Just a month until valentines day!! These are the weeks I get to wear "The Heart" to church and remember the little guy who made it for me (and all of those other wonderful gifts created for me by my children and grandchildren).
This heart was made by my middle son in the late 80's. It came home from school on a ribbon. It hung on the wall in our dining area for a number of years, along with plaster of paris hand prints and leaf prints made by other children. And then - we moved. The hand prints and leaf prints were packed away in each of the children's "stuff" for them to treasure and share with their children - but the heart got a new ribbon and moved with me.
Every January it is taken out of it's spot in the drawer next to my bed to be worn to Church ... a celebration to me of family, love, and the taking time to make a creation with our own hands!
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.
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
(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!!
(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
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.
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!
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).
"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers..." Malachi 4:6
I grew up with a Mother who honored this God, this country and family. She instilled in me a desire to do the same as she shared stories of the heroes involved in each.
I was blessed with two grandmothers who shared many stories of family!
I loved sitting at the table in my Mother In Law's home and hearing stories of my husbands family!
It is my goal - with this blog - to share these with you!
As memory is an interesting thing - please feel free to add your memories - they will probably be different than mine!
If there is a picture or story I want to share re: someone who is still with us I will connect with them for permission before I share!
Happy day - Karen
Just a month until valentines day!! These are the weeks I get to wear "The Heart" to church and remember the little guy who made it for me (and all of those other wonderful gifts created for me by my children and grandchildren).
