Keeping Score by Walter Berg

The Colonel's 90th Birthday Party

2009-05-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hamilton Gardens - 20 April 2009

2009-04-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

Monday - Bowling as usual this morning, but with an added treat, the presence of Marcy Larson from Juneau, Alaska, Don Bradley's daughter. After lunch we took a stroll through Hamilton Gardens near Hiawassee. Dogwoods and azaleas were blooming along with a few rhododendrums. It was nice, though only a taste of what it will look like in a couple of weeks.

Highlands Hammock State Park - Florida

2009-04-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

In February we spent a few days camped with some Airstream friends in Highlands Hammock State Park near Sebring, Florida. This was the first area in Florida to be designated as a state park. The weather was nice. The atmosphere was peaceful - reminiscent of old Florida before all the development. Here's a short video of a tram ride through the park. No music, no narration - at least, not yet.

Brush Creek

2009-04-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

We made a quick trip today to Brush Creek and a visit with Jesse and Margaret Lewis. Jesse was grilling some of his homemade sausage which we had along with Margaret's fresh vegetables for lunch at their mountain hideaway.

Visit To Tallulah Gorge State Park

2009-04-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 5, 2009, we visited Tallulah Gorge State Park south of Clayton, Georgia with friends, Oskar and Elisabeth Lehotsky, and Don and Georgiana Bradley. It was a beautiful day, and one of the few days each year when water is turned loose from an upstream dam to flood the gorge. The high water attracts kayakers to run the rapids.

Here's a short video highlighting our day.

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Walter's 76th Birthday

2009-03-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

76th Birthday - March 10, 2009

A day of surprises! As I left for town to get my drivers license renewed, Ann told me I needed to get home by 10:30am, that we were going out to lunch. Okay..... So, I hurried home, curious as to what she was up to. It soon became apparent that we were going to spend the night somewhere, as she had our bags packed. She then told me that she had reservations at a lodge in Tallulah Falls south of Clayton. But, as we approached Clayton, she directed me to head north. Again, I was baffled. She was then compelled to tell me that we were eating lunch at the Dillard House. Then, as we entered the driveway, she told me that Don and Georgiana Bradley were meeting us for lunch there. Three surprises, and it all sounded good.

Lunch at the Dillard House is an experience, to be sure. As soon as we were seated, out came the food - pork chops, country ham, fried and barbecued chicken, ground meat stuffed in peppers, mashed potatoes, fordhook limas, green beans, creamed corn, squash cassarole, lots of rolls, cornbread, muffins, and I've forgotten what all else. There was hardly room on the table for it all, and impossible to devour. I think we put as much in boxes to take home as we ate.

Then, after a short visit at the Bradleys' home in Rabun Gap, we headed south toward Tallulah, stopping first at the State Park on the east side of the gorge. We'd been there once before, but it was still and interest place to visit. The Interpretive Center is full of native animals (stuffed, of course) displayed in a mock up of their habitat in the mountains. All that taxidermy work was done by a now deceased friend and former neighbor of ours - Ted Bowen. We watched a video of kayakers plunging over the falls, then walked down to an overlook on the rim of the gorge.
The water flowing was relatively calm. Later in the spring, Georgia Power will release an abundant flow of water from their dam, so the Kayakers can again have their fun. Pictures in the museum showed how monstrous the falls become during those times.

By then, it was four o'clock and time to check in at the lodge. The Lodge At Tallulah Falls is less than a year old, and not yet found by very many folks. We felt like we were the only guests in the beautiful facility. Everything was first class. Breakfast the next morning was sort of "do it yourself" but included sausage biscuits, omelets, waffles, and a variety of fruits, cereals, pastries and juices.

The temperature was pleasant, offering the hope that spring was really on the way. After a stop at the Clayton Wallmart, we headed home - an old man and his conniving bride. It had been an exciting birthday.

Christmas Visit

2008-12-20T15:19:00.001-08:00

Here we are at the Ryan Steak House in Canton, Georgia - Walter&Ann Berg, Linda&Michael Creighton, Pam, Stan, Martha, and Lydia Hudgins. It was a good reunion visit with family and a good meal hosted by Stan. Afterward we moved to Michael and Linda's apartment at the old Canton Cotton Mill. This old abandoned building has been converted into an apartment complex. Michael gave us a tour of the place. Amazing what a little ingenuity can do. Here are some pictures of the apartment. Their dog's name is Tabor.

On The Road Again

2008-09-12T05:19:00.000-07:00

We left our sanctuary on the mountain bright and early on Wednesday morning September 10th for the 400 mile run to son John's near Meherrin, Virginia. Arriving about 4:30pm, we found the folks waiting for us - John, Barbara, Bonnie, Junior, Parker, and Conner. It was our first real-time look at baby Conner - so little. His eyes were wide open and he gave us a gummy grin. Got the motorhome situated up near the barn with a wide-angle view of the Alpaca fields. Bonnie had supper ready in short order.

After a good visit with everyone, including a day trip up to Mechanicsville to Ann's sister Mary Love and her husband Dave Schumaker, we left for our caravan rendesvous at Marietta, Ohio. This caravan is called the Mountain Heritage Caravan - a redo of a Jerry Honaker caravan of several years ago with a few changes. We'll go first to Sugarcreek, Ohio for a week at the Swiss Festival rally. That's always a good time right on the edge of the largest Amish community in the country. We'll then head south to spend time in West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and north Georgia, ending with a final banquet at Young Harris College in Young Harris. Will try to keep this posted with some pictures as we go along.

Here's Parker at the helm of the motorhome:

Here's Conner at three months:

Ho Hum - Two More Bowls

2008-07-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

Woodturning - June, 2008

2008-06-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

With Ann away from home for the weekend with her sister and nieces in Swain County, NC, I spent some time on the lathe. This first bowl is made from a piece of wood brought back from Ecuador by a friend, Ron Bartlett. He cut it off a roof truss in a building that was being torn down. The Ecuadorian name of the wood is Colorado, which means simply "Red."

The second bowl is an attempt to duplicate an earlier bowl, requested by daughter-in-law Barbara. It's made from South American purple heart, sandwiching black walnut and poplar.

A Visit to Raybun County, Georgia

2008-06-15T09:56:00.001-07:00

June 13-15, 2008

Needing a weekend away from the everyday pressures of home, we hopped into the motorhome and headed east on US76 to Clayton and Rabun County, Georgia. Thinking first to camp at the Black Rock Mountain State Park, we were scared off by a posting on the Internet saying that campsites were limited to a 25' RV. So, it was on to River Vista RV Park near Dillard, GA.

On Saturday morning our first venture was to the Cupboard Café for a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, grits, gravy, ham, and toast - enough to be the meal of the day.

Responding to a brochure from the campground office, we next visited the Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center near Mountain City. Twenty plus log structures have been brought in and set up as a typical 1850s era community in the mountains. This entire undertaking has been financed by royalties from the popular Foxfire books published by students of the Rabun Gap School. Students and faculty of the school continue to volunteer time in adding to and maintaining the interesting exhibits.

The old log structures reflect the lifestyle of early pioneers in the southern Appalachians as do the Foxfire books that have made these exhibits possible. A grist mill, blacksmith shop, mule barn, wagon shed, church, hog scalder, root cellar, smokehouse, and several residences make up the community. A group of ladies had gathered in the front yard of one of the houses, each working on their individual spinning wheels. We had an interesting conversation with one who was spinning alpaca fiber into yarn.

One of the wagons on display - called the Zuraw wagon, built in the late 1700s - is the only documented wagon known to have traveled to Oklahoma in the Trail of Tears march in the 1830s. That was the sad trip that removed most of the Cherokee Indians to Oklahoma. The Zuraw wagon was donated to the Foxfire Museum in 1975.

Split rail fences surround many of the structures. Old farm implements - ox bows, plows, rakes, sleds- hang in the old barns. Primitive furniture, such as rope beds, handmade tables and chairs, etc., fill the houses. Stories of where each building came from, who built it, and when, are posted on the doors and the brochure provided us when we paid the $6 admission fee.

The complete story of the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center can be found at: http://www.theblueridgehighlander.com/foxfire-southern-appalachian-heritage/

Continuing up the mountain from the Foxfire Museum, we soon came to Black Rock Mountain State Park. Located astride the Eastern Continental Divide at an altitude of 3,640 feet, this park is the highest state park in Georgia. There are numerous overlooks providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. On clear days they claim to be able to see 80 miles. This was not one of those, but the views were still outstanding. From the deck at the Welcome Center we looked down upon the city of Clayton. Admission to the park on this day was free - a day sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company. They were giving away free cokes at the Welcome Center. On the way down the mountain we took a short detour to Black Rock Lake, a clear mountain lake where Canadian geese were swimming amidst schools of little fish.

Our next venture was a hunt for Dick’s Creek Falls east of Clayton. A brochure we picked up at the campground described this as a beautiful water falls flowing into the Chatooga River. Directions were scanty though. After driving some 15 plus miles east on Warwoman Road without seeing any sign, we stopped at a little store and asked. The lady directed us back about a mile to Sandy Ford Road and told us to turn left and follow it to a bridge. There we crossed a small creek with some minor falls in sight a few yard upstream. An old mill, long abandoned, was near the falls. We took some pictures, but were unimpressed. Later, we decided we had been misdirected. Those beautiful falls emptying into the Chatooga River will have to remain unseen by us until another trip.

Back in Clayton we drove to the Clayton Pharmacy where Ann recalled seeing an old fashioned soda fountain. As it happened, this day (June 14th) they were celebrating one year of operation by offering old time prices. We had a cherry coke for a quarter, a hot dog for fifty cents, and two scoops of ice cream for a dollar. The Coca-Cola Co. may have had something to do with this too.. There were Coca-Cola items on display all through the soda shop and store.

We wound up the day with a stop at the local BP station where we filled up our gas tank with cheap?? ($3.92/gal.) gas. It was $4.05/gal. back in Hiawassee.

CEF Trip

2008-04-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

Child Evangelism Fellowship - Warrenton, Missouri. We just returned from Warrenton after a week of volunteering at one of the most effective mission organizations in the world. Twenty-one people from our church - McConnell Memorial Baptist - and another 19 from neighboring Grace Presbyterian enjoyed each other's fellowship and had a rewarding time at the CEF. Most of us worked in the CEF Mailbox Club which manages a Bible correspondence course with some 70,000 active students. While the focus of all activities at CEF is toward children, there are many adults in the correspondence program, many of them prisoners in various jails around the country. We processed about 3,000 lessons each day. None of that would be possible without the help of volunteers like us that come each week to help. Here's a picture of the McConnell group.

Here's another bowl completed just before leaving for CEF. This is made from red oak, trimmed with a combination of poplar and purple heart.

Most Recent Bowls

2008-04-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is warming up, I'll probably be spending more time away from my shop. So, these bowls will be the last shop output for awhile.

First bowl is black walnut with poplar trim, about 7 1/2" in diameter; second is purple heart with poplar stripe, about 5 3/4"; third is black walnut with segment pattern of walnut, maple, and poplar, about 6 1/2".

Another Bowl

2008-03-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Ho-hum .... Another bowl. This one is made from South American Mbusiawood (top & bottom) with maple and walnut segments.

Wedding Pictures - Debra&David - March 1, 2008

2008-03-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Shop Products of February

2008-02-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple of things coming out of my shop recently. First is a clock made for granddaughter Bonnie. It's made from a piece of spalted maple that came from a tree blown down in our yard last year and framed with purple heart. The inserts are a clock and two pictures for Bonnie's son and expected child. The picture on the right is son Parker, while the picture on the left is a stock baby that will have to be changed when the new one arrives. I looked for a "praying hands" emblem to indicate our prayers for Bonnie and her growing family, but couldn't find one commercially, so I tried to cut out one. Hope it is recognizable as praying hands.

The second picture is a bowl made from a scrap piece of black walnut.

Walnut Bowl

2008-01-26T11:45:00.000-08:00

I'd rather be outside working in the yard, but on these cold winter days the next best thing is to try new things in my shop. Several years ago one of our neighbors on the mountain had a dead walnut tree cut down and sawed into boards. I purchased one of those boards, thinking one day it would serve as a new mantel over the fireplace in a new home. We decided instead of building a new home, to just do some remodeling and stay put. The board (4" x 12" x 10') has been in storage since. I cut one end off yesterday and turned it into this bowl. About nine inches in diameter, it is the largest thing I've attempted on my little mini-lathe. The grain is special. It looks different from every angle.

Evolution of a Salt Mill

2008-01-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

Here's some pictures of a newly completed 8 inch salt mill - from a rough block of maple from a tree recently blown down in our yard, to a round blank in the lathe, then completed on the lathe, to a finished mill.

Some More Bowls

2008-01-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple more projects completed on my lathe during the winter snows - a bowl and a vase.

A Blanket of Snow

2008-01-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Here it is the 2d day of the new year 2008, and we are blanketed by snow - a good time for working on my little wood lathe. Here's a little "acorn" cup with lid, turned out a couple days ago.

Thanksgiving At Creighton's Bryson City Home

2007-11-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

Little Ones by the river ....

At the table ----

In the kitchen ...

Fall Colors

2007-11-11T17:49:00.000-08:00

Time flies ... Has it really been four months since my last post? Anyway, here's a couple of pictures that don't really do justice to the fantastic leaf colors around us. The peak of color seems to get later each year, here it is nearly the middle of November.

Tabor-Lewis Reunion 2007

2007-07-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

These are the 30 family members that attended the reunion at the Dan Springs Baptist Church on July 14, 2007 in the Brush Creek Community near Bryson City, North Carolina.

International Airstrean Rally

2007-07-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

Perry, Georgia - The rally is now winding down. Here's some pictures of the gathering at the Agriculture Center in Perry - fine facilities.

Burst of Bloom

2007-06-12T15:31:00.001-07:00

Every day now there's a different array of day lilies. Guess that's why they're called day lillies. The drought broke yesterday afternoon with a thundershower giving us an inch of rain. So, at least for a day or two we won't have to water things.

Berg's Baskets

2007-06-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

These baskets have been my latest challenge in the shop. They appear to be woven, but they're really stacked layers of solid wood cut on a scroll saw to look woven. Look closely.

Season's First Day Lilies

2007-06-09T16:00:00.001-07:00

With the drought we've had it's a wonder these lilies are blooming. It's been five weeks now since any measurable rain.

Wild Day Lilies

2007-06-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Despite a serious drought - no rain in three weeks now - the wild day lilies along the driveway are blooming profusely. One of these days something will fall out of the sky, and we will be re-introduced to the wet stuff.

Mountain Laurel

2007-05-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

The mountain laurel has never been so profuse as it is right now. Beautiful.

Home Again

2007-05-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

After a month on the road with the Civil War In Virginia caravan we're educated on the war and happy to be home. It was a good trip. We met some new friends and renewed acquaintances with some old ones.

The landscape around home looks much as it did when we left. The trees were just budding out back on April 1st, and their just budding out again now. In between a hard freeze did a number on the tender shoots.

One thing different is the emergence of wild flame azaleas, seemingly more profuse this year than most. Here's a couple of pictures:

Visit To Rocky Hills Farm

2007-03-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

Making a quick stop at John's Meherrin farm, we were pleasantly surprised to find Bonnie and Parker there to see us. Parker is quite a little man. Taking him for a ride in the farm buggy, he was far more interested in the steering wheel, gear levers, and buttons than he was in the animals - a precocious 18 month old.

We also got to meet Jordan's new horse, Flash - a beautiful horse with one blue eye. Then, John grilled a pile of T-Bone steaks - all prime Angus beef raised on the farm.

We had a good drive up from Young Harris. It was so foggy over Chunky Gal Gap, we didn't even know that we had passed through. By the time we reached Greensboro, the air had cleared, and by the time we arrived at John's place, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Tomorrow we rendezvous with the caravan at Newport News.

Complete coverage of the caravan will be on our website - www.walterberg.homestead.com.

Postings will depend on the availability of WiFi hotspots.

Cathy's Visit

2007-03-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

We had a delightful visit with Cathy - Ann's niece from Virginia - over the weekend. Cathy always brings with her an abundance of contagious energy. Ann's sister Martha Louise and her son Stan also came up from Marietta. With Dian and Don Woodruff, we had a good group for lunch on Saturday at the Brasstown Lodge. The picture below is of the four ladies.

Our Week in Missouri - CEF

2007-03-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

The picture below shows the campus of CEF - the world headquarters of Child Evangelism Fellowship in Warrenton, Missouri. This is a world-wide mission organization focused on children. They have over 1200 missionaries in 156 countries. In addition to administration activities, they train missionaries here, and they develop, print, and distribute all their literature here. They also have what's called The Mail Box Club where they manage a Bible correspondence program. That's where most of us spent our week. Handling 12,000 to 15,000 pieces of mail each week is a major undertaking, and it's all done by volunteers. The weather was great for mid-March.

Ann's Sister Ease at her 80th Birthday Dinner

2007-02-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

..................................................................... Sisters Ease and Ann .................................................................

We drove down to Marietta to meet others of the family on Friday evening to celebrate Ease's 80th birthday. Hosted by son Stan Hudgins, also present were Don and Dian Woodruff, Fred and Sara Creighton, Pam Gonzalez, Lydia Nelson with daughters Lilly and Lainy, Michael and Linda Creighton, Ease, Ann and me - at the House of Ming Chinese Restaurant.

Second Snow of the Season

2007-02-18T06:20:00.000-08:00

The second real snow of the season started just after dark and came down heavy for the first hour. Had it continued at that rate all night, we'd probably have had a foot or more by morning, but there was only a couple of inches on the ground. The sun came out to a cloudless sky and reflected on the snow like a thousand diamonds. Beautiful!!!

The Last of Augusta's Letters

2007-02-15T06:52:00.000-08:00

Publishing these letters of my grandmother has been a pleasant experience for me. She was a prolific letter writer. In the fifteen years from September, 1920 until her death, she wrote 194 letters to her son Albert, and he saved them all. There's no telling how many more she wrote to others that were not saved. She had a unique way of expressing herself. The excerpts demonstrate the intense love she had for her family and give a vivid insight into what life was life in that era.

To reread them in order, scroll back to the posting of January 16, 2007.

The response I've received has been a pleasant surprise. While most have been from family members who knew the people she wrote about, others have enjoyed reading them too. If anyone would like to see the full text of any letter, let me know the date, and I'll either publish it or send a copy via email. Thanks for your interest.

Here now is the last batch...

14 Mar 1935 - "... it's been so long since I wrote you ... I almost feel like I'm out of the picture already ... it was a hard winter ..."

26 Mar 1935 - "... I am feeling better since it is warm ... reading is hard for me ... writing is easier ... I surely appreciate everything my children do for me ... I would rather though serve than be served ... but my time of serving is over ... time now hangs heavy on my hands ... Walter has been working steady at O'Berry's since Christmas ..."

23 Apr 1935 - "... we were at Martin's last Sunday ... Walter and family came in the afternoon ... "Aitchy" had the time of his life hunting Easter eggs ... he runs through the house calling Betty and 'Bakki' ... even Bunny calls (little Martin) 'Bakki' sometime. Nobody could guess the origin of 'Bakki' ... the children play nice together ... Aitchy feels perfectly at home there ..."

18 Jun 1935 - "... How well Papa holds out ... and what a poor number I am! ... mind and body a wreck ... can't remember anything ..."

Jun 1935 - "... Little Martin and Betty were our visitors over the weekend ... they are lovely children now ... and do they like to come! ... they are both on the honor roll at school ... Little W.H. watches all their movements and does all their stunts as good as they do ... Lyddi is not feeling so well ... all her teeth must come out ... there is always trouble somewhere ... a heart full of love I'm sending to my darling ... it's all I have ... May God bless you ..."

Augusta (Jox) Berg died on 26 July 1935 after a massive stroke. The following letter from her husband, Rev. Fred Berg, was written to Augusta’s sister, Mary, describing her last few hours.

Tampa, Florida
July 30, 1935

Dear Mary,

Just a few lines in answer to your dear letter ... we all thank you for your loving words of sympathy and comfort.

Last Wednesday morning Gusta got up at 6:30, had her breakfast, washed the dishes, brushed floors, made up the beds, got things ready for lunch, and after Lydia got home from summer school, partook of the lunch with appetite. After lunch she wrote a letter to Dora. Towards evening she sewed on a rug for Clemmie. She was called in to supper, ate heartily.

I was the first to get up from the table, then Madge got up to go to Walter's. Lydie also got up, but standing in the doorway noticed a queer expression on Gusta's face. Returning after a minute, Lydia saw Gusta's face drawn up and asked her what was the matter. She called Madge back who was just crossing the front yard and called me from the front porch. When we got there we saw that she had had a stroke and procured help to get her to bed. She mumbled that there was nothing the matter, (but) her left arm and left side were limp. She (tossed) all night, conscious at moments. Thursday we had more hope, but Thursday night she had a hemorrhage in the brain. Friday morning she began dying, but lingered till one o'clock. Her body was taken to a funeral home.

Theodore arrived Saturday, Albert came Sunday. The funeral was held at the funeral home yesterday. A simple service was held in accordance with Gusta's oft expressed wish ... How fortunate it was that Madge had last week off, also Martin had a few days off at weekend. And Albert's school was out. The coffin was loaded with flowers. The four sons, Mac, and a neighbor were the pallbearers.

Our hearts are heavy with sorrow, but we know that she is at home and at rest. She now has what she hoped for and sees what she has believed. We miss her at every turn in the house and the tears flow. My poor girls are thinking of what they might have done for Mother but did not do. But I know they did their best, and you know it too.

God will help us bear this affliction. With our love to you and all of yours,

Sorrowfully,
Fred

Grandma Augusta's Letters - 22nd Batch

2007-02-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

18 May 1934 - "... many things I want to tell you ... there is Mrs. Fleagle ... she lost the apartment house ... her long sickness ... renters didn't pay, and left with broken furniture ... happy to be home again ... are times really getting better? ... I can't see anything in our circles ... some people who have plenty already, are making fortunes out of the New Deal, while the poor people go without ... it provides good fat salaries for the already overstuffed officers of the New Deal ... so long as there is still eleven million unemployed, I can't see it their way ... to me it seems just a new kind of gangsterism ... Did you know that Mr. Tillman, Madge's boss, is running for state senator? ... running against Whitaker ... maybe you know what a good friend of mine he is ... he is a dishonest skunk! ... hope Tillman will win ..."

9 Jun 1934 - "... Walter is having so much trouble with his chickens ... I'm afraid he risked too much for the first experiment ... poor boy ... he's worked so hard, thinking he could make a living out of it ..."

16 Aug 1934 - "... Lydie is out house hunting ... we must leave here by September first ..."

Aug 1934 - "... found something that answers our needs ... at a cost of $2,500 ... $250 down and $25 monthly ... Lydie borrowed the $250 out of her life insurance policy ... it is on Tolliver Street ... just one street below Wilson ... about six blocks from here ... everybody thinks it a good buy ... it has four bedrooms and an upstairs that could be fixed up if necessary ... we are moving Friday, this week ..."

Sep 1934 - "... O, my Allie, to think that your mother forgot your birthday! I could cry. Never before did I forget one of my children's birthdays ... all this moving and excitement took my memory away ... O, I never thought I could ever get like this ... Allie, my darling, please don't hold it against me ... old age is not pleasant when the mind wears down ..."

20 Sep 1934 - "... this terrible forgetfulness makes me feel so blue ... I can't trust a thing to my memory anymore ... it is a terrible cross to bear ... much worse even than not being able to hear ... Walter and Clemmie are moved and settled now ... Clemmie rented out the front room to Sadie ... Little Betty started school last Monday ... she did not like to go ..."

17 Oct 1934 - "... saw Walter and family last night ... W.H. is beginning to talk now ... says most anything, but I can't understand him ... but the rest can ... Lyddi is crazy about that baby ... he told his Daddy some time ago that 'Muvvie's' lawnmower was dirty (meaning her carpetsweeper) ... Clemmie bakes a lot of Kaffenkuchen and they always bring Grandma some ... Betty likes school now and is getting along fine ... Martin is working part time again for the Spartan company ... Lyddi is in good spirits ..."

Grandma Augusta's Letters - 21st Batch

2007-02-13T06:07:00.000-08:00

8 Feb 1934 - "... they found a house ... it's about a mile from here ... they moved there yesterday ... for the time being the question about this house is settled ... but no telling how soon it will pop up again ... they are not anxious for it just yet ... Walter had this house refinanced on 6% interest ... that will make it easier for him ... I hope taxes will be reduced ..."

19 Feb 1934 - "... Martin is at work again ... now in the office ... lifts heavy bags all day long ... with reduced salary ... he looks so thin ... guess he has trouble aplenty ... We were at Walter's for dinner last Sunday ... baby calls me 'Bama' ... he imitates every sound I make ... Walter has no job yet ..."

6 Mar 1934 - "... Last Sunday, on Walter's birthday, we had quite a lively time here. Walter and his family, and Martin and family were here to celebrate. They all enjoyed themselves immensely ... I believe these occasional gatherings are a great family tie ... it helps to keep the members of the family together ... it is such a comfort to me to know my children are in harmony and peace with each other ... W.H. falls in line with everything ... and Betty and Martin are so careful with him ... Walter is trying a little in the chicken business ... bought 50 chicks and will get more ..."

24 Mar 1934 - "... Little did I realize that you would be gone for three years ... so long since I saw you last ..."

24 Apr 1934 - "... what you say about Roosevelt and his coworkers, I answer with the same as I always said ... Roosevelt assumed for himself the power of the Almighty ... to me his assumption seems nothing less than arrogance ... How can a mere human with but his own ability successfully fight selfishness and greed, which is the cause of all our trouble ... one never hears of Roosevelt, nor any of the big guys turning to the Lord for wisdom and help as the really big men did in all ages past. Roosevelt will not succeed unless he changes his tactics ... I know you will not agree with me, but I can't see it any other way ... Walter has 600 chicks now ... adds 50 every week ... in a few weeks the first ones will be ready for market ... wish him well ... I hope and pray he will succeed ... I see the two Walters every day ... Clemmie three times a week ... the house doesn't cry for paint yet ... you sure did a good job ... we are all so poor ... can't have no painting nor anything else done now ..."

15 May 1934 - "... We went to Martin's for dinner ... Walter and family went to Dade City ... Lydia took care of the chickens ... she had the best time ... Lydia just loves all kinds of animals ... I think Walter is through the worst now ... two weeks ago he sold his first 6 and last week he sold 13 weighing 2 1/2 pounds ... he is aiming to sell 100 a week ... wholesale he gets 25 cents a pound ... he has 900 chicks now ... puts in more every week ... Martin is going to make a change ... this is his last week with the Spartan people ... he can't live on the salary he's getting ... $15 a week ... the children are getting to be real eaters now ... must make payments on his place ... you would be surprised to see him now ... lost 60 pounds ... looks so tired ... he is going to sell sanitary articles ... all kinds of sprays and that line ... all on commission ... has Tampa and St.Petersburg and surroundings. Times seem to be just as hard as ever ... I wish you could see the children ... growing like weeds ... well behaved children ... I think little Martin will be a very practical boy ... Betty is so soft and sweet ... but if you see her in her usual attire, you would take her for a little boy ... she never wears dresses ... W.H. loves to come here and roam around in the yard ... doesn't talk much yet ... how I would like to see little Adelaide! ..."

The Bergs at Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, Tennessee

2007-02-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

A short break from Augusta’s letters. It was one fine weekend in Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, Tennessee when Larry and Debbie came from Florida and John, Barbara, and Jordan came from Virginia to join us for a mini-reunion to celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary. The picture below was taken at the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Theater as we entered for the show.

Left to Right: John, Barbara, Jordan, Debbie, Larry, Walter, Ann

Augusta's Letters - Batch #20

2007-02-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

Summer 1933 - "... Miss Allen, the nurse, is renting Miller's house ... she is a very good neighbor ... just think of the thousands and thousands of young people who are out of work! It almost makes me hide my face in shame of our high praised culture and civilization ... what have we to brag of anyway? ... Civilization, Culture, Progress? ... Shame on it all ... poor Mrs. Fleagle did two foolish things in her life: marrying an old man, and building the apartment house ... it's a terrible load ... Papa came home a week ago ... he is well ... talks about little dollbaby Adelaide so much ... Patricia was such a beautiful baby too ..."

Summer 1933 - "... Madge didn't get a vacation last year and it is telling on her ... did she tell you when she would take her vacation? ... she is so mum about everything ... she is more close-mouthed than ever ... I do hope that you can get together ... Lyddi never has any vacation ... but she seems to stand the strain better ... it makes me feel so bad that I am such trouble now ... and economy must be practiced on all ends ... I am of no use to anybody ... it looks like I never will be again ... Walter has no job yet ... I don't think he is looking for one just yet ... says he'll find something this fall ... they kept enough groceries from the store to last all summer ... they pay only $5 rent for a little furnished place ... they don't seem to be worried ... and this gives Walter a chance to enjoy his boy ... Clemmie says he takes care of him more than she does ... Today is Martin's 10th anniversary ..."

4 Sept 1933 - "... Happy Birthday! ... 40 years already ... it doesn't seem so long ... may the dear Lord's blessings be ever and ever with you! ... Papa is leaving tomorrow ... will spend a few days with Walter and a few days with Teddy ... School begins the 13th ... this will be his last year ..."

24 Oct 1933 - "... Last week Martin brought Bunny to her Aunt Nettie's and Betty stayed with me ... I had her all to myself ... she is the best child I ever saw ... an angel baby ... never caused me the least rouble ... but as soon as Martin came Friday evening, they had a cute fist fight about who shall sleep with Aunt Madge ... Yes, Betty can defend herself ..."

9 Nov 1933 - "... prices are going up here ... a few months ago we got milk for 13 cents a quart and butter for 25 cents a pound ... now we pay 15 cents for milk and 30 cents for butter ... N.R.A. only makes living harder ... N.R.A. ... what a laugh! ... Did Roosevelt really think that he, a human, could bring the change about that he is calling for, which means a change of heart ... that only the Almighty can accomplish ... Roosevelt was well acquainted with all this hellish condition and the people who brought it about ... does he think he can be a substitute for the Almighty? ... I listened to his first N.R.A. talk, and understood fairly well what he was saying ... the first thing I said afterward was: 'That man bit off more than he can chew'. I believe conditions here are worse than they were ... more and more go on relief and forget all about work ... and plenty are turning to gangsters ... what a condition! ... with no work, they must busy themselves with something ..."

6 Jan 1934 - "... well, the Christmas excitement is over ... there was excitement aplenty ... Patricia, of course, was the main excitement ... we were so happy to have her with us ... Patricia and Aunt Lyddi walked to town to see Santa Claus every day ... and he brought her exactly what she asked for ... a doll, a doll trunk, a wrist watch, a telephone, two dresses, nice silk underwear, socks, and a sweater suit ... she said she was the happiest little girl in Tampa ... the doll goes everywhere she goes ... she says the doll is as big as Adelaide ... Patricia has such beautiful features, but she is so fat ..."

16 Jan 1934 - "... Walter is coming back to Tampa next week some time ... he has no job yet ... Walter and Martin are talking of going into the chicken business ... I can't get enthused about that ... Lyddi works so hard ... since my sickness she takes all the responsibilities of the household upon herself ... who else would do it? ... and when she comes home worn out and tired ... then she must study evening after evening ... never a moment to relax ... A sin was committed when she was not given the same chance in her young years that Madge had ... but don't let her know that I suggested that ... when Walter comes we will live together till things are arranged ... if he could only find a job! ... if he finds a job in Tampa, it might mean a greater change for us ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #19

2007-02-07T05:36:00.000-08:00

18 Apr 1933 - "... I buy my eggs from Martin ... as many as he can spare ... pay him 20 cents a dozen ... but on the fruit truck I can get just as fresh eggs for 18 cents ... butter at the A&P came down to 27 cents ... Martin was here with his bunch for a short time last night ... They (the children) just love to take something home with them, like they used to when they lived on Wilson Ave... but one must have what the other has ... often little Betty will ask what have you got to take home for 'me'? ... and how they do love to eat here! ... and if they just had their supper, they'll sit down in the kitchen with Madge and eat a piece of jelly bread and drink a little milk. They are two interesting kids ... Betty is getting to look like Ruth more and more. Martin beats Betty in looks ... he is a very interesting looking child ... has a beautiful figure ..."

24 Apr 1933 - "... just want to tell you this (about the surprise you sent them) ... after going through the prescribed ceremony, Madge opened the box and fell back in the chair screaming and laughing ... O, that naughty Allie ... you know how she always felt about the old pictures of her ... well, we had a good laugh ... but I don't think the picture is so bad if it wouldn't be for the hats ... that's just the way they looked 30 years ago ... and I wonder what the next generation will think of the popular hats of today? ... and did Martin laugh! ... he took it along to show Bunny ... We let Mrs. Walker go ... Lyddi will be home now ... Madge is still plowing along as always ... Martin and his bunch are well and happy ... Betty is an awful sweet child ... I was at church yesterday for the early service, and took communion ..."

4 May 1933 - "... this has been my sentiment for a long time ... we are a doomed people unless we let ethics, morals, and character to be equal in development with our progress in inventions ... I've gotten to where I hate inventions ... they are partly the cause of our misery we are going through now ... machines are now put in the place of man ... and man can starve while the inventor and his ilk reap their fortune and fame ... the words 'science' and 'invention' nauseate me ... Walter sold his business ... do not know what's next ... Martin and bunch are happy on their farm ... conditions do not seem to be any better ... Martin gets only $18 a week now, but they make out ... Lyddi would like to go to Bowling Green for the summer ... she must borrow the money ..."

14 May 1933 - "... for a mother to know that she is loved by her children is all the reward she would ask for ... I got another great big Mothers Day pleasure ... Little Walter presented himself to his grandmother ... Walter is the proudest father ever. He takes care of that baby like a mother ... he feeds it (it's a bottle baby) and changes his dities ... and you ought to hear him talk to the baby ... I never saw such a happy couple as Walter and Clemmie ... Clemmie says she has the most wonderful husband in the world ... Walter sold out his business without a loss whatever ... they are now taking a little vacation to present the baby to its grandmothers ... after that he will look around for a job ... says he is not worried ... they intend to stay in Orlando for a while ... they rented a small place in the same neighborhood ... and now about our little argument ... I don't mean to condemn the machine in itself, but the man who runs the machinery ... as long as man is man ... selfishness, envy and greed are the sins of the ages, and these sins are, to the greater part, imbedded in the hearts of men ... I can't see it any other way, but that machinery is blocking the way of support for the common people ... I say again I have no use for this so called 'science' and 'invention' ... we would be better off without them ... of course, there is no rule without exceptions ... but I am thinking of it as a whole ..."

6 June 1933 - "... Martin came early for our trip to the country ... we enjoyed a glorious day ... the children were so happy ... they are sure two fine youngsters ... Betty always was an angel baby ... but Martin too is getting to be such a sensible little fellow ... he is very much interested in airplanes ... I hope he'll wear that off ... it surely is an ideal place where they are living ... they are out of sight for everybody ... a little distance off the main road ... a perfect place for rest ... Martin lives in the trees ... Betty can't climb so high yet ... I don't think Martin could have made a better move ..."

Jun 1933 - "... Clemmie is baking bread herself now ... when they were here they ate lunch at Martin's once ... and Walter ate so much of Bunny's homemade bread, that she decided she too would learn to bake bread ... she writes she has very good success, and feels quite proud of her accomplishment ... Clemmie sure is a fine girl. Bunny has changed so much since living in the country ... she does all her own baking, even bakes whole wheat bread for me every week ... she is getting right brave ... does what comes her way ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #18

2007-02-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

Jan 1933 - "Writing goes a little better than it did the last time, but it is still very hard for me ... I am improving slowly ... I am still in bed the greater part of the time ..."

3 Jan 1933 - "... Well, Clemmie's time is coming nearer and nearer ... they expect the little visitor by February. I wish it was over ... Clemmie is feeling fine, and they are both so happy."

13 Jan 1933 - "... Do you get your pay in real money now for teaching? ... the girls too are under heavy strain ... Lyddi was cut $30 a month, and no telling how long this term will last ... Mrs. Walker does all the work around here now ... she is fine ... she charges $7 a week ..."

1 Feb 1933 - "... Schools ought to be put on federal responsibility ... they are having an awful time here ... no money ... Walter was here last Monday ... he closed up O'Berry's books ... I believe he did it last year too ... the little visitor is expected either the last part of this month or the first of next ... it would be a nice birthday gift for Wallie ... I am now realizing that I am an old woman!"

14 Feb 1933 - "... I am afraid I never will be what I was before ... my travelling days are done ... my sickness cost the girls plenty ... and so little coming in ... poor Lyddi is so discouraged sometimes ... there might be a possibility of Walter coming back ... it's getting awfully hard for them ... things are getting worse all the time ... I think he could get back on at O'Berry's any time ... we would then stay all together in this house till the problem is worked out ... of course that won't be just yet ... they are expecting their little visitor in a few weeks ... you are asking about Martin ... he is better off now than he was in the time of the boom ... he bought 5 acres of land with a house on, about 9 miles from here for $500 ... paying it off at $10 a month ... without interest ... he figures should business get on the rocks, he could raise a little for himself anyway ... taxes are only $9 a year ... he is holding his own in the feed business ... the company bought him a new car ... Betty is such a little darling ... Martin too is a fine little fellow ... nobody could tell if Betty's head gets red under the hair ... she has such heavy hair ... almost white ... Brownie had 8 pups again last week ... by the way, Beardstown is hard hit too ... they moved the railroad shop away from there ..."

20 Feb 1933 - "... Papa seems to be in better condition than he was any winter before ... says he never even had a cold and can sleep like a log ... wish I could say that ... I suffer much from sleeplessness ... sometimes I see dawn before I fall asleep ... I was out in the yard Saturday ... walked around quite awhile ..."

10 Mar 1933 - "Here comes the good long expected news. I, and we all feel so relieved ... now Clemmie has her little Wallie, as she always called the little visitor. I know they are the happiest, proudest parents ever ... another March baby ... the telegram came about 8 o'clock ..."

20 Mar 1933 - "I want to satisfy you first about the baby's little personality. This is the report of things all around Orlando from Mrs. Croft: There is no hat big enough in Orlando now to fit Walter ... and for me not to worry about Clemmie ... she is well taken care of ... has a very good doctor and nurse ... and is doing fine ... Baby is 21 inches long, has blue eyes and black hair, light brown and dark lashes, a nice little round head and little Scotch ears pasted close to his head. Now, can you picture him? I can hardly wait till I see him ... Walter said he never sold so much as he did since the baby arrived ... it is just too bad there is no work for the people ... it's a fine community out there ... in normal times, I'm sure they would make good out there ... well, we'll soon know what the near future will bring. I hope Roosevelt will speed up employment for the people with the same interest as he did the banking business. To me it seems that needs first attention now ... I went to Martin's last Sunday ... did a good deal of walking too around the place ... I do think Martin struck a bargain ... the house isn't so much but it answers the purpose, and the children are very happy there. They have electric lights but no bathroom. They must use a wash tub. There is a little room that would just be suitable for a bathroom ... sometime if he can afford it, they will make a bathroom out of it ... we had to get along without a bathroom too till we came to Greensboro ..."

21 Mar 1933 - "... when you dwell on the beautiful music you are hearing and on the worthwhile things you are seeing, you make my mouth water. I am so glad you can enjoy all of this ... Mine has been a very common every day life, with never a treat for the soul ... duty, duty, nothing but duty. The things that were put in my reach, never really appealed to me ... they were just as common as my life. But why should I complain. It was the lot assigned to me ... and why complain at this hour in life ... what a folly! ... No, I shall cheerfully follow my old course, stimulated with the overwhelming beauty of the near future ... and I had my compensation too ... more, maybe, than others had ... I certainly have much to be thankful for ... we are all poor ... and sometime I am thankful even for our poverty ... after all, it is the easiest burden to carry ... and the Lord always helped us over the tough ends of the road ... if one has to fight for everything one has, it is appreciated more than if one has everything thrown in his lap. Martin says business is terrible ... he fears the worst ... haven't heard from Walter and Clemmie ... they don't complain and don't brag."

1 Apr 1933 - "This is April first, but it's no April fool message that I am going to tell you now. I will let the telegram speak for itself ... Now, what do you think of that? It was a complete surprise to me ... The girls though knew it for months, but Tillie did not want them to tell me on account of my condition ... Well, another March baby (Adelaide) in the family ... Little Wallie's just 3 weeks older ... I only hope Tillie will fare well ... financial conditions are terrible at Theo's ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #17

2007-02-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

9 Jan 1932 - "... this world is turning into a big madhouse ... who ever heard of a time when the teachers weren't paid their salaries? Tell me, how do the teachers exist? Such conditions! ... no money for anything ... only the gangsters and politicians ... Madge and Lyddi went to St. Petersburg today for a visit ... Mr. Fleagle is still very feeble ... can hardly talk ... his nephew is here and takes care of him ... poor Mrs. Fleagle! We all had a nice Christmas ... the children are so sweet ... Betty ordered a toolchest ... hammer and screwdriver, pliers and nails ... she got it, of course, and is so proud of it ... no dolls for Betty! ..."

4 Feb 1932 - "... Lyddi is working her head off ... not quite so cheerful as before ... account of the bus ride home ... morning bus is not so crowded and does not stop so much ... stopping every few seconds shakes her up so ... I wish she would apply next year at Hillsborough ... she loses so much time going back and forth ..."

18 Feb 1932 - "... Lydia puts her whole soul into her work ... every nerve in her body is strained to the utmost ... still, school doesn't drain her as much as those awful bus rides ... had a letter from Walter yesterday ... he wants to take me to Orlando for a few weeks visit ... I wrote him that I would go at the close of school ..."

5 May 1932 - "... Poor Lyddi was so happy in her work, but the school board's action dampened her contentment ... sometime ago they announced a 15% salary cut ... then they announced that there was not enough money in the treasury to run the schools for nine months ... so now they are putting the teachers on half pay for nine months. I don't see how they can get along ... why don't they do away with football, basketball, baseball, etc... we don't need those things in times like this ..."

May 1932 - "... Papa writes that Teddy is making very little. They have their garden ... and manage somehow ... the poor teachers must offer their hides to even out the budget, while the big fat gluttons of politicians and office holders are drawing their fat salaries ... there are just as many gangsters in high offices as there are in the underworld ... and they reign over the ballot box ... this nation is doomed ... Lyddi is quite cool about it ... it's not the amount of money that counts, but the blessing the Lord puts on it. And really, I am quite thankful for our poverty. Poor people don't have to face the dangers of the rich ..."

5 Jun 1932 - "... Lyddi will not attend summer school this summer ... she is pretty worn out ... she needs to relax a little ... everything is much cheaper than it used to be ... we can manage ... next week I am going for a short visit with Walter and Clemmie ... Papa won't resign as we thought he would ... they seem to be working out a new plan for the institution ..."

7 Jun 1932 - "This is just to let you know that I am here (Orlando) ... Walter and Clemmie are well and happy ... they both look fine ... you would be surprised to see Clemmie ... she is getting fat ... they are living over the store ... they pay $50 a month rent for all ... it's furnished ... business is nothing to brag about ... but they are making a living ... they are a very happy couple ... I thought they were somewhat isolated out here, but I was surprised ... plenty of neighbors and nice homes all around ... and they are very congenial with their neighbors ..."

12 Jun 1932 - "... now I am going to tell you something about my trip ... just had a fine time ... enjoyed being with the children so much ... a happier couple you won't find anywhere ... they live the ideal life ... no boss to be considered ... they can run the business to suit themselves ... it is a neighborhood store ... just like a family ... everybody carries their joys and troubles to the store ... and Walter and Clemmie listen to them talk sympathetically, but must be just as tactful as a parsonage ... I told them it reminded me of old times ... if they don't see Clemmie downstairs they go upstairs to have a chat with her ... they were happy to see Mr. Berg's mother ... several of them told me how much they thought of my children ... but it wasn't always that way ... the children had a hard row to hoe at first ... the people hated the store on account of the former owner ... then Clemmie went to see them all herself one at a time ... and I guess her friendly face won ... and broke down the ill feeling of the people ... Walter said they would make money if the people only had work ... as it is they have to be satisfied to just make a living ... they both certainly have the good will and respect of the community ..."

27 Jul 1932 - "... today is Martin and Bunny's wedding anniversary ... 9 years. Papa came home last Wednesday feeling and looking fine ... he said you boys treated him so nice..."

5 Aug 1932 - "... I was shocked to hear that after almost two months you have not yet looked up Aunt Mary and Aunt Dora ... you should have postponed one of your sightseeing trips rather than postpone looking up Aunt Mary ... I know how I would feel if one her children treated me that way ... and I know too how A.J. would feel if someone near and dear to him would so utterly ignore him ... judge for yourself ... anyway call her up ... she deserves a little consideration. Martin and his bunch were over last night ... no chance for writing with all that commotion ..."

22 Aug 1932 - "... Papa wants to go back to Greensboro ... this will be the last time. He will leave in a few weeks ... wants to stop by Walter's for a few days and also at Pine Bluff ... he has been real well this summer ..."

Dec 1932 - "... Poor Lyddi looks awful bad ... her life really has been nothing but one disappointment after another ... my sickness hit her terrible hard ... she has worked so hard in that terrible heat ... and only 18 more papers to work out when I got sick ... and now all of her hard summer's work is lost ... and her money too ... I have made wonderful improvement ... I suffered so terrible from awful head pain ... the poor girls suffered with me ... had an awful spell yet a week ago ... but that was the last ... I drop asleep sometimes before I finish my prayer ... now, a little surprise ... there is a little Walli or a little Clemmie on the way ... Albert, if you can write Papa a few lines, he is so anxious to hear from you ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #16

2007-02-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

30 Aug 1926 - "... Baby is getting so independent ... doesn't want to be led by the hand ... and always makes for the street ... he and Papa are great friends ... Papa gets him over every afternoon for an outing ..."

16 Sep 1926 - "... I didn't know what to think ... thought you were lost or something ... till I heard from you today ... but still don't have your address ... sending this to the high school ... we expected you to come over on your birthday, but no Allie ... Lyddi baked you a cake but no birthday boy ... Lyddi looks much better ... she sure deserved this rest ... we are both enjoying being together again ... we talk and talk and talk ..."

9 Dec 1926 - "... So you'll only have a week at Christmas ... Papa won't have more than that either ... Tillie and baby are coming along with Papa, and maybe Theo too, but Papa wasn't sure of that. I am so anxious to see Patricia ... wonder how our two babies will carry on together ..."

28 Apr 1927 - "... I can't ... write anymore ... too tired, body and mind, to think. I believe my nerves are on strike ... not being able to hear is hard on the nerves, but not being able to speak and express your thoughts in the proper words, is still harder ... gone, all gone... I felt this blankness coming on me a long time already ... but my will power always helped me out and forced itself through that bundle of nerves ... but even that seems to be gone now ... don't ever mention it, but I believe it is Lyddi's case that is wearing me out so. O, how I hate to see her go again! ... the whip was hanging over our head so close, for the 11th of May was speedily nearing ... she hoped, of course, but there was no assurance ... but yesterday, she heard from Washington ... from the Board of Labor ... she has an extension until November 1st ... we are happy about that ... she is working fearful hard ... some time in May she will finish school ..."

10 May 1929 - "... last year this time Lyddi had heaps and heaps of trouble waiting for her ... but she held out courageously in the struggle and will come out the winner ... and, O, Allie, we owe you so much! Without your help she could never have found her way out. The kindness you showed her will reap fruit ... and if she can get a school here at home, she will have a chance to soon pay you back ... It seems as if Martin too has an outlook for a job ... he took his examination with the Purina Feed Co. and made 96. He is promised a job at the next opening. Walter expects to stay in Orlando all summer ... comes home on weekends ... he looks real well, but is getting so slender his clothes just hang on him ... but he claims he weighs 206 pounds ... he seems to be cheerful ..."

22 May 1929 - "... school closing is near ... does West Palm keep the full 9 months of school? ... I sure wish Lyddi could get a position here ... everything is always so uncertain. If I had Lyddi with me and Martin at work again ... what a load would be lifted ... Little Betty is the sweetest angel child ... she smiles and kicks at everybody and when she is left alone she smiles at the angels. I never saw such a darling child ... I am playing in the yard now to my hearts content. All day, time to play! ... Pay us a visit with the first opportunity ..."

9 Sep 1929 - "Congratulations to you ... my thoughts go back 36 years ... it is all so plain ... how happy I was! ... I think it was because little Gustav was taken away that you were so welcome ... Lydia has accepted a position in the Lake City High School as commercial teacher at $125 a month ... she couldn't get anything in Tampa ..."

30 Jul 1931 - "... July 10, a girl from West Palm, Mabel Stevens, called here to see you. I didn't see her ... Papa talked to her ... she said to tell you they were missing you ... Madge is spending the night at Indian Rocks with a bunch of girls ..."

7 Aug 1931 - "... I don't see why scientists with their gigantic wisdom and knowledge don't get busy and do something useful, instead of figuring out the mileage from one star to another, and figuring out the ... years it takes to evolve from a louse to an elephant ... why not try to can the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter? ... that would be something useful ..."

14 Aug 1931 - "... received my birthday letter Sunday. Thank you so much for your good wishes. Also received the other letter and gift. I certainly appreciate your kind and loving thoughts of me, but I can't accept such a big gift from you boys at this time, when you both have to struggle for your existence ... please don't be offended ... your love and affection is the thing I will always accept ... We were all invited to Martin's for my birthday ... Walter was here too and Lyddi ... we were all together but you and Teddy ... Betty was so happy to have so many people around her ..."

1 Oct 1931 - "... Lyddi says that the bunch at Plant think she is only holding your place for you ... they are expecting you back again ... how funny! ... When they saw the announcement of Walter's wedding in the paper, they came to her real excited and wanted to know was that our Mr. Berg. Allie, I think that they thought more of you than you thought ... Well, were you surprised? Walter told me last summer ... said it was to be kept a secret till they can live together. Walter said they got married secretly on account of business reasons. They had a plan, but it did not materialize ... Guess Madge wrote you all about it ... told you about the announcement ... Saturday they will both quit O'Berry ... Walter was here as a member of this family for the last time last week. It was hard for me to see him go ... we will all miss him. Clemmie will meet Walter in Orlando Saturday ... then they will immediately leave for Daytona Beach for a short vacation ... while there they will look around for a place in a small town where they could open up a little business for themselves. They are not out to make money, just a living. Walter would like a little land with it where he could make a garden and raise chickens. It would do Walter good if he could do some outside work. Can you imagine that nobody at the office had any idea that they were even sweethearts ... the announcement came like a flash of lightning to them. Of course, O'Berry had to be told months ago ... so he could look around for another man. I know they both feel easier now since they can move in the open. I think they will be a very happy couple ... both are so round and solid. I don't think Walter could have found a better companion. May God bless them!"

18 Nov 1931 - "... Papa says Theo is awful hard hit ... can't make any collections at all ... and all his other income is falling off ... nobody has any money there ... NC is worse off than Florida ... he thinks he will have to go bankrupt and lose everything ... trying to find some way out of it ... poor boy! ... Just had a letter from Clemmie ... they are beginning to like it real well ... are satisfied so far ... Martin and Bunny seem to be quite satisfied in the country ... little Martin likes it much better than in town ... he enjoys his bus rides ... did I tell you that he won a star the other week for reading? ... Little Betty is getting to be a little chatterbox ... she is jabbering all day ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #15

2007-02-03T16:15:00.000-08:00

18 Oct 1925 - "... Do you remember six years ago today? Six long years for our poor Lyddi! ... Baby (Martin, Jr.) is so cute and darling ... he has a little devil that he plays with now. It's a little rubber red devil that you can blow up like a tire. You ought to see Baby get excited about that thing ... he pulls his tail and hollers! ... Papa is back from his Indiana trip! ... Martin has no work yet ... real estate selling is nothing for a Berg ... I wish to goodness he would find something sure. But if it's worrying him, he keeps it under cover ..."

2 Nov 1925 - "... Walter went to Orlando again yesterday ... he was there the greater part of last week ... expects to be there a whole month ... don't know what his work is there ... he keeps us supplied with all kinds of canned goods ... just glanced at the Beardstown paper ... they must have some awful cold weather up north ... the early cold weather is driving a lot of people to Florida ..."

9 Feb 1926 - "... Martin moved today ... Mr. Fleagle lowered the rent to $45 ... this one is downstairs ... Bunny and Baby can get out better from downstairs ... no rain since Christmas ..."

8 Mar 1926 - "... I know I have neglected you shamefully ... but I just can't help it ... I am most of the time so confused that I can't think sharp enough to write ... it's an awful cross to bear ... not to be able to think straight ... you are young yet and your mind is alert ... I know you will laugh at me ... Walter had a birthday letter from Lyddi ... not much ... just congratulations ..."

26 Mar 1926 - "... I'm going to have Lenchen's birthday dinner next Sunday ... Martin and Bunny will be here, of course ... Baby is getting so cute ... he crawls all over the house ... he loves to come over in our yard and sit in the grass and look at the chickens ..."

7 Apr 1926 - "... Walter had an awful cold ... coughed and coughed ... reminded me of two years ago ... Doctor says it's only a cold though and nothing to worry about ..."

1 May 1926 - "... guess Lenchen wrote you that Walter had the roof shingled. Now we don't have to use a tub anymore in the kitchen when it rains ..."

26 May 1926 - "... Papa doesn't know himself yet how the thing will turn out. He would like to retire very much though. Don't know just when he'll be home ... Baby is practicing walking a little more every day ..."

5 Aug 1926 - "... Martin was just here ... he got a telegram from Lenchen ... she will be home next Sunday ... I wonder why she hurries home so! ... she has a full week's vacation left ... guess she is homesick for Baby ... our yard looks very pretty now ... Papa mows it once a week ... I do the rest ... hear nothing from Lyddi ..."

11 Aug 1926 - "... You'll never guess what a grand surprise came to me today ... Lyddi came home today! The mother died a week ago last Sunday. She nursed her to the last. She put Ossorio in a sanitarium in Havana and sold all their belongings. She doesn't have any special plans ... would like to stay in Tampa ... if she can find a settled position, she will have him come over ... he is in bed most of the time ... she looks awful thin and haggard ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #14

2007-02-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

May 1925 - "... Papa was here ... came Friday afternoon and left yesterday. Papa's face is getting littler every day. I do wish he would wear his teeth ... Baby is beginning to walk now ..."

Jul 1925 - "... Papa left for Ridgeway yesterday ... will preach there today ... Now, honey, concerning our discussion regarding Biblical doctrine ... I just want to say this ... I don't want you to change your conviction, if conviction it really is (which I refuse to accept), but I beg you to prayerfully and devoutedly study your Bible ... O, Allie, my own dear Allie, take the Bible truth of the person of Christ away (call it doctrine if you will), then the whole Bible is worse than shenanigan. Our salvation rests in the one doctrine: Jesus Christ ... true God, and true Man ... born of the virgin Mary ... O, Allie, I wish I had the gift of speech and could argue, but it isn't given to me. I put it in the hands of the best lawyer ever. He himself will argue my case with you ... I'll not worry ..."

6 Jul 1925 - "... We are having hot weather here ... just as hot as Florida ... the heat doesn't seem to be hurting Walter any ... he feels just fine ... just a year ago now when he as put to bed ... now, what a change! ... We were at Theo's yesterday and left Papa there for a little work in the garden ... it'll do him good to get a little exercise ... Baby is the dearest little angel. She walks bare footed now ... Guess Martin is in Tampa now ... had just a few words from Bunny ... she is ready to move to Frierson Ave. ... I know Lenchen will be happy to have (them) with her ..."

15 Jul 1925 - "...Teddy and Walter are working so hard now, getting ready for peach shipping ... Teddy is looking thinner every time I see him ... worries so much ... he is a pessimist ... They were out every day last week trying to secure peaches for their shipment. Walter seems to stand it very well ..."

21 Jul 1925 - "Walter intends to be on his way back on September 1st ... I think he probably has a reason for it ... Walter is having much trouble with his car ... it is very doubtful if that Lizzie can make the trip home ... He has been using his car buying up peaches. They are shipping now ... been shipping two carloads every day for the last few days ... it might last another week after this ... they'll make good ... after peaches are over they want to ship watermelons ... this might be a pointer as to Walter's future work in Florida ... but he would have to work on the east coast. But I know nothing ... just guessing ... Walter is going at it from 6 am till almost 10 at night ... had a letter from Aunt Mary today from South Hampton, England ..."

28 Jul 1925 - "... only five more weeks here! Walter is very busy ... today they shipped four cars ..."

5 Aug 1925 - "... time is getting short ... Walter wants to leave here the 27th to be there on first of September. He wants to give O'Berry a lift for a month ... then in October he intends to go to Miami to ship vegetables ... I can't say I am pleased with that O'Berry business ... I will insist that he go to Dr. Adamson first ... He seems to have plenty of pep ... peaches are all over now ... they are shipping watermelons, but there is not as much in it as peaches ... probably Theo will go to Miami later too ... I guess there is something in that shipping business. If Theo comes to Florida, Tillie and baby will come too ... Martin and Bunny are living in the house now ..."

12 Aug 1925 - "... had a letter from Lyddi for my birthday ... was so glad to hear from her ... Tillie had a big birthday spread for me ... wonder what you'll do about your trip ... I like it here with the children very much, but now I am ready to go home. We will leave August 26th ... only 2 weeks ... am anxious to see my yard again. Lenchen writes that Pee Wee keeps things looking real nice ... don't know how to thank her ... Papa went to Concord for a conference ..."

18 Aug 1925 - "... guess we'll spend the last week with the children, and leave from there ... Walter is anxious to get home ... he is perfectly well now ..."

23 Aug 1925 - "... don't you really know anything about Frieda's whereabouts? Twice I have begged you for the information, as I wanted to get a letter off to Lyddi so bad before I leave ... and I feel awful to let her wait so long. I feel really hurt ... if you don't know you could have at least told me so. Now I'm asking for the third time ... and it is only you that I would ask a favor of for the third time ... for I can't believe that you would intentionally snub me ... now this is what I beg of you: write Lyddi yourself and at once ... if you know where Frieda is ... almost two precious weeks slipped away since my first request ... and please, tell me when it is done ... Lyddi's address is:

Snr. Lydia Berg de Ossorio
Limonan, Cuba (Casa de Mercedes Ortega)

9 Sep 1925 - "... We're at home ... Walter is at O'Berry's ... was in Orlando a few days to look after the business there ... he is feeling fine. We are all well and living happy together, but a little (crowded). Baby is a 'great boy,' he is no Berg though..."

2 Oct 1925 - "... Martin tells us you are 5 miles out of West Palm Beach. Guess that must be hard on you ... wonder where this (wandering) is going to end. Martin said he had several offers for work ... he thinks he can start Monday ... and he also found an apartment. It will be ready in about 6 weeks ... upstairs ... $55 a month ... Did you know Fleagles are building an apartment house? That is where Martin is going ... the house next door is sold ..."

9 Oct 1925 - "... are you still meddling ... in real estate? Martin did not get anything certain yet ... meanwhile he is trying to sell real estate ... I haven't got much faith in that though ... wish he could get a good salaried position ... Baby is getting cuter every day ... he is such a darling ... thank you for sending the bird tonic, but I sure don't thank the one who sold it to you ... a few hours after giving it to Billy, we came almost to having a dead Billy. He would not move any more ... was lying flat on the bottom of his cage ... Martin said, 'Let me see what you fed that bird, I'm afraid he's a goner ...' He gave him some castor oil and very soon Billy began to drop real black nasty stuff. Then Martin said, 'Now he'll pull out of it.' ... and so he did. He is as happy again as ever. I think it is a sin to sell such stuff ... to kill innocent birds ..."

First Snow & Batch #13 of Augusta's Letters

2007-02-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

The world turned white overnight. This was our first real snow of the season - about three inches on the ground.

Here's another batch of Augusta's letters:

22 Sep 1924 - "Such a surprise! Who would have thought that ... the trip from Tampa to West Palm Beach takes almost as long as the trip to Asheville, but it doesn't cost as much ... I am so glad you are to be near us again ... I just wonder how you arranged the Strawberry Hill business ... Walter is getting fatter every day ... looks just like little Walter used to look ... such rosy skin ... he has not had such color in his face since he came home from Ft.Wayne ... Had a letter from Lyddi Saturday ... the first one in months ... the old lady is sick since the first of July and Ossorio had an awful sick spell again too. Poor girl! Well, the time will yet come when she too will be with us again ..."

25 Sep 1924 - "... Walter never complains, but he is getting awful restless. It is no fun for a young person to lie in bed day after day, and month after month ... he reads ... reads all the time, but that doesn't seem to fill the bill any more ..."

14 Oct 1924 - "... Walter sat up for 45 minutes today ... tomorrow, a whole hour ... I hope the biggest part is over now ... we can never thank the dear Lord enough ..."

23 Oct 1924 - "...tomorrow he is going to get his first haircut since going to bed ... his hair is awful long ... he's been down now almost 4 months ..."

30 Oct 1924 - "... good news! The doctor was here today and loosened up some more ... Walter can walk around a little now ... also he can sit up for two hours in the morning and one hour in the afternoon ... today is the first day he's been off of the sleeping porch since the first of July ... his eyes were moist with joy ..."

15 Jan 1925 - "I guess you are anxious to hear about Walter's condition ... Well, it's over ... he will soon be pretty much himself again ... O, I can't tell you how thankful I am it's all over ..."

21 Jan 1925 - "... Walter is doing fine ... goes out every day for his walk ... he is very much interested in the building that is going on in the neighborhood ... that helps to pass his time ... and he gets to see and talk to people ... the other day he went to see Dr. Farrar, the one that operated on him, and I suppose he looked around a little in town and met many old friends for the first time since his sickness ... some did not know him and all had a good time off his figure ... he isn't a bit sensitive about his size ... laughs along with the rest ... it cheered him to meet old friends ..."

1 Feb 1925 - "... getting plenty of fresh eggs now ... eggs are still 65 to 70 cents a dozen here. Guess I got about 2 1/2 dozen last week ... at 65 cents that would be about a dollar and a half ... I don't think that feed costs over a quarter a week ..."

4 Feb 1925 - "... We are expecting Aunt Mary and Aunt Dora tomorrow ..."

24 Feb 1925 - "... Walter is out in his car ... he now takes his car out every day a little ... Allie, can you imagine how I felt when for the first time that car held out at the same old place with the same old Walli again? ... words cannot describe what I felt. I just had to cry ... The mail service to West Palm Beach is almost as bad as to Cuba ..."

4 Mar 1925 - "... Walter intends to go over Gandy Bridge this afternoon. The doctor gives him a long rope now. Last week he lost a pound and a half. The doctor said he could start on his trip to NC mountains soon after Easter ... he wants to go in the car and the doctor seems to sanction it ... I don't like that, though ... it would be useless to try to talk him out of it ..."

16 Mar 1925 - "... How is the real estate business on the East Coast now? Somebody told me the northern money men were taking their money out of the Miami banks ... is that so? ... well, those madhouse doings could not last ... today is Patricia's birthday ... Are you remembering Papa's birthday? ... Lenchen is having a touch of flu. She is working, but feels awful bad ..."

27 Mar 1925 - "... The palm is looking fine ... I'm so proud of those palms. Now I have the two palms that I always was wishing for. They remind me of my 'gold dust' twins ... I'm going to give them the best of care, and someday my real 'gold dust' twins will be reunited again with me ... since I'm master of my own time again, I am going to try a few schemes on the lawn ..."

12 Apr 1925 - "...surprise ... I'm going along with Walter on his trip to NC! ... I hate to leave Lenchen alone, but she'll get some girl to stay with her ... I will be glad to see Theo again after such a long time, and Tillie, and the little darling ... you will have to change your laundry arrangements until I get back ... Walter thinks we can get to Theo's by next Saturday ... Last Thursday, Lenchen's friend was invited here for supper ... how affectionately they talk of Bunny! Yes, she certainly is worth our love and affection, too. I often ask myself where would Martin be if she would be a flapper ..."

Apr 1925 - "... Well, here we are! (in NC) ... we had a real good trip ... Theo, Tillie and the Meinhardts want us to stay here ... but I don't know what Walter wants to do. Papa will come Sunday, then we'll talk it over ... Tillie is as sweet as ever ... O, Allie, you ought to see our darling baby ... she looks like an angel ... great blue eyes ... and the sweetest little mouth! There was never a prettier baby. Theo is crazy about her ..."

10 May 1925 - "... We are still at Theo's. They insist we must stay. Walter thinks his boil is getting better. Don't know what our next move will be, but hope to let you know in my next letter. I all depends on Walter. Papa came yesterday and will stay this week ... How much longer will you stay in West Palm Beach? I am glad you found a way of doing your washing. Next year you can send it again ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #12

2007-01-30T14:02:00.000-08:00

To read these letters in sequence requires going back to the Jan. 16th posting.

Jul 1924 - "... I read in the paper that some scientist said the sun was splitting in two! Wonder what next? ... Yes, if I were you, I would attend those lectures ... it won't do you any hurt to hear them ... and maybe it'll do you heaps of good. It's a new thought, that seems to gain more and more ground ... material things hardly affect me any more, even if they worry me a little ... I am planning on a month stay in NC in the fall ... I will spend the biggest part of the time with Theo ... I am just aching to see the baby."

Jul 1924 - "... guess what, guess what! ... just heard from Lyddi ... she says they are having such a time with the strike ... trains were just beginning to run again ... she said the strike upset all their plans ... but she still promises to come ..."

Jul 1924 - "... if I don't write you today it might be a month before I get another chance ... just want to let you know about Walter. Poor Wallie! ... but the doctor says he has a chance ... and I'm sure going to do my part to pull him out ... He must stay in bed at least 6 months, and then some more ... dare not even sit up to eat his meals ... eats lying down ... must not read much either ... very little company ... the doctor says it is a case of years standing ... and here the poor boy had to work like a horse up to the minute the doctor put him to bed ... Walter takes it very calm, like he takes everything ... he is a good patient ... never cross ... I have nursed him out of many sicknesses already, and the Lord will help me pull him out of this dread thing too ... but I have a job on my hands ..."

Aug 1924 - "... There is not much change ... I wish I could talk to you ... I could find out a good deal about that kind of patient ... for instance, the doctor doesn't even allow (Walter) to sit up for eating ... but how can one eat cereal and soup lying down ... so I prop him up with pillows ... I wonder if that is all right ... I haven't had the heart to ask the doctor for fear that he'd say 'nix,' but I don't feel easy about it either ... how did your patients eat? ... another thing is the bed making ... I can't make the bed with him in it, so I move him just a few steps away in a rocker while I make the bed ... it only takes 10 - 15 minutes ... I wonder if I am doing the right thing ... the doctor says he must not shave himself ... but I'm such a coward ... so, I get his face ready, rub the suds in ... then he runs the razor over ... I hold the glass for him, so he does not have more strain than to move the razor ... yet, it is some effort ... what to you think? ..."

1 Sep 1924 - "... O, Allie, you ought to see Walter ... he never looked so well since he was a little boy ... has real red cheeks now and is filling out so nice on his body ... Martin wears great big horn glasses now ... his eyes suddenly acted up on him ... Martin has picked the best flower ... Bunny deserves respect ... Papa's school will begin the 10th of September ... haven't heard him say when he'll leave ..."

3 Sep 1924 - "... Mr. Fleagle says he lived in Florida for the last forty years, but never saw a summer as hot as this ... Mr. O'Berry was here last evening ... he said the doctor told him Walter was his best patient ... I wish you could see Walter's full moon face ... so far, Walter has been getting his regular pay envelope every week ..."

5 Sep 1924 - "... Walter is doing fine, but he is very restless this evening ... he is that way quite often now ... but I guess that is natural ... it's not fun to be in bed so long ... once in a while I catch him setting up in bed and looking out so longingly. Poor boy! ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #11

2007-01-29T05:48:00.000-08:00

26 Mar 1924 - "... How does it feel to be a grandma? ... human words cannot express what I feel ... to be a grandmother is great, but to know Tillie is out of her misery and spared for my boy, and the baby in spite of all is sound as any other ... that feeling can't be clothed in human words ... I guess from now on, Martin will have more than his hands full ... beginning to build today ... some responsibility for that boy ... but he will make it alright ... it will make him a strong man ... yes, he is just as foolish as ever, and he is getting fatter every day ... can't button his underwear any more ... maybe the building worry will take some of the fat off. Lenchen calls him Bunny's little fat man ... Mrs. Meinhardt writes that Tillie and the baby are doing fine ... the baby looks just like Teddy ... that little baby is going to bring out his better self ... I wish I knew just when you will leave Asheville ..."

3 Apr 1924 - "... just think what they are going to name the baby ... Patricia Beatrice ... the poor little innocent! How can one call a sweet darling baby Patricia! But don't say anything about it ... maybe they'll change it yet ... Papa will go through there on his way to Ridgeway ... maybe they'll have it christened then ... but that's supposition ... Papa writes that he is going to Ridgeway for first time since January ... I suppose the question about Ridgeway will be settled next Sunday ... only wants to accept for one year, if he does accept ... says he is aging fast. When he resigns for good, I want to be safe at home. Last summer taught me that he is incurable, a maniac ..."

14 Apr 1924 - "... I just heard from Papa yesterday ... he did not accept ..."

23 Apr 1924 - "... don't believe we can depend on Lyddi's coming too much ... I advised Papa against a hasty resignation ... I told him to think it over well before breaking off the bridge behind him ..."

2 May 1924 - "... Things are beginning to grow fine now ... I believe the flowers from New York are a pretty expensive thing. The Marshall Neil is not yet getting green ... neither is the one that they named Columbian ... the one that is green looks to me like a blackberry bush ... but the Chinese Lanterns are growing nice ... am anxious to see them bloom ... tulips are blooming now on the bed under my window ... and one of my hydrangeas is blooming, and another is budding ... yes, even a few flowers on the bougainvilleas ... you ought to see Mr. Fleagle's arch ... it's just one solid red ... he fertilizes and fertilizes ..."

13 May 1924 - "... coming back from St.Petersburg Sunday on the boat, the sunset was the grandest I ever saw. The whole sky was colored and it did not take much imagination to think yourself looking at the New Jerusalem. I will never forget that glorious sunset. When you come we'll take the boat trip again ..."

22 May 1924 - "... Well, Allie boy, I am glad to say that I, and I dare say every Christian, shares that belief with you ... that in the end ... all our disturbing problems will be smoothed out according to the wishes and longings of our better selves ... it's faith and trust in God's love and almighty power to fulfil his promises ... Mr. Meinhardt surprised us with a visit last Sunday ... he was on a business trip ... you may know we talked 'baby' ... says the baby looks just like Teddy ..."

11 Jun 1924 - "...Walter hasn't been well at all for the last few weeks ... a terrible cold and fever ... he looks like a ghost ... but always on duty ... Aunt Dora is in a very serious condition ... the doctor seems to fear a hemorrhage of the brain ... Aunt Mary keeps me informed ... Lenchen wants to bob her hair ... what do you know about that! ... don't let her know I told you ..."

20 Jun 1924 - "... Walter had the awfulest cold ... had continual fever for almost 2 weeks, and coughed as if he had TB. I am always worried when he gets the cough ... it wouldn't take much to throw him into consumption ... he ought to see a doctor ... he ought to take a vacation ... but he is only happy when he can bury himself in work ... I haven't heard from Lydia for a long time ... I wonder what Papa will do about his resignation ... he never expressed himself after I advised him to go slow ... If he could find some work here that would take him out of the house during the day, it wouldn't be so bad ... O, Albert ... Lenchen has her hair bobbed! How I dislike bobbed hair! I think she looks awful ..."

Augusta's Letters - Batch #10

2007-01-27T13:53:00.000-08:00

15 Jan 1924 - "... almost as long since you left as you spent here ... but let's hope ... I'm dreaming of being together all of the time. My, but won't that be nice! ... still, you must be in Asheville ... If you like those Pfeffernuesse so well, I'm going to make you some more ... nothing yet from Lydia ..."

24 Jan 1924 - "... I haven't heard a thing from Lyddi yet ... Lenchen and May went to St.Petersburg on the boat a week ago last Sunday ... saw Martin and Bunny ... Walter had a business trip to Orlando ..."

30 Jan 1924 - "Walter and Lenchen retired early tonight, so I thought I would write to you so that the children could take it along and get it off with the noon mail. But just as I got ready to sit down, about 9:30, I saw a car stop, and lo and behold, it was Martin and Bunny, but they could not stay long, had to get back home tonight again. He had to come (to Tampa) on business. It is now eleven, and they are on their way home. He expects to get at building very soon. I guess he finds it harder than he expected. It's going to be a man's work. Poor boy, ... is getting another boil ... and has to drive 60 miles yet tonight. But he seems happy. O, how I want him to succeed! And he will. Martin is getting fatter all the time ..."

6 Feb 1924 - "... You remember when I wrote you last week when Martin was here ... well I felt awfully worried seeing them go back at such a time of night ... I just couldn't sleep all night ... and do you know ... his car acted up for the first time and refused to go any further ... they had to pull into the woods and lodge there all night ... they say they slept alright ... and it was cold too. But they weren't any the worse off for it ... Tillie writes that Theo is getting along just splendid with his new business. I am so glad ... if only now Tillie gets over all right ... I do believe that Martin's foolishness is going to be his salvation ... down deep he is not as foolish as he pretends ... but that outward foolishness makes him everybody's pet ..."

16 Feb 1924 - "... Bunny calls Martin's belly, 'Strawberry Hill,' because he eats so much strawberry shortcake ... not a word from Lyddi yet ... You have quite a few letters here ... do you want me to destroy them. I never like to let old letters lie around!"

2 Mar 1924 - "... Yesterday we were all at Martin's in answer to an invitation for a birthday dinner for Walter ... and some dinner it was ... amongst other goodies, chicken and waffle-iron strawberry shortcake ... some good, let me tell you. Bunny is a fine cook. No wonder Martin is getting so fat. She had a devil's food cake on the table with candles. It was the first time Walter was there. I think that was so nice of them to remember him that way, and he enjoyed it ... but the weather was awful raw. As we left the house the sun was out and it wasn't cold at all, and Walter took no overcoat, which he need badly. We were outside on the boat, for Walter needs all the fresh air he can get. As we were nearing St.Petersburg it got pretty cold, but we soon warmed up at Martin's. Then we had a feast good enough for a king ... and off we went again in the car. Lenchen and I did not feel the cold so much, we had warm wraps on, but poor Walter! By the time we were leaving, he shook like a leaf ... I was awful worried ... I was afraid he was fixing for a chill again like he had some time ago ... the boat was so jammed with people, you couldn't move an inch, and Walter had to go down in the engine room to get warm. He doesn't seem to be any worse off today ... but he looks so bloodless. Tomorrow he is going to get his birthday dinner with us ... chicken, of course, but no shortcake. I'm going to have his favorite dessert, cheese and preserved figs. He eats less every day. I'm going to have roast chicken with dressing, mashed potatoes, fresh peas, cake and dessert, coffee ... How I do wish Walter would get married and be happy like Martin is. I am old, and my time is limited, and anyway I am only a poor substitute. Martin sure is happy. You ought to see him slip Bunny's apron over his big belly, and pitch in to help her. Who would ever have thought that Martin would help in the kitchen. O, yes, and he carves the chicken too ..."

12 Mar 1924 - "... Papa writes that his acceptance of the call (to Ridgeway) depends on Lyddi ... I hardly think he'll accept ... I can't understand what benefit Spanish would be to you ... I hope you are not planning to leave this country too! O, dear, No! ..."

9th Batch of Augusta's Letters To Son Albert

2007-01-26T05:46:00.000-08:00

16 Aug 1923 - "... those records arrived ... they carry the soul out of this carnal world for the short moment it lasts ... they seem to be sung in the old original melody ... that is my music ... it appeals to the soul ... I like classical music too, but that only appeals to the elevated mind ... the sacred music goes right to the soul ... when I'm alone again I'm going to stand before Grandma and Grandpa's picture and play those beautiful songs, and ... dream ... As long as Papa is around, one can't allow themselves a treat for soul or body ... he is so disagreeable this summer ... everything makes him mad ... I'll be glad ... well, you can finish the sentence ... I believe he would like to blame the heat on me. I think he was spoiled on his trip ... Papa can't stand (not) to be made over ... he accepts (it) as his rightful share ... Martin was here ... he says they cut out meat ... only have it on Sunday ... they eat bread and vegetables and fruit. I believe Walter was just as glad to see him as I was."

4 Sep 1923 - "... I long for the time when I am alone again. I shall write you more in a few days. I think Papa will leave this week ... We all were at Martin's for supper ... Bunny is a fine cook, and she does all her own serving ... I guess Martin could have done heaps worse ... best of all is, they are so happy! ..."

12 Sep 1923 - "... At last I find a quiet moment to write you ... I am feeling better now, these last few days. If I can only get outdoor exercise ... during the time Papa was here, I did not go out much ... it seemed to make him mad when I worked outside. He was so mad at the many plants I had ... said they were only a nuisance when it comes to mowing the grass ... I always took care of my beds and plants before he came and did not want him to do it at all ... but he would, and all the time while he was working, he was fussing to himself. This outdoor life with my plants and flowers is the first real pleasure I ever had in my long life ... besides my children. And why begrudge me that! This last year was the happiest of my life. To plant things and watch them grow is like seeing the almighty Creator at work. This little place of Walter's is my paradise ... and why begrudge me that! Well, Papa is in Greensboro now ... hope he is happy again with his books and pipe ... family life bores Papa ... he never found it interesting ... if Papa would have had his books and paper rags here, he would have been perfectly contented ... (but) he saw there never will be any room here for that ... I guess that's what made him so cross. I can't see why a person that has been in the Work the greater part of his life, must (dwell) on the same subjects year in and year out ... I am happy in spite of it all ... the good Lord makes up for what Satan takes away from you ... much better that way ... it would have been bad to have been a happy woman all my life, then in the evening of life have my children turn their backs on me ... Martin is on the road again this week (every other week). Bunny goes with him. They seem to be only happy when they are together ... hope they will always, always stay lovers ..."

18 Sep 1923 - "... So you are principal of the school now! Does that mean a better payroll for you? I hope you won't find it too hard ... congratulations ... I was out all morning in my little paradise again ... put in nasturtiums and sweet peas and narcissus and some other plants to root ... I'm having right good luck rooting plants and it's so interesting ... they will droop a little at first and for a while I live between hope and fear ... sometime they look as dead as a door nail, but all of a sudden, life will conquer ... it is such a lesson to me ... last week somebody stole our lawnmower ... Walter paid $16 for it ... I reckon it's punishment for our carelessness ... we left it out by the front porch ..."

2 Oct 1923 - "... Walter had most of his upper teeth pulled last week ... I hate it so bad ... hope he will get a good fitting plate ... Lenchen's appetite is picking up a little. She looks so well ... such a change from last year this time! ..."

20 Oct 1923 - "... Yes, Albert, you are right ... most all of Papa's troubles are in his mind only ... I don't put much stress on his complaints any more ... if he is relieved of the cause of one trouble, he'll find another. And work? Well, Papa complained just as much when he had but one sermon a week ... no matter how much he complained of work, that he could not take hours off every day for his nap ... and go to bed early in the evening too ... regardless of sickness or even death in his family ... never did Papa lose an hours sleep for all that sickness we had in our family ... Don't ever encourage him to resign ... for then what ... then may God take pity on poor me! ... Papa has never learned to forget himself ... that's the key to his misery. 'Self' is always the uppermost thought in his mind ... maybe he doesn't realize it though ... I'm sorry, but I can't bother with him anymore ... the last summer finished me ... he either was crazy, or he was wicked. I think Papa would like to go to Ridgeway, as they need a man who can handle the German ... well and good, if he can make it alone ... I don't ever want to leave Florida again ..."

25 Oct 1923 - "... Walter is under terrible expense with his teeth. I wouldn't be surprised if they'll cost him close to $200 ... Mac would be welcome Christmas with every one of us, but ... you know how congenial Mac and Papa are ... after what I went through last summer, I haven't the courage to urge it ... it would be an unpleasant Christmas for all of us, Mac included. I haven't quite regained my peace of mind yet. Wait till next year, honey ..."

2 Nov 1923 - "... I wrote Lyddi to try to be with us Christmas ... yes, I think Providence has pointed out Lyddi's way, and if it would be for nothing else as to bring her to our States again ... I think Lyddi will be able to get along with Papa as well as anybody, and I think he'll be careful how he treats her ... as far as that goes, he'll treat all of you children well now ... as for me, he never considered me anything else than a nigger anyway ... If only Papa declines the honor of being peacemaker in any family quarrel ... if Papa would have kept his hands out of the Davidsmeyer trouble, he probably could be in Beardstown yet ..."

9 Nov 1923 - "... I can't thank the Lord enough that he brought me here ... and to think of it ... how that move affected me at the time! I am most heartily ashamed of it. My heavenly physician had to give me that bitter pill, to get the wanted results for me. These last few years the dear Lord has showered upon my head and also on the heads of those I love, all his mercy ..."

16 Nov 1923 - "... Well, honey, don't think of a dog now yet ... it'll take a year or more before I am ready for him. First I want my chickens in a paying shape, and my yard fixed up so that most of my plants will be permanent, and won't need so much care ... if I have everything well established, then I'm ready for a dog, a Collie ... I haven't heard a thing yet about Lyddi's plans ... I wish she could be with us Christmas ... baked a fruitcake yesterday ... if I keep well, I'm going to bake plenty ... Martin arrived here the 7th of December four years ago ... now some little news ... Our son, as Lenchen calls him, is going in business for himself! Now that sounds fishy don't it? But it's this way ... he told Lenchen and me the truth, but says no other soul must know it, as he was cautioned to keep it secret by headquarters. Not even Walter darest he tell ... He is going to open a branch of Jackson Grain Company in St.Petersburg, supposedly in his own name. Maybe now you can put 2 and 2 together? ... if only he can make good now! By the first of December he is going there, and Bunny goes to her people till things are ready for her. Bunny is happier than ever since Martin was promoted ..."

11 Dec 1923 - "... We've heard nothing from Lydia ... but I'm still looking for her ... if only we had her over here in our States again. Everybody says Martin is a born salesman, but it takes more than a salesman to run a business successfully. But, I'm not going to worry. I want him to make good so bad. After all these years of agony I went through on account of the boys not seeming to be able to put their feet on solid ground. What a change! ... Tillie is expecting! ... she is not in too good condition ... says Theo is so good and sweet to her ... if she is down, he does all the work, cooks things for her as good as a woman ... that sure sounds good, don't it! ... let's hope and pray that the dear child will be spared for Theo ... I'm looking forward to your visit next week ..."

Break From the Letters

2007-01-25T11:35:00.000-08:00

There are more letters, but I thought it time to take a break from them. This is a poem written about Augusta by her father on the occasion of her 25th birthday in 1884.

Augusta zu ihrem 25 Jährigen ------------------------------- To Augusta on her 25th Birthday
Geburtstag 'Heut von 25 Jähren, ---------------------------- On this day 25 years ago,
Da wir, noch in Kirchhain waren ----------------------------When we still lived in Kirchhain
Noch eh' der Abend brach herein ----------------------------Just before evening broke in

Schenkt uns Gott ein Töchterlein. ---------------------------God gave us a baby daughter.
Dieses ist num gross geworden -------------------------------She has now become grown
Und wohnt längst an andern Orten -------------------------And has long been in other places
Ja es ist selbst Mutter schon ----------------------------------Yes, even a mother herself now

Von einem Himmels un Erden Sohn ------------------------From heaven an earthly son.
Weil aber nun durch Gottes Gnaden -----------------------Because, by the grace of God
Dieses Kind ist wohl geraten ----------------------------------This child has turned out well,
Drum schlagt warm der Eltern Herz ------------------------The hearts of her parents beat warm

Ihm entgegen in Freud und Schmerz -----------------------For her in joy and pain.
Und so wünchen wir denn beide ----------------------------And so we both wish for you
Diesen unserm Liebling heute -------------------------------Our darling on this day
Da es 25 Jahr alt wird -----------------------------------------As you become 25 years old

Den reichsten Segen des guten Hirt -----------------------The richest blessing of the good Shepherd
Der selbe soll aus Gnaden geben ---------------------------He shall, out of grace, give
Ein ihm recht wohl gefällig Leben -------------------------To you, a pleasing life
Und endlich bescheren als letztes Los ---------------------And finally grant as your last lot,
Und ewig Wohn in Abrahams Schos. ----------------------An eternal home in Abraham's lap.

8th Batch of Augusta's Letters

2007-01-25T05:17:00.000-08:00

3 Jan 1923 - "... I miss my Allie everywhere ... it just seems as if we flew through the last week. But we were together once more and had a happy reunion ... the tree is still standing ... Papa went yesterday ... the boys are busy as ever ... Walter hardly ever comes home before midnight ... Martin the same, but he seems to stand the strain better than Walter ..." - "... Lenchen's salary (is now) $30 a week ..."

14 Jan 1923 - "... I got one (letter) from Papa too ... he has an invitation to Beardstown for the 75th Church Anniversary ... wants to know what I think about it ... now, what could I think about that ... I know what I would do, but Papa must be his own judge ... he doesn't think about things as I do ... I'm outdoors a great deal again, always planting and transplanting something ... and of course, a new plant always needs a little attention. When you come again I hope we'll have a beauty spot. I'm aiming to make this a pretty place without much expense ... Mr. Fleagle is going to get me some roses ... I hope my foliage will do honor to their creator by the time you see them again. You ought to see my nasturtiums ... they are beautiful ... Chickens are coming alright ... got 6 eggs yesterday ... only 4 that don't lay now ... Now I want to talk something over with you, but don't you ever let Lenchen know that I'm meddling in this. Well, she had herself examined by a doctor and he says ... she sits too long in the same position ... and that is all that is wrong with her back ... he said she should change jobs, but I don't think she has the least idea of doing that ... I thought you might help me think it over, but never write anything that I had a hand in it ... it almost kills me to see her suffer ... Booker is more inconsiderate than ever ... she can't (stand) him ..."

24 Jan 1923 - "... Billy is singing so sweetly ... when Lenchen plays the piano ... I am so glad we have the piano ... Lenchen plays for hours in the evening ... now I want to do my part to give this place a home like appearance ... My highest aim is to have a perfect lawn ... just now I'm picking weeds ... flowers only show off on a carpet of grass ... yesterday I got 8 eggs ... now we don't buy any more ... last night Walter said to me, 'You didn't know I became a millionaire today, did you?' I said, 'no' ... well, he said, 'I bought one million German marks for $70.' I said, 'Walter, you are going to lose your $70 ... only a miracle can save Germany' ... don't say anything about it, I wouldn't want him to know I broadcast it."

31 Jan 1923 - "... Walter fertilized the lawn again, and I am watering all day ... so the fertilizer can take effect ... I want a nice lawn and am willing to do my part towards it ... last week I pulled weeds all week ... few minutes at a time ... can't stay at it long ... too hard a job for an elephant."

8 Feb 1923 - "... we have the loveliest weather ... Every day I thank the dear Lord for bringing me to this glorious climate. I haven't had a sick day since I'm here ... and just think of the misery I went through in NC ... some day I hope that you will agree with me that Florida is the dearest spot ever ... This is fair week ... Martin is busy at their booth ... Walter went last night ... won a 8 qt. percolator, an aluminum pan, a wedding ring, and some cuff buttons ... he must have a lucky streak in him ..."

15 Feb 1923 - "... Walter is planning to get a Ford ..."

19 Feb 1923 - "... Walter sold most of his marks ... just kept a few ... he will get his Ford for $480 ..."

28 Feb 1923 - "... Martin's neck is causing him a great deal of trouble again ... he went to a doctor, but they treat it like an ordinary boil, and that's all ... they don't study the thing ... any old woman can treat a boil ... Cold weather drives every inch of pep out of me ... I never, never want to live up North again."

6 Mar 1923 - "... I'm so glad you wrote to Lyddi ..."

21 Mar 1923 - "... How could they let a woman teach a confirmation class! What does Papa think of that? ... and the members? I thought the laity of today are boasting of their independence and of being able to judge for themselves ... I am standing here religiously dizzy and sick to my stomach ... what is the Reverend doing? ..."

27 Mar 1923 - "... My nasturtiums are almost restored to their old glory ... picked oodles of them today again ... I have the prettiest marigolds you ever saw ... nine rose bushes now ... there is still a poinsettia blooming ... I'd rather work in my flowers than do anything else ... we have two hens with biddies now ... one has 11 and the other 8 ... I just can't bear to touch a chicken ... always wait for somebody to catch them for me ... I don't mind feeding them as long as I don't have to touch ..."

7 Apr 1923 - "... Billy is singing, singing, singing so sweet already early in the morning ... but just wait till I get the carpet sweeper going ..."

22 Apr 1923 - "... Martin is going to get me one of those lawn sprinklers. They throw water 5 feet in every direction ... we had an awful stink around the place today ... It was unbearable ... this being Sunday, it was Walter's lot to crawl under the house for an inspection ... he found an old dead cat under Lenchen's room ..."

2 May 1923 - "... I can't come to NC this summer for several reasons ... just have patience a little yet ... for one thing, I couldn't leave and let everything die ... secondly, there is a possibility of Martin getting married in July ... he always said September ... I consoled myself, 'there's many a slip between the cup and the lip', but July! ... that sounds alarming. Well, after all it might be the best for him ... if Bunny is the good girl they say she is ... I'm hoping Walter will find the companion he deserves ... then I can travel ... as dearly as I love this little place, I would gladly give it up if Walter would find a life's companion that is worthy of him ... I am glad you are working your way out (of debt) gradually ... and hope to see the day when you will be happily married to the sweetest girl in the world ... for my days are getting less ... soon I'll be at the end of my journey, and I would like to see all (my children) happily married before I go. Maybe I had better not grumble at Martin's daredevilishness. But I do wish Bunny was no Christian Scientist ... I haven't got no use for that religion, and I know she will try to influence him after they are married ... haven't heard a word from Lyddi for ever so long ..."

11 May 1923 - "... Papa is disgusted with the NC weatherman. I think he prefers Florida ... Florida climate beats them all ... it is never disagreeable and is almost always luffly ... Sunday, Martin and I are going to the greenhouse and get me some palms and other plants ... Seminole Heights belongs to Tampa proper now ... it might have its advantages, but also its disadvantages. We were all satisfied to 'paddle our own canoe' ... Thoughts are not bound to any expression, thoughts have a language all their own."

16 May 1923 - "... Papa will leave for Theodore's tomorrow ... he seems to be more disgusted than ever ..."

27 May 1923 - "... Time is flying with our baby ... I think the wedding is a settled fact ... if only Bunny is the good girl she is said to be ..."

4 Jun 1923 - "... just had a card from Papa ... he's on his way to Logansport. Lenchen's vacation is in sight ... she will be with you long enough to air some of her petty grievances and irritations ... there is something wrong somewhere ... in the first place, she is a too willing horse ... everybody (at work) throws their burdens on her ..."

10 Jun 1923 - "So Mrs. Durant's class was confirmed last Sunday! Lord have mercy! This is a time of woe for the church ... the preachers of today are made, not born ... and it's not only so in our church ... the so-called church is losing out ... my heart aches ... I am losing interest in the church. This is a troubled time in the church as well as in the state. Satan is moving more and more forces into the battlefields ... I am finishing up the flower beds, and with that done, I am planning the next move ... but I know not if Walter will sanction it. I would like to put two palm trees on the west side of the house, about the middle of the porch ... it seems to me they would look very impressive when they get big ... one tree I would call Albert and the other one Lyddi ... then every time I look at them, I'll think of my one time gold dust twins ... I'll first have to get Walter's consent ... he doesn't like palm trees ..."

13 Jun 1923 - "... it's a perfect picture ... so natural ... a perfect likeness of both of them ... I can see myself again in the days of long long ago, living and loving together. Grandma (Mother) was always so dear and sweet, so patient and forebearing, but Grandpa (Father) was the soul of the family. Grandpa was such a strong character ... strict with himself and others, but he always practiced first, before he preached to others. But with all his sternness, he was the most sympathetic soul you'll ever find. I feel his influence to this day. If we had such men as he was at the steering wheel today, methinks the ship of the church would run in a different direction. You couldn't have please me more (with the picture) ... poor Lyddi! I'm going to write her tomorrow. If I only had the money, I would send her the means to come home ... if I could only talk to her once ... she's always on my mind. But, how foolish for her to want to get to the Beardstown school ... I'm going to write Papa to call that nonsense off ..."

22 Jun 1923 - "... now I am going to tell you some news: Walter has a car! ... brought it home last night ... it's a Ford ... much easier to ride in. He paid $700 for it ... bought it from a fellow that only used it two weeks ... it cost $900 new ... He's a little shakey about it yet, but Walter will pick it up. Who would have thought it! The dear Lord has been so good to us ... Martin is working hard ... works every night ... is perfectly contented ... he is going to be married on July 27th ... he'll get the full benefit of his vacation ... they are going to spend their honeymoon at some nearby beach ... he already has the promise of the little house they are to live in. How I will miss that boy! If only Bunny is the girl she is bragged to be ... so you are organist again! ..."

28 Jun 1923 - "... Walter sure is proud of his car ... I am so glad he gets some pleasure ... he has another hobby now. Every Friday night he goes to a prize fight ... Papa is in Chicago now. I am looking for him about the middle of July ..."

8 Jul 1923 - "... got a card from Papa ... he was leaving Chicago for Decatur, Illinois ... says his whole vacation was one continued picnic ..."

31 Jul 1923 - "... Martin looked awful pretty ... did not blush a bit ... was real calm and white. Lenchen and I sure miss our baby. I guess they are having a glorious time at the beach now. I believe I forgot to write you last week ... when Papa is here it just seems as if everything is (topsy turvy). I can't see how in all the world I stood that nervous, uneasy life for 40 years ... a few days of it now wears me out. How I do love calm and quiet!"

7th Batch of Augusta's Letters

2007-01-23T14:26:00.000-08:00

A reporter from the Tampa Tribune saw grandmother Augusta’s letters in my book Together They Came and wrote a full page article featuring Augusta for the History and Heritage section of the paper.

22 Oct 1922 - "... Honey, why don't you write to Lyddi once? I think she would get it all right, and it would mean so much to the poor girl. I want to keep my hands out of it, for it might give the appearance as if you had unloaded your complaints to me ... I never mention the trouble to her, for fear I might make a wrong step. But ... you write to her once ... try it anyway, please, please! ... Martin thinks he can get our chickens next week ... that would be another step forward ... Martin said today, this place surely looks like home ... It seems to me as if the Lord has poured his blessing over our darling home ..."

1 Nov 1922 - "Martin got his chickens now ... 10 pullets and a rooster (Plymouth Rock) ... next Spring I am going to buy some Ancona eggs for breeding ... then we'll raise Ancona for laying and Plymouth Rock for the pot ..."

7 Nov 1922 - "... Yes, you are right ... aimless social mixing doesn't give any returns for your investment, for you invest all that's in you for the time being, and get nothing out of it. Here too, I guess people consider me too a freak, but I don't care ... Never hear a thing from Lyddi ... don't you want to write to her? I don't think your letter would be confiscated. I know it would mean so much to her. She wrote in her last letter that she was so thankful to you for all that you did for her, and she hoped that some day she could show you her appreciation. Poor child! ... not quite 7 weeks till Christmas ... will we have the piano by that time? ..."

14 Nov 1922 - "... Christmas is drawing near, and it would be so nice if it (the piano) could land here before ... O, won't it be a grand Christmas in the sunny South? Aunt Dora thinks snow and Christmas must go together ... not me! ... but Christmas and my dear ones belong together ... I can very well miss the snow ... the chickens are looking fine ... but so far none are laying yet. Eggs are 60 cents a dozen ... I think they'll begin to lay very soon ... they are singing and jabbering all day long ..."

22 Nov 1922 - "You are complaining about dirty Asheville ... well, I wish you could see how clean we live ... absolutely no dirt whatever. That sounds like a lie, but it's the truth ... I never dust ... Lenchen, of course, dusts on Sunday, but it doesn't need it bad, even then. It's the cleanest place I ever saw ... We had to do without so much so long, but it seems as if now, blessings are showered on our heads ... and it all began at the same time ... Lenchen's affair was taken off my shoulders, Martin got work, and good work, and Walter planned to build ... and I know whatever other troubles are still gnawing on me ... in due time I shall be relieved of them all ... Had a letter from Lyddi ... she is talking about a canary for me ... now I catch myself planning for 2 birds ... now isn't that absurd? If she (Lyddi) could only be with us Christmas ... Martin is a happy boy ... Mr. Jackson told him ... he had a future with him ... he thinks he is going to get another raise again very soon ..."
28 Nov 1922 - "... O, Allie boy, how can I ever thank you for that darling little bird ... love at first sight ..."

5 Dec 1922 - "... Birdie sings a great deal now ... some days more than others ... Last Sunday you ought to have seen Martin's face when Birdie was on the stage ... the children are just crazy about him, even Walter ... Walter seems to be feeling better now ... I don't think he regrets his somewhat daring undertaking ... he seems perfectly contented and satisfied, and in his quiet way, very happy ... Martin is raising a new crop of boils again. Something ought to be done for him ... but what does the average doctor know about anything .,.. I haven't any more faith in the average doctor than I have in the average preacher ... no piano yet! ..."

12 Dec 1922 - "... Piano arrived last Saturday ... I know it will give Lenchen a great deal of pleasure ... and maybe Martin too ... Last Sunday Martin sat himself by the piano in his noisy way, and hit those keys till I thought the house might fall over ... so I said, Martin, Martin, that gets on my nerves ... O, he said, you just don't appreciate good music. Saying that, he began to sing and hollered at the top of his voice ... then you ought to have heard Billy ..."

6th Batch of Augusta's Letters

2007-01-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

Augusta & Fred - Wedding Day - July 10, 1879

7 Nov 1922 - "... Yes, you are right ... aimless social mixing doesn't give any returns for your investment, for you invest all that's in you for the time being, and get nothing out of it. Here too, I guess people consider me too a freak, but I don't care ... Never hear a thing from Lyddi ... don't you want to write to her? I don't think your letter would be confiscated. I know it would mean so much to her. She wrote in her last letter that she was so thankful to you for all that you did for her, and she hoped that some day she could show you her appreciation. Poor child! ... not quite 7 weeks till Christmas ... will we have the piano by that time? ..."

14 Nov 1922 - "... Christmas is drawing near, and it would be so nice if it (the piano) could land here before ... O, won't it be a grand Christmas in the sunny South? Aunt Dora thinks snow and Christmas must go together ... not me! ... but Christmas and my dear ones belong together ... I can very well miss the snow ... the chickens are looking fine ... but so far none are laying yet. Eggs are 60 cents a dozen ... I think they'll begin to lay very soon ... they are singing and jabbering all day long ..."

22 Nov 1922 - "You are complaining about dirty Asheville ... well, I wish you could see how clean we live ... absolutely no dirt whatever. That sounds like a lie, but it's the truth ... I never dust ... Lenchen, of course, dusts on Sunday, but it doesn't need it bad, even then. It's the cleanest place I ever saw ... We had to do without so much so long, but it seems as if now, blessings are showered on our heads ... and it all began at the same time ... Lenchen's affair was taken off my shoulders, Martin got work, and good work, and Walter planned to build ... and I know whatever other troubles are still gnawing on me ... in due time I shall be relieved of them all ... Had a letter from Lyddi ... she is talking about a canary for me ... now I catch myself planning for 2 birds ... now isn't that absurd? If she (Lyddi) could only be with us Christmas ... Martin is a happy boy ... Mr. Jackson told him ... he had a future with him ... he thinks he is going to get another raise again very soon ..."

Nov. 28, 1922 - "... O, Allie boy, how can I ever thank you for that darling little bird ... love at first sight ..."
5 Dec 1922 - "... Birdie sings a great deal now ... some days more than others ... Last Sunday you ought to have seen Martin's face when Birdie was on the stage ... the children are just crazy about him, even Walter ... Walter seems to be feeling better now ... I don't think he regrets his somewhat daring undertaking ... he seems perfectly contented and satisfied, and in his quiet way, very happy ... Martin is raising a new crop of boils again. Something ought to be done for him ... but what does the average doctor know about anything .,.. I haven't any more faith in the average doctor than I have in the average preacher ... no piano yet! ..."

12 Dec 1922 - "... Piano arrived last Saturday ... I know it will give Lenchen a great deal of pleasure ... and maybe Martin too ... Last Sunday Martin sat himself by the piano in his noisy way, and hit those keys till I thought the house might fall over ... so I said, Martin, Martin, that gets on my nerves ... O, he said, you just don't appreciate good music. Saying that, he began to sing and hollered at the top of his voice ... then you ought to have heard Billy ..."

5th Batch of Augusta's Letters

2007-01-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

The Berg family in 1911 - Madge (Lenchen), Albert, Walter in back row,

Martin, Fred & Augusta in front. I assume that Lydia took the picture.

Aug 1922 - "... Papa is still here, but I think he is going this week. He has been working a good deal around the place, and I think his back is much better ... Today Walter put up the dining room curtains. Lenchen got them from Sears and Roebuck ... I can't half straighten things till Papa's duds are out of the way ... next thing, Walter wants to build a chicken house ... his own self ... What about the piano? ... I wish it could be sent ... Lenchen would enjoy it so much."

31 Aug 1922 - "... Walter looks like a candidate for the grave ... Lenchen though is doing nicely now ... Mrs. Vincent brought over a bottle of cough syrup, and made him (Walter) take it every time he coughed, and it did him good ..."

3 Sep 1922 - "... Well, honey boy, accept my best wishes for your coming birthday. God bless my darling boy ... that is my daily prayer ... even our little temporal worries and anxieties are in the hands of the Lord ... he will turn and twist everything to our best. Hasn't he dealt kindly with me? Who would have thought 8 years ago when I was worse off than the man without a country ... who could have thought of this great blessing the Lord had in store for me ... I am so happy ... sometimes I feel as if it's only a sweet dream. But it is a sure enough reality. He has brought us so far .. He will see us through ... and He will lift all those heavy stones that yet are weighing us down. I say he will lift them from us and cast them away. How and when? That's not my business ... This is such a pretty comfortable little place ... I cant see how it could be more convenient for our needs. The living room has a fireplace and built-in bookshelves ... just big enough for a family library ... and my darling kitchen! I can even have a rocking chair in it ... This is the first place since I'm in Tampa, that has sufficient light ... Papa will only be here a week yet. He still has a sore back, but I'm afraid he never would get over it here, he has too much time to think about it ... Lyddi writes that Ossorio is always spitting blood, but otherwise seems a little better again ..."

7 Sep 1922 - "... My thoughts travel back 28 years ago. I guess Lyddi remembers those times very plain yet, when (Papa) told the children to look under the cupboard ... he believed they would find a baby there ... yes, those times are past, and worry has taken the place of play and fun. But through it all we travel step after step to our real home. My, but won't we be happy when we land there ..."

10 Sep 1922 - "... how time flies. I can't realize that my helpless little babies are men and women now. God bless them all ... was thinking of you yesterday on your birthday ... No, don't think so hard of Lyddi ... I guess she suffers more than enough ... and don't you ever think that she does not love you any more ... some day everything will be straightened out again, and we will all be happy once more. I think Papa has attended to this last one too. Last year at this time I thought that I could not live through the agony that was poured over me ... but the Lord has soothed me ... and has opened Lenchen's eyes to her foolishness ... and He will set everything aright again. The time will soon come when we will all be happy again ... Martin did get the fever after all, but he is getting over it better than anyone else. Walter worked on the place this morning ... he was awful weak at first ... looked so ghostly ... saw him a few times lean against the house, but he kept on, and I believe he is feeling better already ... he needs outside exercise ... Whichever way I look at it I think this home is a Godsend ... it's going to be a blessing to us ... I think Papa will leave this week for NC .. he dreads the trip ... his back is still sore ... but I really think if he could get his thoughts off of his troubles, he would get over it quicker. Now he has absolutely nothing to do but to smoke and read and think about his back ..."

1 Oct 1922 - "... it's not grand and pretentious, but it's the darlingest home I ever saw. Now maybe other people might not think so, but to us it is ... it has such a peaceful homelike atmosphere, it seems every nook and corner in this little place breathes peace and rest. I know you are going to like it. I only wish our Allie boy could enjoy it with us ... Walter and I put in a little strawberry patch ... about 100 plants ... he says we might eat strawberries by Christmas ... Walter is picking up fine. He has such interest in the place and I can see that he is proud of our little home ... Went to church today for the first time since we live here ... Martin took me ..."

8 Oct 1922 - "... Now listen, I'm going to send you back these last two checks. I really don't need anything personally ... I certainly appreciate your affectionate gift, but I don't need a thing right now ... please don't send me anything for a while ... some good news about Martin ... he got a raise again ... $23 a week now ... he was told that he was giving satisfaction and to stay with them and he wouldn't be sorry for it. Walter says it's a good company to work for. Martin likes it fine ... likes the work and likes the people ... he comes home very early now .. even when he goes to see Bunny ... I've got everything just about the way I want it in the house ... now, I must put my attention to the outdoors ... tomorrow I am going to plant flowers ... the strawberries are not doing so well ... that scorching sun."

15 Oct 1922 - "Walter said he sent you some pictures of the house ... well, how do you like it? We sure get many compliments on it ... I'm glad people think that way, it is so encouraging for Walter, for I think he was aggravated to the utmost with the carpenters. Now, if he hears those compliments on his little place, it makes him feel more satisfied and makes him feel real proud ... I think it'll take almost a year before the yard will do full justice to our work, but in due time it's going to be a beautiful spot ..."

Fourth Batch of Augusta's Letters

2007-01-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

This is the house Augusta is talking about in this batch of letters - completed in 1922. It was the house in Tampa that I grew up in.

5 May 1922 - "... So you are in Asheville again ... well, hardly anything surprises me any more ... yes, I believe one thing would surprise me ... if Martin would get a job! ... Lenchen ... suffers terribly with rheumatism in her back ... The other day she came home at noon, almost frantic with pain ... She went to bed and I rubbed and rubbed ... finally she quieted down ... Emanuel College will close the 12th of May, then Papa is going to Theo's for a short visit first. Papa writes Theo was not so well. He had the flu and I suppose that still clings to him ... Nothing from Lyddi ... O, I love Florida ... yes, honey ... we would very much appreciate the vacuum cleaner ..."

2 Jun 1922 - "Just a line to let you know ... how much I appreciated your willingness to give us a little lift ... I feel a little ashamed to bother you now when you have your own debts to pay ... well, thank you very much ... I hope Walter will soon be able to pay you back ... Papa too will help some, but can't before July ... I hope in the new home I will get a place where I can draw back and write at my own convenient time ... it is now midnight before I have a chance to be alone ..."
30 Jun 1922 - "... Lenchen is surely delighted with her new dress ... We all thank you so much for the vacuum cleaner too ... They haven't really started on the house ... just hauling materials now ... I think its going to be a very comfortable little place ... 5 rooms and a sleeping porch ... a closet in each bedroom, and on the sleeping porch ... built-in book cases ... built-in buffet in the dining room ... a linen closet in the bathroom ... and a nice long pantry in the kitchen ... a garage to store things at first till we find places for everything. The house will cost about $3,700 ... extra for piping it for gas and water, laying the sidewalks, etc. It's contracted to be ready to move in by August 15th ... Nobody can realize what that little bungalow means to me ... the future looks cheerful ... now if only Walter stays well ... in 4 or 5 years it will be paid off ... I look forward to the good water out there ... this city water is terrible ... we pay 10 cents per gallon for drinking water, but can't afford to cook in that ... What about the piano? It ought not arrive before the house is finished ... about 6 weeks ... use your own judgment, but don't send it too early ..."

12 Jul 1922 - "... Well, the house is making very good progress ... Tomorrow they will begin the plastering ... Walter thinks there is a real possibility the house will be ready by August 5th ... I think Walter has as good a location as there is in Seminole ... We went out to look at it Sunday ... the whole surrounding makes a good impression on you, and I'm sure that when the house is finished, it's going to be the dearest spot on the globe for me ... Lenchen had a real bad attack of backache again yesterday ... it's so fierce, it reminds me of the agony I used to go through ... She went swimming Sunday and I'm afraid she caught cold ... this afternoon she trotted off to work again, looking more dead than alive ... many people here are down with the dingus fever, a tropical fever much like yellow fever ... Walter came home feeling awful bad this evening ... probably the fever ... Martin is nursing a boil again ..."

20 Jul 1922 - "... The house is getting along just fine ... we are having a rainy season just now and that's slowing progress a bit ... Martin got a $1 a week raise and seems to be getting along fine ..."

11 Aug 1922 - "... I'm a little shakey ... just got over the dingus fever ... Papa is in bed with it now ... it just makes one awful weak ... If everything goes well we will move a week from tomorrow ... this time it is going to be a happy move ... Martin took me to the shoe store ... I got some real comfortable shoes ... he paid $8 for them. His girl was at Tallahassee to summer school ... came back last night. Martin was a changed boy while she was gone. Somehow, I don't like that girl, but he thinks ..."

Aug 1922 - "... I thank you so much for your willingness to help beautify the place ... yes, I am happy ... I think we all are ... I think this home will bring us all nearer together ... and I think it is just the thing for Walter's health ... he has something to interest him ... and he is getting some exercise ... Lenchen too likes it out here ... Papa left Friday noon for NC ... Seminole is the best spot in Tampa ... more and more people are coming here ... we have the corner lot and always have a breeze ..."

22 Aug 1922 - "... O, Allie, I can't tell you how glad I am that it's finished. I fear the strain was too much for Walter in his condition. Everybody is sick at his place, and it seems as if he shoulders most of the responsibility. And just now they are doing a rushing business and only he and the boss in the office. Of course, a few girls, but they don't amount to much ... At Martin's place there are only 3 left out of 15 that don't have the fever ... but it seems he gets along ... Thinking of my Allie boy ... my pal ... yes, you were my pal from the time you drew your first breath ... when you were a tiny wee baby ... I sat for hours at the cradle ... after my morning work was done ... Yes, I know that a mother's love, a mother's wish, goes a long way with her child ... at last all obstacles in the road will be removed and a mother's wish concerning her child will conquer, I did hear from Lyddi last week ... she keeps her trunk packed ..."

Third Batch of Augusta's Letters

2007-01-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

This is my grandmother and me in early 1935 just a couple months before she died.

20 Nov 1921 - "Walter asked me to write and ask you if there was a possibility for you to get that thousand for him right away. If so, he would begin to build at once. I hate to worry you, but conditions are deplorable here. Two weeks from yesterday will be moving day, and where? Walter says that if he was sure he could build, he would try to persuade the landlady to let us stay here for two more months, and he would offer her $75 .. so far he paid only $60. He thinks in two months the house would be ready to move in ..."

29 Nov 1921 - "I'm awful sorry we put you to all that trouble ... Maybe its just as good that way. The children found a place today for $60 ... our next address will be 308 E. Ross Ave. (Tampa). Lenchen says its a right nice place ... 6 rooms and a sleeping porch. I hope we can stay there until we move into our own ... Everybody advises against building at this time ... they say that everything is too high and will surely come down before long. They say things are going to take a tumble perhaps in the next 6 months ... I don't want Walter to do anything foolish ... we'll wait now and see. Perhaps by then he can get the thousand. He did manage to sell his lot for cash, but only for what he paid for it. Business is very bad here, no work ... Martin is still working, but he thinks only till Christmas ... You don't ever mention Strawberry Hill conditions. How is everything? Getting more patients? Did Dr. Stevens cause any trouble for you? No outlook at all to shake the place? Poor Boy! ... Heard from Lyddi last week, just a few lines ... says she's up and about again, but always has so much headache ... had a nice Thanksgiving ... after dinner Walter and I went to Seminole. It's just grand out there. Papa spent Thanksgiving at Theodore's."

Dec 1921 - "... I can't do much baking, I've been working, working, working ever since we moved in ... Papa writes that he will be here next Sunday ... We all join in wishing you a Merry Christmas ..."

28 Dec 1921 - "... a thousand thanks for the gifts ... I see from Walter's letter that your place is for sale again. I do hope that you rid yourself of it very soon ... Sometimes the clouds seem awful dark over our heads ... I know one ought to look beyond the clouds, but I guess I'm just too nearsighted and weak. I would like to see you all prosperous and happy ... it's a very carnal wish and the Lord knows best ... Charlotte writes they had a big blizzard in Logansport ... she hates to think of going back ... Papa will leave for Greensboro next Sunday ... We had a Christmas cable from Lyddi. That's all ... don't know a thing about her ... I'm afraid she's sick ..."

8 Jan 1922 - "I'm waiting so anxiously about your affair. I surely hope you can sell. Yes, I heard from Lyddi. I'd send you the letter but Papa was so anxious to hear from her, I sent him the letter. Not good news ... she seems to be all in, poor child ... Ossorio had hemorrhaged all day Christmas day and is in a very weak condition ... the doctor says its only a question of time ... and the old mother too is so childish and nervous ... business conditions there are getting worse and worse. They are expecting the final crash very soon. She is putting her feelers out about some occupation in Tampa. I believe she is tired of Cuba. Please forget your grievance with her and write the poor girl a few words ... don't be hard with her ... if you can't bridge over those troubles and ease her burdens on that line, then honey, cut me out too ... forget your mama as you do her ... I get so discouraged ... my ideas of right and wrong are sneered at ... I'm told again and again that I am 50 years behind times ... Lenchen's case too is still alive ... I tried to dream it away, foolish woman that I am ..."

9 Feb 1922 - "God bless my Allie boy. O, I do hope and pray that your life now will be running a little smoother once more. Bergs weren't cut out for business anyway ... please tell me what you did with the piano ... but if it's gone, we have to make the best of it ... I haven't heard any more from Lyddi. ... just stop and think ... wouldn't you be just as ashamed of your sister if she would leave a dying husband as you would be of your mother if I would doll up to make Hartman green? Lyddi did a foolish thing when she married him, but one foolishness must not beget another, one worse than the first. Lyddi is now doing the right thing and the Lord will see her out ... you don't mean from the bottom of your heart what you say ... you are all young and don't look at things as older people do. The Lord has a purpose in all his dealing with us poor sinners ... You were lucky to get a position so quick. In a business college you never have any vacation do you? I wonder if Mrs. Ruth still lives in Raleigh."

27 Feb 1922 - "Now, I want to tell you a little from Lyddi's letter ... She still has Katie ... is raising chickens and pigeons ... and also has a little pig ... she is doing all her own work, as the niggers carried away everything they could get their hands on ... She is feeling good tho ... if only the mosquitoes wouldn't be so bad ... Walter's thinking .. he might put up a small building on the back lot, facing the other street ... for 15 or 18 hundred and it would serve us very well. Later on, if he can afford it he can put up a better building ... it wouldn't throw him in such deep debt ... some of the best trees will have to come down ... are things getting any cheaper? Lenchen is about to lose her position too ... so little doing at the shipyards now ... positions are very scarce ... much unemployment ..."

8 Mar 1922 - "No, honey ... I can't make the trip to NC now ... money is too valuable and scarce ... Martin is out of work since Christmas, and Lenchen's work at the shipyards is at an end too. She has accepted ... a position as a stenographer in a law office. ... a position that one of her friends vacated ... Martin got $20 a week at the packing house, and he worked from early in the morning until 2 or 3 at night. He got to looking mighty bad, but he would have stuck with it, but they cut him down to $18 and he quit. Salaries are dwindling down to almost nothing ... and prices seem to be still holding their own. Lenchen too will be working for much less ... conditions are deplorable all over ... everything is getting ripe for the day when the Lord will throw his thunderbolt on this Babylonian confusion of capital and labor. I hate capital for it spells selfishness in the most cases, and I hate that arrogant new ... labor too. Selfishness is ruling both. I am so glad you got a position as quick as you did. Hold on to it, even if things are unpleasant at times ..."

29 Mar 1922 - "... I wonder if every mother is condemned to suffer that anguish I have been suffering from time immemorial! And the worst of it is, it benefits nobody, neither myself nor those I worry about ... but, I can't help it ... Martin has no job yet ... he is nursing one boil after another ... Lenchen gets along alright, but she has to work pretty hard ... never comes home before 8 o'clock ... Papa writes he did not get to go to Theo's after all ... don't know why ... not a line from Lydia. Yes, today is Lenchen's birthday ... Walter comes home a little earlier now, so we eat a little after 7 ... waiting is my occupation ... but I ought to be ashamed to even mention that. I ought to be thankful they have work, and I am ..."

Second Batch of Augusta's Letters

2007-01-18T05:23:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more of Augusta's letters to her son Albert:

17 Sep 1921 - "Darling, what can I do for you to help you out of that trance. It's not your true self. I'll not sleep unless you and your poor sister are reconciled and the same good pals as before. You must never forsake your sister ..."

10 Oct 1921 - "... just received your letter ... is that going to mean new trouble to you? What would it mean if you would lock up the place? Would you lose furniture and all? Our new place is real attractive, porches all around it. We moved Tuesday ... I never see the boys from early morning to late at night, so you may have to wait till they get time ... It is so pleasant to sit on the porches at night ... there is plenty of porch, even if Lenchen and her shrimp occupy one to themselves. O, if I could only release Lenchen of her nightmare. How can she love a shrimp like that!"

15 Oct 1921 - "... O, if I think back of my life full of disappointments, grief and sorrow from all corners ... Walter always leaves here to get to work by 7 and its most always after 7, nearly 8, when he gets home ... and Martin surely gets a taste of work now too! He leaves here before 8 and gets home close to midnight. Saturday night it was 2 o'clock ... he didn't even come home for lunch ... just lives on sandwiches all day long ... no shenanigans with him any more ... Do you remember how Theo, when he worked for Armour, had to work many nights till midnight ... and Lenchen, well she never finds time for anything any more, but what she wills herself. She found plenty of time to carry a dozen plates to the Woman's Club, but she can't to save her soul find time to bring them home."

22 Oct 1921 - "Now about that dress ... I wish you wouldn't spend so much for me ... I really don't need them ... all the same I thank you very, very much. So tomorrow you'll be the organist ... suppose you'll have to do some practicing up. Had a letter from Lyddi ... she is well and seems to like it there (Cuba) ... well, it looks like we must move again. This place was sold a few days ago ... We are surely up against it now ... Poor Walter, he just worries something awful ... if only we had a little money, he could build. Walter was so discouraged the other day. He is not well, has a terrible cold, gets such awful pain in his eyes sometimes, that he has to dope himself with aspirin all the time. He gets no rest, even on Sunday any more ... Yes, and Martin too, thinks he'll be laid off next week. They told him it was very uncertain whether they could keep him on or not ... Martin never comes home before midnight ... trouble, trouble, trouble ... but the Lord will see us out ..."

30 Oct 1921 - "... that was some storm ... I never want to see a worse one. At times I thought the house would go ... it rocked back and forth. The storm howled and screeched as if Satan took his imps out ... Grand Central and Beach Place were under water ... the shipyards were all under water, and many homes ruined, one house was torn away, and not a piece of clothing left ... I don't think there was a roof in Tampa that withstood this rain. Our place leaked too, but it could have been worse ... Walter says that all the oranges on his lot in Seminole are on the ground. I didn't expect anything else ... Martin is working yet, but he don't know how much longer ... there are only two now, the head man and he ... had to work all day today (Sunday) ... won't get to see Bunny today ... once in a while he grumbles, but otherwise takes it pretty calm ..."

14 Nov 1921 - "... and how is the outlook at the sanatarium? How many patients have you? Nothing good to report? I'm almost afraid to ask ... well, we have to move sure enough. Walter got our walking papers. We are to vacate this place by the first of December ... now all the worry and expense over again. O, how grand it would be if we wouldn't have to move any more. I am looking forward to that so anxiously. No one has the least idea where we are going ... haven't heard a word from Lyddi for weeks. Don't know what to make of it ... Lenchen got your letter."

Excerpts From Augusta's Letters

2007-01-16T06:13:00.000-08:00

Augusta ................................................................................................................................................................Albert

I'll be posting these letters, a few at a time. The letters were written by my grandmother Augusta to her son (my uncle) Albert who saved them. She wrote from Tampa, Florida. He was in Asheville, North Carolina to begin with.

Sep 1920 - To Albert in Asheville, NC - "Last Sunday night I saw a queer sight. I had just retired when suddenly the sleeping porch was all lit up. Looking out I saw a fiery ball about the size of a child's head with a long fiery snake attached to it moving westward in the sky. Walter saw the light on the porch too, but he thought it was lightning. It may have been a meteor, but I did not see it fall. I saw it move westward. I don't think the whole excitement lasted longer than half a minute."

Sep 1920 - "I have a very easy life here in Florida. This place is so easy to take care of. I never have to exert myself, since washing and ironing is done. And my kitchen isn't hot at all, I can bake and hardly feel there is a fire in the oven. Never did I dream I'd ever have a stove like that. It's certainly a treasure. Do you remember how hot our kitchen in Beardstown used to be when the oven was going? And just think __ our gas bill last month was only one dollar ... and all you have to do when you want hot water is turn on the faucet."

4 Sep 1920 - "It is still very hot here. Suppose Asheville is getting cool already. Our house seems quite empty after the crowd we had last week. Martin went away this morning and Papa left to go to Asheville. But I'll soon have plenty to occupy my mind. In a few weeks we'll have to move again. The rent has been raised to $70 for the next year. I like this place, but it's not worth $70."

Family Stories - Augusta Wilhelmina Jox

2007-01-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

August Jox ca 1879

Augusta (Jox) Berg, my grandmother, was a beautiful girl in her youth, very warm, sensitive and affectionate. She was born in Kirchhayn, Wisconsin, but grew to maturity in Logansport, Indiana. She was always concerned, even doting about her family. She was happiest when the family was home and around her. She was very much a Christian, often quoting scripture and praying for God's protection for her children.

She spent most of her married life in Beardstown, Illinois where her husband Fred, my grandfather, was pastor of the St. John Lutheran Church. She loved the people of Beardstown, and they apparently loved her. Something happened in 1910 or 1911 that caused Fred to leave the pastorate and leave Beardstown. When Fred took the job of president of a Lutheran college in North Carolina, she dutifully went there with him, but she was never happy there. The prejudice that the family faced in Greensboro because the school was educating Negroes made her life miserable. Augusta never quite forgave Fred for leaving the town she loved.

When Fred lost the presidency of the college and the house that went along with it, Augusta left North Carolina to live with her children in Tampa, Florida. By then all of her children were grown. Fred went to Tampa whenever he could, but she never went back to North Carolina.

Augusta was fluent in both German and English although she never lost her German accent. She was a prolific letter writer in both languages. She left an unintended legacy in a box of letters that her son Albert saved. Those letters were full of love and affection, even while being critical of some situation. Her letters displayed a great awareness of the world around her. She disliked Franklin Roosevelt because "he tried to be God." She was critical of all politicians who got "fat off the public" while thousands of people were impoverished.

Augsuta was an excellent cook and gardener. She taught my mother how to cook the German way and gave her a host of German recipes. She was short, only 5'-0" in height, tending to stoutness in her later years. She had grey eyes and blonde hair which became dark brown. She died at the age of 76 after a series of light strokes that began in 1932.

I published excerpts from Augusta’s letters in the book Together They Came, but maybe it will be of interest to see those excerpts published again here in the coming days..

Family Stories - Mary Lydia Tabor

2007-01-15T05:37:00.000-08:00

This is Ann's mother - Mary Lydia Tabor Lewis - "Grandma Lewis" - my Mother-in-Law, and one of the most lovable, unforgetable persons I've ever known. I posted this on our website a few years ago, but wanted to get it in this group of stories now.

Mary Lydia Tabor overcame two huge obstacles in early life which tell much about her character and personality. Born in a backwoods cabin in the mountains of western North Carolina in 1891, she knew the hardship of the mountain people's struggle for survival. The southern Appalachians were then thirty to forty years behind the rest of the country in civilization's march of progress. At the turn of the century there were no paved roads in the Brush Creek community, no electricity or telephones, no plumbing, and limited schooling. Most young girls married young, had large families, had a weathered look at forty, and died not long after.

Mary Tabor decided she wanted more out of life than that, and she found a way to leave. It took more than a little courage and resolve to overcome that first obstacle, leaving mountain life and the only home she knew. She didn't really know what the outside world was like, and there must have been anxiety and maybe even fear when she boarded that horse and wagon for the long ride to Bryson City, then the train ride to Asheville and on south to coastal Georgia. She chose Georgia because an older brother had gone there to work for the railroad, and with him she had a place to live.

Mary's second obstacle was to enter the man's world of railroading. With determination she went to telegraphy school, learned the Morse code, and convinced the railroad authorities that she had the ability to manage a station, no small feat in 1912. She became Station Agent for the rail station in Patterson, Georgia, a position she held for over fifty years. She handled heavy freight, notified customers that their chickens (and other smelly goods) were in, sold tickets, ushered passengers on and off the coaches, caught the mail pouch off fast moving trains, kept the bills-of-lading straight, did the bookkeeping, hired and fired laborers, worked the telegraph key, and delivered messages on foot all around town. If not the first, she was one of the first women in history to be given such responsibility.

While in telegraphy school she met William Jesse Lewis. He became Station Agent at Offerman, the next station up the line from Patterson. They were married in 1911 and had a family of six children, and all the while she never failed in her duties at the depot. However important the job at the railroad was, it did not take precedence over her family though. She gave her children, two boys and four girls, a Christian background and a strong sense of family values. Her strength was tested again when her husband died in 1943, leaving her a widow with two daughters still at home, but she never faltered. She was always there when her children needed her. All but little Bill (who died in a tragic accident as a toddler) grew up to have happy, enduring marriages of their own.

Although Mary set out early in life to leave the hardship of life in the mountains, she never lost her love for mountain beauty, and she never missed an opportunity to go back on vacation. She and her husband built a summer cabin near her old home in 1934, and the family has enjoyed vacation times there ever since. Mary loved to climb. Even at the age of 80 she could outclimb the rest of the family. I remember one day during a family reunion at the cabin when she had her sons-in-law panting on a climb up the "Pinnacle," a long steep incline through the woods. Her mountain climbing philosophy was much like her philosophy of life. "Set your eyes on a goal, then just lean forward and bend your knees."

Mary Tabor Lewis was important to me not only because of the admirable examples she set, but because she brought my wife into the world. Ann was Mary's youngest daughter. Mary died in 1987 at the age of 95. She's no longer with us in person, but her spirit remains as a guiding light to all who knew her. She was anything but the stereotypical "mother-in-law." It's hard to believe that in 2007 she would have been 116 years old.

Family Stories - Jacob Henry Croft

2007-01-12T05:37:00.000-08:00

I skipped a generation with the last posting, but I just had more stuff on John Henry than I did his son Jacob Henry Croft. But here's Jacob....

Just 14 years old when his father died, Jacob Henry Croft had to face life early. This was my great great grandfather. Born in Barnwell County, South Carolina in 1804, he became a farmer, though never very successful. A check of the courthouse records in Barnwell revealed three lawsuits against him for failure to pay his debts. In the last suit he lost his 50 acre farm.

Jacob married Abigail Hunter in 1826, and by 1837 they had six children. That was when he gave up on South Carolina and moved to south Georgia looking for a new start. Abigail’s elderly parents accompanied them on the trip. Nine more children were born in Georgia. With fifteen mouths to feed, they were a poor family.

Abigail’s parents - William and Catherine Hunter - died on the same day in 1857. He was 107 years old. Relieved of that responsibility, Jacob moved his family down to Florida - New River County - where he lived until his death in 1869 at the age of 65. He and Abigail are buried in the cemetery adjoining the Mt. Zion Baptist Church about ten miles west of Lake Butler, Florida.

Family Stories - John Henry Croft

2007-01-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

This is a story about my triple great grandfather - John Henry Croft, the father of Jacob Henry Croft, and the grandfather of Charles William Croft. John Henry Croft was born JOANNES HENRICUS CROEFF in a small village in Prussia - Katholisch, Wittlich, Rheinland - now the province of Saxony in Germany. Because of the difficulty in pronunciation, the surname has been spelled many different ways: Kraaft, Kraaff, Kraft, Kroff, Kraff, Craft, Croff, Crofft, Graaf, Groff, Grafft, Grofft, Graff, Grauf - eventually becoming anglicized to Croft.

Since the surname Croft, with mostly English roots, is common in South Carolina, it was thought for years that our ancestor came from England. I even visited a Croft Castle in England thinking that maybe our roots were there, but there was never any connection to be found. Then, I started hearing about a Deutsch or German background. Yet, because of all those variants in spelling, there has been much uncertainty about the true identity of the father of Jacob Henry Croft. It is only the diligence of researcher Terri Spencer, a nurse in California, that has now convincingly "pierced the veil" and uncovered the following story.

In the mid-eighteenth century settlers in coastal South Carolina - principally Charleston - felt threatened by the native American Indians to the west. As a move to counter this, they made overtures to people in Germany to come to South Carolina. Large parcels of free land to the west of Charleston were promised to these Germans to form a buffer between the Charlestonians and the Indians. And so they came - in significant numbers. They were Lutherans, harassed and persecuted back home because of their Protestantism.

In October of 1751 a sailing vessel by the name of Anne landed in Charleston with 95 passengers - German immigrants - all of which immediately petitioned for the promised free land. Among those passengers were: Christian Crofft, his wife, and three children, Johannas Crofft, Elizabeth Crofft, and Cathrina Crofft. Johannas was 13 years old. Also among the passengers was John Jacob Heyer, his wife and four children. The Hiers family and the Croft family have been closely tied down through the years with several intermarriages. This is all recorded in a book entitled The Hiers Family Genealogy.

Johannas settled with his family on their new land, now Edgefield County, South Carolina, and became a shoemaker and eventually a Lutheran minister. Little is known about his parents other than that his father petitioned for his share of that free land. I have a copy of the court order granting Christian Crofft 250 acres of land between the Savannah and the Santee Rivers. The document is dated January 8th, 1752, but is very difficult to read. Johannes apparently inherited this land on his father’s death. There are several deeds in existence (with the many variants of name spelling) where he bought and sold land in Edgefield and Barnwell Counties. Other researchers have determined that his mother’s maiden name was Anna Margaretha Mattstadt.

All of the new immigrants to South Carolina were Lutherans, and they apparently had great difficulty getting ordained ministers to help them establish Lutheran churches. When a pastor died, it took years to find a replacement. So it was that at the age of 62, John Henry Graff was ordained. He was assigned to two churches near Barnwell, South Carolina: St. Bartholomew and St. Nicholas Lutheran Churches. He moved his family to property adjoining the St. Bartholomew church. He continued to support himself and the family by plying his shoemaker trade.

There were problems, however, in the churches. Johannes, or John, had never become comfortable with the English language. He insisted on preaching in German, and his sermons were long and tedious to the consternation of the congregation. Complaints reached the synod headquarters, and a Rev. Franklow was sent to Barnwell to find out what was going on. His lengthy report describes in detail the people’s complaints. They were so fed up with Rev. Graff’s ministry that they no longer considered him to be their pastor. Attendance at the churches had dropped to just a handful. There’s no indication that he ever preached again.

His Will, called a Last Deed and Testament, was dated January 15, 1819. It was recorded in probate court on March 1, 1819, indicating that his death occurred between those two dates at age 81. Another interesting thing about the Will is that the part apparently written by a lawyer spells his name out as John Henry Croft, yet the signature looks like John Henry Groof, maybe Graaf. He left his property to his wife during her lifetime, then to his heirs without naming them. The Will confirms that his property was adjacent to the St. Bartholomew church property.

All those variants in the spelling of the surname have confused the issue, but it is understandable. These were not upper class, educated people. Most were probably illiterate. So, when the name was written by Englishmen, they wrote what they heard in the guttural German tongue, and in time Johannes Heinrich Graff became John Henry Croft. All of his descendants have used the anglicized spelling.

I found many of the supporting documents for all of this on a visit to the courthouse in Barnwell, South Carolina several years ago, but it took the persistent research of Terri Spencer to tie it all together. My mother would have been shocked to learn of this German heritage. She was always proud to say that though she had married a German, she was Scotch-Irish. Her Scotch-Irish blood evidently came through the Drew side of the family.

Family Stories - John Stephen Drew

2007-01-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

John Stephen Drew with wife, Catherine and family

about 1890, after moving to Florida

Standing are daughter Laura and son Anon

The younger girl seated is a niece that they raised.

John Stephen Drew and Catherine about 1916

This is my maternal great grandfather, John Stephen Drew. He grew up near Barwick, Georgia in Brooks County. When the Civil War broke out, he was 15 years old, too young for a regular enlistment, but he insisted on going and was finally accepted in a reserve unit as their water boy. It was a tough four years. When he was 18, he joined the regular army, enlisting in Savannah, Georgia. In early 1865 he was captured near Fayetteville, North Carolina, but was released in a prisoner exchange the next day. A few months later the fighting was over, and he was discharged in Greensboro, North Carolina.

With no money, no horse, and no other means of getting home, John started walking, living on berries and whatever else he could find. Somewhere along the way he met up with his older brother Thomas' and they walked together the rest of the way home, arriving starved, ragged, and dirty. John had walked over 500 miles, most of the way barefooted. Their Mama was happy to see them, but made them bathe in a backyard washtub before letting them in the house and serving them fried chicken.

John helped his father on the farm until he was 26 years old. It was then that he married Catherine Strickland and began to farm on his own. By 1880, they had three children, Laura, Anon, and Madura Osceola. When Anon was born, there apparently was a degree of indecision about what to name him, so they settled on Anon - short for anonymous. Why they named the younger daughter Madura Osceola remains a mystery. Osceola was a Seminole Indian warrior.

In 1890 they decided to move to Florida. John had heard that with the Florida climate, a farmer could raise two, maybe three crops a year. They decided on Pasco County near Dade City where land was cheap. Roads were poor, and there were no bridges over the several rivers they had to cross. They had a horse and wagon, and a cow. The wagon held their belongings, but the family had to walk. They slept under the wagon each night of the three week trip. Osceola caught pneumonia and died shortly after they arrived in Dade City.

After building a house and planting their first crop, John made one trip back to Georgia to gather the rest of their belongings. He continued to farm until Laura and Anon were married and on their own. Then, applying for a pension for his army service, he retired to an apartment in Tampa where he lived until his death in 1919 at the age of 72.

Family Stories - Charles William Croft

2007-01-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

Charles is third from left - front row. My grandfather - Henry Bradham Croft with wife Laura are on far right - back row.

My great grandfather Croft - Charles William Croft - was a tough man, ready to fight when his word was challenged. He was born in South Carolina, moved as a child to south Georgia with his mother and father, then with his wife Mary Jane (McLeod) and small daughter, he followed his father down to north Florida in 1859. Florida was a wilderness then - the southern frontier. Indians were still roaming free. Roads were almost non-existent, and those that existed were just sandy trails. National politics was going crazy, and war talk was rampant. When the Civil War broke out, he had to leave his family - by then there were two small daughters and another baby on the way. He fought in the war for four years. When he finally got home in early 1865 he found his family starving and never went back. The war was winding down by then anyway.

Times were tough after the war. It was hard to make a living. No one had money. Charles hunted for meat and lived on what they could raise. All he knew was farming, but he worked hard and expected those around him to do the same. After his father died, he packed up the family - by then there were seven children - and moved further south to Pasco County.

In 1874 Charles hired a man by the name of Jim Smith to help gather his crops. He agreed to pay Smith $15 per month for a period of three months. After just a month, Smith quit, claiming Charles worked him too hard. Charles refused to pay him because he quite before the work was done. Smith filed a suit demanding $15 for his pay. Charles went to Brooksville and hired a lawyer - Charles Harrison - for $15 to defend the suit. It was Harrison's first case. The story of the trial appears in a book of Harrison's memories called Reminiscences, published in 1997. Harrison put on a successful defense and received $15 for his fee. Smith became furious at the outcome and began cursing the court, the judge, the lawyer, and Charles. A fight broke out in the courtroom. Charles and Smith went at it until Smith was subdued. Charles won the suit and the fight, and although he had to pay the $15 to the lawyer, he had stood up for what he considered right.

During the next twenty years, Charles acquired several large orange groves, built a packing house, and became a wealthy man, eventually fathering eleven children. He lost it all though in a hard freeze that wiped out his groves. That was 1895. He never replanted the orange trees, but chose to live out his days raising vegetables. He lived for another 23 years, dying at the age of 83.

In 1889, former Lt. Gov. Milton Mabry retired from politics and built a large home on a hill about 1/2 mile from the home of Charles Croft. He wrote of the economic effects of the 1895 freeze, mentioning in particular the plight of his neighbor. The mercantile house of Coleman & Ferguson extended credit to those hurt by the freeze. Charles Croft "drew heavy on them and continued to do so even after the freeze when all hopes for payment were gone..." They continued to honor him. "He would come in and pay a little and charge his account with much more. One day he was asked how he ever expected to get even and if he knew how much he owed. He replied that, yes, he knew. He owed them enough to be considered a partner." The debt was paid out of his estate - his land - after his death

Family Stories - Johannes Heinrich Jox

2007-01-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

My great grandfather Jox - Johannes Heinrich Jox - was born in Rothges, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany on December 18, 1831. His birth and christening are recorded in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wetterfeld, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. As he grew to maturity, he was expected to follow in his father's profession of weaving. However, his absorbing interest in books, mostly borrowed from the local minister, led him to rebel against his father's wishes. Instead of pursuing the trade of weaving he wanted to become a teacher.

In 1853 his pastor told him of the need in America for ministers to the growing number of German people here, especially those who had settled in the wilds of Wisconsin. He was 21 years old when he accepted that challenge. He arrived in New York on August 19, 1853 on the brig Hannover. That being a Sunday, the 94 passengers and cargo could not be unloaded until Monday, the 19th. He was listed on the passenger list as "H. Jox, age 21, male, a teacher, bound for Wisconsin."

He discovered upon arrival that the church would not accept him as a minister until he completed training at a seminary. To accomplish this, he agreed to go to the Lutheran Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana for the required training. After two years in Fort Wayne he was deemed qualified to be sent to the "spiritually starved" German people in Wisconsin and was assigned to the Maple Grove community in Manitowoc County where he was ordained by the St. Johns Lutheran Church there. That first assignment was not pleasant, and he soon became disgusted with the conditions under which he was forced to live. When his complaint reached the Lutheran authorities in Milwaukee, they suggested that he needed a wife, even picking the girl.

He married Augusta Marie Wille on March 30, 1856 in Milwaukee and immediately went back to Maple Grove. They moved into a small log cabin, but trying to deal with the hardships was still a bad situation. Indians were a constant threat. He was shot at on several occasions while riding around the area on horseback. Augusta had to carry water from a stream a half mile from the cabin. Getting the water became more intolerable when her first child was born and she had to carry the little girl with her for fear of the Indians stealing the baby. The couple endured all that misery for two years, then Henry insisted on a transfer. The little church in Maple Grove soon folded, and the building became a tavern. It was not long though before it burned to the ground and has never been reestablished.

It was in Kirchhayn, Wisconsin where the couple finally found some peace. In 1858, Henry became the pastor of the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kirchhayn and remained there for eight years. Kirchhayn is near the city Jackson, Wisconsin and remains an unincorporated village. After Henry left, a new stone church was built, and the old log church became a school. The church congregation continued for another 100 years before closing its doors due to lack of attendance. Both buildings have restored been and are now part of a museum of the area.

Three more children were born to the Joxes in Kirchhayn, including my grandmother, Augusta Wilhelmiene Katharina Jox. Henry's parents, Johannes and Elisabeth Jox, joined them from Germany in 1859 and remained with the family until their deaths. But, after 10 years of Wisconsin, Henry had had enough of the frontier. When an opening for a pastor arose in Logansport, Indiana, he was quick to answer the call. As the Civil War was approaching its end in 1865, Henry became the pastor of the St. James Lutheran Church in Logansport. He served there for 28 years until his death. In addition to serving St. James, he pastored several smaller churches in the area. He often told of meeting "scruffy looking" soldiers returning from the war as he rode his circuit.

Five more children were born in Logansport. He was very sentimental about his family. Although fond of his children, they were expected to live by very strict rules, never attending a theater, never playing cards, or doing anything that was frivolous or worldly. His income from the church was $30 per year plus the use of the parish house. People of the church supplemented this with gifts, often bringing sacks of corn or potatoes, meat, and other things. They always had a vegetable garden in the yard.

Henry's best friend in Logansport was the priest of the Catholic church. He died of carbunkles on the back of his neck in 1893 at the age of 62..

Family Stories - Carl Dietrich Siegfried Berg

2007-01-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

For the last 30 odd years I've been collecting information about our ancestors - mostly facts gleaned from census records, tombstones, church histories, probate records, deeds, and information published by other genealogists. Most of what can be found using those sources are dry facts like birth, marriage, and death dates, places of residence, etc. But, occasionally a human interest story comes to light that puts a little more reality into the life of the ancestor. I've posted a few stories about our ancestors before, but thought it might be interesting to try to get them all together.

I'll start with my great grandfather Berg since this was the search that got me started on this hobby of genealogy.

Carl Dietrich Siegfried Berg, at the age of 23, completed his three year tour of duty with the Prussian army in 1853. Prospects of a good life in Germany at the time were not good. Through no fault of his own, he bore the stigma of illegitimacy. He probably never knew who his father was, though one story has it that the father was a prince from a neighboring province, who was refused permission to marry out of his class. Or, it may have been a soldier from the occupying army of Napoleon. His mother married a local laborer when Carl was four years old, but it was not a happy situation.

Before joining the Prussian army, Carl had apprenticed at cabinet and furniture making, but there was no work to be had when he was discharged. I still have a chest of drawers that he made after coming to America. Oddly, he was listed as a shoemaker on the passenger list of the vessel he came to America on. Perhaps one reason he couldn't find work had to do with something his older brother (also illegitimate) had done.

Friedrich Wilhelm Christian Berg was four years older than Carl. How much of this is true is uncertain, but the story has survived 150 years with the Berg family still in Germany. Friedrich claimed to have discovered a rich coal mine near the village of Quetzen in northern Germany. He sold shares in the mine to the villagers, then pocketed the money and set sail for America, leaving the villagers holding the bag. It was all a hoax as there was no coal. He had planted the evidence of coal. Obviously, this scandal left a bad taste in the minds of those that were hurt. Nonetheless, Friedrich had enough money to pay for first class passage on a ship bound for America. He settled in Logansport, Indiana, found a job with the railroad yards, and apparently became a model citizen there.

With prospects so poor, Carl contacted his brother in America and made the decision to join him in Logansport. He packed his meager belongings and found his way to the port of Bremen where he boarded a sailing ship - the Wieland - bound for New York. He had with him his pipe, his discharge certificate, a few items of clothing - primarily his army uniform, and a few coins, barely enough to pay for passage on the steerage deck. It was a rough crossing. The Wieland encountered a hurricane 30 days out and reported seeing several ships floundering with their riggings blown apart.

Among the 192 passengers on the Wieland was a 27 year old young lady by the name of Tiene Charlotte Lizette Busse. Tiene was an attractive servant girl headed for New York to start a new life. She and Carl met, and during the 54 day ocean passage they fell in love. She traveled with Carl from New York to Logansport, Indiana where they were married. Unfortunately, Carl only lived for a little over two years after arriving in Logansport, but that was long enough for a child to be born - my grandfather, Friedrich Christian Berg. Carl took sick and died when his son was only seven months old.

Wish I had some pictures of Carl Berg, but I don't.

Thanksgiving 2006

2006-11-24T06:24:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving at Tim Creighton's new Bryson City residence. It was nice to be home again and amongst family. We've much to be thankful for in this season.

Our Day With Larry's Family

2006-11-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

This was an early Thanksgiving dinner at son Larry's home in Brandon, Florida. The children are our great grandchildren, Trinity and Cameron. The golden retrievers are Kacy and Kato.

Correction!

2006-11-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

I post this as a correction to the last paragraph of the January 21, 2006 posting where I described the death of my grandfather Croft. On a visit to my Aunt Lucille Croft who is nearing her 90th birthday she gave me what is likely a more accurate version of Grandfather Croft’s death. On that fateful day in December of 1924 a neighbor came to the Croft farmhouse to announce that one of Henry Croft’s cows had escaped. Henry rushed out and saddled the first horse he could find to go look for the cow. It was not his favorite horse, but one normally used to pull wagons and not used to the saddle. They found the cow, but while herding it back the horse reared, threw Henry off and fell on top of him. When the horse returned home without its rider, Drew went looking for his father. Finding him severely injured he ran back to get their car and returned to lift his father into the car. They took him to town to the doctor, but his neck was broken and nothing could be done to save him. Some of this has to be speculation because no one knew for sure what caused the accident. Was the horse spooked by a snake? Did the cow veer away and the unpracticed horse react in a way that caused the accident? Did the horse run under a low tree limb and brush off his rider? Did the saddle come loose? Since there were no witnesses we’ll never know those details.

This was the last known picture of Henry and Laura Croft with son Wade, made shortly before Henry's death in 1924.

In Brandon

2006-11-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

We're in Brandon after the caravan for a visit with Larry and family. Here's a couple of pictures of Larry and his golden retriever puppy as they both go to Puppy School. Kacy is a she - 6 months old.

Heritage Quest in Greenville

2006-10-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

With a free day from caravan activities, we drove 20 miles to Greenville, NC to the campus of Eastern Carolina University (ECU)to see if any more could be learned about Jesse Lewis, Ann's great-great grandfather. Finding the library on the huge campus was a bit daunting, but we found it and found the librarian to be very helpful. It appears that Jesse's father was Willis Lewis. Can't prove it for certain, but he is the only Lewis in the county at the right time and the right age to be the father.

We found Willis' application for financial assistance from the federal government for his service in the Revolutionary War. He served for nine months as a private in the regiment cammanded by Colonel Shepard of the NC line. He was drafted on the 20th of July, 1778 and was discharged on the 20th of April 1779. He was paid a total of 24 pounds, 12 shillings, and 5 pence. He was awarded a pension in 1820 of eight dollars per month, retroactive to 1818. He was 71 years old in 1820. His wife Mary Ann was 51 years old. They had two sons at home, Frederick (18) and William (16). Frederick had a broken arm and was unable to perform hard labor. William had "tolerable" health.

The application lists his meager belongings and states that he was a farmer without land of his own to cultivate. The application doesn't mention any older children who may have already left home by 1820.

One might speculate about why this application for financial assistance seems to have coincided with the departure of Jesse.

It would appear that Jesse and his young family left Pitt County on some sort of boat, perhaps drifting or paddling downstream on the Tar River, then taking a sailing vessel from Washington, NC on down the coast to Georgia.

Caravan Report

2006-10-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

Since it is not easy to find time and place while on the caravan to post to this blog, I will be posting only to our website. Log to the website, then click on the link to Southeast Coast Caravan:

www.walterberg.homestead.com

Visit in Mechanicsville, Virginia

2006-10-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

Left the Meherrin farm about 9:00am, arriving in Mechanicsville two hours later. The Schumakers had lunch arranged in the Covenant Woods private dining room. Present were Cathy and Tim Tyler, Fred and Sara Creighton, Dave and Mary Love Schumaker, and us.

After the visit we drove to Norfolk and across the Chesapeake Bay bridge and tunnel complex to camp at the northern end.

A Day On The Farm

2006-10-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Following Jordan around while she's feeding the animals is an experience. Here's a few pictures.

This is Sweet Pea, the newest Alpaca.

Here's all the Alpaca girls.

These are this year's crop of Nubians.

The Boer goats, all due to give birth any day.

John's new deer stand.

A visit with Parker - our year-old great grandson.

The Rally's Over

2006-09-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

We left the rally on Friday morning before daylight. They had scheduled a cleanout by the "honey" wagon for that morning, so we wanted out before they came and blocked up the driveways. Rains on Thursday created a good bit of mud, so I held my breath while easing out through it. No problems though. We thoroughly enjoyed the rally and seeing old friends.

The Sugarcreek rally is the best bargain in WBCCI without doubt. For $126 per couple, we were entitled to nine nights of parking, five nights of great entertainment and door prizes, six or seven tours a day for three days, ice cream, popcorn, beans, and a buggy ride on Thursday, with transportation to and from the Swiss Festival in downtown Sugarcreek on Friday and Saturday and a lot of good fellowship - all in the beautiful, rolling, Amish countryside for environment. For a little extra cost there were optional dinners scheduled three evenings in an Amish home, a golf tournament, and baked goods, and apple sauce cooked on site. Even though the golf tournament was rained out, the week was wonderful.

As I write this we are at son John's animal farm in Meherrin, Virginia - Alpacas everywhere.

Thursday In The Park

2006-09-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

With all the tours over, all the planned activities were inside the park this day. An Amish family came to make "putt-putt" ice cream; another Amish family came to make apple butter; an Amish couple came to give buggy rides around the park; our hosts popped popcorn and cooked beans and ham in seven large black iron pots. The latter is always the highlight of Thursday at the rally. All that happened despite the fact that it rained most of the day. That's a usual occurrence at Sugarcreek for at least one or two days.

The ice cream was made with an old, but rebuilt John Deere single cylinder engine connected with belts to two 20 quarter churns. Everyone got a huge dish to enjoy. The apple butter was cooked over a wood fire in a big iron pot, then ladled into pint jars to sell at $3.50 per pint. Buggy rides were free to anyone who wanted to ride. The popcorn and beans were provided by our hosts, the Land-of-Lakes unit of WBCCI as part of the rally fee. So many beans were left over that they begged over the PA system for everyone to come back for seconds. We filled a 2-quart dutch over twice for future use. It was all good.

Wednesday's tours

2006-09-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

On this day we visited stables where horses were brought to auction, a commercial printing plant, a harness and boot store, a country store in the boonies, a ice cream freezer plant, a buggy wheel works, and a clock builder. It's amazing how these cottage industries among the Amish prosper.

Most of the shops were located on the family farm, often miles off the beaten path. The printer had modern computerized equipment in a brand new building. The wheel works was in an old barn using machines that dated bact to the mid-1800s. The ice cream freezer shop made motorized churns that used old, refurbished John Deere engines. The largest one sold for over $7,500.00. The clock maker's shop was as clean and neat as a shop could be, and though he had no electricity, the windows brought in enough light to make the room very bright. All his equipment ran on either air or hydraulic motors with an exhaust system in the floor that vacuumed out most of the dust. He crafted the cabinets of all his clocks from scratch, using oak, cherry, and walnut wood mostly.

Just realized that the Warther Museum has a web site. To get a little better taste of that amazing place you can see more of it at http://www.warthers.com/

Tuesday's Tours

2006-09-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday’s tour the highlight was the Warther Museum. Words just can’t describe this place with any degree of accuracy. It’s just a phenomenal display of one man’s carvings. Here’s a picture of his carving of the Lincoln funeral train, done in ebony and ivory.

This is a picture of a single steam engine with over 9,000 parts, again done in ebony and ivory.

This is just one view of the beautiful hills around Sugarcreek.

This is but one of some 30 beautiful showhorses being housed and groomed for showing at the Jacobs Showhorse Stables.

These quarterhorses are owned by others who pay big money to have their horses cared for during their show career. Inside the stables the controls are highly complex. Temperature is maintained at a constant 72 degrees. The stalls are cleaned twice a day. The horses are exercised in a controlled fashion once a day. They’re fed twice a day in measured amounts. Even the length of time the lights are one is controlled. When showtime comes, they’re taken aboard an elaborate trailer to the show site and judged for conformation much like the dog shows that are more publicized.

We also visited another cheese factory, a furniture store, and a radio and TV museum, but only caught a picture of the cheese factory.

Tours Around the Amish Community

2006-09-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

The first three days of the rally are devoted to tours around the Amish countryside. On Monday we visited an Amish school – Pleasant Valley School – a cheese factory, a milk can factory, a woodcraft plant, a flour mill, and a leather shop. The school was the highlight of the day. These Amish children are a delight – clean, innocent, beautiful, intelligent, and very well behaved. There were 27 students in eight grades – actually seven grades because there was no one in the eighth grade. The teachers introduced the boys and girls (lots of Yoders, Millers, Troyers and Stutzmans). And we each introduced ourselves to them. Then they sang a song for us about Jesus before starting their work. It was obvious that every child was serious about learning. This was a new school – open only three years. The one large room was divided by a curtain – the older children on one side, the younger on the other. Each grade (5 or 6 kids) would go in turn up to a table in the front where the teacher led them through an arithmetic drill. Then they returned to their desks to work in a workbook on their own. The teachers were young girls, maybe 16 to 19 years old. There were about fifty of us Airstreamers, so we were divided into two groups. While one group was with the students, the other was downstairs asking questions of an older Amish couple about the school and about their faith.

The Amish don’t allow pictures, so the picture here is of the cheese factory we visited. A table full of gourds, squash, and pumpkins was for sale out front.

Sugarcreek, Ohio (written Sat. - Sept. 23rd)

2006-09-25T04:52:00.001-07:00

We are now in Sugarcreek, Ohio at Winklepleck Park, the site of the Swiss Festival Airstream rally – the most popular rally within WBCCI. Sugarcreek is on the edge of Holmes County, the home of the largest Amish community in the world. It’s a beautiful area with rolling hills, open farmland, lots of horsedrawn buggies - and lots of tourists.

The picture shows where we are parked at the rally site. We have the motorhome on the left. The trailer and red pickup on the right belong to Fred and Sara Creighton. We met with the Creightons in Fort Chiswell, Virginia and traveled together to Sugarcreek, arriving late Friday afternoon.

After registering for the rally on Saturday, we drove over to the little village of Charm where we first shopped the Keim Lumber Company, then ate lunch at Grandma’s Homestead Restaurant. Kemi Lumber is a first class hardware store with as complete a storeroom as can be imagined. The Homestead Restaurant features Amish cooking – excellent food. After lunch we visited an Amish leather shop and bought some belts.

Back at the rally site, the evening’s entertainment featured a three man musical comedy routine. A singer-guitarist, a banjo player, and an accordion player entertained for an hour. It was a good routine.

On The Road Again

2006-09-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

On the road again. Not sure when the next time will be that we get to a WiFi hotspot and can do a posting, but stay tuned. Will try to stay as current as possible as to our whereabouts. Our first stop on Friday (tomorrow) will be at a campground in Fort Chiswell, Virginia where we will meet Fred and Sara Creighton before going into the rally site at Sugarcreek, Ohio. Sugarcreek is on the edge of the largest Amish community in the U.S. - Holmes County. We'll be there about a week. Our cell phone number is (706)781-7798 if needed.

The Morning Sun

2006-09-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

A little sun, a little mist - and voila! - a touch of the Master Painter's handiwork on this quiet and peaceful mid-September morning. Picture made from our front porch.

Bathroom Remodeling Project

2006-09-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

This was Ann's project from start to finish - new ceramic tile floor, new paint and hydrangea figured wallpaper, new hi-boy, fast flush commode with a self-closing seat, and new vinyl base mouldings. My only contribution was the base moulding. Of course, it was all done with the able help of Don Woodruff.

The one problem encountered at the outset was when taking out the old commode, we discovered that at some point in the past there had been a leak. The subfloor was rotten all around, but it was dry now. So, that all had to be replaced before proceeding.

Here's some pictures. None show it fully. Too small a room for a good shot.

Wood Turning

2006-08-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

With a little time to enjoy my tools, I cranked up the mini-lathe and turned a few bowls. The one in the foreground is from a piece of maple I brought home from the John Campbell Folk School four years ago. It was in a plastic bag for most of that time and had become spalted - a fact I didn't realize until starting to work it. The second is from a piece of apple wood from Ease's yard in Marietta. The third is from a piece of dogwood from a dead tree I took down three years ago over at Rocky Hollow - hard as a rock. The fourth is in process from a piece of purpleheart a friend gave me in Brandon about 20 years ago - well aged. I've hauled this wood around long enough. Figured it about time to do something with it. These will all probably go into the church auction come Christmas time.

Remodeling Project

2006-08-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a before and after shot of my office ("hidey hole") I've just been working on. Built a new desk and re-arranged things a bit. Replaced old carpeting with vinyl - makes rolling the chair around much easier. Replaced the old computer monitor with a new flat panel. Have some writing surface now and 7 drawers on ball-bearing slides. In the corner pedestal, there's a spot for the computer with access to the wiring on the back without having to pull it out. And, all my video editing stuff is handy.

Before:

After:

Pitt County, North Carolina

2006-08-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

Finding Jesse Lewis in the 1830 Census of Pitt County, North Carolina, it now appears that a trip to Greenville, North Carolina is going to be necessary to discover anything else, if indeed there is anything out there to be learned. The Internet is a wonderful tool, and it's nice to sit in the comforts of home to learn things from it, but if nobody else has posted anything of value, hands-on research becomes the only way. So, a visit to the Rodman Library at Eastern Carolina University seems to be the next step. Meanwhile, here's a little history of Pitt County.

Greenville is the county seat of Pitt County, having been so designated in 1760 when Pitt was carved out of Beaufort County. Two of the five Pitt County courthouses burned, destroying most of the county records each time. The first fire was during the night of January 7, 1858 - the second on February 24, 1910. This, no doubt, accounts for the scarcity of information about the early settlers.

Greenville is located on the Tar River which flows southeasterly into Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. It's easy to speculate that the young Jesse Lewis family, along with their Highsmith neighbors, boarded a boat at Greenville and proceeded about 12 miles to the Pamlico River, then entered Pamlico Sound where they headed south along the coast to Darien, Georgia. At Darien, they could have followed the Altamaha River inland to where they all settled in Wayne County, now Brantley. The water route would have been far easier than a trip overland in the 1830s.

A visit to Greenville may have some interesting sidelight adventure opportunities.

JESSE LEWIS

2006-07-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

The new information on the Lequires has rekindled my interest in family history enough to make another stab at locating Jesse Lewis (1790 - 1849). We learned several months ago that his wife Millie was the daughter of Charles Rollings of Pitt County, North Carolina. So, it seemed logical to think that maybe Jesse Lewis also came from Pitt County, but I never could find a connection - 'til now!

The 1820 Federal census of Pitt County has recently been transcribed and posted to the Internet by a local researcher. The county was divided into districts. As I worked my way down the list to Carney's District, there at the bottom - the last entry in the district - was our Jesse Lewis.

So, we know now that he came from Pitt County along with several families of Highsmiths, also on the census. And, we know that the move to Georgia came after 1820. Unfortunately, that census only named the head of the household, counting others in the household as just numbers in each age group. Jesse was listed as being between 26 and 45 years old. His wife was under 26, and there was 1 male child under 10, and 3 female children under 10. All that fits with what we know of the family after they reached Georgia.

Also in that census was a Willis Lewis who was of the age that could be Jesse's father. Willis Lewis also appears in the 1790, 1800, and 1810 census records. But, while the connection is probable, we need something else to prove it. So, more digging.

Just thought some of you might like to know..... Old Jesse was Ann's great great grandfather.

More on the Lequires

2006-07-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

Since posting the previous story of the Lequires, I have received these photos. The legible tombstone is that of Mira Lequire. The stones back in the trees mark the graves of Joseph Lequire and his wife. The portrait is of Mira Lequire and Anderson Davis. There seems to be a lot of interest in the Lequires now. A reunion of Lequire descendants is scheduled for 2007 in Maryville, Tennessee, and another in Bryson City in 2008.

The Lequire Family

2006-07-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

Several years ago while visiting our "mountain house" in North Carolina my son John and I happened up on a small cemetery just off SR28 between Brush Creek and Bryson City that included several Davis graves. Knowing of the Davises in Ann's ancestry, we began searching for some known names and found the graves of Anderson Davis and Mira Lequire - Ann's great grand parents. The markers were crude with the names apparently scratched in the stones by hand. I did a little research and found a great deal about the Davis family, but was never able to trace the family of Mira Lequire.

Yesterday, I found an entry in the World Connect section of the RootsWeb website that mentioned a Joseph Lequire of Swain County of an age that could have been Mira's father. Checking further revealed the connection along with this family story.

Joseph Lequire was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina about 1788, the son of John Lequire who came to America as an eight year old boy with his father from France. Joseph married a girl from South Carolina, Jane Watkins. They proceeded to raise a family of nine children, most of whom were born in Rutherford County.

The children were John, Minor, Miranda, Narcissa, Joseph, William, Artie, Isaac, and Margaret. Miranda was our "Mira." She and her new husband, Anderson W. Davis, moved to the Bryson City area shortly after their marriage in 1843 while it was still Macon County. (Swain County was carved out of Macon in 1871.) Their first child - Sarah Jane Davis - was born there.

The rest of the family remained in Rutherford County until the Civil War came along. As with many family during those traumatic days, there were some who were loyal to the South and others whose sympathies were with the Union. During the winter of 1862/63, four of Joseph's children - Joseph, William, Artie, and Isaac - with their wives, husband, and children, left North Carolina, making a long, arduous move to Cades Cove, Tennessee where they had heard that most of the people there were sympathetic to the Union. Two of Artie's children died of "exposure" on the trip. After the war, Isaac - the youngest - returned to North Carolina for about five years, but returned to Cades Cove in 1875 to live out his life. Perhaps even then it was not a friendly atmosphere for a "Yankee."

Cades Cove was "overcome" by the new Smoky Mountain National Park in the 1920s. Most of the residents accepted what they were offered for their land. Most of the remaining Lequires moved out, some of them to north Georgia - right where we live now in Union and Towns County.

Jane died in 1871; Joseph shortly after in 1872. He is buried in the Lequire Cemeter near the Blankenship Cemetery which is near Bryson City. The next time we go Brush Creek, I plan to try to find his gravesite.<

Ann's Birthday - 2006

2006-07-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

She couldn't think of a thing she wanted other than a weekend away for a change. So, away we went to a B&B in faraway Helen, Georgia's alpine village. Actually, the B&B was in Sautee-Nacoochee - distance from home, about 25 miles. Lucille's Mountain Retreat was featured in Southern Living, and it was very nice. Lucille found this mountaintop five years ago, and her architect husband designed and built it. She does all the cooking herself and made her 14 guests very welcome. We ate lunch one day on the bank of the Chattahoochee River where hundreds of tubers were floating through the rocks, trying to cool off on the hot summer day.

The Tabor Obelisks

2006-07-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

The Tabor obelisk grave markers mentioned in my last posting have a unique history. I've described that in one of the stories on my web site, but since it is fresh of mind, I'll repeat it here. These obelisk shaped marble stones mark the graves of Nathan Tabor (b. 1784; d.1851) and his wife Elizabeth (Condra)(b. 1791; d. 1860). Upon their mother's death, the stones were ordered by their sons from the Tate Marble Company near Tate City, Georgia. By the time they were shaped and engraved, the Civil War had disrupted most transportation facilities in the South. Unable to arrange shipment the company placed then in a storage barn. When Sherman made his infamous march through Georgia toward the end of the war everything in his path was burned, including this barn and all records, and the residents of the area were scattered. With the disruption and upheaval throughout the South after the war, I guess delivery of the markers were not the highest priority. They remained buried in all the rubble until 1928 when they were discovered. Noting the name Tabor, a local resident named Hattie Tabor was asked if she knew anything about where they belonged. She contacted her cousins in Brush Creek, North Carolina and arrangements were made to ship them to the mountains and place them in their rightful place - on the graves of Nathan and Elizabeth. Shipment had been delayed for 68 years!

This unique story may yet have been lost to history but for the efforts of Verlin Tabor, who in 1965, told it to a free lance newspaper reporter named John Wikle who had it published in both the Asheville Citizen-Times and the Atlanta Journal. Now 146 years old, the markers show signs of erosion, but can still be read. They stand at the highest point on the hill of the Tabor Cemetery in the Brush Creek area of Swain County, North Carolina - a spot near the site of Nathan Tabor's long gone pioneer cabin.

The men in the picture are William Lewis, Barry Creighton, and Alex Creighton. William is a third great grandson of Nathan and Elizabeth. Alex is a fourth great grandson. You can just barely see the legs of Anna Knowlton, also a fourth great grand child of Nathan and Elizabeth.

If anyone would like to have a legible copy of the newspaper story, send me an email - whberg@hughes.net. I'll send it as a .pdf file attachment to my reply.

Mini Reunion - Tabor Lewis Clan

2006-07-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 8, 2006 - The five branches of the Mary Tabior Lewis family were represented at a bountiful cookout at the Brush Creek mountain house - William and Jesse Lewis from the Clyde branch; Frederick, Dian, and Tim from the Ruth branch; Cathy Tyler from the Mary Love branch; Martha Louise and Stan III from her branch; and Ann from her branch - plus special guest Barry Creighton, spouses, and grandchildren. Here's some pictures.
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Cathy planted "letter" boxes under the bridge, down by Dan Springs (the water's flowing great now), and by the Tabor obelisks in the Tabor cemetery.

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Day Lilies No More

2006-06-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

One day we had gorgeous day lilies. The next morning not a one - each one clipped off efficiently. That evening around dusk here came the deer again looking for any last morsels to chew on. Guess they found that the blooms were a delicacy. So, now all we have is the memory and the pictures and the patience to wait until next year for another crop. Hope to find a deer deterrent before then.

Day Lilies

2006-06-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

This is the first year in many that we've been home during the month of June. It's really been a treat to watch the day lilies blossom out. Every day brings on a different array.

What a Week!

2006-06-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! Has this past week flown by! That happens when you’re busy and having fun. We had the honor of our granddaughter Jordan’s being with us for the week - ending when she went home with her Daddy on Father’s Day. I can’t think of a better, more fitting, way to celebrate Father’s Day than to have had that week with Jordan.

We went bowling one day. We went down to Atlanta one day - taking in the new Aquarium, the zoo, and the Cyclorama. We visited what I consider the prettiest waterfall in Georgia and picnicked at the park on another day. And, we went fishing one day. I hope that Jordan enjoyed the week as much as Ann and I did, and I think she did.

I never had the chance to spend a week with either set of my grandparents. My maternal grandfather died before I was born, and my paternal grandparents both died before I got to know them well. When I was about 13 years old, I did spend a week with my grandmother Croft. It wasn’t anything like the week we just had with Jordan though. I guess the only similarity in the weeks was that "Nanny" took me fishing - probably every day I was there. She lived in a little house on the edge of a lake in Florida. What I remember most was that she had no indoor plumbing, and no electricity. I took a bath in a washtub on the back porch, and the outhouse was probably fifty yards away. We fished off a little rickety dock that went out into the lake. We’d catch "silvers" on bread dough, then with a long cane pole and a "silver" on a large hook, we’d throw the line out to fish for bass that Nanny called "trout." We caught a few "trout" every morning, and Nanny would fry them up for lunch.

Jordan likes to play games - Joker, especially - and we played almost every evening. Jordan also renewed her friendship with our neighborhood dogs. She and Jack are something special together. Jordan likes all kinds of animals though, and I’m sure she missed all her goats, and cows, and dogs, and alpacas back on their Virginia farm. Our son, John, drove down to take her home on the weekend, and they are probably nearing home as I write this.

Jordan, we miss you already ....

Helton Creek Falls & Vogel State Park

2006-06-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

Wow! This week with Jordan is flying by. Today we paid a visit to Helton Creek Falls and Vogel State Park. In my opinion, Helton Creek Falls is the prettiest waterfalls in north Georgia. We enjoyed hopping the rocks, and Jordan waded into the creek near the falls.
These falls are a little hard to get to - 3 miles into the forest on a narrow, dusty road, but they are well worth the effort. The cooling effect of the water, and the shade made it nice and cool.

On the way back we stopped at Vogel for a picnic lunch and a walk around the lake. There were a good many people there fishing, swimming, on paddle boats, or just enjoying the view.

Back home the day lilies were really coming out.

What A Day!

2006-06-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta Zoo, and the Cyclorama - all in the same day. We left home - Ann, Jordan, and me - about 6:15am, fighting the early morning traffic to Atlanta, to just make our 9:00am reservations at the Aquarium. People were already streaming in, but the crowds inside were not yet too large to enjoy things.

We started at the big fish tank - the 6 million gallon tank, which contains some 100,000 fish, including now four whale sharks. Ralph and Norton, the original two males, are now joined by two females, Alice and Trixie, and they plan on getting two more. These are all juveniles now - just 20 feet in length or a bit smaller - but they will grow to between 30 and 40 feet in a couple of years. The tank also contains huge grouper, hammerhead sharks, swordfish, stingrays, and a host of other fish. This is the largest single fish tank in the world, and the viewing window too is the largest in the world - about 30' x 40' and 2' thick.

There are five galleries, or exhibits, in the huge building - the Georgia Explorer, the River Scout, the Cold Water Quest, the Tropical Diver, and the Ocean Explorer. The latter is the big one described above.

At the left as we entered the aquarium is the Georgia Explorer exhibit, geared especially towards children. It features a number of touch tanks with rays and sharks as well as exhibits featuring sea turtles and othe sea creatures found arouond the Georgia Coast. The River Scout features a virtual fish city with colorful fish of varied species. One tank contained nothing but the flesh eating Piranha from the Amazon. The Cold Water Quest included an exhibit of penguins with a tunnel and turret that allowed us to crawl into the area and be right there among the penguins. Another exhibit was a large tank of beluga whales, the white, smiley faced whales from the northern waters of Alaska. The Tropical Diver exhibit contained weird species of creatures that resembled many-colored parachutists, jellyfish, octupi, etc.

Then, after a trip through the gift shop and lunch in the Aqua Cafeteria, we drove across town to the Atlanta Zoo. Before starting the trip we had read about the "A to Z" Marta bus - "Aquarium to Zoo" - that was supposed to make it easy to visit both places the same day. Just park in the all-day Aquarium parking garage, see both attractions, and then return to the parking garage. That proved to be a bust though. We waited at the Marta stop for a half hour, and no bus showed up. So, we drove. There was no reason not to have planned to do that from the start. It was easy, and there was plenty of parking at the zoo.

The middle of the day is not the time to visit the zoo. Most of the animals were taking mid-day naps, and most were doing so far back from the viewing areas. We did get to see the twin baby gorillas, though from a distance. We saw, elephants, and zebras, a lion, two giant pandas, some monkeys, a couple of Urangatangs, a reptile exhibit, some otters, and a dumb bird show. By the time we had walked the pathways of the zoo, we were tired, and our feet were sore. The next stop at the Cyclorama was a welcome place in the air-conditioning to sit down.

The Cyclorama is right next to the zoo in Grant Park. The show started with a movie depicting the battles that culminated in the capture of Atlanta during the Civil War. We then moved to the huge circular painting that is the attraction. The mural is four stories high and over 300 feet in diameter. Solid figures in the foreground blend with the painting in such a way that it is impossible to tell where one stops and the other starts. The seats rotate as lights highlight the scene along with a narration telling the story of the Atlanta siege.

Needless to say, it was a full day, but a good one that was both educational and enjoyable. We arrived back home about 5:00pm.

Day Lily Time

2006-06-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

It's day lily time in the mountains - a beautiful time of the year. Last year we were traveling during the day lily season and missed the display. This year we will get to see them. The wild lilies are in full bloom now, and the hybrids are just beginning.