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| ISBN-13: | 9781504934084 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | AuthorHouse |
| Publication date: | 09/03/2015 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 122 |
| File size: | 4 MB |
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"Home is Where the Harp Is"
By Patricia Ann Harris Packer
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2015 Patricia Ann Harris PackerAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-5049-3407-7
CHAPTER 1
MY EARLY CHILDHOOD
Having love of family surrounding me was a very early memory. My mother was the rock. The great depression was a difficult time for America, and I was born during that period, in Lansing, Michigan, in 1931. It was told to me by family how excited they were to have a beautiful baby sister. My brother suggested Rose as my name because my mouth was shaped like a rosebud. My father quickly responded saying Patricia, being Irish, would be my name (as in St. Patrick). Patsy would become my nickname for many people.
Mother, Olive Blanche Dressel, was born April 9, 1890, in Ganges, Michigan. Her family moved to North Dakota when she was eight years old and later to Pueblo, Colorado. She entered St. Mary's Hospital to study nursing, graduating in 1910. She was an avid photographer, developing her own prints, and a skilled horseback rider. She owned her own car at age twenty-five. She enlisted in the Red Cross becoming nurse 13,325 and returned to Three Rivers, Michigan as a public health nurse, working thru the flu epidemic of 1918.
She and Willis Wahl were married in 1921, settling in Lansing, Michigan where they became the parents of a son and four daughters. Mr. Wahl died unexpectedly in 1927. At this time, she was a visiting Red Cross nurse for the Lansing Welfare Department, keeping her family together as a single mother.
The Wahl's children were Marjorie Jean (b.1922), Robert (b. 1924), Mary Olive (b.1925), Phyllis (b.1926) and Nancy (b.1927). Upon Mr. Wahl's sudden death, the property title was transferred to Robert, then three years old; because women could not have property rights. Francis E. Harris was a traveling insurance agent and called on the widow to help with the insurance settlement. I guess they fell in love, because they were married October 1st, 1930. From my earliest memories, I felt love from my mother, father, four sisters and brother.
Our mother was working and father constantly traveling. This was the height of the great depression, and times were not good. But like so many others, we worked through it. My sisters would take me wherever they went. Mother liked to shop in a store called Second Hand Rose, picking out the very best clothes for all of us. It was a day-to-day struggle to dress and care for six children. Our Grandma Harris and Grandma Dressel also lived with us in this three-bedroom home with one bathroom. Imagine Irish and German grandmothers in the same household?
We were on welfare, going with my mother, waiting in line for our turn to receive a check for living expenses. It was determined that for a short time, my sisters and I were placed in a children's home. The exception was Marge who was working and self-reliant. Robert stayed at home to help mother with expenses delivering newspapers and working odd jobs. In the late 1930's, he went to work in a CC Camp, a conservation program under the Roosevelt administration. It helped the nation build roads, bridges, railroads, farms, and the park system. It was a joy to return home a year later and, once again, our family was together. It was convenient for our living arrangements, because mother was now working for St. Laurence Hospital, directly across the street from our home. Mother enrolled me in Holy Cross Elementary School, and my sisters and brother were enrolled and graduated from St. Mary's High School, next door to the State Capitol. They were all thrilled when I brought home a good report card. We were now enjoying what I would call a normal family life.
A typical Sunday evening would be the family gathering around the Philco floor model radio (no television yet) listening to our favorites such as Jack Benny, The Great Gildersleeve, starring Hal Perry, Fibber McGee and Molly, and the funniest of all – Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy along with their friend Mortimer Snerd. Edgar Bergen was the father of actress, Candice Bergen, and a master ventriloquist.
One evening while listening to Lux Theater, my sister Nancy made the statement that some day we would be able to see these shows on a screen in our homes. During commercials, my sisters would run to the kitchen to make popcorn or fudge. Many times, if this were not available, small squares of toast with a stewed tomato topping would be our treat (early pizza).
I was within walking distance of my elementary school, so it was feasible to run home for lunch. Either my mother or oldest sister, Marge, was there with lunch ready and a hug to show their love. The radio would be broadcasting shows such as Life Begins at Forty, Helen Trent, Ma Perkins, the Don Ameche Show (Mr. Ameche later appeared in the movie Cocoon). All of these were known as soap operas because soap, of all forms, was the sponsors. They continue today to be called soap operas on television.
Saturday night was The Hit Parade, sponsored by Phillip Morris cigarettes. My sisters had various tastes, some modern pop and others classical to opera. The Hit Parade lasted many years going into television of the early 50's.
During this period in time, Grandma Harris (Dad's mother) was staying with us and was a great asset to the family. Born in County Cork, Ireland, she would tell us the stories of our homeland and teach us the Irish songs. She was a marvelous seamstress making many of our clothes. My Dad was on the road a lot, coming home occasionally. From time to time, he would take me to call on customers when it would not interrupt my school. He was quite the charmer and always well dressed. He was very proud of me, being his only biological child. Mother was nursing at St. Laurence Hospital located across the street. All sisters and my brother were working for our neighbors, who were doctors, up keeping their homes inside and out.
Things changed dramatically for our family and the country on December 7th, 1941, when the Japanese government attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; then a territory of the United States. Immediately, President Roosevelt and Congress declared war on Japan and later, on Germany. Both of these countries were invading their neighbors and now us. The Draft was enacted within months and our young men were now soldiers. Women were joining as well. In all, over 15 million men and women were serving in one of our branches of Armed Forces. Those on the home front were engaged in defense work. Our area was automotive, so all plants here and elsewhere were now building tanks, trucks and jeeps. The Oldsmobile plant was building aircraft. Mother was asked to be the nurse at the plant. Other companies were building ships, ammunition, as well as special clothing and food for the soldiers (commonly referred to as GI's meaning Government Issue). American flags were hanging from homes, as well as banners in windows with a Gold Star signifying a family member in the service.
As a young 10 year old, I realized how life was changing dramatically. We watched as young men in our neighborhood (sometimes referred to as "Our Boys in Uniform") were leaving. Our family was no exception. Marg, my oldest sister, was married and her husband joined The Army Air Corps while she was at home caring for us younger children. My sister, Mary, joined the Army as a nurse in the Women's Army Corps (WACS). My brother, Robert, tried to enlist in the Navy but was rejected because of chronic asthma, but was later drafted into the Army. In January 1944, his unit was deployed to Italy and was part of the invasion at Anzio Beach Head. He was wounded badly as he was debarking from the Higgins Landing Craft. He would be completely disabled for life. Mother had this dream of him being wounded at the exact time it happened.
Since I was the youngest, I would take over Robert's paper route enjoying all of the flattery of the boys when I would deliver the family newspaper to their home, especially Bob at the end of the block. He was building a sailboat, naming her "The Patsy Ann". Yes, it actually did float and we went sailing on the lake. I guess this was my first puppy love. Bob also played the trumpet, telling me that kissing would strengthen his lips. Many evenings were spent on the front porch swing, until my Dad (called Gene by everyone including me) would interrupt by announcing it was time to come in.
During this eighth grade year, social gatherings were plentiful, (referred to as necking parties) as well as dancing. My oldest sister, Marge, was married and living in Kenosha, Wisconsin. My brother-in-law was discharged early from the Army Air Corps because of health problems. Nash Kelvinator employed him, later to be called American Motors. Marge's husband, Harold, was referred to as Speed, because his speech was very deliberate and slow. That summer at their home was very enjoyable helping to take care of niece, Kathy. I was always included in the ladies' social activities. It was exciting for me to be dressed up and enjoying my youthful summer. The community was mostly Swedish extractions and Marge learned so much from her mother-in-law. Nearby was the park on Lake Michigan, where every Monday, fireworks were displayed. During this time, I was introduced to my brother-in-law's nephew, Arthur, who would become a lifelong friend. He and his family moved to Florida and owned a resort in Indian Rocks. They were instrumental in persuading us to relocate.
At this time, my sisters were all working and living in Lansing. Mother was still working at the Oldsmobile plant being on call around the clock. Dad was almost always traveling. My sisters, Phyllis and Mary, were getting restless and decided to seek their fortune in California; buying an old convertible because no automobiles were being built during this period. During a stop to call home, Phyllis left her purse in the phone booth. They met two other young ladies who shared their apartment and helped them secure a job. Phyllis met a man whom she became engaged to, only to realize that he was a Momma's Boy. The wedding was called off at the altar. Marge came to her rescue by driving three days, along with Kathy and myself, to bring her home. Mary eventually married, settled in Iowa and had twelve children.
Mother enrolled me into Nazareth Academy, an all-girl Catholic school, located in Kalamazoo. I loved living and learning at the Academy. Most of the girls came from wealthy families and I was very grateful for my parents who strived to keep me enrolled. I worked as a Nurse's Aid at a hospital nearby, to help out financially. I thought I wanted to be a nurse following in my mother's footsteps. My roommate for all four years was Pauline. When mother could not come for the Holidays, I was invited to Pauline's lakefront home on Lake Cora. Pauline's father told me the Indians who discovered it called the town nearby Paw Paw. My four years rooming with Pauline and being accepted by her family were wonderful. We were lifetime friends, keeping in touch until her passing. They even named a daughter - Patricia. Stories were told about the Purple Gang from Chicago, coming to Paw Paw and hiding from the law.
It was my junior year and prom was approaching at the Academy, so I invited Bob to be my escort. He accepted and drove 150 miles to attend. The out-of-town boys stayed at Barbour Hall at the Boy's Academy.
For my senior year prom, I invited Tommy, a local boy from St. Augustine's Parrish. His father owned the local Oldsmobile dealership and he always had a new car to drive. He had a great sense of humor and was a joy to be around. He later went off to college at St. Joseph in Purdue, Indiana. He invited me to the social functions, making reservations for me at a local women's college. Travelling by bus was my mode of transportation. Graduation was nearing and a new chapter of adult life was about to begin.
CHAPTER 2YOUNG WOMAN
During my senior year, I was working as a nurse's aid, but had accidentally found a second job, by going into the "Jeune Fille", an upscale French designer boutique for young women. Wanting to try some chic clothes on and possibly buying something that my budget would allow; I found these beautiful clothes crumpled on the floor and the fitting room was a mess. I requested to speak to the owner; pointing out the disarray of the beautiful merchandise. I said I would like to work for you and help straighten this up. Her quick response was, "When can you start?" I was delighted to say, "Right now!" At this boutique, I was allowed to show my flair for making ensembles by putting together various articles of clothing. Women loved this touch, as well as men, wanting to buy gifts for their loved ones. I was thrilled to have this experience that would be a part of me for many years.
I was in the senior play, "Meet Me in Saint Louis". For the record, I was the little brat and was told that I did a great job. But in reality; I was not. My family would say I was spoiled; but not a brat. So anyway, I went from wanting to be a nurse to wanting a career as an actress. My entire family made the trip to see me as an actress and, shortly after that, attending my graduation. My family was very proud of me as I was, of myself.
I graduated in June of 1949 and, within a few months, moved to Ypsilanti living with my oldest sister, Marge, and her family. I went to work for Michigan Bell as an operator. My sister, Phyllis, and I moved closer to our work getting an apartment with two other girls. The location was close to Eastern Michigan University, where boys were plentiful for dates, dances and parties. We had a good social group with many friends. We were still very close to Marge and family, where we spent holidays and also bringing some of our friends. Phyllis met Frank while attending The University of Michigan and they eventually married. I was then left looking for another roommate. Jean, also from Michigan Bell, and I rented a very small apartment with a Murphy bed for two. (Recall that a Murphy bed was one that pulled out and down from the wall). Jean and I answered a newspaper ad for a production line job paying more money at the Argus Camera Manufacturing Plant in Ann Arbor. We were hired immediately and worked that evening until midnight. Taking the bus back home, we decided that the job was not for us. It was a situation of "Do we laugh or cry?" What we did know is that we were not going back. The next day back at Michigan Bell, our supervisor just laughed and told us that she never took us off the schedule knowing that we would return.
1950 was upon us. Half of the 20th century was now history. To put this into perspective, automobiles and telephones were a novelty. Radios were introduced in the early 1920's. KDKA in Pittsburgh was the first radio station. 1927 brought the first motion picture with sound. The talkie was The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson, who was later named the Best Entertainer of the first half of the century. In all, the country had survived two World Wars, the Great Depression and unemployment as high as twenty five percent. Televisions were a rarity in 1950, broadcasting only a few hours each day in black and white, with the format being fifteen-minute programs.
Jean and I were on top of the world. We were nineteen, had our own apartment, a good job and social life with many friends. Life was good. Our favorite hangout after work was the Cascorellis soda bar where Mr. Cascorellis was known as Pappa. A quarter could buy a milkshake or a cheeseburger, a nickel for the jukebox and maybe some change would be leftover. Big band music was the rage of the day, whether it was a ballad or a swing number. One of my favorite songs was "It's Impossible" by Billy Eckstine. Sometimes when we met at Cascorellis, someone would get this crazy idea of crowding into a car, going to a cemetery to sing songs and tell ghost stories.
Jean had this pre-WW2 Ford Coupe that was our transportation. The young set for miles around would come to Cascorellis and, thus, new friends were always on the scene. We both enjoyed dressing the very best of what our budget would allow. One evening, a male friend introduced me to Paul, who was enrolled in dental school at The University of Michigan. Paul was a handsome young man with very good manners and well dressed. We were soon dating on the evenings when he could make the very long drive. Because he was of Slavic descent, many people rejected him. His family lived in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in a community of people from Eastern Europe.
A lot of pranksters were in our group. One night, Jean borrowed her Dad's car; I don't recall why. Nevertheless, we parked it in a lot only to find it missing. When we came out, it was in a used parking lot with a note on the windshield stating $5.00. The idea of the envious boys was to keep me away from Paul and he eventually moved back to Johnstown. Jean and I loved riding around listening to romantic music on the AM channels. There was no FM at the time.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from "Home is Where the Harp Is" by Patricia Ann Harris Packer. Copyright © 2015 Patricia Ann Harris Packer. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
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Table of Contents
Contents
DEDICATION, vii,MY EARLY CHILDHOOD, 1,
YOUNG WOMAN, 8,
MARRIED LIFE, 16,
OUR GROWING FAMILY, 28,
McCARTHY'S PARTY, 48,
THE HARP AND THISTLE PUB, 71,
NEW BEGINNINGS, 99,