Dear Kim, You mentined the quandary about what to do with the diaries. If your niece and nephew don't show any particular interest in them think about eventually donating the to the Wilson Historical Society. If nothing else, send your transcripts to the society. I know what you mean about leaving such things to a niece or nephew in hopes that they will some day appreciate the family history of them. I'm in that position too. You said, "After transcribing Phoebe's diaries, I really feel I have gotten to know her through her words, and I feel a special relationship with her even though she has long since passed on. I hope that doesn't sound too ridiculous! I even have a picture of Phoebe, and I can see some of the resemblance of her in me." I know exactly what you mean. I transcribed Louisa Frederick's diary from the late 1880s when she lived in the Town of Porter and by the time I had finished I felt that I knew her very personally. And when I found that she had died only six months after her last diary entry from consumption, I cried. vee

Vee: I wonder how many are out there in similar situations, would it be a good idea to put things like this in a will? After all, that way, you can be most likely sure that you'll have your wishes made known. When my grandmother, Frances Esther Thomas Clickner was writing our family history (of which I have a photocopy of), she was probably hoping that my sister or I would continue what she started. I well remember going with Grandma Clickner and my mom to visit cemetaries and visitng with people who knew her ancestors. She didn't make any stipulation on who would carry on the family history or inherit the family's heirlooms, pictures, diaries, etc. Of course, at that time, I was a teenager in high school, and I thought such things were boring. Now I am years older and wiser, and realize the the treasure I have. Later in Phoebe's diary, she describes having typhoid fever. From what she had written about it, she must have suffered greatly. I don't know, but there must be something about writing down the words your ancestor wrote, there has got to be a special connection there. I was looking at the time I am writing this and it's 1:30 am, Vee, you must be a night owl like me! Kim

Wednesday, February 17 Sewed in the morning. Called on Outwater's. Where to ask for a chance for Mother to go to Charlotte. About 20 at our house, a good time, but not as yesterday. The girls would not do what they know to be their duty. We felt good on their account, oh that the Lord would enable them to come out and be separated from the world. Mother went to Charlotte. Thursday, February 18 Thursday. Albert and Fitzer took down 8 girls to the one oclock prayer meeting at Charlotte. We had a good time. Mary (Maggie?) Fish and Alice spoke. I took tea at B. Barbor's. 6 of the children sick, came with him to the school house. Had a good time. I spoke because I was happy and could not be still. Albert and Philip spoke, I never knew them to feel it. Friday, February 19 A very cold day. No mail though. I sewed upon my black velvet. In the evening I wrote a composition on influence. I feel at peace but the evil one is on hand to tell me that because I do not feel quite as much in prayer at some times that I am not forgiven, that religion in my heart is only a fancy, but I know better, still I wish I had brighter evidence of any acceptance with God. Saturday, February 22 *Note- I did not correct the dates of the entries, I left them as they were, K* Went to Lockport. Mary A. Fish at home, went with her to meeting, had a good time. Our boys felt well. James Barbor means to seek religion. At Mrs. Outwater's all the girls have the cross, I pray earnestly that they may be whole hearted Christians. I do not feel as I wish I did. Sunday, February 23 Went to Charlotte with Mrs. Ransom, tried hard for subscribers but did not make out much. About 150 staid for class meeting at the school house in the evening. Mary Fish united with the church, a good feeling. Albert came home with me and sat about an hour. William, Father staid all night. Monday, February 23 Monday. I made my new hood. At John Whitingtons. Mr. Staats here to dinner. I put the horse in the cutter and Mother and I called on Mrs. J. Moore and took her some yarn. Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Kimberly H. At night the boys took a load to Charlotte and Mother. Not so good a time as the last. Tuesday, February 25 Sewed most of the day. In the evening I went with Albert to East Wilson. The members are very cold, but we were enabled to work with faith. It was a beautiful night, though cold. We enjoyed the ride. The Lord was with us, I felt it was good to see the Lord there. There were eight forward for prayers. Wednesday, February 26 Sewed upon my black waist. Called upon S. to ask them to go to meeting at night, a load of ten went. I told Albert that I was not free. Elisa Fish converted, Elisa, Mary, Alice spoke. I never heard Father Pray or speak so much. My mind was at peace. **Phoebe's father, Rev. Enoch Williams, was a Methodist Episcopal Circuit Rider Preacher. He had the Newfane curcuit. K** Thursday, February 27 Finished my black waist. Phoebe A. Barbor, my namesake, went to glory. I trust I may meet her there. I went to see her at night. Cut out some collars and then back to prayer meeting. The Spirit was there and we felt it good to wait on the Lord. Mary and Alice spoke, feeling that God has blessed me all the while and that he put the words in my mouth. Friday, February 28 I went to Phoebe Barbor's funeral, Henry and Hattie came. Henry took Mother to see Dr. Cresswell. I had a letter from H.L.J. **Henry L. Johnson, her beau, the other Henry is one of her brothers. K** It was the best for months, it is some satisfaction to know that he clears me from all blame or coolness. I wrote to Him, but did not finish. Saturday, February 27 Prepared the parlor for us to sit in at night. Went to make flowers. I went to the school house in the evening but few there. Fitzer took me home. I took a part but it was a heavy cross on account of what the boys said. I fear I feel they laugh too much. It is very muddy. Henry made up his mind to stay till Monday. Sunday, February 28 It stormed hard. Hatty, Henry and self went to Charlotte, it was better to come back. Mrs. Mary Baxter and Sovina Sherman paid for their papers. Albert spent the afternoon and evening with us, we spent it profitably. He feels that he is with his friends when he is with us. Monday, March 1 Very stormy, but I washed but did not hang out. Henry made a start for home but came back. Eleanor, Alice, Robbert, Margaret, George, Henry, Mary J. B., William, Martha and Mary Jane spent the evening with us as we closed for prayer, had a good time think all were pleased. I prayed at prayer this evening with all that were present this evening. Knelt. Tuesday, March 2 Rinsed up the clothes, but could not put them out of doors, sewed and made flowers. Henry went home. Mary Jane and Hattie and self went to Beebes to visit, had a good time. Wednesday, March 3 Cooked for Friday and donation. Called on Mrs. W. Leamon. Took Mother for donation. At last, they were not over civil on the whole as it was very cold and snowed and we could not get no one to get to our house. We felt much disappointed. Two more days and I shall have entered on my long dreaded year. If Henry could put off our marriage year, I think I should be happy. Thursday, March 4 Dried the clothes. Mother called upon the sick all day, very cold, the coldest yet. Went to prayer meeting, very dull. 9 years tonight since I first spoke in meeting. How little have I grown in grace all that time. I am but a babe in Christ, still I feel I grew. Sunday, March 7 Went to Charlotte with Mr. Barbor, back with Mr. Wilson. Albert called, we went with Mother to meeting. Philip took Hattie. Brother Staats came back with us, we had a good class meeting though there was not many out. Tuesday, March 9 Henry came with Miss Jones for Hatty. I called on Mrs. W. Leamon and John Whitington. Sewed on the shirts, no letter from Father. My mind is happy, I feel that is good to serve the Lord. I want to be wholy is, I feel very anxious for Margaret, if she would give up and serve the Lord. Wednesday, March 10 Mended my dress and did several other jobs, dried the clothes. The boys drawing straws from Mr. Gifford's, to take to go to East Wilson, so Albert staid the evening. We finished the shirts. Thursday, March 11 Went to prayer meeting, afterwards went with Margaret to S. Decher's to see the babe. It died at midnight. I lit up the school house. Ironed and did up Alberts shirt. Not many at prayer meeting, but the Lord was there. I am very happy in the work and think I never was so woefull but oh, this cloud that so oppresses. Friday, March 12 Friday. I sewed and at night, Margaret and self went to East Wilson along and I staid at her Father's to sleep, she thinks she is forgiven to God, be the Glory, I hope she will Believe more fully that she is, we had a good time. Though a hard walk, we where home by 10. Saturday, March 13 I was home to eat breakfast. Albert called for his things. Mother and Philip went to William Decher's funeral. It thawed fast. I patched my first shoe. My mind anything but at rest. I want to hear from Father and to know if Henry will go to Lima, but I try to cast my burden on the Lord, knowing that he will work all things for the good of those who trust in him, which I try to do. Sunday, March 14 A miserable day, all mud or water. Margaret called and Albert, and it was so muddy, he did not go to East Wilson or the school house. We had a very pleasant time, he felt he had to leave us and we to have him go, but it is for his good and the Church. Monday, March 15 Raining and thawing. The snow most gone. I washed, but did not hang out the clothes. Fitzer cannot decide what to do this summer. I mended my red quilt and in the evening wrote to Henry so that I shall have one ready to send as soon as I hear from him. The more I think of it, the more I feel that he must go to Lima. He is 24 today. Poor fellow, 2 years ago he was here. I do long to hear from him. Tuesday, March 16 This morning at 4 oclock, A. Outwater came for Mother, his wife was very sick. Fitzer went for Dr. Raymond. I altered Mother's light delance dress. Still thawing. Wednesday, March 17 Mother and Fanny went to Mr. Barbor's, he very sick. The mud very deep. I papered up my room and put it tidy, but did not sort my things, or take things from other rooms. Tomorrow is prayer meeting, what shall we do for a leader, I fear much for the lambs of the flock. Thursday, March 18 Today I hung out the clothes, got them dryed, sorted, and b(?) 48 of Mother's. I find I have letters from 32. Mr. J. Alberdy and Mr. Clark took dinner. Fitzer went with them to Mr. Solnance. Margaret Leman took tea, I went home with her. Sam Decher took us to watch his girl. To muddy for meeting. Friday, March 19 I ironed in the forenoon. In the afternoon, to the school house, it was the first day of school, home with some letters, back again, then to C. Snick(?) had a long talk with Mary Jane and her Mother on religion, then to the post office, talked with Theodore, then to see Mrs. Titus and went with her to call on Mrs. Thomas. The general mind of the girl is serious, we both thought of having our own meeting. Saturday, March 20 Huled some wheat, it was good. Finished my room and cleaned the other rooms. W.J. Robb came to see me, had a pleasant time. H. Decher is better. Mrs. O'Hara is very alone. Mrs. Ransom walked to Mrs. O'Hara's. I finished the ironing. Sunday, March 21 Called on Mrs. Bowen and Mrs. McKnight. Talked with them on the subject of religion. Went to the school house, not many out. We appear to be running down, I enjoyed. My mind at class still I feel discouraged. I have tried to pray that my heart may be full of love to God so that I may speak with the spirit and the understanding also to the girls on Tuesday. Monday, March 22 I washed and ironed and cleaned up the back room and did some sewing, everything moved out of sight. The boys went fishing and Mother calling. Tuesday, March 23 The day was pleasant. I went with A. Outwater to Lockport to see if I could get work. Spent the day with Mrs. Blair, her daughter gave me a pair of pickled dish glass. Mr. H. was at our house. I called on Mrs. Decher, Hatty, was better, and on Mr. O'Hara's, had a good time, then to meeting at the school house and watched at Mrs. Decher's.

Dear Vee, Anna, and the rest of the group: I just wanted to thank everyone, especially Vee, for encouraging me to post Phoebe's diaries! I received an overwhelming response for me to keep posting Phoebe's diary. I had a little break today since I had to go into work this evening, but as soon as I finish this post, I'll start on a few more entries. I just had to thank everyone for the encouragement before I went any further! Oh, BTW, Vee, to answer your question about the Princess Royal, I beleive Phoebe was talking about Princess Victoria, although I'm not 100 % positive on that. Phoebe and her family were originally from Birmingham, England, and they arrived in the United States in 1842. I have thought about what I should do with the diaries. I thought it would be nice to pass them down to my niece and nephew, since I don't have any children of my own. Phoebe's 1857 diary was passed to me by my great Aunt La Nita Clickner, and the other two were passed on to me by my mom. I though I'd continue the tradition. I had thought about donating them to our local museum, but the diaries don't really pertain to Nebraska history. But if I passed the diaries down to my niece and nephew, they'd learn about their ancestors and how they lived. After transcribing Phoebe's diaries, I really feel I have gotten to know her through her words, and I feel a special relationship with her even though she has long since passed on. I hope that doesn't sound too ridiculous! I even have a picture of Phoebe, and I can see some of the resemblance of her in me. Anyway, I better get busy, so I'll close for now, Kim

Dear Folks, This is another story brought on by my putting the kitchen in order and washing the dishes this evening while listening to classical music. My ice trays needed refilling but by that time I had let the hot water flow to where it would be hot enough to do the dishes. Nonetheless, I figured it wouldn't harm the refrigerator freezer if I filled the trays up with hot water. And that's what brought on this story. Back in the late 1970s during my Navy assignment to Navy Recruiting District Headquarters in Buffalo, as a Chief Petty Officer (Personnelman) I was transferred to the Officer Recruiting Office as Office Administrator. Which in my job required me to supervise the junior petty officers in getting out the required paperwork and reports on time and in a professional manner. As such, I got to know the officers assigned to Officer Recruiting. Note: I was considerably older than all of them. Our headquarters was located in the Federal Office building in downtown Buffalo, NY, which meant that there was no Navy chowhall or mess of any sort availabile and either you went out to eat lunch at a local restaurant or you brown-bagged it, or you ate lunch in the cafeteria in the building. I chose to have lunch in the cafeteria and so did the Officer Recruiting officers. If I saw them sitting at one of the long tables, I asked if I could join them and who knows but what if they saw me sitting alone at a table they joined me. Although during lunch we may have touched on the aggrevations all of us had to endure in such a pressured job, for the most part we steered clear of the subject and just chit-chatted. I always had the feeling that they really didn't know where I was coming from for the most part. I was very well aware that I was enlisted and they were commissioned officers and at that time enlisted and officers didn't socialize at all. Not only that but I knew that all of them had graduated from college; however, I don't know if they knew I had only a high school diploma. However, none of our conversations were particularly strained in any manner. One day over lunch Lt. Po brought up a scientific subject that apparently had recently studied. It had to do with the premise that if you put hot water into ice trays ice cubes would freeze quicker. Everyone wanted to disagree with him but he went on. His theory was that if you use hot water, the atoms in the hot water would be scurrying around so fast that to compensate for the freezing temperature of the refrigerator, the ice would form more quickly. Note: trust me, he was more scientific in his explanation at the time than what I just gave. The other officers were almost slack-jawed at such a theory but it caught my imagination. After all, I had actually (barely) passed high school Physics but I was following him all the way. From the physics point of view, it sounded plausible. I believe he was a bit surprised that I was the only one who had a clue or an open mind to at least to consider such a theory. Another day over lunch I asked Lt. Po where his ancestors came from in that I didn't have a clue what his orignal nationality might have been. He seemed pleased that I asked and told me that his ancestors were Italians who settled along the Po River in northern Italy. He continued with quite a history of the Po Valley and I was all ears. However, I don't recall if any of the officers were particularly interested at all. The bottom line to this story is that over all of my life many, many incidents have happened to let me know that even in civilian and social life there's a sharp line between those with college degrees and those who only graduated from high school. Maybe there isn't that sharp line now but do you know what? As Director of our local museum awhile back and working with volunteers with Bachelors degrees, Masters degrees and even PH.d.s, for the most part they had difficulty with their A B Cs. Trust me I don't exagerate. After all of these years I've finally come to the conclusion that the level of anyone's formal education has nothing to do with their intelligence or general knowledge of life whatsoever. vee

1938 TRIP TO FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND February 8, 2004 Daddy and Earl Dunn took the train from Paris to Cherbourg, France, to meet up with the R.M.S. Queen Mary that had sailed from Southampton, England on December 10, 1938. When everybody had boarded the Queen Mary in Cherbourg on the same day, she set sail for New York City. After the passengers settled into their assigned cabins or staterooms, they had their first dinner aboard. It didn't surprise me that the dinner menu was just as extravagant as on board the Ile de France. Among the most amazing choices on the menu was the following Dinner Suggestion: Oyster Cocktails Crème Germiny Turbot poche Americaine Partridge en Cocotte Grand-Mere Avocado Pear Salad, French Dressing Meringue Glace Waldorf Note: the meal hours were: Breakfast from 8:00 a.m. Luncheon 1:00 p.m. Dinner 7:30 p.m. Before the passengers had retired for the night they were given the next day's Programme. For Sunday, December 11, 1938. it was as follows: 9:30 a.m. Holy Mass Drawing Room 11:00 a.m. Divine Service (C. of E.) [Church of England] Main Lounge 4:00 p.m. Orchestral Music Main Lounge 4:45 p.m. Cinema, "Room Service" featuring the Marx Brothers Main Lounge *7:50 p.m. News Broadcast from B.B.C., London Tea Dance Room 8:30 p.m. Orchestral Music Main Restaurant 9:30 p.m. Keno Main Lounge 10:30 p.m. Dancing Main Lounge 11:00 p.m. Auction Pool Smoke Room Midnight onwards, Dancing Verandah Grill *Subject to favourable receiving conditions For Sunday's Luncheon, the Chef's Suggestion was a "simple" lunch of Ice Grape Fruit Juice Potage Garbure d'Arblay (Puree of fresh vegetables garnished with julienne of celery ad toasted cheese) (Cold) Split Lobster Mayonnaise Beef a la Mode (Braised in its own juice, and garnished with carrots, onions and calf's feet) French Apple Flan All the other Luncheon and Dinner menus were equally as sumptuous. Each day's Programme was somewhat different than the one before. There were physical exercises in the Gymnasium on the Sun Deck, an ongoing Ping Pong Tournament on the Promenade Deck, Horse Racing in the Main Lounge, a Scavenger Hunt starting in the Shopping Centre on the Promenade Deck, a Special Broadcast of British Prime Minister's speech to the Foreign Press Association in the Tea Dance Room on December 13, 1938, and of course on a daily basis there was the Squash Racquet Court available on the Sun Deck and the massive Swimming Pool on the "C" Deck. Apparently the Horse Races were very popular. There are two rather large ship's photographs of some of the passengers seated around the "race track," the men in their tuxedoes and the women in their formal gowns, some of whom also wore ermine (?) stoles. I can spot Daddy in one of the pictures. It appears that the horse race track consisted of marked off lines like on a football field I suppose, and the horses and jockeys were mounted on three-foot poles. In some fashion the "person in charge" would randomly pick out the positions of the individual horses and their dash to the Finish Line. The passengers were given a list of horses running in each race. Oh what pedigrees those horses had! Some of the horses that ran were: Criminal, by Photograph out of Passport Song Hit, by Boop-a-Doop out of Sax Fables, by Late Hours out of Office Curly, by Shampoo out of Tongs Lasts, by Flavour out of Wrigley's On Wednesday, December 124, at 4:30 p.m. Daddy attended the special concert in aid of the British and American Seamen's Institutions. Featured was the "celebrated young American pianist Ruth Slencznski who very kindly consented to give the recital as her contribution to Seamen's Charities." When I saw her name I only wondered if she was born in Polish. However, when I searched the Internet on her name I was totally amazed! She was born in Sacramento, California, on January 15, 1925!! That means that she was only thirteen years old at the time!! Check out the URL http://www.siue.edu/~tdickma/RuthBiography.html. There are small snapshots of Daddy and Earl playing Ping Pong on the Promenade Deck and other snapshots of the two of them individually on deck. No doubt they had been taken by a Brownie camera one of them had brought along. I'm certain that Daddy and Earl had no time to be bored on their six-day Atlantic crossing and no doubt they had very long business discussions regarding the ferroalloy industry and where it was going.

Ruth from VT wrote: > Vee, Not quite yet, not quite yet, patience my friend. Give it another > couple of weeks and we'll be tapping out here. Hmmm, I wonder. During the past week, our daytime temperatures have been in the upper 30s and then at night dip below freezing. I would have called Fred or Dick but Fred now lives in Switzerland and Dick is spending the winter in Florida. I believe I told this story before but I'll tell it again. I believe it happened to friends of Dick and Marg if not Marg herself. Apparently the men were getting tired watching the boiling sap and so they decided to bring it back to the house and set it on the stove to boil. Oh it boiled all right. However, it sent so much steam into the house that all the wallpaper fell off the walls!!! vee

Kim, et al, Wow, you're doing a great job and a great service. In her diary Phoebe writes: > Monday, January 25 > I suppose the Princess Royal is Married today. I wonder who the Princess was who got married on January 25, 1857. vee

>>>During the war my Grandfather did a brisk business in maple syrup I suspect due to the rationing of sugar. I can remember he and the hired man doing the sugaring and my Mom sitting in the car with the canned syrup selling it most as fast as it was drawn off<<< Now that was a great bit of history! See, Vee.... even the little bits you write, can bring out the things from other people, that we never would have gotten!

Keep up the diary postings, it is an interesting look at Phoebe's daily routine. What a treasure you have Are you sending a complete copy to your local history museum, your state archives, etc? It is wonderful that you are willing to share them, and the time you have taken to transcribe them is so appreciated. Anna ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kim & Mike Paul" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2004 9:37 PM Subject: [FOLKS] Phoebe's 1857 Diary, Part 2 > Friday, January 22 > > Tended the funeral. The sermon was blessed to me. I do indeed desire to be called like Mrs. S. > Mrs. R. was much pleased with our wealth and power. Mrs. Sherman came over in the evening. > I ironed. The boys put the soap grease into the barn, but it was too weak. > > Saturday, January 23 > > Saturday. Baked and mended. Glad to find Mother is safe. I bless God that she is thought it has > been a hard journey still she has sustained. > > Sunday, January 24 > > Had a letter from Lucy. Wrote to Fahter, Mother. Lucy went to meeting. Brother Staats is to have > a donation next Thursday. > > Monday, January 25 > > Monday I washed. Albert Thomas called took my letters to town. Brother Staats called. Mrs. D. > has a daughter. Mrs. Ransom is not so well. > I suppose the Princess Royal is Married today. > > Tuesday, January 26 > > Mrs. Ransom is better. I called to see the new babe and by Mrs. Ransoms invitation spent the day > with her as she is all alone. It is very muddy. Today dear Philip os 18 may it be a happy year for > him. George and Margaret here, she staid all night. > > Wednesday, January 27 > > Helped Mrs. B. to go and see Mrs. Daby. It is freezing. Ironed mended finished Mother's dress. > > Thursday, January 28 > > Commenced my spencer. Electa and her little girl here. I carried Lorna home. Had a good visit. > Fitzer went to donation. Albert spent the evening. He had the Chair and had a good Christian time. > All I wanted was the presence of my parents. > > Friday, January 29 > > Friday knit and sewed . Find my sock is such a poor shape, I have pulled it all out. I long to hear > from the absent. > > Saturday, January 30 > > Saturday. Have a letter from Mother, Fahter, and one from England I suppose containing the death > of Uncle Frankie Hooper and his wife. Eleanor, Robbert and William Fish spent the evening. > Looked at pictures. > > Sunday, January 31 > > Sunday. Fitzer at Charlotte. Albert Thomas and Philip at Lockport. I took Mrs. Willington her > paper and called upon Mrs. Ransom. She is on the bed so sick. Mr. Fish came home with Fitzer. > Fanny and self went to meeting had a good class. Albert was at our house when I came home. > Spent a short time on religious conversation. > > Monday, February 1 > > Monday. Washed everything around the house and ironed at night. How I hope Mother will come > home this week. > > Tuesday, February 2 > > Tuesday. Sewed. Mrs. Ransom much worse. Sent for me. I was with her a good deal. She cannot > move much. Mrs. Sherman came again. > > Wednesday, February 3 > > Wednesday. Sat with (?) In the evening the mother came. The boys were away. We looked at > pictures. Compared English books and schools to Americans. Had a good time. The meeting > at Charlotte very interesting. > > Thursday, February 4 > > Thursday. Went to prayer meeting. Sewed and had a good day. My mind was at peace. George > Thomas forward for prayers. Phoebe Gifford called, Mrs. Ransom very sick, helped to get her up. > > Friday, February 5 > > Friday. Mended. Mrs. C. here. I went in a load to Charlotte. Had a steady time of it and a good > meeting. Philip swept house Saturday and Hester had a little girl. God has been better to us than > all our fears. We hope she is safe. > > > Sunday, February 6 *This was how Phoebe had it, so I didn't correct it* > > Sunday. All at Charlotte at love feast. 11 admitted on probation two in full connection and the > sacrament. At the schoolhouse in the evening. Albert took me to me to meeting and brought me > home. He says he has no company like ours. (Special note: Phoebe was talking about being > inducted in the Methodist Episcopal Church. There are several degrees of admission.) > > Monday, February 7 > > Monday. Washed and went to Charlotte. Had a good meeting. Mary Jane forward some others > also. George Thomas spoke. He earnestly desires to be a Christian. Albert was so happy. > I guess all felt happy, he looked as well. > > Tuesday, January 8 > > Tuesday. Mrs. Ransom better. All have gone to Charlotte. 17 in one load, 11 in another, 10 > in an other. Some of our young folks are forward for prayers. My heart is happy. I pray God > to revive his and make all faithfull. Tomorrow there is to be a prayer meeting at W. Leamons. > George is forward. Letter from Mother and Father. > > Thursday, February 11 > > Had a meeting here as four asked for prayers. George Thomas prayed for the first time in public. > I went in the evening to Charlotte. Elisa Hutchinson came home with me. We had a good time, a > steady (?) Think Gods spirit is opperating upon the hearts of many. I talked with a number and > they feel that Christ alone can save them. > > Friday, February 12 > > Fitzer, Elisa, and self went to the meeting at S. Outwater's. About 30 out. My mind not on worship > in doubt I could not feel engaged in prayer though I made the attempt and it seemed to be felt. > Mother came home safe. William B. spent the evening with us. I ironed all but the starch things. > > Saturday, February 13 > > Mother unpacking and seeing how things are does not feel as I hoped she would. I feel quite > cast down. Albert and William Fish here. I went to meeting But did not feel so bitterly. I do at > times on account of my not being able to subdue every look that betokens reaction. I want to be > holy under the influence of God so what tries me now I may be able to pass over had not the grace > of God, it would be worse with me, on account of my Spirit. > > Sunday, February 14 > > It storms hard. All at home. I have not received my usual peace, the tempter is on hand before > grace to him off. I must write to Henry today. At home all day. Wrote to Henry, Jacob, and > Mary. > > Monday, February 15 > > Washed. Took in the clothes, and sewed. Went to Charlotte with a load. Sat with William Fish. > He was deeply moved on account of his sins. My mind in earnest prayer for him. Had a good > time. 12 of our girls forward for prayers. I pray the Lord to give them more courage that they > may perservere. > > Tuesday, February 16 > > Tuesday. At meeting at W. Leamons. A good number out. Mrs. Outwater on the Lord's side. > George Thomas took an active part. There was much feeling and a general prayer. May the > Lord have mercy on our Sunday School. I ironed at night. > > > > > > > > >

Vee, Not quite yet, not quite yet, patience my friend. Give it another couple of weeks and we'll be tapping out here. Not the kettle in the woods but my bro and a friend of his have been sugaring here since high school days and I expect they will again this year. Need to wait till the warm days are more consistent and the sun has a bit more warmth to it. Maple trees are very fussy about releasing their sap, even a slight wind will keep the sap from rising. During the war my Grandfather did a brisk business in maple syrup I suspect due to the rationing of sugar. I can remember he and the hired man doing the sugaring and my Mom sitting in the car with the canned syrup selling it most as fast as it was drawn off. Ruth At 12:57 AM -0500 2/8/04, Vee L. Housman wrote: >Dear folks, > >I'm writing this late at night but I've been thinking about the whole >subject ever since I got up at whatever late hour I got up. > >It has to do with this time of year here in Niagara County when the >temperatures are finally creeping up above freezing, the snow piles are >melting and then overnight everything freezes over again. Of course for >the majority of us are pleased with the melting of the huge amount of snow >but over years of experience we know what to face the next morning after >overnight temperatures dip below freezing. The melted snow turns to shear >ice. OK, so we have our ice salt at hand and we can handle it. > >But what makes this time of year a joy for other local people is the >change of weather I just mentioned. In other words, when the daytime >temperature is steady above freezing and the night time temperature dips >below freezing, it's THE time to tap the maple sugar trees around here. >The sap is running and the taps have to be hammered into place. > >So I still picture my friend Fred and our friend Dick and their >dogfriends, Moose and Lady huddled around the wood fire in the middle of >the woods and just staring at the huge kettle of maple sap slowly boiling >away until it reaches maple syrup consistency. Fred and Dick talk about >all sorts of things and the two dogs take it all in. The dogs are happy >and between the four of them they're in seventh heaven. Where more would >you ever want to be in early February but in the woods staring into a >boiling pot of maple sap together and telling stories with your dogfriends >at hand? >vee -- Ruth Barton [email protected] Dummerston, VT

Dear folks, I'm writing this late at night but I've been thinking about the whole subject ever since I got up at whatever late hour I got up. It has to do with this time of year here in Niagara County when the temperatures are finally creeping up above freezing, the snow piles are melting and then overnight everything freezes over again. Of course for the majority of us are pleased with the melting of the huge amount of snow but over years of experience we know what to face the next morning after overnight temperatures dip below freezing. The melted snow turns to shear ice. OK, so we have our ice salt at hand and we can handle it. But what makes this time of year a joy for other local people is the change of weather I just mentioned. In other words, when the daytime temperature is steady above freezing and the night time temperature dips below freezing, it's THE time to tap the maple sugar trees around here. The sap is running and the taps have to be hammered into place. So I still picture my friend Fred and our friend Dick and their dogfriends, Moose and Lady huddled around the wood fire in the middle of the woods and just staring at the huge kettle of maple sap slowly boiling away until it reaches maple syrup consistency. Fred and Dick talk about all sorts of things and the two dogs take it all in. The dogs are happy and between the four of them they're in seventh heaven. Where more would you ever want to be in early February but in the woods staring into a boiling pot of maple sap together and telling stories with your dogfriends at hand? vee

Dear Folks, I'm ready to put my father's 1938 passport back into the souvenir box but I have a problem. It's cover is made of some sort of early plastic and it has been stored in another plastic grand folder with the title of "Valuable Papers." As a result, over the years of storage in there it was all that I could do to pry it off the surface of the plastic. It seemed stuck to it like forever. After I released it I thought that if I tucked it into a paper envelope the passport would be just fine. Well no that didn't work at all, it stuck to the paper and I had to scrape bits of paper off it. The passport is still sticky and I want to preserve it. But how can I store it even if I found a special box to put it in? I'll repeat again, the passport cover is sticky. Now what do I do? vee

Vee: Have you thought about laminating your father's passport? I don't know if that would help or not. Kim

1938 TRIP TO FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND February 7, 2004 Normally I would have waited to post the next part of the story until tomorrow but later this evening as I was washing my dishes and listening to soothing classical music, I went over the events of the scrapbook story in my mind. My thoughts were still on the names of the list of passengers aboard the Queen Mary in December 1938. I had noticed that there were many names that certainly sounded Jewish. Names such as Cohen, Cohn, Friedman, Gould, Katzinger, Kuhn, Levy, Oppenheimer, Rosenkranz, Rosenthal, Sachs, Sax, Schwarz, Silberman and Weil. At the time I thought that the number of Jews aboard was in disproportion to other ethnic names. As I continued to wash the dishes and lightly pondered the subject all of a sudden a very huge light bulb lit up over my head! It was December 1938 and they were the Jews who were lucky enough to escape Nazi Germany before the borders were completely shut down in 1939 at which time the Jews left in Germany were pretty much doomed. In other words, the Jews aboard ship were Jewish refugees fleeing Germany at almost the last minute. Oh yes indeed, there was a motley group of passengers sailing on that glorious ship on that particular voyage; the almost royalty, the very rich, the businessmen (my father and Earl Dunn) and then there were the Jewish refugees. The Queen Mary was only two years old (officially christened in 1936) but by August 1939 she was permanently berthed in New York City awaiting her role in the upcoming World War II.

1938 TRIP TO FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND February 7, 2004 In the letter that Daddy had sent to Mother from Ugine, France, he indicated that he and Earl Dunn would be heading back to Paris around December 7, 1938. Assuming they left Ugine in the morning, they arrived in Paris about eight hours later. At least it took that length of time to go from Paris to Geneva, Switzerland. Therefore, they had the whole evening free in Paris. It appears that the Vanadium Corp. had managed to book them passage aboard the R.M.S. Queen Mary sailing on December 10 for their return to New York City. That gave Earl and Daddy two full days to get their shopping done in Paris. While there Daddy bought an attractive original etching of a church cathedral for our house, a round wooden box of unusual gum-drop-sort of candy for Mother, and better than that, he bought her a bottle of Amour Amour perfume by Jean Patou of Paris. I mean real PERFUME, not just cologne! I still have the empty bottle and I can still smell the fragrance. It's the most wonderfully smelling perfume I had ever smelled in my life including all through the years up to the present. Another thing he bought there for Mother was what he called a pocketbook. Picture a wallet-looking sort of affair. When it's unfolded (side to side) there are two slots for paper currency and then at the left end there is a snap-purse for keeping coins in. Fold it up again, snap the two ends together and it makes for a nice compact billfold or wallet. I still have it. It's of imitation silk cloth (rayon?) in black with accents of white and vibrant red. I seem to recall that Mother used it for the longest time in her purse and then it was relegated to being a holder of a collection of coins. Still in it are coins mainly from France and Switzerland. The oldest one has the date of 1917 on it. It's a French ten centimes piece with the typical hole in the middle of it. After they had loaded all of their souvenirs and presents into their luggage Daddy and Earl boarded the Queen Mary and set sail on December 10, 1938. In the scrapbook I found a nicely printed folder listing all of the passengers alphabetically of that sailing. However, I was disappointed that I didn't find Earl Dunn's name in the "D" section or Charles Housman in the "H" section. No doubt but what the company had managed to book passage at the last moment. I continued to read through the names of the other passengers and it was interesting to note that some women were listed as being accompanied by their (unnamed) maid or their nurse. But when I got to the "K" section and started reading the list of passengers I almost fell out of my chair when I read the following: Hon. Joseph P. Kennedy (United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James) along with a Manservant and underneath was listed Mr. Jack Kennedy Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! To think that my father was sailing on the Queen Mary along with the Ambassador to England with his 21-year-old son Jack Kennedy, future President of the United States!!! I wonder if Daddy ever exchanged words with them or even nodded to them in passing each other on the Promenade Deck. And to think that Daddy had made earlier comment that there had been an actual Countess aboard on his voyage over to France! This time they sailed out of the port of Cherbourg instead of Le Havre, their port of entry. But I'm much too excited over the discovery of the above to continue on with their voyage tonight. Just think, I could officially lay claim to fame that my father sailed with John F. Kennedy!!!!

Friday, January 22 Tended the funeral. The sermon was blessed to me. I do indeed desire to be called like Mrs. S. Mrs. R. was much pleased with our wealth and power. Mrs. Sherman came over in the evening. I ironed. The boys put the soap grease into the barn, but it was too weak. Saturday, January 23 Saturday. Baked and mended. Glad to find Mother is safe. I bless God that she is thought it has been a hard journey still she has sustained. Sunday, January 24 Had a letter from Lucy. Wrote to Fahter, Mother. Lucy went to meeting. Brother Staats is to have a donation next Thursday. Monday, January 25 Monday I washed. Albert Thomas called took my letters to town. Brother Staats called. Mrs. D. has a daughter. Mrs. Ransom is not so well. I suppose the Princess Royal is Married today. Tuesday, January 26 Mrs. Ransom is better. I called to see the new babe and by Mrs. Ransoms invitation spent the day with her as she is all alone. It is very muddy. Today dear Philip os 18 may it be a happy year for him. George and Margaret here, she staid all night. Wednesday, January 27 Helped Mrs. B. to go and see Mrs. Daby. It is freezing. Ironed mended finished Mother's dress. Thursday, January 28 Commenced my spencer. Electa and her little girl here. I carried Lorna home. Had a good visit. Fitzer went to donation. Albert spent the evening. He had the Chair and had a good Christian time. All I wanted was the presence of my parents. Friday, January 29 Friday knit and sewed . Find my sock is such a poor shape, I have pulled it all out. I long to hear from the absent. Saturday, January 30 Saturday. Have a letter from Mother, Fahter, and one from England I suppose containing the death of Uncle Frankie Hooper and his wife. Eleanor, Robbert and William Fish spent the evening. Looked at pictures. Sunday, January 31 Sunday. Fitzer at Charlotte. Albert Thomas and Philip at Lockport. I took Mrs. Willington her paper and called upon Mrs. Ransom. She is on the bed so sick. Mr. Fish came home with Fitzer. Fanny and self went to meeting had a good class. Albert was at our house when I came home. Spent a short time on religious conversation. Monday, February 1 Monday. Washed everything around the house and ironed at night. How I hope Mother will come home this week. Tuesday, February 2 Tuesday. Sewed. Mrs. Ransom much worse. Sent for me. I was with her a good deal. She cannot move much. Mrs. Sherman came again. Wednesday, February 3 Wednesday. Sat with (?) In the evening the mother came. The boys were away. We looked at pictures. Compared English books and schools to Americans. Had a good time. The meeting at Charlotte very interesting. Thursday, February 4 Thursday. Went to prayer meeting. Sewed and had a good day. My mind was at peace. George Thomas forward for prayers. Phoebe Gifford called, Mrs. Ransom very sick, helped to get her up. Friday, February 5 Friday. Mended. Mrs. C. here. I went in a load to Charlotte. Had a steady time of it and a good meeting. Philip swept house Saturday and Hester had a little girl. God has been better to us than all our fears. We hope she is safe. Sunday, February 6 *This was how Phoebe had it, so I didn't correct it* Sunday. All at Charlotte at love feast. 11 admitted on probation two in full connection and the sacrament. At the schoolhouse in the evening. Albert took me to me to meeting and brought me home. He says he has no company like ours. (Special note: Phoebe was talking about being inducted in the Methodist Episcopal Church. There are several degrees of admission.) Monday, February 7 Monday. Washed and went to Charlotte. Had a good meeting. Mary Jane forward some others also. George Thomas spoke. He earnestly desires to be a Christian. Albert was so happy. I guess all felt happy, he looked as well. Tuesday, January 8 Tuesday. Mrs. Ransom better. All have gone to Charlotte. 17 in one load, 11 in another, 10 in an other. Some of our young folks are forward for prayers. My heart is happy. I pray God to revive his and make all faithfull. Tomorrow there is to be a prayer meeting at W. Leamons. George is forward. Letter from Mother and Father. Thursday, February 11 Had a meeting here as four asked for prayers. George Thomas prayed for the first time in public. I went in the evening to Charlotte. Elisa Hutchinson came home with me. We had a good time, a steady (?) Think Gods spirit is opperating upon the hearts of many. I talked with a number and they feel that Christ alone can save them. Friday, February 12 Fitzer, Elisa, and self went to the meeting at S. Outwater's. About 30 out. My mind not on worship in doubt I could not feel engaged in prayer though I made the attempt and it seemed to be felt. Mother came home safe. William B. spent the evening with us. I ironed all but the starch things. Saturday, February 13 Mother unpacking and seeing how things are does not feel as I hoped she would. I feel quite cast down. Albert and William Fish here. I went to meeting But did not feel so bitterly. I do at times on account of my not being able to subdue every look that betokens reaction. I want to be holy under the influence of God so what tries me now I may be able to pass over had not the grace of God, it would be worse with me, on account of my Spirit. Sunday, February 14 It storms hard. All at home. I have not received my usual peace, the tempter is on hand before grace to him off. I must write to Henry today. At home all day. Wrote to Henry, Jacob, and Mary. Monday, February 15 Washed. Took in the clothes, and sewed. Went to Charlotte with a load. Sat with William Fish. He was deeply moved on account of his sins. My mind in earnest prayer for him. Had a good time. 12 of our girls forward for prayers. I pray the Lord to give them more courage that they may perservere. Tuesday, February 16 Tuesday. At meeting at W. Leamons. A good number out. Mrs. Outwater on the Lord's side. George Thomas took an active part. There was much feeling and a general prayer. May the Lord have mercy on our Sunday School. I ironed at night.

Phoebe Ann Williams Diary, 1857 "The gift of my beloved Parents." Coomer, Niagara Co., New York Friday, January 1 Sewing for Mrs. Douglass. Mother at Mr. Fish's, I went for her. Trying to look over my past life feel more than ever that God has been very good to me. Thought much of what my beloved Father said to me upon my approaching marriage, reassured that I will not grieve them by leaving them before they think it right. Commit it to God. Saturday, January 2 Called upon Mrs. Ransom, saw her new babe. Eleanor, Margaret and self went over to East Wilson to quarterly meeting. Eleanor and self staid at Mrs. H. Elder Skinner preached prayer meeting. In the evening I spoke. Sunday, January 3 Went to love feast the Lord was with us. My mind is at peace. W. Skinner preached. I took the sacrement. Fitzer, Albert Thomas, Phnilip, Simeon, and self walked through the woods. A very high wind but good going for the food. Sat with Mrs. Ransom the rest of the day. Mr. Staats staid all night. All went to meeting, enjoyed the classes much. Monday, January 4 Called at Mr. O'Hara's. Mrs. Daby and Mrs. Peniels trying to get a home for. Mother to go to Somerset. She and Fitzer both went, wind still high. Tuesday, January 5 I washed and cleaned up. Mother came home at night. Fitzer had bought him a two year old colt. Wednesday, January 6 It stormed. Philip and Fitzer go for the colt. Thursday, January 7 Thursday. The boys came home. It still storms. I went to prayer meeting. Prayed with much of the spirit-feel as though I was growing in grace. I ironed. Friday, January 8 A girl by the name of Helen Brown came to ask for work. We agree to try and find some. Mrs. J. Moore here I went home with her. Her neices where there. The boys took me home. She sent 25 cents for her. Saturday, January 9 Sewed, then peiced my quilt. When I think of some things my heart rejoices and I wish I where with him more and then I look at dear Mother and think how good she always has been to me and yet I am going to leave her. If I could not cast my burden on the Lord I should be discouraged, and no not what to do, but I commit my all to him. Sunday, January, 10 Wrote to all. E. and Hester. Sat with the boys. In my own room, and bathed of heaven, and our future from fear. Went to meeting took Ellen. Mr. Staats preached. She seemed much affected by the service and class meeting. Monday, January 11 Mother started for Canada. Rice Harrington came for Ellen. I lent her the old cloak to ride in. Had quite a visit and talked of religion. Mrs. Ransom's babe is verry sick, sent for the Dr. He thinks he can help it. Tuesday, January 12 Tuesday. Washed and helped with the babe. Wednesday, January 13 Wednesday. Sat with the babe a great deal. It is dreadfull to see it. Watched with it all night. At three we thought it dead, it went into a fit but it revived. Thursday, January 14 Mrs. S. came with the Dr. says that there is no hope for the Babe. Went to prayer meeting had a good time. Watched with the babe till Midnight then Mrs. W. Leamon came. She had had company. Fitzer is 21 today. May the Lord bless him and make him a blessing. Friday, January 15 I can think of nothing but Mother and Hester. It is a reliefe to hold this poor babe and have my thoughts diverted from them. I feel as though I cannot be reconciled to have her die but know that she is in the hands of a kind Father who doeth all things well. The babe has had 30 fits in 24 hours from 15 minutes to an hour each. Saturday, January 16 Baked cleaned and washed. It is very stormy and the babe is so sick that only those who have taken care of him can do it, he is underfed still not having strength since Friday often being stiff for a bath to be dressed. Sunday, January 17 The babe is better. I thank God for it, hope begins to animate. Mrs. Ransom but Susan is very sick the Dr. fears a run of high fever. I wrote to Mother, Father. It was late when I closed as I tried to state my feelings to Father with regard to our last conversation. My heart was full. How should I bear to have them gone and Hester sick and other trials if I had not Jesus. Monday, January 18 The babe is much better. We feel as though prayer and faith worked, not to be vain. I washed and the boys killed the pigs. Prepared the guts for sausage and soap grease. Am very tired. What would I give to know Mother is safe. Tuesday, January 19 Tuesday began the land and made the sausages myself. Harvey and Mary Jane came, staid till eleven pm. The babe again has fits, own hopes are blighted. I pray God to help the Mother. Thursday, January, 20 I cleaned all up mended and baked. My heart is full. Where are my parents, How is Hester? Hate(Tate?) Condy is buried today and Helen B. is dead. I went to prayer meeting, but my heart was to full to pray but spoke with much feeling on death. Mr. Barbor called up and we closed with prayer which I did and when I opened my mouth the Lord prevailed. Eleanor, Margaret, and Philip an Mr. Fish watched the company and self till I made the shroud.

Vee, how great it is that you were able to figure out so closely where your father's trip took him. I can understand why you have such a sense of accomplishment. That was really a puzzle! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Vee L. Housman" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, February 06, 2004 9:43 PM Subject: [FOLKS] Father's 1938 trip to Europe Pt. 7 > 1938 TRIP TO FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND > > February 6, 2004 > > Apparently the next day, November 28, 1938, Daddy and the rest of the metallurgists traveled to Annecy, France, where I can only assume they continued to say for a period of time. Either they continued to take notes about the process of the blast furnace in Annecy or they commuted by train back and forth to Geneva a few miles to the northeast. > > So far I haven't found any evidence in the scrapbook yet that indicates even what hotel they stayed at or how long they stayed in Annecy before they traveled back to Paris. However, there is postcard after postcard, mostly in color under Daddy's title above of "Annecy et Son Lac" [Annecy and his Lake-by the same name, Lake Annecy]. There are beautiful scenes of the lake, centuries-old palaces, chateaux, mountains of the eastern Swiss Alps, steamboats of the era on the lake, canals in Annecy, magnificent hotels that must have spread over acres, and some cards with a view of snow-capped Mont Blanc in the distance. > > I have a feeling that the men did have an opportunity to do a bit of sightseeing, as there are several postcards of the Camonix Valley in the Monte Blanc range of the Alps. There are scenes of glaciers, scenes of VERY rugged mountains and many scenes of Mont Blanc. In addition there are a few views of what appears to be the small village of Moriond in the French Alps. The scenes show small plain one-story chalets with snow piled high on their roofs and with just a very narrow snow-covered path between the houses. Moriond is just south of Moutiers which is south of Annecy which is south of Geneva. There are several views of Moutiers which indicates they visited there also. As I recall, Daddy personally told us he actually saw Mont Blanc and was near the mountain. > > Over the past few days I've done a lot of studying of maps that I have at hand as to precisely where Daddy was in France and Switzerland and when I saw that Annecy was in the Haute Savoie Department of southeastern France, I quickly mentally translated it to High Savoy in spite of my having only an inkling of the French language. But it was the word "Savoy" that caught my eye. I had remembered that many long years ago my mother told me that the French dolls that my father brought back for my sister and me (and my mother) were in the typical costume of area of Savoy. And as I continued to turn each page of Daddy's scrapbook, I stopped quickly when I came across a whole page of postcards in color showing men and women dressed in the old costumes of Savoy. > > When I saw the picture of one of the Savoyan women in costume I recognized her immediately. She looked just like the doll my father brought back for me from France. The same sort of odd gold head dress, the fringed colorful pure silk shawl around her shoulders, the gold cross on a chain around her neck against her white blouse, and with her long velvet skirt covered with a different patterned velvet apron across the front of it. > > On [Thursday] December 1, 1938, Daddy sent Mother another letter on Hotel Scribe, Paris, stationery. From what he spoke of in the letter it appears that they were spending a few days in the French Alps area. From the postmark, he apparently was staying in Ugine which is just south of Mont Blanc which is just south of Annecy. He wrote: > > Dear Verna, > > We have arrived in a beautiful little valley set between high mountain peaks. In fact, it is almost surrounded by mountains. Will be here until Monday or Tuesday [December 5th or 6th] and then back to Paris. We may sail for home much sooner than expected as our work is progressing very satisfactorily. > > We were tied up yesterday, Wednesday, by the General Strike. The strike was a fizzle but we could not visit any plants while it threatened. Spent the day sightseeing and shopping in Annecy. Bought the kids each a Savoyan doll and you a [beautiful silk paisley] shawl. Also bought myself a matched pair of 17th Century Italian pistols (guns). They are very nice. I bought a third doll for emergencies. Still have to get George Lindberg his picture and Aunt Helen her perfume. Also must get the gang at the plant something. > > [I'm inserting a note here. Both Mother and Daddy studied French for several years in high school but I believe that when Daddy went to France sixteen years after they both graduated from high school, I doubt that he had the opportunity to even practice the language with the exception of when he and Mother wanted to say something very personal in front of my sister and me. He continues.] > > Am learning a lot of French. That is, I can understand almost everything that is said but can't think of the words I want to use. But we get along. Earl went into one shop and talked to an old lady there. She spouted off a whole string of French which neither of us understood. Earl told her in Spanish and German that he did not understand and then he turned and asked me to try to tell her that he did not understand. She then said, "Oh you speak English?" And then spoke very good English. The only language Earl didn't try on her. > > Earl says time to eat again so au revoir. > > Charly > > Vee's note here: Whoa, wait a minute! I just took one last glance at the many, many postcards in the scrapbook and when I read the small print at the bottom of one and saw that it read, "Ugine-Les Acieries Electriques et Habitations Ouvrieres" and then took a second look at the scene, it seemed like all of the missing pieces of the puzzle had just fallen into place. What with the word "Electriques" (as in electrical metallurgical blast furnace] and the view of what was obviously an industrial plant with a number of nice looking houses on the outskirts for the employees, for the very first time I realized that it was in Ugine where Daddy and the other metallurgists had been studying the operation and process of the new French furnace all along. > > In other words, when they left Paris they stopped in Geneva, Switzerland, probably to sit in on a one-day high-level conference of what they could expect and then traveled to Annecy where they stayed in a hotel. Then on a daily basis took the short trips to Ugine where they could actually PERSONALLY view and take notes of the ground breaking new technology of the ferroalloys industry from the first shovel full into the furnace to the final tap of the furnace. > > So with that last piece of the puzzle in place, I now can visualize almost precisely Daddy's trip to France and where that new French furnace was actually located. It was located (quoting Daddy) "in a beautiful little valley set between high mountain peaks. In fact, it is almost surrounded by mountains." > > After considerable research on the Internet, it appears that the plant is still vital to the industry and it appears (in French) to have been a vital target for the Nazis during WWII a few years later. > > It's taken 65 years to finally put those pieces together and you have no idea how overwhelming and fulfilling the feeling is. Now I know where Daddy was and where his French furnace was. > >

Dear Vee & group: Well, just wanted to let you know that I'm going to try this and we'll see how it goes! I'll probably be doing a few pages at a time, though. Kim