Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?
The item I am most attached to from my youth is a stuffed monkey. Yes, I said a stuffed monkey. It is not just any ordinary stuffed monkey. It is a vintage red and white Mr. Bim The Monkey rubber face plush toy. I’ve had him since I was about five years old, (I really do still have him.)
The Mr. Bim The Monkey was a plush toy made to resemble a real chimpanzee from the 1947 children’s show Howdy Doody. (As a sign note, I still have a 45rpm with the Howdy Doody song.) In the 1950’s the Rushton Toys Co. produced a chimpanzee plush named Zippy Zip, which became popular with children. Mr. Bim Monkey stands roughly 18 inches tall. The majority of the 1960’s Mr. Bim the Monkey plush toys were black and yellow with red suspenders with a yellow banana in its right hand. The red suspenders had bells attached on them.
Above shows Coleman holding my Red and White Mr. Bim The Monkey. He is over fifty (50) years old. His suspenders have broken due to lots of love and play. His bells have long since vanished and he is a little dirty from lack of cleaning. However, he’s been a faithful companion throughout the years.
National Park Service Doughton Park Visitor Center
In front of the Doughton Park Visitor Center are welcoming chairs and a table to rest a bit and enjoy the view or perhaps to wait for the Park store to open if you are camping in one of their many campsites.
Doughton Park is located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 238.5 – 241. Besides the beautiful scenery surrounding this Park one may choose to explore The Brinegar Cabin, observe craft demonstrations, and talk a gander down one of several diverse hiking trails.
This area has one of the Parkway’s largest campgrounds, a popular picnic area, and more than thirty (30) miles of hiking trails where one may access forested slopes, streams, and backcountry in Basin Cove.
Doughton Park Legend
Originally called The Bluffs, 6,000 acre Doughton Park was created in the 1930s when the Blue Ridge Parkway was routed through this part of North Carolina. It was one of the first parts of the Parkway to be completed and remains its largest recreation area. In the 1950s, it was renamed for Robert Lee Doughton (1863-1954), a local landowner and politician, who was instrumental in getting the Parkway built. Mr. Doughton lived in the nearby Laurel Springs, North Carolina. [Note: the Laurel Springs area is also the area where my maternal grandfather grew up.]
The northern and western borders of Doughton Park are formed by the Parkway itself, which here follows the crest of the mountains, traveling at more than 3,000 feet above sea level through rolling highland meadow. The other borders of the Park are traced by steeply descending mountain ridges: Flat Rock Ridge along the southern side of the Park and Cedar Ridge along the eastern side. Within these borders is the rugged and remote watershed of two mountain streams, Basin Creek and Cove Creek. Together, the double valley – or double gorge – is known as Basin Cove.
In October of 2017 my eldest son and I took a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway meandering the scenic route enjoying the beautiful Autumn colours. I allowed him to drive as he had never previously driven the Parkway. We stopped at several mileposts along the way observing the beautiful landscape. At various mileposts including Milepost 238.5 – 241, we stopped, stretched our legs, and proceeded to hike along several of the many trails found along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I do not recall which trail we hiked at Doughton Park, however, I do know we visited The Brinegar Cabin. I encourage y’all if you are ever in the Western Part of the Carolinas to take a scenic drive along The Blue Ridge Parkway.
Burial Place for Asa and Irene (Watson) Watson [Not an error… Watson married Watson.]Gragg Cemetery Sands, Watauga County, North Carolina
The Gragg Cemetery is one of several burial sites for my maternal paternal (my mother’s father’s) ancestors. Asa and Irene Watson are my second great aunt and uncle on my mother father’s side of the family. I have not been to visit the cemetery since before the shut down in 2020. This photo was taken when I visited the Watauga County, North Carolina area back in March of 2012. I have been limited recently in my transportation resources, but I hope to visit the area soon (probably not until spring … I do not want to drive in snowy conditions.)
1. Do you use an air freshener in your home? If so, do you prefer a solid gel, spray, timed release, potpourri or something else?
I use air fresheners in my home in the form of sprays and plug-ins. I prefer the apple cinnamon scents; however, I do occasionally use other scents just no flowery scents due to allergies.
2. When good weather permits, do you open your windows to let in the fresh air?
When the weather permits, usually in the spring, summer, and early autumn I enjoy having the windows open to allow fresh air to fill the rooms.
3. With the extreme variants in weather these days, do you feel the cold in the Winter months?
The apartment we are living in does not have very good insulation or airtight doors and windows, therefore, we feel the extreme cold this winter. In other places we have lived we didn’t feel it so much in the home only when we went outdoors.
4. Which would you prefer…to curl up in front of a log fire or log burner, turn the heating up, or go to bed early with extra blankets.
I would love to curl up in front of t of a log fire 🔥 or log burner, but since I don’t live in a home that has a fireplace I contend with going to bed under a pile of thick warm quilts. I prefer to conserve energy thereby reducing heating costs, so therefore I do not turn the heat up on the thermostat.
Gratitude:
“Grumbling and gratitude are, for the child of God, in conflict. Be grateful and you won’t grumble. Grumble and you won’t be grateful.”
Harvey Martin, Doyce Eileen, and Myrtle Melvina Watson Coshocton, Ohio, USA
This is a portrait of my mom when she was about four (4) years old standing on the foot rail of a car between her mom and dad (my maternal grandparents) in front of their home on Water Street in Coshocton, Ohio.
Looking back in time to Sunday, February 23, 2020; I remember walking off the Enchantment of the Sea Caribbean cruise ship onto the docks of the Costa Maya Port and seeing an amazingly entertaining sight.
When I first saw the ritualistic performance, I didn’t realize exactly what I was watching, however, I later learned that I was observing four men dancing in the sky.
Would you SIT on top of an 80 foot pole?
These four dancers are tied by their feet with long ropes; they descend to the ground as the ropes unwind and fly around the pole. There is a fifth dancer who remains at the top of the pole, playing the flute and drum. This ceremony is not just for mere entertainment to display bravery and courage, but it actually has a much deeper, more valuable meaning.
The Papantla Flyers are also known as the Voladores de Papantla or Birds from Earth. The Dance of the Voladores or Papantla Flyers is a pre-Hispanic ritual that originated in Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico. The Papantla Flyers is the most famous of the Totonac dances. This ancient Mesoamerican ritual is used to ask the gods to end a drought and bring rain for crops during extended dry seasons. It is said that the brave men falling symbolizes the fall of raindrops from the sky in the search of earth’s fertility. The flute represents the singing of a bird, and the drum resembles the voice of the gods; similar (almost) to the sound of a thunderstorm. In the past, the ritual began by choosing and cutting the tree from which they would take the flying post.
As a tourist this traditional ritual of the Papantla Flyers was stunning yet seemed dangerous. To the locals, it is a normal common and ancient tradition. It was amazing to watch even though I doubt that I would ever climb that high on any pole. Rest assured that these men who perform the important ceremony have been trained since childhood to perform this ritual. The tourists, like me, in actuality only see the final part of the ceremony.
With all our cold and rainy days of late, I am reflecting on a warmer Sunny Sunday when I relished the beauty of God’s handiwork in nature. I have fond memories recalling the beautiful reflections and the enjoyment I had observing the lovely Canada Geese.
Lake at Andrew Jackson State Park
Black Geese AKA Branta canadensis, the Canada Goose
The Year is 1956, a leap year of the Gregorian Calendar. It was a time for Rock and Roll and Elvis Presley’s hit song “Heartbreak Hotel.”
Besides Elvis and Rick and Roll, 1956 was a year for nine pop culture inventions. These inventions included:
Certs — Breath mint or candy?
Dove Bar — chocolate Dove candies introduced on the south side of Chicago
Elvis Presley — Heartbreak Hotel debuted in January for RCA and in September he made history on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Play-Doh — modeling clay introduced by a soap manufacturer in Cincinnati. [What I didn’t know is that it was originally meant to be a wallpaper cleaner.]
The Price is Right — Hosted by Bill Cullen ran in both daytime and prime time television.
Robby the Robot — a sci-fi bot built by Robert Kinoshita. He later crafted the Robot for Lost in Space.
The Shopping Mall — The Southdale Shopping Center in Edina, Minnesota opened its doors beginning with the 1956 holiday season. It was the world’s first enclosed climate-controlled shopping mall.
Ski Soda — A citrus soda created by the Double Cola Company of Tennessee five years prior to Sprite.
Yahtzee — First marketed as Yahtzee in 1956 by Edwin S. Lowe. Fifty millions copies of the game are sold each year.
The Cost of Living was vastly different than it is today. The cost of everything was lower, however, the wages were also much lower than today’s standards. Was it easier and less stressful in 1956? Maybe, maybe not. When incomes go up so does the cost of living, therefore the same struggles continue. Here’s a look at the 1956 Cost of Living percentages:
Yearly Inflation Rate — USA 1.52%
Yearly Inflation Rate — UK 4.7%
Average Cost of a new house — $11,700.00
Average wages per year — $4,450.00
Minimum Hourly Rate — $1.00
AverageMonthly Rent — $88.00 per month
Average Cost of a new car — $2,050.00
Gallon of Gas— 22 cents
Ground Coffee per pound — 85 cents
On a more personal note, for the year 1956, my parents were living in Great Falls, South Carolina just up the road from my paternal grandparents. My dad was working for the Ford Dealership in town. Even though he owned a car, the town is small enough he could have walked to work. My mom was pregnant with me through the first five months of the year, choosing to give birth to me in the city of Chester, South Carolina. The town of Great Falls did not (and still doesn’t) have a hospital. My brother turned three a couple of weeks after I was born.
The town of Great Falls. South Carolina in 2020 had a population of 1,951 and the population was that much more in 1956. The town was originally known as Catawba Falls in the early 1900’s and was a great trade route. It was originally established to generate power from the nearby waterfalls. It was a booming mill town at one point and in 1956 my paternal grandfather was working in the #3 mill for the Republic Textile Company. Great Falls is located fourteen miles southwest of the city of Lancaster, South Carolina.
From 1956 through 1958, my family spent much of the time with my paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles. They would fish in the nearby Catawba River near the Great Falls Dam, picnic in the town park, and attend church meetings and other activities.
I have not seen any snow recently or in the past year, so I am going to let y’all see some of the WHITE which I have seen along the various trails that Coleman and I have hiked in 2023.
First up is a hike with the Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club where some of the hikers are wearing white. Everybody was not ready for the photo; I like to catch people unaware when I can. you may also notice the white in the Archers Loop sign and the white clouds in the sky. It was a beautiful, picturesque day.
Archers Loop Adventure Road Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
Next up is the white Riverwalk Bridge as seen from the Piedmont Medical Center Trail that we have hiked with the hiking club and on our own. Coleman loves to hike along the Catawba River whenever we get the opportunity.
Riverwalk Bridge over the Catawba River Riverwalk Trailhead Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA
Below is capturing a hike we were able to do with Coleman’s mom and sister. It is near one of the locations his mom works at sometimes. Here we are on the Baxter Village Trail, a part of the Carolina Thread Trail System.
Baxter Village Trail Carolina Thread Trail Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA Baxter Village Trail Carolina Thread Trail Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
This next trail is one Coleman and I hiked on our own. I parked at the Boulder Access Parking lot, and we found the entrance to the trail. We hiked approximately two and a half miles before we turned around and headed back to the car. The trail goes on for miles crossing from North Carolina into South Carolina. We were not prepared to go that distance on this hike.
Boulders Overlook Boulder Access Area Crowders Mountain State Park Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA
For another hike we stopped at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to hike and enjoy the many marvelous flowers grown there. This is the covered walkway leading into the gardens. Notice the vines growing around the white pillars and Coleman trying to balance on the brick edging along the walkway.
Coleman at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Belmont, North Carolina, USA
Lastly, I know you cannot see the trail, but I wanted to leave you with a beautiful white flower of Queen Anne’s Lace to enjoy.
Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucas carota) Lake Haigler Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for tagging along with us as we remembered our amazing hikes. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
2023 — A Year in Review — Second Chance/LastChance
Posting a Year in Review is something I have never done or dreamed of doing before. It is, however, a chance to reflect on the past year and reflect on the choices I’ve made. Why was one picture chosen previously, but not this particular one? Isn’t this picture worthy of being shared as well? I have decided to divide this challenge into two parts. Part One will be covering the first six months of 2023 giving a second/last chance to a select chosen photo from each month. In Part Two, I will dedicate to the last six months (including this one) of 2023 breathing life into previously passed over photos.
January 2023:
Honoring All Veterans Veterans Wall Glencairn Gardens Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA
February 2023:
Coleman Climbing the Bridge South Fork River Park 4185 Mountainview St Gastonia, North Carolina 28056
March 2023:
Coleman In Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Belmont, North Carolina, USA
April 2023:
Coleman The Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
May 2023:
Yellow Daylily Gaston County Warlick Family YMCA Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
June 2033:
A Greenway Horse Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. May your New Year be Blessed, Be Prosperous, and Full of Happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all.
No matter where you are or who you’re with, sometimes you just need to sit a spell and have a bit of a REST.
Taking a REST Cozumel, Mexico February 24, 2020 Apple iPhone 11 Pro MaxColeman Claiming a spot to Rest Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
1. Do you enjoy or get frustrated with the run up to the festive holidays?
The older I get the holiday festivities are not important. I do not do a lot of extensive shopping or engage in any festivities anymore. My family no longer congregates together for holidays. I wish it was different, but it’s not, so no point in getting frustrated over it.
2. Do you like family gatherings on a regular basis?
When I was growing up family gatherings happened often with extended family, however, that seemed to end after my maternal grandfather passed. Nowadays, each part of the family unit tends to do their own thing and are not interested in gathering for large family get togethers. I miss them, but I don’t stress over them.
3. What is your favourite family memory?
I’m not sure I have a favorite family memory. I treasure the memories I spent with my dad, sharing a common interest in stamp collecting and photography. We took a class through adult education on the local high school in photography where we learned how to develop 35mm film. The time we spent together was what was memorable.
4. Do you prefer to be a host or visitor for a special occasions?
I would have to select visitor. I have never had a suitable place to host a special occasion.
Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was my fourth cousin, but more importantly than that he was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, folk, and gospel music. He won the Grammy Awards seven times as well as earning the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Doc Watson was born in Deep Gap, North Carolina on March 3, 1923, and passed from this life into the next on May 29, 2012, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the age of 89. Doc was blind from infancy. He grew up on a farm and was encouraged at an early age, by his father, to learn to play the guitar, banjo, and harmonica. He often picked out tunes he heard on the radio or on old records. He introduced a flat-picking style which elevated the acoustic guitar from a rhythmically strummed background instrument to a leading role in bluegrass, country, folk, and rock music.
Doc’s Appalachian culture and roots enabled him to be presented to become the region’s unofficial ambassador to the world stage. He made appearances all across the country and recorded his first solo album in 1964. Je also recorded an album with his son, Merle in 1965. In 1973, Arthel “Doc” Watson received his first honorary doctorate. He continued to perform his musical talents until 2012, when he made his final appearance at MerleFest. MerleFest was started in 2009 in honor of Doc’s son Merle who passed on in 1985.
Doc Watson recorded over 40 albums; been awarded eight Grammys; held honorary doctorates from University of North Carolina Asheville and Berklee College of Music as well as Appalachian State University at the time of his death. He also received the North Carolina Award, the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award, a National Heritage Fellowship, and the National Medal of the Arts; been inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor; and was honored with a life-size statue on King Street in Boone, North Carolina.
The day Pearl Harbor, a U. S. Naval Base in Hawaii was attacked in a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. This attack devastated Pearl Harbor enormously. The United States lost 2,403 Americans, and 1,178 others were seriously wounded. This strike also produced significant naval and military asset losses some of which included battleships and aircraft. The attack on Pearl Harbor was the major factor that impelled the United States to enter World War II.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 7, 2023 (twitter.com)
President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared that this day would live in ‘infamy.’ This day also noted a significant shift in the global conflict and was a pivotal moment in the History of the United States of America.
Every year on December 7, Pearl Harbor Survivors, veterans, and visitors from all around the world unite together to honour and remember those 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
It was on August 23, 1994 that the United States Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Each year events are held in remembrance at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, concluding with a commemoration ceremony on December 7.
This year marks the 82nd Commemoration of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Events were held at the USS Utah, USS Oklahoma, USS Arizona (the Pearl Harbor National Memorial) as well as many other locations around the country.
Many here as well as myself were not alive yet when this attack took place, however its significance still impacts people tremendously.
As a personal note, a friend I knew in the church I grew up in was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. His name is Stuart Hedley. He was my church’s Sunday School Superintendent, an usher, a much loved father, friend, business man, and a much honoured U.S. Navy Veteran having served during World War II, Korean War, and a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and participated in many Veteran ceremonies including Pearl Harbor National Remembrance Day ceremonies. He amongst the many survivors and those who lost their lives that day will forever be remembered in infamy.
Stuart Hedley Pearl Harbor Survivor World War I Veteran
For more information on Stuart Hedley and is remembrance of Pearl Harbor click here.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.
Honda Goldwing North Carolina Transportation Museum Spencer, North Carolina, USA
This Honda Goldwing Coleman’s checking out is similar to one his maternal Pawpaw and I had back in the mid-1980’s shortly after we were married. His Pawpaw mostly road it to work, but we also rode it together when we could get his parents to watch our eldest son [he was four (Coleman’s age now) at the time]. We enjoyed riding it, however, we sold it when we moved from California to Arkansas. It’s too bad that Coleman won’t ever get the opportunity to go riding with his Pawpaw like his Uncles did so long ago.
Lancaster County, South Carolina does not get snow ❄️ and/or icy weather every winter. I remember when we came back here in 1999, my Uncle Eddie saying that hadn’t had snow ❄️ it almost fifteen years. Guess what? We had a good snowstorm that winter. Lancaster and Chester Counties in South Carolina usually only get snow if the snowstorm is approaching from the south. And it rarely happens before February, so it is an oddity when it occurs. My daughter, having been born in California, had rarely lived through a snowy winter. Where we lived in California we had to drive to the mountains to see and play in the snow. She enjoyed playing in the snow that first winter in the Carolinas.
For this week’s challenge I went off script a little using throwback photos of my mom depicting various types of transportation used way back when. Not quite sure the pathway that were used are clearly detectable or not. I might need to do an additional post that would be more accurately depict the trail, road, or paths used for traveling.
I chose these particular photos in remembrance of my mom. She would have been 92 on Wednesday. We were not close after I became an adult, but that didn’t mean I didn’t care or think about her. No matter what she was still my mom and I did love her.
Military tanks the way to travel … Care to hop aboard Maybe you’d prefer to travel … in a pony cart… Or climb on up and ride bareback Then again, you might prefer … to take a walk
Ultimate driving machines in the air and on the ground Present & Past.
American Airlines Aircraft (who says “an ultimate driving machine needs to be on the ground). 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Coupe 2014 Lenoir Car Show; Lenoir, North Carolina, USA2005 Pontiac GTO Lancaster, South Carolina, USA1974 Ford LTD Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas
Amish Buggy Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio, USA
WWII M8 Greyhound Military Vehicle San Diego, California, USA1950 Chevy Deluxe Coupe Taken in 1956 Great Falls, South Carolina, USA
How do you get on with your in-laws/partner’s family? Unfortunately, they are no longer around, and neither is my spouse. when were we first married, we got along well with one another but after we moved to a different state we drifted apart.
What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you?I am not sure what the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. While I was working, I was always told I was dependable. Since I’ve been retired no one says much at all except for What’s for supper? Even so, I think the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me was “I love you!”
What was your favourite ride/stall at a fun fair?It has been an extremely long time since I attended a fun fair. In fact, I do not think I have visited one since I was in my late teens. In the 1960’s my dad entered his model cars for display. He had some first-place ribbons for his model car displays. I do not ever remember going on any of the rides, only going through the exhibition halls looking over all the many various exhibits.
Would you like to be a child growing up in today’s world?No, I would not like to be a child growing up in today’s world. Growing up without technology, being free to roam the neighborhoods without fear of violence was a wonderful time period in my life. It was a life of enjoying the outdoors and not glued to a phone, a computer, or anything. Loved riding my bike of handmade skateboard outside (No helmet necessary back then).
My favorite time of year is Springtime. I love to watch everything come back to life; the flowers beginning to bloom, the leaves 🍃 appearing all green and glowing, the birds returning singing their beautiful songs, the bees 🐝 feasting on flowers everywhere (except I don’t like them on me, I’m allergic to them). Autumn isn’t bad with all the fall colors as the leaves are turning red, orange and yellow. The fall colors make for beautiful landscape begging to be photographed.
2. What is your happiest memory?
I have many happy memories; not sure which memory I would select to be my happiest memory. I have happy memories of family vacations, visiting my dad’s family in the Carolinas (We lived in San Diego and would travel by car every three to five years to visit them.) Fun times at church summer camps; spending time at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park (It is now called San Diego Zoo Safari Park). Giving birth to my children; the list could go on and on. How can I choose just one to be my happiest memory? I am sorry, I just cannot.
3. If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?
If I could change something about myself; what’s the point I know I could never change anything about myself. Not really, only the Lord Jesus Christ can change me from within. He has the power to make be a more compassionate, understanding, and loving person from within allowing His spirit to shine through me.
4. Are you a tidy person (ie. everything in its place), or do you prefer a bit of clutter?
I would not consider myself to prefer clutter, but then again everything isn’t spotless and super neat. I know where everything is, and everything is in its rightful place (at least according to me).
Gratitude:
This week let’s focus on the kindness skill of gratitude. I am grateful to be able to share kindness with you. I am grateful.
For this week’s challenge I dug into my archives to share some throwback photos of things one might choose to “Just Do It.”
Just Ride a Monorail 🚝 Throwback Photo – Mid 70’sJust Fly an Elephant Disneyland Mid 70’sJust Fly an Airplane Camp Snoopy Carowinds May 2018Just take a Drive Along the Blue Ridge Parkway October 2017
What is SCSPA? They are letters on a couple of my dad’s memorabilia from his high school days. You may wonder what they actually stand for as did I when I first saw them. Let me tell you, they stand for South Carolina Scholastic Press Association. I never knew my dad was apart of the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association. He never talked about his time growing up in South Carolina. The only part of South Carolina he shared was when he brought our family on vacation to visit his parents and his brother and sister. We visited Great Falls, South Carolina, where his parents lived, approximately every three to five years.
However, I am not discussing our vacations in this post. I am discussing the SCSPA and his small role in it.
OFFICIAL DELEGATE South Carolina Scholastic Press Association Nornal Waters Business Manager The Hi-Times Great Falls Eleventh Annual Convention April 10-11, 1947 Columbia, South Carolina
The South Carolina Scholastic Press Association promotes responsible scholastic journalism in South Carolina. We educate, evaluate and empower students and advisers who work with middle and high school literary magazine, newspaper, and yearbook programs in the state.
What I only learned recently is that my dad was a part of the Great Falls Hi-Times newspaper staff. He served as the school newspaper’s business manager. I found this interesting, my dad never talked about his school days. I thought it was cool to discover his involvement in this aspect of his high school.
The school newspaper business manager oversees the operations of all business-related operations of the Hi-Times, but will primarily be responsible for the promotion and tracking of advertising sales.
A few of my dad’s responsibilities were:
to obtain ad sales possibly by phone as well as in person.
Keeping and organizing record of all ad sales
Prepare a final sales report for each issue and makes sure the ad designer gets a copy
Serve as a member of the editorial board
A bit of History of SCSPA
“It all began as the journalist begins- with people, an idea, an empty page. Today, after more than half a century, the idea expands toward fulfillment as the pages are filled with a history. It is a story of people working toward excellence- people tending toward an ideal that promises to shine far, far into the future. It is a story of youth yearning toward an expression of truth. It is the story of the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association.”
The SCSPA holds annual fall and spring conferences which currently draws more than 600 participants. Not sure how many participants there were in 1947, only that my dad was one of those participants for the spring conference.
Students as well as their advisers from schools all over the state attend the annual SCSPA conference. It honors outstanding students and advisors during the spring conference. It recognizes contributions to scholastic journalism through awards and scholarships.
My dad’s attendance would have been an honor and recognition for his participation in his school’s Hi-Times newspaper. Through his memorabilia I am learning more and more about my dad and what his life was like before I came into existence.
This is a hard one to decide which photos to choose, there are so many which hold precious memories and special moments that money could never buy. How to decide, that is the question?
From 1975:
Myself, My Maternal Grandmother, Melvina and my Brother, Larry [I don’t remember this being taken; however, it is the one of very few of me with my grandmother].
My Family from 1986 through 1999:
These represent happy memories in the beginning. The last photo was taken at my eldest son’s high school graduation & it was the last time we were together as a family. Everything changed from that point on, but I still loved him.
From 1994:
The Last Photo of my Immediate Family [Nornal, Larry, Debbie (me), & Eileen Waters] [My Dad passed from Cancer in December 1996].
From 2019:
Sad Reunion, My Mom’s Memorial Service [First Time I’d Seen my Mom’s Sister since 1984].
From 2019:
First Time I Held My Grandson, Coleman
From 2020:
These were taken in February of 2020 when I went on a Royal Caribbean Cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. I went with my sister-in-law’s sister, Monica, however, she tended to stay in the cabin more than wandering around. I chose to make the most of the tripenjoy myself, which I did. I had a fabulous time on and off the cruise ship.
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC)— MasterCard – There are some things money can’t buy…
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.
Deep Pink & Middle Yellow Flowers vs. Black & White Purple & lone Yellow Flowers vs. Black & White Red & Yellow Flowers vs. Black & White Pink & Yellow Quilt Square vs. Black & White [Side Note: Quilt made by my Maternal Grandmother]
What is a library card? A library card is a card provided by a library so that library patrons can borrow a variety of materials including books and magazines. A library card is often required if a person wants to take advantage of other library services as well. Public libraries issue library cards free of charge to people who live in the library’s city but require patrons to pay for replacement cards.
The early libraries were non-circulating libraries. That meant that patrons needed to use the book or books in the library, and could not check out any books to take home for usage by themselves or their families.
In the 19th century, a free public library movement began. Before 1850, libraries consisted of subscription collections for members only to use. The first known publicly funded library was established in Peterborough, New Hampshire, where in 1833 the town meeting voted to use a part of the state literary fund for the support of schools instead to purchase books for a free town library.
However, the free public library movement really began in 1849, when the New Hampshire legislature authorized towns to levy taxes for the establishment and support of public libraries.
When did library cards become necessary? With the public library movement in the 19th century, it became necessary to register users who were permitted to borrow books and connect those users with the borrowed items. Originally this was done with cumbersome ledger systems, with each page representing a borrower and the books borrowed (and returned) listed.
1955 Library Card San Diego, California
The above library card was issued to my mother with an expiration date of May 1955. My mom was avid reader all her life. I do not remember going to a brick and mortar public library in my grade school days. Where we lived a bookmobile came onto our street approximately a long block away from our home. I do recall going into the bookmobile and being allowed to check out books 📚 to bring home to read. In the beginning, my mom would accompany my brother and me to the bookmobile.
Gaston County Library Card
As you can see the contrast from the San Diego Library Card from the 1950’s and the present day Library Card, there are several differences and yet they both serve the same exact purpose. That of allowing someone to check out various materials such as 📚 to take home to peruse at their leisure.
I have had several library cards over the years and have taken great pleasure in checking out books, movies. I also enjoyed the ability to use the libraries resources and computers for family research, search for jobs or for whatever purpose I needed at various times.
How about you? Do you or have you owned a library card? A library card opens the world to a vast resource of knowledge.
Chapel/Meeting House Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, South Carolina The Lake @ Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster, South Carolina View from Fishing Pier at Andrew Jackson StatePark Lancaster, South Carolina Brannon Family Cemetery Bethune, Kershaw County, South Carolina [Cemetery for my paternal ancestors]
Today in America we as a nation celebrate the United States Flag. Flag Day is also referred to as National Flag Day.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross is contributed with making the first American flag. In 1776 she was presented with a sketch of a flag which would feature 13 red and white stripes and 13 pointed stars. At this time she was asked if she could create a flag that would match the design on the sketch. Ross agreed with few minor changes, including arranging the 13 stars in a circle. On June 14, 1777, Congress officially adopted the Stars and Stripes as the national flag.
The First Official Flag 🇺🇸 of the United States of America
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States which occurred on June 14, 1777 by a resolution adopted by the Second Continental Congress. It also marks the birthday of the U.S. Army which congress authorized as “the American Continental Army” on June 14, 1775.
Did you know there exists a proper etiquette that should be followed when choosing to fly The United States Flag?
Raise the flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously.
Never allow the flag to touch the ground or floor.
The flag should never be transported flat or horizontally, but always aloft.
Do not fly the flag in bad weather, unless you are 100% certain it is an all-weather flag.
In America today, many celebrate Flag Day with parades, essay contests, picnics, and ceremonies. Many of these activities are sponsored by Veterans groups, schools, and various groups. Some parades are organized and take place on the Saturday before Flag Day and usually held downtown in many cities across America. One such group that sponsors Flag Day celebrations is the National Flag Dayfoundation. Its goal is to preserve the traditions, pride, and respect that are due the nation’s symbol, Old Glory.
The above flags were taken across the United States in a few select states which I have had the opportunity to visit. These states include Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Do you celebrate Flag Day? If you live outside of the United States of America, does your country have a flag day? How is Flag day celebrated where you live?
Throwback photo from the early 1960’s taken at my maternal grandparents place in San Diego, California. Pictured are my immediate family, my maternal grandparents, my mom’s sister & her husband, our cousin, his wife & sister-in-law. Taken back during a time when families used to gather together for Sunday Dinners. Can you guess where I am in the picture? I would probably bet ( if I bet, which I don’t) y’all would have no problem guessing correctly.
The Millersburg Courthouse as it appears today. Much the same as 100 plus years ago given some differences in detail, especially along the roofline. Millersburg, Ohio, USA
Deep Gap, North Carolina From my maternal grandfather, Harvey Martin Watson’s photos given to me after his passing many years ago ( 1968). Photo most likely taken in early 1900’s or earlier.
Statue in Germany Taken back in 1975 when my parents visited my brother & his family when he was stationed in Germany. Photo Credit: Nornal H. WatersTHE E. M. VIQUESNEY DOUGHBOY NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS DEDICATED NOVEMBER 11, 1937 TO WORLD WAR VETERANS OF COMAL COUNTY 1917 – 1918 DONATED BY MR. & MRS. E. A. CLOUSNITZER Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters. Taken in April 2020 when I visited my Aunt in Texas. A bronze statue on the NC Capitol grounds. This statue features the three US presidents who hailed from North Carolina – Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson. It includes plaques stating their county of birth and years of their birth, death and presidency. The statue is on the east side of the capitol building facing Wilmington Street. Photo Credit: Roy Watson Taken when my cousin and his wife, Nancy, visited the NorthCarolina state capitol and given to me at a family reunion. Statue in West Jefferson, North Carolina I don’t remember the name of it & Google was of no assistance. Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters Taken in August 2017when I stayed in West Jefferson and went to a family reunion in Deep Gap, North Carolina.This is a portion of the Beirut Memorial. It was a gift from the citizens of Onslow County to honor those men that lived among us and gave so much. A solemn tribute to 273 Marines who gave the last full measure of devotion in Lebanon and Grenada on October 23, 1983. The names of each man are engraved in granite along with the words “They Came In Peace.” Photo Credit: Deb L. Waters Taken in February 2016 when I visited my sons in Jacksonville, North Carolina. My younger son, David, was stationed at MCAS New Riverat the time.
My maternal grandfather served in the U. S. Army during World War I. These are photographs of his service in the military. I treasure the photos as there are a link to a slim part of our family history.
U. S. Army Battalion World War IThe ship my grandfather was on when he returned from the War in France 🇫🇷. My Maternal Grandfather, Harvey Martin Watson U.S. Army World War I
What is my earliest memory? That is a good question. I wish I could say I remember everything, but that would be nearly impossible. Our minds, especially mine, tend to have selective memories.
That being said, I do remember parts of my childhood. I remember living on South Meadowbrook Drive in San Diego, California. I remember playing outside all day. Playing baseball in the neighbors backyard. Part of the time I would play with Mary a few doors down from me, but mostly my brother & I would play with the three boys next door. We’d all play outside all day without question. Never had a desire to be stuck indoors. We’d play baseball, basketball, freeze tag, hide-n-go seek, and whatever else we could. We’d ride our bikes up and down the street, around the block, and sometimes up to the school on Saturdays; just to play on the playground. There were no fancy skate boards for us. We’d take the wheels off of street skates & attach them to scrap boards to make our skateboards. Those were such fun times.
I also remember all the girls wore dresses to school. Pants were not allowed until around my ninth grade in junior high school. Yes, my school was a junior high not a middle school. We moved after I was promoted from sixth grade to seventh. I didn’t know anyone in our new neighborhood or my new school. Therefore. I tended to ride my bicycle by myself, walk to and from school by myself carrying my books in my arms. I don’t recall backpacks back then.
I remember always having Sunday dresses that were only worn for church. We went to church every Sunday morning, every Sunday evening, and on Wednesday evenings. There was always Church worship and Sunday School. In the evenings after Sunday church worship, the youth would gather at a members house for a time of fun. In the summers, we would meet at someone’s house that had a pool so we could swim and splash around. Occasionally, we would meet at Mission Bay. Those were fun times. That’s where I learned how to water ski. No matter what activity we enjoyed, there was always singing & a short devotional.
There are more things I remember, but then that would be like writing a memoir. Too much for a single post.
One thing I remember and treasure from my early days, are given a love for the outdoors, the enjoyment of camping & hiking, and being taught about the live of Jesus Christ and His wonderful mercies.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 