Remembering 9\11\2001 - 25 years - Our memories

In an effort to preserve these memories, I have included this blog with my thoughts over these last couple of days. Sharing our memories is a way to hold on to them, which is the goal of this blog - Keeping The Story Alive.

Twenty-five years ago, I was visiting Quad Cities (Davenport Iowa). My Mom spent an entertaining evening with Pat Stamm, in a nearby casino, while I was busy getting ready for a well-planned FGS (Federation of Genealogical Society) Conference, which would begin in two days. We were ready for a great conference, and I climbed into bed after a fun travel day. We had driven from Tennessee to the Quad Cities area with my great friend, Gail Miller, and my cousin, Rebecca Lowe Shipley. The weather was great and the drive up had been fun and leisurely. Once we got checked in at the hotel, the work began. For me, there would be the FGS Board Meetings, and of course, the conference. Here is a picture of the 2001 FGS Board made earlier that year. 

Early morning meetings would require an alarm to be set. That night would open on a morning that would change our lives - September 11, 2001. When the alarm went off, I remember looking out on to a beautifully clear blue day. Getting ready for an FGS Executive Board meeting, and running out of the room, telling Mom I would see her later. The meeting was filled with congratulations and excitement for the great work that had been done by the Conference Chairs - Jim and Paula Stuart Warren and the great volunteers from the area. All was ready for the conference attendees to arrive - we were expecting a large crowd and everyone was ready. We adjourned from the first meeting with enough time for me to go back to my room, and pick up some additional notes for the next meeting. When I got back to my room, my Mom was up and watching TV. I asked her what she was watching. She said "A plane ran into the World Trade Center!" I later learned American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower. I quickly grabbed my extra material and headed downstairs for the next meeting.

We began our meeting before we learned about what was happening at those moments.

9:03 AM (Eastern) United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower; 9:37 AM (Eastern) American Airlines Flight 77 strikes the Pentagon; by 9:45 AM (Eastern) The FAA orders a nationwide shutdown of U.S. airspace.

We were all excited about the great conference that had been planned and the excitement about all of the activities. We talked enthusiastically about the upcoming events. David Rencher got a phone call, and he stepped out of the room. When he returned, he told us about what has happened in New York, at the Pentagon, and the fear that it could happen oher places. He suggested we take a few minutes and try to learn what had happened. I still remember the puzzled looks on the faces of my friends and colleagues. Someone asked, "Is this really happening?" When we reconvened, we had to face some difficult decisions. Jim Warren and Paula Stuart Warren has organized a great conference, with a group of active volunteers.  As we left that room, many ran to their rooms and watched TVs in the lobby.  9:59 AM (Eastern) The World Trade Center South Tower collapses.

Within minutes, we heard that all flights were grounded, and we were expecting a large number of attendees to arrive during that day. Many folks began to arrange caravans to travel to the Quad Cities. Later that day, the FGS Board made the decision to go forward with the conference. There were many people already there, and many were already on their way. It was a tough decision, but we agreed to try to stand tall. People who were there really worked hard to make everything work together.  I know there were people (primarily not there) who were unhappy we went on with the conference. There were hundreds of people who worked with Jim and Paula to make everything come together. Events needed to be adjusted; Speakers who were there filled in for Speakers who could not attend. Sandra Luebking made a quick drive home in order to become the Speaker for the Banquet, when the planned Speaker could not attend.  

This is a picture of David Rencher trying to coordinate the stranded speakers from the Family History Library.  

A picture of the day’s newspaper shared in the afternoon meeting. In those moments, you realize who will always stand with you!

Marcia Rice collected beads and ribbon to make red-white-blue pins for us to wear.

Pat Stamm added, "The next days were filled with talks. Between talks, people would huddle around the TV in the lobby. To this day, my hats off to the various FGS board members who worked through the hard times to give the participants a good conference."

Paula Stuart-Warren added," A tough day and yet it did bring the hugs and tears that truly help in our bonding."

This is a photo from the FGS Banquet that week. Sandra Luebking had given a memorable and inspirational talk. The Board and Local Volunteers gathered at the end of Banquet, when I had been asked to lead the group in singing, "God Bless America." We sang proudly! I'm sure that Sandra's hand was crushed as I held tightly to her as we sang. May we always remember the strength and courage of those who protect us! Hug your friends, neighbors, and even some acquaintances with a smile- Make every day count! 

I will remember the costs of that day. Every moment counts! We need to learn from what we see, hear and do! My memories of 9/11 include friends who are no longer with us. Memories & Stories tie us together with our History. May we never forget those who died and the brave men & women who ran towards danger to save others.

I come from a long line of Firefighters and Policemen, I was touched by the active remembrance of the 30 Clarksville [Tenn] Fire & Rescue personnel and 21 members of Recruit Class 01-26 who completed their annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Each firefighter climbed to the top of the training tower and grabbed a card bearing the name of one of the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. They called out the name and rang the bell. They climbed, one after another, and did not stop until all 343 names had been called. Thank you Clarksville Fire & Rescue for remembering.

Faith without hope is like beefsteak without gravy.

"Faith without Hope is like beefsteak without gravy!"

Willis Polk

This phrase was shared with me by a wonderful gentleman who lived in Port Royal, Tennessee.  Robert Riley knew the Polk family that lived there when he was a young man in that same community.  He described Willis Polk as part of those "old folks" who had lived in the rural country always, and was hesitant to accept technology quickly.  He also said that Willis Polk was not sure about drinking water that came from a spigot or faucet - he thought it might still have electricity inside. 

These stories were shared by Mr. Riley as we sat in his house and he talked with Willis Polk's Great-nephew Jim Polk.  Jim Polk had come to Tennessee to learn more about his family, who had lived in this area before his father, James Polk (born about 1890), went to Detroit, Michigan to find work with automobiles or construction. 

Mr. Riley had known Willis Polk, who lived and worked in this same area until his death in 1949.  As I got involved with this work as a genealogist, I discovered that Mr. Willis Polk had been a patient of the same medical doctor who delivered me as a baby, Dr. Robert H. Elder.   Jim Polk, who lived in Detroit like his father, had come to Tennessee to walk the farm where his ancestors stood and learn more about their lives. 

Robert Alley and Jim Polk discussing Port Royal families

We will learn more about both of these gentlemen, their families, and the stories they told.   

If you are interested in learning some interesting information - Mr. Jim Polk's grandson and his family appeared on PBS' This Old House restoring an old home in Detroit

Link to Story: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/detroit-house/21018948/the-detroit-house-before

Next Edition: How Jim Polk learned about his Grandparents and Aunt No.

Looking Forward to a New Year - While Looking Back to 1925

 J. Mark Lowe

Today is the last day of 2024. What happened years ago has always interested me.  As I wrote articles I often looked back 100 years or so.  As we contemplate the beginning of the New Year – I want to predict what was appeared in the newspapers on January 1, 1925 – the Robertson County Times.  

Well, I don’t have to predict since the paper was published on that day.  Let’s look at a few articles..

Happy New Year – Today marks the advent of a New Year. Last night was a momentous birthnight in which, upon the stroke of twelve, the old year went out, the new came in: 1924 departed, 1925 arrived. Where did the one go, from whence came the other… Man, now, is a creature of time; but he shall not be forever. He is mortal, but he hopes to putting on immortality. Until then, there is no antonym for time or the consummation of his hope, he lives in bondage to his allotted portion of duration.  “Time is precious,” time is valuable,” are the familiar expressions. In recognition of this truth, mankind from earliest days have tried to measure this thing. All over the civilized world calendars hang up on office walls, clocks are hung in towers and placed on mantelpieces and watches are worn on wrists and in waistcoat pockets.

Calendar from 1925

“Live in deeds, not years,” doing not measuring. From the thoughts here poorly written frame a slogan for 1925, a slogan pointing to worthwhile objectives and lofty aims. Review and appraise the old year, and welcome the new with worthy, well considered resolutions,  ambitions, plans and noble purposes.[Editorial Comment for the New Year]

All-Color Picture Due

“Wanderer of the Wasteland: a Zane Grey paramount production, directed by Irvin Willat and featuring Jack Holt, Kathlyn Williams, Noah Beery an Billie Dove comes to the Princess [Theater] on Saturday.

You’ve  heard about the wonderful colorful photography in Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Ten Commandments?” Well, this one’s done entirely in color.  There’s not a black and white sequence throughout the length of the film.  Think of it?

Even if it weren’t for the great story, it really is, you should go see this picture just for the novelty of the thing. Remember, it’s the very first really practical all-color production to be shown on the screen anywhere. But it’s more than just a novelty – much more, it’s Zane Grey greatest story brought to life. They say you can even see the different shades of sunburn on the players!   Skeptical? Why not take it it?

 

Billie Dove, George Irving, and Kathlyn Williams in Wanderer of the Wasteland (1924) Although the picture was filmed in all color, the photo print shots taken on set are black and white. 

New Bridge Over Railroad

The State Highway Department announces that the contract for building the overhead crossing of L&N railroad, 2 miles South of town, near Glenview will be let on January 23rd. Tourist whose route leads over the Dixie highway as well as the people of the county will be gratified to learn that work on the project will begin at once after the contract is LED the bridge or crossing is to be of the deck girder type of 226 foot spans and a 32 foot span and will be a splendid improvement over the old narrow sharp turned dangerous crossing. Work on the underpass at Hygiea will begin in early spring and with the completion of these two crossings the road from Springfield to Nashville be one of the finest and safest in the state.

Good news let the work go on. All roads lead to Springfield let them be made hard, smooth, durable, comfortable, and safe.

[This would have been the bridge that crossed the railroad behind Midgard Storage – where Old Greenbrier Pike extended between the Dollar Tree and Tidal Wave car wash.  That bridge has since been removed.]

Couple, Married In Wrong County, Are Wedded Again Cookeville, Tennessee. December 31.

 An amusing event occurred here today the county court clerk of this county recently had returned to him by mail a marriage license which he had issued a few days before. The return on the license showed that the couple to whom the license had been issued had been carried by a White County justice of the peace. County court clerk Moore of this county wrote a letter to the White County magistrate, whose return on the license showed that he had performed the ceremony and in his letter suggested to the White County justice of the peace that he had acted without authority in marrying a couple on Putnam County license. Today the White County magistrate came to Cookeville, accompanied by the quote happy couple UN quote who had imagined for the past few days that every requirement in the solemnization of their marital intention had been met. Upon arriving in Cookeville they promptly reported at the county court clerk's office, procured their returned license and going into the room in the courthouse in which Squire R.P. Capshaw holds his court, they were married again by Esquire Capshaw.

[I haven't determined the names of this couple.  There names were not mentioned in the Robertson County Paper, but I will look for this story in other newspapers across the state.  This will definitely be a update for 2025.  Thanks.]

Thank you for sharing my stories of both family and local history.   I will continue in 2025 although I might only share a story weekly in the new year.  You can subscribe to the Blogger, but I will also continue to share with my Facebook friends.   May you and your family have a great wrap-up of 2024, and a truly blessed and healthy NEW 2025 YEAR!!!      

Preparing For the Coming New Year - Memories of New Years' Eve

 J. Mark Lowe

My first cognizant memory was the New Years' Eve when I was two-years-old.  I'm not sure why I remember it was that date, but know that the memory has always been my memory - not an event that my siblings or parents told.  Both my Mom and Dad confirmed the memory over the years, but the clue was the fact that I had the croup that year. We were living in a house owned by Dr. Robert Elder, that was very near the feed mill owned by my parents.  In fact, this lot adjoined the feed mill lot.  [Important for a genealogist, who always tries to put the whole story together.]

I'm obviously feeling good here, but this is about the same time.

I was feeling better in the evening, and was lying on the couch wrapped up.  Soon, people in the neighborhood (town of Cedar Hill)  were shooting fireworks in celebration of the coming New Year.  I'm sure that my brothers had a few firecrackers and maybe a few rockets of their own to propel in the stars. 

I remember Dad picking me up off of the couch, and wrapped me in a soft, orange plaid woolen blanket with satin wrapped bound edges. We found similar blankets at the Springfield Woolen Mills Outlet in Bowling Green.  Dad carried me outside to see the fireworks.  I can remember hearing the laughter of my siblings, the popping noise of firecrackers, the loud booms or retorts as rockets reached their summit, the oohs when a colorful rocket exploded in the air, and the brilliant colors. As the fireworks continued, I remember seeing the bright light reflecting on my Dad's face.  I was warm, secure and protected.  There were other people around me watching these fireworks outside, but, mostly, I remember seeing the faces of my family.  

I had Uncles who loved fireworks, and often visited us in Tennessee because we had fireworks. There were special fireworks purchased for the kids. I remember those little black tokens, that would turn into a snake when touched by fire.  There were always firecrackers around the holidays. My older brothers also always enjoyed shooting fireworks.  This pattern continued into adulthood; we often have gathered in past Summers to enjoy fireworks at my brother - Denny's house.   As a fireman, he always ensured that the fireworks were handled safely, always made with proper precautions, and available equipment.  As the younger nieces and nephews grew, they were allowed to participate in the family tradition.

I think that the reason this memory remains so vivid in my mind, is that it includes the faces of my family. My family has always provided a warm, secure place to grow, be loved, and be encouraged.  It has been a long time, but FAMILY ALWAYS COUNT!  I understand that not all of us have been blessed to grow in an family like this.  I wish all of you a HAPPY NEW YEAR that brings you joy, love and happiness in your life.   

Eating black-eyed peas and something green (cabbage or greens) on New Year's Day is said to bring good luck and financial prosperity to the one eating them throughout the rest of the year. My Mom insisted that we at least have a spoonful of peas. Other lucky foods are lentils, pork (because chickens scratch backwards, a cow stands still, but a pig roots forward.) and sauerkraut. In order to take this a step further, some place a silver coin over the doorway or a penny on the windowsill. (I need to look to see if any of those placed in earlier years are still there. 

There are many traditions about the people with whom you celebrate and activities you are doing both on New Year’s Eve and Day.  So depending on your beliefs, the person you were with to celebrate the new year last week is with whom you will spend the next year. There's long been a superstition that if you kiss your true love at midnight on New Year's Eve, you will live in love and happiness with that person for the entire rest of the upcoming year. Plus, whatever you were doing on January 1st is the task you will continue to do all year.  My Mom, tried very hard not to wash clothes on New Years Day!  . There is one superstition about New Year's Day that if you lend someone money or something of substantial value on the first day of the New Year, you will be loaning money out to people all year long. You're also not supposed to pay off any loan on the first day of the New Year, either. If you cry on New Year's Day, for sad reasons, then you set the tone for a year's worth of sadness and tears. Whatever happens, you should be happy and upbeat all day on New Year's Day in order to ensure a happy year to follow.

Many folks opened the doors or windows of a home at midnight on New Year’s Eve to let the old year escape.  We also make loud noises at the same time, so we scare away any evil spirits that might be tempted to come into the house. An Irish tradition involves banging on the door and walls with Christmas bread to chase the bad luck out and bring good spirits to the household with the promise of bread enough in the New Year.

Watch Night began with the Moravians, a small Christian group with roots in eastern Europe. The first such service was held in 1733 on the estate of Count von Zinzendorf in Hernhut, Germany. John Wesley, founder of a Methodist movement, incorporated the Watch Night vigil into the practices of the early Methodist church. These watch night were not only held on New Year’s Eve, but one a month and on full moons.  The first such service was held in the United States in 1770 in Philadelphia. 

I look forward to sharing more of my memories with you in the coming days.  Memories shared are part of Keeping The Story Alive!  So before the year ends, be sure to make the preparations that ensure the new year starts with a positive bang.  

(Next Edition:  One more update for the New Year - 2024 Goes Out the Door - 2025 Enters)   

Memories of Christmas Toys and More Fun

 

Many of us need a few days of rest after all the family visits over the last week or so.  As I remember what made those memorable moments so lively is truly a combination of the people, the food, the toys, and did I mention the toys.  I have already recalled the Christmas of 1963 when I received the Sears Typewriter from Santa.  But  I remember the Christmas of 1964 in a very different way.  It was the first Christmas after my grandmother, Mama Lowe, passed away.  I think my parents were trying to keep us busy and provide plenty of activity for the family.  It was also the year that my sister graduated from High School. She was attending the T Duff School of Cosmetology, so was not at home all the time. Big brother, Joe was fully involved at Tennessee Tech, and working at the radio station, WPTN in Cookeville.  Wayne was a  Sophomore at Jo Byrns High School, and had a busy fall playing football, and working at the feed mill.  Denny was finishing his last year at Cedar Hill Elementary School, he spent a lot of time riding his ponies, and working at the feed mill.  Wayne and Denny would hook up Mr. Hawkins buggy , so we could ride the buggy with the ponies.  They had ridden in the Robertson County Fair Parade that September with the buggy, and enjoyed the experience.  We certainly enjoyed watching the parade that year.

I was just an aggravating little brother, and I’m sure there were times when they preferred I would be quietly playing somewhere. I didn’t have a bicycle yet, and I was a speed racer on my well-worn tricycle.  We had a concrete floor in our garage, and I could turn a mean speed on the tight circles. My sister’s graduation had brought several family members in for the events.  Mama Lowe had worked with Beverly to make a beautiful blue dress with a moire rose pattern.  I believe the dress was made for Senior Night, and my sister was beautifully dressed and looked the part of a proud graduating Senior.  In order to accommodate the families of the Seniors, they had made little badges with red ribbon streamers for the reserved family seats for graduation.  I remember Beverly pinning that little badge on Mama Lowe.  That was a special night.

My grandmother left a few days after graduation to head out to Oklahoma City to visit Aunt Martha and family  That was the last time we would send her off on a train.   She died that June and her body was sent back on the train to Bowling Green.  I was riding my tricycle in the garage, when the phone rang – it was a long distance call from Aunt Martha.  We were all stunned by the news.  All the joy of graduation, turned to grief, and as I look back some 60 years – I can see how hard the loss of Mama Lowe was on my sister. 

I’m sure it was hard on all of us, but my parents had to deal with the estate including a sale of the property and contents in Bowling Green. My Aunt Ione gave me the listing of the buyers from the sale that was included in the Estate Papers that Uncle Ralph had kept, and she knew that I would appreciate those details.  Before the sale, each of the grandchildren was allowed to choose an item from Mama Lowe’s corner cupboard.  I chose her Lenox Peacock sculpture. I had always admired it, and she would get it down, and let me examine it more closely.  I won’t go into the details of what everyone chose, but I remember those choices very clearly.

The holidays came on us very  quickly that year.  My parents, and Uncle Ralph and Aunt Ione decided we would have Christmas Dinner in Bowling Green that year at Ralph and Ione’s house.  We would have the 1965 Dinner at our house in Cedar Hill…We had gathered for Christmas Eve normally in Cedar Hill, but we had extra company.  My Uncle Junior ‘Ernie’, Aunt Novice and Dianna, along with Uncle Kenny, Aunt Martha and Jimmy were saying with us. I remember visiting with Santa earlier that December at Gamble’s Hardware in Springfield.   I told him I wanted a little Santa, and maybe a G.I. Joe or a Secret Agent action figure.  I had been excited about my Christmas shopping that year.  I mentioned the great gifts I purchased at Gregg’s 5 & 10  in an earlier article.

Bev with all those stuffed toys, and Wayne with a paint set

My sister received several stuffed animals and a doll.  In retrospect, she was missing Mama Lowe, and was not her usual cheerful self.  I didn’t understand the same feeling of loss, as a young adult was experiencing.  My big brother, Joe, unwrapped his tie-tac and shared that classic smile and thanks.

It is much easier for me to understand how the evening was different that year. I can’t imagine how my Dad was dealing with the loss of his Mother, and trying to carry on for his family.  We opened our gifts for Christmas Eve, and headed to bed to await Santa, and Christmas Day.

I didn’t  pop up quite as early since we had extra folks in the household.   But the movement began about 6 am.  We shuffled around quietly since our bed rolls were all around the room.  I found my stocking filled with oranges, apples, bananas, and some great chocolate drops.   Standing near the stocking at attention was a little Santa and a G.I. Joe in full camouflage. Santa came through again.  My Dad received a new recliner chair from Santa, and he was testing in out while were sorting through all our new treasures.

It wasn’t long until I heard Dad say – it’s time to get ready – we’re heading to Bowling Green in an hour.  So the crowd of people began to make time in the one bathroom house – to prepare for that annual trip to Kentucky on Christmas Day.   This time we were headed to Ralph and Ione’s house which was on Sherwood Lane out past Fairview Cemetery.   We passed our Aunt Ruth’s house – widow of Uncle Getty (the police officer).  Our Great-Grandmother Ida Lowe lived with Aunt Ruth.  As we drove into the Lowe household, cousins, Don & Linda greeted us. As we entered the house, the smells of Aunt Ione superb dinner greeted each of us.  There was lots of Merry Christmas- Hugs – and laughter.   In a few minute, Aunt Ruth and Great-Grandmother Ida arrived.  That was a special Christmas Day.

My Great-Grandmother Ida was on the right in this picture. Her twin sister, Ada, is on the left. They both married Lowe men. 

There were more gifts, hugs, and special thoughts shared that day.  Family is often what makes the special times together so wonderful, but occasionally the losses make those special times a little more difficult.  I have learned from experience that talking about our losses and sharing special stories help us all feel more complete.

(Next Edition: Preparing for the New Year)

Dinner at Mama Lowe's in Bowling Green

 J. Mark Lowe

Bell & Howell 8mm Film Camera, Case, & Bright Lights

I’ve been watching the movies my parents made with a Bell & Howell 8mm film movie camera.  The film had to be loaded in a dark or dim place, and when completed, it needed to be removed in the same type of dark place.  That’s why some sections of the film are very washed out or impossible to view.  Once there was film made, it had to be sent off for developing, which seemed to take about two weeks.  Once the film returned, we would gather in our living room at night. Dad would setup the screen, the projector, and load the film.  There would be a couple of seconds of clicking as the projector caught the film and loaded it into the lighted path for viewing.  Once it got started on the roll, Dad would click the sprocket will and the sound was smoother.  There was no sound, so we often made comments throughout the film.  We often begged Dad as the film was ending to let it run backward.  Many times he humored us, and would let the entire film run backwards.  We were seeing it again, but this time people walked backwards or the tractor rolled in reverse. This was an easy comical event for about 3-5 minutes of recorded motion. 

Watching these old Christmas film has provided much information to my old memory.  Since we were talking about Christmas Dinner, my Dad was not one to film the enormous tables at my Grandmother’s house when he first purchased the camera.  So I had to resort to an earlier still picture of one of her tables. It was not uncommon to have several generations of family at Mama Lowe’s house.  In this picture there are Aunts, Great Aunts, Cousins, and Mama Lowe in the center. She had enormous tables in her dining room, but a small kitchen.  She actually had a Nesco oven on her back porch where she could bake and roast, including her outstanding pecan pie. 

Brother Wayne, Aunt Martha, Cuz Don, Sister Beverly

The family always enjoyed sitting around the table and catching up on the best stories.  My Dad’s family was known for their great stories and unbelievable adventures. So, Christmas Dinner would include the latest escapades or supposed antics.  My Uncle Ralph was a wonderful storyteller, and would begin to tell some stories about my Dad.  He always referred to Cedar Hill, Tennessee as Dodge City (i.e.. Gunsmoke) and my Dad as Marshall Dillon. So, he would ask about the latest showdowns in the street or how Miss Kitty was doing.  Then my Uncle Junior ‘Ernie’ would add in, and we would all laugh at the crazy stories of these two.  My Dad would add a few comments from time-to-time, but he would save his best stories for the ride home, where he would be uninterrupted.

Remember that we often exchanged names  (or drew names) for presents.  In 2021, I just found two little pieces of folded paper in an old box of my Mom’s. They are the names they drew for Christmas in 1964. That was the first Christmas after our grandmother, Mama Lowe passed. We gathered at the home of Aunt Ione & Uncle Ralph in Bowling Green KY. Apparently Mom & Dad drew Ralph & Ione for gifts that Christmas. We gathered the next year (1965) at my parents’ house in Cedar Hill, TN. (that my Uncle Ralph referred to as Dodge City, i.e. Gunsmoke). Now, I must go find the 8mm home movie to see what my folks gave them.

Our family gatherings were always full of laughter and silliness. The smaller kids would gather in the floor of her living room to play some games, while the adults lingered over the great food and extreme stories.  Some years, we also celebrated the birthday of Uncle Junior ‘Ernie’, which was the 28th of December.  When we also celebrated the birthday separately, the honoree would open his birthday presents before the Christmas presents were distributed. 

Uncle Junior ‘Ernie’ was  known for hiding money (dollar bills or larger) inside our Christmas presents, so often he would get a gift that made no sense, but there would be a little green corner sticking out on the side – Aha!!  We would all laugh as he discovered the money and showed each gift with a thank you.   

My Dad, J.W. and Uncle Kenny (married to Martha)

My grandmother, Mama Lowe, was a central figure in my early Christmases.  She would often come down to visit us in Cedar Hill, usually riding the train from Bowling Green to Guthrie, KY, where we would pick her up at the Depot.  We, children, often visited her in the Summer, also riding the train from Guthrie to Bowling Green.  Those were amazing adventures that I will talk about in later editions..  I only knew Mama Lowe as a youngster knows his grandmother.  She passed away when I was seven years old, and although we had many experiences together, most of my knowledge comes from the stories and events remembered. 

She would purchase fun and unique toys for us every year. She made many garments for us over the years, because she was a Master Seamstress.  She worked at the National Stores – a department store in downtown Bowling Green.  We often visited the Store when we there in the Summer, or if we stopped by when the family had driven up for another reason. My grandfather had died in 1948, and she had worked hard throughout the War years, managing lunch counters at railroad depots in Corbin KY and Evansville IN, along with being at Bowling Green part of the time.  Papa Lowe worked for Union News which operated the Depots for the L&N railroad.  

My Mom, who was the daughter-in-law, told me so many stories about the family. She often described ME as being..just like Papa Lowe… I’m still not sure of exactly how I am like this man.  She told me about Dad’s brother, Austin, who died from a brain tumor. It was my Uncle Austin, who studied and talked with my Mom about becoming a Christian.  She said he constantly reassured her about J.W. (my Dad) being safe in the South Pacific and coming home.  Austin died on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, 1950.  Often the Christmas discussions over the years would include stories of Austin and Mary Ida.  Mary Ida was the youngest child who died as a 7-year-old with an undiagnosed ailment. 

Papa Lowe & Mama Lowe with brother, Joe and sister, Bev

My grandmother was a positive woman, who could appear stern when necessary.  Visiting in her house was always joyous.  She would talk with me about things she had collected or had been given that I noticed.  Every gift that she opened included a large laugh, a big smile, and a most gracious thank you.   At some point, the gifts took a back seat, and the fellowship and love of this large family was overwhelming and heart filling.

Mama Lowe and her sister, Aunt Esta Tabor - 
note the Lowe's Feed Mill almanac calendar
on the wall - Also a Cardui. 

There were lots of robes, dress shirts, ties, tie clips, hair bonnets, underwear, and other practical items gifted over the years.  

Bu the end of the afternoon, we were all exhausted, but if we had time, we would load up the car, and head over to our Granny Parker’s house.  We typically came up another day for a Parker Family Christmas, but we tried to make a quick visit when there was time.  Then, it was back to Tennessee.  I’m sure that I was conked out and provided only quiet moments for my parents – I was actually saving my energy to play with all my new presents when we got home. 

(Next Edition – Memories of Christmas Toys and More Fun)

Over the River and Through the Woods - to Kentucky and Grandmother's House (She was really Mama Lowe)

 

It seemed like as soon as Santa had arrived, we were on the road to Bowling Green Kentucky.  You’ve heard the song – “Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmother’s House we go.” As we left our  house in Cedar Hill, we headed onto Buzzard Creek Road towards Keysburg, Kentucky. At this time, they had only begun to build stretches of Interstate 65, and it would be a few years before those existed between Bowling Green and Robertson County.   So we would travel over these roads where so many friends and neighbors lived.  Sometimes, we would drive towards Springfield, and head over the Hwy 431 N  taking us through Adairville and on to Russellville.

But today we headed over to Russellville from Keysburg, and drove by the Russellville High School football field, where the concrete heads of famous football players graced the front wall of the stadium.

Once he turned on the road towards Bowling Green, we would venture through Auburn, which had a great 5 & 10 cent store (closed on Christmas), and we would drive by the Shaker Village buildings of South Union.  We knew we were getting close to Warren County, the county where most of our relatives lived.   After we crossed the county line, we would pass the Rockfield school on the right.  Dad would remind us that he attended that school in the first grade.

As we approached Bowling Green, Dad usually turned on Dishman Lane to get over to 31W – called Louisville-Nashville road.  When we turned on Dishman Lane, there would be a discussion about the table that Mom and Dad purchased from his Uncle Joe Lowe, who had a used furniture store on that road.   That table was the first piece of furniture that our parents purchased after they married.  I still have that table.     We knew that Dishman Lane led us to toward Lost River Cave which advertised itself as one of Jesse James Hideouts.   There would be some discussion about the cave and that there were parties held in the cave during our parents’ younger days.

There was the bowling alley where Uncle Ralph bowled.  We often watched Channel 13 (WBKO-TV earlier WLTV) from Bowling Green on Saturdays from our house in Cedar Hill.  Uncle Ralph sponsored one of the Saturday Evening Shows, and he would often appear doing a live commercial or a general discussion with the host.  There was a time when a bowling tournament was featured on the channel, and we watched diligently. My Uncles were always very good bowlers.  

We continued up the road to Potter’s Orphans Home , now known as Potter Children’s Home and Family Ministries.   We knew the story about how when our very distant cousin Eldon Potter, died as a young man, his parent established Potter Bible College in his honor.  The college found success under the administrative leadership of James A. Harding, president of the Nashville Bible School. His retirement 11 years later would leave the school with challenges that would eventually close its doors. Unwilling to abandon their good work in credit to God and their son’s memory, in 1914, the Potters and the trustees would later establish the Potter Orphan Home and School on the same grounds. 

Since we had turned from Russellville Road on Dishman Lane to Hwy 31W, we did not pass our Dad’s Uncle Ben, a policeman, that lived a little further out towards Franklin.  My Dad still mentioned Uncle Ben and his wife, Rebecca Miller, who was from Cross  Plains.  If we don’t remember these facts, it is not because our Dad didn’t repeat them, everytime we passed a landmark.

As we approached the campus of Western Kentucky University, Dad would mention that he graduated from College High School, which was on that same campus. He and Mom would talk about the people who lived in houses along these streets.  We almost always drove by the City Fire Hall, where Uncle Lewis Tabor worked.  He was married to Dad’s Aunt Esta.

It wasn’t long until we passed the Big Baptist Church and turned to head up the hill towards our Grandmother’s house.  She lived in a house on a big hill that was near the Hospital at the top of the hill. This house was on 11^th, and we were ready to unload after that exciting ride from the South.

Sister Beverly, Cousin Linda, Aunt Ione, and Aunt Martha

It was the tradition with the Lowe Family that we drew names for a gift.  We didn’t always tell who we drew, but it didn’t take long to figure out what was going on. There was always a lot of food, but we will talk about that later.   My Dad’s family were always being funny. When someone opened a gift of clothing like a robe or even underwear, it was likely they would hold them up as though they were modeling, always smiling and nodding to the crowd.

Mama Lowe - Eunice Martin Lowe

Going to my grandmother’s house always meant getting to drink an RC cola (Royal Crown).  There were always RC colas in the refrigerator at Mama Lowe’s house.

(Next edition – We will pick up with the food and gifting celebration)