were the thing. No slacks for her. She always wore house slippers around the house when she was home. These, sometimes, got pretty well worn. We lived in the country so were in and out doing things like bringing in wood for the fire and such. Slippers got a beating.
One day she was going to the Dr. in Canton and Daddy had come home to pick her up and off they went. She was hurrying as the appointment was getting close. She tells us they drove all the way to Canton (approximately 30 miles) and as she was getting out of the car, she realized she had her house slippers on yet!! There was no way she would go into the Dr.'s office with house slippers on. Daddy hurriedly went to the nearest shoe store and got her a pair of shoes to go into the Dr's office.
A few years later we had moved to the Wilson Place. This was in the back of beyond. We loved it here. Hunting was great. We had woods behind us, in front of us and beside us. Our Mother loved hunting and fishing. She wore dresses to go hunting and fishing!!
Our sister Mary came to visit one Sunday with her husband and son. She had bought our Mother two pair of slacks. They were like a chino material and very nice. They would be warm to wear in the woods and would be good against the brambles we ran into. When Mary & Clyde left she took the pants upstairs and told me afterwards there was no way she could put on a pair of pants!! No way!!
I had taken off a day during the week to go hunting with Mom. We were the only two home so I was thrilled to have Mom to myself for the day. We were getting ready and I told her it was blustery and cold out so why not put on a pair of the slacks Mary had brought up. Well, you would have thought I was committing a crime!! She said no way and I, of course, told her no one could see her and I wouldn't tell anyone so why not at least try them on. Well, she gave in and came downstairs a little later and wanted to know my opinion. Did I think she looked okay or what? I assured her she looked fine. We went on our way and you know after that you couldn't get her out of those pants when we went out to the woods or the mill. She loved being able to put slacks on for gardening and even just walking in the woods.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Thanksgiving Turkey
It was a few days before Thanksgiving and as usual we were all busy. The boys, Roy and Jerry were helping Daddy in the woods at this time. Someone had run into Daddy's truck one day and this resulted in a broken knee for Roy and a severely injured knee for Daddy. They all continued to work but this was so upsetting for the whole family.
One particular afternoon, my mother and father were in the kitchen discussing what they needed from the grocery store. Money was evidently tight and they weren't sure we would have a turkey. This was essential to Thanksgiving!! My mother was upset anf finally asked Daddy what he was mad at her for and he just looked at her and said "I thought you were mad at me!" Well, they hugged and made up and then got down to cases about what to get for Thanksgiving.
Lawrence had been up to Gammy & Grandpap's for a few days helping with the fall harvest. Just after my parents got their little differences settled between them, Lawrence rode in on his bike. Yes, you guessed it, Gammy had sent home a turkey for Thanksgiving for us. Lawrence hauled it home in the basket on his bike. That must have been some ride. Danny tells me he rode to Trout Run once and Lawrence had to ride from out in Cascade all the way to Trout Run. We were a happy family and had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
One particular afternoon, my mother and father were in the kitchen discussing what they needed from the grocery store. Money was evidently tight and they weren't sure we would have a turkey. This was essential to Thanksgiving!! My mother was upset anf finally asked Daddy what he was mad at her for and he just looked at her and said "I thought you were mad at me!" Well, they hugged and made up and then got down to cases about what to get for Thanksgiving.
Lawrence had been up to Gammy & Grandpap's for a few days helping with the fall harvest. Just after my parents got their little differences settled between them, Lawrence rode in on his bike. Yes, you guessed it, Gammy had sent home a turkey for Thanksgiving for us. Lawrence hauled it home in the basket on his bike. That must have been some ride. Danny tells me he rode to Trout Run once and Lawrence had to ride from out in Cascade all the way to Trout Run. We were a happy family and had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
1955
I was dating Tom back in 1954 and 1955 right after he got out of the service and 8 or 9 months before we were married. We didn't usually do too much except the movies, going square dancing and seeing friends.
One weekend Tom said we were invited to Sunday dinner at the Toti home. The Toti people were very Italian. Originally from Italy. They had a beautiful home in South Williamsport and owned a bar in Newberry. They had several children but I can't remember how many. I do know they had two daughters, Julia and Betty. You all remember Betty as Aunt Betty and Uncle Earl. Tammy's father and mother. She and Julia were the neatest people. I always enjoyed their company.
This particular Sunday, Tom and I went to the Toti home as did Bill & Julia, and Betty and Earl lived there in the apartment upstairs. I was a nervous wreck. I did not know these people and Tom did so he was comfortable. I give him credit as he stuck by me the whole time except when the women asked me to come to the kitchen. There I met Mama Toti (Betty & Julia's mother). She was a short and quite round lady and spoke brokenly but was a very cheerful person. I was so impressed with the preparations for dinner. She had spaghetti hanging on a line in the kitchen along with some pasta that was probably for ravioli. You had to duck for the strings of pasta hanging there. There was a large pot of sauce simmering on the stove and it smelled simply wonderful.We talked or rather I listened and tried to fit in but I was NOT Italian.
In a little while we sat down to dinner. What a meal. Spaghetti made from scratch, even the sauce. It was simply delicious. They were insistent I eat a lot as I was very skinny at that time. They were very nice to chat with and I enjoyed the dinner but was glad to get out of there and calm down.
I got to know Julia and Betty much better as time went by and we became friends. I went back to the Toti home a few times after that but it was not something we did often. I spent my visits with Julia and Bill.
Julia and Bill is another story.
One weekend Tom said we were invited to Sunday dinner at the Toti home. The Toti people were very Italian. Originally from Italy. They had a beautiful home in South Williamsport and owned a bar in Newberry. They had several children but I can't remember how many. I do know they had two daughters, Julia and Betty. You all remember Betty as Aunt Betty and Uncle Earl. Tammy's father and mother. She and Julia were the neatest people. I always enjoyed their company.
This particular Sunday, Tom and I went to the Toti home as did Bill & Julia, and Betty and Earl lived there in the apartment upstairs. I was a nervous wreck. I did not know these people and Tom did so he was comfortable. I give him credit as he stuck by me the whole time except when the women asked me to come to the kitchen. There I met Mama Toti (Betty & Julia's mother). She was a short and quite round lady and spoke brokenly but was a very cheerful person. I was so impressed with the preparations for dinner. She had spaghetti hanging on a line in the kitchen along with some pasta that was probably for ravioli. You had to duck for the strings of pasta hanging there. There was a large pot of sauce simmering on the stove and it smelled simply wonderful.We talked or rather I listened and tried to fit in but I was NOT Italian.
In a little while we sat down to dinner. What a meal. Spaghetti made from scratch, even the sauce. It was simply delicious. They were insistent I eat a lot as I was very skinny at that time. They were very nice to chat with and I enjoyed the dinner but was glad to get out of there and calm down.
I got to know Julia and Betty much better as time went by and we became friends. I went back to the Toti home a few times after that but it was not something we did often. I spent my visits with Julia and Bill.
Julia and Bill is another story.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Christmas Eve is always memorable but this particular one was even more so. My parents went to town with the older boys and Carol. I was home with the younger kids. Five of them plus me. I was probably 14 or 15. I was always glad to help out with the kids. My mother trusted me so we were fine.
It began to get late and so Bill & Ann and I put the rest of the kids to bed and we decorated the tree. I finally sent Ann to bed as she was so sleepy. Bill and I kept the fire going and watched TV and just generally paced the floor wondering where our parents were. It had snowed earlier but the roads were not impassible. Bill was getting tired so he went to bed and there I was. I decided to get the gifts out and place them around the tree as it was getting into 2:00 in the morning and I wondered if something had happened. With no phone there wasn't a way to call anyone and no near neighbors to go to. I just plain worried!!
After getting the gifts done and putting more wood on the fire I got a book and sat back to read. My favorite occupation. Pretty soon I heard someone talking outdoors and went to the door and put on the porch light. I was scared but at the same time hopeful that it was my parents finally making it home.
It was them and they were cold, wet and tired. The car had broken down and they had walked through the woods to get home as it was closer than going by the road. My mother had a dress on and high heels. Can you imagine!! She was so pleased to come in to a warm house and the tree and gifts done. I was so happy to have them home I couldn't begin to grasp it. I finally went to bed and they were still getting warm. It was a wonderful Christmas.
It began to get late and so Bill & Ann and I put the rest of the kids to bed and we decorated the tree. I finally sent Ann to bed as she was so sleepy. Bill and I kept the fire going and watched TV and just generally paced the floor wondering where our parents were. It had snowed earlier but the roads were not impassible. Bill was getting tired so he went to bed and there I was. I decided to get the gifts out and place them around the tree as it was getting into 2:00 in the morning and I wondered if something had happened. With no phone there wasn't a way to call anyone and no near neighbors to go to. I just plain worried!!
After getting the gifts done and putting more wood on the fire I got a book and sat back to read. My favorite occupation. Pretty soon I heard someone talking outdoors and went to the door and put on the porch light. I was scared but at the same time hopeful that it was my parents finally making it home.
It was them and they were cold, wet and tired. The car had broken down and they had walked through the woods to get home as it was closer than going by the road. My mother had a dress on and high heels. Can you imagine!! She was so pleased to come in to a warm house and the tree and gifts done. I was so happy to have them home I couldn't begin to grasp it. I finally went to bed and they were still getting warm. It was a wonderful Christmas.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Fishing
I worked almost full time so was always busy with household chores or sewing or such when I was home. I still felt it was important to spend time with the kids when they were home after school and during the summer. We had many good times together. I remember times when we left the housework go and packed a picnic lunch and went swimming down at the creek. It was fun for them and for me. They enjoyed swimming and fishing.
One day I was in the house doing some sort of work and had the windows open to let in the nice summer breeze. The kids had asked if they could go fishing across the road in the creek. It was low so I knew they couldn't hurt themselves. I was always worried about snakes.
I suddenly heard this awful screaming. I dropped everything and ran and could still hear Joye screaming from down the creek aways!! I finally made it to where she was and here she was holding up about a three inch trout. Thrilled to no end that she caught a fish!! I was happy for her but cautioned her as to the screaming as I thought someone was bit by a snake or something!
We took the fish home and she insisted I clean it so she could eat it later. I did clean it and later the neighbor lady came over to babysit and she said she would cook it for Joye. Well, she was one thrilled little girl to catch a fish and eat it too.
The kids all love fishing to this day.
One day I was in the house doing some sort of work and had the windows open to let in the nice summer breeze. The kids had asked if they could go fishing across the road in the creek. It was low so I knew they couldn't hurt themselves. I was always worried about snakes.
I suddenly heard this awful screaming. I dropped everything and ran and could still hear Joye screaming from down the creek aways!! I finally made it to where she was and here she was holding up about a three inch trout. Thrilled to no end that she caught a fish!! I was happy for her but cautioned her as to the screaming as I thought someone was bit by a snake or something!
We took the fish home and she insisted I clean it so she could eat it later. I did clean it and later the neighbor lady came over to babysit and she said she would cook it for Joye. Well, she was one thrilled little girl to catch a fish and eat it too.
The kids all love fishing to this day.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wheeling, WV
We were ready for another road trip! I had rented a pop-up camper and we felt like we were going in style. Being able to sleep in an almost real bed and under a roof of sorts!! This pop-up extended out to sleep about six. We were eight and did very well in there. It even had a little hidden stove fueled with propane, which was fantastic. I packed a lot in our ice chest and took canned goods. We had beef stew in a can and ravoli and such! With peanut butter and jelly we had it made.
Our car had been giving us trouble and needed a new clutch put in so our neighbor, Tracy and Dad worked practically into the late night to get that done. We wanted to have as much time as possible to have fun. Well, they got the gears in backwards but figured it would run fine anyway, which it did!!
We got to the campground near Wheeling and got our spot and Dad took the kids around so they would know where everything was. We decided to go to Wheeling (about 15 minutes away) and get our tickets for the Jamboree. The older kids wanted to stay with the camper. We figured they would be fine for a short period of time but we never figured on getting in a traffic jam! We waited and waited but finally Dad and I both decided we better go back and get the rest of the kids as we didn't want to leave them for that long. We went across the grass medium and went back the other way. We got the kids and took off for Wheeling again. We had to fill up with gas and as we stopped there the horn started to blow and finally Dad had to disconnect it to make it stop. I don't remember why it did that but it was upsetting to say the least. We got our tickets and spent time at the campground and when it was time for the show we headed into Wheeling again.
The show was headed by Charlie Pride. He was so good. The auditorium was just a big room with folding chairs and a stage at the end. But it was exciting to see the show in person that we listened to each week on the radio.
We headed home and on the way the car wouldn't change gears for us. It stayed in second gear until we could finally get off at a place where they had a gas station. We took it to the garage and asked them to fix it up. Worried all the while what it would cost. Well, it was just a pin had come out and the mechanic looked back at Dad and said "Did you know the gears are in backwards?" and Dad said "how about that". The mechanic asked him if he should fix it and Dad said go ahead. Well, it cost us about $5.00 so we were happy campers and laughing all the way about the mechanic asking if we knew the gears were in backwards!
Our car had been giving us trouble and needed a new clutch put in so our neighbor, Tracy and Dad worked practically into the late night to get that done. We wanted to have as much time as possible to have fun. Well, they got the gears in backwards but figured it would run fine anyway, which it did!!
We got to the campground near Wheeling and got our spot and Dad took the kids around so they would know where everything was. We decided to go to Wheeling (about 15 minutes away) and get our tickets for the Jamboree. The older kids wanted to stay with the camper. We figured they would be fine for a short period of time but we never figured on getting in a traffic jam! We waited and waited but finally Dad and I both decided we better go back and get the rest of the kids as we didn't want to leave them for that long. We went across the grass medium and went back the other way. We got the kids and took off for Wheeling again. We had to fill up with gas and as we stopped there the horn started to blow and finally Dad had to disconnect it to make it stop. I don't remember why it did that but it was upsetting to say the least. We got our tickets and spent time at the campground and when it was time for the show we headed into Wheeling again.
The show was headed by Charlie Pride. He was so good. The auditorium was just a big room with folding chairs and a stage at the end. But it was exciting to see the show in person that we listened to each week on the radio.
We headed home and on the way the car wouldn't change gears for us. It stayed in second gear until we could finally get off at a place where they had a gas station. We took it to the garage and asked them to fix it up. Worried all the while what it would cost. Well, it was just a pin had come out and the mechanic looked back at Dad and said "Did you know the gears are in backwards?" and Dad said "how about that". The mechanic asked him if he should fix it and Dad said go ahead. Well, it cost us about $5.00 so we were happy campers and laughing all the way about the mechanic asking if we knew the gears were in backwards!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
First TV - about 1949
My Mother and I went to town to shop and since it was a nice day we decided to walk around town for a bit before doing much shopping. We didn't get to town too often so when we did we wanted to make it worthwhile.
Going down Fourth Street in Williamsport we saw a black box showing a movie on it. It was in a window of a furniture store. We were absolutely fascinated with it and watched the whole program from outdoors. Daddy had told of the new television sets they were selling in town and he was gung-ho about getting one. We were excited about this but knew we lived way out in the boonies so maybe reception (a new word to us) wouldn't be good.
Well, the day came when Daddy came home with this new television!! We were so excited. He had an antenna to put up to bring in the channels. After hooking it up and plugging it in all we had was snow. Finally, he and the boys took the antenna up on top of the hill behind the house (about a 1/2 mile) and put a pipe in a tree so we could turn the antenna. The antenna was attached to the pipe and this was in turn anchored to the tall tree. By turning the pipe it would turn the antenna from the channel at Altoona to the one in Binghamtom, NY.
Saturday nights my Mother loved watching the midget wrestlers and this was on a different channel from all the other programs we watched. Not only that, this program came on at 10:00 at night, so a couple of us had to take the flashlight and go up the hill and turn the antenna. This was a little scary at night but the wrestling was fun to watch, even more so watching Mom enjoying the show so much.
Going down Fourth Street in Williamsport we saw a black box showing a movie on it. It was in a window of a furniture store. We were absolutely fascinated with it and watched the whole program from outdoors. Daddy had told of the new television sets they were selling in town and he was gung-ho about getting one. We were excited about this but knew we lived way out in the boonies so maybe reception (a new word to us) wouldn't be good.
Well, the day came when Daddy came home with this new television!! We were so excited. He had an antenna to put up to bring in the channels. After hooking it up and plugging it in all we had was snow. Finally, he and the boys took the antenna up on top of the hill behind the house (about a 1/2 mile) and put a pipe in a tree so we could turn the antenna. The antenna was attached to the pipe and this was in turn anchored to the tall tree. By turning the pipe it would turn the antenna from the channel at Altoona to the one in Binghamtom, NY.
Saturday nights my Mother loved watching the midget wrestlers and this was on a different channel from all the other programs we watched. Not only that, this program came on at 10:00 at night, so a couple of us had to take the flashlight and go up the hill and turn the antenna. This was a little scary at night but the wrestling was fun to watch, even more so watching Mom enjoying the show so much.
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