One of earliest memories at Granny and Grandaddy's house was getting candy bars (always Baby Ruth's) from Granddaddy Poppa (Gibson). Memories are pretty vague, but I seem to remember him saying "Ruby, get the candy." What he really said is probably very different, but it ended with Granny getting a small paper sack from somewhere. All the kids would line up and get the candy bars. Granddaddy Poppa always had a pipe tobacco smell, starched white shirts and a walking cane. Another post mentioned looking for him uptown and finding him in front of Ike Baker's store (next to Planter's Bank). Granny Vowell did work there. He walked to town almost every day that he was able. Most of the time to hang out at the pool hall. Not a lot of poolshooting. I believe a lot of 'something' was shot there, but I believe he mostly just visited and maybe played dominoes. Our card- game playing heritage did not just start with our parents. At least, thats the way I remember it.
Manager 1 -
Hey you made it!
After his eye sight got bad, we lined up and Granny would say - Gary - Imogene's son; Donna - Marjorie's daughter and all the way down the line.
I remember Yogi shaving Granddaddy Poppa and him having a dark spot on one side of his face and me thinking that Yogi was going to cut it off.
Camellia...I did not know much about the pool hall, but remember it was a shadowy presence where men went. I do remember Granddaddy Poppa and his white shirts and his cane. I believe he was blind when they lined us up to be named and receive our candy bars.
3-8-06
elise..... Camellia, wasn't there a newer baby ruth story involving my sister? That may have been Gayle who always told that story.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Newer ones- Elise
There once was an old white truck; that Granddaddy Terrell drove to do his farming work in.
The truck happened to be in the drive on Skeeter Robertson Road.
There once was a damsel in distress - she lost her lip smacker lipstick down in the back of the truck (trucks used to have holes by the tail gates to put poles in, I guess. And she put the lipstick in one???
There once was her knight in shining armor with golden locks, who said "Don't worry, Terrell, I can get it out."
There once were screw drivers in Granddaddy Terrell's house, and the golden locked boy went inside, got the screw drivers and proceeded to take the truck apart! He got pretty far on the tail lights when to his surprise, the dragon (the one with "Blackie") came outside.
Did the damsel ever get her lipsmackers out of the truck?
Did the knight in shining armor get in trouble for taking apart the truck?
Did the dragon even fuss at the two?
NO to all three!!!!
The truck happened to be in the drive on Skeeter Robertson Road.
There once was a damsel in distress - she lost her lip smacker lipstick down in the back of the truck (trucks used to have holes by the tail gates to put poles in, I guess. And she put the lipstick in one???
There once was her knight in shining armor with golden locks, who said "Don't worry, Terrell, I can get it out."
There once were screw drivers in Granddaddy Terrell's house, and the golden locked boy went inside, got the screw drivers and proceeded to take the truck apart! He got pretty far on the tail lights when to his surprise, the dragon (the one with "Blackie") came outside.
Did the damsel ever get her lipsmackers out of the truck?
Did the knight in shining armor get in trouble for taking apart the truck?
Did the dragon even fuss at the two?
NO to all three!!!!
Speaking of marriage
I seem to remember another wedding on September 8. The newly married couple went to the Ruleville hospital to see the groom's grandmother. As they were leaving (and heading back to Cleveland before heading out), they heard a giggle. SOMEONE was in the back seat behind all the hanging clothes. Becky, aren't you glad he thought it was humorous or you might have been set out between Cleveland and Greenville somewhere.
When I met the Vowell Family
Tuesday February 28 2006
I know I have not been in theVowell family longer than you but you were so young when I first met you it seems forever
It was In July 1955-- I was a young city girl.
I lived in Nashville, Tennessee and was going to Missisippi to meet the family of the love of my dreams. It was a very hot 4 th of July week-end. Jack had already gone to Ruleville, I guess to prepare the family. I put on my dress of many colors and my 3 inch heels and got on a Greyhound bus that took me to Memphis where I was met by Jack, Marjorie, Charles and Chuck. I knew I was in trouble right away. Charles had Chuck calling me Aunt Jo before we got out of Memphis. After turning on many turnrows we finally made it to Ruleville.I thought I had gone to the end of the earth, Never did I think I would see land so flat. When we got to Granny and Grandaddy's house all was quiet. Everyone was in the country at Imogege and Franklin's house. Jack and I were sent to town to pick up Grandaddy Poppa. We first went to the pool hall but he was not there. We found him in front of Ike Bakers store. First words out of his mouth were "this your sweetheart Jack Gibson"? When we got back to the house, there was more people than I had ever seen in one house in all my life. Don't remember much about that night but next day we went to LeRoy Percy Park for a picnic. The mosquitos ate me up. I thought the whole state of Missisippi was there. People everywhere. Eddie Seghers must have know how I was feeling, he took me under his wing and I thought he was the nicest person in the world. ( I was right ) When it was time for us to go back to Memphis , Nita and Edward took us to Rulevliie to change clothes. I put on my dress of many colors but could not get my shoes on. My feet were two sizes biger than my shoes. I was so glad to get away from those mosquitos but really hated to leave. I guess the family accepted me since they let me come back That was 56 years ago.
G-Maw
Vowell Voices
I know I have not been in theVowell family longer than you but you were so young when I first met you it seems forever
It was In July 1955-- I was a young city girl.
I lived in Nashville, Tennessee and was going to Missisippi to meet the family of the love of my dreams. It was a very hot 4 th of July week-end. Jack had already gone to Ruleville, I guess to prepare the family. I put on my dress of many colors and my 3 inch heels and got on a Greyhound bus that took me to Memphis where I was met by Jack, Marjorie, Charles and Chuck. I knew I was in trouble right away. Charles had Chuck calling me Aunt Jo before we got out of Memphis. After turning on many turnrows we finally made it to Ruleville.I thought I had gone to the end of the earth, Never did I think I would see land so flat. When we got to Granny and Grandaddy's house all was quiet. Everyone was in the country at Imogege and Franklin's house. Jack and I were sent to town to pick up Grandaddy Poppa. We first went to the pool hall but he was not there. We found him in front of Ike Bakers store. First words out of his mouth were "this your sweetheart Jack Gibson"? When we got back to the house, there was more people than I had ever seen in one house in all my life. Don't remember much about that night but next day we went to LeRoy Percy Park for a picnic. The mosquitos ate me up. I thought the whole state of Missisippi was there. People everywhere. Eddie Seghers must have know how I was feeling, he took me under his wing and I thought he was the nicest person in the world. ( I was right ) When it was time for us to go back to Memphis , Nita and Edward took us to Rulevliie to change clothes. I put on my dress of many colors but could not get my shoes on. My feet were two sizes biger than my shoes. I was so glad to get away from those mosquitos but really hated to leave. I guess the family accepted me since they let me come back That was 56 years ago.
G-Maw
Vowell Voices
Forkin an or Rollin Yards
I am going to keep trying to get some younger memories on here!! I remember when Donna came over and "forked" our yard in Schlater, it was the neatest thing that has ever happened to us!! Quite festive if I do say so myself.
We also used to all load up to go to Ruleville to roll Aunt Nita's, Jean's, and Mary's yard, I don't guess anyone ever got mad, and if we got caught, it made it all the more people that helped on the next house!!!!
LET'S HEAR IT FOR ELISE, VOWELL VOICES YOUNGEST BLOGGER! Hey, honey, enjoy the 'youngest' distinction as long as you can.
From Camellia: Did you hear us? We had Elizabeth and someone else to help us fork your yard. I thought it was charming myself, but you know Uncle Kent hated forkin and rollin. One Halloween I went out front and found about five hot and mussed boys sitting on my step. "Y'all want some candy?" I asked. It was an effort, but they took some. "You want us to roll your yard, Aint Camellia?" the one my friend Miss Fran calls Dennis the Menace (because he's soooo cute) said. "You know how Uncle Kent hates that," I said, "why don't you roll your own yard." "We already did that," he said. (this cutie's initials are M.R., and he's still a cutie. It maybe hard for you to pick out who he is because there are more than one really cute M.R.s)
And one year, I remember Aunt Immy gave many many people a roll of toilet paper for Christmas. I didn't get one, which makes me think I missed out on some fun.
Manager 1 :
The only thing I can say is: Camellia - we owe you, we are just waiting until the right time!
We also used to all load up to go to Ruleville to roll Aunt Nita's, Jean's, and Mary's yard, I don't guess anyone ever got mad, and if we got caught, it made it all the more people that helped on the next house!!!!
LET'S HEAR IT FOR ELISE, VOWELL VOICES YOUNGEST BLOGGER! Hey, honey, enjoy the 'youngest' distinction as long as you can.
From Camellia: Did you hear us? We had Elizabeth and someone else to help us fork your yard. I thought it was charming myself, but you know Uncle Kent hated forkin and rollin. One Halloween I went out front and found about five hot and mussed boys sitting on my step. "Y'all want some candy?" I asked. It was an effort, but they took some. "You want us to roll your yard, Aint Camellia?" the one my friend Miss Fran calls Dennis the Menace (because he's soooo cute) said. "You know how Uncle Kent hates that," I said, "why don't you roll your own yard." "We already did that," he said. (this cutie's initials are M.R., and he's still a cutie. It maybe hard for you to pick out who he is because there are more than one really cute M.R.s)
And one year, I remember Aunt Immy gave many many people a roll of toilet paper for Christmas. I didn't get one, which makes me think I missed out on some fun.
Manager 1 :
The only thing I can say is: Camellia - we owe you, we are just waiting until the right time!
Vowell Voices
Swimming Pools
I remember going to the pool in Ruleville but the most memories are going to cleveland and staying at Aunt Marjorie and Uncle Charles and going to the pool in Cleveland.
Also I don't remember adults around the pool. So if I was there then the Seghers rule that you can't go in the water without an adult was overridden.
Also the rule I remember was the you can't go into the water until 1 hour has passed after eating. That hour always went by real slow.
I think we filled the pool up with cousins. It was like a private pool just for the vowell's.
By the way the pool in Ruleville if the area is still there it is a basketball court now.
I remember going to the pool in Ruleville but the most memories are going to cleveland and staying at Aunt Marjorie and Uncle Charles and going to the pool in Cleveland.
Also I don't remember adults around the pool. So if I was there then the Seghers rule that you can't go in the water without an adult was overridden.
Also the rule I remember was the you can't go into the water until 1 hour has passed after eating. That hour always went by real slow.
I think we filled the pool up with cousins. It was like a private pool just for the vowell's.
By the way the pool in Ruleville if the area is still there it is a basketball court now.
Monday, February 27, 2006
jimskinner
I remember one on jimskinner. I believe the Ruleville Bulldogs (?) were playing some kind of championship baseball game. Jimskinner had hit a double and gotten to second base. After the run he was tired, and sat on the base. When the next batter hit the ball, he didn't move quickly enough and was put out. Did Ruleville win that game?
Scarlet and Memphis
Manager 1, let's see if we can figure this one out. I had spinal meningitis during the summer between my third and fourth grade year. That means I would have been 9. Is that right Donna?
I was sick when Mother and Daddy came home from work and Mother called back to the Cleveland Clinic (yes, Becky, the one downtown) to make sure a doctor was there and would stay there. I had a fever, a humongous headache, and a stiff neck. I could not bend my head and touch my chin on my chest. Dr. Russell stayed. He did a spinal tap and it was cloudy. He sent Daddy home to gather clothes and stuff and told them to go directly to Memphis without stopping and he felt we could get there faster in the car than waiting for an ambulance. In fact Daddy called someone he knew in the MHP (he knew so many people) and asked for an escort north because he was going to be hauling it. After the spinal tap, Dr. Russell gave me a penicillan shot--really strong, but not in the spine, just the butt.
When we got to the hospital, the doctors looked at the fluid from the spinal tap but it had settled and they needed to do another one. This time they pulled what they thought was a bug. And Donna is right, it was dead and they could not culture it. But I think I was there about ten days and could not have visitors because they thought I might be contagious. I remember a box of stuff (or armloads) that somebody brought. Somebody in Cleveland had put a box in the drugstore next door and people bought stuff and dropped it in the box or brought it in. I may have had lots of stuff but the time got boring. But I don't remember that I couldn't bring it home.
I remember Aunt Lilly coming by. She was one of Granny Powers's sisters who was a nurse and lived in Memphis.
I don't remember much about the remaining ten days. I do know I have since seen people who had spinal meningitis and I thank God for Dr. Russell who killed that bug early.
When we got to Memphis
I was sick when Mother and Daddy came home from work and Mother called back to the Cleveland Clinic (yes, Becky, the one downtown) to make sure a doctor was there and would stay there. I had a fever, a humongous headache, and a stiff neck. I could not bend my head and touch my chin on my chest. Dr. Russell stayed. He did a spinal tap and it was cloudy. He sent Daddy home to gather clothes and stuff and told them to go directly to Memphis without stopping and he felt we could get there faster in the car than waiting for an ambulance. In fact Daddy called someone he knew in the MHP (he knew so many people) and asked for an escort north because he was going to be hauling it. After the spinal tap, Dr. Russell gave me a penicillan shot--really strong, but not in the spine, just the butt.
When we got to the hospital, the doctors looked at the fluid from the spinal tap but it had settled and they needed to do another one. This time they pulled what they thought was a bug. And Donna is right, it was dead and they could not culture it. But I think I was there about ten days and could not have visitors because they thought I might be contagious. I remember a box of stuff (or armloads) that somebody brought. Somebody in Cleveland had put a box in the drugstore next door and people bought stuff and dropped it in the box or brought it in. I may have had lots of stuff but the time got boring. But I don't remember that I couldn't bring it home.
I remember Aunt Lilly coming by. She was one of Granny Powers's sisters who was a nurse and lived in Memphis.
I don't remember much about the remaining ten days. I do know I have since seen people who had spinal meningitis and I thank God for Dr. Russell who killed that bug early.
When we got to Memphis
Hollandale
One summer Scarlett and I went to Hollandale to stay with Aunt Nita. She lived in a duplex next to Johnny and Joe. Their mother painted in oils. It was the time of cock-eye...cars with one headlight. If girls called it first, they got to hit the boys. If boys called it first, they got to kiss the girls. We made cookies every day, walking to the store and buying ingrediants. Chocolate chip was a particular favorite. Johnny and Joe helped. Joe and I were cooking the day Janice drank clorax, or rather we thought she did, and we took her to the doctor's clinic. Johnny drove and Jackie and I went with Janice. Sandra stayed home with the other kids. Jackie was perturbed because Janice had colored on her legs with ink pens. The doctor pumped her stomach out, but couldn't smell any clorax. Janice said she only tasted the top.
We baked cookie all day, played conasta with Aunt Nita at night on the front porch, and counted cock-eyes. Aunt Nita knew lots of card games and loved them. Scarlett and Johnny were really good at cock-eye.
Johnny and Joe asked to take us to church on Wednesday night. Nita said yes, and that we could go out after. Did we ever go out! We played chase with other cars, and drove out to LeRoy Percy and drove under the mossy trees with our lights off. Then we went back to town to find some more guys to play chase with. Around 12:00 one car pulled up next to us, and Johnny stopped. Both drivers rolled their windows down. It was Uncle Edward. He said, Go home.
When we got there, Nita was at the hand wringing stage. Whatever possessed you to stay out that late? she asked. We really didn't know. We were with the guys we went to church with, and she said we could stay out. We didn't even know what time it was. She just looked at us for a bit, and then she made her pronouncement. "I won't tell your mother if you don't."
It was a great summer. Can we play conasta at Tiak o'Khata? I don't remember how.
We baked cookie all day, played conasta with Aunt Nita at night on the front porch, and counted cock-eyes. Aunt Nita knew lots of card games and loved them. Scarlett and Johnny were really good at cock-eye.
Johnny and Joe asked to take us to church on Wednesday night. Nita said yes, and that we could go out after. Did we ever go out! We played chase with other cars, and drove out to LeRoy Percy and drove under the mossy trees with our lights off. Then we went back to town to find some more guys to play chase with. Around 12:00 one car pulled up next to us, and Johnny stopped. Both drivers rolled their windows down. It was Uncle Edward. He said, Go home.
When we got there, Nita was at the hand wringing stage. Whatever possessed you to stay out that late? she asked. We really didn't know. We were with the guys we went to church with, and she said we could stay out. We didn't even know what time it was. She just looked at us for a bit, and then she made her pronouncement. "I won't tell your mother if you don't."
It was a great summer. Can we play conasta at Tiak o'Khata? I don't remember how.
You Were There!
In the front bedroom at Granny Vowell's house, though what we were doing in there is anybody's good guess, since babies usually slept in that room. We were being really rowdy, and one boy throw an alphabet block at another's head and missed. It went right through that one big plane of glass. We were all shocked for one instant, and somebody said, "Hide!" and we all found some dark place to duck. The culprits were snagged, and made to sit in corners. I could hear one hissing to the other..."It's your fault. You threw the block. " The other one said, "You ducked!"
We all stayed in closets and under beds until the two were released...but who were the two?
Manager 1 (2-28-06) (am I keeping up good ed?)
Can not remember that time - BUT.
In more recent years:
At Imogene and Franklin's; Terrell, Heath, Josh, Elise, Melanie and one of Terrell's "wormy" friends were in Grandmother and Granddaddy's room talking sitting on the bed. (well, I think Josh was under the bed trying the hear what the others were saying) That means maybe Elise and Melanie were not there- HELP! I've lost it. Oh Heck I'll tell the story the way I want to. Everybody was in that room talking and playing.
The bed fell in. Aunt Donna, the ADULT, came in did not ask if everyone was okay, did not ask what happened. Just hollered "Everybody hide, quick!" Josh speaks up and says, "I can't, I'm under the bed". I sure hope he was able to hide!
Life carrys on!
Camellia...wormy friends as opposed to her bullet headed ones? I think the block throwing must have involved at least Gary or the good Ed. We probably would have let Ronald and Chuck swing for it themselves, they were so often miscreants.
We all stayed in closets and under beds until the two were released...but who were the two?
Manager 1 (2-28-06) (am I keeping up good ed?)
Can not remember that time - BUT.
In more recent years:
At Imogene and Franklin's; Terrell, Heath, Josh, Elise, Melanie and one of Terrell's "wormy" friends were in Grandmother and Granddaddy's room talking sitting on the bed. (well, I think Josh was under the bed trying the hear what the others were saying) That means maybe Elise and Melanie were not there- HELP! I've lost it. Oh Heck I'll tell the story the way I want to. Everybody was in that room talking and playing.
The bed fell in. Aunt Donna, the ADULT, came in did not ask if everyone was okay, did not ask what happened. Just hollered "Everybody hide, quick!" Josh speaks up and says, "I can't, I'm under the bed". I sure hope he was able to hide!
Life carrys on!
Camellia...wormy friends as opposed to her bullet headed ones? I think the block throwing must have involved at least Gary or the good Ed. We probably would have let Ronald and Chuck swing for it themselves, they were so often miscreants.
Vowell Voices
Ok Mama Kat, I am printing the blogs and will have copies for those who do not have time to read them on the computer ( Lori ) . They will not be pretty like some would make ( Jean ) but you can have them to read later. I don't know when I have enjoyed anything more but I thought I was in the Vowell family way before some of you and I don't know half of these stories. They are priceless !!!!!
Also, Do some of you ever sleep??? I read the time on the blogs---4 am--5 am etc. I can't even open my eyes that early unless I am pushing littlt buttons if you kbow what I mean.
G-Maw0
Vowell Voices
Also, Do some of you ever sleep??? I read the time on the blogs---4 am--5 am etc. I can't even open my eyes that early unless I am pushing littlt buttons if you kbow what I mean.
G-Maw0
Vowell Voices
Switches who remembers switches
Y'all talk about riding hogs, I remember one day we rode the calf or maybe it was sliding of the barn roof at Gary's? I don't remember.
But Aunt Imogene found out and we were told to each go get a switch from the willow tree. Well the first one was not big enough so we had to go
back and get a big one. We were then told to drop jeans and bend over. We did not ride the calf after that.
Manager 1 (2-27-06):
Elise says that she has heard tales of Blackie - My tail heard it too. My parents never discriminated - and always - if one had to line up - all had to line up - Because if you weren't doing it, you wanted to or you were thinking about doing it! I guess Blackie was known by cousins too! Good ed, did you ever meet him?
Camellia (2-27-06) I remember Big Blackie, and I thought there was Big Brownie also. I never remember getting a switch or Big Blackie. I do remember one night out in the country, and the grown-ups were playing cards and there were two palettes of children, and we were in two separate rooms and the light came from the card room, and the grown-ups were laughing so hard, and we got to laughing and they told us to quit, which didn't seem quite fair, they were laughing so much, and we laughed harder and Franklin said, Do I need to get Big Blackie? and we laughed harder, but maybe softer, and even though we tried real hard not to, we fell asleep.
Jim Skinners Sister E-ah (3/04/06)
I remember when mother sent me and my dear brother Jack out to find a switch. I was supposed to get one for Jacks whipping and Jack was to get one for my whipping. When we got back into the house, Jack brought in a BIG LIMB, I, on the other hand, found the smallest switch in the yard. Mother asked Jack "Do you really want me to whip Nita with that LIMB?" He replied "Yes'em, I surely do." Mother said "Well I believe that I will just use that switch on you." Boy was he surprised and asked if he could go find another one. She said NO. haha. I got to use my own switch on me. Wonder if Jack learned his lesson? What do y'all think? Really, I don't remember why we were in trouble or even getting the whipping? Do you Jack?
Scarlett (3/05/06)
This must be where Mother got the idea. I remember being sent out for our switches, too. And she even passed the hint on to our maid Virginia who sent us out once or twice. We had those big hedges across the back of the yard. And we better get a good one because we didn't want Mother to have to go get her own switch. It didn't take but once or twice.
But Aunt Imogene found out and we were told to each go get a switch from the willow tree. Well the first one was not big enough so we had to go
back and get a big one. We were then told to drop jeans and bend over. We did not ride the calf after that.
Manager 1 (2-27-06):
Elise says that she has heard tales of Blackie - My tail heard it too. My parents never discriminated - and always - if one had to line up - all had to line up - Because if you weren't doing it, you wanted to or you were thinking about doing it! I guess Blackie was known by cousins too! Good ed, did you ever meet him?
Camellia (2-27-06) I remember Big Blackie, and I thought there was Big Brownie also. I never remember getting a switch or Big Blackie. I do remember one night out in the country, and the grown-ups were playing cards and there were two palettes of children, and we were in two separate rooms and the light came from the card room, and the grown-ups were laughing so hard, and we got to laughing and they told us to quit, which didn't seem quite fair, they were laughing so much, and we laughed harder and Franklin said, Do I need to get Big Blackie? and we laughed harder, but maybe softer, and even though we tried real hard not to, we fell asleep.
Jim Skinners Sister E-ah (3/04/06)
I remember when mother sent me and my dear brother Jack out to find a switch. I was supposed to get one for Jacks whipping and Jack was to get one for my whipping. When we got back into the house, Jack brought in a BIG LIMB, I, on the other hand, found the smallest switch in the yard. Mother asked Jack "Do you really want me to whip Nita with that LIMB?" He replied "Yes'em, I surely do." Mother said "Well I believe that I will just use that switch on you." Boy was he surprised and asked if he could go find another one. She said NO. haha. I got to use my own switch on me. Wonder if Jack learned his lesson? What do y'all think? Really, I don't remember why we were in trouble or even getting the whipping? Do you Jack?
Scarlett (3/05/06)
This must be where Mother got the idea. I remember being sent out for our switches, too. And she even passed the hint on to our maid Virginia who sent us out once or twice. We had those big hedges across the back of the yard. And we better get a good one because we didn't want Mother to have to go get her own switch. It didn't take but once or twice.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Vowell Voices
Oh, You people are much younger or older than I'm thinking. I don't know about any of this except Sandra going to the hospital in Memphis. We had to wave to her from the parking lot of the hospital The only swing I remember was on Granny;s front porch and I know that my girls were not invited to swing the chain because Becky and Donna always hid from Gayle --- she was too young to play with them. Does that sound like something sweet cousins would do? I do remember when Cindy was born, I was at Granny's house (just couldn't have a baby unless I was in Ruleville). It was raining hard, had been for a long time. I had to take somebady to work so I got Cindy, ran down the steps, slipped and busted my bottom. However Cindy did not wake up. I went down the steps very carefully after that.
G-Maw
Camellia says: Oh, scary, falling with the baby...and do you want to tell us about the time you and Gayle went to the movies, and left Baby Cindy home with Jack? And...we were soooo happy every time you gave birth to a new baby, and found it interesting toward Jackie they were almost popping out in the car. Is that true?
But, I fear you have the wrong cousin in the hidding from Gayle story. I always thought she was the cat's pajamas, and made sure she had plenty of life experience, such as fire towers, Repunzel, and real French Fries. Also being able to go to the bathroom in the great out doors, which is important and difficult for girls. Ask Elise and Elizabeth W. I will tell more about the magnificent Gayle later, but please, Becky, Gayle, do you remember me hidding from Gayle? No liar liar pants on fire stuff here. Camellia
Manager 1:
Yep, it was me hiding. Best believe if anything bad was going on - I was always in the "thick". I'm real sorry that we hid from her, because I finally figured out how much fun Gayle is. I just missed quite a few years of enjoying her company.
Camellia, I think it was just Me, Jackie, and maybe Sue. You were usually running with the boys!
Not only the great outdoors - Ask Elise about traffic jams and Wendy's cups!
Yo Momma
Vowell Voices
G-Maw
Camellia says: Oh, scary, falling with the baby...and do you want to tell us about the time you and Gayle went to the movies, and left Baby Cindy home with Jack? And...we were soooo happy every time you gave birth to a new baby, and found it interesting toward Jackie they were almost popping out in the car. Is that true?
But, I fear you have the wrong cousin in the hidding from Gayle story. I always thought she was the cat's pajamas, and made sure she had plenty of life experience, such as fire towers, Repunzel, and real French Fries. Also being able to go to the bathroom in the great out doors, which is important and difficult for girls. Ask Elise and Elizabeth W. I will tell more about the magnificent Gayle later, but please, Becky, Gayle, do you remember me hidding from Gayle? No liar liar pants on fire stuff here. Camellia
Manager 1:
Yep, it was me hiding. Best believe if anything bad was going on - I was always in the "thick". I'm real sorry that we hid from her, because I finally figured out how much fun Gayle is. I just missed quite a few years of enjoying her company.
Camellia, I think it was just Me, Jackie, and maybe Sue. You were usually running with the boys!
Not only the great outdoors - Ask Elise about traffic jams and Wendy's cups!
Yo Momma
Vowell Voices
Vowell Voices
CHAIN SWINGS
OK, does all the older cousins remember the chain swing in the oak tree in the back corner of Granny's yard. We used to play a game that involved swinging it back and forth. The winner was the one that caught the chain each time and did not miss. I know this sounds dumb now but I don't think we lost any teeth doing this.
Camellia asks: Was this the chain swing in the tree behind the neighbor's house...like if you headed for the shed, and hung a right where there was some greenery patch where Gigi was later buried, and went into a lot, there was the tree and the swing...or was it the swing in the tree by the kitchen window? Also I think we are missing some input from folks who have valuable details on these things.
Does anybody remember the tree in the lot next to the shed? The kids who lived in the house next door to Granny's, and owned the tree in the lot next to the shed? and the hole with the tin over it in the lot next to the shed? Rulevillians, where are you?
OK, does all the older cousins remember the chain swing in the oak tree in the back corner of Granny's yard. We used to play a game that involved swinging it back and forth. The winner was the one that caught the chain each time and did not miss. I know this sounds dumb now but I don't think we lost any teeth doing this.
Camellia asks: Was this the chain swing in the tree behind the neighbor's house...like if you headed for the shed, and hung a right where there was some greenery patch where Gigi was later buried, and went into a lot, there was the tree and the swing...or was it the swing in the tree by the kitchen window? Also I think we are missing some input from folks who have valuable details on these things.
Does anybody remember the tree in the lot next to the shed? The kids who lived in the house next door to Granny's, and owned the tree in the lot next to the shed? and the hole with the tin over it in the lot next to the shed? Rulevillians, where are you?
When We Rode the Hogs
One day Scarett, Chuck and I all felt bad. We lay around on the couches all day. By afternoon, Chuck and I got bored with it, and got up to play, but Scarlett just lay there saying her head hurt. Marjorie came home from work, and took one look at Scarlett and packed her in the car and took her back to Cleveland Clinic. Marjorie thought Scarlett had polio. Dr. Russell took one look at her and said, no, she has spinal menigitis. I think Marjorie was relieved, which was a mistake. Dr. Russell gave Scarlett a shot, I've always thought it was in the spine, and said, "take her to Memphis as quick as you can get there." Marjorie and Charles borrowed Imogene and Franklin's car because it was in better shape, and took Scarlett to laBonheur, where she got to stay and get lots of good stuff including comic books. `
I don't know why Chuck and I didn't stay with Granny Powers, but we spent part of the time in Ruleville, either with Granny Vowell or out on the farm. And somebody would take us back to Cleveland during the day? But one morning the hogs got out, and we all ran out to round them up, and we rode them. I don't think we were supposed to. Can we tell now? Hogs are bigger than German Police Dogs.
Scarlett was fine. In fact,the doctors at La Bonheur were sorry Dr. Russell had killed the bug before they got a chance to culture it, but nobody else was. Sandra had to leave most of the good stuff at the hospital, because the medical people said they couldn't take a chance it was contaminated.
Manager 1-speaks:
Cleveland Clinic - OUCH!
Past Quiver River, in the new addition (Ronald's room) we were circling the room, but on top of the furniture (from the chair to the bed to the chest of drawers to the dresser to the chair - get the picture?) Maybe the floor was supposed to be the water and we couldn't touch it? Were the Powers there? I fell and hurt my arm, but was told not to cry or tell Mom and Dad or we would all get into trouble!
It was a Saturday, I know because we went to Cleveland that afternoon, late. And while at Aunt Marj's, I must have bumped my arm, because it really hurt! Well Aunt Marg called Dr. Austin and rushed me to the clinic (it was downtown Cleveland back then). My arm was x-rayed and yes, it was broken. But the story was that I hurt it at Aunt Marg's and so I never had to tell about the furniture jumping. Oops - I just did!
I don't know why Chuck and I didn't stay with Granny Powers, but we spent part of the time in Ruleville, either with Granny Vowell or out on the farm. And somebody would take us back to Cleveland during the day? But one morning the hogs got out, and we all ran out to round them up, and we rode them. I don't think we were supposed to. Can we tell now? Hogs are bigger than German Police Dogs.
Scarlett was fine. In fact,the doctors at La Bonheur were sorry Dr. Russell had killed the bug before they got a chance to culture it, but nobody else was. Sandra had to leave most of the good stuff at the hospital, because the medical people said they couldn't take a chance it was contaminated.
Manager 1-speaks:
Cleveland Clinic - OUCH!
Past Quiver River, in the new addition (Ronald's room) we were circling the room, but on top of the furniture (from the chair to the bed to the chest of drawers to the dresser to the chair - get the picture?) Maybe the floor was supposed to be the water and we couldn't touch it? Were the Powers there? I fell and hurt my arm, but was told not to cry or tell Mom and Dad or we would all get into trouble!
It was a Saturday, I know because we went to Cleveland that afternoon, late. And while at Aunt Marj's, I must have bumped my arm, because it really hurt! Well Aunt Marg called Dr. Austin and rushed me to the clinic (it was downtown Cleveland back then). My arm was x-rayed and yes, it was broken. But the story was that I hurt it at Aunt Marg's and so I never had to tell about the furniture jumping. Oops - I just did!
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Gigi
Mr. Schaffer in Boyle had chihuahuas...and we got one! She was only half chihuahua, she was black and Sandra named her Sheba after a certain queen....(I am sure after seeing some Charleston Heston movie)...Sheba wasn't really good at having puppies, but she had one blonde puppy. Granny Vowell gave her a home, and named her Gigi after a character played by a certain long-legged dancer...(romance novels weren't the only place we got our names)...I don't know who Granny loved best...Gigi or James Kenneth, but it seemed to me she loved those two better than everybody else..well, maybe not better, but they were her babies, and babies have a special place in your heart. She told me about Gigi sleeping on James's chest when James napped on the couch, and you could tell she thought that was the cutest thing since...well, since babies.
So...one cold winter, Granny went north to see the New Orleans cousins who had moved to colder climes...somebody finish the story...
With my selective memory: The N.O. cousins were in Baltimore and it was very possibly New Year's eve and Gigi stayed in the country, across the great Quiver River. Well, Gigi hated fireworks - and if there were fireworks to be shot off - Gig would do just that - shoot off. I only remember looking a loooong time for her, can't remember actually finding her, but I guess someone did.
Manager1
yes...we went out at midnight, and we had fireworks and sparklers and probably roman candles...and Gigi got out and took off running...TOWARD THE CANAL....NOT THE CANAL! Why not the canal? Yogi? Camellia
So...one cold winter, Granny went north to see the New Orleans cousins who had moved to colder climes...somebody finish the story...
With my selective memory: The N.O. cousins were in Baltimore and it was very possibly New Year's eve and Gigi stayed in the country, across the great Quiver River. Well, Gigi hated fireworks - and if there were fireworks to be shot off - Gig would do just that - shoot off. I only remember looking a loooong time for her, can't remember actually finding her, but I guess someone did.
Manager1
yes...we went out at midnight, and we had fireworks and sparklers and probably roman candles...and Gigi got out and took off running...TOWARD THE CANAL....NOT THE CANAL! Why not the canal? Yogi? Camellia
Jack and Jo...Love and Marriage
"Love and marriage, love and marriage
Go together like a horse and carriage
This I tell you brother
You can’t have one without the other
Love and marriage, love and marriage"
I think that Sinatra song was popular when Jack and Jo were married. I decided we needed to give them a post, since several of us cousins remember the little green house with the carport where they lived. I don't know who was at the service...I imagine Jack, Jo (duh...they would have to be there), Granny,Granddaddy, Imogene,Yogi, Marjorie and Charles. I know Jack and Jo dressed up, and I think the rest of the grown-ups did, too. We weren't allowed to go, but told if we were good, Franklin would take us to tie the cans onto the car. I think we had to wait for someone to wake up from napping, and I was feverish thinking we might miss it. We wore shorts and got to ride in the back of the truck. I think we were told we couldn't go inside because we were wearing shorts...which was not good reasoning, since if we had known that was a requirement, we would have dressed in a flash and a half...though riding in the back of the truck and tying cans on the car were a draw in itself. I wanted to see in the windows of the parsonage...I think we craned to look, but we were told we had to be quiet...which was always impossible when we were all together. We tied on the cans, and kept an eye for the wedding party to come out of the church. What happened when they came out? We followed them a little ways, I think...and went back to Granny's. I think I remember sitting in the porch swing, counting the days until they would come home. It felt we had been given this great new present, a new aunt (the same for Lady, though we were older)...and just like whenever a new baby was born, a new pearl on the cousin string.
I spent hours teaching Jo's puppy how to climb up and down the steps at the green house, which was just around the corner and down the sreet from Aunt Imogene's and Uncle Franklin's. Hey, Good Ed...this does have a dog in it!
Shorts? It was December 26!!! bt
Go together like a horse and carriage
This I tell you brother
You can’t have one without the other
Love and marriage, love and marriage"
I think that Sinatra song was popular when Jack and Jo were married. I decided we needed to give them a post, since several of us cousins remember the little green house with the carport where they lived. I don't know who was at the service...I imagine Jack, Jo (duh...they would have to be there), Granny,Granddaddy, Imogene,Yogi, Marjorie and Charles. I know Jack and Jo dressed up, and I think the rest of the grown-ups did, too. We weren't allowed to go, but told if we were good, Franklin would take us to tie the cans onto the car. I think we had to wait for someone to wake up from napping, and I was feverish thinking we might miss it. We wore shorts and got to ride in the back of the truck. I think we were told we couldn't go inside because we were wearing shorts...which was not good reasoning, since if we had known that was a requirement, we would have dressed in a flash and a half...though riding in the back of the truck and tying cans on the car were a draw in itself. I wanted to see in the windows of the parsonage...I think we craned to look, but we were told we had to be quiet...which was always impossible when we were all together. We tied on the cans, and kept an eye for the wedding party to come out of the church. What happened when they came out? We followed them a little ways, I think...and went back to Granny's. I think I remember sitting in the porch swing, counting the days until they would come home. It felt we had been given this great new present, a new aunt (the same for Lady, though we were older)...and just like whenever a new baby was born, a new pearl on the cousin string.
I spent hours teaching Jo's puppy how to climb up and down the steps at the green house, which was just around the corner and down the sreet from Aunt Imogene's and Uncle Franklin's. Hey, Good Ed...this does have a dog in it!
Shorts? It was December 26!!! bt
Vowell Voices
DOGS
I remember riding granny vowell's dogs. I remember them hiding in the ditch and trying to take down cars. I think they got a small one once.
I remember only one of their names. I think it was Rex? Am I correct and can anyone else remember?
I remember riding granny vowell's dogs. I remember them hiding in the ditch and trying to take down cars. I think they got a small one once.
I remember only one of their names. I think it was Rex? Am I correct and can anyone else remember?
Vowell Voices
TRAIN TRACKS
I never had the opportunity to climb on the tanks, but I think I've walked the train tracks over a hundred times down to visit Aunt Imogene at the bank and then to the Rexall to get a soda and snack. I still have the half a quarter I found on the track with Dad. I wonder if someone set it on the track to see if that would happen, but then couldn't find the pieces. I also remember finding so many railroad spikes that were supposed to be holding the ties down.
Manager 1:
Car story:
When we all went riding, we played this fun game called "Chinese Red Light". When you stopped at a red light everyone in the car jumps out and circles the car completely then all jump back in to be ready to go when the light turns green.
Car Story 2: Oh, Manager 1, I am so glad you were too young for 12:00 High...which could be played in car or boat...equally a bad idea. It was introduced to me by the Ruleville guys, and I am not sure it needs to be in print. It is something to not try at home, and professionals wouldn't even think about doing it. But if you want to know about it, ask your brothers.
Car (Boat) Story 3: From Manager 1 :
In a boat - it was called "bail out". I tried to do that last summer, but I couldn't find any takers - Plus the "tipping"boat goes real slow. It just isn't the same!
I never had the opportunity to climb on the tanks, but I think I've walked the train tracks over a hundred times down to visit Aunt Imogene at the bank and then to the Rexall to get a soda and snack. I still have the half a quarter I found on the track with Dad. I wonder if someone set it on the track to see if that would happen, but then couldn't find the pieces. I also remember finding so many railroad spikes that were supposed to be holding the ties down.
Manager 1:
Car story:
When we all went riding, we played this fun game called "Chinese Red Light". When you stopped at a red light everyone in the car jumps out and circles the car completely then all jump back in to be ready to go when the light turns green.
Car Story 2: Oh, Manager 1, I am so glad you were too young for 12:00 High...which could be played in car or boat...equally a bad idea. It was introduced to me by the Ruleville guys, and I am not sure it needs to be in print. It is something to not try at home, and professionals wouldn't even think about doing it. But if you want to know about it, ask your brothers.
Car (Boat) Story 3: From Manager 1 :
In a boat - it was called "bail out". I tried to do that last summer, but I couldn't find any takers - Plus the "tipping"boat goes real slow. It just isn't the same!
Friday, February 24, 2006
Vowell Voices
TRAINS, TRAINS AND MORE TRAINS
Ok who remembers climbing around on the tanks across the street from Granny Vowell's. I think a number of us boy cousins got a bunch of girl cousins mad at us.
Also who remembers Uncle Carlos throwing out gum as we stood next to the tracks as his train came by.
Voice of Manager 1:
Some of us were never old enough to climb the tanks (maybe a little afraid of heights too) But if you got caught on the tanks, you really got in trouble!
I don't remember the gum, but one winter we were out of school for a "snow" day and staying at Granny's. Uncle Carlis came by on the train and Gary, Ronald and I got to ride!!!! The train was backing up and went all the way to the depot. WOW. That was a treat.
Ok who remembers climbing around on the tanks across the street from Granny Vowell's. I think a number of us boy cousins got a bunch of girl cousins mad at us.
Also who remembers Uncle Carlos throwing out gum as we stood next to the tracks as his train came by.
Voice of Manager 1:
Some of us were never old enough to climb the tanks (maybe a little afraid of heights too) But if you got caught on the tanks, you really got in trouble!
I don't remember the gum, but one winter we were out of school for a "snow" day and staying at Granny's. Uncle Carlis came by on the train and Gary, Ronald and I got to ride!!!! The train was backing up and went all the way to the depot. WOW. That was a treat.
Vowell Voices
Copies
For those without access to the Blogs, the weekend of the reunion, can someone, Camilla, maybe, print out copies of the blogs & comments for the non-bloggers to peruse at Tiok o'Khata?
For those without access to the Blogs, the weekend of the reunion, can someone, Camilla, maybe, print out copies of the blogs & comments for the non-bloggers to peruse at Tiok o'Khata?
Vowell Voices
Well I was the first elder to blog but it was not easy !!! I learn something new everyday. My Hale grandchildren gave me the name Foxy G-Maw so that is who I am. Foxy G-Maw and Jack had a wonderful 50th wedding anniversity dinneron December 26th hosted by our children We had a room full !! 19-- only one was missing and he was missed !! Kelsey made a lot of pictures that I will share later.
I have really enjoyed reading the blogs and hope more family will blog. Kate, you have a darling little boy
Will blog more later.
Vowell Voices
I have really enjoyed reading the blogs and hope more family will blog. Kate, you have a darling little boy
Will blog more later.
Vowell Voices
Request from Nell
I have bought a condo and I expect to sell my house this year. So I want every one to come to se me before I have to move. Love Aunt Nell
Vowell Voices
Vowell Voices
Long Ago....
Ruby did live in Inverness. She played basketball. We had been somewhere--maybe Jackson to see Jack and Jo, maybe Louisiana to see some of Grandaddy's kin. We were riding through Inverness and she told us she had played basketball and finished school there. Isn't that in some of the letters found in her chest several years ago (more than several by now) ?
Long Ago....
Ruby did live in Inverness. She played basketball. We had been somewhere--maybe Jackson to see Jack and Jo, maybe Louisiana to see some of Grandaddy's kin. We were riding through Inverness and she told us she had played basketball and finished school there. Isn't that in some of the letters found in her chest several years ago (more than several by now) ?
Vowell Voices
Vowell Voices
Snakes and More Snakes
Who remembers the summer we were at the Fireman's Club--no barge. It had been taken away. We children were down on the boat ramp but we couldn't go in yet. (We always had to wait for an adult to come down when the Seghers were with us--but we dutifully waited because we didn't want any cousins left behind.) Some of were wading a little, maybe up to our ankles. Suddenly somebody yelled, "SNAKE!" Of course those of us with our feet in the water hightailed it out. More of the cousins were to the side of the boat ramp looking at the water. Sure enough, a little black snake-looking head popped out--several times. We were not going to go in the water there at all. When some of the adults got there to see what the commotion was about, Charles told us all not to worry because the snake was as scared, if not more so, as we were. So we got over our fears and spent the time playing in the water--swimming, skiing, etc.
Snakes and More Snakes
Who remembers the summer we were at the Fireman's Club--no barge. It had been taken away. We children were down on the boat ramp but we couldn't go in yet. (We always had to wait for an adult to come down when the Seghers were with us--but we dutifully waited because we didn't want any cousins left behind.) Some of were wading a little, maybe up to our ankles. Suddenly somebody yelled, "SNAKE!" Of course those of us with our feet in the water hightailed it out. More of the cousins were to the side of the boat ramp looking at the water. Sure enough, a little black snake-looking head popped out--several times. We were not going to go in the water there at all. When some of the adults got there to see what the commotion was about, Charles told us all not to worry because the snake was as scared, if not more so, as we were. So we got over our fears and spent the time playing in the water--swimming, skiing, etc.
Tell Us a Story
I thought Ruby moved to Lynn. I wish Mother had access to a computer, I bet she could begat this story! What about you,Ronald? Manager 1
From Camellia:
Yes, I think they lived in Lynn for a while...but I feel certain she told me she went to high school in Inverness. We need verification.
Ronald is the best storyteller I have ever heard. The few times I have heard him, I've been mesmerzied. He came to sit with us when Daddy was sick, and my friend Jenne was there also. Her mom was in the hospital at the time. Ronald told story after story. When I asked Jenne later what I could do for her, she said, Ask Ronald to come sit with me.
I can take my lap top to Aunt Immie's however often it would be convenient between now and the reunion. We can view the blogs from her house. We could make it for a set week-end time, and anybody who wanted to join us could, and we could stay not too long to wear out our welcome. I could take my little tape recorder, and add her stories. Can Manager 1 check that out and arrange it for us?
From Scarlett, in case you don't do comments
O.K. Nell and Imogene want memories. Ronald needs to tape, type, record some way his stories. I would try to transcribe them. If I couldn't get it done by the reunion, I would mail copies to everyone.
If you don't do comments, you aren't getting your full entertainment value's worth..
From Camellia:
Yes, I think they lived in Lynn for a while...but I feel certain she told me she went to high school in Inverness. We need verification.
Ronald is the best storyteller I have ever heard. The few times I have heard him, I've been mesmerzied. He came to sit with us when Daddy was sick, and my friend Jenne was there also. Her mom was in the hospital at the time. Ronald told story after story. When I asked Jenne later what I could do for her, she said, Ask Ronald to come sit with me.
I can take my lap top to Aunt Immie's however often it would be convenient between now and the reunion. We can view the blogs from her house. We could make it for a set week-end time, and anybody who wanted to join us could, and we could stay not too long to wear out our welcome. I could take my little tape recorder, and add her stories. Can Manager 1 check that out and arrange it for us?
From Scarlett, in case you don't do comments
O.K. Nell and Imogene want memories. Ronald needs to tape, type, record some way his stories. I would try to transcribe them. If I couldn't get it done by the reunion, I would mail copies to everyone.
If you don't do comments, you aren't getting your full entertainment value's worth..
Thursday, February 23, 2006
I remember so long ago, I wasn't even born yet
I am going back into my earliest memories. They are getting jumbled, but if any of you know better jump right in. This is a work in progress and will be revised.
The first thing I remember is Ruby’s grandfather. He did not believe in killing, but he was caught up in the Civil War, and had to fight. He went into battle, shooting his gun into the air.
Ruby’s mother was Roxiana Dunaway. Her mother died when she was small, and she had one brother. Her father remarried, and had many more children.
Roxiana and Tillman came to the Delta sometime around 1900. They lived in with a brother and his wife, Cassie (?). They had a blacksmith shop, and from where they lived they could see the train station. They could watch the bodies of the people who died from malaria being loaded on the train to be carried back to the hills. When Cassie and her baby died, they carried them back to the hills, too, and stayed there for a number of years. Many, many years later Marvin and Ruby bought a small plot of land and house in Ruleville. The land and house cost $3,000, and the banker said, no matter what, just be sure to pay the interest each year. And that’s what they did, scraped together to pay the interest for a number of years. They had a big garden, and Ruby thought she owned the land they gardened, but it turned out the land belonged to someone else. It was suggested she had used it for so long, the land legally belonged to her. She said, no, she remembered, she wondered how she was going to feed her family when they moved to town, and this man (does anybody remember who he was?) let her use as much land as she needed for free for her garden, and now she couldn’t manage a garden like that any more, and she didn’t need it. Now, I’ll wander…she no longer had the big garden, but she had rows and rows and rows of day lilies. But enough…back to the house Marvin and Ruby bought. When they were gardening they turned up detritus that had been used in a blacksmith’s shop, and they could see the train depot from the house. Was it the same place Tilman and Roxiana lived? (and Sandra went to the train station with someone, and saw an Indian..a real Indian with feathers and everything…being the oldest, she saw many things the rest of us missed).
Ruby was born in Webster County. She had an older sister and many brothers. I’ll name them later. I’ll name many more people later. She liked to ‘skin the cat,’ or hang by her knees from a tree branch. If her mother caught her skinning the cat, she got in trouble. She and her sister Ada had to fetch water? from some distance. Ada would tell Ruby if she carried the full bucket the first half toward home, then Ada would carry it the second half. Ada reneged. Did Ruby leave the bucket? Did Ada and Ruby both get into trouble? Ruby for leaving it, and Ada for not doing her part? Seems like they did.
The family moved from the hills to Inverness. Ruby had to leave her black and white cat. As the wagon pulled away, Ruby could see her cat sitting on a fence post.
Ruby played basketball in Inverness, and she got malaria. She didn't die, but she did get married. f She wanted to be a teacher. She said aege for edge, and mountane for mountain. I loved it when she said those words, and I wondered where the pronunciation came from.
…………………………to be continued……….
Scarlett says:
I remember the story about the old blacksmith leftovers showing up. And I did see an Indian. I had walked to the depot with Grandaddy to get something that was coming in on the train. And there was an Indian. Nell thinks she know who it was. (It wasn't really an Indian, but somebody who lived there and did things like dress up like and Indian.) But in my memory banks, it will always be an Indian.
The first thing I remember is Ruby’s grandfather. He did not believe in killing, but he was caught up in the Civil War, and had to fight. He went into battle, shooting his gun into the air.
Ruby’s mother was Roxiana Dunaway. Her mother died when she was small, and she had one brother. Her father remarried, and had many more children.
Roxiana and Tillman came to the Delta sometime around 1900. They lived in with a brother and his wife, Cassie (?). They had a blacksmith shop, and from where they lived they could see the train station. They could watch the bodies of the people who died from malaria being loaded on the train to be carried back to the hills. When Cassie and her baby died, they carried them back to the hills, too, and stayed there for a number of years. Many, many years later Marvin and Ruby bought a small plot of land and house in Ruleville. The land and house cost $3,000, and the banker said, no matter what, just be sure to pay the interest each year. And that’s what they did, scraped together to pay the interest for a number of years. They had a big garden, and Ruby thought she owned the land they gardened, but it turned out the land belonged to someone else. It was suggested she had used it for so long, the land legally belonged to her. She said, no, she remembered, she wondered how she was going to feed her family when they moved to town, and this man (does anybody remember who he was?) let her use as much land as she needed for free for her garden, and now she couldn’t manage a garden like that any more, and she didn’t need it. Now, I’ll wander…she no longer had the big garden, but she had rows and rows and rows of day lilies. But enough…back to the house Marvin and Ruby bought. When they were gardening they turned up detritus that had been used in a blacksmith’s shop, and they could see the train depot from the house. Was it the same place Tilman and Roxiana lived? (and Sandra went to the train station with someone, and saw an Indian..a real Indian with feathers and everything…being the oldest, she saw many things the rest of us missed).
Ruby was born in Webster County. She had an older sister and many brothers. I’ll name them later. I’ll name many more people later. She liked to ‘skin the cat,’ or hang by her knees from a tree branch. If her mother caught her skinning the cat, she got in trouble. She and her sister Ada had to fetch water? from some distance. Ada would tell Ruby if she carried the full bucket the first half toward home, then Ada would carry it the second half. Ada reneged. Did Ruby leave the bucket? Did Ada and Ruby both get into trouble? Ruby for leaving it, and Ada for not doing her part? Seems like they did.
The family moved from the hills to Inverness. Ruby had to leave her black and white cat. As the wagon pulled away, Ruby could see her cat sitting on a fence post.
Ruby played basketball in Inverness, and she got malaria. She didn't die, but she did get married. f She wanted to be a teacher. She said aege for edge, and mountane for mountain. I loved it when she said those words, and I wondered where the pronunciation came from.
…………………………to be continued……….
Scarlett says:
I remember the story about the old blacksmith leftovers showing up. And I did see an Indian. I had walked to the depot with Grandaddy to get something that was coming in on the train. And there was an Indian. Nell thinks she know who it was. (It wasn't really an Indian, but somebody who lived there and did things like dress up like and Indian.) But in my memory banks, it will always be an Indian.
Vowell Town
Transport of the Goodies & Such
Don't worry about us, we are arriving in a large RV named "Hurricane" you won't be able to miss us. I'm afraid we'll be monopolizing quite a few parking spaces in this thing. Let me know about our estimated "cousin count" so we can "quantitize" (this is a Namanite word) the food and supplies.
Don't worry about us, we are arriving in a large RV named "Hurricane" you won't be able to miss us. I'm afraid we'll be monopolizing quite a few parking spaces in this thing. Let me know about our estimated "cousin count" so we can "quantitize" (this is a Namanite word) the food and supplies.
Vowell Voices
Vowell Voices
I'm a neophyte at this blogging. This is only the second time--well, third--that I have been to the site. I peeked, then posted a blog, and am back. Why are there two blogs? I am having a hard time figuring out one. Will the two be combined? Or, I can live up to my "handle" (anybody remember when that term was used?) and just leave with "I can't think about that today. I'll think about it tomorrow."
I'm a neophyte at this blogging. This is only the second time--well, third--that I have been to the site. I peeked, then posted a blog, and am back. Why are there two blogs? I am having a hard time figuring out one. Will the two be combined? Or, I can live up to my "handle" (anybody remember when that term was used?) and just leave with "I can't think about that today. I'll think about it tomorrow."
Vowell Voices
Vowell Voices
O.K. I cheated a little and had to google for a title. I remember the movie night Camelia is talking about. The movie starred Rock Hudson or somebody like that. After I thought about it, it was Gregory Peck. He was an army (?) psychiatrist and Eddie Albert was a really crazy officer back from war. When I looked the title up, I found the movie was Dr. Newman, MD.
Do you remember what we did when we started home? We had to call Aunt Nita's house, person-to-person for a "person" who didn't exist. Of course we prearranged this so that would be the signal for them to know we were starting home and know how long to allow before they started worrying.
I could never pass through Oak Grove on the trip to Mississippi (or back) without thinking about that night. And now every time I go through, I have to stop at that little fruit stand to get Louisiana navel oranges when they are in season.
O.K. I cheated a little and had to google for a title. I remember the movie night Camelia is talking about. The movie starred Rock Hudson or somebody like that. After I thought about it, it was Gregory Peck. He was an army (?) psychiatrist and Eddie Albert was a really crazy officer back from war. When I looked the title up, I found the movie was Dr. Newman, MD.
Do you remember what we did when we started home? We had to call Aunt Nita's house, person-to-person for a "person" who didn't exist. Of course we prearranged this so that would be the signal for them to know we were starting home and know how long to allow before they started worrying.
I could never pass through Oak Grove on the trip to Mississippi (or back) without thinking about that night. And now every time I go through, I have to stop at that little fruit stand to get Louisiana navel oranges when they are in season.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Lets talk outhouses
Who remembers Granny Vowell's out house.
Right where the black berries grew?
I also remember Granny Terrell's behind her house.
But the best was at unca franklin's 2 holer and we could watch the hens lay the eggs.
I will continue to pull up memories but you never know what will come out of the deepest darkest reaches of my unfathonable mind.
Manager 1: (2-27-06)
Hey, Good Ed, Do you remember Granny having a cow (not having a cow- keeping a cow) in town in her yard? Franklin said she did.
Right where the black berries grew?
I also remember Granny Terrell's behind her house.
But the best was at unca franklin's 2 holer and we could watch the hens lay the eggs.
I will continue to pull up memories but you never know what will come out of the deepest darkest reaches of my unfathonable mind.
Manager 1: (2-27-06)
Hey, Good Ed, Do you remember Granny having a cow (not having a cow- keeping a cow) in town in her yard? Franklin said she did.
Snakes you want to know about snakes
Does anyone remember when ----- At the lake 2 of us were turning over one of the boats and guess what popped out of a seat? Yep water moc. Scared the you know what out of me but I think Gary was for catching it. From that time on we always jumped on the bottom of the boats before flipping them
Vowell Voices
Vowell Voices
It was a hot summer day, the kids were in the pool at Grandma's house, splashing and hooting and hollaring. I was watching them from a lounge chair. Everyone else was inside. Next thing you know I was hollaring for Paul to come get the SNAKE that had me trapped in the chair! AAAAHHHHHH!!! But the true hero of the day was "SUPER SUE" (A.K.A. "The Favorite Aunt") who swooped in with a long handled weapon and whacked and whacked and whacked and whacked that snake till it couldn't be whacked no more. I was told she could hold her own with some South African women who chase away cobras with sticks! Tony and Greg still remember and tell people that story. I owe my life to Sue, the snake smashing sister. Love you, Me-Kat
It was a hot summer day, the kids were in the pool at Grandma's house, splashing and hooting and hollaring. I was watching them from a lounge chair. Everyone else was inside. Next thing you know I was hollaring for Paul to come get the SNAKE that had me trapped in the chair! AAAAHHHHHH!!! But the true hero of the day was "SUPER SUE" (A.K.A. "The Favorite Aunt") who swooped in with a long handled weapon and whacked and whacked and whacked and whacked that snake till it couldn't be whacked no more. I was told she could hold her own with some South African women who chase away cobras with sticks! Tony and Greg still remember and tell people that story. I owe my life to Sue, the snake smashing sister. Love you, Me-Kat
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
WERE YOU THERE?
It was 1963, and Aunt Nita and her family lived in Eudora. We were there for the week-end, and the house must have been too full of children, because it was decided the oldest ones could go to Oak Grove to movie. There must have been some decision about who was old enough to go, and Sandra woud drive. We weren't really allowed to drive outside of town at home, and going to another town after dark seemed daring. We called to find out what time the second movie started. "9:15," the manager said, but then told us to get there by 8:30, which we did. We wandered into the darkened screen room, and the movie was already playing. We sat for a few minutes, when we realized we were seeing the last of the movie. We didn't want to ruin it, so we wandered back out to the lobby, and the girls hung in the bathroom for a while. We were waiting for our movie to start before we bought popcorn and cokes. The first movie ended and the sparse audience filed out. The concession stand closed, before we got our 'refresments." We were the only audience for the second feature. The room lights went out, and the movie lights came on. About 2/3s way through the movie, the reel stopped, and the room lights came on. The theatre was closing!
Don't cha' love small towns? Were you there? What was the movie?
Don't cha' love small towns? Were you there? What was the movie?
Friday, February 17, 2006
Vowell Voices
Vowell Voices
Who said and to whom was it said? "I love you, but just a little. I like you, but still just a little. P.S. Don't call me Nick."
Isn't cousin love fun?
Who ate lunch biscuits for recess, and why was this a bad thing?
Who said and to whom was it said? "I love you, but just a little. I like you, but still just a little. P.S. Don't call me Nick."
Isn't cousin love fun?
Who ate lunch biscuits for recess, and why was this a bad thing?
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Blind Man's Bluff
Picture this: Grown-ups playing either Rook or Dominos in the dining room. Yogi's old room at the back of the house (the one with the closet with no door handle on the inside. Lights are turned off.
What else happened? Please finish this story for me!
Everybody scattered, bumpa bumpa bumpa, knocking into each other. What about the screaming? Why the back room? Does anybody know what was happening the front bedroom? Camellia
What else happened? Please finish this story for me!
Everybody scattered, bumpa bumpa bumpa, knocking into each other. What about the screaming? Why the back room? Does anybody know what was happening the front bedroom? Camellia
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
WHAMPUS KITTY by Manager 1
Always the best memory is of the "Whampus Cat". We spent the night (many) at Granny Vowell's ( You know we never said at Granddaddy Vowell's did we?) We slept in the living room on the strange fold out couch that the back laid down and made a 3/4 bed. Very late at night when we were supposed to be asleep, we could hear a noise on the front porch. The noise was a clawing on the screen sound, We all would get real quite and wait (ofcourse this was after we screamed awhile) and we all knew that it really was the WHAMPUSS CAT! After many years we learned that it was Granddaddy Vowell coming in from his late night. I loved staying there!
Donna adds: The Wampus (which is how I always thought was spelled) Kitty had a barbed-wire tail. The New Orleans cousins made up a song about it. The couch's seat and back were the same size, and often they put three of us on it, and somebody had to sleep on the crack. The closet in the back bedroom didn't have a handle on the inside, even though it did have a window, and at least once Ronald hid in there so he could spend the night.
Donna adds: The Wampus (which is how I always thought was spelled) Kitty had a barbed-wire tail. The New Orleans cousins made up a song about it. The couch's seat and back were the same size, and often they put three of us on it, and somebody had to sleep on the crack. The closet in the back bedroom didn't have a handle on the inside, even though it did have a window, and at least once Ronald hid in there so he could spend the night.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
REMEMBER WHEN:
The Good Ed asks, Remember when
I think this was at an easter week.
Can anyone remember when someone got put on a horse and took a wild ride down the country road near the quiver river? I know where the movies are of this.
I think this was at an easter week.
Can anyone remember when someone got put on a horse and took a wild ride down the country road near the quiver river? I know where the movies are of this.
Talking Talking Vowell Talk
Pat and Nell have both said they want a ‘memory book’ because “the memories could go farrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr back....”
Sandra wants a “I remember when…” a place where one person can remember something that happened, but then maybe some one else remembers it a little differently, and then someone else remembers yet another detail…and we all chime in, telling the same story, maybe differently, but yet, it is our story.
Donna wants everyone to tell a story… If Jessica tells us an event that stands out in her memory, it might not be about Vowell interaction, but we will know Jessica as a real person, not just a cousin growing up and growing away. Tell us about something that happened to you...or about an animal, a special object, a place, a friend, family, a funny thing that happened, a strange thing that happened, a dream, anything.
If you contribute a story, a snippet, a memory…if you add your voice to the Voice Voices blog, your name goes in the Story Pot for a chance to win $25, and all of us will be richer for it.
Sandra wants a “I remember when…” a place where one person can remember something that happened, but then maybe some one else remembers it a little differently, and then someone else remembers yet another detail…and we all chime in, telling the same story, maybe differently, but yet, it is our story.
Donna wants everyone to tell a story… If Jessica tells us an event that stands out in her memory, it might not be about Vowell interaction, but we will know Jessica as a real person, not just a cousin growing up and growing away. Tell us about something that happened to you...or about an animal, a special object, a place, a friend, family, a funny thing that happened, a strange thing that happened, a dream, anything.
If you contribute a story, a snippet, a memory…if you add your voice to the Voice Voices blog, your name goes in the Story Pot for a chance to win $25, and all of us will be richer for it.
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