You know this family has been just a bit 'different' from the start. Not that any of us are 'different'. No, we have just had such an interesting background that it is worth reviewing for those who are too young to know all of these great things.
As you know, my Dad, John Charles Smith came from England at about age 7 to 9 years of age. He didn't come to a home that was all that well off so he learned how to work, and share with his Father and Step-mother. He didn't have much of an education, but was eager to learn and was an avid reader. In fact I believe one of his favorite things to do was brouse in Used Book Stores for books that he could educate himself by reading and applying the things he learned. Basically he was machanical, but he had a deep interest and love of hortaculture. I believe I have written some about that previously.
Never having much, but being able to keep himself, he had no problem asking Mom to marry him. She had had a very hard time as a child she went to work when she was just 13 years old. Her older siblings by that time had married and moved on, so she and her youngest brother had to help with the household expenses. Grandma Hall ran a boarding house, but funds didn't always meet the necessary outlay for those who were still at home.
I believe my parents were good at managing, at least we kids never felt we were poor, or that we didn't have everything we needed. Either they were great at hiding any problems the family was having, or we were fortunate that Dad was able to provide so that Mom could be at home with us. Whatever, that is just a small overview of what would come later on.
Ralph married later than Ron and I, so all of that story is kind of lost in the shuffle of our lives. Ron however had a long relationship with his wifes family. Not all of it good, I might add, but that didn't deter Ron he loved Willetta, and he was able to endure the feelings of her parents and have a fine family and a good life. Jay and I met and married with very little influence from his family. They were a very odd group. I believe the loss of the Harris household Mother when the children were so young was much of the cause of their shyness. When I would go over to the house, I would hear the scurry of Uncle Doc to the back bedroom. Jays mother was very quiet, saying little and not much interested in expanding a conversation, or relationship. Jays Dad however was entirely different. He was friendly, funny and I soon learned to love him very much. He was an excellent cook, but I believe I have expanded on that line as well, so won't get into it.
When Jay and I were celebrating our First Wedding Anniversay, we received word that Jays parents had separated. It was not a good time for any of the family, but Jay seemed to take it the hardest. It did put a strain on our relationship, but with my short patient threshold, I soon made it very plain that our marriage was what was important, and we could not get envolved in what ever it was that had caused their split. Much of it we did both know, but I will not attempt to go into it here, as I feel those things are best left untouched so far as this epistle is concerned.
Over the time Jay and I had been married, my parents had enjoyed a relationship with Jays Dad. With his being alone, it was just a friendly jesture that he was invited to the Holiday Dinners at the 'Smith' house. These times together only brought the family closer together. When 'Slim' was in the hospital for surgery, Mom and Dad would go visit and encourage him to get up and going again quickly. His last stay in the Hospital was when the accident occured that cost my Dad his life, and put Mom in the hospital for sometime. I was taking care of 'Slim' then, so we moved him in with his Daughter Auntie Afton so I could bring Mom home
to heal and adjust to widowhood.
Mother stayed with us for some time. When she felt she could go back into her home, we took her back. She found it more difficult than she had imagined so she was able to spend some time each day with Ron and Willetta then go back at night. She advanced to the place she wanted to do something more, so she went to the Pottery and applied for a job. She hadn't worked in years, but she had trained as a 'finisher' and was able to go back at that. Working was good for her. She lived close enough she could walk to work. At the time she did not drive. This brought about the offer from 'Slim' to take Mom grocery shopping then to an occasional movie, then to the Horse Races, then to Owens-Illinois functions. After about a year, he suggested they get married, but Mom said she wasn't ready for anything like that. Their 'dating' continued for another two years. Then 'Slim' asked Mom to go on vacation with him to Southern Utah to meet his family. She accepted the invitation and they drove to Cedar City and stayed in Parowan with 'Slims' baby sister. They went everywhere. If you have ever been in that part of the country you know of all the beauty that is there. They went into the Canyons for picnics. Had family dinners, and I don't know what all else. It was a great two weeks. When they were preparing to come home, all the family up there suggested they get married. They were a great couple, had had a long relationship while married then following 'Slim' and Itha divorcing and finally Dad death, they needed to get together. So 'Slim' went down to the local jeweler bought rings, the whole family loaded up and drove to Las Vegas and after the vacation, they were married.
They had 11 wonderful years together. Mom said often she wished she would have married him when he first asked her. So much for hindsight!
We often laughed and said when Jay and I said: brother or sister at our house we really ment it.
Mother Joined the Church before she and 'Slim' married. He was not active, but did start going to church, and then he filled out the papers that allowed Mom to be sealed to my Dad. They had a wonderful relationship and with the marriage it brought LaMar, Ruby and their boys into the household as well. I believe that LaMar and Ruby grew to accept and love Mom as one of their own, just as she love them.
I can't help but feel I had the better part in this, because I had two of the best Dads in the whole wide world. My own Dad was just about as great as they come, and Jays Dad was one of the nicest men I have ever known. He was good to us kids and loved the Grandkids far more than anything we saw from Jays Mother. Like I said previous, I just don't want to expand on that part of the family. Too painful, and not necessary to explore.
I just wanted those who come into this family that they had some pretty interesting connections. All were just part of the makeup that we have enjoyed and benefited by. You know, I have been blessed in so many ways with family that have and do mean so much to me. I wouldn't have wanted to lose my Dad so early in life. He was 55 and I was 23, but having lost him as I did, I am so greatful that my other Dad was there to pick up the broken pieces of Moms life and bring her such love. It of course goes without say that we too benefited greatly by their making a home together and bringing the two families into one. Blessed were and
are we for it!
Written this 30th day of October 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Something Great About In-Laws!
You know most people have trouble joining famlies together when their children get married. That has never been the case with us,and our Daughter, in fact it has been an entirely different story.
It all started when Greg came to the house to ask for Dawn's 'hand'. We had just made a major move, many miles south, and realized that a wedding in our new location would mean a lot of travel for friends and family. If we had the wedding where the Grooms family lived, it would be better for the Brides family and friends too. I had but one condition. The parents of the groom, who had been blessed with boys, would never have the opportunity to be envolved in the 'planning' of a wedding. It was my proposal then, at the time, we have Greg ask his parents if they would care to share in the planning of this wedding, in their area.
It ment a lot of travel for me personally. At the time Jay was working in Las Vegas on the original Grand Hotel. One week-end I would drive from Anaheim, California to Las Vegas, Nevada to go over what we were doing, with Jay. The next week-end, I would drive to Paso Robles, California to work on plans with the Shirley and Bill. I was usually working on some handwork for the girls outfits at the time. Busy hands and feet, but it came together nicely.
It gave both families a chance to get to know each other, except for Jay that is. Having the wedding in Atascadero was allowing me to arrange the needed things with ease. Shirley and Bill were able to choose what part of the wedding they would like to participate in. They had so many friends that could assist it made their job, and mine, so much easier.
Flowers was one of the things they were able to arrange. I don't think I could have done anything like what they were able to. Orchids that matched everyones dresses so beautifully. They arranged for the cake as well, and found the photographer for me.
When it came to the invitations, they were worded so both sets of parents were inviting their friends and family. The return addresses reflected the family that was issuing the invitation, rather than just the bride. A really joint effort all the way around. Harmonious and friendly from start to finish. What a great opportunity for all of us.
The dinner following the rehearsal at the Church was held at Wilsons in Paso Robles. It was at that dinner, we became A family. Bill stood and gave a toast that united us, and it has remained so, ever since. How greatful Jay and I have been over these many years that have followed with the friendship, love and family relaltionship the Slanes and the Rosenbergs have shared. We have never competed for the affection of any of the Grand Children or Greats. Never a need to. From the start there was never a time when we were not united so that was never an option, really. I believe we have brought a whole new meaning to 'family'. Dawn became the daughter Bill and Shirley never had, and Jay and I gained a son we have loved and appreciated these many years. Sharing a family has been wonderful. In fact I believe sharing has made the family all the more precious to us.
Those jokes about 'mothers-in-laws' has never fit OUR FAMILY.
You know, I never had the luxury of having a sister, neither did Shirley, so we accepted that title with ease when our 'kids' got married. There are blessings in finding love and in sharing. I believe our two families have been able to put those two together. Fortunate and happy it has made us too!
We can truly say: WE ARE A FOREVER FAMILY!
Written this 6th day of October 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
It all started when Greg came to the house to ask for Dawn's 'hand'. We had just made a major move, many miles south, and realized that a wedding in our new location would mean a lot of travel for friends and family. If we had the wedding where the Grooms family lived, it would be better for the Brides family and friends too. I had but one condition. The parents of the groom, who had been blessed with boys, would never have the opportunity to be envolved in the 'planning' of a wedding. It was my proposal then, at the time, we have Greg ask his parents if they would care to share in the planning of this wedding, in their area.
It ment a lot of travel for me personally. At the time Jay was working in Las Vegas on the original Grand Hotel. One week-end I would drive from Anaheim, California to Las Vegas, Nevada to go over what we were doing, with Jay. The next week-end, I would drive to Paso Robles, California to work on plans with the Shirley and Bill. I was usually working on some handwork for the girls outfits at the time. Busy hands and feet, but it came together nicely.
It gave both families a chance to get to know each other, except for Jay that is. Having the wedding in Atascadero was allowing me to arrange the needed things with ease. Shirley and Bill were able to choose what part of the wedding they would like to participate in. They had so many friends that could assist it made their job, and mine, so much easier.
Flowers was one of the things they were able to arrange. I don't think I could have done anything like what they were able to. Orchids that matched everyones dresses so beautifully. They arranged for the cake as well, and found the photographer for me.
When it came to the invitations, they were worded so both sets of parents were inviting their friends and family. The return addresses reflected the family that was issuing the invitation, rather than just the bride. A really joint effort all the way around. Harmonious and friendly from start to finish. What a great opportunity for all of us.
The dinner following the rehearsal at the Church was held at Wilsons in Paso Robles. It was at that dinner, we became A family. Bill stood and gave a toast that united us, and it has remained so, ever since. How greatful Jay and I have been over these many years that have followed with the friendship, love and family relaltionship the Slanes and the Rosenbergs have shared. We have never competed for the affection of any of the Grand Children or Greats. Never a need to. From the start there was never a time when we were not united so that was never an option, really. I believe we have brought a whole new meaning to 'family'. Dawn became the daughter Bill and Shirley never had, and Jay and I gained a son we have loved and appreciated these many years. Sharing a family has been wonderful. In fact I believe sharing has made the family all the more precious to us.
Those jokes about 'mothers-in-laws' has never fit OUR FAMILY.
You know, I never had the luxury of having a sister, neither did Shirley, so we accepted that title with ease when our 'kids' got married. There are blessings in finding love and in sharing. I believe our two families have been able to put those two together. Fortunate and happy it has made us too!
We can truly say: WE ARE A FOREVER FAMILY!
Written this 6th day of October 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Friday, October 1, 2010
What it was at HPHS back in 1944-1947!
Here we go again! HPHS of course stands for Huntington Park High School, we were the "Spartans". Colors Orange and Grey. A very good school way back then. High standards, graduating some of the best who were to become leaders, doctors, etc. In fact I was happy to discover one of the fellas in my small graduating class became an FBI Agent. Now that was class! From some of the other years, we had Plastic Surgeons, High Class Pasadena Lawyers and Society Ladies in their communities.
These were the years when WWII was still being faught and many of the young men went into service. In fact a number of them paid their last full measure in the closing days of the conflict either in Europe or the South Pacific.
I didn't however start this memory lane wandering to talk about such things. No, I decided I wanted to share something that was pretty darn important to any student who entered good olde HPHS. That was the routine of getting the memorbilia that went with attending. When you were a Freshman, you merely had the honor of being on Campus and learning where all your classes were. Hopefully you could get your classes close enough together that you didn't have to go from one end of the Campus to the other.
You know we still had a number of bungalo classrooms left over from the Earthquake of 1933. They were very sturdy, and housed some of the less college prep classes. In one we had Girls Glee and Choir with Mr. Burditt.
He sure was a good teacher, and great Music Director. Learned a lot from him. Tried to plan such classes before Lunch, or before school was over for the day. That way making it across Campus to another class wasn't so hectic. Couldn't always manage it, but it was worth the good try when a new semester started. Business classes, unfortunately, were not always held in the same building, so that was another hassle. I managed pretty well most of the time.
When one was half way through the Freshman Year, you could order your School Class Pin. It had the Logo of the School and of course the year you should graduate. Those pins were pretty important to every student. They were not cheap either, so having one made you pretty classey to say the least.
When you were half way through the Sophomore Year, you could older your Class Ring. More expense, but they were varied in style, stone, and of course School Logo and Graduation Year. I remember mine had abalone shell, dark grey with the beautiful coloring to back the School Logo. Wore it with a great deal of pride. The pin was still important. I had added to mine a chain and a $ sign to tell I was, or had been on the School Council as Commisioner of Finance. I enjoyed that job. Planned the dance muscians and took care of the ticket booth at all the athletic events held on Campus. That ment I never saw any of the games, but I was busy during most of them.
When you were half way through the Junior Year you could order your Senior Sweater. Now this was an event. First everyone in the Class had the opportunity to design and/or vote on the Year Emblem which was worn over the left hand pocket of the sweater. You could order a slip over or a cardigan style. Of course the Class voted on the color of the sweater as well. Unfortunately, the year I graduated, we still had fall out from the War and they were not making sweaters. We could buy an emblem if we wished, but I didn't bother. I didn't like the color that was chosen for my year, so passed on that. I had so admired Ronalds sweater. The year he graduated 1944 they had ordered baby blue sweaters with a dark blue and cream colored emblem. They really looked classey.
I never was part of GAA. Those sweaters for the girls were White with Orange and Gray sleeve stripes for the number of years activity and of course the GAA Emblem over the left hand pocket. The boys Letterman
Sweaters were Grey with the Orange and Cream colored Emblem over the left pocket. Orange stripes on the sleeve for years active and the emblems from what sports competed in.
I can't pass up telling you Jay, who went to Bell High School, one of our arch rivals, had earned a letter in Track and Basketball. Their Letterman Sweaters were Purple with Orange Stripes on the Sleeve. He was tall, so had an extra long sweater. Had it for years, I have no recollection whatever happened to it. It made a coat for short olde me.
Most of my High School years were colored by the War. The normal things my Brothers had experienced were absent for our class. We did not have the Big Posh Year Books. That high grade paper and ink, were just not available. We had a very small paper back covered year book by 1947, but it certainly left a great deal to be desired compared to what both Ralph and Ronald had for their years in school at HPHS. Of course Ralph only attended there a couple of years. We moved to California in 1935 and he Graduated in 1939. Way back when!
I am sure School is different now, but I just wanted to share this part of my life with the family. Oh, the color they picked for my Graduating Year was red. Not a pretty color of red either. Maybe they picked it because there weren't going to be any Sweaters, so they were'nt that disappointed. The Emblem as I recall was going to be Black and white on a Red Sweater. Like I said you were welcome to buy the Emblem with HPHS and the 1947 on it and have it put on a Cardigan or Slip Over if you wished. Some did, but I didn't feel like it was worth the price. I did have a pin, which now is minus the School Logo, but the $ is still attached. My Ring also lost the logo, and it has been lost over the years. Have no idea when or where. The memory remains, and the pride I recall I had wearing these two pieces. This might be interesting to note both; the pin and ring were a way of showing a couple were going 'steady'. The guy would give his 'girl' his pin to wear on her blouse or sweater, or his ring to wear either with a lot of yarn wrapped around it on her finger, or on a chain around her neck. Some of the girls gave their boy friends her ring to wear on a little finger if it fit. I don't recall them sharing their pins. Guys didn't really care about wearing a girls pin. Sweaters, both Senior and Letterman were worn by Girl Friends. No, I never had that opportunity. Like I said, we didn't have Sweaters during the War Years. I guess that is why Pins and Rings got the wear.
Well, for what ever reason, it appears things are a great deal different now a days. I am sure there are other things that have been adopted as signs of various importance on Campus at the local schools. You know we never had a lot of Cheer Leading. At least it was not as BIG a thing as it has turned out to be in todays Schools. When Dawn was in School it was a really big thing. I called them, and still do for that matter, the Rah, Rah, Girls. Once little girls use to play house, nurse, teacher, etc. Now I see them in the front yard doing routines of Cheer Leaders. I will never get use to that. A 'sign of the times' I guess. Well - things come and go.
So must I, at least for this writting.
Written this 1 day of October 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
These were the years when WWII was still being faught and many of the young men went into service. In fact a number of them paid their last full measure in the closing days of the conflict either in Europe or the South Pacific.
I didn't however start this memory lane wandering to talk about such things. No, I decided I wanted to share something that was pretty darn important to any student who entered good olde HPHS. That was the routine of getting the memorbilia that went with attending. When you were a Freshman, you merely had the honor of being on Campus and learning where all your classes were. Hopefully you could get your classes close enough together that you didn't have to go from one end of the Campus to the other.
You know we still had a number of bungalo classrooms left over from the Earthquake of 1933. They were very sturdy, and housed some of the less college prep classes. In one we had Girls Glee and Choir with Mr. Burditt.
He sure was a good teacher, and great Music Director. Learned a lot from him. Tried to plan such classes before Lunch, or before school was over for the day. That way making it across Campus to another class wasn't so hectic. Couldn't always manage it, but it was worth the good try when a new semester started. Business classes, unfortunately, were not always held in the same building, so that was another hassle. I managed pretty well most of the time.
When one was half way through the Freshman Year, you could order your School Class Pin. It had the Logo of the School and of course the year you should graduate. Those pins were pretty important to every student. They were not cheap either, so having one made you pretty classey to say the least.
When you were half way through the Sophomore Year, you could older your Class Ring. More expense, but they were varied in style, stone, and of course School Logo and Graduation Year. I remember mine had abalone shell, dark grey with the beautiful coloring to back the School Logo. Wore it with a great deal of pride. The pin was still important. I had added to mine a chain and a $ sign to tell I was, or had been on the School Council as Commisioner of Finance. I enjoyed that job. Planned the dance muscians and took care of the ticket booth at all the athletic events held on Campus. That ment I never saw any of the games, but I was busy during most of them.
When you were half way through the Junior Year you could order your Senior Sweater. Now this was an event. First everyone in the Class had the opportunity to design and/or vote on the Year Emblem which was worn over the left hand pocket of the sweater. You could order a slip over or a cardigan style. Of course the Class voted on the color of the sweater as well. Unfortunately, the year I graduated, we still had fall out from the War and they were not making sweaters. We could buy an emblem if we wished, but I didn't bother. I didn't like the color that was chosen for my year, so passed on that. I had so admired Ronalds sweater. The year he graduated 1944 they had ordered baby blue sweaters with a dark blue and cream colored emblem. They really looked classey.
I never was part of GAA. Those sweaters for the girls were White with Orange and Gray sleeve stripes for the number of years activity and of course the GAA Emblem over the left hand pocket. The boys Letterman
Sweaters were Grey with the Orange and Cream colored Emblem over the left pocket. Orange stripes on the sleeve for years active and the emblems from what sports competed in.
I can't pass up telling you Jay, who went to Bell High School, one of our arch rivals, had earned a letter in Track and Basketball. Their Letterman Sweaters were Purple with Orange Stripes on the Sleeve. He was tall, so had an extra long sweater. Had it for years, I have no recollection whatever happened to it. It made a coat for short olde me.
Most of my High School years were colored by the War. The normal things my Brothers had experienced were absent for our class. We did not have the Big Posh Year Books. That high grade paper and ink, were just not available. We had a very small paper back covered year book by 1947, but it certainly left a great deal to be desired compared to what both Ralph and Ronald had for their years in school at HPHS. Of course Ralph only attended there a couple of years. We moved to California in 1935 and he Graduated in 1939. Way back when!
I am sure School is different now, but I just wanted to share this part of my life with the family. Oh, the color they picked for my Graduating Year was red. Not a pretty color of red either. Maybe they picked it because there weren't going to be any Sweaters, so they were'nt that disappointed. The Emblem as I recall was going to be Black and white on a Red Sweater. Like I said you were welcome to buy the Emblem with HPHS and the 1947 on it and have it put on a Cardigan or Slip Over if you wished. Some did, but I didn't feel like it was worth the price. I did have a pin, which now is minus the School Logo, but the $ is still attached. My Ring also lost the logo, and it has been lost over the years. Have no idea when or where. The memory remains, and the pride I recall I had wearing these two pieces. This might be interesting to note both; the pin and ring were a way of showing a couple were going 'steady'. The guy would give his 'girl' his pin to wear on her blouse or sweater, or his ring to wear either with a lot of yarn wrapped around it on her finger, or on a chain around her neck. Some of the girls gave their boy friends her ring to wear on a little finger if it fit. I don't recall them sharing their pins. Guys didn't really care about wearing a girls pin. Sweaters, both Senior and Letterman were worn by Girl Friends. No, I never had that opportunity. Like I said, we didn't have Sweaters during the War Years. I guess that is why Pins and Rings got the wear.
Well, for what ever reason, it appears things are a great deal different now a days. I am sure there are other things that have been adopted as signs of various importance on Campus at the local schools. You know we never had a lot of Cheer Leading. At least it was not as BIG a thing as it has turned out to be in todays Schools. When Dawn was in School it was a really big thing. I called them, and still do for that matter, the Rah, Rah, Girls. Once little girls use to play house, nurse, teacher, etc. Now I see them in the front yard doing routines of Cheer Leaders. I will never get use to that. A 'sign of the times' I guess. Well - things come and go.
So must I, at least for this writting.
Written this 1 day of October 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
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