Week 15: #52Ancestors – Solitude By Eilene Lyon I’ve previously mentioned The Putterer’s great-grandfather, Arlon F. Lyon, only in passing. Arlon was born in Chenango County, New York, in May 1860 and was a rarity for the era: an only child.1 His father, Cyrus R. Lyon, was 29 when Arlon came along. His mother, Lucy... Continue Reading →
Cakes on Fire!
Week 13: #52Ancestors – Light a Candle By Eilene Lyon Both my parents turn 87 this year. I have no way of knowing if they will make it to 90 or not (we do hope so!), but there is some precedent for achieving that milestone or more in my family tree. This is just a... Continue Reading →
Just-a-Mere Clubs
Week 12: #52Ancestors – Membership By Eilene Lyon My paternal grandmother, Reatha Halse, has several photos in her album from 1945 labeled Just-a-Mere Club. They were taken in Corvallis, Oregon. Her sister-in-law, Loretta (Frydendall) Halse, was also a member and probably got Reatha involved. (In 1945, Loretta was soon to be the ex-Mrs. Al Halse.)... Continue Reading →
Trains Bound for Glory
By Eilene Lyon I would have guessed that by 1890 or the early 20th century every community in America would have a church of some type, but that was not the case. Whistle-stop towns sprang up along the proliferating railroad lines, particularly in the west. In them, saloons far outnumbered churches. The idea of railcars... Continue Reading →
Portland’s Japanese Garden
By Eilene Lyon Having family in Oregon means I travel there regularly. The Willamette Valley is lush compared to where I live, so I always enjoy the change in scenery. Portland is very much a "garden city." I don't think I could tolerate the gray winters, though! The Japanese Garden is located within Washington Park,... Continue Reading →
Bio Bite: Howard Adrian Halse
By Eilene Lyon Howard Adrian Halse (1897–1978) Howard was the first-born child of Guy and Mabel (Cutting) Halse. He came into, and left, the world in Dexter Township, Codington County, South Dakota. He inherited his size from Guy, standing nearly six feet and topping 200 pounds. “Mr. Halse attended country school near his home and... Continue Reading →
The Welsh-Adler File
Found Photo Project #5 By Eilene Lyon What might happen to your family photos if you do not pass them on before you die, or leave instructions in your will? They could wind up in the trash, or maybe scattered in a booth at a large antique mart in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When I saw... Continue Reading →
Bio Bite: Loren Oscar Smith
By Eilene Lyon Loren Oscar Smith (1911–1974) “Loren was only six when his mother died.… I was often admonished during those years that I should look after my younger brother.… I don’t think at that age I could have accepted all that responsibility. In any event Loren ended up something of a juvenile delinquent.” While... Continue Reading →
Bio Bite: Clifford Loyd Smith
By Eilene Lyon Clifford Loyd Smith (1901–1977) Clifford was born in Cunningham, Washington. He was 17 when his mother died. He probably bounced among his married siblings, not staying long enough to be enumerated in the 1920 census. He had an 8th-grade education and a career as a lineman for the phone company. In 1924,... Continue Reading →