The McManuses

Hearsay interlaced with fact depicts the life of the McManus family.  They...must have emigrated to Scotland during the potato famine.  My father always told us they set sail from Galway.  They lived close to the Murphy's in Scotland because Mother mentioned their names (I know very little about their life there). The two oldest McManuses (John and Bartley) left Scotland with two oldest Murphys around 1880.  The McManus family came soon after.  They came to the mining region of Western Pennsylvania and settled in Elco Hollow in a home built at the foot of a hill, fronted by a creek flowing into the Monongahela River.  Their first home, ideal for this large, outgoing often boisterous family exists today.  The men in the family found work in the area mines.  Later around 1889, they moved to a newly built home in Roscoe.  An impressive home built on the front of the lot and a double house on the back lot.  A sawmill in lower Roscoe supplied the lumber.  In this home one entered the front door from a porch which extended across the front and around the side.

The double house in the back could house two families, presumably the McManus offspring. During my lifetime, these houses have been remodeled and are in good condition today.  Across the street from the one time Roscoe School.

Bartley and Alice McManus had eight children: John, Bartley, James, Patrick, Peter, Sarah, Alice and Thomas. The eldest John lived in Brownsville [and] had several children. During my early years I remember James, a grocer, whose one child became a nurse, living in Pittsburgh. Leo often visited us and married an Elco girl named Alice Rankin; they had two sons.  Next in the saga was Uncle Bartley.

He and his wife had many children. Starting work in the mines, he became a superintendent but soon became the owner of a hotel with its attached bar in Donora. He prospered in the Prohibition Era, his business became firmly entrenched. Mother said his wife gave him invaluable assistance checking the receipts often. Later they bought a summer home in the Conneaut Lake area.  My brother Bernard went to a college in this area and often visited them.  He aslo bought a liquor establishment in Miami, Florida and the family prospered. One member visited us and we visited her. Another son, Pat, was featured in The Daily Independent, honoring him for his church and town related activities. Now comes James (Jimmy) who died young and unexpectedly from an ear infection. In our living room his picture on the wall always interested me and especially the story Mother told about him.  Mother who was there when he died, blamed his death on wrong medicine prescribed by the doctor. They could never find the bottle containing it.  Another member, a lovable red headed leprechaun was Uncle Pete, father of several children.  His wife seemed always happy, almost carefree. We knew this family well because Pete's wife (my Aunt Molly Haley) was a sister of our neighbor Mrs. Maines and she often visited. After working in the mine for several years he also bought a hotel with bar in Finleyville. In those days it was difficult to retain liquor licenses, politically involved. After Uncle Pete lost his, the family moved to Washington, PA, living there many years. During my early teaching years I visited them often during Teacher Institute week. The undisciplined atmosphere but loving and warm particularly appealed to me, especially the apparent lack of restrictions.  Now living is Jane Moulden, an intelligent girl whom I particularly liked. One member Bartley will be remembered because his wife (a secretary before marriage) had seventeen children including three sets of twins. They were able to live well without any outside help. My mother and James visited them when they lived near Uniontown area in a double house...Later, many years later, Irish and I often took rides after dinner or Sunday up to the mountains beyond Uniontown and visited Bartley and wife who had a store and garage on this well traveled road. It was a retirement business but prosperous.

My uncle Tom, a verbally gifted, handsome man closer to us than any other McManus worked in the mine, became superintended and finally became a state inspector of mines. His wife, Aunt Sadie, a witty woman was not born to be a housewife, always fashionably dressed made a remark one day which I could never forget. (She was a convert to the church and not indoctrinated to its beliefs). Uncle Tom said to Aunt Sadie,: "You'll have a front seat in heaven for bearing twelve children". She said, "If I had know then what I know today, I would be content with a back seat".  Two of the twelve died young, one in the mine and one with flu after WWI. I knew Kathleen and Pat better than any other but James and his wife live now in Belle Vernon may be able to answer any question about his family. Another family member was Alice McManus whom my father cared for, sometimes comparing her to me, physically. When she came with her family from Scotland, a little girl came with her, Mary Ann who in later years evidenced emotional problems.  She married and had several children. But Mary Ann's husband disappeared, this action added to her condition. She was later hospitalized. Aunt Alice married William McGinnis whom my mother said treated her abominably. She had two sons, Bartley and James.

"All I want to do is show things as they are and try to remember there is little difference between the wise man and the foolish one, between the good man and the evil one. A thin line separates us from one another."

One human being with limited capabilities did make a tragic mistake, the son of Alice and William McManus, James, killed his wife in a moment of rage. The news was shocking. What tragedy can erupt from a moment of uncontrolled anger. My dad was compassionate and promised to help in any way. He was tried and received a life sentence. "What father or mother could prevent his son from living his own life, from soiling his hands, from loading himself with sin, from finding his own path." Hesse.

From Mary Flanagan's History of McManus and Murphy Families.  Undated.

Time in suspension

September 19, 1984.
Sky without a blemish.  Ann's wedding day - it was a damp wettish day but that did not dim her beauty.  Katy graduated from Cal. U. that day. 20 years ago.  I must not grieve. Charleroi by bus. Bob was in rare form. Nothing interested me in Millers. Julia had a becoming new hair do. I must learn to see my God in others. Waiting for bus home -as we grow older, we become lax about our clothes and even our grooming but maybe some are not able to cope but are still able to get out. Daddy - docile took pills easily at night.

September 20.
American Embassy in Lebanon bombed - 23 killed - 2 Americans. Reagan ahead by a broad margin (Mondale). Last place Pirates beat 1st place Chicago Cubs (three games). Sent letter to Michael put in a little money. Called Katy - strange (eerie) happening last night when I was either dreaming or half awake - heard Katy's voice distinctly call Mother (must call again). Called Dora. Had Dee (sp?) help her with kitchen. Mary fainted in Downes this week- Dora last to know.

September 21.
Daddy up at 7:30. Left with Carol S. at 8:30 - Permanent (Kay was laying tile in a back room). The only women there this morning were near elderly, elderly, and the ancient. I felt Ancient when a manicurist said she pitied the "little old women" who had to sit under driers. "I never sit under a drier". - Up to look in on Jean (had been sick again this week.)  Dr. said she had to have oxygen in house at all times. Talked to Grace - still worried about James.  Eileen, family coming this weekend.  Spent time with Dora - getting the rooms she uses often redecorated.  Daddy restless night but took one pill at night. I camouflaged other.

September 22.
1st day of Autumn beautiful day but humid. Called Katy - the Mother incident. Bad cold went to bed after school.  Ilsa, most valuable player award on Hockey Team. Matt (still in football). Patrick called, selling bulbs for school. Rose sounded fine - coming up on Tues. Kay's niece and 4 children there tomorrow. All of children are coming.

September 23.  
Sunday, Mass. J. Bob had a cold - 1/2 hr Church. Me and Mildred H - talked about her sisters Amanda and Leona - wish I would see Leona once more. Spoke to Helen H. - she reluctantly reciprocated. Called the Dougherty's - talked to Erin. Spent hr. with Dora who looks fine, calcium must be working. Blood pressure is better, normal now. Called Tom, going to call Rosy and Katy. Daddy up longer but difficulty taking pills. I must be the patient one. Never saw Mary M. since 9:30 - heard her leaving at about 10:30.

September 24.
Sent out bills. Johnnys. Talked to Pauline. Daddy tolerates muggy days barely. Hardly here at dinner. Refused pills at night, must find a different way. Rosemary called, coming tomorrow.

September 25.
Warm day - humid. Temp forecast dropping to 40's tonite. Rose - Mark came up. Mark proudly carrying his lunchbox (tickled me). Dad restless.  Foodland, Toy City, Johnnys. Lounged around after Rose left. Spent a few minutes talking to Bobby.  I'll miss him when he leaves. Time in suspension.

Bernard's journey

Many times we are confronted with two roads - and the road not taken may change our lives for the better.  Bernard continued working on P.L.E. and the opportunities for advancement made it a promising job. After a few months, a representative from Meadville College (to-day it is still an excellent one) in Meadville, Pa offered him a full scholarship to attend and play football.  Was this the road for him to take?  I was overjoyed then but years later I was not certain this was the right decision. For at the time Mother had been ill for several weeks, confined to her bed.  James, Bernard, Patsy and I were still at home.  I was extremely worried about her condition especially after she developed erasipulis on her forehead, dangerous here because if it spread, brain damage could result. Bernard was a natural for helping those who were sick.  Every day he changed the bandage and applied medication under direction of Dr. Lutz who came every day.  Remembering the words of this Doctor to-day, I feel he was right - he would be better off remaining at his P.L.E. job which offered opportunities for advancement. At that time I thought the Doctor was selfish, only wanting education for his family. The decision came from Bernard, he took this opportunity and was soon attending Allegheny, Meadville, Pa and playing football.

The comparison of life to a journey is one of the world's most persistent and oldest motif. He continued on his way, enjoying three years at this school, making friends, producing fair grades, and playing football.  During the summer preceding his fourth year, he was evasive, less communicative, and troubled when I sensed something wrong about school.  He returned to school but came home within a week, devastated. He said they refused his scholarship, some strange reason that his eyes were deteriorating so that he couldn't play. He could have paid his tuition for the final year but he refused. He immediately enrolled in California State, graduating with Patsy in 1933 with a B.S. in Education.
"We never have security only a paradox of it."

Teaching positions were scarce in these depression years. My teaching in Roscoe Public School made it possible for us to live without any anxiety. As soon as the Mines resumed working, Bernard entered one on Feb. 15, 1934. Mother was saddened and so was I. The mines always made me so afraid and I had experienced this anxiety almost every day was a girl growing up when Dad worked in them. This was no place for a sensitive, well-educated young man but again it was his decision.


{Pic of Allegheny College Football Team 1929.  Thanks to Pat Fiorill for the find!}

Bernard as a young man

The desire for learning was fostered in our family. At this time in early 1900’s McManus family finances were low but although going to Charleroi High School stretched their resources, Mother always found the money for transportation. Bernard enrolled in Charleroi, few Roscoe children went. He did well academically, exempted from all final tests because his grades were high but he decided that he would not attend the second year but get a job, only fifteen but big and strong. 

“We must discover our purpose and meaning and find the courage to follow that purpose”. Crystal Woman.

Bernard found a job as an inspector on P.L.E. railroad, situated across the river in Newell.  A man’s job, a man’s pay, but not easy. Suddenly transplanted into a new environment where most workers were older, many foreigners who spoke no English. Often he would make us all laugh with comic elements in…he found these, especially in his attempts to communicate with the men. However his cousin, five yr. older than he was Yard Master which was a plus factor for Bernard. 

Life changes, nothing worthwhile remains static. After working here for over a year, he was contacted by Sonny Mills, California High Football Coach to return to school, primarily to be on the football team. Continuing his P.L.E. work during the 4 to 12 shift, he attended his classes and played football in 1925, 1926, 1927. It was not easy going to school, working a full time job, and playing football. His grades were good, but he had permission from P.L.E. to take time off for his games. Patsy made a map showing how Bernard got from his school to his job and how he traveled home after 12. He became a valuable player winning All Eastern Guard Award in 1927. Recently an all Eastern Team from this area was honored with a banquet where players received awards. James McManus accepted Bernard’s award. A picture of California Team is enclosed in this brief biography.  Patsy and he received their High School diplomas on the same day.  LIfe goes on.

From Bernard McManus Biography

Grandma Mary and Great Uncle Bernard

Not sure she’s too pleased with having to share the limelight…

Bernard as a boy

“We humans unlike plants are only a possibility when we are born.”  Crystal Woman

Bernard McManus, born in Horning, Pa. a mining town in Allegheny County, was the second son of Mary Elizabeth and Patrick McManus.  We moved back to Roscoe a few months after his birth when I was about three years old.  Nothing about our first home made any impression that I remember but the home on Underwood St. did.  The fireplace, its flickering light in the early morning and the crackling sounds can be recalled to-day.   I always thought that Bernard was so named because he was burnt often - once as he stepped on a hot poker before that very fireplace which was the focus of many of our activities during the winter months. The pre-school days soon pass.

The elementary school days are important ones in our lives. Bernard always did his school work well, always charismatic, a leader with the boys.  One incident shows how a teacher can create problems for children. He came home one day from sixth grade class angry, determined to never go back to school, a substitute teacher demoted him to Class B.  Mother acted, going to the class politely asking for the underlying reason - she got little response.  Bernard went the next day - to class A. 

Our personalities develop to a greater degree in some individuals outside the structured classroom. Bernard’s did.  Big, strong, always the leader interested in the rough and tumble of play, he also was fun loving, often displaying another side - interest in poetry, reading and music, drumming on the piano often.  He, I often thought, should have had the music lessons I had had.  

His character was influenced by friends, one of whom was Buck O., not too well mentally endowed, but who did teach him to look at all possibilities before he acted. Buck who had planned a robbery of Weiner’s (sp?) Store failed to realize the Weiner’s were smarter than he.  He fled the scene without mishap.  His first confrontation with tragedy occurred one early summer night when Robert Robinson our neighbor, same ages as Bernard, was shot by Henry Giles, one of a group of boys from Presbyterian Church on a hike near Dixons Nob.  Bernard was a PallBearer. I saw a grief stricken eleven year old boy. Another near tragedy happened to his cousin Eddie Murphy about which I have already written.  It was a time of fun and sorrow, of joy and woe.  That may be how our lives will always be.  

The years from 1907 until the depression were not easy ones for miners. Many parents were filled with anxiety about how they could take care of simple physical well being. But not Mother, I never heard her say that we were so poor that we might have no food - I always thought that we were not poor, always would have enough. However all of us wanted to get jobs as early as possible. Bernard, eleven years old, came home on Armistice Day anxious to get to Charleroi to get a job carrying water to the Glass Works. I laughed, so superior at fourteen.  Child labor for one night almost killed him. A few months later he had a job in Matt Gollis Pool Room setting up pins in bowling alley. Later the same man gave him a promotion, ticket collector in the Gollis Movie Palace (I loved it, one fringe benefit-all our family could go to every movie free). These jobs developed qualities necessary during that era: punctuality, dependability, desire to do work well. 

Another important area in all our lives was the Church. Our lives were permeated with Christian principles, at home and at Church. He went to Mass every Sunday and Holy Day, to Catechism study and all other formal rituals. But it was in the home where prayer habits were reinforced - morning and night, before meals and taking part in Rosary presentation. The teaching of Christian values is primarily the reason for our seeking the truth so that our lives will be meaningful, fulfilled, and happy. 

Excerpt from the biography of Bernard McManus

The meaning of memory

January 15, 1998

Dear Ilsa,

Time flies so swiftly that I could not believe that you’ll be leaving soon.  It is an opportunity for you, experiencing many new avenues.  I know that you will find this experience a growth one, unless one grows he ceases to live. The history of our ancestors never ceases to amaze me as new material about Ireland comes my way….Our Celtic forefathers were our ancestors, McManus and Murphy.  Our immediate ancestors were Northern people, McManuses emigrated from Conaught, western border of Ulster from seaport Galway and the Murphys from Ulster (Donegal). We may assume that generations of our family lived in this beautiful isle - the names were listed as native Celts who had retained Roman Catholic religion after reformation in 16th century.

Later the Gaelic system broken down by the British caused some original families to move westward. From studying map of Ulster in relation to other Irish divisions this is a possibility for both McManuses and Murphys. The McManus family listed in Fermanagh western edge of Ulster could have easily moved into the neighboring division where Galway, a seaport, is located.  Murphys could have moved a few miles to Donegal which borders Tyrone. Both families moved to Scotland around 1850 into Kilmarnick, Scotch seaport, both living here until the oldest sons of the McManus family and Murphy family made the trip together to America - early 1880s.

Memory has a curious meaning to me which I have found many others do not share, they care little for their ancestral heritage.  Ireland was a land of beauty but also one where these early people found difficulty even finding enough food, a land constantly in turmoil with each other and later the English but it produced strong people who have never lost their love for their land, still had strong beliefs and a fierce attachment for Roman Catholic Religion.  Now Irish in America are letting time separate them from this lovely isle which housed their ancestors for hundreds of years. 

Love and always with me, 

Grandma

Draft letter to me shortly before I left for my semester abroad.

Grandma goes to Washington

[“Joseph had the gift of listening”. Please help me to listen instead of always falling into an… talkative vein. My Lenten prayer.]

March 14, 1989.  Hot in 80s.  Took Annie to the Park - played well.  Took Luke for a walk around block.  Judy’s cousin Kathy came about 6 with her sister-in-law. Judy roasted a turkey dinner-later she celebrated her cousin’s birthday with gifts from Suzy, Judy.  Tom brought the cake, delicious carrot one. Annie in her element - center of attention -  John came after Spanish class - he was present at a news conference in Washington to challenge the whole notion of biodegradable plastics. It seems as if all the new developments in this nuclear civilization cause pollution. John has made me more aware. 

March 15, 1989.  Another record breaking temp 86. In Wash. Post environmentalists dispute the claims that green plastics can be broken down completely. Greenpeace advised - avoid both paper and plastics - encourages people to put their groceries in a reusable cloth bag and their garbage in a can. (I could use the reusable bag for groceries - but garbage in a can. )

March 18, 1989. Beautiful sunny day - After Sat. rain, grass glistened. Went with Tom riding around beautiful areas in Md and Wash DC. At least my accident has widened my horizons. Went to Kenwood - an area in Md. - bright sunny day, beautiful houses sit back from green lawns, with some bushes blooming. New area - all along the road in front of the houses, row after row of cherry blossoms blooming, delicate fragile producing a fairyland appearance - many people out taking pictures on the winding roads. Later to another part - same architect one unusual home after another (Spring Valley). Next Ambassador homes - striking examples of architecture. Korea. All stone and wood. Iran - like Moroccan architecture. Then Britain (so staid). 

March 19, 1989.  Luke took one step. He was 10 months old.  What a pleasant, beautiful child! How blessed we are.  Beautiful St. Patrick card from Erin (also one to Tom, Judy, Annie, Luke).  Annie put it up on mantel. Such precious Doughertys. Annie colored so well today.  Planning to leave on weekend or first of next week. 

From and about the Heart

I brought a random journal along with me to Charlotte this week while mom recovers from her third (and final!) open heart surgery. This particular journal is just of quotes Grandma liked and observations she made.  I think it’s from 1990.

Implantation of heart in Clark (61) made medical history. University of Utah. Removed the dying heart put in the mechanical one. Dr. called it a success - better than expected—date in my diary. 

Like rivers let us flow to the ocean. Unwounded by the edges of the rocks: And when we reach her heart and are merged, No more shall we wrangle and reason about tomorrow.  Kahlil Gibran. 

Nothing has time to gather meaning, and too many things are occurring for even a big heart to hold.  Yeats. 

I can not say much now about that which fills my heart and soul.  I feel like I seeded a field in midwinter, and I know that spring is coming. My brooks will run and the little life that sleeps in me will rise to the surface when called. Gibran. 

More About Ann

Summer 1976

July 16. Ann’s home. Again a visit! Ann insisted I go to the Pool with them. We all went to a  swim meet at Zelsenople (sp?). All Ann’s children are good swimmers. The world and its values are changing so radically. I was amazed at parent’s (women) with stop watches timing their children (some very young) as they swam. It seemed such a mechanical (almost dehumanizing) way to [action?] in which children were puppets. Thank God Ann has nothing like that in her make-up. 

July 17. Home - difficulty getting thru tubes. Air is so polluted, I was alarmed when Amy either passed out or went to sleep. When we were moving, she revived but was pale. How could I ever forgive myself if anything happened to them taking me home. I’m expendable - they are not. Severe thunder storm later. 

August 14. Ann and Rosy met me in Fantasia after my hair appointment 1/2 off sale. Ann bought shirt and blouse. Shopped for present for Erin’s birthday. Then the ultimate moment - went to Coopers and I saw the antique Ann wanted. I loaned her $70 to pick it up. Went to lunch… This is my birthday… I was a grateful person to have two such loving daughters. 

About Ann

“Memories haunted him, memories of his father and what had been, spiritual images of the past, of time and places and events that would never be again.  They were bittersweet, a reminder both of happiness shared and its transcience.”  [The Elfstones of Shannara, Terry Brooks].

Memories of Ann crowded my mind, thoughts that circled round and round, pests of the soul, whining, stinging.  Listing entries in these diaries which pertain to Ann helped to alleviate my pain, gave me a small measure of peace and helped me to accept. Though all the entries ran a common theme, their home was a joy for me to be in it - every time I wrote how happy, active and loving all of them were. These visits uplifted me, gave me more zest for living.  How could I ever live without Ann? But as I write, I healed myself and I hope these remarks ease the pain of those who loved her. 

1975

Oct 15: Ann and Mike would be vacationing in Puerto Rico (Mike won the trip or somehow…)

Oct 16: Ann came to Roscoe with Suzy in her new corduroy outfit, all smiles. Amy dressed in a new outfit but a little pale, and Erin beautiful as ever. The girls stayed with me when Ann went to Charleroi to get hair done. Susie slept from 12:30 to 3. Amy and I went to Toy City and bought a ball for Michael, a doll for Amy and other toys. Later, Amy worked on her school project, gathering leaves and drawing pictures of them.  

Spirit emanates from the union of God, the Father and God, the Son.

Oct 20: Ann came to Roscoe at 11 with Suzy to bring me to North Hills where I would stay with the children when Ann and Mike were gone. On the way back, we stopped at Fantasia. Here Ann bought a jump suit, muted blue and red with a green suede belt. Then a sort of caftan evening dress - both fit perfectly.  Home - hectic. Amy went to aerobatics, Erin rested. Getting ready for the trip was not easy. Next morning Amy was up when MIke and Ann left. She was such a pitiful child but trying to hide her misery at their leaving. Erin still sick, stayed home from school, helped me with Suzy. After a busy day they were all in bed at 9:00. 

Oct 22: How easily it was to get three children up, be sure they ate breakfast and were off to school.  Suzy stayed in her play pen as I did the necessary chores. Took Suzy for a walk, let her play as I watched. After dinner, bathed Suzy, put her to bed at 7:00. The other three are capable, obedient and loving.

Oct 23: Suzy in play pen. Long ride with Suzy, in bed after lunch. Put roast in oven, ironed a few clothes. I am adjusting well to the routine. All ate well at dinner. All in studying at 7. Helped Amy compile a list of compound words.  What loving children!

Oct 24: Mike’s mother came to see what groceries were needed. She’ll take over when I leave. She is a gem, warm, loving and helpful - told me about her visit to Rome. All clothes washed, ironed and put away. Rosemary and Joe will take me home. 

A riot of color after the rain.

August 24, 1985

Foggy.  Went to Charleroi with Carol S. at 8:30. Kay (not busy yet). Daddy asleep when I came [home]. But still pacing in afternoon - back and forth. Started to rain about 2- and continued. I wish I could follow Zen-live in the reality of the present. 

What we call I is just a swinging door which moves when we inhale and when we exhale. 

August 25, 1986

Rain fell in torrents - especially at 10:30 when I was ready to go to Mass. MD. took me. I listened with a beginner’s mind to the sermon.  Such a delightful surprise. Mary M. (Hearn) came with her new husband; pictures of his family in Ireland. I was attracted to him at first sight. Mary was beautiful - all her tensions gone.  Went over to see Dora - She was very weak. Blood pressure high.  Joe’s nurse down twice a day to check it - gradually declining. I often wonder what mine is - no one checks it.  Flowers - a riot of color after the rain. 

August 26, 1986

Yesterday was sad for Grace, James’ birthday.  I stopped in Jean’s (she looked good) agreed with me about Mary’s glow. We both hope that this marriage will be a growing one. I learn more about our extended family, especially Joan’s - how she withstood so many tragic happenings. Sent letter to Michael, card to Katy. Mary M. left for trip with Sam. Peggy and David cut the hedges. After 81 not many more years here - so I will enjoy it day by day, moment by moment. 

Enjoy the Sunshine

Dear Ilsa,

The hills on the opposite side of the river covered with leaves, ranging in color from red to yellow wipe out the dullness of this rainy day.  It reminds me of this “many people cannot see the forest for the trees.” They are so absorbed in little aspects of their lives that they cannot enjoy larger elements. I lift my eyes above the sordid man made landscape to see the beauty in natural ones.  Nature often ruthless cannot be copied.  ”Mankind still evolving, an ever changing process”

Life goes on here apparently unchanging.  

All life is shade and sunshine.  Many people mistakenly think that youth is a glorious time, all sunshine. Furthermore the older we get the more we glamorize the far distant past, blotting out all but the happy incidents. Life is checkered; enjoy the sunshine.
Excerpt from draft letter to Ilsa, September 10, 1985.

Grandma's garden. Ilsa, Heidi and Tommy. Circa 1974. 

Faith reinforced

Dear Michael,

Your letter was welcome as always.

Time passes quickly in the Spring and Summer months. Altho I just realized I haven’t written for a few weeks, never a day passes that all of you are not in my thoughts. Distance will never dim your faces. Working outside during Spring and Summer months is therapy for me. It seems like a miracle when barren winter land suddenly becomes alive with color. 

Graduation according to Aunt Rosemary was a happy event for all of you. I was ready for all the details when she arrived home. 

That everything changes is a basic truth in every existence.  But I see little change in Roscoe change comes so slowly to Roscoe that it is almost impenetrable. However here I find sentiment and security: So many features foster this—the hills completely covered with green foliage, the river never fails to fascinate me, and lifelong friends. But the major reason why Mark, P. and Matt want to come here — Toy City.  Last week they bought transformer Dinosaurs (waste of money).  Last week, Matt’s Home Run made him the center of cheering Little Leaguers and their Parents. He may be a natural athlete or am i a proud Grandma, dreaming?

Instant gardens give me no satisfaction but when an apparently dead seed takes root in soil and rises, my faith is reinforced.  

“Our God has given to Earth the art to nestle a seed whilst the seed is seemingly dead, make it take root and rise”. 

Excerpt from a draft letter to Michael.  June 26, 1985. 

Happy Birthday to Matty and Irish

January 7, 1977  

Russian Christmas. Daddy and Matthew’s birthdays.  Snow snow-little traffic. Who pulled up about 3—Rosy and Joe for Daddy’s birthday cake. We had a little party which pleased all of us-especially the children. Rosy and Joe stayed all night. Ann called to wish Daddy a happy birthday-also Tom. We called Katy.  Even though it was cold and snowing, I thoroughly enjoyed the day. 

November 1976 and the Blue Velvet Pantsuit

Tuesday, November 3

Rosy brought two friends from Whitehall up to Toy City. I babysit—five children under 5 years—only one hour—played well.  Toy City put Roscoe on the map. How welcome.  Letter from Lynn (answer to my prayers). Shopped in afternoon, found a coffee urn for our Mr Coffee Maker at Fishers (4.95). Deposited Christmas Savings in Feh (?) Savings. Started a new one. 

Wednesday, November 4

Brought dahlia tubers into cellar. Planted tulips.  Tommy called-relieved my anxiety.

Thursday, November 5

Scattered snow.  Routine chores.

Friday, November 6

Hair. Sent $28 to Rosy for gifts she bought me. 

Saturday, November 7

Mass. F. Smith. Manners in Church-a welcocming committee (we know each other too well). Went over to Dora’s—examined her upstairs apartment.  How dull a vacant place looks—This one needs extensive plumbing plus cosmetic effort to make it livable. 

Monday, November 9

Woke up at 8:00 to a strange, white world, blanketed with snow.  Nothing for Amy at Richards. Walked up to Funeral Home with Dora—how sad to see A. M. C. who looked as if she fought death.  Watched last part of Gone with the Wind over at Dora’s. Two old women—with a flashlight guiding them walked up a flight of outside stairs to an empty apartment to check the heater—11:00 an eerie feeling. 

Tuesday, November 10

Put down the blue carpet in bathroom, not a neat job but blamed it on the blunt knife. It looks much better. Colors can dampen or brighten.

Wednesday, November 11

Washed walls and ceiling in dining room.

Friday, November 12

Went up to Social Hall to help prepare for 50th wedding reception for Watsons. Dolores and Jerry stayed up, working on finishing touches. Left about 1:00 Saturday. 

Saturday, November 13

Hair done. Bought a blue velvet pantsuit, matching blouse to wear to reception. Virginia A. sat with us. George and Florence renewed marriage vows.  F. Smith in high spirits, all children and grandchildren present.  Barbara, Mrs. Grigg, Dolores, Rainy, Judy, Patty (felt as if I were in a fantasy). George’s friends-there.  Stayed until 10. Received compliments on my outfit. Daddy came but left early. 

Love begets love.

Hope that you all are well, happy going about your various activities. I was lonely after you left, kept thinking about you, wishing that you had stayed for another day—selfish wish…Tommy was such a joy to have at home with us, enjoyed having all of you.  Enjoy him when he is little. These are the most rewarding years when every day he learns something which amazes you…I often wish I could have all my children again; also, I would profit from all the wrong things I did.  I would have loved them instead of trying to discipline. Love begets love. 

Letter to Aunt Lynn and Uncle Tom, January 1977

The week of December 26, 1983

It was a beautiful sunlit day for which I was thankful…

The day before the start of a new year. My Mother always cleaned every room on this day and as I went from room to room dusting away imaginary particles, I thought how easy it is to do cleaning to-day.  The coal furnace caused dust, smoke and did not heat properly. Day was brightened with a letter from Erin. Visited Dora-looked ashen when I entered but seemed to get much better as we laughed at our foibles and naturally our neighbors. 

From Grandma’s Khalil Gibran Diary for 1983, Christmas gift from Katy