One of the interesting things that have changed over the years is how we send the written word to each other. During the Second World War, there was regular mail, airmail, which was suppose to go faster, then there was V-Mail. It was form that had wings that folded in and then you folded it into thirds with a flap that had glue on it so it could be sealed. It was light blue in color and had red and blue strips down each side. It was the common way to send letters to the service men. They didn't have to open an envelope and pull out the papers inside to read their mail. I suppose in a 'foxhole' it was even more appreciated. I wrote hundreds of them, and wish I had kept one of them as a reminder of how we use to keep in touch.
Amazing how many of those kinds of items have come and gone in and out of our lives. We had Savings Bonds, and Savings Stamps that helped with the War Effort. Keeping money available for funding the various things that was needed for those who were away fighting for our Freedom. In fact,
as I think of it there are some such things left over from the First World War in the Safe in the Office. Once we had such things, it is sad we don't have a little of it left around. We use to have stickers on the windshield of the car that told what class the car was to make it O.K. for gas. We even had that limited. Dad use to save his gas stamps so we could take our trips up to the Cabin we had in the mountains for a vacation. Back then we only used the car for such things. We walked most everywhere. If it ment a further amount to get where we had to go we rode a bus or the "J" car. There was a bus that got us around town, and of course the Red Bus that would take us all the way to Long Beach. Once we got there we had to walk down to the Shore to enjoy the sand. The trip with a transfer to get back was .50 cents.
Back in those days there was mail delivered twice a day. We watched for the mailman to gather in whatever we were lucky to receive. With both my bothers away in the South Pacific and our cousin in the Airforce, we had plenty of mail going, and prayed we would get some coming in. It was slow, and far between, but every letter was priceless.
I remember going to the market and hoping there had been meat delivered. We had coupons for that as well. A lot of mock this or that showed up. I remember mock chicken legs. Haven't seen them since. They were some kind of veal I believe that was mixed with filler of some kind and formed around a stick. Mom fried them and made gravy. They were pretty good,
I think? To make chicken stretch when Dad would invite the single guys who were 4-F home to dinner Mom would ask for a piece of veal and stew it with the Chicken to make it go further. Once it was in with the chicken, it took on the flavor of the chicken and it was good. That was when veal was cheap. Today I don't believe they sell it the same way. Times change!
I guess going into the Super Markets of today and taking a look around we feel a little safe with so much on the shelves, but it would only take one day of a road shut down when the trucks couldn't get into an area until all the shelves would be bear, and it would look like it did during the days of the Second World War. It wouldn't take much to bring our normal daily life to a screaching halt. Something to think about. One major disaster, one terrible crash on a major highway, one, just one, and our whole lives could take a sudden turn. One never should feel safe if they haven't made some preparation for a back-up to carry them over in case of a sudden change in daily living. It may not be within our control, but it is in our control to prepare and be covered at least for three or four days. If everyone had to depend on the stores in their areas, they would learn quite quickly that there is no supply adequate to take care of everyones needs over a limited amound of time. That is not only in food, but in water as well.
Well - V-Mail is gone, regular mail is now expensive and Airmail is a thing of the past. There is Priority and Plus, which still wouldn't compete with the Airmail of yesteryear. Some changes haven't improved some things, but we can certainly tell that the prices have advanced with the quality of the service going down hill. How pleased I am to know that we are able to look back and remember how great some things were and how far we have come, but with some things still not as good as they once were. Old Age has some good things thrown in the mix. I guess our Memories are one of those things.
Written this 28th day of September 2013
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Saturday, September 28, 2013
My Chair!
When I was about 4 years old, Santa Claus delivered a table and chair set. I had so wanted one to play 'tea party' with the lovely tea set my grand parents who lived in California had sent me. When I came down the stairs and saw that table and chair set, I was thrilled. I don't think I let the chairs be empty from that day until we put them in the trailer to bring them to California - that was in 1935. Those same grand parents had sent me a knife, fork and spoon set they had bought while visiting Long Beach, or at least I believe that was where they had found it. They were a childs set and had abalone shell handles. I have no idea what happened to each piece, but just the other day I found one of the shell coverings. May have been off the knife. So many such things seem to get lost over the years, by one means or another.
However, I wanted to talk about "my chair". That set was around for so many years. Only one chair survived. The table I remember lost a leg and Dad put a branch from tree in its' place. The sad little table was left in the yard, under the bathroom window where the eves gave it some protection and it was loaded regularly with newpapers that were periodically bundled and taken to school for a "paper drive". The final where about of that table is lost to me, but that one chair has been kept over all these years. It at one
time was hung in the rafters of the garage, so it wouldn't be in the way. then it was put up in first one garage then another. Needed to have some "TLC"
but never seemed to get any attention to receive what it needed.
Each time we moved, I think Jay wondered why in the heck we hung on to the poor thing, but I wouldn't part with it, just had it put some where safe until the time I could "get around to it". With all the furniture Jay worked on over the years it is surprising he didn't get around to it himself, but he never did. It wasn't until my Son-in-law got envolved - how that came about I am not sure - the chair was secretly spirited away, never missed, and given the "TLC" it had so sadly lacked over all the years.
I was in the last stages of getting Christmas Dinner ready to serve when the
Slane family came in the front door. I hollered a "hello" and went right on with what I was doing. When I looked up a short time later I spied Greg with "MY CHAIR" in his hands, trying to sneak it in the house. One glance, and those words came very loudly out of my mouth, and tears came
into my eyes. I didn't need to guess, I just knew it was "MY CHAIR". I
was thrilled and if I hadn't of had my hands full of what ever it was I was doing, I am sure I would have sprinted to take a closer look. It was so wonderful to see it - all solid, freshly stained and varnished. Well it is such a prize, it is in my "reading room". Any child would love to set in it, but at
present it has a doll bent over it in prayer. Just a very special edition to the
room. The doll was a gift to me from a very dear friend I served my second
mission with in Salt Lake City.
I guess there are somethings in life that take a special spot in ones heart and never loses the value it gained when it was first introduced. The chair is no longer the same color it was when it was new, it may have weathered over the years, but it will ever be a very special thing in my life, and whoever ends up with it in their home when I no longer can care for it, I hope they will ever remember that it was something a little girl once cherished, and used to fill many happy hours of childhood games and play. I'm sure I sat in it by the hours learning to write, play paper dolls, color, have tea parties with my dolls and friends. There was only the table that had two leaves that folded up to make the table bigger and two matching chairs. The table and one chair lost forever, but this one loan chair remains to be loved and charished like nothing else in my house. Lets see, it would be an antique as it was made pre-1935. I believe I received it for our last Christmas in Pennsylvania. Could have been as early as 1933. Which would make it at this writing 80 years old. Yes, it would be an antique. Remember that when you see it. Old, loved and very special! "MY CHAIR!"
Written this 28th day of September 2013
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
However, I wanted to talk about "my chair". That set was around for so many years. Only one chair survived. The table I remember lost a leg and Dad put a branch from tree in its' place. The sad little table was left in the yard, under the bathroom window where the eves gave it some protection and it was loaded regularly with newpapers that were periodically bundled and taken to school for a "paper drive". The final where about of that table is lost to me, but that one chair has been kept over all these years. It at one
time was hung in the rafters of the garage, so it wouldn't be in the way. then it was put up in first one garage then another. Needed to have some "TLC"
but never seemed to get any attention to receive what it needed.
Each time we moved, I think Jay wondered why in the heck we hung on to the poor thing, but I wouldn't part with it, just had it put some where safe until the time I could "get around to it". With all the furniture Jay worked on over the years it is surprising he didn't get around to it himself, but he never did. It wasn't until my Son-in-law got envolved - how that came about I am not sure - the chair was secretly spirited away, never missed, and given the "TLC" it had so sadly lacked over all the years.
I was in the last stages of getting Christmas Dinner ready to serve when the
Slane family came in the front door. I hollered a "hello" and went right on with what I was doing. When I looked up a short time later I spied Greg with "MY CHAIR" in his hands, trying to sneak it in the house. One glance, and those words came very loudly out of my mouth, and tears came
into my eyes. I didn't need to guess, I just knew it was "MY CHAIR". I
was thrilled and if I hadn't of had my hands full of what ever it was I was doing, I am sure I would have sprinted to take a closer look. It was so wonderful to see it - all solid, freshly stained and varnished. Well it is such a prize, it is in my "reading room". Any child would love to set in it, but at
present it has a doll bent over it in prayer. Just a very special edition to the
room. The doll was a gift to me from a very dear friend I served my second
mission with in Salt Lake City.
I guess there are somethings in life that take a special spot in ones heart and never loses the value it gained when it was first introduced. The chair is no longer the same color it was when it was new, it may have weathered over the years, but it will ever be a very special thing in my life, and whoever ends up with it in their home when I no longer can care for it, I hope they will ever remember that it was something a little girl once cherished, and used to fill many happy hours of childhood games and play. I'm sure I sat in it by the hours learning to write, play paper dolls, color, have tea parties with my dolls and friends. There was only the table that had two leaves that folded up to make the table bigger and two matching chairs. The table and one chair lost forever, but this one loan chair remains to be loved and charished like nothing else in my house. Lets see, it would be an antique as it was made pre-1935. I believe I received it for our last Christmas in Pennsylvania. Could have been as early as 1933. Which would make it at this writing 80 years old. Yes, it would be an antique. Remember that when you see it. Old, loved and very special! "MY CHAIR!"
Written this 28th day of September 2013
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
Friday, June 21, 2013
Imagination
Websters Dictionary discribes it as: Mental faculty of forming images of objects not present to sences - or - the creative faculty of mind.
The thought has passed my mind that todays children may not have the use of theirs as much as children did waaaay baack in my day - and at 84 that is a fer piece.
So let me take you on a short journey to when the imagination was something we use most everyday of our lives.
Waking up gave each of us a clean slate to color, paint, express and explore just about anything. What people call 'cast off' today became something to make into our 'make believe'. When very young of course Mom used to keep me supplied with clothes she no longer wanted to wear and shoes that were no longer serviceable. These became my 'dressup' wardrobe. I am sure with being small for my age, the fit left rather a great deal to be desired, but when I put on those dresses, shoes and hats, (everyone wore hats back then) gloves and hung a battered hand bag on my small arm, I was Queen of the Hill. (As we lived in the city, there was no hill!) That being said, I would clop around making sure my shoes didn't come off, or my dress become a trip hazard. I was lovely. Looked like Mom and acted like her when she was 'all dressed up'. I went to the Theatre or out to Dinner. I visited imaginary places or friends. Well the mind was allowing me to imagine almost anything my little heart desired.
You will never know how great my house was. Oh, it was only made up of sheets that were fastened to the side of the shed and kept to shape with some rough poles, but the flap was a perfect door and the fact there were no windows, well that was not important. We gathered boxes for furniture and brought in the play dishes received for Christmas. We made a cupboard to store them. Cooking was of course all 'make believe'. I made the best things with crackers and water. The imagination made them taste 'oh, so good!'
Every Summer Vacation the house would go up, the clothes would be put in a proper place and the fun would begin. Everyday was FUN. Never got tired of playing alone, or at times with other friends that would bring over their 'special clothes'. What a blast we had.
When I grew older I imagined I was a dress designer. I had many 'paper dolls' with all their clothes, so I started making my own. Used my Crayola Box to good advantage and the things began to take shape and color. It was wonderful. No limits and I was engrossed for hours. No radio, no TV, no bike, just my imagination - what a blessing it was.
When I got even older then I believed I was very smart and could teach school. So I set up my class room with imaginary students and we discussed and had some very interesting lessons. I remember that I used one of the white painted walls as a chalk board, and wrote out my lessons very smartly. Don't remember any of the subjects, but with an imagination, who cared. It was make believe, and the sky was the limit.
Teen years were a bit harder as the War was going on and everyone was so caught up in the War Effort that we dreamed more of when it would end and we could go back to living a real life again.
I guess then dreaming became our substitute of the days we could imagine fun and experience great things by thinking them into existence. During these years, we spent more time praying and working toward a better day when family members would come home, hopefully safe and sound.
Finally when the War did end, I was old enough to start the process of looking forward to adulthood and the things that would present themselves. Of course like all girls, I began to wonder who would I marry, and how would I ever know which one would be 'Mr. Wright' for me? Once the choice was made then there were those doubts, could I be the kind of wife I wanted to be, would he be the husband I dreamed about. Of course you know that none of those dreams, questions or things really came into play once the marriage took place. Now we were into reality and everyday brought the trials and experiences that make life come fully into focus. No longer children, no longer using imagination to fill our days, there was the facts of life that had to be dealt with. Never the less, all those wonderful days of Playing and Imagining were to be remembered with such love and appreciation. They were the things that helped make the final person I had become.
Parents who loved and encouraged me to be all that I could be. Friends that helped me mold my character and reach for the best in life. Experiences that in most cases taught with little injury. The ones that were more costly taught caution and endurance. None of us pass through this life without being bumped or gratted a bit here and there. It is those things that make us good people. It is how we handle them and how we pick up and run after they have caused us to stumble, but not quite fall, if we are careful.
A husband who put up with me in so many ways I am sure he didn't expect to have to put up with. Who sustained and supported me, who gave me room to develope and grow. One who loved me in spite of myself, and kept busy with bringing into being the many ideas I had that I couldn't build myself. He would encourage me with, "we can do that". Once the idea had been formed in my mind, he would put his mind to work on it, and before long, it was a reality. We were a team in many ways beyond Husband and Wife. He expected me to be a 'lady' and it was never hard for me to meet his expectations. If he was ready to go somewhere, it only took me 10 minutes to get myself in satisfactory dress to accompany him wherever it was he wanted to go. I didn't know until years later that he was pleased that I did that. It was easy, he expected it, and I wanted to do it for him. He was always there for me, how could I fail him?
I am ever grateful that I was born when I was, that I had the time I had to grow and develope. It does sadden me to realize the War was as costly as it was, however, it was nothing that I could change, and the things I learned by being part of the History will ever be appreciated. As they say, we only pass this way once, and hopefully in my passing I have picked up some choice tid bits that have made my being here both beneficial to me and to those with whom I have come in contact with over the years.
I guess I still do 'dress up' only now the clothes I wear fit a mite better. The shoes no longer clop along as I walk. Hats, no they don't figure in the styles of today, but my hair, though white is in constant need of fixing. Pin curls are still my mode of keeping it looking like I like. Old fashioned maybe, but then it suits me, so that is all that really matters at my age. I guess I should care more, because it is others who have to look at me, but when I take that last look in the mirror before I go out, I think to myself - Jay would like that, and that is all that really counts. As you get older you find that to please the ones you love is far more important than what anyone else may think. Gone, but never forgotten - that is really what matters now isn't it?!
Eileen C. Rosenberg
21 June, 2013
The thought has passed my mind that todays children may not have the use of theirs as much as children did waaaay baack in my day - and at 84 that is a fer piece.
So let me take you on a short journey to when the imagination was something we use most everyday of our lives.
Waking up gave each of us a clean slate to color, paint, express and explore just about anything. What people call 'cast off' today became something to make into our 'make believe'. When very young of course Mom used to keep me supplied with clothes she no longer wanted to wear and shoes that were no longer serviceable. These became my 'dressup' wardrobe. I am sure with being small for my age, the fit left rather a great deal to be desired, but when I put on those dresses, shoes and hats, (everyone wore hats back then) gloves and hung a battered hand bag on my small arm, I was Queen of the Hill. (As we lived in the city, there was no hill!) That being said, I would clop around making sure my shoes didn't come off, or my dress become a trip hazard. I was lovely. Looked like Mom and acted like her when she was 'all dressed up'. I went to the Theatre or out to Dinner. I visited imaginary places or friends. Well the mind was allowing me to imagine almost anything my little heart desired.
You will never know how great my house was. Oh, it was only made up of sheets that were fastened to the side of the shed and kept to shape with some rough poles, but the flap was a perfect door and the fact there were no windows, well that was not important. We gathered boxes for furniture and brought in the play dishes received for Christmas. We made a cupboard to store them. Cooking was of course all 'make believe'. I made the best things with crackers and water. The imagination made them taste 'oh, so good!'
Every Summer Vacation the house would go up, the clothes would be put in a proper place and the fun would begin. Everyday was FUN. Never got tired of playing alone, or at times with other friends that would bring over their 'special clothes'. What a blast we had.
When I grew older I imagined I was a dress designer. I had many 'paper dolls' with all their clothes, so I started making my own. Used my Crayola Box to good advantage and the things began to take shape and color. It was wonderful. No limits and I was engrossed for hours. No radio, no TV, no bike, just my imagination - what a blessing it was.
When I got even older then I believed I was very smart and could teach school. So I set up my class room with imaginary students and we discussed and had some very interesting lessons. I remember that I used one of the white painted walls as a chalk board, and wrote out my lessons very smartly. Don't remember any of the subjects, but with an imagination, who cared. It was make believe, and the sky was the limit.
Teen years were a bit harder as the War was going on and everyone was so caught up in the War Effort that we dreamed more of when it would end and we could go back to living a real life again.
I guess then dreaming became our substitute of the days we could imagine fun and experience great things by thinking them into existence. During these years, we spent more time praying and working toward a better day when family members would come home, hopefully safe and sound.
Finally when the War did end, I was old enough to start the process of looking forward to adulthood and the things that would present themselves. Of course like all girls, I began to wonder who would I marry, and how would I ever know which one would be 'Mr. Wright' for me? Once the choice was made then there were those doubts, could I be the kind of wife I wanted to be, would he be the husband I dreamed about. Of course you know that none of those dreams, questions or things really came into play once the marriage took place. Now we were into reality and everyday brought the trials and experiences that make life come fully into focus. No longer children, no longer using imagination to fill our days, there was the facts of life that had to be dealt with. Never the less, all those wonderful days of Playing and Imagining were to be remembered with such love and appreciation. They were the things that helped make the final person I had become.
Parents who loved and encouraged me to be all that I could be. Friends that helped me mold my character and reach for the best in life. Experiences that in most cases taught with little injury. The ones that were more costly taught caution and endurance. None of us pass through this life without being bumped or gratted a bit here and there. It is those things that make us good people. It is how we handle them and how we pick up and run after they have caused us to stumble, but not quite fall, if we are careful.
A husband who put up with me in so many ways I am sure he didn't expect to have to put up with. Who sustained and supported me, who gave me room to develope and grow. One who loved me in spite of myself, and kept busy with bringing into being the many ideas I had that I couldn't build myself. He would encourage me with, "we can do that". Once the idea had been formed in my mind, he would put his mind to work on it, and before long, it was a reality. We were a team in many ways beyond Husband and Wife. He expected me to be a 'lady' and it was never hard for me to meet his expectations. If he was ready to go somewhere, it only took me 10 minutes to get myself in satisfactory dress to accompany him wherever it was he wanted to go. I didn't know until years later that he was pleased that I did that. It was easy, he expected it, and I wanted to do it for him. He was always there for me, how could I fail him?
I am ever grateful that I was born when I was, that I had the time I had to grow and develope. It does sadden me to realize the War was as costly as it was, however, it was nothing that I could change, and the things I learned by being part of the History will ever be appreciated. As they say, we only pass this way once, and hopefully in my passing I have picked up some choice tid bits that have made my being here both beneficial to me and to those with whom I have come in contact with over the years.
I guess I still do 'dress up' only now the clothes I wear fit a mite better. The shoes no longer clop along as I walk. Hats, no they don't figure in the styles of today, but my hair, though white is in constant need of fixing. Pin curls are still my mode of keeping it looking like I like. Old fashioned maybe, but then it suits me, so that is all that really matters at my age. I guess I should care more, because it is others who have to look at me, but when I take that last look in the mirror before I go out, I think to myself - Jay would like that, and that is all that really counts. As you get older you find that to please the ones you love is far more important than what anyone else may think. Gone, but never forgotten - that is really what matters now isn't it?!
Eileen C. Rosenberg
21 June, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
I Never Was In GAA
That's correct. I never became a member of the Girls Atheletic Association.
Now don't think for one minute that I was not envolved in Sports. I took my turn at everything offered in our regular Gym Classes, but I didn't spend my time playing sports after school.
Why? Well I guess it was because I was always the smallest girl in our Class and was never chosen until the last one for any team. There is no fun in that. I enjoyed archery, but had more than one 'string burn' on my arm to tell I wasn't all that great at it. I could hit the target, but it became too painful to keep at it for long. At the time I was not aware I had a breathing problem that made running not the most fun thing to do. It seemed I could swim and teach swimming and diving far better, so I spent all my time in the pool at High School. My talents were put to good use.
No, I never got a Sweater for my efforts, but that was not important to me at the time. I loved the Sweaters. White with the Orange and Grey Letter. In
fact I never had a Sweater of any kind. When I Graduated, we couldn't have Senior Sweaters because the yarn was still used for the Military, or was not yet available following the War. What ever, I kind of missed out there as well. Not that I find it harmed me in any way. As I recall, I didn't care for the color they picked, and the Shield they picked , though available was not to my liking either, so I didn't spend the money for it. Guess I was just not
that interested at the time.
Being active on Campus took other interests for me. I was active in Student Body Activities. I worked in the Accounting Office and was able to be active at all the 'at home games' by selling tickets. That was pretty much my activity at some of the Dances as well. I believe the Atheletic Activities
at any School is important. I don't demean them in anyway. It is just that I, personally, didn't find them part of my preference. We had our
Gym Classes, I followed along with what was required, but never spent my extra time in anything but Swimming, and that was not part of GAA it seems.
I was little, but I was very visible on Campus, and feel I left a mark that was of value to the School. I enjoyed my High School years, and take a great deal of satisfaction that service takes many difference means to add to and enlarge the whole. Mine just seemed to 'wet'. Well that and being a Member of the Student Council. Never being a member of GAA was not a
short fall in my case. One I have never thought as a disadvantage. Good for those who found joy in those pursuits. I just didn't happen to be one of them. I seem to have come out fine without it!
A side note: when I graduated from Junior High and then High School my feet were so small I couldn't get High Heels like the other girls. My foot was still Size 1. The pretty shoes came in size 3 as Sample Shoes - ones
put into the window of the store. I was out of school before I could wear that size. I really thought I had arrived when I could wear a size 4. Still
most of my shoes were available only when seasons changed and I could buy the Samples that had been in the Window. Which wasn't all that bad.
They usually came at a greatly reduced price. Meaning I could get at least 2 pair and some times 3 pair for the price of one. Life wasn't all that bad!
Written this 9th day of April, 2013
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Now don't think for one minute that I was not envolved in Sports. I took my turn at everything offered in our regular Gym Classes, but I didn't spend my time playing sports after school.
Why? Well I guess it was because I was always the smallest girl in our Class and was never chosen until the last one for any team. There is no fun in that. I enjoyed archery, but had more than one 'string burn' on my arm to tell I wasn't all that great at it. I could hit the target, but it became too painful to keep at it for long. At the time I was not aware I had a breathing problem that made running not the most fun thing to do. It seemed I could swim and teach swimming and diving far better, so I spent all my time in the pool at High School. My talents were put to good use.
No, I never got a Sweater for my efforts, but that was not important to me at the time. I loved the Sweaters. White with the Orange and Grey Letter. In
fact I never had a Sweater of any kind. When I Graduated, we couldn't have Senior Sweaters because the yarn was still used for the Military, or was not yet available following the War. What ever, I kind of missed out there as well. Not that I find it harmed me in any way. As I recall, I didn't care for the color they picked, and the Shield they picked , though available was not to my liking either, so I didn't spend the money for it. Guess I was just not
that interested at the time.
Being active on Campus took other interests for me. I was active in Student Body Activities. I worked in the Accounting Office and was able to be active at all the 'at home games' by selling tickets. That was pretty much my activity at some of the Dances as well. I believe the Atheletic Activities
at any School is important. I don't demean them in anyway. It is just that I, personally, didn't find them part of my preference. We had our
Gym Classes, I followed along with what was required, but never spent my extra time in anything but Swimming, and that was not part of GAA it seems.
I was little, but I was very visible on Campus, and feel I left a mark that was of value to the School. I enjoyed my High School years, and take a great deal of satisfaction that service takes many difference means to add to and enlarge the whole. Mine just seemed to 'wet'. Well that and being a Member of the Student Council. Never being a member of GAA was not a
short fall in my case. One I have never thought as a disadvantage. Good for those who found joy in those pursuits. I just didn't happen to be one of them. I seem to have come out fine without it!
A side note: when I graduated from Junior High and then High School my feet were so small I couldn't get High Heels like the other girls. My foot was still Size 1. The pretty shoes came in size 3 as Sample Shoes - ones
put into the window of the store. I was out of school before I could wear that size. I really thought I had arrived when I could wear a size 4. Still
most of my shoes were available only when seasons changed and I could buy the Samples that had been in the Window. Which wasn't all that bad.
They usually came at a greatly reduced price. Meaning I could get at least 2 pair and some times 3 pair for the price of one. Life wasn't all that bad!
Written this 9th day of April, 2013
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Family History - My Family Connections
I don't suppose I gave much thought to who I was, or where I came from, but once I got 'turned on' to gathering information about these things, I found there were more questions than there were answers.
As I believe that 'Families are Forever', it was important that I dig out as much information as I could. The more I learned, the more I discovered I had fewere answers than questions. When I started it was labor intensive, and took longer to find information that it took to ask for it. My relatives at the time were still living, and that was some help, but they were not able to give me all the information that I was need of. I found that those from the UK were more interested in the money I sent, than giving me much new information. They had to little to add what I had already gathered from those who were still living and able to answer questions here in the US.
I believe I have covered my Maternal Grandfathers leaving the family in other writings, so I won't go into that here. Rather I would talk a little about my Dad's mother. She dropped out of the picture after UK 1901 after returning with my Dad. No trace has been available to me up until now. I did learn that she may have received an annulment from her marriage to my Grandfather by giving my Dad up to his Paternal Grandmother. This I have yet to prove, but have made available a Micro-film that may give me some
clue. Here is hoping!
I didn't get to this point by accident, I came through a long line of people who lived and made 'my time on earth' possible. Because I am aware of this blessing, it seems necessary for me to give them the place they deserve in my Family Records. They are not just a name on a page in my book, but a very necessary part of my personal being. I think once one has children, then grand children and now in my case great grand children, the truth of this key thought is brought into clear vision.
I am a first generation American from my Dad's family line. My Mother was a mixture of French and Dutch Irish so far as I have discovered. Where
I thought my line followed the Hall family, I have discovered she was from the Eaton line. If that is true - I believe her line is entitled to be numbered among those who came over on the Mayflower. I have proved she is the grand daughter of a Veteran of the Civil War. That would be from her Maternal side of the family. I have enough proof now to be included in the Daughters of the Civil War Veterans. I visited their Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois in 2006 and needed one piece of proof, that I have since located. I have the forms, but have not filled them out and sent them in at this time. They have a group in Santa Barbara. That is the closest I know of. I met the President during my visit in Illinois.
All the girls of the family - on my Husband line are Daughters of the Utah
Pioneers. I have the information for my grandson to be a Son of the Utah Pioneers. However I have not been successful in finding out how to get him into that group. Heritage is important. The further away we get from the time and people who were valuable participants in a part of History the
more important I belive it comes to be connected. It was those people who made the History of America wonderous and great. We best remember them by, giving time and honor even today.
Since beginning gathering information on my Family in 1953, many changes have come forward. We no longer have to depent on Regular Mail,
but we can e-mail. There are a number of fabulour programs where we can store the information we have gathered. We can change, update and share
that information with just a click. We can add stories, pictures and if we are really adventurous, we can leave spoken words and moving pictures as well. There seems to be no limit as to the way we can keep records today.
We can search and share 'on line'. We can down load and scan. We can
update and change. We can learn and share. The modern technology available makes doing Family History a 'piece of cake' for those who are
willing to take the time and trouble to look up and find just who they are.
If you haven't taken the time to learn, do so today. Of course there is Ancestry.com, which is expensive, and there are no sure proof what one finds there is truly connected with your family. Only truly checking the records and making sure the person is really connected is worth knowing. The records are now available, and can be looked at on-line. I encourage you to look at these and make sure your connections are justified.
www.lds.org now has Family Tree that is one way to check. They also have the 'FAN' that will show just what is known about your family and where you need to start looking. If you are just starting, you will need to begin with YOU and put everything you know into a program of your choice. Now the 1940 Census is available on-line, you have a closer check than ever before.
Remember this was before the Second World War. The thousands that were lost in one battle or another in that War should be on the 1940 Census.
Don't forget those who may not have had the opportunity to have married and had their own families. Every member of the Family has value and needs to be listed and remembered.
I'm greatful for my Heritage. I may have problems to solve, I may have questions that have not been answered, but that does not discourage me. I am willing to exstend my research and find those who have been hard to locate and fit into their rightful place. If you haven't started gathering the members of Family, please start by making a 'sure record' of you and your loved ones. Putting your Family together, one generation at a time. Add those pictures - tell those stories - source your records to prove you are truly part of the line you record. Be excited and enjoy the journey of finding your own
Family History. Where would you be without them? You wouldn't be!
Today there are numerous ways to gather the information you seek. Don't put off looking for it. Take pride in your work. Leave a trail easy to follow for those who come after you. They are important to you as well. Never
think it isn't important. We without those who made 'our time on earth' possible are helpless. They made it possible for us to be here, now it is our turn to make 'their time on earth' a record and show honor. We are fortunate to have the avenues of research and storage available to us as never before possible. Don't let the time pass you by saying: 'sometime I will try' - get with the thousands of others who have made the gathering of Family History the largest Hobby in this day and time. You won't be sorry you did. If you are enjoying your journey here on earth, learn about your ancestors journey and what they contributed to the History and Building of this Country. Each life contributed in some way. Even the 'black sheep' are of interest. Today is the day - now is the hour - there are chances and means all around, grasp hold and run with them. You will be surprised how much fun it is, and how rewarding!
Written this 9th day of April, 2013
by: Eileen Rosenberg
As I believe that 'Families are Forever', it was important that I dig out as much information as I could. The more I learned, the more I discovered I had fewere answers than questions. When I started it was labor intensive, and took longer to find information that it took to ask for it. My relatives at the time were still living, and that was some help, but they were not able to give me all the information that I was need of. I found that those from the UK were more interested in the money I sent, than giving me much new information. They had to little to add what I had already gathered from those who were still living and able to answer questions here in the US.
I believe I have covered my Maternal Grandfathers leaving the family in other writings, so I won't go into that here. Rather I would talk a little about my Dad's mother. She dropped out of the picture after UK 1901 after returning with my Dad. No trace has been available to me up until now. I did learn that she may have received an annulment from her marriage to my Grandfather by giving my Dad up to his Paternal Grandmother. This I have yet to prove, but have made available a Micro-film that may give me some
clue. Here is hoping!
I didn't get to this point by accident, I came through a long line of people who lived and made 'my time on earth' possible. Because I am aware of this blessing, it seems necessary for me to give them the place they deserve in my Family Records. They are not just a name on a page in my book, but a very necessary part of my personal being. I think once one has children, then grand children and now in my case great grand children, the truth of this key thought is brought into clear vision.
I am a first generation American from my Dad's family line. My Mother was a mixture of French and Dutch Irish so far as I have discovered. Where
I thought my line followed the Hall family, I have discovered she was from the Eaton line. If that is true - I believe her line is entitled to be numbered among those who came over on the Mayflower. I have proved she is the grand daughter of a Veteran of the Civil War. That would be from her Maternal side of the family. I have enough proof now to be included in the Daughters of the Civil War Veterans. I visited their Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois in 2006 and needed one piece of proof, that I have since located. I have the forms, but have not filled them out and sent them in at this time. They have a group in Santa Barbara. That is the closest I know of. I met the President during my visit in Illinois.
All the girls of the family - on my Husband line are Daughters of the Utah
Pioneers. I have the information for my grandson to be a Son of the Utah Pioneers. However I have not been successful in finding out how to get him into that group. Heritage is important. The further away we get from the time and people who were valuable participants in a part of History the
more important I belive it comes to be connected. It was those people who made the History of America wonderous and great. We best remember them by, giving time and honor even today.
Since beginning gathering information on my Family in 1953, many changes have come forward. We no longer have to depent on Regular Mail,
but we can e-mail. There are a number of fabulour programs where we can store the information we have gathered. We can change, update and share
that information with just a click. We can add stories, pictures and if we are really adventurous, we can leave spoken words and moving pictures as well. There seems to be no limit as to the way we can keep records today.
We can search and share 'on line'. We can down load and scan. We can
update and change. We can learn and share. The modern technology available makes doing Family History a 'piece of cake' for those who are
willing to take the time and trouble to look up and find just who they are.
If you haven't taken the time to learn, do so today. Of course there is Ancestry.com, which is expensive, and there are no sure proof what one finds there is truly connected with your family. Only truly checking the records and making sure the person is really connected is worth knowing. The records are now available, and can be looked at on-line. I encourage you to look at these and make sure your connections are justified.
www.lds.org now has Family Tree that is one way to check. They also have the 'FAN' that will show just what is known about your family and where you need to start looking. If you are just starting, you will need to begin with YOU and put everything you know into a program of your choice. Now the 1940 Census is available on-line, you have a closer check than ever before.
Remember this was before the Second World War. The thousands that were lost in one battle or another in that War should be on the 1940 Census.
Don't forget those who may not have had the opportunity to have married and had their own families. Every member of the Family has value and needs to be listed and remembered.
I'm greatful for my Heritage. I may have problems to solve, I may have questions that have not been answered, but that does not discourage me. I am willing to exstend my research and find those who have been hard to locate and fit into their rightful place. If you haven't started gathering the members of Family, please start by making a 'sure record' of you and your loved ones. Putting your Family together, one generation at a time. Add those pictures - tell those stories - source your records to prove you are truly part of the line you record. Be excited and enjoy the journey of finding your own
Family History. Where would you be without them? You wouldn't be!
Today there are numerous ways to gather the information you seek. Don't put off looking for it. Take pride in your work. Leave a trail easy to follow for those who come after you. They are important to you as well. Never
think it isn't important. We without those who made 'our time on earth' possible are helpless. They made it possible for us to be here, now it is our turn to make 'their time on earth' a record and show honor. We are fortunate to have the avenues of research and storage available to us as never before possible. Don't let the time pass you by saying: 'sometime I will try' - get with the thousands of others who have made the gathering of Family History the largest Hobby in this day and time. You won't be sorry you did. If you are enjoying your journey here on earth, learn about your ancestors journey and what they contributed to the History and Building of this Country. Each life contributed in some way. Even the 'black sheep' are of interest. Today is the day - now is the hour - there are chances and means all around, grasp hold and run with them. You will be surprised how much fun it is, and how rewarding!
Written this 9th day of April, 2013
by: Eileen Rosenberg
Elder Hostels - An Experience
I discovered these when I was seeking something new to experience when Jay and I became 'Empty Nesters'. We were putting our life together again, finding ourselve alone. We had been going to 'night school' and had great fun learning a good many things. Jay especially enjoyed the various cooking classes we attended. I struggled through a class of Finance Management, which Jay of course found very interesting. All in all
we had tried a great many things to find a common ground to enjoy being
together, alone again.
I went to the Public Library and researched other things, and found Elder Hostel. I sent off for more information - you will have to remember this was before the inter-net. When they sent us a catalog, we spent a good deal of time scanning the various opportunities this offered. Finding Programs that were not too far from home to sign up for.
Our first attempt was at St. George, Utah. It was a week of discovery in
a part of the Country that was close to Jay's heart. We were to learn more about the Ghost Towns of the area along with color from the surrounding area. I had no idea there were mines that had brought a large number of people to that area. I always thought that Religion had caused the influx of population, but I was to learn that there were precious Metals as well. Of
course with the family connection of Jay's we were aware of Iron that
was in the area, but knew it was not sufficient to be of value.
We learned about the many Movies that were shot in the area and a lot about John Wayne and his love of Southern Utah. Where he ate, and where many of the scenes were shot. We had an evening learning about the Jewelry that was made by the Indians in the area as well. There was a Pioneer Dutch Oven Dinner in the Park that followed a walk through the Pioneer Grave Yard. We spend a very enjoyable week there, and came away wanting more.
Being envolved in Elder Hostels ment you met some very interesting people and learned more than you could possibly have guessed was out there. One thing we discovered was the people who participate in these wonderous weeks are very special. One women took a plane from Pennsylvania with nothing but a duffle bag full of clothing and personal needs, starting the furtherest West and would cover the country attending Elder Hostels as she
moved East. Each connecting travel East would be accepted by someone in the group she ment in the West. She said she was never disappointed. She
was always able to find someone else that would offer her a ride either to or near where her next Elder Hostel was. Amazing!
We met people from all walks of life. Very few were like us - first timers.
Many had been to a number of Elder Hostels, some even out of the United
States. It was interesting to hear about all the places they had gone and what they had learned.
Our appetite had grown so that we decided to go again, and again. We again poured over the catalog and decided where we would like to go next.
I believe the one that followed that was most inspiring was our trip to Trinidad, Colorado for the study of the Santa Fe Trail. As it would work out, it was the last time it would be offered. The man who was knowledgeable was elderly, and was frank to admit he had no idea how long he would be able to continue. We were fortunate to be able to be in this group. The streets in Trinidad, Colorado are paved in bricks made in the town. We each received one at the end of the week. What a prize. Among the many things that we were able to visit was Fort Union. One of the places the wagon trains that followed the Santa Fe Trail stopped at. When we visited there, we looked out over the flat land and could see the wheel marks, still visible leaving the Fort. We were surprised to learn there were more than one set of wagon wheel tracks. They did not all follow one after the other as we had thought. From Fort Union the Trains would continue South with their goods and set up their wares in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We learned they would take the time to stop and clean up and get ready for their trading with the folks that came North from Mexico. It was a revelation of how those people traded.
One of the interesting things about this particular trip was we discovered when we got into Colorado, neither of us had money with us. We had not made it to the Bank to get the necessary cash to pay for our Tuition. It was a Holiday Week-end and the College did not take checks. Fortunately we
had arrived before the local Banks had closed, and was able to get a Cash
Advance on our Credit Card. The Lord was certainly with us on this trip.
The City of Trinidad is very colorful. A nagging question that I had for years was what was the 'pickit wire' that was talked about in many of the Western Movies I had seen. In one of our field trips, we were taken to the Pergitory River where a number of French Soldiers had been killed, thus the River was called by that name. Western folks couldn't clearly pronounce the French word so it came out as the 'pickit wire' rather than the Per-git-twah. Just another one of those interesting but small things uncovered.
We were taken to a home where a family were working in Adobe bricks. We learned how they were made, and were able to tour their most interesting home, all made of the Adobe Bricks they had made on the spot.
Oh, and if you wonder about housing - it could be in a Motel, or it could be in Dormatories on Campus. Food was special here at Trinidad - catered by Marriot Hotel, and it was fabulous to say the least. One of the great things we enjoyed was Cookies made from the left over Donuts. Out of this world and hugh.
Another Eldler Hostel was in Kingman, Arizona where we learned about Rock Hounding. Here we stayed in the Motel. The food wasn't as good, but we didn't go hungry either. We visited Oatman and saw the Donkeys the Miners turned loose when they either died or gave up prospecting. They run wild in the streets and surrounding area. They say Clark Gable and Carole Lumbard haunt the Hotel. It was where they spent their Honeymoon. We stopped along the Highway and picked up odd looking rocks and for some of us, they had value. We study more Ghost Towns and learned about Andy Devine the Movie Actor who was from those part. The many classes and field trips made for a great week. As I said we went to places that was close to home. There is much around us that we have no idea can make for an interesting trip, and adventure in seeking out treasures that lay close at hand.
Elder Hostels are great ways to learn, they have become expensive I under-stand. If I had the finances however, I would still be going and discovering what lays close at hand almost anywhere one might travel. I hope this will encourage my family to make every trip away from home into one of discovery. There are many hidden fun and interesting things to see and to explore. No place is sterile. Someone lived there, experienced the thrill of
making life and earning a living. They built homes, they learned about what was in the area. Sometimes it was Mineral, other times it was the chance to make something blossom and productive. In every case they have left history and discoveries that should be explored and enjoyed. Nothing came from nothing, and nothing ever will. Strike out, seek the hidden, and enjoy every opportunity that comes your way. As the wise man once said:
"we pass this way but once". What will you discover then next time you travel along the Highway of Your Life? The Choice is YOURS!
Written this 9th day of April 2013
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
we had tried a great many things to find a common ground to enjoy being
together, alone again.
I went to the Public Library and researched other things, and found Elder Hostel. I sent off for more information - you will have to remember this was before the inter-net. When they sent us a catalog, we spent a good deal of time scanning the various opportunities this offered. Finding Programs that were not too far from home to sign up for.
Our first attempt was at St. George, Utah. It was a week of discovery in
a part of the Country that was close to Jay's heart. We were to learn more about the Ghost Towns of the area along with color from the surrounding area. I had no idea there were mines that had brought a large number of people to that area. I always thought that Religion had caused the influx of population, but I was to learn that there were precious Metals as well. Of
course with the family connection of Jay's we were aware of Iron that
was in the area, but knew it was not sufficient to be of value.
We learned about the many Movies that were shot in the area and a lot about John Wayne and his love of Southern Utah. Where he ate, and where many of the scenes were shot. We had an evening learning about the Jewelry that was made by the Indians in the area as well. There was a Pioneer Dutch Oven Dinner in the Park that followed a walk through the Pioneer Grave Yard. We spend a very enjoyable week there, and came away wanting more.
Being envolved in Elder Hostels ment you met some very interesting people and learned more than you could possibly have guessed was out there. One thing we discovered was the people who participate in these wonderous weeks are very special. One women took a plane from Pennsylvania with nothing but a duffle bag full of clothing and personal needs, starting the furtherest West and would cover the country attending Elder Hostels as she
moved East. Each connecting travel East would be accepted by someone in the group she ment in the West. She said she was never disappointed. She
was always able to find someone else that would offer her a ride either to or near where her next Elder Hostel was. Amazing!
We met people from all walks of life. Very few were like us - first timers.
Many had been to a number of Elder Hostels, some even out of the United
States. It was interesting to hear about all the places they had gone and what they had learned.
Our appetite had grown so that we decided to go again, and again. We again poured over the catalog and decided where we would like to go next.
I believe the one that followed that was most inspiring was our trip to Trinidad, Colorado for the study of the Santa Fe Trail. As it would work out, it was the last time it would be offered. The man who was knowledgeable was elderly, and was frank to admit he had no idea how long he would be able to continue. We were fortunate to be able to be in this group. The streets in Trinidad, Colorado are paved in bricks made in the town. We each received one at the end of the week. What a prize. Among the many things that we were able to visit was Fort Union. One of the places the wagon trains that followed the Santa Fe Trail stopped at. When we visited there, we looked out over the flat land and could see the wheel marks, still visible leaving the Fort. We were surprised to learn there were more than one set of wagon wheel tracks. They did not all follow one after the other as we had thought. From Fort Union the Trains would continue South with their goods and set up their wares in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We learned they would take the time to stop and clean up and get ready for their trading with the folks that came North from Mexico. It was a revelation of how those people traded.
One of the interesting things about this particular trip was we discovered when we got into Colorado, neither of us had money with us. We had not made it to the Bank to get the necessary cash to pay for our Tuition. It was a Holiday Week-end and the College did not take checks. Fortunately we
had arrived before the local Banks had closed, and was able to get a Cash
Advance on our Credit Card. The Lord was certainly with us on this trip.
The City of Trinidad is very colorful. A nagging question that I had for years was what was the 'pickit wire' that was talked about in many of the Western Movies I had seen. In one of our field trips, we were taken to the Pergitory River where a number of French Soldiers had been killed, thus the River was called by that name. Western folks couldn't clearly pronounce the French word so it came out as the 'pickit wire' rather than the Per-git-twah. Just another one of those interesting but small things uncovered.
We were taken to a home where a family were working in Adobe bricks. We learned how they were made, and were able to tour their most interesting home, all made of the Adobe Bricks they had made on the spot.
Oh, and if you wonder about housing - it could be in a Motel, or it could be in Dormatories on Campus. Food was special here at Trinidad - catered by Marriot Hotel, and it was fabulous to say the least. One of the great things we enjoyed was Cookies made from the left over Donuts. Out of this world and hugh.
Another Eldler Hostel was in Kingman, Arizona where we learned about Rock Hounding. Here we stayed in the Motel. The food wasn't as good, but we didn't go hungry either. We visited Oatman and saw the Donkeys the Miners turned loose when they either died or gave up prospecting. They run wild in the streets and surrounding area. They say Clark Gable and Carole Lumbard haunt the Hotel. It was where they spent their Honeymoon. We stopped along the Highway and picked up odd looking rocks and for some of us, they had value. We study more Ghost Towns and learned about Andy Devine the Movie Actor who was from those part. The many classes and field trips made for a great week. As I said we went to places that was close to home. There is much around us that we have no idea can make for an interesting trip, and adventure in seeking out treasures that lay close at hand.
Elder Hostels are great ways to learn, they have become expensive I under-stand. If I had the finances however, I would still be going and discovering what lays close at hand almost anywhere one might travel. I hope this will encourage my family to make every trip away from home into one of discovery. There are many hidden fun and interesting things to see and to explore. No place is sterile. Someone lived there, experienced the thrill of
making life and earning a living. They built homes, they learned about what was in the area. Sometimes it was Mineral, other times it was the chance to make something blossom and productive. In every case they have left history and discoveries that should be explored and enjoyed. Nothing came from nothing, and nothing ever will. Strike out, seek the hidden, and enjoy every opportunity that comes your way. As the wise man once said:
"we pass this way but once". What will you discover then next time you travel along the Highway of Your Life? The Choice is YOURS!
Written this 9th day of April 2013
by: Eileen C. Rosenberg
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