December started with Nancy and I enjoying our time in San Antonio, Texas. The following week, I drove to northern Illinois. It has been three years since I have gone further than Peoria and four more hours of driving makes a difference. I left on a Saturday morning in a mist that later turned into rain, then hit fog in areas and arrived in Dundee, Illinois in the rain. I got to youngest son, Bobs before dark. We rested and talked then left for the pizza place where my children ate pizza on special occasions. My grandchildren also ate at that pizza parlor in their growing up years. It was the perfect spot for our family to get together. All were there except granddaughter, Beth. She had car trouble and did not get there. We all ate and retold old stories and added a few new ones. We took pictures before all left to go their own way. The next morning, Bob and I took off for De Kalb to attend Northern Illinois University Graduation Ceremony and see grandson Brad receive his degree. It was bitterly cold and very windy. Most of the 45 miles to the college I drove in white-out conditions. Sometimes I could see the tail lights of the car in front of me and sometimes not. Bob watched the side of the road and guided me so I would stay on the road. We got there in time but just in time for the start of the service. Bob was able to get some great pictures of Brad. We met him after the service and were able to get more pictures. It took for ever to get out of the parking lot and on to the road. The way home after the service was a little better. It was good to stop for lunch and warm up as well as get down some coffee for the nerves. After a nice dinner that Jacky, Bob's girl friend, made for us, we relaxed and watched TV for awhile. After a nice breakfast with Bob, I headed back home for the good old Ozarks. There were icy patches to watch for, even south of St. Louis. I stopped at every rest stop and walked around a bit, I even went to a sit down restaurant for lunch after filling up the gas tank. I got home before supper and better yet, before dark. It was a great time and I am so glad that Brad invited me to his graduation.
The third week in December bring up "Shop with a Cop". Our Bolivar Police Department and Wal-Mart have worked together for the past eleven years. Our police have many donations from people who give each year for this great program. Last year the Polk County Sheriffs Department joined us and this year we even has some Conservation Officers join in.. For eight years Frank took photographs (I worked for Wal-Mart at that time and helped Susan with this program) and he made booklets for both Wal-Mart and the police. His last two years he was not able to walk around to photograph the children and the officers. Lynn Flick, one of the police chaplains and I did the picture taking and Frank did the booklets. Last year I did a small version of the booklet and I hope to do a better job of it this year. The important thing is that this year 80 children were able to shop with 100 dollars each, to buy whatever they wanted. So many of the children buy for their family members and have to be reminded to get something for themselves too. It is a heart warming time for everyone involved. On this note, I wish Each of You, A Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
THE SISTERS
Winter is fast approaching and I want to delay it as long as I can. Nancy and I agreed we could use a short diversion before winter sets in, we decided on a trip offered by Sunshine Tours. It was for five days and headed to warm, sunny, San Antonio, Texas. Nancy has visited the area before but it would be a new experience for me.
We met in Springfield on November 29th and spent the night at the Plaza Hotel so we only had to cross the parking lot in the early morning. Our tour coach departure was for 6AM.
The first day was mostly spent in travel, the first break was in Pryer, Oklahoma at a truck stop. It was said to have the largest McDonald restaurant in the country. It is also the first town in Oklahoma to have electricity and also where Will Rogers was raised. Google is also to come here and will bring 100's of jobs to the area. After a late afternoon break, we ended the day at the Hampton Inn in Waco, Texas.
After a nice courtesy breakfast in a rather pretty lounge of the hotel, we were on the road for San Antonio. We arrived at the Club Plaza for an elegant buffet lunch. At our table, we met a couple from Mountain Home, Arkansas, as well as a nice 91 year old and her daughter, that joined our tour in Joplin. Everyone is friendly and easy to talk with. After this delicious lunch, we traveled to the Tower of Americas. This was built in 1968 for the World's Fair. The elevators to take you to the 750foot high observation deck are on the outside walls so you can see out as you go up to the deck. I was able to get interesting pictures of the San Antonio area from up there as well as pictures of the beautiful water falls around the plaza leading to and from the tower.
We then drove to down town San Antonio and our hotel, The Emily Morgan. It was once a hospital, then offices before becoming a hotel in the 1970's. It is now part of the Hampton Inn Company. We were right across the street from the Alamo and on the other street we faced the courthouse and post office. We were on the 10th floor in a large, comfortable room. We were later told by two different parties sharing the elevator, that our floor is known to be haunted. We did not see any ghosts, but who knows who were the people talking to us or the family that just sat in the chairs near the elevators the second night.
After a freshen up, we wandered over to the Alamo. There was a tour going on so we wandered around the 4.2 acre complex on our own. It is impressive to think that this represents 300 years of Texas history. Built in 1718, then in the 1800's it was under Spanish rule, it is part of the original Mission San Antonio De Valero, built by Spanish Friars to minister to Native Americans. The Battle of Bexar in 1835 and The Texas Revolution, the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Walking through the area, I was impressed with the wrought iron work you would see on the doors, windows and in the hanging lamps. The trees were another thing that impressed me. Everywhere we went, the Alamo, the River Walk, the parkways and everywhere else, there were large, bent and gnarled trees. I do not know what type they are, possible cotton Woods?
After a great buffet breakfast, we drove to the Hill County" where we toured the ranch of Lyndon B. Johnson, our 36th President, called "The Texas White House' We were met by a National Park Service Guide, he is a very enthusiastic, informative man who loves this history and his job of telling about it. He walked us into "the office", there was a piano, desks, telephones, TV's and a fireplace. We were told LBJ liked the 50's Pop Music and tuned into that all the time. This station now plays hard rock on the LBJ-FM radio station, wouldn't LBJ be surprised?
As we went to the other rooms we were told the three TV's in each room would all be turned on if the president were in the room. He watched the news all the time and the three would be because at that time had ABC, CBS and NBC as the only networks. The dinning room was set up for dinner, because Lady Bird Johnson liked color, the dishes reflected this. The dishes were of Mexican pottery, brightly colored floral design with the center of each depicting an animal. It was not overly fancy for this was their home away from Washington DC. Outside we saw the airstrip and the airplane used to transport the president and his wife. There were also buildings with his cars on display. We visited the home where the president was born as well as the family cemetery on the way out. There were pecan trees around the area as well as long horn cattle, bison and white-tailed deer and a man plowing a nearby field.
We left the ranch and traveled to Fredericksburg, an old town of German and frontier heritage dating back to the 1840's. There were many shops, galleries, boutiques as well as lots of old buildings to see. We ate at a nice outdoor restaurant, hearing how generous there meals are, Nancy and I shared the burger and fries, but each had our own bread pudding dessert before our meal. . After shopping, we all boarded the coach and headed for a trip through the hills to Bandera, "Cowboy Capital of the World:. We went to a ranch for a hay ride, a Texas style Bar-B-Q and a "Roper" for entertainment. The roper, Kevin Fitzpatrich, was a fun, informative man. He knew more trivia about past cowboys and horse and roping history than you can imagine. He is also champion roper. He did all his roping tricks while standing on his horse, Bullwhip. He did the Butterfly, the Rollovers, Wedding Ring, Cowboy Hopscotch, Jump Through's and the Texas Skip. I ended up getting roped as did our guide. Kevin ended by telling a story about his 94 year old father that was there with him. His father was a world champion roper, he was given one of the first gold belt buckles 30 plus years ago to signify his achievement. After many years of the buckle being missing, only a few weeks earlier, a man called from California to inquire about his father. It turns out that someone came into this mans pawn shop with this buckle, the store owner wanted to check it out. A few days later, Father had his belt buckle in hand, the store owner sought him out and mailed it to him. That made us all feel good, what a nice ending to a great day.
Friday morning we were met at the tour coach by a walk-on tour guide. He was interesting, informative and fun. Our first stop was the Town Hall then we walked across to the San Fernando Cathedral that was founded in 1731. It is one of the oldest structures in San Antonio. It marks the original geographic center of the city. The original church is made of adobe and the rest in old rock style. This church is still active with weekly services. It was beautiful inside, a beautiful pipe organ, brightly colored stained glass windows and a beautiful alter. The metal marker is in the church marking the center point of San Antonio, we walked over it to leave. We drove through many old parts of town and learned a lot. We went on to visit the San Jose Mission, this too is still having weekly services. The original walls and building foundations still exist. Parts of the church are being preserved and is in tack. Drove through areas of town and saw one of the oldest and still working mills, makers of White Wing Flour, saw one of the three Air Force Bases in Texas and other things of interest as we drove to the SAS (San Antonio Shoe) Shoe Factory for time to shop.
We got back to the hotel early afternoon and Nancy and I chose to eat at the hotel restaurant. It was the best Italian Pasta meal I have had in years. Nancy actually finished her meal too, so you know it was good. We met some of our traveling group and went together for our barge ride at the River Walk. The young man who captained the barge also gave a very informative history of the river walk, the buildings, etc. Nancy and I walked around the area then drove the street cars around to check out the rest of the town. We returned to the river walk at dark to photograph the beauty of the Christmas lights hanging from the trees and the luminaries that lit the whole River Walk and all the many bridges over the river.
Saturday we started the ride back to Springfield, we drove to Austin and got out at the State Capital for picture taking and a short walk around. Then drove on to Irving for our night stay. We arrive in time for the courtesy buffet they set up for the guests at our hotel.
Sunday we drove into Oklahoma, our first break and I bought coffee and a local newspaper. Another lady and I went into a separate area where gambling machines were set up. We asked how to play the quarter machines, a lady showed us how and on my third spin, i won, Three Dollars, Wow, first time to gamble and I won, I will quit while I am ahead, it was fun. My partner lost two dollars but also had fun. Further down the road we stopped at a community run farm, they offered lessons in weaving, carpentry, home schooled their children and farmed, gardened and did it all. We were all in shock at the prices of all their merchandise, most of us looked but did not buy. On down the road we in the middle and back heard a small bang then another. Then we heard some rumbling. Soon a white car drove up side us then dropped back soon they drove up front and held up a sign that said flat tire. They pulled over and so did Rory, out coach owner/driver. It turns out that they both are coach drivers, deadheading back to their base and noticed one of the inside back tires flat. Our guide called the emergency road number Rory had and they led her to a nearby company that could meet us at our lunch stop to change the tire. When we pulled in for lunch, the tire truck was there. After a nice farewell lunch, we had fun singing the Twelve days of Christmas. Nancy's part was Five Golden Rings, mine was Eight Ladies Dancing. It was a good time for all.
The trip was fun. While down loading the 500 plus pictures I took, it brought back just how much we did see and how much fun it was. I am so glad we went and now I will get through this winter with ease. Marge
We met in Springfield on November 29th and spent the night at the Plaza Hotel so we only had to cross the parking lot in the early morning. Our tour coach departure was for 6AM.
The first day was mostly spent in travel, the first break was in Pryer, Oklahoma at a truck stop. It was said to have the largest McDonald restaurant in the country. It is also the first town in Oklahoma to have electricity and also where Will Rogers was raised. Google is also to come here and will bring 100's of jobs to the area. After a late afternoon break, we ended the day at the Hampton Inn in Waco, Texas.
After a nice courtesy breakfast in a rather pretty lounge of the hotel, we were on the road for San Antonio. We arrived at the Club Plaza for an elegant buffet lunch. At our table, we met a couple from Mountain Home, Arkansas, as well as a nice 91 year old and her daughter, that joined our tour in Joplin. Everyone is friendly and easy to talk with. After this delicious lunch, we traveled to the Tower of Americas. This was built in 1968 for the World's Fair. The elevators to take you to the 750foot high observation deck are on the outside walls so you can see out as you go up to the deck. I was able to get interesting pictures of the San Antonio area from up there as well as pictures of the beautiful water falls around the plaza leading to and from the tower.
We then drove to down town San Antonio and our hotel, The Emily Morgan. It was once a hospital, then offices before becoming a hotel in the 1970's. It is now part of the Hampton Inn Company. We were right across the street from the Alamo and on the other street we faced the courthouse and post office. We were on the 10th floor in a large, comfortable room. We were later told by two different parties sharing the elevator, that our floor is known to be haunted. We did not see any ghosts, but who knows who were the people talking to us or the family that just sat in the chairs near the elevators the second night.
After a freshen up, we wandered over to the Alamo. There was a tour going on so we wandered around the 4.2 acre complex on our own. It is impressive to think that this represents 300 years of Texas history. Built in 1718, then in the 1800's it was under Spanish rule, it is part of the original Mission San Antonio De Valero, built by Spanish Friars to minister to Native Americans. The Battle of Bexar in 1835 and The Texas Revolution, the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Walking through the area, I was impressed with the wrought iron work you would see on the doors, windows and in the hanging lamps. The trees were another thing that impressed me. Everywhere we went, the Alamo, the River Walk, the parkways and everywhere else, there were large, bent and gnarled trees. I do not know what type they are, possible cotton Woods?
After a great buffet breakfast, we drove to the Hill County" where we toured the ranch of Lyndon B. Johnson, our 36th President, called "The Texas White House' We were met by a National Park Service Guide, he is a very enthusiastic, informative man who loves this history and his job of telling about it. He walked us into "the office", there was a piano, desks, telephones, TV's and a fireplace. We were told LBJ liked the 50's Pop Music and tuned into that all the time. This station now plays hard rock on the LBJ-FM radio station, wouldn't LBJ be surprised?
As we went to the other rooms we were told the three TV's in each room would all be turned on if the president were in the room. He watched the news all the time and the three would be because at that time had ABC, CBS and NBC as the only networks. The dinning room was set up for dinner, because Lady Bird Johnson liked color, the dishes reflected this. The dishes were of Mexican pottery, brightly colored floral design with the center of each depicting an animal. It was not overly fancy for this was their home away from Washington DC. Outside we saw the airstrip and the airplane used to transport the president and his wife. There were also buildings with his cars on display. We visited the home where the president was born as well as the family cemetery on the way out. There were pecan trees around the area as well as long horn cattle, bison and white-tailed deer and a man plowing a nearby field.
We left the ranch and traveled to Fredericksburg, an old town of German and frontier heritage dating back to the 1840's. There were many shops, galleries, boutiques as well as lots of old buildings to see. We ate at a nice outdoor restaurant, hearing how generous there meals are, Nancy and I shared the burger and fries, but each had our own bread pudding dessert before our meal. . After shopping, we all boarded the coach and headed for a trip through the hills to Bandera, "Cowboy Capital of the World:. We went to a ranch for a hay ride, a Texas style Bar-B-Q and a "Roper" for entertainment. The roper, Kevin Fitzpatrich, was a fun, informative man. He knew more trivia about past cowboys and horse and roping history than you can imagine. He is also champion roper. He did all his roping tricks while standing on his horse, Bullwhip. He did the Butterfly, the Rollovers, Wedding Ring, Cowboy Hopscotch, Jump Through's and the Texas Skip. I ended up getting roped as did our guide. Kevin ended by telling a story about his 94 year old father that was there with him. His father was a world champion roper, he was given one of the first gold belt buckles 30 plus years ago to signify his achievement. After many years of the buckle being missing, only a few weeks earlier, a man called from California to inquire about his father. It turns out that someone came into this mans pawn shop with this buckle, the store owner wanted to check it out. A few days later, Father had his belt buckle in hand, the store owner sought him out and mailed it to him. That made us all feel good, what a nice ending to a great day.
Friday morning we were met at the tour coach by a walk-on tour guide. He was interesting, informative and fun. Our first stop was the Town Hall then we walked across to the San Fernando Cathedral that was founded in 1731. It is one of the oldest structures in San Antonio. It marks the original geographic center of the city. The original church is made of adobe and the rest in old rock style. This church is still active with weekly services. It was beautiful inside, a beautiful pipe organ, brightly colored stained glass windows and a beautiful alter. The metal marker is in the church marking the center point of San Antonio, we walked over it to leave. We drove through many old parts of town and learned a lot. We went on to visit the San Jose Mission, this too is still having weekly services. The original walls and building foundations still exist. Parts of the church are being preserved and is in tack. Drove through areas of town and saw one of the oldest and still working mills, makers of White Wing Flour, saw one of the three Air Force Bases in Texas and other things of interest as we drove to the SAS (San Antonio Shoe) Shoe Factory for time to shop.
We got back to the hotel early afternoon and Nancy and I chose to eat at the hotel restaurant. It was the best Italian Pasta meal I have had in years. Nancy actually finished her meal too, so you know it was good. We met some of our traveling group and went together for our barge ride at the River Walk. The young man who captained the barge also gave a very informative history of the river walk, the buildings, etc. Nancy and I walked around the area then drove the street cars around to check out the rest of the town. We returned to the river walk at dark to photograph the beauty of the Christmas lights hanging from the trees and the luminaries that lit the whole River Walk and all the many bridges over the river.
Saturday we started the ride back to Springfield, we drove to Austin and got out at the State Capital for picture taking and a short walk around. Then drove on to Irving for our night stay. We arrive in time for the courtesy buffet they set up for the guests at our hotel.
Sunday we drove into Oklahoma, our first break and I bought coffee and a local newspaper. Another lady and I went into a separate area where gambling machines were set up. We asked how to play the quarter machines, a lady showed us how and on my third spin, i won, Three Dollars, Wow, first time to gamble and I won, I will quit while I am ahead, it was fun. My partner lost two dollars but also had fun. Further down the road we stopped at a community run farm, they offered lessons in weaving, carpentry, home schooled their children and farmed, gardened and did it all. We were all in shock at the prices of all their merchandise, most of us looked but did not buy. On down the road we in the middle and back heard a small bang then another. Then we heard some rumbling. Soon a white car drove up side us then dropped back soon they drove up front and held up a sign that said flat tire. They pulled over and so did Rory, out coach owner/driver. It turns out that they both are coach drivers, deadheading back to their base and noticed one of the inside back tires flat. Our guide called the emergency road number Rory had and they led her to a nearby company that could meet us at our lunch stop to change the tire. When we pulled in for lunch, the tire truck was there. After a nice farewell lunch, we had fun singing the Twelve days of Christmas. Nancy's part was Five Golden Rings, mine was Eight Ladies Dancing. It was a good time for all.
The trip was fun. While down loading the 500 plus pictures I took, it brought back just how much we did see and how much fun it was. I am so glad we went and now I will get through this winter with ease. Marge
Friday, December 10, 2010
A note from Bruce & Nancy's response...
9 December 2010 email from Bruce:
Aunt Nancy, I see I mis spelled "bearing" in the last sentence and Martha Ray should be Raye...
@ Nancy: Since I cannot 'cut & paste' everything is re-transcribed by me so the errors in your story are my fault. My efforts to 'edit' were useless. Sorry, Bruce. I'll try to do better on the next one...nktc [
Aunt Nancy, I see I mis spelled "bearing" in the last sentence and Martha Ray should be Raye...
@ Nancy: Since I cannot 'cut & paste' everything is re-transcribed by me so the errors in your story are my fault. My efforts to 'edit' were useless. Sorry, Bruce. I'll try to do better on the next one...nktc [
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thatcher Magazine - December 2010
FAMILY HISTORY
My Christmas 1966 by Bruce Thatcher
I was raised in what was the small town of Lombard, Illinois. My parents and I regularly went to the church at the First Congregational Church in town. Seven years after graduating from high school I was in Vietnam.
I was an artillery forward observer attached to the rifle company in the 1st Air Cavalry Division. We were operating in an area called the Centeral Highlands. We were helicoptered to a stone quarry where the engineers made their gravel to be used for roads and runways. What we liked was the engineers had cooks and hot food. Hot food was a rarity for us. The following happened on Christmas 1966:
On Christmas Eve all was quiet until about 10:00 PM when all kinds of gunfire came from a pacified village. We went up to the village only to find the newly elected mayor and a female school teacher killed and beheaded by the NVA.
Christmas morning we went to the Martha Ray Bowl, a small landing zone near Pleiku. The stage was made out of used 105 mm shell boxes. On the stage were two ministers, Bishop Sheen, and Rev. Billy Graham. They presided over the best nondenominational Christmas services that I have ever seen. They did this while being protected by only two platoons. I sent a picture of the two of them to the Billy Graham library at Wheaton College. Their records said that he was at An Khe, the base camp for the 1st Air Cavalry Division and didn't realize that they took a trip out to the bush.
The Army gave us the first hot meal in over two weeks. It was great. The enlisted men ate first, then the noncommissioned officers, and finally, if anything was left, the officers ate. There was plenty of hot food that day and even some extra hotdogs. There is something in our gene pool that makes us fishermen. I brought a very small survival kit from home which was always with me. It included, among other things, 6 lb. monofilament line, size 8 hooks and some split shot. With hot dogs as bait and a 10 foot piece of green bamboo for a pole, I went fishing in the creek. Heck, even caught some white catfish.
I had a wonderful christmas. I was not on patrol. I saw Billy Graham. I ate a great hot meal. I went fishing. Most importantly, I thanked God that I was alive.
I got a letter about two weeks later from my Dad. In the letter he informed me that the youth minister in his Christmas sermon named me and four other church members who were in Vietnam as baby killing, women raping, drug addicts. My Dad and several of the other members of the congregation then started a new Congregational Church in Glen Ellyn.
Last year was my 50th high school reunion. I turned the corner onto Main Street of the huge town of Lombard and everything had changed except that beautiful church steeple on the Congregational Church. We got a guided tour of the old church. The doors are always locked and you need a password to get in now. There is new carpet on the floor but the floor boards still squeak in the same places. What was said here on Christmas Eve, 1966, no longer has any beaing on me.
FAMILY NEWSLETTER - by Nancy
I collected three more writing awards. The first was from The Springfield
Writers' Guild, on October 23, 2010, for the Essay/Opinion Piece entitled "O! Say Can You See" (which appeared in the 2010 Family History News). On November 19, 2010, I received two awards from the five I submitted to the Ozark Writers League Competition. One was fiction: the Gene Andereck Award for "The Red Box" (the original version in FHN several years ago), and one for Dan Saults Essay Award entitled "Just Add Water" about our need for greater awareness of the diminishing supply of potable water on planet Earth.
Also, my creative non-fiction story entitled, "Laurel & Hardy" was published in the 2010 Ozark Writers League anthology, Echoes of the Ozarks, vol. VI. I'm proud to say this is the third year in a row OWL has published one of my stories.
THE SISTERS
Marjorie and I had such a nice time touring Washington DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival this past spring that we decided to take another tour - this time to San Antonio, Texas. We were there for the first Christmas lights - the first weekend of December - which included candle luminaries lining the entire River Walk as well as long strings of lights dangling from trees overhanging the river, the walk, bridge overpasses, restaurants, and streets jammed with people ready to begin this holiday season. Marjorie took notes and will give you 'the scoop' in her own words.
INSPIRATION
For this holiday season, I cannot think of anything more inspirational than Bruce's Christmas 1966!
I do hope we each remember to be grateful this holiday season and every day for simple things that make our lives valuable: for family, friends and neighybors of good will; for food, freedom and a fishing pole. May we remember our military who ensure our peace.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
the BLOG
Family members are welcome to contribute to this BLOG by accessing the editor through either 'comment' space on this blogsite or by emailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net or phoning (870) 425-8264. You can use snail mail if you prefer. to day, I know only how to manage tr=anscribed print information (no pictures, cut and paste or fancy formatting).
OK - I'm sitting here waiting to hear from you! Nancy y Te \
My Christmas 1966 by Bruce Thatcher
I was raised in what was the small town of Lombard, Illinois. My parents and I regularly went to the church at the First Congregational Church in town. Seven years after graduating from high school I was in Vietnam.
I was an artillery forward observer attached to the rifle company in the 1st Air Cavalry Division. We were operating in an area called the Centeral Highlands. We were helicoptered to a stone quarry where the engineers made their gravel to be used for roads and runways. What we liked was the engineers had cooks and hot food. Hot food was a rarity for us. The following happened on Christmas 1966:
On Christmas Eve all was quiet until about 10:00 PM when all kinds of gunfire came from a pacified village. We went up to the village only to find the newly elected mayor and a female school teacher killed and beheaded by the NVA.
Christmas morning we went to the Martha Ray Bowl, a small landing zone near Pleiku. The stage was made out of used 105 mm shell boxes. On the stage were two ministers, Bishop Sheen, and Rev. Billy Graham. They presided over the best nondenominational Christmas services that I have ever seen. They did this while being protected by only two platoons. I sent a picture of the two of them to the Billy Graham library at Wheaton College. Their records said that he was at An Khe, the base camp for the 1st Air Cavalry Division and didn't realize that they took a trip out to the bush.
The Army gave us the first hot meal in over two weeks. It was great. The enlisted men ate first, then the noncommissioned officers, and finally, if anything was left, the officers ate. There was plenty of hot food that day and even some extra hotdogs. There is something in our gene pool that makes us fishermen. I brought a very small survival kit from home which was always with me. It included, among other things, 6 lb. monofilament line, size 8 hooks and some split shot. With hot dogs as bait and a 10 foot piece of green bamboo for a pole, I went fishing in the creek. Heck, even caught some white catfish.
I had a wonderful christmas. I was not on patrol. I saw Billy Graham. I ate a great hot meal. I went fishing. Most importantly, I thanked God that I was alive.
I got a letter about two weeks later from my Dad. In the letter he informed me that the youth minister in his Christmas sermon named me and four other church members who were in Vietnam as baby killing, women raping, drug addicts. My Dad and several of the other members of the congregation then started a new Congregational Church in Glen Ellyn.
Last year was my 50th high school reunion. I turned the corner onto Main Street of the huge town of Lombard and everything had changed except that beautiful church steeple on the Congregational Church. We got a guided tour of the old church. The doors are always locked and you need a password to get in now. There is new carpet on the floor but the floor boards still squeak in the same places. What was said here on Christmas Eve, 1966, no longer has any beaing on me.
FAMILY NEWSLETTER - by Nancy
I collected three more writing awards. The first was from The Springfield
Writers' Guild, on October 23, 2010, for the Essay/Opinion Piece entitled "O! Say Can You See" (which appeared in the 2010 Family History News). On November 19, 2010, I received two awards from the five I submitted to the Ozark Writers League Competition. One was fiction: the Gene Andereck Award for "The Red Box" (the original version in FHN several years ago), and one for Dan Saults Essay Award entitled "Just Add Water" about our need for greater awareness of the diminishing supply of potable water on planet Earth.
Also, my creative non-fiction story entitled, "Laurel & Hardy" was published in the 2010 Ozark Writers League anthology, Echoes of the Ozarks, vol. VI. I'm proud to say this is the third year in a row OWL has published one of my stories.
THE SISTERS
Marjorie and I had such a nice time touring Washington DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival this past spring that we decided to take another tour - this time to San Antonio, Texas. We were there for the first Christmas lights - the first weekend of December - which included candle luminaries lining the entire River Walk as well as long strings of lights dangling from trees overhanging the river, the walk, bridge overpasses, restaurants, and streets jammed with people ready to begin this holiday season. Marjorie took notes and will give you 'the scoop' in her own words.
INSPIRATION
For this holiday season, I cannot think of anything more inspirational than Bruce's Christmas 1966!
I do hope we each remember to be grateful this holiday season and every day for simple things that make our lives valuable: for family, friends and neighybors of good will; for food, freedom and a fishing pole. May we remember our military who ensure our peace.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
the BLOG
Family members are welcome to contribute to this BLOG by accessing the editor through either 'comment' space on this blogsite or by emailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net or phoning (870) 425-8264. You can use snail mail if you prefer. to day, I know only how to manage tr=anscribed print information (no pictures, cut and paste or fancy formatting).
OK - I'm sitting here waiting to hear from you! Nancy y Te \
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thatcher Magazine - November 2010
FAMILY HISTORY
The Family History News was born in the Spring 1986. Frank R. Speer displayed his writing talent, wit and skill to create FHN, Vol. I, issue #1. The first issue and several following were designed on the theme of the Thatcher Family railroaders - complete with a silhouette logo of an old steam-engine train and coal car. The first issue begins "All 'Board ! ! ! Welcome aboard the first issue of the Family History News. Trains will be leaving our station and heading to all points back into Thatcher History. Tickets Ready???"
-And so the Thatcher Family History magazine was born - thanks to Frank R. Speer.
.
Frank Speer continued as FHN editor from 1986 through 2008 - 14 years - with each issue growing in skill and size. He had begun to work on the 2009 issue so that Marjorie (Frank's wife, who had been Frank's assistant over the years) and I (sister-in-law Nancy Cerny, who knew nothing about putting together FHN) were able to follow in his tradition with the 2009 issue. Marjorie stepped up to Editor in Chief to produce the beautiful and impressive 2010 edition.
.
Here are some snippets from Vol. I, issue #1:
-Number one train out will be the "Thatcher Express" loading now for an excursion around Thatcherland for a joyful trip into the past. marjorie Ann Thatcher Speer will be your engineer and sight-seeing hostess...
==THATCHER EXPRESS (Marjorie spent many, many hours searching libraries, Soundex and notebooks in preparation for her DuPage, IL project): The Thatcher family has been approved for a Pioneer Certificate from the DePage Historical Society. To be eligible, we had to send proof to link one generation to another and relatives must have been living in the DuPage county in the year of 1850 or earlier. To do this I had to put our files in order, have the library order the U.S. Census for the years 1840 to 1850 ... We are lucky in having so many scrap books to use for this project. "DuPage county, Illinois: The year was 1845 and the month of October when Nathaniel Redinghouse Thatcher, his wife, Lydia Carpenter thatcher and his daughter, Jennie May, arrived in Warrenville, DuPage county, IL. This was to join a brother of Nathaniel (who we must find more inforamtion about). In the year of 1848 Nathaniel and fmaily moved to Naperville, DuPage county, IL. This is where Nathaniel joined Lewis Ellsworth in the nursery business known as both DuPage Nurseries and also as Ellsworth & Co. Nurseries. this partnership lasted until 1874 when the partnership broke up and Natyhaniel and family purchased land in LaGrange (then called West Lyons), Cook county, IL. they took most of their nursery stock to LaGrange to start their own business."
This kind of news articles, copies of census and obituaries helped prove residence and qualify our family to pioneer status in DuPage County. (by Marjorie thatcher Speer).
==WINTON FLYER Today we are going to start out by learning about the "Zouaves" (zoo-av) and how they held a big part in our family history: Luther Winton was a brother to Grandma Minnie Thatcher, he ws a popular young man as the following article attests. "Luther "Wint" Winton, a member of the Aurora Zouaves, lives at 103 North Lincoln Avenue in Aurora, was voted 3rd place in a contest of the most popular Union men in Aurora. He was a member of the Machinists Union. He worked in the shops of the CB&Q RR as a machinist at the locomotive shops then at the standard Pneumatic Tool Company. He is said to be an expert Machinist. A member of the Creamer Lodge, Int'l. Assoc. of Machinistsm of which he was president i 1900. In 1898 Winton was among the "Zoos" that went to New York's Madison Square Garden for a month of shows. In February 1901, left for Germany with the 'Zoos." We believe older brother Frank was also a member of the Aurora Zouaves. The Zouaves were precision drill teams of the National Guard. They represented different cities and states. Zouaves from all major cities held competition exhibits of their skills. The Aurora Zouaves were organized in June 1887 by Capt. A. Hurd. They had a reputation of eing one of the finest fancy drill teams in the country. They first entered a competitive drill at Kansas city in 1890, taking third money. The Chicago Zouaves taking first and the famous Walsh Zouaves of St. Louis second. In 1891 the Aurora Zouaves drill team captured first money, $1000, at Indianapolic. The principal attraction of a Zouaves drill team are the movements and quickness of execution, the drill is a constant succession of surprises to the spectators. The drill concludes with a charge upon a wooden fort constructed especially for the purpose.
The men scale the walls of the fort, mounting on each others shoulders, and pulling the last man up by his gun. The complete drill usually takes 20 to 25minutes of fancy gun and foot movements ... The Aurora Zouavwes Champions of the US, who won fame on many a drill field and have enjoyed ovations in many big cities across the country, joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West in New York for two years... The roster of the company included Lute (Luther) Winton. The Aurora Zouaves execute 165 movements per minute which, heretofore, has awakened keen admiration among the thousands of soldiers who came to New York for ahte Grant Tomb Ceremonies and and visited the Col. Cody Show when the Zouaves were also called "Red-Legged Centipedes: because of their colorful uniforms and their precision drills. The members of this group traveled around the country and also amde a trip to Europe with the Barnum & Bailey Great American Circus. The Aurora Zouaves were reorganized for a short time in 1937 for the Aurora Centennial Celebration.
--all information from news articles printe din the Aurora Beacon News newspaper at the time.) FHN article by Marjorie Thatcher Speer.
NOTE; Future issues of Thatcher Magazine will contain additional family history transcriptions - such as these from vol. I, issue #1 @ nktc, BLOGeditor .
FAMILY NEWS
THE SISTERS
.The sisters will be traveling by bus for the second time this year (2010). This time they are going to San Antonio, Texas to walk in the footsteps of ancestors (probably not blood related, however) at the Alamo, on the River Walk and at LBJ ranch, among other tours. Marjorie will tell you all about it in the next issue of Thatcher Magazine.
.Nancy had some nice results on writing recently as she walked away with three award certificates, publication in Echoes of the Ozarks, VOL VI (2010) and was guest speaker, November 24, 2010, for the Friends of the Library at the brand new multi-million dollar library in Mountain Home (just opened in September).
INSPIRATION
Contented cats purr -
All snug and warm on the hearth
- no mouse in this house!
(In honor of Nancy's fat cat, Daphne-Dum-Dilly and Carol's sleek cat, Galaxy Star Chaser).
INTERESTING STUFF
-from page 3 of FHN Vol I, issue#1:
SHIPS IN THE NIGHT
April 20, 1944 . . WWII . . Pacific Ocean
Clarence Thatcher Jr. aboard the U.S.S. Teton: It's early morning when a mate shook "Clitz" and said "you have a visitor." And there stood Ralph thatcher, the youngest brother. He came aboard Clitz's ship to pick up radio parts for his ship, the L.C.S. #31. A pleasant hour spent in the Pacific by two brothers. "Hi, Ralph" "Hello Clitz"
the BLOG:
Family members are welcome to contribute to this BLOG by accessing the editor through either 'comment' space on thus bogstie or by emailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net or phoning (870)425-8264. You can use snail mail if you prefer. To date, I know only how to manage transcribed print information (no pictures, cut-paste or fancy formatting.
OK - I'm sitting here waiting to hear from you! Nancy y Te \
The Family History News was born in the Spring 1986. Frank R. Speer displayed his writing talent, wit and skill to create FHN, Vol. I, issue #1. The first issue and several following were designed on the theme of the Thatcher Family railroaders - complete with a silhouette logo of an old steam-engine train and coal car. The first issue begins "All 'Board ! ! ! Welcome aboard the first issue of the Family History News. Trains will be leaving our station and heading to all points back into Thatcher History. Tickets Ready???"
-And so the Thatcher Family History magazine was born - thanks to Frank R. Speer.
.
Frank Speer continued as FHN editor from 1986 through 2008 - 14 years - with each issue growing in skill and size. He had begun to work on the 2009 issue so that Marjorie (Frank's wife, who had been Frank's assistant over the years) and I (sister-in-law Nancy Cerny, who knew nothing about putting together FHN) were able to follow in his tradition with the 2009 issue. Marjorie stepped up to Editor in Chief to produce the beautiful and impressive 2010 edition.
.
Here are some snippets from Vol. I, issue #1:
-Number one train out will be the "Thatcher Express" loading now for an excursion around Thatcherland for a joyful trip into the past. marjorie Ann Thatcher Speer will be your engineer and sight-seeing hostess...
==THATCHER EXPRESS (Marjorie spent many, many hours searching libraries, Soundex and notebooks in preparation for her DuPage, IL project): The Thatcher family has been approved for a Pioneer Certificate from the DePage Historical Society. To be eligible, we had to send proof to link one generation to another and relatives must have been living in the DuPage county in the year of 1850 or earlier. To do this I had to put our files in order, have the library order the U.S. Census for the years 1840 to 1850 ... We are lucky in having so many scrap books to use for this project. "DuPage county, Illinois: The year was 1845 and the month of October when Nathaniel Redinghouse Thatcher, his wife, Lydia Carpenter thatcher and his daughter, Jennie May, arrived in Warrenville, DuPage county, IL. This was to join a brother of Nathaniel (who we must find more inforamtion about). In the year of 1848 Nathaniel and fmaily moved to Naperville, DuPage county, IL. This is where Nathaniel joined Lewis Ellsworth in the nursery business known as both DuPage Nurseries and also as Ellsworth & Co. Nurseries. this partnership lasted until 1874 when the partnership broke up and Natyhaniel and family purchased land in LaGrange (then called West Lyons), Cook county, IL. they took most of their nursery stock to LaGrange to start their own business."
This kind of news articles, copies of census and obituaries helped prove residence and qualify our family to pioneer status in DuPage County. (by Marjorie thatcher Speer).
==WINTON FLYER Today we are going to start out by learning about the "Zouaves" (zoo-av) and how they held a big part in our family history: Luther Winton was a brother to Grandma Minnie Thatcher, he ws a popular young man as the following article attests. "Luther "Wint" Winton, a member of the Aurora Zouaves, lives at 103 North Lincoln Avenue in Aurora, was voted 3rd place in a contest of the most popular Union men in Aurora. He was a member of the Machinists Union. He worked in the shops of the CB&Q RR as a machinist at the locomotive shops then at the standard Pneumatic Tool Company. He is said to be an expert Machinist. A member of the Creamer Lodge, Int'l. Assoc. of Machinistsm of which he was president i 1900. In 1898 Winton was among the "Zoos" that went to New York's Madison Square Garden for a month of shows. In February 1901, left for Germany with the 'Zoos." We believe older brother Frank was also a member of the Aurora Zouaves. The Zouaves were precision drill teams of the National Guard. They represented different cities and states. Zouaves from all major cities held competition exhibits of their skills. The Aurora Zouaves were organized in June 1887 by Capt. A. Hurd. They had a reputation of eing one of the finest fancy drill teams in the country. They first entered a competitive drill at Kansas city in 1890, taking third money. The Chicago Zouaves taking first and the famous Walsh Zouaves of St. Louis second. In 1891 the Aurora Zouaves drill team captured first money, $1000, at Indianapolic. The principal attraction of a Zouaves drill team are the movements and quickness of execution, the drill is a constant succession of surprises to the spectators. The drill concludes with a charge upon a wooden fort constructed especially for the purpose.
The men scale the walls of the fort, mounting on each others shoulders, and pulling the last man up by his gun. The complete drill usually takes 20 to 25minutes of fancy gun and foot movements ... The Aurora Zouavwes Champions of the US, who won fame on many a drill field and have enjoyed ovations in many big cities across the country, joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West in New York for two years... The roster of the company included Lute (Luther) Winton. The Aurora Zouaves execute 165 movements per minute which, heretofore, has awakened keen admiration among the thousands of soldiers who came to New York for ahte Grant Tomb Ceremonies and and visited the Col. Cody Show when the Zouaves were also called "Red-Legged Centipedes: because of their colorful uniforms and their precision drills. The members of this group traveled around the country and also amde a trip to Europe with the Barnum & Bailey Great American Circus. The Aurora Zouaves were reorganized for a short time in 1937 for the Aurora Centennial Celebration.
--all information from news articles printe din the Aurora Beacon News newspaper at the time.) FHN article by Marjorie Thatcher Speer.
NOTE; Future issues of Thatcher Magazine will contain additional family history transcriptions - such as these from vol. I, issue #1 @ nktc, BLOGeditor .
FAMILY NEWS
THE SISTERS
.The sisters will be traveling by bus for the second time this year (2010). This time they are going to San Antonio, Texas to walk in the footsteps of ancestors (probably not blood related, however) at the Alamo, on the River Walk and at LBJ ranch, among other tours. Marjorie will tell you all about it in the next issue of Thatcher Magazine.
.Nancy had some nice results on writing recently as she walked away with three award certificates, publication in Echoes of the Ozarks, VOL VI (2010) and was guest speaker, November 24, 2010, for the Friends of the Library at the brand new multi-million dollar library in Mountain Home (just opened in September).
INSPIRATION
Contented cats purr -
All snug and warm on the hearth
- no mouse in this house!
(In honor of Nancy's fat cat, Daphne-Dum-Dilly and Carol's sleek cat, Galaxy Star Chaser).
INTERESTING STUFF
-from page 3 of FHN Vol I, issue#1:
SHIPS IN THE NIGHT
April 20, 1944 . . WWII . . Pacific Ocean
Clarence Thatcher Jr. aboard the U.S.S. Teton: It's early morning when a mate shook "Clitz" and said "you have a visitor." And there stood Ralph thatcher, the youngest brother. He came aboard Clitz's ship to pick up radio parts for his ship, the L.C.S. #31. A pleasant hour spent in the Pacific by two brothers. "Hi, Ralph" "Hello Clitz"
the BLOG:
Family members are welcome to contribute to this BLOG by accessing the editor through either 'comment' space on thus bogstie or by emailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net or phoning (870)425-8264. You can use snail mail if you prefer. To date, I know only how to manage transcribed print information (no pictures, cut-paste or fancy formatting.
OK - I'm sitting here waiting to hear from you! Nancy y Te \
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thatcher Magazine - October 2010
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
On Halloween night
Amid costumed gouls and witches,
Toothless pumpkins grin
Haiku by Nancy Thatcher Cerny
FAMILY NEWSLETTER - Nancy's Journal
My favorite season is here again. I love the colors of autumn, pumpkin pies and candy corn. I can even dress in my black witch's costume and pointed hat - without being too obvious.
October has been a month of ups and downs.
-On the up side, I did win one writing contest - the essay entitled O! SAY CAN YOU SEE. (It is published in the 2010 Family History news.)
-On the down side, the Cerny family lost Clarence's brother Ed in June and Diane Cerny this October. Carol and I were able to attend Diane's memorial service - and meet with relatives, friends and neighbors I hadn't seen in many years. I am the only Cerny of that sibling-and-spouse group still living.
-Another up side was when Christy brought the children to Nancy's house on Saturday afternoon. I had time to become reacquainted with great-grand children Zach, Nate and Zoyie (after five years!) We hugged and chatted and played Bingo together. Nice!
-Just to keep from losing some old skills, I joined the Toastmasters Intl. Probably a good thing I did because one week after I attended my first meeting, I was asked to speak in November "On Writing" at the Friends of the Library meeting in the beautiful new library. I'm looking forward to that. (I was afraid I'd have nothing to do and noody to do it with when I gave up being president of TLW -- I was wrong!)
-As you can see, I've been enjoying writing some Haiku and winning an essay contest (I'm hoping to hear I won one in November as well). I'm trying to find art classes to attend so I'll not only be putting words on paper but pictures as well. (Whether words or designs, I'll just call it Scribble and more scribble.)
FAMILY HISTORY - Ira Carpenter saga continues
Bruce and Shirley took a trip to Hillsdale, Michigan. They were on a treasure hunt to dig up the bones of Ira Carpenter (one of great-grandma Lydia Thatcher's brothers). They visited the library, talked with people who knew the area and the genealogy records - and the well-kept cemetery with their headstones. If we can come up with more stories about that part of our family, I'll have to rewrite my blacksmith biography one more time before it is republished. Since Bruce and Shirley are Michiganers, they have the pass-key to access data - and hopefully newspaper archives as well... It's like a treasure hunt all over again...
THE SISTERS
Marjorie and I enjoyed our bus tour to Washington DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival so much we are talking about taking another tour to San Antonio, Texas - the Alamo and the River Walk. We are both ready to enjoy stepping back in history -- Texas style....
EDITOR'S NOTE, AND ABOUT THIS BLOG...
This BLOG is intended as a magazine with monthly editions including Family History, Family Newsletter, The Sisters (Marj and me), Stories to Share and Other Interesting Stuff.
Family members are welcome to contribute to this blog by contacting the me at nktcerny@suddenlink.net or (870) 425-8264 or snail mail. I know only how to manage print information at this time (no photos, cut/paste or sophisticated presentations).
OK. I'M JUST SITTING HERE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU.... Nancy y Te.
On Halloween night
Amid costumed gouls and witches,
Toothless pumpkins grin
Haiku by Nancy Thatcher Cerny
FAMILY NEWSLETTER - Nancy's Journal
My favorite season is here again. I love the colors of autumn, pumpkin pies and candy corn. I can even dress in my black witch's costume and pointed hat - without being too obvious.
October has been a month of ups and downs.
-On the up side, I did win one writing contest - the essay entitled O! SAY CAN YOU SEE. (It is published in the 2010 Family History news.)
-On the down side, the Cerny family lost Clarence's brother Ed in June and Diane Cerny this October. Carol and I were able to attend Diane's memorial service - and meet with relatives, friends and neighbors I hadn't seen in many years. I am the only Cerny of that sibling-and-spouse group still living.
-Another up side was when Christy brought the children to Nancy's house on Saturday afternoon. I had time to become reacquainted with great-grand children Zach, Nate and Zoyie (after five years!) We hugged and chatted and played Bingo together. Nice!
-Just to keep from losing some old skills, I joined the Toastmasters Intl. Probably a good thing I did because one week after I attended my first meeting, I was asked to speak in November "On Writing" at the Friends of the Library meeting in the beautiful new library. I'm looking forward to that. (I was afraid I'd have nothing to do and noody to do it with when I gave up being president of TLW -- I was wrong!)
-As you can see, I've been enjoying writing some Haiku and winning an essay contest (I'm hoping to hear I won one in November as well). I'm trying to find art classes to attend so I'll not only be putting words on paper but pictures as well. (Whether words or designs, I'll just call it Scribble and more scribble.)
FAMILY HISTORY - Ira Carpenter saga continues
Bruce and Shirley took a trip to Hillsdale, Michigan. They were on a treasure hunt to dig up the bones of Ira Carpenter (one of great-grandma Lydia Thatcher's brothers). They visited the library, talked with people who knew the area and the genealogy records - and the well-kept cemetery with their headstones. If we can come up with more stories about that part of our family, I'll have to rewrite my blacksmith biography one more time before it is republished. Since Bruce and Shirley are Michiganers, they have the pass-key to access data - and hopefully newspaper archives as well... It's like a treasure hunt all over again...
THE SISTERS
Marjorie and I enjoyed our bus tour to Washington DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival so much we are talking about taking another tour to San Antonio, Texas - the Alamo and the River Walk. We are both ready to enjoy stepping back in history -- Texas style....
EDITOR'S NOTE, AND ABOUT THIS BLOG...
This BLOG is intended as a magazine with monthly editions including Family History, Family Newsletter, The Sisters (Marj and me), Stories to Share and Other Interesting Stuff.
Family members are welcome to contribute to this blog by contacting the me at nktcerny@suddenlink.net or (870) 425-8264 or snail mail. I know only how to manage print information at this time (no photos, cut/paste or sophisticated presentations).
OK. I'M JUST SITTING HERE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU.... Nancy y Te.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
IT CANNOT BE OCTOBER ALL READY!
It started in July, Roy and Kathy came for the 4th of July weekend. We had a good time together and also spent a day visiting Branson. We had not gone to Branson in about 5 years, we had just driven through a few times. We went down under the Route 65 bridge that goes over the river. We took pictures of the old bridge which is being replaced with a newer, wider one. While there we also took pictures of the old railroad trestle then a train came through to make it even better. We later walked up to the new shopping center that runs along the river. We then went to the old train depot and got tickets to ride the old train that takes you a few miles into Arkansas. We didn't get to sit up in the observation seats so we did not get to see much more than trees and leaves. Keep this in mind if you ever take this trip, be the first 50 or you won't get seats on top. It was still a lot of fun. We then walked up to the old original business part of Branson and went to the famous Dick's 5 & 10 store. It is a store filled with a little bit of everything and anything you might ever need. Back to the shipping center and time to eat supper, we choose the newly opened Chicago Pizza Place. We then stopped at the river to watch the water and fire show that goes every hour on the hour while the National Anthem plays. This time of night there is more to the water and fire and lots of music, it was spectacular. Kathy was able to get some beautiful pictures of this unusual display.
On the 17th of July, I met Bob in Alton, Illinois at the Alton Marina. Today Beth was having a book signing and Child's fun day. The marina is so pretty and many of the boat owners came by with their children to color pictures, blow bubbles, have cake and hopefully have the parents buy a book. Bob and I were to have met a week earlier to surprise Beth at an art show in St. Louis. Beth was having some of her art work shown in the gallery. As it turned out, Bob had an apartment fire the night before and was out buying clothes and getting a motel for temporary living. Bob and I went off later in the afternoon with our cameras in hand and got some nice pictures of the marina area and the beautiful bridge that takes you into St. Louis. We were also enjoying spending time with Brad that day as well as at dinner that night. That evening we all went out for dinner and then on Sunday, we shopped with Beth and the boys after having a lunch at a local restaurant. That evening after a pizza party at Beth's apartment complex we had fun playing with the boys in the park that is across the road. The boys are growing fast and I wish I were closer and could spend more time with them.
On the 23rd of July, I met Roy and Kathy at a beautiful hotel in Peoria, (just like the one Nancy and I stayed overnight at in Springfield, Missouri). We walked the river walk to a local restaurant for dinner than walked back to the hotel. Saturday we went to the Princeville Historical Museum and met Uncle Roy Mueller, cousin Charles and his son Jason, Bob, Beth and the boys. We had a good day checking out the old school, old farm equipment, the fire department demonstration and all the activities going on. That night we were all guests of Uncle Roy Mueller at a dinner and lots of fun talk. Sunday morning found Kathy, Roy and me walking a nature trail and checking out the birds, with cameras in hand. We had our morning walk so we were now ready to leave and head out on our own directions home.
Next thing I know is, it is August, that means it is reunion time. I had been working on the Thatcher Family News but knew I had to finish that up. Roy and I had been busy keeping the grass mowed, the animals cared for and some new fencing electrified, a gate installed to keep the horses in their field and generally having all in good shape. I started cooking up the reunion stand-bys, Farmers Beans, Taco Soup, getting the beets pickled, the onions pickled and buying brats, hamburgers and what ever else we might need. What a good time to see everyone again. It was great we can all get together, tell stories, sing along and just have fun, time seems to slip by so fast.
Nancy and I met in Branson for an OWLS meeting, they had good speakers and it was a nice day getting together. I was sorry that Doris did not get to join us for lunch. It is the only time we get together in the past year or so.
I signed up and took a CCW course so I am now qualified to carry a concealed weapon. I don't know what good it is when I travel to Illinois or Wisconsin, for these states do not have or honor conceal & carry weapon laws. This is the area where I would be traveling alone most of the time. I do feel good about knowing I know how to handle and shoot a pistol, I had never touched one until that day.
September and I am packed and ready for a trip to Florida and Disney. Roy and Kathy made all the arrangements but I still had to fly alone, not only that but transfer in Atlanta, GA to another flight to Orlando, FL. I did ok for I met Roy and Kathy as I got off the plane and entered the baggage area. We had a great nine days. We stayed in a Tree House, it had three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dinning room, front room and two large bathrooms. It could sleep 10 people if a family rented it. There was extra bedding in one closet, the couch could sleep two, the two chairs slept one each, and there were bunk beds in the third bedroom. The first day we checked in and went to Magic Kingdom, had a great dinner and saw the parade and fireworks. The second day we went to another park in the morning and were off to another park when I missed the step getting onto the bus and down I went. I cut my leg but thought nothing of it for I cut and bruise easily. Kathy saw that the leg needed attention so we headed back to the tree house while Roy went for first aid supplies. What a dumb thing to do, but it didn't keep us from going every day to something new as well as repeat areas we really enjoyed. The nine days went fast and it was time for the return trip. We left and at the airport, Roy explained what area was my security check-in and what uni-rail to take to get to my terminal. They left for their plane and I people watched for awhile. I then went through security and put on my shoes, picked up my purse and bag, and followed the crowd for the uni-rail. After getting off, I realized I was in the wrong place, back on the uni-rail to the terminal and then I saw the place that Roy said I was to go. When I reached the Nashville, TN airport, to transfer to Springfield, MO, I had to almost run the length of the concourse, turn right and all the way down to the last boarding spot. Two men were standing there, I asked if it was loading 1st class at this time, they said everyone is loading, go ahead. I got on and the two men came behind me and the door was closed. That sure was close, I would not have liked staying overnight. It was a fun time and I am so glad Roy and Kathy included me in their vacation. I am also happy to know that I am able to get around by myself, so I took a few scenic routes, I made it!
At the farm, Roy and I have spent some time trying to get some of the equipment to work, we did get one field of hay in, the rest of it is still in the field. Roy did get the sickle bar working on the tractor, we got it lined up and attached to the tractor and he cut a few rows and it looked good. We trimmed trees, bushes and put up part of the corral that he and Carol took down a few weeks ago. He needed to brush hot around that area and get it ready so he can ship off some of the young bulls. Roy's friend, Verle, finished putting up the corral and he will get the bulls in there and load them up for market.
I have started digging up some gardens so I can let them go to grass, it is too hard to keep the flower gardens nice as well as keep up with the grass and house. I may not get it done this fall, but I am working on it.
Last Saturday I went to Mt Vernon, MO to the Apple Butter Days. This is one of the largest celebrations in the area. Frank and I went to many of the different fairs, even this one years ago, but I don't remember any being so big. There had to be hundreds of crafters and food booths all over town. I did buy three jars of apple butter for the three ladies at work. It was about 12 or 13 blocks to my car and I did that trip twice, once when I got there and another to put the jars of apple butter and my top shirt in the car, then to leave about three hours later. I got home fixed a sandwich, put my feet up and read a book for the rest of the afternoon. So there we are, into OCTOBER ALL READY! Hope you are all busy and enjoying the fall weather
On the 17th of July, I met Bob in Alton, Illinois at the Alton Marina. Today Beth was having a book signing and Child's fun day. The marina is so pretty and many of the boat owners came by with their children to color pictures, blow bubbles, have cake and hopefully have the parents buy a book. Bob and I were to have met a week earlier to surprise Beth at an art show in St. Louis. Beth was having some of her art work shown in the gallery. As it turned out, Bob had an apartment fire the night before and was out buying clothes and getting a motel for temporary living. Bob and I went off later in the afternoon with our cameras in hand and got some nice pictures of the marina area and the beautiful bridge that takes you into St. Louis. We were also enjoying spending time with Brad that day as well as at dinner that night. That evening we all went out for dinner and then on Sunday, we shopped with Beth and the boys after having a lunch at a local restaurant. That evening after a pizza party at Beth's apartment complex we had fun playing with the boys in the park that is across the road. The boys are growing fast and I wish I were closer and could spend more time with them.
On the 23rd of July, I met Roy and Kathy at a beautiful hotel in Peoria, (just like the one Nancy and I stayed overnight at in Springfield, Missouri). We walked the river walk to a local restaurant for dinner than walked back to the hotel. Saturday we went to the Princeville Historical Museum and met Uncle Roy Mueller, cousin Charles and his son Jason, Bob, Beth and the boys. We had a good day checking out the old school, old farm equipment, the fire department demonstration and all the activities going on. That night we were all guests of Uncle Roy Mueller at a dinner and lots of fun talk. Sunday morning found Kathy, Roy and me walking a nature trail and checking out the birds, with cameras in hand. We had our morning walk so we were now ready to leave and head out on our own directions home.
Next thing I know is, it is August, that means it is reunion time. I had been working on the Thatcher Family News but knew I had to finish that up. Roy and I had been busy keeping the grass mowed, the animals cared for and some new fencing electrified, a gate installed to keep the horses in their field and generally having all in good shape. I started cooking up the reunion stand-bys, Farmers Beans, Taco Soup, getting the beets pickled, the onions pickled and buying brats, hamburgers and what ever else we might need. What a good time to see everyone again. It was great we can all get together, tell stories, sing along and just have fun, time seems to slip by so fast.
Nancy and I met in Branson for an OWLS meeting, they had good speakers and it was a nice day getting together. I was sorry that Doris did not get to join us for lunch. It is the only time we get together in the past year or so.
I signed up and took a CCW course so I am now qualified to carry a concealed weapon. I don't know what good it is when I travel to Illinois or Wisconsin, for these states do not have or honor conceal & carry weapon laws. This is the area where I would be traveling alone most of the time. I do feel good about knowing I know how to handle and shoot a pistol, I had never touched one until that day.
September and I am packed and ready for a trip to Florida and Disney. Roy and Kathy made all the arrangements but I still had to fly alone, not only that but transfer in Atlanta, GA to another flight to Orlando, FL. I did ok for I met Roy and Kathy as I got off the plane and entered the baggage area. We had a great nine days. We stayed in a Tree House, it had three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dinning room, front room and two large bathrooms. It could sleep 10 people if a family rented it. There was extra bedding in one closet, the couch could sleep two, the two chairs slept one each, and there were bunk beds in the third bedroom. The first day we checked in and went to Magic Kingdom, had a great dinner and saw the parade and fireworks. The second day we went to another park in the morning and were off to another park when I missed the step getting onto the bus and down I went. I cut my leg but thought nothing of it for I cut and bruise easily. Kathy saw that the leg needed attention so we headed back to the tree house while Roy went for first aid supplies. What a dumb thing to do, but it didn't keep us from going every day to something new as well as repeat areas we really enjoyed. The nine days went fast and it was time for the return trip. We left and at the airport, Roy explained what area was my security check-in and what uni-rail to take to get to my terminal. They left for their plane and I people watched for awhile. I then went through security and put on my shoes, picked up my purse and bag, and followed the crowd for the uni-rail. After getting off, I realized I was in the wrong place, back on the uni-rail to the terminal and then I saw the place that Roy said I was to go. When I reached the Nashville, TN airport, to transfer to Springfield, MO, I had to almost run the length of the concourse, turn right and all the way down to the last boarding spot. Two men were standing there, I asked if it was loading 1st class at this time, they said everyone is loading, go ahead. I got on and the two men came behind me and the door was closed. That sure was close, I would not have liked staying overnight. It was a fun time and I am so glad Roy and Kathy included me in their vacation. I am also happy to know that I am able to get around by myself, so I took a few scenic routes, I made it!
At the farm, Roy and I have spent some time trying to get some of the equipment to work, we did get one field of hay in, the rest of it is still in the field. Roy did get the sickle bar working on the tractor, we got it lined up and attached to the tractor and he cut a few rows and it looked good. We trimmed trees, bushes and put up part of the corral that he and Carol took down a few weeks ago. He needed to brush hot around that area and get it ready so he can ship off some of the young bulls. Roy's friend, Verle, finished putting up the corral and he will get the bulls in there and load them up for market.
I have started digging up some gardens so I can let them go to grass, it is too hard to keep the flower gardens nice as well as keep up with the grass and house. I may not get it done this fall, but I am working on it.
Last Saturday I went to Mt Vernon, MO to the Apple Butter Days. This is one of the largest celebrations in the area. Frank and I went to many of the different fairs, even this one years ago, but I don't remember any being so big. There had to be hundreds of crafters and food booths all over town. I did buy three jars of apple butter for the three ladies at work. It was about 12 or 13 blocks to my car and I did that trip twice, once when I got there and another to put the jars of apple butter and my top shirt in the car, then to leave about three hours later. I got home fixed a sandwich, put my feet up and read a book for the rest of the afternoon. So there we are, into OCTOBER ALL READY! Hope you are all busy and enjoying the fall weather
Monday, September 13, 2010
Thatcher Magazine - September 13, 2010
FAMILY HISTORY:
The weather cooperated with a bearably hot Thatcher Family Reunion in August, 2010.
- There were plenty of tents for shade and food, food and more food.
- Marjorie had made trips earlier to the farm to help Roy with mowing and weed whacking, among other chores, then
- Jim arrived a week early - and Tom was there early, too, before the invasion of aunts and cousins and more food.
- Marjorie was editor, designer, writer-in-chief and producer as she put together a really nice 2010 Family History News. Kudos to Marge! Robert was there and provided copies of Beth Speer's newly published children's book - which she wrote and illustrated. Congratulations Beth!
- Roy and Roy provided us with entertainment and sing-alongs. We were so proud of our brother Roy - as he was proud of himself - for not only singing along in excellent voice, but in harmony! He also showed us his unusual military records - and one of Dad's ping pong medals...
-Bill and Ruth Stamm were not able to attend this year. We missed them and John, too.
-We missed our seeing Joyce (don't know that she had ever missed a reunion before) and were really glad the rest of the family could attend: Helen, Arthur, Sandy, Lainey and Violet. Arthur related his story of traveling to the farm with grandma Thatcher the summer following 8th grade; he was about thirteen years old.
- Susan and Gene came in on their motorcycles. "Happy trails, you'all..."
- As he does every year, Wayne drove to Arkansas to pick me up and escort me to the reunion; Carol drove me home. Nancy and Rich generally arrived on Friday.
- Bruce and Shirley brought their musical instruments and fishing poles. (You can pick out those Thatchers anywhere.) With subsequent emails, Bruce is going to search Michigan for information on Ira Carpenter - our blacksmith from HIllsdale, MI. He's the one who loaded up his wife in a four-horsedrawn wagon and set out for California just after the gold rush - his daughters following in his adventurous footsteps by trekking to the Yukon during the next gold rush. I am anxious to hear what Bruce can add to our Ira family advemtires.
FAMILY NEWSLETTER
After four years, I gave up being president of my local writer's group. Although I am still involved, I found blank spots in my life - so I decided to add some new interests, like music (so I purchased an electronic keyboard), art classes ($5 a lesson at the Senior Citizen's Center), and Toastmasters, Int'l. Now I ask you, "Isn't life funny?" I attended my first Toastmasters meeting on September 1st. On September 8th, I got a phone call from the Friends of the Library program chairman who inviting me to be the speaker at their November meeting - at newly built (won't be open till late September), multi-million-dollar library! Guess I'll have to go to the next Toastmasters meeting on September 15th and learn ASAP how to give a talk on writing. I'll also need to figure out where they built this wonderful new library...
THE SISTERS
Marjorie, who has never been to Florida (though she and I planned to go last spring before the storms, rain and BP oil spill) flew off to Disneyworld with Roy and Kathy. I wonder if she enjoyed the Castle, rode in a teacup and got to meet the Seven Dwarfs (I think they're related to us, too). Hope she gets home soon so I can ask her...
INTERESTING STUFF
I mistakenly Googled 'ThatcherFamily' instead of 'ThatcherMagazine.' A whole page of listings jumped onto the screen. Of course, I had to take a look at some of them - most of which were about PM Margaret Thatcher. There was A genealogy Forum, Thatcher Crest, Family Origin Info, complaints about Meryl Streep not playing Marg. Thatcher to their liking, lots of photos and some blog writings by one Grant Thatcher from the UK - very interesting...
. The one site I found interesting has a listing of "Some noteworthy people of the name Thatcher:"
-David J. Thatcher b.1921, American flight engineer/gunner, recipient of the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal.
-George Thatcher 1754-1824, American lawyer, jurist and statesman.
-Henry Knox Thatcher 1806-1880, American admiral in the United States Navy during the American Civil War.
-Roland Churchill Thatcher IV b.1977, an American PGA professional golfer.
-Maurice Hudson Thatcher 1870-1973, U.S. Congressman.
-Prime Minister Margaret Hilda Thatcher LG, OM, PC, FRS b.1925, English PM of United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
-Heather Thatcher 1896-1987, an English actress.
-Wilbert Ross Thatcher PC 1917-1971, Canadian premier of Saskatchewan, Canada, 1964-1971.
-Benjamin David Thatcher b.1975, Welsh professional footballer.
-Torin Thatcher 1905-1961, British actor.
(If you would like to be included in this listing, please notify me and I will pencil you in.)
INSPIRATION
An autumn sunset,
Changing, moment to moment,
Fascinates and awes.
HAIKU ~ by Nancy Thatcher Cerny ~
The BLOG
Family members are welcome to contribute to this blog by accessing the editor through blogsite, email at nktcerny@suddenlink.net, phone (870)425-8264 or snail mail.
To date, I know only how to manage transcribed print (no pictures or cut-paste). If there are any brain cells left, I may stuff them with how to accomplish those sophisticated talents.
Thanks - Nancy y Te \
The weather cooperated with a bearably hot Thatcher Family Reunion in August, 2010.
- There were plenty of tents for shade and food, food and more food.
- Marjorie had made trips earlier to the farm to help Roy with mowing and weed whacking, among other chores, then
- Jim arrived a week early - and Tom was there early, too, before the invasion of aunts and cousins and more food.
- Marjorie was editor, designer, writer-in-chief and producer as she put together a really nice 2010 Family History News. Kudos to Marge! Robert was there and provided copies of Beth Speer's newly published children's book - which she wrote and illustrated. Congratulations Beth!
- Roy and Roy provided us with entertainment and sing-alongs. We were so proud of our brother Roy - as he was proud of himself - for not only singing along in excellent voice, but in harmony! He also showed us his unusual military records - and one of Dad's ping pong medals...
-Bill and Ruth Stamm were not able to attend this year. We missed them and John, too.
-We missed our seeing Joyce (don't know that she had ever missed a reunion before) and were really glad the rest of the family could attend: Helen, Arthur, Sandy, Lainey and Violet. Arthur related his story of traveling to the farm with grandma Thatcher the summer following 8th grade; he was about thirteen years old.
- Susan and Gene came in on their motorcycles. "Happy trails, you'all..."
- As he does every year, Wayne drove to Arkansas to pick me up and escort me to the reunion; Carol drove me home. Nancy and Rich generally arrived on Friday.
- Bruce and Shirley brought their musical instruments and fishing poles. (You can pick out those Thatchers anywhere.) With subsequent emails, Bruce is going to search Michigan for information on Ira Carpenter - our blacksmith from HIllsdale, MI. He's the one who loaded up his wife in a four-horsedrawn wagon and set out for California just after the gold rush - his daughters following in his adventurous footsteps by trekking to the Yukon during the next gold rush. I am anxious to hear what Bruce can add to our Ira family advemtires.
FAMILY NEWSLETTER
After four years, I gave up being president of my local writer's group. Although I am still involved, I found blank spots in my life - so I decided to add some new interests, like music (so I purchased an electronic keyboard), art classes ($5 a lesson at the Senior Citizen's Center), and Toastmasters, Int'l. Now I ask you, "Isn't life funny?" I attended my first Toastmasters meeting on September 1st. On September 8th, I got a phone call from the Friends of the Library program chairman who inviting me to be the speaker at their November meeting - at newly built (won't be open till late September), multi-million-dollar library! Guess I'll have to go to the next Toastmasters meeting on September 15th and learn ASAP how to give a talk on writing. I'll also need to figure out where they built this wonderful new library...
THE SISTERS
Marjorie, who has never been to Florida (though she and I planned to go last spring before the storms, rain and BP oil spill) flew off to Disneyworld with Roy and Kathy. I wonder if she enjoyed the Castle, rode in a teacup and got to meet the Seven Dwarfs (I think they're related to us, too). Hope she gets home soon so I can ask her...
INTERESTING STUFF
I mistakenly Googled 'ThatcherFamily' instead of 'ThatcherMagazine.' A whole page of listings jumped onto the screen. Of course, I had to take a look at some of them - most of which were about PM Margaret Thatcher. There was A genealogy Forum, Thatcher Crest, Family Origin Info, complaints about Meryl Streep not playing Marg. Thatcher to their liking, lots of photos and some blog writings by one Grant Thatcher from the UK - very interesting...
. The one site I found interesting has a listing of "Some noteworthy people of the name Thatcher:"
-David J. Thatcher b.1921, American flight engineer/gunner, recipient of the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal.
-George Thatcher 1754-1824, American lawyer, jurist and statesman.
-Henry Knox Thatcher 1806-1880, American admiral in the United States Navy during the American Civil War.
-Roland Churchill Thatcher IV b.1977, an American PGA professional golfer.
-Maurice Hudson Thatcher 1870-1973, U.S. Congressman.
-Prime Minister Margaret Hilda Thatcher LG, OM, PC, FRS b.1925, English PM of United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
-Heather Thatcher 1896-1987, an English actress.
-Wilbert Ross Thatcher PC 1917-1971, Canadian premier of Saskatchewan, Canada, 1964-1971.
-Benjamin David Thatcher b.1975, Welsh professional footballer.
-Torin Thatcher 1905-1961, British actor.
(If you would like to be included in this listing, please notify me and I will pencil you in.)
INSPIRATION
An autumn sunset,
Changing, moment to moment,
Fascinates and awes.
HAIKU ~ by Nancy Thatcher Cerny ~
The BLOG
Family members are welcome to contribute to this blog by accessing the editor through blogsite, email at nktcerny@suddenlink.net, phone (870)425-8264 or snail mail.
To date, I know only how to manage transcribed print (no pictures or cut-paste). If there are any brain cells left, I may stuff them with how to accomplish those sophisticated talents.
Thanks - Nancy y Te \
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thatcher Magazine - July 2010
FAMILY HISTORY:
It was that time of year when mosquitoes were a nuisance in the old Illinois area where we grew up. There are some people who attract those blood-suckers by the drove. Our dad, Clarence E. Thatcher Sr., was one of those preferred blood donors. On those occasions when one, just one, mosquito found its way into our house, it zoomed in on Dad. One mosquito was bad enough, but our dad, being a gardener, was a primary target of mosquitoes from miles around as he tried to enjoy evenings puttering in his gardens.
.
Over the years, Dad tried every known remedy. Our mother was always alert to anything new on the market. And so, she loved telling her story of purchasing the latest product for dad. It was, apparently, a cream or gel that was applied diretly to the skin. Dad tried it out. He applied it to his arms, legs, ankles, chest, back, neck and face. Returning after a few hours of weeding, pruning and watering, he told Mudge (he always called mother Mudge), "That new mosquito repellant did a good job. I didn't get bit anywhere I smeared it - so those buggers bit me in my britches!"
.
FAMILY NEWSLETTER:
THATCHER FAMILY REUNION TIME
Marjorie has made regular trips to Buffalo to help Roy get the farm ready for the onslaught of Thatchers this August 7-8. I am hoping the temperatures are a bit lower than the 100 we experienced in Arkansas and Missouri the last few weeks. I'm sure you Chicagoland folks are hoping to avoid another downpouring of rain after the drenching of July 23rd and 24th . That must have been a doozie!
.
I'll look forward to seeing you'all at the farm.
THE SISTERS:
This year, Marjorie produced he Family History News solo. As in all the years before, we are looking forward to seeing it and reading it.... Thanks Marjorie!
.
Since Nancy hasn't had anything published this year, she gave up her position as president of the TwinLakesWriters after four years, although staying involved. She has been reading and pounding the keyboard, continuing a monthly column (formerly 'President Page' now 'Nancy's Page' on www.twinlakeswriters.org) and this BLOG. Art classes, Toastmasters Int'l., a website and new blog are in the consider process - only time will tell.
.
INSPIRATION:
Give yourself a pat on the back!
You deserve one - for so many reasons;
For doing so much for so many -
without realizing how important that is.
You make an ordinary day special just by being a part of it.
And that's something to feel great about!
.
There is no limit to the number of hearts that hold you dear.
Every day is a new day.
Appreciate yourself.
Let joy catch up with you.
.
The BLOG:
Family members are welcome to contribute to this blog by accessing the editor through either 'comment' space on this blogsite or by emailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net or phoning (870)425-8264. You can use snail mail if you prefer. To date, I know only how to manage transcribed print information (no pictures, cut-paste, sophisticated presentations).
OK. I'M JUST SITTING HERE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU...Nancy ty Te
It was that time of year when mosquitoes were a nuisance in the old Illinois area where we grew up. There are some people who attract those blood-suckers by the drove. Our dad, Clarence E. Thatcher Sr., was one of those preferred blood donors. On those occasions when one, just one, mosquito found its way into our house, it zoomed in on Dad. One mosquito was bad enough, but our dad, being a gardener, was a primary target of mosquitoes from miles around as he tried to enjoy evenings puttering in his gardens.
.
Over the years, Dad tried every known remedy. Our mother was always alert to anything new on the market. And so, she loved telling her story of purchasing the latest product for dad. It was, apparently, a cream or gel that was applied diretly to the skin. Dad tried it out. He applied it to his arms, legs, ankles, chest, back, neck and face. Returning after a few hours of weeding, pruning and watering, he told Mudge (he always called mother Mudge), "That new mosquito repellant did a good job. I didn't get bit anywhere I smeared it - so those buggers bit me in my britches!"
.
FAMILY NEWSLETTER:
THATCHER FAMILY REUNION TIME
Marjorie has made regular trips to Buffalo to help Roy get the farm ready for the onslaught of Thatchers this August 7-8. I am hoping the temperatures are a bit lower than the 100 we experienced in Arkansas and Missouri the last few weeks. I'm sure you Chicagoland folks are hoping to avoid another downpouring of rain after the drenching of July 23rd and 24th . That must have been a doozie!
.
I'll look forward to seeing you'all at the farm.
THE SISTERS:
This year, Marjorie produced he Family History News solo. As in all the years before, we are looking forward to seeing it and reading it.... Thanks Marjorie!
.
Since Nancy hasn't had anything published this year, she gave up her position as president of the TwinLakesWriters after four years, although staying involved. She has been reading and pounding the keyboard, continuing a monthly column (formerly 'President Page' now 'Nancy's Page' on www.twinlakeswriters.org) and this BLOG. Art classes, Toastmasters Int'l., a website and new blog are in the consider process - only time will tell.
.
INSPIRATION:
Give yourself a pat on the back!
You deserve one - for so many reasons;
For doing so much for so many -
without realizing how important that is.
You make an ordinary day special just by being a part of it.
And that's something to feel great about!
.
There is no limit to the number of hearts that hold you dear.
Every day is a new day.
Appreciate yourself.
Let joy catch up with you.
.
The BLOG:
Family members are welcome to contribute to this blog by accessing the editor through either 'comment' space on this blogsite or by emailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net or phoning (870)425-8264. You can use snail mail if you prefer. To date, I know only how to manage transcribed print information (no pictures, cut-paste, sophisticated presentations).
OK. I'M JUST SITTING HERE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU...Nancy ty Te
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Celebrating the 4th
FAMILY NEWSLETTER
-I didn't hear from anyone, so I don't have much to share...
I hope you'all enjoyed Independence Day 2010.
- Carol and I, as well as Colleen and her family, attended the Red, White and Bue firewords display held at our college campus. It was spectacular once again. It is still amazing that the small towns surrounding us can put on these huge events - especially patriotic events like this fireworks show.
- It was while we waited for the fireworks to begin that we got a call from Aunt Diane informing us that Clarence's brother Ed has died peacefully June 25th. He was the last of the siblings.
- I talked with Bruce last week and he told me about the unfortunate event he exerienced just as he and Shirley were about to take a leisurely tour to see springtime near the Canadian border and to visit friends. He'll have to tell you his story when we meet up with him at the 2010 Thatcher Family Reunion.
- Carol and Nancy joined Cheryree in Kansas City for the weekend.
- Marjorie's son Roy with Kathy spent their weekend together in Bolivar.
-I had guests in for buffet and a game of dominoes. No barbeque this 4th (I don't have one - and wouldn't know how to cook on one...)
-That's the news from this BLOGGER. I'm back to trying to write stories for money (magazines) or money (competitions). So far my wrotom income in 2010 is $00.00.
Dont forget to send my your Family History, news for the Family Newsetter, Stories to Share, Thoughts of Inspiration, or other interesting stuff to include in your Thatchermagazine BLOG.
I'LL BE LOOKING T SEE YOU AT THE THATCHER FAMILY REUNION, AUGUST 7-8.
-I didn't hear from anyone, so I don't have much to share...
I hope you'all enjoyed Independence Day 2010.
- Carol and I, as well as Colleen and her family, attended the Red, White and Bue firewords display held at our college campus. It was spectacular once again. It is still amazing that the small towns surrounding us can put on these huge events - especially patriotic events like this fireworks show.
- It was while we waited for the fireworks to begin that we got a call from Aunt Diane informing us that Clarence's brother Ed has died peacefully June 25th. He was the last of the siblings.
- I talked with Bruce last week and he told me about the unfortunate event he exerienced just as he and Shirley were about to take a leisurely tour to see springtime near the Canadian border and to visit friends. He'll have to tell you his story when we meet up with him at the 2010 Thatcher Family Reunion.
- Carol and Nancy joined Cheryree in Kansas City for the weekend.
- Marjorie's son Roy with Kathy spent their weekend together in Bolivar.
-I had guests in for buffet and a game of dominoes. No barbeque this 4th (I don't have one - and wouldn't know how to cook on one...)
-That's the news from this BLOGGER. I'm back to trying to write stories for money (magazines) or money (competitions). So far my wrotom income in 2010 is $00.00.
Dont forget to send my your Family History, news for the Family Newsetter, Stories to Share, Thoughts of Inspiration, or other interesting stuff to include in your Thatchermagazine BLOG.
I'LL BE LOOKING T SEE YOU AT THE THATCHER FAMILY REUNION, AUGUST 7-8.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Inspiration
THOUGHTS TO INSPIRE YOU
-
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
-- Thomas Jefferson
-
How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness how the time has flown.
How did it get so late so soon?
-- Dr. Seuss
-
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
-- Thomas Jefferson
-
How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness how the time has flown.
How did it get so late so soon?
-- Dr. Seuss
Friday, June 25, 2010
~ Correction ~
BLOG, Remembering Jennie, March 2010, Thatcher Magazine:
- Jennie was born in 1837. She died in her 87th year; 1923 at age 86 years, 7 months and 16 days. I apologize for the (dyslexic) number switch appearing on the original BLOG (and for not yet knowing how to correct and edit text...embarrassing!). Nancy y Te \
- Jennie was born in 1837. She died in her 87th year; 1923 at age 86 years, 7 months and 16 days. I apologize for the (dyslexic) number switch appearing on the original BLOG (and for not yet knowing how to correct and edit text...embarrassing!). Nancy y Te \
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Things Your Cell Phone Can Do
The following is information issued from police Detective Ross to his fellow offiers:
5 THINGS A CELL PHONE COULD DO
-
FIRST: Emergancy 112
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112.
If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network, dial 112 and
the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you.
ALSO: this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.
-
SECOND: Keys locked in the car?
Does your car have remote keyless entry?
If you lock your keys in the car and the spare is at home, call someone at home from your cellphone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. (Officer Parks tried it and it worked fine.)
-
THIRD: Hidden battery power.
Your cell battery is very low? To activate reserve power, press the keys *3370#.
Your cellphone will restart with this reserve and show 50% increase in battery.
This reserve will get charged the next time you charge your cell phone.
FOURTH: Disable your stolen mobile phone.
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the folowing digits on your phone: *#06#.
A 15-digit code will appear on the screen.
This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
If your phone is stolen, call your service provider and give them this code. They will then
be able to block your handset - even if the ehief changes the SIM card.
FIFTH: Free Drectory Service for Cells
To avoid $1. and $1.75 charges for 411 information calls, simply dial (800)FREE411,
or (800)373-3411 without incurring any charge at all.
Suggestion: program this into your cell phone now.
This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends. (Thanks to your local police officers.)
5 THINGS A CELL PHONE COULD DO
-
FIRST: Emergancy 112
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112.
If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network, dial 112 and
the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you.
ALSO: this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.
-
SECOND: Keys locked in the car?
Does your car have remote keyless entry?
If you lock your keys in the car and the spare is at home, call someone at home from your cellphone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. (Officer Parks tried it and it worked fine.)
-
THIRD: Hidden battery power.
Your cell battery is very low? To activate reserve power, press the keys *3370#.
Your cellphone will restart with this reserve and show 50% increase in battery.
This reserve will get charged the next time you charge your cell phone.
FOURTH: Disable your stolen mobile phone.
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the folowing digits on your phone: *#06#.
A 15-digit code will appear on the screen.
This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
If your phone is stolen, call your service provider and give them this code. They will then
be able to block your handset - even if the ehief changes the SIM card.
FIFTH: Free Drectory Service for Cells
To avoid $1. and $1.75 charges for 411 information calls, simply dial (800)FREE411,
or (800)373-3411 without incurring any charge at all.
Suggestion: program this into your cell phone now.
This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends. (Thanks to your local police officers.)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
STORIES TO SHARE - from Sandy of Virginia
Thank You for Being in my Life
.
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
.
When someone is in your life for REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance
and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at any inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realze is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
.
Some people come into your life or a SEASON because your turn has come
to share, grow and learn.
They bring you an experience of peace and make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and
put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
.
Thank you for being a part of my life,
whether you were a REASON, a SEASON or a LIFETIME.
--author unknown
.
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
.
When someone is in your life for REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance
and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at any inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realze is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
.
Some people come into your life or a SEASON because your turn has come
to share, grow and learn.
They bring you an experience of peace and make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and
put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
.
Thank you for being a part of my life,
whether you were a REASON, a SEASON or a LIFETIME.
--author unknown
Monday, June 14, 2010
Flag Day 2010
Mountain Home, Arkansas, has given us a beautiful day to show off our American flags and remind us once again of the value of freedom. Nancy y Te
Freedom is Not Free
I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze
A young Marine saluted it, and then
he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought, how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, Freedom is not free.
I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how may times
that taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin
of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
with interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
at the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, Freedom isn't free!
---unknown author
Freedom is Not Free
I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze
A young Marine saluted it, and then
he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought, how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, Freedom is not free.
I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how may times
that taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin
of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
with interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
at the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, Freedom isn't free!
---unknown author
Thursday, June 10, 2010
FAMILY HISTORY "Life's Game of Sportsmanship"
FAMILY HISTORY - Sportsmanship -10 June 2010
Thank you Armando Galarraga! You are my hero - and so is Jim Joyce. Until last week, I had lost all faith in anyone associated with baseball. I am sorry to admit I had begun to see all of them as drug using and abusing liars and cheaters. I am happy to admit that I was wrong!
Detroit Tigers' Armando Galarraga pitched the perfect game - if it weren't for a bad call on the part of the umpire Jim Joyce. It must have been a huge disappointment, yet Galarraga is a true sportsman. He accepted the bad call as one of life's vicissitudes. "Nobody's perfect."
Umpire Jim Joyce acknowledged blowing the call and was in tears as he faced Galarraga on the playing field.
There is a question whether some correction or adjustment to the official record book could or should be made. I have no answer for that. I do know that the incident and the names of both Galarraga and Joyce need to be prominently recorded in "Life's Game of Sportsmanship!"
Clarence E. Thatcher Sr. was the epitome of sportsmanship. We, his sons and daughters, learned what that meant from our dad as we lived with confidence and security in a home where fair play was the rule. We recognized and understood its meaning and value before we could spell the words: Honesty; Interity; Respect. Thatcher put more faith and belief in sportsmanship than in any legal or religous doctrines. He was the consummate representative of "Do unto others."
It was difficult to learn, growing up, that some people did not live by the same rules. It was shocking to find children who blatantly lied and cheated. My sense of security and confidence was undermined and my fath in mankind diminished by their actions, so I began to take particular note of individuals who exhibited the quality I so admired in my dad.
It is my hope that people of all ages, player or spectator, come to recognize the valuable meaning of 'sportsmnship' as a result of Armando Galarraga's and Jim Joyce's unfortunate baseball incident.
Seedsd of Hope/Nancy y Te\\
Thank you Armando Galarraga! You are my hero - and so is Jim Joyce. Until last week, I had lost all faith in anyone associated with baseball. I am sorry to admit I had begun to see all of them as drug using and abusing liars and cheaters. I am happy to admit that I was wrong!
Detroit Tigers' Armando Galarraga pitched the perfect game - if it weren't for a bad call on the part of the umpire Jim Joyce. It must have been a huge disappointment, yet Galarraga is a true sportsman. He accepted the bad call as one of life's vicissitudes. "Nobody's perfect."
Umpire Jim Joyce acknowledged blowing the call and was in tears as he faced Galarraga on the playing field.
There is a question whether some correction or adjustment to the official record book could or should be made. I have no answer for that. I do know that the incident and the names of both Galarraga and Joyce need to be prominently recorded in "Life's Game of Sportsmanship!"
Clarence E. Thatcher Sr. was the epitome of sportsmanship. We, his sons and daughters, learned what that meant from our dad as we lived with confidence and security in a home where fair play was the rule. We recognized and understood its meaning and value before we could spell the words: Honesty; Interity; Respect. Thatcher put more faith and belief in sportsmanship than in any legal or religous doctrines. He was the consummate representative of "Do unto others."
It was difficult to learn, growing up, that some people did not live by the same rules. It was shocking to find children who blatantly lied and cheated. My sense of security and confidence was undermined and my fath in mankind diminished by their actions, so I began to take particular note of individuals who exhibited the quality I so admired in my dad.
It is my hope that people of all ages, player or spectator, come to recognize the valuable meaning of 'sportsmnship' as a result of Armando Galarraga's and Jim Joyce's unfortunate baseball incident.
Seedsd of Hope/Nancy y Te\\
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Thatcher Magazine - April 2010
FAMILY HISTORY
Jennie May Thatcher and Her Flowers
Quotes & summary of "Growing Flowers for Market" by Forrest Crissey
Jennie's cliping Book I, dated March 17, 1906 (newspaper source unknown)
"There are several choice and valuable building lots in LaGrange, Illinois - a residential suburb about sixteen miles from chicago - which are owned by a woman and were paid for from the output of her flower beds." So begins an interesting look into the life of our Aunt Jennie Thatcher.
The story of how Miss Jennie M. Thatcher became the pioneer of ameteur flower-growers for the Chicago market is like a chapter from a quiet New England romance ... a charming tale of thrift, persererance and industry, according to Forrest Chrissey, news reporter.
Jennie's father was Nathaniel Thatcher, a partner with Lewis Ellsworth in a flourishing and profitable nursery business for twenty-five years. In an unfortunate 1874 business venture, they met a decided reverse, Thatcher finding himself the possessor of mere remnants of the tree nursery - a commodity he was at liberty to take or leave, as he might choose. Miss Thatcher's reaction was that of true New England spirit as she was determined that those 'remnants' of a liflong business were no way of settling a partner's "bad debts."
She had worked as a seamstress, at the prosperous wages of $1.50 a day and had put aside quite a snug little sum. She at once informed the family that she would spend every cent of her savings to move the nursery stock from the Naperville business to LaGrange, een if they had to make a bonfire of it, rather than leave it behind. A homestead was bought in LaGrange and a small amount paid down on it with the balance being secured by a mortgage. All the energies of the family were instantly and fully dedicated to the lifting of the mortgage - and Miss Thatcher's nimble needle was reckoned quite as able an aid in this warfare as the strawberry bed or the blackberry patch. There was no bonfire. Instead, every tree, bush, vine, shrub and bulb was carefully planted and nurtured.
Early in the spring, as Miss Thatcher took a Sabbath stroll about the place, she saw that the Deutzia gracilis had burst into prodigal bloom. Its sprays of delicate white blossoms seemed all the more welcome because there were almost no other blooms in sight to offer rival charms.
"How nice they look!" she remarked to her father. "They are just as pretty as anything you can see in the window of a flower store in the city." Her own words contained the seed of suggestion which flowered into a rather daring determination. Very quietly - almost secretly - she cut a big basketful of the beautiful sprays and, next morning, put it upon her arm and took the cars (CB&Q or streetcar) for the city.
There were no wholesale florist shops in those days - only four years after the great Chicago fire - and so she went into the first retail flower store that came in her way. Lifting the cover of her basket, she displayed her wares to the proprietor.
"Those do look nice and fresh," he remarked, "but of course, there isn't very much demand for them. Besides, we have so much spoil on our hands, you understand, that we can't afford to pay what it's really worth to grow them."
Miss Thatcher, unfamiliar with the discouraging statements of the florist, heard many variations on this theme in the thirty years since then. However, the florist offered her two dollars for her blooms. She accepted eagerly and went her way rejoicing - and figuring on a new and unheard-of line of attach upon the mortgage. Her fare in and out had been thirty-five cents, but she concluded the returns were better than those to be had by sewing ten hours; and the work pleasanter. Next day, she was again in the city with another basket of gracilis sprays and a determination to learn how to turn all the "flower stock" from the old nursery to good account.
By going to another store, she learned that she had parted with her ware at too cheap a price, and that she must play the game of barter and trade. Her next offering was in the form of great clusters of peonies - the very early red variety.
Although her first season's experience in flowers did not leave Miss Thatcher with a bank account of sensational proportions, she saw clearly that there was something substantial to be made from this pleasant avocation, and she began to plan for the next spring so that every salable blossom should be marketed. The first of these was the fragrant plumes from the luxuriant clumps of lilacs - a part of the old nursery remnant that was not expected to yield anything but gratuitous springtime perfume. The choicest clusters of these white and purple blooms were cut and carried to the city, bringing the plucky vender ten cents a bunch for the white and five cents for the purple. Though they were bulkly and did not command a large price, they yielded so abundantly that the total revenue from the lilac busines was very satisfactory.
The peony beds also brought a fair return, particularly as they required very little labor or attention beyond being covered in the fall. For the early reds she secured a 'fancy' price and the late pink and white blossoms also sold well. Altogether, the peoonies averaged at least fifty cents a dozen and yielded generously. Year after year she worked to have the early ones earlier and to hold back the late varieties until they had little competition in the market.
The common snowball was in full bloom on Decoration Day and met a ready sale for that occasion with a single order bringing $7.50. In earlier years when "set pieces" were in greater favor, the globe of the snowballs were torn into pieces and the fragments used in a popular kind of decorative work. Now, however, there is little demand of this kind, and Memorial Day was about the only time when there is a reliable call for snowball blooms.
The close of Miss Thatcher's first full year in the business left in her hands a net profit of fully one hundred dollars and stronger determination to master the problem of growing flowers at home for the market. Although her bed of native Lilies-of-the-Valley had been decidedly profitable, she learned that the 'bells' of the imported variety were much larger and more numerous. Consequently she secured a thousand of the imported plants. The dainty sprays from these brought her as high as three cents apiece. All the leaves that went to market with the blooms were cut from the old bed of native plants. The first cuttings of Lilies-of-the-Valley were generlly made about the middle of May. The newly planted "valleys" do not bloom freely until at least three years of age when the harvest increases in volume for several years.
Indirectly, the bed of 'native valleys' led Miss Thatcher to one of her most signal triumphs. She became ambitious to grow "Jac" roses and, by dint of considerable inquiry, found a man who was willing to trade her a quantity of "Jacs" for an equal number of "valleys" taken from the original bed. These, however, did not meet the measure of her ambition, and she paid cash to another dealer for more plants of this favorite rose.
Upon her bed of "Jacs" Miss Thatcher lavished an amount of care, labor and tenderness that could not fail of a generous reward, and they gave her of their rich and fragrant blooms in a measure that fully satisfied her expectations. At first she tried to carry the blooms to market in boxes, but finally her father had an inspiration which solved the problem in a most original and satisfactory way. One morning he came into the home with his arms loaded with huge burdock leaves. Taking a cluster of the roses, he wrapped them in the folds of the cool, damp burdock leaf - the stem sticking out below the old armor which protected the blooms. This ingenious wrapping interested the florist, and when the burdock leaves were removed, the roses were invariably found to be in excellent condition - better than those handled in any other manner. The prices which she secured for the first-fruits of her investment in "Jacs" brought her fifty to seventy-five cents a dozen and she gradually increased the stock until she had not fewer than two hundred in blooming condition.
The climax of Miss Thatcher's experience as a grower of "Jac" roses came most unexpectedly. It was back in '88 before the modern American Beauty had crowded every other display rose to the wall. It was the day before the Derby was to run at Washington Park. Her beds of "Jacs" were at their best and she had never carried into the city so heavy a cutting from them as loaded down her baskets that day.
Most unexpectedly, however, she did not meet with a ready buyer for them. Either the florists to whom they were offered did not want them at all, or else the prices at which they would take the roses were too low. This was a keen disappointment to her, and not in her whole experience had she felt more discouraged than when she waslked down the steps into the flower shop kept by "Mike" Gallagher, one of Chicago's pioneer florists. She told herself that if he did not want them she'd ask him to put them in his refrigerator over night.
The moment he lifted the covering of the basket and saw the green stems of the roses - their heads hid in the hoods of burdock leaves, he exclaimed, "Just the thing! I've got the order for decorating the winner of the Derby tomorrow, and I'll make the saddle of Jac roses, that I will. But it will take a heap of them. And I'll need five dozen with long stems to do the bridle. Can you get me a lot more?"
Every available bloom was taken from the bushes the next morning, the two days' cuttings amounting to sixty-five dozen in all, for which she received $23.50. The "Duke of Norfolk," owned by "Lucky" Baldwin and ridden by "The Black Archer," was the winner. As the dusky jockey was lifted from his mount, a saddle of "Jac" roses was thrown upon the back of the big bay and nodding clusters tied upon his bridle while thousands of spectators yelled themselves hoarse at the spectacle. Even Lucky Baldwin, himself, almost wild with delight over his triumph, took little more quiet and abiding satisfaction in the event than did the woman who had grown the roses so cleverly massed into the shape of a saddle. She did not see the flourish of hats, parasols and handkerchiefs in the grand-stand.... The conclusion of this article could not be found in Jennie's Clipping books - believe me, we looked and looked for the missing words! Ntc
Editor's note: We descendants, both male and female, of Nathaniel and Lydia Carpetner Thatcher, do often, and with some rgularity, exhibit traits of thrift, ingenuity, creativity and industry - along with determination, perseverance and outright stubbornness - all in a polite manner - with respect and grace. (Some of us even have green thumbs) Thank you for DNA we can be proud of!
As a young girl and teenager, I remember Aunt May and Maud's side lot garden, under ancient oak trees, as a carpet of tall, pointed green leaves and the bigtest, most fragrant Lily-of-the-valley ai have ever seen. There were breen areas of round-leafed Violets - violets with blooms as large as a quarter; a big patch of them grew in my Dad's garden in Congress Park where we picked them and Mother showed them off in a beautirful vase set in the middle of our dining table. There were beautiful, fragrant flowers on our dining room table almost every season of the year.
Did I mention that Jennie May Thatcher was a red-head? Could that genetic trait be the overriding reason her obvious and apparent stubborn traits mentioned above seem more apparent, visible, obvious and blatant in those Thatcher descendants with red hair? My mother was a bit wary and concerned at the fat that I arrived with red hair (and I could never understand her apprehension). She seemed to think red hair made me unpredicatable - or some such thing. somehow she feared I would be just like Jennie ....
As for myself, I was fascinated by my great-aunt Jennie. I heard a lot about her from
dad and Mother, May and Maude, and learned more about her by reading her notebooks and clippings, discovering the things that interested her. I would love to have met her and talk with her. In my mind's eye, Jennie was a combination of the qualities of Dad and Mom, May and Maude - perhaps a bit more dynamic and definitely more colorful than any one of them. Not a bad combination - red hair or not! Nancy Thatcher Cerny 01 April 2010 \\
FAMILY NEWSLETTER
from Nancy in Mountain Home, AR
Since we didn't hear much family news for this April 2010 Blog, I'll just mention we have two cats living with Carol and me.
Daphne-Dum-Dilly has lived here twelve years. Then, last fall, a sneaky feline began cozying up to Carol. (Cats have a tendency to do that with her.) After some investigation, nobody claimed ownership of this odd-looking stray. A neitered male, he made strange noises - not like meowing or purring. He was quite thin with a very long body and lets, standing head and shoulders above Daphne and 1/3 more in body length.
Carol, of course, thought we should keep him. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of another cat - especially an indoor-ourdoor cat, but she persuaded me.
We took him to the vet who listed him as 7 years old but she would not speculate on what breed of cat hemight be. In spite of living in the woods, he had no ticks, no fleas, no worms or other disagreeables. He was healthy enough to allow in the house with my 'fat' cat.
I named him Galaxy Star Chaser because his spots are stars tht change shape as he moves. The two cats are learning to tolerate one another.
Since he has a look about him that is tall, long, lean, strange, odd and different from any other cat, I recommend you look him up on line at: www.Most-Expensive.net/Cat-Breed. That's our Galaxy! ntc \
THE SISTERS - by Marjorie
With April just around the corner, Nancy and I prepare for a new journey.
We will take a bus tour to Washington DC. We are calling to get each others opinion on hat we are taking, what we think we need, what will the weather be like? We are used to jumping in the car and having plenty of room to take all we want and need, leave when we want, stop where we wnt and, in general, we are very independent. This is a new experience for us and it is with great anticipation for a fun, eventful and interesting trip. I can sit back and leave the driving and planning to someone else and Nancy can sit back and not have to read the maps or program Rhoda, my GPS (On-the-Rhod-A-gain). We are allowed one suitcase tht will be in the luggage compartment and one carry-on to keep with us. Now we are questioning what size carry-on. I will ring one of my old ackpacks for it sips closed to throw overhead and has plenty of room. I just need extra shoes, snacks and a sweater near as well as water to drink. We are expecting a fun time together - We'll let you know how things go. Marjorie
We'll meet in Springfield, MO on Wed., April 7; board the Sunnyland Tours and Travel bus in the wee hours of April 8th, and hope to arrive in Washington DC in time for the Cherry Blossoms and the Festival. Our return date is april 15th. Ntc
INSPIRATION
"If ever a time should come, ,when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." ---Samuel Adams ----- 1776
SPRING THOUGHTS
First a howling blizzard woke us,
Then the rain came down to soak us.
and now before the eye can focus - Crocus
--Lilja Rogers
BED IN SUMMER
In winter I get up at night
And dress by yellow candle-light
In summer quite the other way,
I have to go to bed by day.
I have to go to bed and see
The birds still hopping on the tree,
Or hear the grown-up people's feet
Still going past me in the street.
And does it not seem hard to you,
When all the sky is clear and blue,
And I should like so much to play,
to have to go to bed by day?
---Robert Louis Stevenson
STORIES TO SHARE
Jennie's Clipping book #7, transcription nktc May 2003
ERECT A HANDSOME CLOCK
LaGrange State Bank Putting Up
Large Illuminated Clock on Corner of Fifth and Burlington
LaGrange is to have a large, illuminated clock place so conspicuously that it will be visible to commuters hurrying to and from Fifth avenue station, for which thanks are due to the LaGrange State Bank people who are leaving nothing undone that will contribute to the attractiveness of the new building or be an accommodation to the public.
The new clock stands about seventeen feet high on the southeast corner of Fifth and Burlington avenues, far enough out so it is not hidden by the trees and the large dials can be seen for considerable distance in all directions. It will be illuminated at night so that time can be read as easily after dark as at noonday.
It is a Seth Thomas clock and is guaranteed to accuracy so that hyrrying suburbanites can depend upon it. The company is putting it up with the guarantee that it will not vary a minute a month for five years and as the company's manager, W. J. Miller, lives in LaGrange, he will doubtless see to it that the clock is "on the dot."
The clock will be operated by weights and rests on a handsome iron standard that will make an ornament to LaGrange as well as a great utility.
NOTE: Being no date on this clipping (not unusual in Jennie's Clipping Books), I emailed the LaGrange Area Historical Society for help. Here is the response I received the following day:
The Seth Thomas Tower clock installation recorrds indicate that the clock was manufactured for the LaGrange bank in 1912. An article appraring in the Life newspaper on April 1, 1987 noted that the clock was installed in 1913 at the northeast corner of Burlington avenue and LaGrange roads and then moved to its present location in 1928. (I have no idea where its present location is....?) ntc \
BLOG
This BLOG is intended as a magazine of monthly editions with five major categories: Family History, Family Newsletter, The Sisters, Inspiration, & Stories to Share.
Family members are welcome to contribute to the blog, Thatcher Magazine, by accessing the editor through either 'comment' space on the blogsite or by emailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net or phoning (870)425-8264. (You can use snail mail if you prefer.)
To date I know little about managing a blogsite, but I learn something new each month. Thank you for your patience...
OK, I'M JUST SITTING HER WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU! Nancy y Te
Jennie May Thatcher and Her Flowers
Quotes & summary of "Growing Flowers for Market" by Forrest Crissey
Jennie's cliping Book I, dated March 17, 1906 (newspaper source unknown)
"There are several choice and valuable building lots in LaGrange, Illinois - a residential suburb about sixteen miles from chicago - which are owned by a woman and were paid for from the output of her flower beds." So begins an interesting look into the life of our Aunt Jennie Thatcher.
The story of how Miss Jennie M. Thatcher became the pioneer of ameteur flower-growers for the Chicago market is like a chapter from a quiet New England romance ... a charming tale of thrift, persererance and industry, according to Forrest Chrissey, news reporter.
Jennie's father was Nathaniel Thatcher, a partner with Lewis Ellsworth in a flourishing and profitable nursery business for twenty-five years. In an unfortunate 1874 business venture, they met a decided reverse, Thatcher finding himself the possessor of mere remnants of the tree nursery - a commodity he was at liberty to take or leave, as he might choose. Miss Thatcher's reaction was that of true New England spirit as she was determined that those 'remnants' of a liflong business were no way of settling a partner's "bad debts."
She had worked as a seamstress, at the prosperous wages of $1.50 a day and had put aside quite a snug little sum. She at once informed the family that she would spend every cent of her savings to move the nursery stock from the Naperville business to LaGrange, een if they had to make a bonfire of it, rather than leave it behind. A homestead was bought in LaGrange and a small amount paid down on it with the balance being secured by a mortgage. All the energies of the family were instantly and fully dedicated to the lifting of the mortgage - and Miss Thatcher's nimble needle was reckoned quite as able an aid in this warfare as the strawberry bed or the blackberry patch. There was no bonfire. Instead, every tree, bush, vine, shrub and bulb was carefully planted and nurtured.
Early in the spring, as Miss Thatcher took a Sabbath stroll about the place, she saw that the Deutzia gracilis had burst into prodigal bloom. Its sprays of delicate white blossoms seemed all the more welcome because there were almost no other blooms in sight to offer rival charms.
"How nice they look!" she remarked to her father. "They are just as pretty as anything you can see in the window of a flower store in the city." Her own words contained the seed of suggestion which flowered into a rather daring determination. Very quietly - almost secretly - she cut a big basketful of the beautiful sprays and, next morning, put it upon her arm and took the cars (CB&Q or streetcar) for the city.
There were no wholesale florist shops in those days - only four years after the great Chicago fire - and so she went into the first retail flower store that came in her way. Lifting the cover of her basket, she displayed her wares to the proprietor.
"Those do look nice and fresh," he remarked, "but of course, there isn't very much demand for them. Besides, we have so much spoil on our hands, you understand, that we can't afford to pay what it's really worth to grow them."
Miss Thatcher, unfamiliar with the discouraging statements of the florist, heard many variations on this theme in the thirty years since then. However, the florist offered her two dollars for her blooms. She accepted eagerly and went her way rejoicing - and figuring on a new and unheard-of line of attach upon the mortgage. Her fare in and out had been thirty-five cents, but she concluded the returns were better than those to be had by sewing ten hours; and the work pleasanter. Next day, she was again in the city with another basket of gracilis sprays and a determination to learn how to turn all the "flower stock" from the old nursery to good account.
By going to another store, she learned that she had parted with her ware at too cheap a price, and that she must play the game of barter and trade. Her next offering was in the form of great clusters of peonies - the very early red variety.
Although her first season's experience in flowers did not leave Miss Thatcher with a bank account of sensational proportions, she saw clearly that there was something substantial to be made from this pleasant avocation, and she began to plan for the next spring so that every salable blossom should be marketed. The first of these was the fragrant plumes from the luxuriant clumps of lilacs - a part of the old nursery remnant that was not expected to yield anything but gratuitous springtime perfume. The choicest clusters of these white and purple blooms were cut and carried to the city, bringing the plucky vender ten cents a bunch for the white and five cents for the purple. Though they were bulkly and did not command a large price, they yielded so abundantly that the total revenue from the lilac busines was very satisfactory.
The peony beds also brought a fair return, particularly as they required very little labor or attention beyond being covered in the fall. For the early reds she secured a 'fancy' price and the late pink and white blossoms also sold well. Altogether, the peoonies averaged at least fifty cents a dozen and yielded generously. Year after year she worked to have the early ones earlier and to hold back the late varieties until they had little competition in the market.
The common snowball was in full bloom on Decoration Day and met a ready sale for that occasion with a single order bringing $7.50. In earlier years when "set pieces" were in greater favor, the globe of the snowballs were torn into pieces and the fragments used in a popular kind of decorative work. Now, however, there is little demand of this kind, and Memorial Day was about the only time when there is a reliable call for snowball blooms.
The close of Miss Thatcher's first full year in the business left in her hands a net profit of fully one hundred dollars and stronger determination to master the problem of growing flowers at home for the market. Although her bed of native Lilies-of-the-Valley had been decidedly profitable, she learned that the 'bells' of the imported variety were much larger and more numerous. Consequently she secured a thousand of the imported plants. The dainty sprays from these brought her as high as three cents apiece. All the leaves that went to market with the blooms were cut from the old bed of native plants. The first cuttings of Lilies-of-the-Valley were generlly made about the middle of May. The newly planted "valleys" do not bloom freely until at least three years of age when the harvest increases in volume for several years.
Indirectly, the bed of 'native valleys' led Miss Thatcher to one of her most signal triumphs. She became ambitious to grow "Jac" roses and, by dint of considerable inquiry, found a man who was willing to trade her a quantity of "Jacs" for an equal number of "valleys" taken from the original bed. These, however, did not meet the measure of her ambition, and she paid cash to another dealer for more plants of this favorite rose.
Upon her bed of "Jacs" Miss Thatcher lavished an amount of care, labor and tenderness that could not fail of a generous reward, and they gave her of their rich and fragrant blooms in a measure that fully satisfied her expectations. At first she tried to carry the blooms to market in boxes, but finally her father had an inspiration which solved the problem in a most original and satisfactory way. One morning he came into the home with his arms loaded with huge burdock leaves. Taking a cluster of the roses, he wrapped them in the folds of the cool, damp burdock leaf - the stem sticking out below the old armor which protected the blooms. This ingenious wrapping interested the florist, and when the burdock leaves were removed, the roses were invariably found to be in excellent condition - better than those handled in any other manner. The prices which she secured for the first-fruits of her investment in "Jacs" brought her fifty to seventy-five cents a dozen and she gradually increased the stock until she had not fewer than two hundred in blooming condition.
The climax of Miss Thatcher's experience as a grower of "Jac" roses came most unexpectedly. It was back in '88 before the modern American Beauty had crowded every other display rose to the wall. It was the day before the Derby was to run at Washington Park. Her beds of "Jacs" were at their best and she had never carried into the city so heavy a cutting from them as loaded down her baskets that day.
Most unexpectedly, however, she did not meet with a ready buyer for them. Either the florists to whom they were offered did not want them at all, or else the prices at which they would take the roses were too low. This was a keen disappointment to her, and not in her whole experience had she felt more discouraged than when she waslked down the steps into the flower shop kept by "Mike" Gallagher, one of Chicago's pioneer florists. She told herself that if he did not want them she'd ask him to put them in his refrigerator over night.
The moment he lifted the covering of the basket and saw the green stems of the roses - their heads hid in the hoods of burdock leaves, he exclaimed, "Just the thing! I've got the order for decorating the winner of the Derby tomorrow, and I'll make the saddle of Jac roses, that I will. But it will take a heap of them. And I'll need five dozen with long stems to do the bridle. Can you get me a lot more?"
Every available bloom was taken from the bushes the next morning, the two days' cuttings amounting to sixty-five dozen in all, for which she received $23.50. The "Duke of Norfolk," owned by "Lucky" Baldwin and ridden by "The Black Archer," was the winner. As the dusky jockey was lifted from his mount, a saddle of "Jac" roses was thrown upon the back of the big bay and nodding clusters tied upon his bridle while thousands of spectators yelled themselves hoarse at the spectacle. Even Lucky Baldwin, himself, almost wild with delight over his triumph, took little more quiet and abiding satisfaction in the event than did the woman who had grown the roses so cleverly massed into the shape of a saddle. She did not see the flourish of hats, parasols and handkerchiefs in the grand-stand.... The conclusion of this article could not be found in Jennie's Clipping books - believe me, we looked and looked for the missing words! Ntc
Editor's note: We descendants, both male and female, of Nathaniel and Lydia Carpetner Thatcher, do often, and with some rgularity, exhibit traits of thrift, ingenuity, creativity and industry - along with determination, perseverance and outright stubbornness - all in a polite manner - with respect and grace. (Some of us even have green thumbs) Thank you for DNA we can be proud of!
As a young girl and teenager, I remember Aunt May and Maud's side lot garden, under ancient oak trees, as a carpet of tall, pointed green leaves and the bigtest, most fragrant Lily-of-the-valley ai have ever seen. There were breen areas of round-leafed Violets - violets with blooms as large as a quarter; a big patch of them grew in my Dad's garden in Congress Park where we picked them and Mother showed them off in a beautirful vase set in the middle of our dining table. There were beautiful, fragrant flowers on our dining room table almost every season of the year.
Did I mention that Jennie May Thatcher was a red-head? Could that genetic trait be the overriding reason her obvious and apparent stubborn traits mentioned above seem more apparent, visible, obvious and blatant in those Thatcher descendants with red hair? My mother was a bit wary and concerned at the fat that I arrived with red hair (and I could never understand her apprehension). She seemed to think red hair made me unpredicatable - or some such thing. somehow she feared I would be just like Jennie ....
As for myself, I was fascinated by my great-aunt Jennie. I heard a lot about her from
dad and Mother, May and Maude, and learned more about her by reading her notebooks and clippings, discovering the things that interested her. I would love to have met her and talk with her. In my mind's eye, Jennie was a combination of the qualities of Dad and Mom, May and Maude - perhaps a bit more dynamic and definitely more colorful than any one of them. Not a bad combination - red hair or not! Nancy Thatcher Cerny 01 April 2010 \\
FAMILY NEWSLETTER
from Nancy in Mountain Home, AR
Since we didn't hear much family news for this April 2010 Blog, I'll just mention we have two cats living with Carol and me.
Daphne-Dum-Dilly has lived here twelve years. Then, last fall, a sneaky feline began cozying up to Carol. (Cats have a tendency to do that with her.) After some investigation, nobody claimed ownership of this odd-looking stray. A neitered male, he made strange noises - not like meowing or purring. He was quite thin with a very long body and lets, standing head and shoulders above Daphne and 1/3 more in body length.
Carol, of course, thought we should keep him. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of another cat - especially an indoor-ourdoor cat, but she persuaded me.
We took him to the vet who listed him as 7 years old but she would not speculate on what breed of cat hemight be. In spite of living in the woods, he had no ticks, no fleas, no worms or other disagreeables. He was healthy enough to allow in the house with my 'fat' cat.
I named him Galaxy Star Chaser because his spots are stars tht change shape as he moves. The two cats are learning to tolerate one another.
Since he has a look about him that is tall, long, lean, strange, odd and different from any other cat, I recommend you look him up on line at: www.Most-Expensive.net/Cat-Breed. That's our Galaxy! ntc \
THE SISTERS - by Marjorie
With April just around the corner, Nancy and I prepare for a new journey.
We will take a bus tour to Washington DC. We are calling to get each others opinion on hat we are taking, what we think we need, what will the weather be like? We are used to jumping in the car and having plenty of room to take all we want and need, leave when we want, stop where we wnt and, in general, we are very independent. This is a new experience for us and it is with great anticipation for a fun, eventful and interesting trip. I can sit back and leave the driving and planning to someone else and Nancy can sit back and not have to read the maps or program Rhoda, my GPS (On-the-Rhod-A-gain). We are allowed one suitcase tht will be in the luggage compartment and one carry-on to keep with us. Now we are questioning what size carry-on. I will ring one of my old ackpacks for it sips closed to throw overhead and has plenty of room. I just need extra shoes, snacks and a sweater near as well as water to drink. We are expecting a fun time together - We'll let you know how things go. Marjorie
We'll meet in Springfield, MO on Wed., April 7; board the Sunnyland Tours and Travel bus in the wee hours of April 8th, and hope to arrive in Washington DC in time for the Cherry Blossoms and the Festival. Our return date is april 15th. Ntc
INSPIRATION
"If ever a time should come, ,when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." ---Samuel Adams ----- 1776
SPRING THOUGHTS
First a howling blizzard woke us,
Then the rain came down to soak us.
and now before the eye can focus - Crocus
--Lilja Rogers
BED IN SUMMER
In winter I get up at night
And dress by yellow candle-light
In summer quite the other way,
I have to go to bed by day.
I have to go to bed and see
The birds still hopping on the tree,
Or hear the grown-up people's feet
Still going past me in the street.
And does it not seem hard to you,
When all the sky is clear and blue,
And I should like so much to play,
to have to go to bed by day?
---Robert Louis Stevenson
STORIES TO SHARE
Jennie's Clipping book #7, transcription nktc May 2003
ERECT A HANDSOME CLOCK
LaGrange State Bank Putting Up
Large Illuminated Clock on Corner of Fifth and Burlington
LaGrange is to have a large, illuminated clock place so conspicuously that it will be visible to commuters hurrying to and from Fifth avenue station, for which thanks are due to the LaGrange State Bank people who are leaving nothing undone that will contribute to the attractiveness of the new building or be an accommodation to the public.
The new clock stands about seventeen feet high on the southeast corner of Fifth and Burlington avenues, far enough out so it is not hidden by the trees and the large dials can be seen for considerable distance in all directions. It will be illuminated at night so that time can be read as easily after dark as at noonday.
It is a Seth Thomas clock and is guaranteed to accuracy so that hyrrying suburbanites can depend upon it. The company is putting it up with the guarantee that it will not vary a minute a month for five years and as the company's manager, W. J. Miller, lives in LaGrange, he will doubtless see to it that the clock is "on the dot."
The clock will be operated by weights and rests on a handsome iron standard that will make an ornament to LaGrange as well as a great utility.
NOTE: Being no date on this clipping (not unusual in Jennie's Clipping Books), I emailed the LaGrange Area Historical Society for help. Here is the response I received the following day:
The Seth Thomas Tower clock installation recorrds indicate that the clock was manufactured for the LaGrange bank in 1912. An article appraring in the Life newspaper on April 1, 1987 noted that the clock was installed in 1913 at the northeast corner of Burlington avenue and LaGrange roads and then moved to its present location in 1928. (I have no idea where its present location is....?) ntc \
BLOG
This BLOG is intended as a magazine of monthly editions with five major categories: Family History, Family Newsletter, The Sisters, Inspiration, & Stories to Share.
Family members are welcome to contribute to the blog, Thatcher Magazine, by accessing the editor through either 'comment' space on the blogsite or by emailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net or phoning (870)425-8264. (You can use snail mail if you prefer.)
To date I know little about managing a blogsite, but I learn something new each month. Thank you for your patience...
OK, I'M JUST SITTING HER WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU! Nancy y Te
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thatcher Magazine - March 2010
FAMILY HISTORY
REMEMBERING JENNIE by Nancy Thatcher Cerny
Jennie was the first child and only daughter of Nathaniel R. and Lydia (Carpenter) Thatcher. Although her birthday is Apri Fool's Day, 1837, Jennie was no fool. She was an only child until age fourteen when her only sibling, Lewis Ellsworth Thatcher was born 18 October 1851.
Our Jennie would be considered a bright and cheerful young girl, an outgoing spinster and wholesome woman of her time. She was well educated, found pleasure and success in wielding a sewing needle as a seamstress and took a hands-on interest in her father's nursery business. She was not only informed but was involved in growing and successfully selling plants and flowers. At the same time, she was attuned with the political temperment of the times, the Civil War and WW I, as well as a woman's role in society. Her family, being of moderate means, was viewed in the community as intelligent, productive, honest and respected. Although Jennie would never be considered an equal to her father, or any man, she was, in fact, his business administrator, advisor and partner. At the same time she was able to maintain all her feminine demeanor, behavior and social standing in their somewhat snobbish community, being invited and attending important teas, dinners, meetings and activities with those women considered the social backbone of LaGrange, Illinois.
She never married. Even in one of the last conversations I (Nancy) had with my oldest brother, Lewis - great-nephew of Jennie - he mentioned again the rumor that Jennie had a suitor at the time of the Civil War. It was said the man returned from that conflict sans an arm and Jennie refused to marry him. Specuation has it that this was not a real romance but an acquaintance; that he had fought on the 'wrong' side of the war; or that Jennie knew the burden of labor would fall to her if she married a man with one arm. Nobody knows for sure. But, I do remember my dad saying there was a gun kept at her house; one with an unusual butt stock, especially designed for balance when in use by a person with just one arm.
The family knew Jenny was the spirit of renewal when her father's business partnership in Naperville went bankrupt. Nathaniel apparently was disheartened and possibly depressed while Jenny was angered to action. She encouraged, insisting, their nursery stock be moved with them to LaGrange and a new business developed from it. And so it happened. The Thatcher Nursery became known particularly for its giant Lily of the Valley, its fragrant French Violets, Snowball and Lilac bushes and blooms and their Jack Roses used to blanket the winning horse following some important horse race.
Winters were long in northern Illinois and Jennie not only kept the home fires burning, but she kept correspondence with friends and relatives, she filled scrapbooks of clippings from newspaper articles and alone, after her parents had died, she kept a Weather Diary from 1915 till 1923. She had a great interest in family genealogy and some of us, three generations later, have taken up the same interest - using her notes, books, clippings and diary. They have been a treasure to us - colorful pieces, shards perhaps, like the chips in a kaleidscope - as they continually present beautiful yet ever-changing pictures of our family history.
Here is a brief flimpse of our Aunt Jennie, alone in her LaGrange home. Her brother Lewis, a railroad man, lives less than a block from her house with his wife Min and two spinster daughers Mabel and Maude, while his sons Frank and Clarence, with their families, each resides about a mile away. Jennie is 78 years old. She is seated at the secretary, a small, carefully crafted desk with a drop-leaf writing surface. Though it is near to one of her heating stoves, a shawl is wrapped about her shoulders; her steel rimmed glasses rest upon her nose as she dips a pen into the ink pot and writes a brief, or perhaps wordier notation in a little 3 1/2" x 6" black notebook - her Weather Diary: {Jennie's Diary from Nov 16, 1915 until Nov 10, 1923, is presented as a separate Thatcher Magazine Blog.}
November 10, 1923 is the last entry in the Weather Diary. Jennie May Thatcher died just six days later. The diary entries in March and April of 1923 bcame increasingly more difficult to read. The weather diary seemed to contain more commentary May through October of that year, then went back to a more succinct weather format October 31 to the end.
Family legend has it that Jennie aadmitted to not feeling well on the 16th. She made her way to the home of a neighbor - where, it is said, she laid down on their couch and she died.
Good-bye Aunt Jennie. You have been an effetive diarist and collector of our family history. You left for us a rich heritage and an admirable personality for our females to imitate. Oh, how we have pored over your notes and books and clippings and felt a warm closeness to you, like gathering together around one of your stoves or enjoying a visit on one of your nice, warm days. We send our Love To You... from five or six generations of Nathaniel R. and Lydia (Carpenter) thatcher descendants ....
A THOUGHT TO INSPIRE YOU
In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular. ~ Kathy Norris
It is not work unless you would rather be doing something else. ~ J. M. Barrie
STORIES TO SHARE - Nancy's recollections:
I must have been really young when I remember all three boys, Clitz, Roy and Ralph, lying on the living room floor on Sunday morning, reading the newspaper funnies. I would walk over them and sit on their backs and ask them to read the funnies to me. I remember them laughing and acting as though the cartoons were funny but I didn't get the joke. So, I couldn't wait until I was able to read them myself. Later, I would sit on the couch with Ralph or Roy helping me read the funnies word by word. It took years before I figured out what was funny about the funnies.
I believe I was in kindergarten or first grade when both Roy and Ralph attended Congress Park School. Most of my life is a blank but one thing I remember is that the three of us were late - on at least one occasion. roy grabbed one of my hands and Ralph the other and they ran as fast as they could up the alley from out house to the school. My feet never touched the ground! Then, another time, it must have been after Roy went to high school, we were going to be late again so Ralph took my wrist and started running up the alley; actually dragging me, stumbling, tripping and trying to run sideways to keep in step with him. I'm sure I felt very lonely when I walked to school all by myself after Ralph graduated. @ Nancy y Te
INTERESTING STUFF: Thatcher, a 2010 OLYMPIAN
Were you watching the 2010 Olympics at Vancouver, B.S.? Did you catch a glimpse of #5, a forward on the U. S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team?
Joyce sent an email February 12th: Hey Aunt Nancy - there is a Karen Thatcher on the US Women's hockey team from Blaine, Washington - could she possibly be a relative? We saw her on TV last night and boy - if she doesn't have some of our Thatcher traits - (Maybe just wishful thinking.)
Here's the scoop @Wikipedia, Google, USAhockey.com and friars.com:
-2010 Olympics at Vancouver, British Columbia - Karen E. Thatcher, a forward, wearing number 5, was selected to represent the United States as a member of the 2010 U. S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team.
-Karen 5'8" and shoots left handed, was born 29 February 1984 at Douglas, Massachusetts. She played hockey from about 1998, including as a 'friar' for Providence College where she earned a biology degree in 2006.
While we hadn't known of Karen E. Thatcher, Olympian, until now, she may (or not) be one of our relatives. Certainly her facial features (much like a blonde version of our own Joyce) could make her one of us. Karen's ability to play hockey is definitely reminiscent of Joyce - who had to hide her feminine identity with heavy goalie armor and her long red hair twirled up in a helmet. Joyce surprised everyone as an outstanding goal tender in those days when 'girls' were not allowed to play hockey - or be sharpshooters in the Army or torpedo handlers in the Navy or even pilot a helicopter with the First Cavalry. Oh, how times have changed!
The good news is that Karen may be a Thatcher relative. The sad news is that any blood connection we may have with her would be many generations back - through a son of Capt. Bartholomew Thatcher (Revolutionary War era) or rearlier. It makes little difference however, since we are confident a Thatcher is a a Thatcher and a winner is a winner. The championship playoff between the U.S. and Canada took place on February 25th when the U.S.A. team took SILVER. Congratulations, Karen; you are the first family member we know who brought home an Olympic medal - and Silver at that... To see for yourself, all you need do is Google Karen Thatcher/USAHockey Magazine or go to USAhockey.com.
Welcome to our Thatcher family, Karen. Nice to Meet You ! Nancy y Te
BLOG
This BLOG is intended as a magazine of monthly editions with five major categories: Family History, Family Newsletter, The Sisters, Inspiration, Stories to Share.
Family members are welcome to contribute to the blog, Thatcher Magazine, by accessing the editor through either 'comment' space on the blogsite or by emailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net or phoning (870) 425-8264. (You can use snail mail if you prefer.) To date, I know only how to manage (transcribed) print information (no pictures, cut/paste, sophisticated presentations).
OK. I'M JUST SITTING HERE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU ! Nancy y Te
REMEMBERING JENNIE by Nancy Thatcher Cerny
Jennie was the first child and only daughter of Nathaniel R. and Lydia (Carpenter) Thatcher. Although her birthday is Apri Fool's Day, 1837, Jennie was no fool. She was an only child until age fourteen when her only sibling, Lewis Ellsworth Thatcher was born 18 October 1851.
Our Jennie would be considered a bright and cheerful young girl, an outgoing spinster and wholesome woman of her time. She was well educated, found pleasure and success in wielding a sewing needle as a seamstress and took a hands-on interest in her father's nursery business. She was not only informed but was involved in growing and successfully selling plants and flowers. At the same time, she was attuned with the political temperment of the times, the Civil War and WW I, as well as a woman's role in society. Her family, being of moderate means, was viewed in the community as intelligent, productive, honest and respected. Although Jennie would never be considered an equal to her father, or any man, she was, in fact, his business administrator, advisor and partner. At the same time she was able to maintain all her feminine demeanor, behavior and social standing in their somewhat snobbish community, being invited and attending important teas, dinners, meetings and activities with those women considered the social backbone of LaGrange, Illinois.
She never married. Even in one of the last conversations I (Nancy) had with my oldest brother, Lewis - great-nephew of Jennie - he mentioned again the rumor that Jennie had a suitor at the time of the Civil War. It was said the man returned from that conflict sans an arm and Jennie refused to marry him. Specuation has it that this was not a real romance but an acquaintance; that he had fought on the 'wrong' side of the war; or that Jennie knew the burden of labor would fall to her if she married a man with one arm. Nobody knows for sure. But, I do remember my dad saying there was a gun kept at her house; one with an unusual butt stock, especially designed for balance when in use by a person with just one arm.
The family knew Jenny was the spirit of renewal when her father's business partnership in Naperville went bankrupt. Nathaniel apparently was disheartened and possibly depressed while Jenny was angered to action. She encouraged, insisting, their nursery stock be moved with them to LaGrange and a new business developed from it. And so it happened. The Thatcher Nursery became known particularly for its giant Lily of the Valley, its fragrant French Violets, Snowball and Lilac bushes and blooms and their Jack Roses used to blanket the winning horse following some important horse race.
Winters were long in northern Illinois and Jennie not only kept the home fires burning, but she kept correspondence with friends and relatives, she filled scrapbooks of clippings from newspaper articles and alone, after her parents had died, she kept a Weather Diary from 1915 till 1923. She had a great interest in family genealogy and some of us, three generations later, have taken up the same interest - using her notes, books, clippings and diary. They have been a treasure to us - colorful pieces, shards perhaps, like the chips in a kaleidscope - as they continually present beautiful yet ever-changing pictures of our family history.
Here is a brief flimpse of our Aunt Jennie, alone in her LaGrange home. Her brother Lewis, a railroad man, lives less than a block from her house with his wife Min and two spinster daughers Mabel and Maude, while his sons Frank and Clarence, with their families, each resides about a mile away. Jennie is 78 years old. She is seated at the secretary, a small, carefully crafted desk with a drop-leaf writing surface. Though it is near to one of her heating stoves, a shawl is wrapped about her shoulders; her steel rimmed glasses rest upon her nose as she dips a pen into the ink pot and writes a brief, or perhaps wordier notation in a little 3 1/2" x 6" black notebook - her Weather Diary: {Jennie's Diary from Nov 16, 1915 until Nov 10, 1923, is presented as a separate Thatcher Magazine Blog.}
November 10, 1923 is the last entry in the Weather Diary. Jennie May Thatcher died just six days later. The diary entries in March and April of 1923 bcame increasingly more difficult to read. The weather diary seemed to contain more commentary May through October of that year, then went back to a more succinct weather format October 31 to the end.
Family legend has it that Jennie aadmitted to not feeling well on the 16th. She made her way to the home of a neighbor - where, it is said, she laid down on their couch and she died.
Good-bye Aunt Jennie. You have been an effetive diarist and collector of our family history. You left for us a rich heritage and an admirable personality for our females to imitate. Oh, how we have pored over your notes and books and clippings and felt a warm closeness to you, like gathering together around one of your stoves or enjoying a visit on one of your nice, warm days. We send our Love To You... from five or six generations of Nathaniel R. and Lydia (Carpenter) thatcher descendants ....
~ ~ ~
I have more articlels to share regarding our interesting, amazing, feisty and fascinating, red-haired Aunt Jennie May Thatcher. (Family members who knew her believed her red hair had something to do with her feistiness. Subsequently, Thatcher descendants are both thrilled and apprehensive when a new baby arrives with red hair.) Jennie told us about the Zouves through clippings and our Lake Circus relatives in photographs; her scrapbooks are full of interesting items and poetry you will want to know about; the LaGrange newspaper printed articles about Jennie, the people and things of special interrest to her.... I am sure you recognize now that Jennie had a particular interest in weather because she WAS a nurseryman. She was also dedicated to her famiy, her community and her country. Through it all, our Aunt Jennie May thatcher was a lady. - Nancy y Te \\
FAMILY NEWSLETTER
From the Commonwealth of VA from Sandy:
-Hello from the tundra of Virginia. We have had enough snow - Burt and Samantha shoveled out half the driveway ... only one car got out for a couple of days. We never lost power but Bob and family were without power several days - having to cook on the BBQ and light with candles. Jim and Bob were able to get his long driveway plowed. Still, he had to park at the top of his hill to get out to go to work. We are now toasty and warm - and hope we are through with the white stuff !!! @ Sandy
Take a Look at Beth's Latest Artwork:
@ her proud Father Robert {This is really a unique book presentation. @ Nancy y Te}
LaGrange Update from Joyce:
-Helen is doing well - may need to haveanother surgery to correct her cataract surgery.
-Sandy and Art will be going to Alaska in June.
-It is four years since Dad (Ralph) died. I miss him every day. Guess we were closer than I realized, but I know Sandy, Art and I spent his last few years with him doing all the things he enjoyed doing.
-Violet will be coming this weekend - it will be crazy for sure as she never slows down.
-I will be taking her to watch chuck's boys play basketball.
-We are under a winter storm watch - We may get 12 more inches of snow - Yippeeeeee. I love snow. (Yep, I am weird.) @ Joyce
FYI about Aspirin - from Bruce:
-If you take an aspirin, take it at night. Aspirin has a 24-hour 'half-life' therefore, if most heart attacks happen in the wee hours of the morning, the aspirin would be strongest in your system. AND Aspirin lasts a really long time in your medicine chest - years. When it gets old, it smells like inegar... @ Bruce
Some Trivia from Dugthatch:
-Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled 'gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden' thus, the word GOLF enterd into the English language.
-The cose of raising a medium-size dog to age of eleven = $16,400.
-If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse h one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. Thanks, dugthatch
THE SISTERS by Marjorie
For the past three years, Nancy and I have been meeting in Branson every three months to attend OWL (Ozark Writers League) meetings. I also joined OWL even though I am not a writer; I figured that the group pays for speakers, door prizes and time and energy to put on a good meeting, so I too should contribute.
Even though I do not write, I do learn from the speakers. You can apply organization, attitude, confidence and energy into anything and everything you do. The speakers cover all these topics and some are also photographers, discussing their skills and knowledge. Because of the electronic world we live in, short story writers, web masters, monthly topic writers and most other writers now do their own photography to go along with their stories.
This month, March, is the annual Art, Photography and Craft Contest at the OWL meeting. I thought of entering the photo part of the contest the past two years but never did. This year, I have again thought of entering.
For starters, I spent days going through my photos in the computer. I wrote down the path to find the photos later for some are in unmarked or mixed folders (something to fix on a snow or rain day). I purchased photo paper (I like matte best), matting for the pictures, cardstock to back the pictures and two-sided tape. I am now ready and organizaed - or so I thought. I downloaded the photos I wanted to review into their own folder, which I called CONTEST. I pulled up one photo at a atime, looked it over and decided 'yea' or 'nay.' I then cropped the yeas and again decided on the ones I may want to use or eliminate. Once satisfied with the photos I wanted to use, I went about printing them. You can submit 4x7 "or 8x10" photos. Each must be matted, but not framed, having identifying information on a card attached to the back of each entry photo. Well, that is clear on what they want so, off to printing.
I could not get them to print 8 x 10 size photos. I went into the layout and even put in a one inch grid, dragged the photo the eight inches and ten wide, then struck the print key. The printout was NOT 8x10. I tried many things with no satisfaction. I walked away from the project for a few days, complaining to all that would listen. I decided I had to check on the printer. I thought , "Maybe I have to tell the printer what I need."
After another round of page set-up (layout), I think I have it figured out. So, pushed the print and I now have an 8x10" printout. I cropped the 8"x10" paper and taped my print to the mat. Finding the photo paper was not very heavy, I had to add the card stock to the bak for a sturdy unit.
I did get five or six photos ready and submitted my count of photos to be entered to the committee. Nancy had been working on her photos to be submitted, too. We are looking forward to February 20th and the contest.
Best of all, Nancy and I will have a day to enjoy together. by Marge
THE SISTERS by Nancy
In the past few years, Marjorie and I have joined our interests and efforts. We not only admire and encourage one another in our individual projects, we have found some interests in common. Living in this e- world, we cannot be a writer without digital photography or a photographer without words - at least in publication. Learning together, we have fun and may become world famous in our successes.
As members of OWL, we meet in Branson for quarterly seminars, workshops, lunch and and an excuse to spend a day together at the College of the Ozarks. That's the college Lewis (Bud) supported and was proud of during the many years he lived in Missouri. OWL is the perfect excuse for Marjorie and me to learn about the elements of publication. After all, Frank was editor and publisher of the annual Family History News and together they photographed and documented Shop With A Cop each year - a project Frank took special pride in. He even tried to help me learn to manage a digital camera. While Frank and Marjorie were writing, photographing and publishing, I wrote some stories for publication - including the annual OWL anthology, Echoes Of The Ozarks. All those OWL seminars were put to our best use when Marjorie and I tried to walk in Frank Speer's shoes to edit and publish the 2009 Family History News!
We did try to meet OWL's latest photography challenge. Although both of us will be entering a few pics, I admit to having a cheap little camera that happened to catch a couple pretty shots. Marjorie, familiar with a camers, has some fantastic photos for this competition. I'm sure we will see her name in the headlines - but we have to wait until the end of May to learn the results! @ Nancy y Te
In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular. ~ Kathy Norris
It is not work unless you would rather be doing something else. ~ J. M. Barrie
STORIES TO SHARE - Nancy's recollections:
I must have been really young when I remember all three boys, Clitz, Roy and Ralph, lying on the living room floor on Sunday morning, reading the newspaper funnies. I would walk over them and sit on their backs and ask them to read the funnies to me. I remember them laughing and acting as though the cartoons were funny but I didn't get the joke. So, I couldn't wait until I was able to read them myself. Later, I would sit on the couch with Ralph or Roy helping me read the funnies word by word. It took years before I figured out what was funny about the funnies.
I believe I was in kindergarten or first grade when both Roy and Ralph attended Congress Park School. Most of my life is a blank but one thing I remember is that the three of us were late - on at least one occasion. roy grabbed one of my hands and Ralph the other and they ran as fast as they could up the alley from out house to the school. My feet never touched the ground! Then, another time, it must have been after Roy went to high school, we were going to be late again so Ralph took my wrist and started running up the alley; actually dragging me, stumbling, tripping and trying to run sideways to keep in step with him. I'm sure I felt very lonely when I walked to school all by myself after Ralph graduated. @ Nancy y Te
INTERESTING STUFF: Thatcher, a 2010 OLYMPIAN
Were you watching the 2010 Olympics at Vancouver, B.S.? Did you catch a glimpse of #5, a forward on the U. S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team?
Joyce sent an email February 12th: Hey Aunt Nancy - there is a Karen Thatcher on the US Women's hockey team from Blaine, Washington - could she possibly be a relative? We saw her on TV last night and boy - if she doesn't have some of our Thatcher traits - (Maybe just wishful thinking.)
Here's the scoop @Wikipedia, Google, USAhockey.com and friars.com:
-2010 Olympics at Vancouver, British Columbia - Karen E. Thatcher, a forward, wearing number 5, was selected to represent the United States as a member of the 2010 U. S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team.
-Karen 5'8" and shoots left handed, was born 29 February 1984 at Douglas, Massachusetts. She played hockey from about 1998, including as a 'friar' for Providence College where she earned a biology degree in 2006.
While we hadn't known of Karen E. Thatcher, Olympian, until now, she may (or not) be one of our relatives. Certainly her facial features (much like a blonde version of our own Joyce) could make her one of us. Karen's ability to play hockey is definitely reminiscent of Joyce - who had to hide her feminine identity with heavy goalie armor and her long red hair twirled up in a helmet. Joyce surprised everyone as an outstanding goal tender in those days when 'girls' were not allowed to play hockey - or be sharpshooters in the Army or torpedo handlers in the Navy or even pilot a helicopter with the First Cavalry. Oh, how times have changed!
The good news is that Karen may be a Thatcher relative. The sad news is that any blood connection we may have with her would be many generations back - through a son of Capt. Bartholomew Thatcher (Revolutionary War era) or rearlier. It makes little difference however, since we are confident a Thatcher is a a Thatcher and a winner is a winner. The championship playoff between the U.S. and Canada took place on February 25th when the U.S.A. team took SILVER. Congratulations, Karen; you are the first family member we know who brought home an Olympic medal - and Silver at that... To see for yourself, all you need do is Google Karen Thatcher/USAHockey Magazine or go to USAhockey.com.
Welcome to our Thatcher family, Karen. Nice to Meet You ! Nancy y Te
BLOG
This BLOG is intended as a magazine of monthly editions with five major categories: Family History, Family Newsletter, The Sisters, Inspiration, Stories to Share.
Family members are welcome to contribute to the blog, Thatcher Magazine, by accessing the editor through either 'comment' space on the blogsite or by emailing nktcerny@suddenlink.net or phoning (870) 425-8264. (You can use snail mail if you prefer.) To date, I know only how to manage (transcribed) print information (no pictures, cut/paste, sophisticated presentations).
OK. I'M JUST SITTING HERE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU ! Nancy y Te
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)