I think I loved Tom all my life. He was the neatest person. Always caring and looking out for those less fortunate. His sister, Betty and I became friends in grade school also. She was my friend forever. I always looked up to her and knew she would be there for me always.
When we were teens she and her family moved to Williamsport so I didn't see her as much except at the "Dances". The Square Dances were held in the Fire Hall in Trout Run. Previously, they were held in the Lodge Hall across from our home in Trout Run, Pa. I went to the dances from the time they started there. I was probably 10 or so. We all met there. Had our own little group. We pretty much kept that group even after I left town and had to get a ride to the dances!! This was always a trial. My older brothers were so good about dropping us off and picking us up. (My sister, Carol & I) Later it was My sister Ann and I, after Carol was married. She married at 17 so I was still only 15 going on 16.
Later when I began work in Williamsport at the Grit Publishing Company, I stayed at the YWCA. They had rooms to rent at that time and this was acceptable with my parents. Tom was still in service so I got to see him only on leave. I did visit with his sister, Betty at her Mother's home on Rural Avenue. We always had a good time together.
On particular Saturday she called and asked if I wanted to go to the dance. I said sure but would she drive or what. She didn't want to drive as she had had a fender bender with a bus and was still a little apprehensive about driving. I told her I didn't have a licenss but did know how to drive. She said "Oh well, I'll just give you mine and we can take Richard's car as he isn't home yet." She said he wouldn't mind and so our plans were set.
We took off to the dance in Trout Run. About 13 miles from Williamsport. We had a grand time at the dance and headed home afterwards. About half way home the car started acting up and yep, you guessed it, we ran out of gas. We parked on the side of the road and went to a house where there were lights on and they left us use the phone. We called my sister, Mary and asked her if Clyde would mind her bringing us a can of gas. She said she would and I am sure laughed all the way. We got back on the road and got back to Rural Ave shortly and I stayed all night with Betty. The next morning her brother, Richard was home on leave and I could hear him all over the house yelling. "Who moved my car?" We, of course, confessed we used it but felt sure he wouldn't mind. He said "I wouldn't mind but you didn't know the pins were out of the door on the drivers side." There was no way the door would have stayed on if we had jiggled it just the least little bit. Can you imagine!! Well, we had a good time anyway. I left and went home and let Betty deal with him.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Gammy & Grandpap
The attached picture is of Mary Harriet Henry Mundrick, my grandmother, William Jacob Mundrick, my grandfather, the tall boy is Uncle Fred Mundrick, the tall girl is Aunt Sadie, the shorter lady is our Mother, Elsie Ann Mundrick Holdren and the boy on Grandpap's lap is Uncle Emerson. They had a younger boy, Mason, who died when he was about 5.
My grandparents on my Mother's side were special. I knew my Father's parents but not as well as I did my Mother's. Daddy's Father died when I was probably 5 or 6 and his Mother died a couple of years after that. They lived in Muncy so it was a ways to go to visit. I remember going to visit but was very young.
My Mother's parents were living in Cascade. This made it easy for us to pile in the car and go visit them of a Sunday. Not often, but enough that we remember it. Gammy would cook up a big meal and we all sat on the porch afterwards and talked. She and Grandpap always teased each other. They farmed the land around them in the old fashioned way. They grew corn and oats and I don't remember what else but I do remember them using an old fashioned schythe to cut the hay and oats. Plowing was done with a horse and one blade plow which they walked behind. Hard work!
I remember Grandpap telling how he and Uncle Fred had to walk to get to the CCC camps in Hillsgrove. It was before the Second World War started. When that started Uncle Fred got drafted and from what he told me the money he drew from that was a big help to his parents. They worked at the camps during the week and walked home on weekends. This must have been at least a 10 mile trek. They needed the money they earned there.
One time while walking home, Grandpap tells about a mountain lion that was in the path he was on and so Grandpap stopped and stood just as still as he could and waited and waited. Finally the mountain lion took off into the woods. That was a scary walk, I am sure.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Accidents
I think I only had two accidents with any of our cars. The first one was minor but memorable. We, Terri, Tommy & I, were coming home from Falley's over on West Crawford. As we came by the gas station, I stopped to make a left turn on Phillips and the person behind me didn't stop. She rammed me in the rear as she was waving at the person in the gas station. I was out of it for a minute and Terri, in the front with me was stunned also. Tommy was in the back seat and he was furious. He was probably about 10 or 11 at the time and he out of that car and was back by the other lady's car just a yelling at her. "What do you think you were doing?" "You hurt my mother and wrecked our car!" By this time I was a little worried about him more than the car. I ran after him and said we would call the police and they would take care of her. He calmed down and we parked the car on the side of the street and she did too. The police came and we exchanged insurance and such. I think if that had been a 500 pound man, Tommy would have taken him on and beat him!! Thankfully, we were all okay and we went on home. Drove that car with the bent trunk lid tied down for a long time after that!!
The previous accident was in Trout Run when I was working at Summit Lodge. I was on my way to work in the morning and was driving a big car, can't remember the make but was like Beth & Joye's "boat". Danny tells me it was an Oldsmobile. It drove good and was reliable but the tires were pretty bald.
I got to the hill that goes up to Summit Lodge where the road becomes four lane and I hit a patch of oil and boy that car skidded around in a circle so fast my head was spinning. It ended up on the wrong side of the road up against the guard rails. It actually took out one guard rail and pulled another loose. I got out and looked under it and couldn't find anything wrong with my car so got in and went on to work.
The funny part was later in the day I stopped at my sister, Mary's place. Her husband, Clyde, had a garage and gas station. Mary operated a small coffee shop. I went in and asked Clyde to put new tires on my car as it was getting dangerous. While we were sitting there in the kitchen having coffee (Mary & I) waiting on Clyde to change my tires, a man came into the station and was talking to someone else in there. He was going on and on about this lady he saw turn around on the highway by Summit Lodge and how she hit the guardrails and then got back in her car and drove off. He said she didn't even seem shook up!! Mary & I had a good laugh over that.
The previous accident was in Trout Run when I was working at Summit Lodge. I was on my way to work in the morning and was driving a big car, can't remember the make but was like Beth & Joye's "boat". Danny tells me it was an Oldsmobile. It drove good and was reliable but the tires were pretty bald.
I got to the hill that goes up to Summit Lodge where the road becomes four lane and I hit a patch of oil and boy that car skidded around in a circle so fast my head was spinning. It ended up on the wrong side of the road up against the guard rails. It actually took out one guard rail and pulled another loose. I got out and looked under it and couldn't find anything wrong with my car so got in and went on to work.
The funny part was later in the day I stopped at my sister, Mary's place. Her husband, Clyde, had a garage and gas station. Mary operated a small coffee shop. I went in and asked Clyde to put new tires on my car as it was getting dangerous. While we were sitting there in the kitchen having coffee (Mary & I) waiting on Clyde to change my tires, a man came into the station and was talking to someone else in there. He was going on and on about this lady he saw turn around on the highway by Summit Lodge and how she hit the guardrails and then got back in her car and drove off. He said she didn't even seem shook up!! Mary & I had a good laugh over that.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Slippers
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Uncle Fred
Uncle Fred was one of a kind. He was very shy about telling me ( a teenage) anything personal or even touching on anything personal. I adored him. I stayed with him and My bedridden Grandmother, who had had a stroke and was paralyzed on her right side and her speech was slurred, during all my summers from the time I was about 14 until Gammy died in 1954. I enjoyed her company tremendously. She had a lot to offer even though she could not get out of bed. She could still tell me how to cook and clean and iron and such. She was a stickler about ironing. The sheets had to be ironed also. What a pain this was. I used flatirons which were heated on the cookstove. The heat was sometimes unbearable, but I never argued with her. My bedsheets DID NOT GET IRONED!! She didn't know that, though. She was a lot of fun and loved hearing me sing. I used to sit in the kitchen and sing all the songs I could think of and knew she was listening.
I went out one day to the store with some friends and got a few things we needed for the house. The store was overtown and we lived in the lower part of town. We had to walk across a swinging bridge to get overtown. This was always a fascination to me.
Anyway, when I returned from town I had things to put away and opened the pantry door to put stuff in there and there stood Uncle Fred with a book called "Tobacco Road". I knew the book wasn't proper reading material for me but had sneaked a peak at it anyway so knew what it was all about. He jumped a foot high and turned 40 different colors of red and came out of that pantry with the book stuffed in his pocket and I was so totally embarrassed to find him in the closet with the light on that I about passed out. After a bit we were both laughing so hard. He hugged me and said he was sorry for scaring me. He would never have hurt my feelings for anything. I never did see that book again. Later Gammy complained to me about him using the pantry light to read with. I never did know how she knew that.
I went out one day to the store with some friends and got a few things we needed for the house. The store was overtown and we lived in the lower part of town. We had to walk across a swinging bridge to get overtown. This was always a fascination to me.
Anyway, when I returned from town I had things to put away and opened the pantry door to put stuff in there and there stood Uncle Fred with a book called "Tobacco Road". I knew the book wasn't proper reading material for me but had sneaked a peak at it anyway so knew what it was all about. He jumped a foot high and turned 40 different colors of red and came out of that pantry with the book stuffed in his pocket and I was so totally embarrassed to find him in the closet with the light on that I about passed out. After a bit we were both laughing so hard. He hugged me and said he was sorry for scaring me. He would never have hurt my feelings for anything. I never did see that book again. Later Gammy complained to me about him using the pantry light to read with. I never did know how she knew that.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Honor Girl!
I guess it would be ok for me to tell a story about myself. I know I loved the stories my Grandmother and Uncle Fred told me.
I started school in the 8th grade at Montoursville. I loved it there except that I had to take care of keeping Clif from crying all day long at school. At thirteen, I was not quite equipped to handle a little boy who cried all day. Cliff hated school at Montoursville and it took him forever to get used to it. The Principal would send someone to my room and I would have to go down to Cliff's room and try to get him to stop crying!! Now, since I am old I realize how much that must have meant to him. He felt better just to know I was nearby.
Anyway, the 8th grade in a huge school was fun. We changed classes and even had some classes at the high school, which was about 3 blocks away. I made friends easily even though they called me "Farmer" or "Skinny". I never minded as it was always in good fun. Having lived in the country for a long time it was great to be able to go to a store on our lunch hour and just shop for a bit.
Near the end of that first year I came home from school one day and my Mother said she thought I should have a new dress for church as I was growing so fast. I didn't care but if she wanted to make me a new one, I would love it. She altered a dress which was given to us and it was so pretty. Pink chiffon with a lacy yoke. Really dressy. I was surprised and pleased, but wondering why this pretty dress all of a sudden. Mom kept her secrets though so---
A couple of weeks later there was a knock on the door and there was a photographer from the Williamsport Sun Gazette. He wanted to interview me and take my picture!! I hadn't a clue!! Of course then my Mother had to tell me she had received a letter from the school that I had been chosen by my peers as "Honor Girl of the Year". What a thrill! The photographer complained all the while that we lived in the back of beyond and he had a terrible time finding me.
We had to be at the Montoursville school on Memorial Day for a presentation. This was wonderful. My parents were both going, which was so unusual. They very rarely attended anything like this. I think they were very proud.
There was a parade with the veterans and then a meeting in the auditorium of the school. There were speeches and such and then they asked that I come forward along with the Honor Boy of the Year. I was so nervous I shook. The lady that tried to pin the emblem on my dress was just as nervous. It was a thrill to stand before such a large audience and be so honored.
I started school in the 8th grade at Montoursville. I loved it there except that I had to take care of keeping Clif from crying all day long at school. At thirteen, I was not quite equipped to handle a little boy who cried all day. Cliff hated school at Montoursville and it took him forever to get used to it. The Principal would send someone to my room and I would have to go down to Cliff's room and try to get him to stop crying!! Now, since I am old I realize how much that must have meant to him. He felt better just to know I was nearby.
Anyway, the 8th grade in a huge school was fun. We changed classes and even had some classes at the high school, which was about 3 blocks away. I made friends easily even though they called me "Farmer" or "Skinny". I never minded as it was always in good fun. Having lived in the country for a long time it was great to be able to go to a store on our lunch hour and just shop for a bit.
Near the end of that first year I came home from school one day and my Mother said she thought I should have a new dress for church as I was growing so fast. I didn't care but if she wanted to make me a new one, I would love it. She altered a dress which was given to us and it was so pretty. Pink chiffon with a lacy yoke. Really dressy. I was surprised and pleased, but wondering why this pretty dress all of a sudden. Mom kept her secrets though so---
A couple of weeks later there was a knock on the door and there was a photographer from the Williamsport Sun Gazette. He wanted to interview me and take my picture!! I hadn't a clue!! Of course then my Mother had to tell me she had received a letter from the school that I had been chosen by my peers as "Honor Girl of the Year". What a thrill! The photographer complained all the while that we lived in the back of beyond and he had a terrible time finding me.
We had to be at the Montoursville school on Memorial Day for a presentation. This was wonderful. My parents were both going, which was so unusual. They very rarely attended anything like this. I think they were very proud.
There was a parade with the veterans and then a meeting in the auditorium of the school. There were speeches and such and then they asked that I come forward along with the Honor Boy of the Year. I was so nervous I shook. The lady that tried to pin the emblem on my dress was just as nervous. It was a thrill to stand before such a large audience and be so honored.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
First Grade
I was the only pupil in the first grade when I started school. We lived in Wallis Run, PA. It was in the country but we had neighbors within a half of a mile or so and the school was maybe a half a mile. There were probably 15 students in the whole school. My brothers and sisters made a good portion of them. The Lewis' and Chapman's made up the balance.
In the winter we had a stove in the middle of the schoolroom that heated the whole school. My brother, Jerry and my brother Lawrence and maybe one of the Lewis boys were constantly feeding that stove wood. Jerry went to school early to get a fire going and have the place warm for us kids.
One blustery, winter morning we got up to about two feet of snow on the ground and it was bitter cold out. I was dressed to go and at the door my Mother said "maybe I better keep Betty home as it is just to cold for her and she can't stand up in that much snow." Well, my brother said "I can carry her piggyback". So he did, all the way to school. They were great guys!! The teacher had to walk that morning as it was just too much snow for her to drive in. We probably had many days like that but that one day sticks in my mind because my brother carried me all the way to school.
In the winter we had a stove in the middle of the schoolroom that heated the whole school. My brother, Jerry and my brother Lawrence and maybe one of the Lewis boys were constantly feeding that stove wood. Jerry went to school early to get a fire going and have the place warm for us kids.
One blustery, winter morning we got up to about two feet of snow on the ground and it was bitter cold out. I was dressed to go and at the door my Mother said "maybe I better keep Betty home as it is just to cold for her and she can't stand up in that much snow." Well, my brother said "I can carry her piggyback". So he did, all the way to school. They were great guys!! The teacher had to walk that morning as it was just too much snow for her to drive in. We probably had many days like that but that one day sticks in my mind because my brother carried me all the way to school.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Surrey with the fringe on top!
I remember when I was about 8 or so and we lived in Trout Run, PA. Our house was on Mill St. and we played in the street all the time. Everyone had a car but no one drove very fast and always looked out for the kids in the street.
Around noon one day, I was outdoors and would you believe, down the street came a horse and buggy (surrey with the fringe on top). Now just who would that be. It stopped in front of our house and of course by this time everyone was outdoors and my Mother was fussing over the couple who got down from the buggy. It was "Gammy & Grandpap" our Mother's parents. We were thrilled to have them come for a visit. In a buggy, no less. The buggy had a piece of canvas over the top of it for sunshade and contained two seats. This was awesome. They stabled the horse in our barn and Gammy & Grandpap came in and we visited to the wee hours. They left the next day with invitations to my sister, Carol and I, to come for a summer visit. We begged to go when school was out. My parents took us to Cascade (about 10 miles away) to Gammy & Grandpap's farm home to spend a week that summer. It was a wonderful week.
We had packed our best dresses and play clothes, even though I just knew there would never be anywhere to go way out here in the back of beyond. You couldn't even see the nearest neighbor. Gammy, Carol and I walked through the woods to the nearest farm, Frymire's, and we visited with her. She had been my first grade school teacher and she was pleased to see Carol and I.
That Saturday night Gammy told us to get our dresses out and dress up as we were going to a party. An Ice Cream Social!! I had never been to one so this would be a treat. I asked how we were going to get there and they told me we would take the horse and buggy to the school house about three miles away and you wouldn't believe how many people were there. We had more home made ice cream than anyone could eat. The ice cream was all home made and kept on ice. There were also cakes and pies to be had. It was wonderful. We played with other kids - some were from when we went to school there. ( That is another story.)
We finally got ready to go and since it was already dark, Uncle Fred and Grandpap had to light the lantern's to see the road home. As we started out the horse did not want to go across the bridge, so Uncle Fred had to get out and lead him across the bridge. It was very dark by this time and you could barely see the road. This was a scary trip back to the farm, in the dark and just a horse and buggy. But what fun!!
Around noon one day, I was outdoors and would you believe, down the street came a horse and buggy (surrey with the fringe on top). Now just who would that be. It stopped in front of our house and of course by this time everyone was outdoors and my Mother was fussing over the couple who got down from the buggy. It was "Gammy & Grandpap" our Mother's parents. We were thrilled to have them come for a visit. In a buggy, no less. The buggy had a piece of canvas over the top of it for sunshade and contained two seats. This was awesome. They stabled the horse in our barn and Gammy & Grandpap came in and we visited to the wee hours. They left the next day with invitations to my sister, Carol and I, to come for a summer visit. We begged to go when school was out. My parents took us to Cascade (about 10 miles away) to Gammy & Grandpap's farm home to spend a week that summer. It was a wonderful week.
We had packed our best dresses and play clothes, even though I just knew there would never be anywhere to go way out here in the back of beyond. You couldn't even see the nearest neighbor. Gammy, Carol and I walked through the woods to the nearest farm, Frymire's, and we visited with her. She had been my first grade school teacher and she was pleased to see Carol and I.
That Saturday night Gammy told us to get our dresses out and dress up as we were going to a party. An Ice Cream Social!! I had never been to one so this would be a treat. I asked how we were going to get there and they told me we would take the horse and buggy to the school house about three miles away and you wouldn't believe how many people were there. We had more home made ice cream than anyone could eat. The ice cream was all home made and kept on ice. There were also cakes and pies to be had. It was wonderful. We played with other kids - some were from when we went to school there. ( That is another story.)
We finally got ready to go and since it was already dark, Uncle Fred and Grandpap had to light the lantern's to see the road home. As we started out the horse did not want to go across the bridge, so Uncle Fred had to get out and lead him across the bridge. It was very dark by this time and you could barely see the road. This was a scary trip back to the farm, in the dark and just a horse and buggy. But what fun!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Model T
I can remember when we had a really old car. It was a Model T and anything could be fixed with baling wire on it. One morning we were a little late getting ready for school and it was bitter cold out. We lived on the old Wilson place. It was back in beyond Rose Valley and near the Wallis Run. We had about a mile and a half to get to the bus. Daddy worked on the car and got it running. We piled in (5 of us) and off we went. Got part way down the hill and the ice got so bad on the windshield Daddy had to stop and scrape it off. We missed the bus so he had to take us all the way to school. School was 30 miles away so you know there was some cussing and swearing!! He had to stop every so often and scrape the windshield all the way to Montoursville. We made it to school on time though and boy was I glad to get out of that car!! They don't make cars like that anymore. It would go anywhere, almost.
He and my Mother went shopping at Christmas Time. I was with them. We shopped all day and when we came home we came up the "back" way as it was shorter. We got to the bottom of our hill (mile long) and there was just a path in the snow. I told Daddy I would go up the hill and get the boys to bring the horses down to tow the car home. It would never have made it up the hill in the snow as it was just too deep.
My brother had told of a wildcat he had heard in those woods and so when I started to walk, just barely dusk, all I could think of was that darn wildcat. I never heard it but every rustle of the trees and such made me tremble. I made it home okay and the boys took off with the horses to bring the car up the hill. They were chuckling as they had only plowed a path for the kids to walk home from school, never thinking Daddy would want to drive up that hill. Oh well, we made it home okay.
He and my Mother went shopping at Christmas Time. I was with them. We shopped all day and when we came home we came up the "back" way as it was shorter. We got to the bottom of our hill (mile long) and there was just a path in the snow. I told Daddy I would go up the hill and get the boys to bring the horses down to tow the car home. It would never have made it up the hill in the snow as it was just too deep.
My brother had told of a wildcat he had heard in those woods and so when I started to walk, just barely dusk, all I could think of was that darn wildcat. I never heard it but every rustle of the trees and such made me tremble. I made it home okay and the boys took off with the horses to bring the car up the hill. They were chuckling as they had only plowed a path for the kids to walk home from school, never thinking Daddy would want to drive up that hill. Oh well, we made it home okay.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
I have all kinds of memories I would love to share with whomever wants to read this blog.
Today, I remembered with my husband the time we took our six kids to Nashville. Linda just made a trip there for work and thus this brings back memories.
In the late sixties the roads weren't as good as they are now and of course, we had an old car so that didn't help any either. We were packing up to go when Tom's brother came by and chewed Tom out royally for taking six kids on such a trip, and in an old car. "What if you break down?" "What if someone gets sick"? We listened and then took off. What a time. Coming home we had trouble with the generator and lost our lights. Fortunately it was near Knoxville and we stopped at a motel. The kids thought this was the greatest, after living in a tent for the past four days!! We got two rooms at the Best Western and they had a ball. I understand later they had a pillow fight and went down the hall for ice, etc. We called a garage and they fixed the car. The expense wasn't too bad and we were prepared for this so were on our way the next day. Arrived home without a problem.
More later.
Today, I remembered with my husband the time we took our six kids to Nashville. Linda just made a trip there for work and thus this brings back memories.
In the late sixties the roads weren't as good as they are now and of course, we had an old car so that didn't help any either. We were packing up to go when Tom's brother came by and chewed Tom out royally for taking six kids on such a trip, and in an old car. "What if you break down?" "What if someone gets sick"? We listened and then took off. What a time. Coming home we had trouble with the generator and lost our lights. Fortunately it was near Knoxville and we stopped at a motel. The kids thought this was the greatest, after living in a tent for the past four days!! We got two rooms at the Best Western and they had a ball. I understand later they had a pillow fight and went down the hall for ice, etc. We called a garage and they fixed the car. The expense wasn't too bad and we were prepared for this so were on our way the next day. Arrived home without a problem.
More later.
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