Today is Grand parents Day. National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade (now age 91), a housewife in Fayette County, West Virginia.
Her primary motivation was to champion the cause of lonely elderly in nursing homes. She also hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
As a former employee of a nursing home's activity department, it was always a thrill to have groups of children interact with the residents. The people in the nursing homes loved to talk to the children about their lives. Here are a few of the suggested questions and thoughts the children learned before their interviews:
An interview is just like talking with someone, but with prepared questions.
Ask questions clearly and slowly, giving the person time to answer. Repeat questions if necessary.
Listen carefully to what the person says; don't interrupt or correct.
Maintain eye contact and show interest by leaning forward and nodding.
If someone is talking about an unhappy or painful experience, show that you understand how they feel (e.g. "That's very sad").
It's okay for there to be moments of silence or emotion. A person's life is important, and emotion is natural. Accept emotions as part of the process.
If the person doesn't want to talk about something, that's okay -- just go to the next question.
A person may have a lot to say in response to a particular question, summarize the key ideas .
An interview shouldn't last more than an hour. People do best when they're not tired.
Don't forget to thank the person you've interviewed. Let them know you value what they've shared.
Some of the children got very close to their new friend and visited them on occasion out side of class. Who wouldn't want to visit a German lady who made hats?
Let's hope grand parents are sharing favorite memories with their grandchildren and the children are asking questions!
e
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
THE NAPKIN NOTE
We all know that Ella was a keeper of cherished memories. Perhaps you are also. If someone needed to go through your stuff after you moved to a nursing home or died, what would they find? I would hope there would be special items you remember.
Judy noted she didn't have the heart to throw the note on the napkin away.
The 1967 note says:
Dearest Mom and Shirley,
Elodee says to leave a note.
I'm not quite sure what to say but then, we've only been married five years.
Anytime you need a shoulder let us know and I'll send mine, if you need one, we will ask for yours.
It's a new day enjoy every moment.
God will bless you as long as we have faith and trust in Him.
Love, Bob, Elodee, and Rachel
We always hope when we write notes to others that if they need us, we will be there. Old Trunks is hopeful she does this before someone asks.
I am thinking about a member of the Rye family. She was the daughter of Ella's sister, Alice. I don't know how Irene knew my Mother. When Daddy died, Irene was there bringing paper products to mother; plates, napkins, and silverware. Why? Because Irene, within her own heart, felt this was the most needed thing. And Mother appreciated her thoughtfulness.
The next time you pick up a napkin, flash a mental note to someone you care about. Give them the gift of your thoughts and accept a blessing to yourself.
e
Judy noted she didn't have the heart to throw the note on the napkin away.
The 1967 note says:
Dearest Mom and Shirley,
Elodee says to leave a note.
I'm not quite sure what to say but then, we've only been married five years.
Anytime you need a shoulder let us know and I'll send mine, if you need one, we will ask for yours.
It's a new day enjoy every moment.
God will bless you as long as we have faith and trust in Him.
Love, Bob, Elodee, and Rachel
We always hope when we write notes to others that if they need us, we will be there. Old Trunks is hopeful she does this before someone asks.
I am thinking about a member of the Rye family. She was the daughter of Ella's sister, Alice. I don't know how Irene knew my Mother. When Daddy died, Irene was there bringing paper products to mother; plates, napkins, and silverware. Why? Because Irene, within her own heart, felt this was the most needed thing. And Mother appreciated her thoughtfulness.
The next time you pick up a napkin, flash a mental note to someone you care about. Give them the gift of your thoughts and accept a blessing to yourself.
e
Friday, September 5, 2008
THE LEAF SAYS LINNIE
In the box with the salt and pepper shakers, there was a note written to Ella and Shirley by Ella's son Bob. Along with the note, written on a napkin, were three leaves from Lloyd Anderson's funeral in October, 1967.
One of the leaves had Rachel's name on it, the other two said Linnie. Old Trunks looked at the leaf with Linnie written on it and just could not place it. That happens with genealogy, sometimes a name gets lost within the structure. The beauty of it is, one always seems to know the answer or give you a clue. Communication is the key.
After an email to Judy, another member of the Anderson children, I had my answer. Julia Olson Rye was one of twelve children. Carrie was two years young than her. Carrie married and had Linnie. Linnie is the great aunt of the Anderson children.
We know from reading the Rosewood News that a family reunion was held at the Henry Rye home Sunday when the sister and brothers of Mrs. Rye were together for the first time in 34 years. Those present were Mrs. Carrie Dillion and daughter, Mrs. Ivan (Linnie) Knepp, Mrs. Alfred Olson, Mr. Oscar Olson, Mr. Arthur Olson and daughter, Sara. Mr. And Mrs. Norman Jorgenson and family all of Goodridge. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Steinhauer and family of Holt Mr. Lloyd Anderson and children, Murvin Rye and Selmer Dahl. Dinner was enjoyed together and the afternoon was spent taking pictures and reminiscing of old times. (Summer of 1947).
One of the photos taken during this time was of Julia, Carrie, and Linnie with the two horses hitched to what looks like a rake. A rake looks like boards with nails in it and it smooths out the soil. Linnie Knepp has the reins, Julia is in the apron. Although Carrie is two years younger, her hair is styled so it looks nearly white.
And now we know who Linnie's Leaf belongs to!
e
Thursday, September 4, 2008
SALT OF THE EARTH
The expression is: He/She is the salt of the earth.
According to the ask.com answer it means: "Anyone regarded as the finest of his kind is the 'salt of the earth.' The expression comes from Matthew 5:13, where Jesus, speaking to his disciples, says: 'Ye are the salt of the earth.Ye are the light of the world.'"The "salt of the earth" are the multitude of common, decent hard-working folk. "Everyday" people, unsung heroes. They are vital to our communities.
Other answers include wisdom.
Why am I talking about this?
Old Trunks recieved a package today. It had a set of mallard salt and pepper shakers in it. They had been Ella Rye Anderson Steinhauer's. I had asked her daughter to send me a set of one of Ella's collection.
I think about Ella a lot. Knowing I was unwrapping something of hers, gave me a chance to think about her again including her wisdom and her worth to all who knew her.
I only connected it with salt because when I unwrapped one of them the paper was full of salt.
A little over my shoulder for good luck from someone who was the salt of the earth.
e
According to the ask.com answer it means: "Anyone regarded as the finest of his kind is the 'salt of the earth.' The expression comes from Matthew 5:13, where Jesus, speaking to his disciples, says: 'Ye are the salt of the earth.Ye are the light of the world.'"The "salt of the earth" are the multitude of common, decent hard-working folk. "Everyday" people, unsung heroes. They are vital to our communities.
Other answers include wisdom.
Why am I talking about this?
Old Trunks recieved a package today. It had a set of mallard salt and pepper shakers in it. They had been Ella Rye Anderson Steinhauer's. I had asked her daughter to send me a set of one of Ella's collection.
I think about Ella a lot. Knowing I was unwrapping something of hers, gave me a chance to think about her again including her wisdom and her worth to all who knew her.
I only connected it with salt because when I unwrapped one of them the paper was full of salt.
A little over my shoulder for good luck from someone who was the salt of the earth.
e
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
WHAT ABOUT BEING A FIFTH GRADER?
Many of us can say it has been fifty years since we were in fifth grade. Now matter how long it has been, we remember our teacher and some of our class mates.
It was the fall of 1954 when the halls of Knox School was flooded with to be fifth graders. There were two classes; Mrs. Robarge and Miss Peterson. We all wanted the first, some of us got the second.
Miss Peterson was a matronly looking woman with a bobbed hair style, old style glasses, and a suit that looked like she was going to a funeral. She wore no make up. She looked strict. Mrs. Robarge was a smiling type with up dated clothes and wore lipstick. She looked updated.
We knew which class room we would have because the teacher had written the names on a paper and posted it outside the door. My name was on the Peterson door.
Miss Peterson could not sing, we learned all our songs off a phonograph record. She could keep our attention because she looked like she would do something to you if you didn't pay attention to her.
Our books were well used, they were offered to us to use. There was no fees for school in those days. We had to supply crayons, pencils, and paper. For tests, special paper was used.
What were the classes? Arithmetic, language, reading, writing, science, and US geography. The math was long division and 4x4 multipication tables. The geography was all about the United States. I got to talk about our trip to Florida using the large pull down map.
Perhaps the list of classes are much like they were then plus computer. For those of you who have heard of OR watch SMARTER THAN A FIFTH GRADER, it is interesting to take the tests supplied by the Virginia school system.
Wondering what sort of review my grand daughter may have, I went to the computer skills first, I did very well. But, I am thinking about a friend who wouldn't know any of the answers because she hasn't had the training. The answers I gave where from the late 80's when I went to school and learned about the computer from a teacher who would not allow us to turn the machine on until we memorized the 123 commands.
Yes, that was 20 years ago, and yes, I still use those ctrl commands even now, although the computers are truly user friendly.
If you would like to see the site, go to:
http://www.iq.poquoson.org/studygradelevel5.html
Good Luck!
Happy fifth grade, Jaeme!
e
It was the fall of 1954 when the halls of Knox School was flooded with to be fifth graders. There were two classes; Mrs. Robarge and Miss Peterson. We all wanted the first, some of us got the second.
Miss Peterson was a matronly looking woman with a bobbed hair style, old style glasses, and a suit that looked like she was going to a funeral. She wore no make up. She looked strict. Mrs. Robarge was a smiling type with up dated clothes and wore lipstick. She looked updated.
We knew which class room we would have because the teacher had written the names on a paper and posted it outside the door. My name was on the Peterson door.
Miss Peterson could not sing, we learned all our songs off a phonograph record. She could keep our attention because she looked like she would do something to you if you didn't pay attention to her.
Our books were well used, they were offered to us to use. There was no fees for school in those days. We had to supply crayons, pencils, and paper. For tests, special paper was used.
What were the classes? Arithmetic, language, reading, writing, science, and US geography. The math was long division and 4x4 multipication tables. The geography was all about the United States. I got to talk about our trip to Florida using the large pull down map.
Perhaps the list of classes are much like they were then plus computer. For those of you who have heard of OR watch SMARTER THAN A FIFTH GRADER, it is interesting to take the tests supplied by the Virginia school system.
Wondering what sort of review my grand daughter may have, I went to the computer skills first, I did very well. But, I am thinking about a friend who wouldn't know any of the answers because she hasn't had the training. The answers I gave where from the late 80's when I went to school and learned about the computer from a teacher who would not allow us to turn the machine on until we memorized the 123 commands.
Yes, that was 20 years ago, and yes, I still use those ctrl commands even now, although the computers are truly user friendly.
If you would like to see the site, go to:
http://www.iq.poquoson.org/studygradelevel5.html
Good Luck!
Happy fifth grade, Jaeme!
e
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
LLOYD PAUL ANDERSON
Lloyd Paul Anderson
September 2, 1911-October 5, 1967
This is the anniversary of the birth of Lloyd Paul Anderson. His side of the family does not have longevity. His father died at 46; his mother at 76. Lloyd's brothers, Andrew died at three days and Newell was 27.
Yet Lloyd's spirit continues to live through his children, grand children, and great-great grandchildren.
Old Trunks is grateful to have known this kind, gentle man who worked hard, loved his God and his family. Be still and listen to him play his mandolin and his guitar. Wait for the chuckle. Search his brown eyes for truth.
e
Monday, September 1, 2008
LABOR DAY BEGINNINGS 1885
The celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
Old Trunks knew labor day was a celebration for the working man. Yet, she knew farmers harvested, hospitals were open as were places to eat. For the most part, it was a day to transfer from summer to fall; school always started the day after Labor Day in Thief River Falls. Does anyone remember a parade?
There is something to be said about the stretch of time from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We call it summer and we place it as a time for pleasure, knowing when fall comes it will be time to work until the next summer months come to us.
On Memorial Day of 1956, it was raining in the morning. Daddy had gone out to check on the ponies as they weren't in the corral waiting for their morning oats. From the kitchen window, I could see him leading a pony named Topsy, who was followed closely by a colt who we named Lark. She was a multi-colored pinto who appeared to have springs in her legs. She was friendly and loved to be brush.
On the night before Labor Day of 1956, my parents went to the Eagle's for a dance. I stayed at my grandparents.
Near noon, which would have been Labor Day, mother came to get me. She told me the ponies had gotten out and Lark had been killed by a ball player from Argyle. Grandma was livid, she told mother she didn't have to be so blunt about it. Grandmother held me as I sobbed. Mother told her that I would find out anyway and it was better I knew before I couldn't find her. I was twelve I was old enough to know the truth. The dead animal service had been called and picked her up before I got home. I don't know how far the herd of 25 ponies went, I never found the spot where she was killed and no one showed me. I don't know how my parents knew. I still think if I was old enough to know part, I was old enough to know all.
Another Labor Day I remember was 40 years later. A good, yet very ill friend, life was diminshed. He was bedridden in our living room in a hospital bed. Nurses attended him and he was cared for by aides during the week. Before Memorial Day, I asked him if he wanted a party or a funeral. He wanted a party and were able to get most of his brothers and sisters to Lawrence for the three day weekend. He died the Labor Day weekend. There was no funeral, on the anniversary of his birthday, I scattered his ashes in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas. There was no parade. To him, it was more important to celebrate life. His slogan was, LIFE: Be in it!
Today is Labor Day 2008, may it have good memories for you!
e
Old Trunks knew labor day was a celebration for the working man. Yet, she knew farmers harvested, hospitals were open as were places to eat. For the most part, it was a day to transfer from summer to fall; school always started the day after Labor Day in Thief River Falls. Does anyone remember a parade?
There is something to be said about the stretch of time from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We call it summer and we place it as a time for pleasure, knowing when fall comes it will be time to work until the next summer months come to us.
On Memorial Day of 1956, it was raining in the morning. Daddy had gone out to check on the ponies as they weren't in the corral waiting for their morning oats. From the kitchen window, I could see him leading a pony named Topsy, who was followed closely by a colt who we named Lark. She was a multi-colored pinto who appeared to have springs in her legs. She was friendly and loved to be brush.
On the night before Labor Day of 1956, my parents went to the Eagle's for a dance. I stayed at my grandparents.
Near noon, which would have been Labor Day, mother came to get me. She told me the ponies had gotten out and Lark had been killed by a ball player from Argyle. Grandma was livid, she told mother she didn't have to be so blunt about it. Grandmother held me as I sobbed. Mother told her that I would find out anyway and it was better I knew before I couldn't find her. I was twelve I was old enough to know the truth. The dead animal service had been called and picked her up before I got home. I don't know how far the herd of 25 ponies went, I never found the spot where she was killed and no one showed me. I don't know how my parents knew. I still think if I was old enough to know part, I was old enough to know all.
Another Labor Day I remember was 40 years later. A good, yet very ill friend, life was diminshed. He was bedridden in our living room in a hospital bed. Nurses attended him and he was cared for by aides during the week. Before Memorial Day, I asked him if he wanted a party or a funeral. He wanted a party and were able to get most of his brothers and sisters to Lawrence for the three day weekend. He died the Labor Day weekend. There was no funeral, on the anniversary of his birthday, I scattered his ashes in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas. There was no parade. To him, it was more important to celebrate life. His slogan was, LIFE: Be in it!
Today is Labor Day 2008, may it have good memories for you!
e
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