March is the official woman's history month-or "Herstory"-for a change.History, we are reminded is written by the winners,you could also add by men to that.But when we only see one side,or gender,or race or social statures views, we lose so much.We miss the big, colorful,chaotic picture that real life is.My Grandmother,May Pearl Arnold(b.19 Feb 1903.Burlington Junction,Missouri.d.5 Feb 1978,Oklahoma City,Oklahoma.)was not famous,or very educated.She did not take part in any history making events that I know of, other than the everyday life of woman of her time.But one day in 1918 her and a friend enjoyed a moment of rebellion and fun that is recorded in this photo and in the story told to me.My Grandma is the woman on the left,the girl on the right was a friend of hers and grandmas brother, Charley's, girl friend.What I remember of the story she told me was they decided to borrow her brothers clothes and they walked around the neighborhood dressed as boys.I guess this was very much frowned upon at the time because she told me the police stopped them and told them to go home and change!My Grandma loved a joke and they look so happy and innocent in this photo!I wish I had the little girl with her's name too.Nothing of the often hard times or 15 pregnancy's and nine living children that were to come coloring this day.And a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy as woman were not so long ago forbidden.This photo also came from Grandma.I don't know if it was the same day or not .The back says Aunt? and I believe I was told this was another moment of humor/rebellion.Maybe it was Halloween? I wish I had asked more questions,I was only a teenager at the time, but I am grateful to have these pictures showing a diffrent side to the women in my family.One with humor and a little bit of daring.Ordinary people doing something a bit out of the ordinary. And in a bit of a side note, Mays daughter, my Aunt Jean passed on today.She was in ill health for some time and it was a release from pain.I have many fond memories of my aunt and wish her peace in her next journey.
Was that the title suggested, or did you put that in. It's a belly chuckler for me, alright. Probably cause i used to watch them on tv. And taunt my younger co workers I had learned new tricks. tee hee. i doubt our ancesters brawled the way they do. But surely got the noses in the air the way they did then. But I love a rebel, for some reason. As long as not disruptive, or really hurtful. thanks for your post. jo
What a GREAT picture! I love their moxy! I just had to stop in when I saw Highway 99. I'm a native Fresnan and that got my attention since we spend so much time there. I JUST started a new blog (apart from my main - Robynn's Ravings) and it's about my great grandmother and a book of hers I have. The blog can be linked through my main if you want to come by. It's called The Lila Minkler Project. Isn't this fun?!
What a wonderful story. I love the photos and they remind me of how my Mom would like to joke at that time too. I have just stumbled onto your blog and am first time visitor. I enjoy what I see and shall return. Have a wonderful day.
In California, some direct and others married in.Garcia,Castro, Robles,Arroyo,Mota, Parra,Benegas, Ruse(Russo). On my mothers side in Oklahoma,Missouri, Iowa,Alabama, West Virgina and Kentucky.Byers (maybe Buis-long story!), Arnold,Calvert, Anderson(Missouri),Adams, Lay.
I am a 8th generation native of California.I have a lifelong interest in old photos,family history and story's,cemeteries,with a focus on my early California Spanish/Mexican ancestors.I hope my blogs can help me organize research,help others in their searches and memorialize those who are a forgotten chapter in California's history.
My mom's southern family are a part of this mix too!
California's great central valley.The "other California".Long a red headed step child to the glamor and wealth of the big coastal cities,the Hollywood California and the silicon valley wealth of the 20Th century.The California of my roots is the agricultural,working class,blue collar California.Where the Okies and Arkies came to escape the dust bowl or in my family work in the war effort and stayed.Were the recent immigrant and the descendants of those who came with Father Serra both worked the fields and Spanish was the first language of many. And highway 99 was the road through it all. I want this blog to be about my search for roots and the stories of my family,the ones I was told,the ones I overheard sitting behind the grown ups chairs while they talked,the one's the cousins have passed on to me.Of the research I have done and the history I love about all the people I come from, Californiano and my moms southern family too. I am the only one left who remembers a lot of it,some things I know they would have rather we forget.But the hard truths and bad memories teach as much as the good ones do.I believe family's learn from it all,if they want to. You reach a point in your life when you realize that your running out of time to pass things along.That we are not guaranteed a tomorrow or a next year.That maybe the one who wants to hear the stories is not even born yet and you may not get to tell them face to face.Maybe you just need to get off your butt and say what you have to say and let who needs to hear it find it in their own time. So I hope I'm there and this is the place.
3 comments:
Was that the title suggested, or did you put that in. It's a belly chuckler for me, alright. Probably cause i used to watch them on tv. And taunt my younger co workers I had learned new tricks. tee hee. i doubt our ancesters brawled the way they do. But surely got the noses in the air the way they did then. But I love a rebel, for some reason. As long as not disruptive, or really hurtful. thanks for your post. jo
What a GREAT picture! I love their moxy! I just had to stop in when I saw Highway 99. I'm a native Fresnan and that got my attention since we spend so much time there. I JUST started a new blog (apart from my main - Robynn's Ravings) and it's about my great grandmother and a book of hers I have. The blog can be linked through my main if you want to come by. It's called The Lila Minkler Project. Isn't this fun?!
What a wonderful story. I love the photos and they remind me of how my Mom would like to joke at that time too. I have just stumbled onto your blog and am first time visitor. I enjoy what I see and shall return. Have a wonderful day.
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