Sam and Edna Perrins My Grandparents

Sam Perrins and Edna Clair Phippen
18 July 1900 Albion, Cassia, Idaho 

     This beautiful wedding picture of two beautiful people are my grandparents; parents of my Mother.  Samuel Perrins b 27 Feb 1876 in Plain, Luzern, Pennsylvania.  He lived to be eighty nine years old when he died at my family’s home in Pocatello, Idaho on 7 Jan 1966.  I had been married four years and Grandfather was a big part of my life. 

     Sam married Grandmother on 18 July 1900 in Albion, Idaho.  Edna Clair Pippen was born in Cedar Fort, Utah on 23 May 1878.  She moved with her family to Albion, Idaho in 1880 when she was two years old. Grandfather moved with his family to Albion in 1881; he was six.

       Sadly, I didn’t know Grandmother Perrins as well as Grandfather.  She died at age seventy on 18 February 1949; I was six my brother Gary was thirteen.    There is a story to be told about the circumstances surrounding her impending death and the people in the town of Albion which I will blog about at a later date.   

     Today I feel the nudge to blog about a couple of the many memories of my older brother Gary and a cousin Kent.   Gary and Kent were born in the same year; 1936 and had similar recollections that were written down and sent to me several years ago. 

Grandma Perrins and Grandpa
abt. 1947

     I would guess this picture was taken about 1947; a familiar picture to all of the grandchildren.  Cousin Kent says this for all of us.  "People, who do not have Grandparents in their life, miss a very essential part of family nurturing.  What you miss from your parents, you get paid double from your grandparents.  Nothing seem more comforting than a hug and a kiss on the cheek or forehead from Grandma, or the tolerance and encouragement one gets from a Granddad."

     Both Gary and Kent thought of Grandpa and Grandma as "people you did not want to mess with.  I [Kent] recalls Grandpa Perrins as a broad shouldered very muscular person with big heave forearms.  Even when he was in his seventies I [Kent] could not beat him arm wrestling.  Grandma Perrins was tall with a no nonsense stern look, that could put you in your place with just a wag of the finger.  I guess you had to learn that trait raising eight children and having lots of grandchildren."

Yet, their compassion, understanding and loving care was always there.  I think that depth of love has been passed onto other generations.  We have all been blessed with their presence in our lives. 

Grandma Perrins and the Roller Derby

"Their was the time a bunch of us kids were roller skating down the sidewalk 'hill' by the south gate to the Normal. [Albion State Normal School]  It had a curve at the bottom of the hill, which was near the opposite of the house.  Remembering those old skates that latched to your shoes seems so archaic when compared to the roller blades to today.  Still, I bet we had just as much fun. 

      One could pick up a lot of speed on that hill and the big challenge was to see how fast you could go and still make the turn at the bottom of the hill and stay on the sidewalk.  If you didn't it meant some bruised knees and maybe some tears.   But, no matter how many times we failed, we would struggle back up the hill with our skates still on; if they did not come off.  I [Kent] think Grandma Perrins, made herself the self appointed guardian of the turn.  Her job was to help us around the curve or to be there to catch us before we fell.  I can still see her running around the turn as we approached it and guiding us around with arms held out, making sure she would catch us if we fell.  I think she prevented a lot of bruised knees and tears that go with it that day." 

"She was a very gallant lady and I think she was having as much fun as us kids." 

Fred driving the 'Candy' Truck.

     One more post on the Kidgell's and I won't promise this will be the last.  I just couldn't resist posting this picture.
     Fred is at the wheel ready to deliver candy.  The W. F. Jensen Candy business was very poplar through out the state of Utah and adjoining states.  In fact some special makes of candy found there way as far east as New York.
 
   I don't know if this is the candy truck Fred was driving when he left the road to avoid what could have been a very serious accident.
     F.C. Kidgell 

He worked fifteen years for the candy company when he quit in 1930.
     This is the letter written in his behalf.

November 20th , 1930

To Whom it may concern. 

This is to certify that the bearer, Mr. Fred C. Kidgell has been in our employ for the past 15 years as Salesman.  Owing to recent changes made in our policy of doing business, Mr. Kidgell felt inclined to leave our employ.  We are loud in our praise for his honesty and dependability.  Mr. Kidgell s f excellent character, a good salesman and an efficient collector.  The accounts he was handling for us was always in fine condition.  We regret that is is not possible for him to remain in our service.  He leaves us with our best wishes for his future success.  It is a pleasure to recommend him to any one who may be in need of his service

W.F. Jensen Candy Co. 

By. (Signed) W. F. Jensen    

     Very impressive letter of recommendation. It makes one wonder what the 'changes' were that made Fred decide to leave.   Unfortunately, Fred was unable to find steady work because of his age.  He worked the last nine years of his life doing various jobs, keeping busy around the house helping whoever he could.    My father was a lot like his uncle Fred.  After Dad retired he worked at various jobs, always kept busy for as long as his body would allow him.   

Lily Jane Bullock Kidgell; Widow

     Five days into the new year; it's time to finish up the stories of the Kidgell's and on to the Hepworth line.  Blogging about these Ancestors is so rewarding.  I have learned to love these people, their strengths and their weakness's.  I learn about my self, who I am and why I am.  

 As you see I have many pictures of the lovely Lily Jane Bullock Kidgell.

Before I  report on her last years on earth after her beloved husband died 

Lily Jane b 5 December 1875 - d 22 June 1962

  there is one more story that happened in her youth that I really like.  

This is from Lily's life history written by her daughter, Melba K. Gedge.  

 When Lily was in the third grade she had a "teacher who would continually ask each student what food they had in their lunch pail.  This was in a time when the majority of the students came from homes where the pioneer families were struggling to just exist.  The students would have to tell about having one of the following: bread, a cold potato, sauerkraut, a carrot or some other food.  What it amounted to was total embarrassment for the less affluent students. Lily Jane felt empathy for her fellow-class-mates who had to admit they didn't have much of anything in their lunch pail.  After several days of this questioning she decided it was time to put an end to the interrogations.  When it came her turn to tell what she had in her pail she proudly announced, 'My main dish is roasted monkey stuffed with straw and for dessert I have lemon pie topped with lamb's wool meringue.'  An audible gasp was heard after she gave her spirited reply.  A stare-down resulted between Lily Jane and the mettlesome teacher.  She always proudly admitted that that was the last time the teacher asked the students what they had in their lunch pails. 

Lily Jane was a widow for twenty three years. 

 Fred died in 1939 and "she took care of herself until 25th May 1959 when a great misfortune in her live occurred.  She went blind very suddenly.  Lily Jane had Macular Degeneration.  The things she had enjoyed doing to fill those lonesome hours had been taken away from her.  She missed the beauties of nature, the flowers, trees, and shrubs which she had raised and loved so much.  Se missed being able to make beautiful things such as pillows, rugs, quilts and afghans.  She used to often say, 'Oh! If I could only see, I could do so many things.'"

"After being blind she spent much of her time rehearsing the long story poems she had learned as a girl.  There were many people made happy hearing her say them over again."

"The last three years of her life was spent in the homes of her two daughters, Lily and Melba.  It used to make her feel bad thinking of the burden she was to every body.  She was happy because she could feed her self and take her turn when asked to return thanks on the food.  This is something her children, grand-children and great-grand-children will always remember.  When she attended church she would join in the songs she knew."

22 June 1962  Deseret News

Riverton -- Lily Jane Kidgell, 86, Riverton, died Friday at 5:40 a.m. in a Salt Lake rest home of causes incident to age. 

Born Dec. 5, 1875 at Providence, Cache County, a daughter of James and Margaret Bailey Bullock.  Married Fred C. Kidgell, Nov 14, 1894, in the Salt Lake Temple Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Life long activities in the Relief Society and Primary.  .......................

Burial; Providence Cemetery. [Logan, Utah]

Happy New Year from the PETERSEN family.

     It's been a long time since we have had a 'baby' at the Petersen Family gathering on Christmas Eve. What a blessing to have our first Great-grandchild; he was born in February so that makes him ten months old, born to our oldest Granddaughter Cassidy and Grandson-in-law Nick.  
      He does the army crawl and walks when he feels like it.  I just could not resist posting about the new Twig on the Branch of our Family Tree.
     The captions were written by his Grandmother.

Before opening presents.......

New Sled.

Strapped into new Sled - Thanks Ggrandpa and Ggrandma Petersen.

Still new Sled.

"Pooh Bear...out of my new sled."

"OOOOH"

"Why is my sled not moving?"

"I want my sled to go!"

"Please, for the love of Pete make this sled go"

"Thanks Dad, carpet is as good as snow for now."

"All this excitement is making me tired but, I love this small piece of paper."

"Dad, I will be able to palm that ball in about three days..just you watch me."

"That's IT!"

"After opening presents NOT so fun anymore."

"Grandmother Nicole says even when I scream I am cute."

"Where's my sled?!"

A couple of days later........"This is more like it!"

Earl-Adrian-Maddison-Christopher-Nick-Knox-Cassidy-Renee-Nicole

The Petersen Family has so much to be grateful for.....
 And We Wish Everyone!








Thank You for stopping by.......

Oh Christmas Tree! Happy Christmas Memory.

      To me the Christmas tree, more than any other Christmas tradition has become to represent the very essence of the season.   A few years ago, about 2009 I wrote about the following Christmas tree memory. 

Icicles of the past!  I still have the 'story book '
doll my mother is putting under the tree. abt 1950.

     Even selecting the family Christmas Tree is different than what I remember as a young  girl.  This year Earl and I selected the first tree we saw, fresh to the touch, just the height we wanted, beautifully proportioned and the price was right.  The salesperson took an electric saw and made a fresh cut of the trunk then it was put through a cylinder that covered it with plastic netting.  Tied to the top of the car for the ride home my thoughts were of Christmas many years ago while living in a small town of Jerome, Idaho.  
     My first visual image of the most beautiful Christmas Tree in the world was when I was about five years old.  It was from a Coca-Cola commercial before the movie started at our local Voris movie theater.  This was the same advertisement for Coca-Cola every year, not in color film but, in black and white.  I would sit watching with excitement seeing a jolly round Santa holding the Coke bottle but my attention was on the brilliant, bright, dazzling Christmas Tree in the background.  It was decorated with the big lights (The ones you see as decoration on the outside of the house today,) long sparkling tinsel that went around and around from the top to the base of the tall tree, breathtaking round ball ornaments and gleaming long heavy icicles on every twig.  It was a tree my mother tried to emulate in our small modest home. 
     When I would go with Mom and Dad to find the perfect tree it was exhausting.  We would go from tree lot to tree lot but the choices of finding the symmetrical was non-existent.  Dad would grow tired and Mother would be frustrated with the choices.  One year when I was about nine or ten years old Mother sent just the two of us to buy the tree.  "Vern, you know what to look for, so take Renee, I'm busy getting the baking done."  Dad and I thought we did a pretty good job picking out our tree but, when Mother came outside to make the final approval of the tree, she was disappointed and burst into tears, "that's the best you can do?"  Dad calmly replied, "You know Verona, I will fix it to look better."  With that said, Dad would go to his tool chest and get his hand saw and hand drill.  He would saw branches off the bottom the the tree then drill a hole in the trunk of the tree where it visibly needed another branch.  He would would then carefully fit the sawed off branch into the hole.  He would do this in several spots, wherever Mother thought it needed an added branch.  Then Dad would put the tree on a box that had been wrapped in Christmas paper.  That made it easier to put the presents underneath the tree.  Dad would put on the big herky jeweled colored lights then the sparkling tinsel, next the breathtaking round ball ornaments, then Mother would spend what seemed to me hours putting on the gleaming long heavy icicles, many strands to a branch very straight and organized.  To me it was beautiful.  This is still my memory of the most beautiful tree, as a child waiting for Christmas Day. 

Taken at Aunt Louise and Grandmother's home.
About 1950

     This picture is of all the family I ever knew on my father's side.  Cousin Ardyth, Aunt Louise, cousin Lee, Grandmother Ethel Hepworth Tomlinson and my self. Only Ardyth and myself are still living today. 

     This is the year (abt 1951) I got a new Schwinn bike!
Dad was principal of Jerome Jr. High and earned a very, very modest salary.  During holiday seasons, Christmas and Easter on Saturday's and school vacation he worked in the men's clothing department called Tingwalls Department Store in Jerome.   This was extra cash for Christmas and always a new Easter outfit.  I can't think of anything I asked for that I didn't get at Christmas time.  I hope I expressed my gratitude for all they did for me.  
      Today, I have added another favorite tree symbol;  The Family Tree!
Merry Christmas to All!  

Great Grandmother enjoys swimming at Saltair.

Stella Lily?  Sadie  Lily Jane
Saltair, Utah

    It's a cold day today where I live to be thinking about swimming in the Great Salt Lake (aka Saltair) where these bathing beauties had their picture taken.       My father put together a family album years ago that I have looked at a hundred times and it wasn't until last week that I spotted this picture and finally realized who is in this picture. Dad had two of the women labeled right; He put 'unknown' for the lady on the left, in the middle is Great grandmother Sarah (Sadie) Kidgell Hepworth and on the right is Lily Jane Kidgell a sister-in-Law to Sadie.  I'm wondering if the 'Unknown' is a daughter of Lily Jane either Stella Lily or Melba and I'm leaning more toward Stella Lily.  I found this photo on Ancestry.com of Stella lily, even though the 'Salt Air' pic is not very clear I can see a resemblance in comparing this pic with the one below.  Wouldn't you agree?

Stella Lily Kidgell
b1895-1974

You will notice the bathing hat on Stella is more updated than the two more 'old fashion' style of bathing cap on Sadie and Lily Jane.

     Pictures of people bobbing around in the Great Salt Lake always looking like they were having a great time have always been an interest to me yet, I have never been there. Here are two links to learn more about the resort of Saltair that opened on Memorial Day 

1893.  http://historytogo.utah.gov/utah_chapters/statehood_and_the_progressive_era/saltair.html  or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saltair,_Utah

Verona would be Ninety Seven today.

   

     Today is Mother's birthday; 5 Dec 1914. She would be ninety seven. 

     While living in Jerome, Idaho Mother sang in a trio. That was how they were known, The Trio with Beverly Woolley singing alto, Opel Webster second soprano and Mother sang soprano. Mother didn't read music so Bev would play her part on the piano until she would have her part memorized. They enjoyed practicing and singing together so much that they became very good friends. They sang for everything in the Magic Valley, school events, church activities, weddings, funerals, granges etc. 

     Bev and Opal were farmers’ wives but, Mother lived in town; Dad was Principal of the Jerome Jr. High School. The three of them seemed more like sisters than just friends. The husbands often would go with them to many of their performances and they became good friends too. The six of them enjoyed going to shows and dances, or just visiting. The Woolley's and Webster's had children my age and our families would get together for picnic's, we celebrated birthday's together and always the Fourth of July. I have wonderful memories of fun times with the Woolley's and Webster's. It was a sad time when we moved from Jerome to Pocatello in 1954. 

     They sang popular songs of the time or would make up words to popular music that would fit whatever occasion, like a tribute to someone. 
     Christmas time brings a memory to me of when The Trio recorded a record at the KEEP Radio Station; Fred Waring's arrangement of 'Twas the night Before Christmas' with Keith Johansen as the soloist.  In about 1978 Dad took the scratchy old 78' vinyl record and recorded it on a cassette tape. I just played it, you can still hear their voices through the scratches. Oh my, if that doesn't take me back to a happy warm place of almost sixty years ago. I wonder with the new technology today if the cassette can be made like new again? 
     My very favorite Christmas Song that Bev, Opal and Verona sang was 'Winter Wonderland.'     

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER!