Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Happy Holidays!

We extend our best wishes to
MAIDEN and DURHAM families everywhere!
MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Lettie's Little Red Book


Kids have a fun way of leaving their mark in history. Oh, sure, they can become rich and famous, but harken back to their youth, and you'll find kids are pretty much the same everywhere -- more than a bit nonsensical!
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In foraging through materials belonging to my mother, Lettie Miller, I came across a delightful little "Autograph Book."
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Long before television and computers (text messaging was sending morse code via Western Union!) these little autograph books were one way that youngsters could pen a message to their sweethearts and other friends. Little would they realize that most of the kids who signed these books would depart their lives for marriage, the military, or otherwise to seek their fortune elsewhere in the world.
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This has dozens of entries -- most penned by friends of my mother. Some of them were written by teachers or parents, and it's easy to identify them -- they're a bit "less clever" and more philosophical. Since there are many entries from young people in Lead, South Dakota, I believe she had the book both in Lead and later in Chadron, Nebraska, which is where she spent virtually her whole life, except for that one snippet of time in Lead. She stayed with her older sister, Minnie (Maiden) Scott.
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I've transcribed a few of these messages, and they're a hoot! I found many of the poems and sayings repeated by several of the youngsters, so few of the items can truly be considered "original." Nonetheless, it reflects the youthful lightheartedness that kids bring to every generation. Some would call it foolishness. I call it fun!
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