Catchin' Up

So, what have we been doing during the first month since I've been retired? To start, I had a bzillion thank you cards to make and send. I admit, toward the end of the list I used about 3 ready made cards, but here is one I made. Then, with my cousin's 100th birthday celebration coming up, I made a card for her.We have had some time to simply sit out back and read and chat and one evening we had a fire in the fire pit and enjoyed some wine.Since Life is all about Balance, we also had our youngest grand daughter's First Birthday celebration (within one week of the 100th!). Pat cooked for everyone on his new grill.

Using a couple of gifts cards, I bought a new sewing table at JoAnn's and with Lar's assistance, got it together and into my sewing room. Have used it twice already and love it. We are planning an open-house soon to share our new found freedom with those we hold dear. Part of the plans are to get a decent seating area in the back yard. We do have the small cement patio, but it doesn't hold many chairs. Larry and our neighbor have been busy for a couple of days now laying it out...of course, nothing is ever easy...so it remains to be seen if it will be complete by the date of the party.I'm hoping to follow the progress from muddy, pretty unusable space to hopefully nice bluestone patio.

Benji Jane Archer Carpenter and me. Just imagine the history she has seen in 100 years! She was born and lived on a 160 acre farm at Fiddle Lake, PA. She had a twin who died at birth. She was home schooled. At 17 she left home to care for elderly and infirm people. At 18 she secured her first factory job and lived at the YWCA. Her family had been strongly Christian and her father often witnessed to her. She says she never fully accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior until after her father had passed away. Now, she fears that she has "lived so long, father probably thinks I didn't make it!" At 21 she was allowed to work on sewing machines and got a job in a sewing factory. At 22 she married Earl Alger a profession photographer. When she finally retired, she received $5 a month as a retirement check. Jane was dear friends with Emerson Carpenter and his wife. She and Mrs. Carpenter spent a great deal of time together and when Mrs. Carpenter took ill and knew she was dying, her wish was that Jane would step in and live with and raise her children. In 1976 she married Emerson Carpenter and for the first time had children she could consider her own. She still does, and they consider her "mom" and are very thoughtful and loving children. In 1982, Emerson died and eventually, the family brought her back home to PA to live.

Jane with her brother Theo and sister Mildred. Jane's mother Annie was my
Grandmother's sister.

Jane once told me that her Great Grandfather on her father's side had been a homesteader, William Archer. He had been a Scot who had emigrated to Canada, to NY and who had had such fair and decent dealings with the local Indians that the Chief offered his daughter in marriage. Jane says she is 1/6 Indian.

The following is a link to the family history: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sbosmans/pennsylvania/index.html

Or As Locals Say - AC-A-ME ?

Having done some research on the journal I have quoted below, I have come to the conclusion that it may well have been that of a Mr. Samuel Robinson – the founder of the American Stores – or, more recently, the ACME stores. Certainly, I cannot know for sure, but times, etc., are correct, and he has written that he was at least acquainted with “Bob C.” who could have been the co-founder of the ACME – Robert Crawford. http://www.ballymoneyancestry.com/samuel-robinson.aspx "Samuel Robinson – Emigrated to America in 1888 and became a successful multi-million dollar businessman. Robinson settled in Philadelphia and founded the American Stores Company (more commonly known as the acronym ACME). He built the Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ballymoney in 1933 in memory of his late parents." http://www.fohbc.com/PDF_Files/CapstanTumblersJarsBottlers4AmerStoresCo.pdf

Voices from the Past - Part Two

There are many questions one can ask about this journal....one mystery is the presence of several tables which have been tallied both across and down...the numbers don't seem to make sense, since, if they represent dollars, it would be amazing that he would have that kind of money available...if they were numbers (gambling) they wouldn't be totaled....so if anyone can shed some light I would be happy to hear. Also - was Mr. Robinson here to visit or had he emigrated? Not sure. I have been unable to this date to find him registered on a ship from that port of call on the dates given. Nevertheless, I think the little journal gives a mind's eye view of life in Philadelphia in 1888. "Friday 11th May '88 Wet morning, staid in lodge most of morning expecting our baggage to be delivered. Went in afternoon to Mr. J. McConachis; spent a pleasant evg there --- in forenoon we went to YMCA. Saturday 12 May After breakfast went to YMCA; got a few addresses there to call upon. Then went to Mr. Kelly’s; had dinner there. Went in evg to a meetg YMCA. Sabbath 13 May Went in forenoon to Rev. J. K’patrick; heard sermon from text -----; went to Lyle Marshall’s after dinner then after supper went to Rev. John Hemphill’s church. Text; 1 Peter 3:16. Monday 14 May Went to YMCA in morning then to some W. Sale Grocers. After dinner to J. McConachis then to Wm. Tweed’s; went in evening to I. C---- to Bob C. and staid till after ten. Tuesday went to J. McC--- in morning. Mr. J. Campbell agreed with David to start work on Monday first then to Wm. Kelley’s next. 2800 Frankford Ave.; then called in Hugh Henderson’s and he said for me to call round with him next morning. Delivered J. Johnston’s and Willie Tweed’s parcels. Wrote to Uncle Wm and Jas. Carson. Wednesday 16 May 88 Went to H. Henderson and engaged with him to go start work tomorrow (Thursday) morng. For a week at seven dollars; called & told WK and went through city rest of afternoon and evg. Charlie Orr went with us to W. Marshall’s and saw Jas. Stewart. Thursday 17 May ‘88 Commenced work in Hap Henderson’s 2459 Kensington Ave., Phila. Mixing and filling flour up to abt four o’clock or so in ---- bags; in evening aft store was closed got lodging and board in Mrs. Myers 110 York St. at four dollars a week; her to do coarse washing for me. Friday till eleven o’clock p.m. nothing very particular. Saturday ----twelve o’clock Sab. Went down to David, dressed and went to Ref. Church at half past ten after dinner went to R.H.C. staid there till half past four went to D’s lodg’s had supper and aft chg., clothes went up to my own lodgs. Monday taking bbls flour up out of cellar bringing up to store; fixing up warehouse; left Henderson’s in the evg, altogether. Tues. 22 May ‘88 Aft breakfast went down to D’s lodgs. Changed clothes went to Bob. C. then to WK next J. Tweed. Wednesday went through a few stores in Bob. Stewarts and Wm. Finlays. Thursday went to D. McArthur, C. McCunis, P. Railway; got letter from Robt. Saw procession of butchers; wrote to S. Mac M. Friday 25 May wet day wrote to Annie. Saturday wet morning ---- cleared up in afternoon. Wrote an appl. To L. office. Sab. At Dr. Steele’s church 18th and Filbert in morning at Rev. Faraar’s in evening. Monday nice bright warm day was at C. Orr’s and J. Tweed Tuesday got letter from C. Orr; went to 1352 N. 2nd St. G. E. ---- in forenoon and to Murphy’s in afternoon. Got letter from Mother and card from Jas. C. Nice, bright warm day; lightening and thundering in evg. Wed. 30 May ‘88 Decoration day; was to C. Mc and he told me to call round on Monday in afternoon D. got off and he and I went to Fairmont Park; at night abt ten when I was for going in to my boarding house Bob. C. Mr. Dunlap and Tom Hunter were waiting to see me and tom engaged me to go next morng. Thursday went to TH’s nothing very important. Wrote to Robt. Park. Friday ----fine day; got close abt qt past nine---- Saturday ---- Sab. Went to D. in morng Went to 19th and Federal Church; got dinner at D’s lodg. Went to J. Corry’s then to my own lodg. in evg. Monday---nothing particular Tuesday fine day; bot pair shoes $1.50. Wed. fine bright warm day D. came up to me in the evg and brought some of my clothes with. Thursday 7th June ‘88 Fine warm day; nothing particular hpd. Friday ----- Saturday fine day got (?) Sab. Aft. Breakfast went down to David; went to 19th and Federal 1st Ref. P. Church 10:30; went from there with J. McC to his house had dinner then went to church at 4 o’clock; again back to J. McC’s and had supper; went to J. Kirkpatrick’s church and Mr. Dunlop preached; had for his text Psalm 23:1; went from church with Bob C. for letter for David from Annie. Saw Rev. J. Sterling at church and was speaking to him. Monday wrote to I Carson and BMcK. Tuesday got a book from Annie as a birthday present. Wed. gave 2 linen and one undershirt, 4 collars, 2 pair socks to laundry to get washed. Bob. C. came up here in evg. Thursday pretty warm day; wrote to Mother and Annie. Friday 85d (degrees?) Saturday ---- Sab. Went down to D. and to 19th and Federal Church in forenoon. To Broad and Fitzwater in evg. Mr. Dunlop preached. Monday went to L. Marshall’s in evg. after shop was closed Tuesday left one linen shirt and 2 collars and one w. hkchief to be washed in laundry. Wednesday went to D. in evg Thursday bot 2 under shirts for 50c; went to W. Kelly in evg. Friday got clothes from laundry 17c Sab. D. came up to me went to 7th and Franklin P. Church. Monday 18 June A3388 B1669 C2024 Tot. 7081 Tu A3450 B2388 C 963 6781 W. A2368 2230 1407 6005 Th 1701 1775 1691 5177 F. 2115 2416 1769 6300 S. 7977 6387 5204 20168 51512 Tuesday 26 June ‘88 Got letter from Mary. Wed. nice cool day came on rain in evg. I changed into front room (80 higher) Th. Very wet day 68d Got letter from Carson. Fri. showery 62 Sat. cool 65 d Sab. Went down to D. went to 20th and Fitzwater heard Mr. Dunlop preach. Nice cool day. Monday nice cool day; got letter from Annie and letter fro S. MacM. Sab. 8 July ‘88 Went to Temple P. Church in morng. To ---- at 2:30 staid in house remainder of evg. Warm day. Monday wet took clothes to laundry 36 worth T. 76d Wrote to John G. Wed. wrote to Mary; went to D. in evg. Tues. had letter from Annie Saturday 9th July ‘88 (Here was another table of numbers) Sab. David came up to me; went to Temple P. Church in morning. Aft dinner took a walk out of the city – nice day. Monday had letter from Aunt A. Tuesday got offer from Robt. Stewart and accepted. Sab. Went down to D. and to 19th and Federal Church in morning and aft dinner had walk to the country. 16 July ‘88 (Here was another table - because Blogger will not allow formatting in a table, I have not included it) Monday 23 July ‘88 Went to R. Stewart; pretty warm day Tues. close warm day; wrote to Father in evg. Wednesday bought shirt 1.75 Friday bought hat. Sab. Went to Bob St’s enjoy the day very much. Monday wrote to Aunt Annie Tues. wrote to S. MacM. Wed. got letter from Father went down to D. Thurs." (Here ends the journal.)

Derry to Moville

No planes at the time, but thought this map would give some idea of Mr. Robinson's departure location - Derry to Moville from where he sailed.

Voices from the Past

Daughter-in-law (and heart) Colleen and I share a love of old diaries....voices from the past, if you will. That same love is what has led me to collect old post cards - the ones I love the best are those postally used - written on. I have a small leather ("Genuine Morocco Leather lined") notebook - the first page of which is written upon by hand

"Dear Mr. Robinson, I do hope this partial reprint of your diary will enable you to renew memories of your voyage to America in 1888." It is signed "(A.L.)

I don't know the identity of Mr. Robinson or A. L. But I do find the running diary of Mr. Robinson's travel to America interesting. Some reader might, as well.

"Sailed from Mov. abt four o'clock, April on 27 An. 88. Nice fresh blowing breeze; very calm sea.

• 28th Saturday 185 miles


• 29th Sab. 168 miles rough


• 30th Mon. 289 miles


• 1st Tues. 265 "


• 2nd Wed. 258 "


• 3rd Thurs. 312 "


• 4th Fri. 264"


• 5th Sat. 222 "


• 6th Sab 219 "


• 7th Mon. 275 "


• 8th Tues 293 "


• = 2750

Friday left Derry ab't 12 in tender for Moville; Water very smooth - scarcely a shake - musick and dancing on board. Couldn't say exactly what time we got up along side the vessel. The tender just drew right along side of ship and then they tied them together and put a plank bridge across between them for passengers to cross and to haul luggage over; then when we got off and got down to choose our bunks as they are called and put our beds in them and I left D. in charge of them and then went up to look ab't our hamper and as soon as I got it took it down to our (space here apparently the word was not legible to the transcriber.) and got it opened up and had some oaten cake and butter and after a bit we wondered what kind of noise it was we heard going on and we could scarecely be sure whether she was started or not, but she was shortening the wag and you may be sure it was pretty smooth. When it was questionable whether she had commenced her voyage or not, she started at a quarter to 4. So after a bit we got up to deck and it was a very smooth sea and a splendid evening and the passengers all seemed to be enjoying themselves -- some fiddling, others dancing, and others just looking on but a very short time put all enjoyment aside for D and me (and a good mor also) we both got sick just together about 6 o'clock. Stayed up on deck till near dark - were better there than in our beds, as we got the fresh air around us. Went to bed pretty early and slept fairly well not withstanding the rocking. But Saturday was a pretty rough day and our sea sick staid with us. It was so rough that passengers could only go out a very short time now and again. We were ---- ab’t any food and didn’t try any of their --- that day; got some water and used a little brandy in it. It took that to purify it. I went up to deck about 6 o’clock and staid there till seven when I went down to the Dr’s room, and when I rapped at his door there was no response so I opened it and went in and there wasn’t anyone in it, so as there was a very comfortable looking couch in it covered with crimson velvet I just thought I’d make myself comfortable in it and sat down ----(before I go any further I might say that there was a man came into the Dr’s room and laid off his complaints to me, but I couldn’t do anything for him – just told him Dr. not in. Save that, I had the room to myself all the rest of the time) and he said he was likely in his room, but I knew otherwise; then I got a drink of water from him and went up and got the Dr. in the pursers and he came in to his room with me and gave me some powder to take in water every three hours for D. and me. So I went to bed immediately after that and both of us slept pretty well till morning. Then Sab. was another pretty rough day and we kept in bed most of day. Monday a nice calm day. Kept on deck most of day. Tipped the steward and got a good dinner. Tuesday a very rough day; passengers kept down from going to the deck in the morning, was so rough. Wed. weather fine; nice smooth sailing. D. tipped another steward and he gave us a tin of sardines, plum pudding and rice; had a very good supper. Thurs. fine morning; passed a sail vessel about nine o’clock or so and then a fog got on sea about ten. Kept blowing fog horn about every 2 minutes till about 12 when the fog cleared away. People all up on deck – a good many lying in corners playing cards – shortly after one got foggy again and kept so until about nine o’clock when it cleared off otherwise it was a very fine calm day. About ten o’clock a bolt broke in connection with the engine and the ship was brought to a stand still, but it was made all right and got her on her away again in about 10 minutes. In a corner down in the compartment they carried on signing musick and songs till one o’clock; we went to bed a good while before that and D. had a good sleep at that time, but I liked to keep awake till all settled down. Slept well; then to seeing about vaccination. Friday, 4th May – dull showery morning; cleared up about ten; fine bright sunny day. Breakfast – porridge, b and b, sausage, steak, and bacon. Dinner ---soup, b and b, steak and tongue. Tea – tea, b and b, cheese and steak. About five o’clock an old gentleman and about seven or eight ladies who were going to saloon came to deck among the passengers and had a number of ….. books and lent out the spare books they had to those who liked to join them in singing and sung for or five hymns and read a portion of Scripture and offered up prayer. Down in the compartment they continued their concert as they called it till eleven o’clock. Sat. May 5th After a good night’s sleep woke up this morning to a very rough sea; great waves meeting her and right ahead of her and dashing right over deck; had to keep in below most of the day. Breakfast --- b and b, st. and bacon. Dinner ---- soup, and b and b, roast meat. Tea ---- spr., b and b, cheese and a drink of ess. of p’mint. Got calm in the evening and staid up on deck till half past eleven. Sat.(Sun) 6 May Got up about eight o’clock very nice calm morning; sea very smooth. Up on deck most of forenoon, reading Testament and one of the books Professor gave to David. Spoke with a young man a gentleman who had the appearance of a minister. He conducted a short service on deck commencing about one. Sang a hymn, then a psalm, read a chapter, engaged in prayer and preached a short sermon from the words “What think ye of Christ?” then sang a hymn, engaged in prayer, sang a hymn and dismissed the meeting after pronouncing the benediction. Before breakfast got a drink of eggnog. Bfast – tea, b and b, sausages. Dinner bread pudding, fowl, and Gpie. Supper --- tea, b and b and cheese. Monday 7th May ’88 Very thick fog up to middle of day. Kept blowing horn. Cleared up about two o’clock. Splendid, bright clear aft. Service on deck in the evg. After eleven o’clock a vessel met us bringing pilot. When they came near each other they stopped and pilot was brought from the vessel in a small boat to this one. Then we got on our way again. David was up on deck and saw all but I was keeping watch. Breakfast – tea, bd, mince meat. Dinner – fresh pork bread and tea. Supper – cakes and cheese and preserved cherries that had been bottled and kept in their green state. Tuesday 8th May ’88 Nicest morning man could wish to see; sun rising in a beautiful blue sky in which there is not a cloud to be seen and the calmest sea one could possibly imagine. Not a ripple on the water save what’s made by the ship. Ship going very smoothly; kept fine all day. Fog got on sea at night and vessel had to stop till Wed. morn. Wednesday 9th May At ten a.m. when she got started and made into port about twelve; after getting luggage examined by customs office crossed to C. Gardens then went in eveng to Mr. Christies; spent a very pleasant evg there and staid over night in it. Thursday 10th May Staid in Mr. C’s till half past eleven; then went to Castle Gardens got our luggage sent to the ferry. Left there about half past four; then got started in train at 5:45 enjoyed the scenery from N. Y. to Phila. Very much. Arrived here about 8:20. Bob Crawford met us and took us to our lodge." There are more pages I will enter here describing his early experiences in Philadelphia. I hope you have enjoyed this missive from the past.

Retirement

My last day at my desk. One more letter to edit.

Retirement. As they have been known to say, "tired, and retired." Wonder how long it will take before I stop thinking, even if only briefly, "it's almost Monday!" "Wish I had the time to....." I got an e-mail from a distant cousin on Thursday evening asking a long list of questions about family tree issues. First thought "when would I ever have time to research and answer all that?" Second thought "Now!" So I wrote them down and addressed most of them immediately.

Thursday was my last day at work. Friends had approached me about having a work place party and I said no. They asked some more and I got to thinking that it might be ungracious of me to say no. After all, I've made some dear friends at work and I remember when other coworkers didn't want anything...as their friend, I felt a bit cheated...wanted to show my friendship. So I relented.

I'm glad I did. I kept a grateful heart and had a chance to thank and hug, or hug and thank many who have given me good memories and some great laughs.

There was a badge cake - I never thought I'd see one with my ID# on it! And the weirdest feeling was that for the first time, after all the retirement parties we've had there, I wasn't the one hosting - cutting and serving - cleaning up. I felt quite odd, and a bit naughty! But I refrained and enjoyed.

With my two last bosses -

And waving farewell.