Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas 1944 Jean Ann Richards in Washington D.C.

Picture: taken in 1944 in Salem, Marion, Oregon of Jean Ann Richards Griggs b. 31 January 1923 Lakeview, Lake, Oregon - d 30 July 1994 Salem, Marion, Oregon

In 1944 Jean Ann was in the army and was stationed in Washington, D.C.. Following is a copy of the letter she sent to her parents Dick and Maysel Richards who were managing the Oxbow Ranch in Prairie City, Oregon and to her sister Eleanor (a student at Oregon State College).

In the letter there are two words you might not be familiar with. Lux is a type of powdered laundry soap. "Slug" is Jean Ann's nickname for Eleanor. Happy reading - Karen


27 Dec 44

Dearest Mother,
Dearest Dad,
Dearest Eleanor

The thermometer has dropped to 22 degrees, there is icy sleet outside, and it Rained for Christmas – but we had a few inches of snow three days before Christmas so it was all very good.

This year I did something pretty terrible. At least had I done it at home, it would have been terrible. Last year I saved all of my presents and opened them Christmas morning which was great – really great – but made me pretty homesick. So this year, having sworn Long ago not to get homesick and mope around again, I started opening you all too wonderful presents a whole week ahead of time – I saved one for each day and had a very good Christmas doing it that way.


I liked the boughs off of my little tree – we used it to decorate the barracks – the food, Mother was wonderful! We ate it at our barracks party. The Company Officers each ate two pieces of the gum drop things – they don’[t usually eat when they come down, so now you know how very, very much, we liked them all. I took the fruit cake to work and, Red, the Irishman, devoured it with the charming eager of hunger only a big Irishman can have.


And the magazine – the Horseman magazine - is something truly too good to be true. Back here when all one sees are things like the “new Yorker’ its a downright pleasure to look at good horses once a month.

And slug, I sure like this paper. Its so much fun to write on that I’m going to double my production and send off twice as many letters. I specially like the envelopes with the three deer leaping over the tent in which, undoubtedly, lies a hunter with a loaded rifle near his bunk. And most likely I’ll be sending back for a refill in not to long a time.


Are you afraid that I’ll lose everything that characterizes a “westerner” and come back saying “hoss” instead of sagebrush? Really, I’m not a bit convinced that life back here is worth copying or trying to live. It’s not a free and good life as out where the Columbia rolls, and its the army that has be back until our war is over. Then its Oregon for me – Oregon, our magic wonderland – Oregon, our superland, His blessings God has sent her!

The cards, slug, were super, too. I use them at a terrific rate, showing them to everyone. Thanks – thanks to you all and God willing, next year we’ll do it together once again!

Christmas day, right after work I went out to Edna and Terry’s. Stella was there from New Jersey and two soldiers – infantrymen – from the u.s.o. their nephew Elmer and a boy from LaGrande were coming because they had been stationed at ft. Mead, not far from here, but were shipped the day before, so Edna invited these other two boys. I took my red slacks and really relaxed, they even let me sleep four whole hours which was quite a treat. I never get enough sleep anymore – it’s terrific She had made Terry a Gingerbread house with real frosting for snow on the roof. That and two red candles and a big wreath of pine made the window look real, real, Christmasy.

Some day, either before you pack my books, or when you unpack them at the Oxbow, would you send my Zoology book – the one I used at La Grande? It’s green and is pretty much worn out looking on the inside, but it has some good chapters on human anatomy I need for Nurses Aid – thanks a lot – But promise not to unpack anything to send it, will you?

Fran gave me a beautiful book for Christmas – Its a Peter Pauper edition of Longfellow's“Song of Hiawatha” The cover has Indian designs on it and each page has on the margin a wood cut that is really beautiful.

Outside the windows there is a whole flock of Juncoes eating on the ground. I miss the birds at home. Hope I haven’t forgotten what they are by the time I come home again.

And Dad – this new saddle deal sounds to good to even half believe – doesn’t it, there’s never been a saddle I’ve enjoyed riding as thoroughly as that one of yours. Even when you would let me ride it to hold a cow you were milking out, or just for fun, was always a big thrill. Will the name plate go on your new saddle? Be sure and tell me all about it. I wish I could go over with you and help you pick it out. You have done, in such an excellent and efficient manner, your part in the execution of the extension service in Oregon, that those men who have given you the saddle probably can hardly find a way to express their appreciation – and thank you for helping so many of them find happiness and success in their work – Congratulations!


You have always told me – do a good job, whatever it is – Leave a good record behind – wherever it is. I hope, sincerely, that someday I’ll be able to achieve the ability to do that very thing as well as you have.


And now, when you launch efforts into the heart of the Angus cattle business, I know you’ll come out on top – there’s no doubt about. I’m proud of you.

We have two English Officers on the post. They call themselves Wallace and Phillip – It’s fun to hear them – “Say there Phillip – Phillip old chap, come here” –

We had Christmas trees in both mess halls – they beat up Lux and made snow for it – and a Christmas eve party in the Rec hall. I had K.P. the day after Christmas – Last year it was the day before-Next year – Let us pray that there will be no more army chows – no more war.

Once more, I am going to remind you to throw away all of my things that aren’t vital to any of our lives –

It’s almost New Years – and may this year be the one our hopes (?can’t read word) – may the expectant joys of Longing hearts come true –

Thanks again, for the good Christmas. I only wish all of the boys and girls in service away from home could have had as good a one.

Lots of Love to my Oxbow Family –

Jean


Christmas 1952 Trip to Portland on train


Pictured are my 2 sisters and myself(middle girl) and our Daddy ( Edward Rex Griggs b. 8 Dec. 1920 Union, Union, Oregon d. 30 Oct. 1997 Salem, Marion, Oregon) at the Portland, Oregon Train Station just before Christmas 1952.

What a Christmas was ours in 1952. I would have been in the 1st Grade at Halfway Elementary School in Halfway, Baker County, Oregon.

What I remember most of that year is our train trip to Portland, Oregon. A great adventure for three little girls (I at 6 was the oldest) and their Mom and Dad.

We drove from Halfway to LaGrande and spent the night with our Grandpa Rex and Grandma Ruth. They took us to the train the next day. As we boarded the Porter handed my sisters and I each a really big bag of hard Christmas Candy. I can just imagine how pleased Momma was.

I can't remember sitting still much. I do remember Daddy walking us the length of the train - and the wonder of going from car to car and jumping over the couplers. I was sure I could probably fall right through!

Then there was the water jar with paper cups!! And the more we drank of the water the more often we got to use the bathroom - where the toilet just opened up to the track underneath - another curious situation!

When we arrived in Portland we were met by our Grandpa Dick and Grandma Maysel. The Portland Train Station is magnificent - I still marvel at it when I go inside.

As we drove to Scappoose through downtown Portland in their big black car I just looked and looked at all of the beautiful Christmas lights.

They drove us to the Joe Fisher Ranch where Grandpa Dick was the foreman. Grandma had Oyster Stew (of course) for dinner and Grandpa handed out "medicine" - those thin chocolate mints - yum!

After dinner we got all bundled up in our coats and went down the road to the barn to say goodnight to the animals...the horses and the cows. I got too taste the "beet pulp" - I loved the big sack of "beet pulp" Grandpa used to feed the cows. And then I liked to stand close as he poured molasses on the oats to give the horses. (Our oldest daughter is a firm believer in oatmeal for breakfast - she said that if grandpa's horses could eat it every day - so could she).

When we walked back to the house I got to ring the sleigh bells by the door. They were from Grandpa Dicks parents sleigh! Those bells are now at my house.

Then - in we went to find that Santa had been there!! Presents all over the floor. What a wonderful evening we spent opening our gifts and playing with each other.

I'm sure we did many other things on that visit - but the ride on the train; the evening in the barn and the surprise of Santa's early visit will, hopefully, always remain with me. Karen

Christmas 1954

(1955 Picture of Dale Everett Richards (Dick) b:24 Nov. 1892 Devils Lake, Ramsey County, North Dakota - d:5 June 1993 Salem, Marion, Oregon and me - his granddaughter in 1954 at the Joe Fisher Ranch in Scappoose, Oregon. Grandpa Dick was the foreman of the ranch. Grandpa and Grandma had just bought a television set -- and t.v. trays to go with it so that we could be "modern" and eat while we watched t.v.. Everyone soon got tired of being "quiet" so we could hear the t.v.. The t.v. tray program didn't last long!)

Christmas of 1955 was an interesting one for me. Our family had moved during the summer of 1955 from Halfway, Oregon where my dad - Edward Rex Griggs - had been teaching Vocational Agriculture after graduation from Oregon State College. We moved to the Oregon State Experiment Station in Burns, Oregon (that will be another blog entry another day).

Due to some differences of opinion re: how the cows were being taken care and after talking with his Dad (Rex Griggs - a Union County Rancher) we moved back to Corvallis so daddy could get his masters degree.

We arrived in early December so that daddy could start school in January. We got an apartment - daddy got a job at a Plywood Factory and worked nights. He later said that he made more money at that job than any he ever had.

I remember that Christmas especially - Santa was VERY generous!! My youngest sister (not in school yet) had wanted a train so badly --- and there was an electric train for her. Our middle sister and I got "doll equipment" - I'm not remembering who got what but we had a high chair and a "bathinette". The bathinette was this rubber or plastic bath-tub thing on legs - kind of like a baby bassinet. Instead of sleeping in it - our dolls could actually bathe in it! What fun for us (and what a mess it must have been).

I can't remember if the above picture was taken at Christmas or on another visit as we got to go often - but I do remember the miracle of the t.v. - Daddy brought one home to us just a few months later!!

Karen

Thursday, December 24, 2009

the bride doll


(This is a picture of Me and My teacher at Central Point Elementary School in the spring of 1958 (6th grade). I made the skirt in 4-H. Looks like I just got to wear 1 of the "can can" slips that day to school....we owned several and the first one of us girls that got dressed got to wear the extras. The school room was painted that wonderful school green - I'm sure - and there would have been a picture of George Washington on the wall. We started each day with a prayer and with a flag salute.)

Christmas Eve 1957 we lived "out in the country" near Central Point, Oregon. I was 11 years old and just could hardly wait to open our presents.

Our tree - we had driven up in the woods and cut one down. It was decorated with Christmas Lights - the screw in colored bulbs and of course, my bubble lights! They had been a gift to me from Grandma Maysel and Grandpa Dick when I was in 1st grade I think. I could just sit by the tree for the longest time and watch those bubbles. I'm sure that we had ornaments on the tree - but I don't remember any in particular. I do remember hanging Christmas cards we received on the tree - and then there was the tinsel. Momma had such patience to let us do the hanging of the tinsel - I - in my exuberance to complete the task - had more of a "throwing it on - as much as I could at a time" approach which resulted in an amazing looking situation. I'm thinking my 2 sisters did it in much the same way.

There were never gifts under our tree - they always seemed to appear magically before it was time to unwrap them - but I did know that a box had arrived from Scappoose (where Grandma Maysel and Grandpa Dick lived on the Joe Fisher Ranch). Grandpa Dick always fixed the box - it was covered in brown paper and tied with string in very good knots. Then - he addressed it and drew wonderful pictures all over it.
I also knew that Grandma Maysel knew that I REALLY wanted a bride doll for Christmas - and I was just sure that it was in that box!

I don't remember really much else about the opening of gifts in 1957 - but, I do remember - that when that box from Scappoose was opened - I had a beautiful bride doll. Not the kind that you had to put on a shelf to look at - but the kind that I could dress and undress - - comb her hair and play with!!


I have always loved dolls - still do today!! I'm glad my grandma knew that and didn't think that a girl of 11 was too old to get one. Happy Christmas Eve - Karen

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Jean Griggs Mincemeat Cookies


Jean Ann Richards Griggs (born January 31, 1923 in Lakeview, Lake, Oregon) is shown here with her Dad - Dale Everett Richards at the Experiment Station in Union, Union, Oregon. Jean Ann is better known to me as Mom or Mommy or Momma. She is the grandmother of 17 and great grandmother of at least 33!!

My sister recently shared this story with me after discovering the recipe to our Moms Mincemeat Cookies (recipe follows):

MINCE MEAT COOKIES

On a trip from our home to or from BYU during the time I was attending(1965 - 1968) my sister and Mom stopped at the Texaco Station and Cafe in Strevell, Idaho and tasted these Mince Meat Cookies. They were so good that Mom asked for the recipe and the lady sent it to her in the mail. My sister has the original in her collection.

Blend:
1 scant cup sugar
1 scant cup Crisco
Add:
2 large eggs
1 soup spoon vanilla
1 cup none such mince meat
1 heaping teaspoon soda

Add enough flour to make a soft dough (not sticky). Place dough on greased cookie sheet by soup spoon and flatten with spoon dipped in water.

Bake at 400 degrees till brown. Cool and frost with powdered sugar icing.

Jeaneen Durfee
Texaco Station and Café
Strevell, Idaho

I have some mincemeat in the cupboard - I'm thinking I will make a batch tomorrow to share with family that we are going to visit this week as we deliver Christmas gifts - yum!

Grandma Maysels Cranberry Salad

This is a picture of Maysel Ellen Sanderson Richards (b. 16 Feb. 1893 in Canyonville, Douglas, Oregon) holding me - her first grandchild!!
Everyone loved Grandma Maysels cooking - she had her degree in Home Economics from Oregon State University - she was just a great cook.

The one thing we could always depend on for a Christmas meal was her cranberry salad. I'm thinking that she credited the recipe to Mrs. Mark Hatfield (her husband was a former governor of Oregon) - but can't swear to it.

Cranberry Salad
Maysel Richards

1 lb. fresh cranberries
2 - 3 cups water
1 large pkg. strawberry jello
1 cu diced celery
1 cup walnuts
1 cup drained crushed pineapple
red grapes (seeded ) if desired

Cook berries in water just to popping. Disolve jello in this hot mixture. Cool.

Add rest of ingredients. Mix well. Pour out into a pan (9 x 13)

Refrigerate overnight. Cut into squares.

Serve on lettuce and top with mayonnaise. (my kids usually scooped this off - could probably use cool whip today).

Harriet Ann Krythe Gills Cheese Torte

Harriet Ann Krythe Gill (b. 2 Feb 1921 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) - better known to some of us as Mom - and to many - Grandma Harriet - loved to cook.

Of Dutch heritage with a German Stepmother her food was totally of the "comfort" variety.

Mom's kitchen was a place where she not only cooked - but she listened and she listened well. It was a wonderful place to be.

One of her most famous dishes is her "Cheese Torte". She served it on many special dinners. One in particular that I remember was served at an Easter Dinner. Around the edge of the torte were little coconut bird baskets filled with jelly bean eggs.

The torte she made used dry cottage cheese. I can't find that here in the west - but I added a little cornstarch to one I made recently and it worked well.

Enjoy -

Cheese Torte

Crust:
1 pkg. Holland Rusk (or other zwieback toast)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 cup melted butter

Roll the Holland Rusk. Add other ingredients. Line sides and bottom of a 9" springform pan - saving a scant cupful for the top.

Filling:
4 eggs
1 1/4 cup sugar
1/2 pint sweet cream
1/4 cup corn starch
1 1/4 cup sugar

Beat eggs well. Add sugar. Pour over cheese. Add corn starch and cream. Beat well. Fill in form. Put crumbs on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hour (until firm).

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Ginger Crinkles

Today is the day to make Ginger Crinkles - an easy, Christmasy recipe our family discovered about 15 years ago! Tom and I and our dog Shelby visit each of the people on our dead end street the Sunday before Christmas and take them a bag of Ginger Crinkles and Milk Bones for their dogs! Fun Tradition. We also take them to work and to friends in town.

I'm sure these cookies are being created in several of our children's homes this season also! The tradition continues!

Ginger Crinkles:

Ginger Crinkles

2/3 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1 egg
4 Tablespoons molasses
2 Cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
¼ cup sugar for dipping

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix oil and sugar thoroughly. Add egg and mix. Stir in molasses. Sift dry ingredients together and add. Drop teaspoonfuls into sugar and form into balls coated with sugar. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 10 - 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

Grandma Ruth's Pie Crust

This picture is of my Dad - Edward Rex Griggs (born 8 December 1920 in Union, Union, Oregon) and his mother (my grandmother) Leora Ruth Rollins (born 29 August 1899 in Rye Valley, Baker, Oregon) at my Dad's graduation from Oregon State University in 1949. He graduated with 3 little girls - a degree in Agriculture Education and had a job waiting for him in Halfway, Oregon.

Legend had it - when I was a girl - that Grandma Ruth was the BEST cook in all of Union County. I loved her pies - she made them in 10 inch pie tins and when she cut them - they were cut into 4 pieces per tin!! You can imagine how the haying crew loved sitting at her table during haying season!

She gave me the recipe for her pie crust - it never fails!! Karen


FLAKY PIE CRUST

3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. Crisco
1 tsp. salt
5 1/2 tbsp. cold water
1 tsp. vinegar
1 egg, beaten

Mix first 3 ingredients then add the remaining ingredients.
Quickly turn work so that it turns into a ball.
Divide in half - roll out!

Grandma Krythe's Stollen

Grandma Krythe (Laura Adelaide Simandl b. 5 July 1893) every Christmas made Stollen. My first memory of it was when I visited my soon to be husbands home in West Allis, Wisconsin for Christmas in 1967. There were several loaves and the family just sliced pieces off, spread them with butter and enjoyed!

The recipe is:


2 pkg. Yeast
¼ cup warm water
1 ½ cup milk scalded
½ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoon salt
¾ cub butter
2 cup flour
3 eggs beaten
½ teaspoon cardamom
½ cup raisins
½ cup diced citron
½ cup sliced candied cherries
4 cups flour
Nuts (optional

Powdered sugar frosting

Mix yeast and warm water in small bowl to soften
Scald milk and add sugar, salt, fruits and butter to hot milk. Cool to lukewarm
Add ¼ cup flour to yeast mixture and add to milk mixture.
Mix well.
Add additional flour to dough to make stiff dough.
Knead on floured surface.
Place in greased bowl.
Cover and let rise until double.
Punch down, let rest for 10 minutes.
Divide into 3 parts. Shape each into and 8 x 10 oval. Then fold over lengthwise, with top parts slightly smaller than bottom.
Let rise until double.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Cool – frost and decorate with candied cherries and almonds.
(nuts may be added to dough, if desired).

Enjoy!!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Edward Rex Griggs with his brother Larry and his Mom and Leora Ruth Rollins Griggs (Grandma Ruth) at Ft. Lewis 1941. Ed turned 21 on December 8, 1941 - the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. His Dad - Grandpa Rex - was out in the field when Daddy found him to tell him that he was going to be called up. He was already active in the Sunset Division National Guard.
Edward Rex Griggs and Larry Malcolm Griggs. Just thinking about all the emotion around these pictures and sending a boy off to war makes me teary.

According to the website http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/41in-bde.htm . . ."In 1940, the 41st Infantry Division was inducted into Federal service for WWII. It became the first American Division sent overseas after Pearl Harbor, the first American Division trained in Jungle Warfare. It spent 45 months overseas (longer than any other Division), and earned the title of "Jungleers".

I do know that Grandpa Dick (moms dad) and Grandpa Rex(Daddys dad) were both involved in an organization in town (Union, Oregon) that would speak whenever a "boy" or "girl" was lost during the war. That was extremely hard duty for both of them, as they each had someone serving.

The two grandpas were neighboring ranchers in Union, Oregon - and, although they didn't know it at the time, their children - Ed and Jean - would marry at the end of the war - July 7, 1946. And - 1 year and 6 days later "along came Karen" -that would be me!

Happy Birthday Daddy!! Thank you for all that you have taught me!!

To Jean Ann with Love Ed



Daddy(Edward Rex Griggs) sent this picture of himself to Momma (Jean Ann Richards) between 1942 - 1944 sometime. She was stationed at the time in Washington, D.C.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Edward Rex Griggs 1943 in New Guinea

Edward Rex Griggs 1943 in New Guinea.
Daddy was in the Oregon National Guard - The Sunset Division (which was honored at the 2009 "Civil War" with the players of both the Oregon and Oregon State teams wearing the divisions insignia on their helmet.

I just looked up the Sunset Division in WWII and daddy faced pretty terrible things in New Guinea - no wonder he never talked about the "war" part.

I do know that he loved making "jungle juice" and having fun with his friends from Union - who became life long friends.



Monday, November 23, 2009


The Simandl Family

(Laura Adelaide Simandl married Raymond John Krythe 23 September 1923. Laura was born 5 July 1893 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.)

In this picture Laura is seated on the right (looking at it).

The family members are (but I don't know who is who):

Father: Joseph Simandl
Mother: Jennie Benneshek Simandl
Children: Laura Adalaide,Joseph, Harry, Otto, Alfred, Roy and Jennie!


This picture for many years hung in our hall upstairs - kind of scared my kids!

Sunday, November 22, 2009


Fall of 1944 in Madison,Wisconsin
Tom and his and Dad Bob Gill

Bob was in the Army Air Corps where he taught pilots how to use radios.

Note the cute little dress Tom is wearing - Mom saved 5 and now each of my children have one.



















Summer of 1948 Sumpter, Oregon

Me and my Daddy - Edward Rex Griggs

Daddy worked at the Fire Lookout Station on Mt. Sumpter in Eastern Oregon during his summer break from studying Agriculture at Oregon State College!

Charles Bird Richards is seated in this amazingly wonderful picture high in the mountains.

I'm not sure of where he is - but do know that he lived in Montana and Oregon. He was also a great man for adventures!

Charles Bird Richards; father of my grandfather Dale Everett Richards - Grandpa Dick!

Born 11 January 1857 in Mexico, Oxford, Maine
Died 16 May 1923 in Salem, Marion, Oregon












This picture is of the Simandl family in the early 1900's in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.


We have had this picture on our desktop for about a month - I love the bells around the horses tummy!

Father: Joseph Simandl
Mother: Jennie Beneshek Simandl
Son: Roy Simandl

The oldest child in this family was Laura who became the stepmother of Harriet Ann Krythe Gill. She was born in 1893.

I don't know the birth date of Roy - but, he was the 6th of 7 children.