tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9315689206615628822024-03-13T22:23:27.131-04:00My Brother's FruitMartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-45009538015630368992013-05-11T17:20:00.001-04:002021-03-13T20:24:50.735-05:00Special Delivery - May 13, 1998<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Special Delivery - May 13, </span>1998</span></b></span></span><br />
<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Bil Clinton was President and First Lady Hillary wrote a book "It Takes A Village" about caring for children. Casco is a rural area (Village) that values life, family and community. Over 100 caring people stepped up to help get four new arrivals off to a good start in 1998. What arrivals, you might ask. Well, I will tell you about them.</span><br />
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WPU_yp4JkqY/UY5qEM07gfI/AAAAAAAAArE/7EWrgtLwYps/s1600/1998QuadNewsClip.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WPU_yp4JkqY/UY5qEM07gfI/AAAAAAAAArE/7EWrgtLwYps/s200/1998QuadNewsClip.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">On May 13, 1998 (near Mother's Day) the Overhiser quadruplets were born in Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Kim Overhiser carried the quads 7+ months and rested in the hospital a few weeks prior to delivery. Dr David Peisner a specialist in high-risk babies did the delivery. Allan and about 20 other people were in the delivery room helping.</span><br />
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<li><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Adam Wayne, 3 lbs. 14.4 oz. and 17.5"</span></li>
<li><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Alex Wade, 3 lbs. 13.6 oz. and 16.75"</span></li>
<li><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Kortny Alise, 3 lbs. 6 oz. and 16.5"</span></li>
<li><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Kelsy Ann, 3 lbs. 9.4 oz. and 17"</span></li>
<li>As a comparison, Aaron William was born December 9, 1996 and weighed 9 lbs, 14 ounces and was 23" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDw-pkNAnjI/UY5yGQWxD7I/AAAAAAAAArg/J_kgv2BygIc/s1600/2002FamilyPhotoBallShirts.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDw-pkNAnjI/UY5yGQWxD7I/AAAAAAAAArg/J_kgv2BygIc/s200/2002FamilyPhotoBallShirts.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Kelsy and Alex were taken home on May 31 and Adam on June 2. Kortny received a little more special handling and was taken to the farm on June 13. That was Grandma June's birthday. She would have loved caring for the quads but had passed away on March 3, 1997. Rachel Brenner and Loretta Overhiser coordinated care givers and meal providers. Other regular helpers from the Casco and South Haven community were Rachel Brenner, Loretta Overhiser, LouAnn Brush, Janet DeWitte, Martha Hamlin, Elenore Harry, Vivian Hendricksen, Ann Hibbard, Judy McMahon, Roberta Newton, Elenore Ransom, and Carol Wessling. Grandma and Grandpa Myers, Grandpa Albert, and Aunt Doris were always there when needed.</span><br />
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34H9QHVlwC0/UY5s282XVTI/AAAAAAAAArQ/jCailICht9g/s1600/FiveAWOs2013SchoolPhotos.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34H9QHVlwC0/UY5s282XVTI/AAAAAAAAArQ/jCailICht9g/s200/FiveAWOs2013SchoolPhotos.jpg" width="194" /></a></span></div>
<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Now here we are 15 years later and find four healthy, happy, hard working teenagers in training to become adults. We have all enjoyed sharing in the upbringing and look forward to watching them progress. </span><br />
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">At The Farm May 1<span style="font-size: x-large;">1</span>, 2013 </span></b></span></span> <br />
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">The cold spring has held back the blossoms. As you may recall, last spring all of the fruit was lost from a late April freeze. Some 80 to 100 bee hives have been rented. The bloom is complete for the stone fruit (cherries, peaches, and plum). The apples are in full bloom now. Kortny and Kelsy marched with the Fennville Band today at the Holland Tulip Festival. Aaron is playing in a basketball tournament. Alex and Addam are playing baseball this spring. Kortny is golie on the soccer team and kelsy is playing softball. Aaron's driving is sure helping out in the transportation department. </span>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-82554556862587475762013-03-28T20:52:00.004-04:002013-03-29T18:12:41.708-04:00The Casco Kids Start Arriving<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">T<span style="color: #e69138;">he Casco Kids Start Arriving</span></span></b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X98tMeW0xq0/UVXfBh-oBoI/AAAAAAAAAp0/h9o6dIDEpr8/s1600/AaronBirthPhots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X98tMeW0xq0/UVXfBh-oBoI/AAAAAAAAAp0/h9o6dIDEpr8/s200/AaronBirthPhots.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During the 1960s and 70s Allan Wade was the only kid living on the farm. Then in the 80s and most of the 90s there were no kids on the farm. </span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The farm was home for several cats and dogs but for some 36 years no kids. In to their 30s Allan and Kim got some fertility help and in the spring of 1997 God sent a boy. Aaron William was born at 6:16 a. m. on December 9 that year. He weighed in at 9 pound and 13.7 ounces and was 23". Mom and Dad were impressed with his big hands and long fingers and big feet. The AWO initials were chosen to keep with the family tradition. The first day home he slept through the night. Kim reports that Aaron is still skilled at sleeping especially in the mornings. In all his doctor visits he was off the charts above average size wise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There had always been
grand kids at the farm for special occasions but now there was daily
excitement that comes from playing with and care for inquisitive youngsters. Aunt
Doris Overhiser Adkin was a frequent helper. Doris was Albert's sister
who had fond memories of growing up on the farm.</span> On February 9, 1997 Aaron was baptized by Pastor Tupper at the Casco United Methodist Church. Grandma and Grandpa Myers were there along with Grandpa Albert. Grandma June was in her final day of fighting cancer and left us on March 3, 1997. The circle of life was continuing. In July he learned to crawl and was able to get to the sweet cherry lugs and grab a hand full. He also liked helping Allan drive the tractors. Aaron enjoyed being the center of attention but was about to be surrounded with siblings. We will cover that story next time.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7L343MYado/UVXfPBZuwOI/AAAAAAAAAp8/e1dJdVwiZHg/s1600/BabyAaron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7L343MYado/UVXfPBZuwOI/AAAAAAAAAp8/e1dJdVwiZHg/s200/BabyAaron.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At the farm April 1, 2013 </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It has been a cold March and the fruit trees are just stating to wake up. You will remember March 2012 when it was one of the hottest ever. Trees started budding out and then got zapped by the killing spring freeze in April. We all hope and pray this will be a normal weather year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All five high school kids played basketball this year and are becoming very good. The height and athletic ability of Allan and Kim has been passed along. First born Aaron is a sophomore and the quads are freshmen. Aaron had a fabulous basketball season. At 6' 5" and size 16 shoes he occupied a large space under the basket. He was named to the All State Class C sophomore first team and to his All Conference Team. The time is coming when Fennville may have Aaron, Adam and Alex playing on the same team. Kelsy and Kortny will also be on the team together. Now if there is a co-ed league the Casco Kids would take on all comers. Aaron now has his drivers license so is relieving Allan and Kim of some of the taxi driving. Below see Aaron get the board and then score the bucket in the District Tournament. He also got a hug from Jessica Solis.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y1VgHrZouqo/UVTlGjUgWZI/AAAAAAAAApg/rgm4Rm0G2PA/s1600/2013Aaron&JessicaSolis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y1VgHrZouqo/UVTlGjUgWZI/AAAAAAAAApg/rgm4Rm0G2PA/s320/2013Aaron&JessicaSolis.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-75357857117517493022013-01-01T19:00:00.000-05:002013-01-01T21:17:08.417-05:00RIP - Tensquatawa<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><b>RIP - Tensquatawa</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">On</span> November 23, 201<span style="font-size: small;">2</span> (black Friday) <span style="font-size: small;">descendents</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">of </span></span></span></span></span></span><b>Tensquatawa</b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">visited <span style="font-size: small;">his </span>final resting place<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">T</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">he relatives were<b><span style="font-size: small;">:</span></b> Corey<span style="font-size: small;"> and Max Overhiser<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Daniel, Luke<span style="font-size: small;">, and Jameson Schmeltz <span style="font-size: small;">(<span style="font-size: small;">+ </span>dad Chris)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sydney House (+ dad Jeff)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-MvcDdb9BY/UONx_TGf4pI/AAAAAAAAAo8/vdKnIYd1GmE/s1600/TensquatawaPlaqueAtWhiteFeatherSpring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-MvcDdb9BY/UONx_TGf4pI/AAAAAAAAAo8/vdKnIYd1GmE/s200/TensquatawaPlaqueAtWhiteFeatherSpring.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you have been <span style="font-size: small;">following <span style="font-size: small;">my b<span style="font-size: small;">logs <span style="font-size: small;">at</span> <span style="font-size: small;">"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">My Brother's <span style="font-size: small;">Fruit" you may <span style="font-size: small;">recall</span> <i>Shawnee Prophet</i> (April 1, 2011<span style="font-size: small;">) and <i>White Invaders</i> (May 2, 2011). Those blogs reported how we are related to <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">the Prophet<span style="font-size: small;">.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Thi<span style="font-size: small;">s past Thanksgiving t</span>he Corey/Abby O family from MN and the <span style="font-size: small;">C<span style="font-size: small;">hris</span>/Janine Schmeltz family from <span style="font-size: small;">IL were visiting the Jeff/Jody House family in Overland Park, <span style="font-size: small;">KS. Below<span style="font-size: small;"> is Corey's<span style="font-size: small;"> account of a <span style="font-size: small;">road trip <span style="font-size: small;">in search of our roots.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Corey Overhiser<span style="font-size: small;"> - </span></span>"Just wanted to share some pictures of a small trip some of us took while we
were in Overland Park, KS for Thanks<span style="font-size: small;">g</span>iving visiting Jody, Jeff, Ashley and
Sydney House.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>When most of the <span style="font-size: small;">c</span>rew was out Black Friday shopping, the rest of us were
sitting around discussing the family and school. The subject of our Indian
ancestry came up. I was explaining how much fun Carly had putting together her
Family Tree as a school project. And, that Lauren did a big
project on <span class="yiv1717559472mark" id="yiv1717559472misspell-13">Techumseh</span> last year. Jeff House thought he had heard
that <span class="yiv1717559472mark" id="yiv1717559472misspell-15">Tensquatawa</span> (<span class="yiv1717559472mark" id="yiv1717559472misspell-16">Techumseh</span>’s brother and said to be our Great,
Great............Grandfather) was buried in the Kansas City <span style="font-size: small;">area</span>. We did a <span class="yiv1717559472mark" id="yiv1717559472misspell-17">Google</span> search and discovered, in fact, <span class="yiv1717559472mark" id="yiv1717559472misspell-18">that Tensquatawa</span>’s final resting
place was less than a twenty minute drive from the House household.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOwUWAmY0S8/UONyc5ALvfI/AAAAAAAAApE/1hX3f67Kru8/s1600/TensquatawaPlaqueWhiteFeatherSpring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BOwUWAmY0S8/UONyc5ALvfI/AAAAAAAAApE/1hX3f67Kru8/s200/TensquatawaPlaqueWhiteFeatherSpring.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Daniel, Luke, Jameson, Max, Sydney, Chris, Jeff and I hopped in the minivan
and began our pilgrimage to find the grave site<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>located in
Shawnee Mission KS on private property.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>As we approached the modest neighborhood made up of predominantly Mexican
heritage, we could make out a small memorial on the road side of a dead-end
street. We pulled up at the monument outside of a white picket fence that
encompassed about a 1/2 acre back yard of wonderfully maintained turn of the
century home. The monument was well maintained<span style="font-size: small;"> and was</span> reportedly erected in 1978.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not long after we had gathered around <span class="yiv1717559472mark" id="yiv1717559472misspell-19">Tensquatawa</span>’s Memorial, we were
approached by the property owner. Ernesto was very curious why we were
interested in <span class="yiv1717559472mark" id="yiv1717559472misspell-20">Tesquatawa</span>. I explained that we may be direct de<span style="font-size: small;">sc</span>endents' of the
Prophet. Ernesto told us that many people have claimed to be relatives of
the Shawnee Prophet. He was very nice and
could see we were not up to mischief<span style="font-size: small;">. </span>Ernesto told us that he has great respect for the Shawnee Prophet and
bought the house to make sure that <span class="yiv1717559472mark" id="yiv1717559472misspell-21">Tesquatawa</span>’s final resting place would not be
disrupted. He told us stories of people trying to dig on his land in order to
uncover bones or artifacts and thus he is often chasing people away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the sun was getting low in the sky, Ernesto asked if we would like to
come behind the fence and take a look around.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TKSKqGB3VI/UONyou58mBI/AAAAAAAAApM/k9BnQtuxgX0/s1600/Profet%27sLastHutSite1837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TKSKqGB3VI/UONyou58mBI/AAAAAAAAApM/k9BnQtuxgX0/s200/Profet%27sLastHutSite1837.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">About thirty feet right behind the monument, straight <span style="font-size: small;">n</span>orth was a small
depression in the landscape next to an old stump. This, Ernesto reported, was
the sight of the shelter in which the Prophet lived out his last few years. The <span style="font-size: small;">t</span>emperature while we were outside the fence was a chilly 35 degrees<span style="font-size: small;">. </span> <span style="font-size: small;">W</span>hen we
went inside the fence and approached the depression in the yard the <span style="font-size: small;">temperature</span> was
noticeably warmer<span style="font-size: small;">;</span> I would say 10 degrees warmer.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Ernesto told us that the
landscape and the nearby White Feather Spring created this unusual
characteristic.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>We then walked <span style="font-size: small;">n</span>orthwest about 20 yards towards a small ravine that dropped <span style="font-size: small;">approximately</span> 50 feet<span style="font-size: small;">.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">A</span>gain it was noticeably warmer. After reading a little more, I
figure at that point we were very near if not directly on top of where the
Prophet was said to be b<span style="font-size: small;">u</span>ried in his ceremonial blankets.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Ernesto also revealed he had heard that at the time of the Prophets
death, his legs were broken<span style="font-size: small;">.</span> I could not verify this information.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>We walked back to the monument, said good bye to Ernesto and were on our
way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We all enjoyed our tiny Pilgrimage and made our shopping counterparts very
jealous<span style="font-size: small;">."</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Best Regards,<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Corey Overhiser</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">_________________________________________________________________________ </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I (Martin) think <span style="font-size: small;">we should<span style="font-size: small;">, in the future, </span>use<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>the Tensquatawa spelling on the plaque now that Corey<span style="font-size: small;">'s <span style="font-size: small;">Explorers</span> have</span> shared there <span style="font-size: small;">research.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />From Wikipedia: <b>Tenskwatawa</b>, (also called <b>Tenskatawa</b>, <b>Tenskwatawah</b>, <span style="color: red;"><b>Tensquatawa</b></span> or <b>Lalawethika</b>) (1775 – November 1836) was a<span style="font-size: small;"> Native American<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>religious and political leader of the<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Shawnee</span></span> tribe, known as The Prophet or the Shawnee Prophet.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many questions remain.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">What about </span><span style="font-size: small;">Tensquatawa's daughter Marsha Bates<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>(our ancestor)<span style="font-size: small;">?</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Did she</span> remain in MI <span style="font-size: small;">after the relocation?</span> </span> </span> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The fruit did not grow in 2012 but the kids sure did sprout up. All five are in high school. Aaron, a sophomore, is 6'4" and plays on the varsity for the second year (football, basketball and baseball). </span><span style="font-size: small;">The quads are all freshmen and play all the sports. Also, in the fall they were all in the marching band and Kim was very active with the Band Boosters.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim and Allan celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in 2012. Allan continues as Casco Township Supervisor and has helped lead an effort to obtain a large parcel of Lake Michigan frontage for a Township Park. Lots of extra trimming was completed because there was no fruit to harvest. May 2013 bring a bountiful harvest for Overhiser Orchards and your family.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><u>The Country School</u></i><span style="font-size: small;"> (2012) </span>by <span style="font-size: small;">cousin Cla<span style="font-size: small;">re</span> Adkin was just published. I<span style="font-size: small;">t tells <span style="font-size: small;">the history of </span>the Iddles on<span style="font-size: small;">e room school (1859 - 1962) that <span style="font-size: small;">many of us Casco <span style="font-size: small;">k</span>ids attended. <span style="font-size: small;">You can <span style="font-size: small;">order the paper back book by <span style="font-size: small;">contacting Clare: 2203 Alabama Ave., <span style="font-size: small;">D</span>urham, NC 27705 919-286-2055 clareadkin@nc.rr.com Cost of the book is $15 + $5 shipping. <span style="font-size: small;">I<span style="font-size: small;">f you have not yet read <i><u>Quiet Guilt</u></i><span style="font-size: small;"> (2010) by Clare, <span style="font-size: small;">preview at </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>http://clareadkin.com/</div>
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MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-18046747404788248992012-11-19T22:09:00.001-05:002012-11-19T22:11:05.532-05:00Place Bound - Pros and Cons<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Place Bound - Pros and Cons</span></b></span></span><br />
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What are the pros and cons of living your whole life in one place? North American Indian Tribes moved about seeking food sources. Many tribes did, however, roam seasonally within a small area. When the Europeans settled the Midwest they purchased land or homesteaded a farm. Through the 1800s and into the early 1900s those settlers, and most of their kids and grand-kids lived on or near the original farm. Of course that changed with the migration of farm workers to the cities for factory jobs. Today families are scattered all over the world but connected with their electronic gadgets.<br />
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Overhiser Orchards is the home for a family that is an exceptions to that migration pattern. The families of five generations have lived and worked at the farm starting in 1863. Rural farm living can be very satisfying. Within your community you know everyone and can help and be helped by neighbors. Your land becomes as much a part of your total being as your family. You know the hills, valleys, soil, drainage, air flow, trees, wildlife, wildflowers and how the seasonal changes impact your crops. Certain places can invoke fond or not so fond memories. I have fond memories of the land I lived on while growing up. Think of some of the places you have lived the kindle fond memories. Thanks be to God for this good earth upon which we can stay in one place or move about. <br />
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When Henry settled the original farm he set the house on the top of the maple covered ridge that overlooked the road to the south. Today the five teenage Overhiser kids have a basketball court on the original home site. Backtracking in history, this <b>one</b> spot on this good earth has supported the following uses:<br />
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<li>Presently a basketball court</li>
<li>Mobile home parking site for Allan and Kim</li>
<li>Location of Grandpa Bill's shuffleboard court</li>
<li>Home site for William and Edna family until the house burned in 1927</li>
<li>Home of William Albert and Daisy family until the death of William Albert in 1915</li>
<li>Home of Henry and Sarah family from 1863 until William Albert and first wife Alta May lived in the house.</li>
<li>Pre-1863 Maple forest and home of wild amimals that were hunted by the indians of the area.</li>
<li>Before the trees the terrain was shaped by the ice age and the melting of the glaciers.</li>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanksgiving <span style="font-size: x-large;">at the Farm - </span>2012</span></b></span></span><br />
The birds have been killed and dressed. The farm is all warped up for winter. Allan and Kim are down for a long winter nap with visions of next years fruit dancing in their heads. One need to go back to 1945 to find a comparable year for crop loss. This is the worst lost Allan can remember in his 52 years. The fruit trees, however, have survived the spring freezes and summer drougth so should be producing fruit this next year, God willing.<br />
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2012 was a good year for growing kids. Here is the roster: Aaron is 6' - 3" and will be 16 on December 9. Kelsy, Kortny, Alex and Adam will be 15 this next May 13. Aaron plays on the varsity basketball team and the other kids are also playing basketball this winter. MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-53428967531520632642012-09-24T10:15:00.000-04:002012-09-24T10:15:21.294-04:00Allan and Kim Tie Knot - 1982<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Allan and Kim Tie Knot - 1982</span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhGUPzh0dDc/UF522BKpRkI/AAAAAAAAAnU/jgtE7Ilh0E8/s1600/AllanHSgrad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rhGUPzh0dDc/UF522BKpRkI/AAAAAAAAAnU/jgtE7Ilh0E8/s200/AllanHSgrad.jpg" width="173" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kim Myers and Allan Overhiser were both 1978 Fennville grads. They started dating their junior year. Kim was a cheerleader for Allan's basketball team. Kim played basketball, softball and tennis. Kim was good at math and worked as a bank teller in the fall of '78 before starting at Western Michigan University (WMU). She started out in computer science and then switched to accounting. Allan had started at WMU in the fall of '78. In Allan's second year he selected agribusiness as a major after thinking he might want to work the family farm. College weekends were spent at home doing laundry and loading up with meals for the week. Summers 79, 80 and 81 Allan helped Dad (Albert) run the farm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KTHiTVX33M/UF_lPXWUs4I/AAAAAAAAAno/6BXPwQoVvwA/s1600/AllanKimWedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KTHiTVX33M/UF_lPXWUs4I/AAAAAAAAAno/6BXPwQoVvwA/s200/AllanKimWedding.jpg" width="120" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1982 was a very busy year. Mom retired from teaching at South Haven. Kim and Allan graduated from WMU. Allan continued his on the job training with dad and then there was the September 25th wedding. It was at the Douglas Community Church with a reception at the St Peters Catholic Church Reception Hall. It was a very festive gathering of family and friends 30 years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grandma Edna had been widowed in 1969 and continued to live in the house on the original farmstead. Allan and Kim moved into a mobile home just east of Edna's house. The mobile home was located on the site of the 1860s house that Henry built. It was very beneficial for Edna to have care givers on call. Allan and Kim very much enjoyed having always happy Edna to "look after". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Allan and Albert worked the farm and Kim worked at Fleming Brother's Oil Company and later at DuWell in Bangor. This was following in the footsteps of mom having the regular job (teaching) while Albert farmed and made money some years. In 1984 a farm partnership was formed between Albert/June and Allan/Kim. On the last day of August that same year a hail storm destroyed the peaches that had not been picked as well as all the plums and apples. The farm did not have any crop insurance so it was a lean year financially. The 2012 total freeze killing of all the fruit was similar to the 1945 freeze.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AAf8ocnsT3g/UF_lu7C1tSI/AAAAAAAAAn4/YR-r3FR8gr0/s1600/JuneAlbertAllanKimText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AAf8ocnsT3g/UF_lu7C1tSI/AAAAAAAAAn4/YR-r3FR8gr0/s200/JuneAlbertAllanKimText.jpg" width="136" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At The Farm September 24, 2012</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The retail building and animal barn will be open 9 to 5 Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of October. One major farm improvement has just been completed. The pond on the original farm had dried up so it was mowed and then dredged. Water is filling in the pond that will be stocked with fish. A boat and dock may be coming soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rFNko0TD3uA/UF_lhRF5u4I/AAAAAAAAAnw/gRf56RkbF8E/s1600/KimAllanWeddingParty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rFNko0TD3uA/UF_lhRF5u4I/AAAAAAAAAnw/gRf56RkbF8E/s200/KimAllanWeddingParty.jpg" width="200" /></a>Adam and Alex are playing soccer and Kortny and Kelsy are playing volleyball. The quads are all in the marching band which keeps Kim and Grandma Meyers busy altering uniforms. Aaron is playing tackle on the football team but can not wait for basketball season to get started. He is tall and still growing. Will he be taller than 6' 4" uncle Tobe (Edna's brother)? </span>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-72197227968784219132012-07-05T16:01:00.000-04:002012-07-05T16:02:10.370-04:00School Boy AllanO<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kyMcR8qXzY/T_XphjlroOI/AAAAAAAAAmo/_-8hKYKGuoQ/s1600/1969FamilywithBill&Edna10-27-2006+04;32;41pm+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kyMcR8qXzY/T_XphjlroOI/AAAAAAAAAmo/_-8hKYKGuoQ/s200/1969FamilywithBill&Edna10-27-2006+04;32;41pm+%282%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">School Boy Allan O</span></b></div>
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Mother June taught at Lincoln Elementary in the South Haven system. Allan attended the Fennville schools. Summers were times for hard work. Albert took charge of the farm in 1961 and bought the first cherry shaker in 1970. Allan remembers he, his Dad (Albert), and a crew would shake their tart cherries and the orchards of others during most of the month of July. That was a rush rush hot hot harvest time. August was the peach harvest month then back to school. He belonged to a 4 H club, church group, and spent lots of time with his older cousin Scott Evans. When Martin and Chuck's kids would come to visit Allan was the activities director and tried to keep the snowmobiles and horses running.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGYucnEzCLA/T_Xp2JeAGsI/AAAAAAAAAmw/3TIVz1syOjc/s1600/Allan4H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGYucnEzCLA/T_Xp2JeAGsI/AAAAAAAAAmw/3TIVz1syOjc/s200/Allan4H.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEo0UW3XjvI/T_XqDKClIoI/AAAAAAAAAm4/5uBp0h_-Cd8/s1600/AllanAge13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEo0UW3XjvI/T_XqDKClIoI/AAAAAAAAAm4/5uBp0h_-Cd8/s200/AllanAge13.jpg" width="141" /></a><br />
In 1974- 75 Allan's class was split into two sessions because a new high school was being built. It was a fun time with classes in the morning and golf in the afternoons. Cousin Scott's class was the first to graduate from the new high school building. In high school, Allan played basketball and baseball for 4 years, golf for 3 years and football for 1 year. In 1976 Mom and Dad bought a newish Chevy from Uncle Dutch (Ralph) Evans. Allan (age 16) was given the family car (1970 Chevy Bell Air) to drive. Of course, Allan had been driving farm equipment and play equipment most of his life. Kim Myers was in Allan's class and they started dating their senior year. Tune in next month and learn if that romance flourishes. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">At The Farm July 5, 2012</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Remember, no u-pick this summer. The sour cherries that survived the freeze are being pitted and will be available fresh this weekend (July 6-8) and then frozen pitted tart cherries will be available as long as they last. There will be some peaches for sale at the retail building starting the end of July. </span>Plans are to be open weekends (Fri, Sat & Sun) for most of the growing season. The animal barn is stocked and fruit and vegetables will be for sale at the stand.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YP6GyjIMgu8/T_Xqf-ENfYI/AAAAAAAAAnI/HmBOL_tBZDs/s1600/AllanKimAlbert1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YP6GyjIMgu8/T_Xqf-ENfYI/AAAAAAAAAnI/HmBOL_tBZDs/s200/AllanKimAlbert1981.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmnyGiCVVNA/T_XqVGqo4dI/AAAAAAAAAnA/ScwaG69Qmeo/s1600/AllanInSnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmnyGiCVVNA/T_XqVGqo4dI/AAAAAAAAAnA/ScwaG69Qmeo/s200/AllanInSnow.jpg" width="200" /></a>Because of the frozen harvest, the farm is receiving the best most complete trimming it has ever had. Allan's smaller than normal summer crew will also be working on several deferred maintenance and improvement projects. The kids are playing sports and working on the farm.MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-42717869419706127492012-06-01T00:10:00.000-04:002012-06-01T00:10:13.508-04:00It's A Boy! - 1960<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's A Boy! - 1960</span></b></div>
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I (Martin) graduated from South Haven in 1958 and brother Charles in 1959. Our mother June was teaching. Albert "drove truck" and helped Grandpa Bill run the farms. In the fall of 1959 Chuck and I were both attending MSU. Monthly, a laundry box containing dirty white shirts would be shipped home. Mom would wash, starch, iron and ship them back because sweaters over white shirts were what we wore on campus. One of those boxes contained a 7 page letter. On page 7 Mom said, "guess what, you are going to have a new brother or sister".<br />
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The birth occurred on January 4, 1960. If Allan Wade Overhiser had not joined the family the fruit farm may not have passed to a 5th generation. When June returned to teaching, Albert's sister Doris Adkin cared for Allan. In 1998 that same Aunt Doris helped care for Allan and Kim's quadruplets. For us older brothers, Allan was like a nephew. Many of Allan's first cousins were older. Scott Evans, Judy Brown, Jeff and Ed Overhiser and the Peet girls- Nan and Pam were closer to his age.<br />
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Preschool days for the future farmer were filled with farm life, included always having a dog and cats. As he got older his play
things included tractors, ponies and snowmobiles. At age 12, during the month of July, he was a full time member of Albert's tart cherry shaking crew. Allan's 8
nieces and nephews joined the family between 1963 and 1971 (Martin and
Chuck's children). They recall Allan being a very easy going young
uncle who did not get annoyed when his spaces were invaded or his toys and pets mishandled. <br />
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Christmas vacation 1961 Albert, June and the three boys traveled to Kissimmee Florida to visit Grandpa and Grandma Evans. This was the first family trip with the three boys. Allan was almost one and talking. Homer Evans recalled him saying "fix my bottle and put me to bed". The second extended trip with the three "boys" would have been to the Wisconsin Dells in 1972 to see the Tommy Bartlett Water Show. This would have included Mom, Dad, Allan, Chuck's family (6) and our family (6). At the time, Chuck and family lived in Waukegan and we lived in Plymouth, MN. The third and final Albert and June vacation with the "boys" would be 1989 to Las Vegas to celebrate Albert and June's 50 wedding anniversary.<br />
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Enjoy the photos of young Allan. </div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At The Farm June 1, 2012 </span></b></span><br />
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Starting in July the retail building will be open on weekends only and stocked with fruits and vegetables from the farm or neighboring farms. The petting barn will also be housing animals. <u style="color: red;"><b>THERE WILL BE NO U-PICK THIS SUMMER.</b></u><br />
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The April freeze destroyed all the sweet cherries, apples and pears. A few tart cherries and peaches did survive and these will be sold at the farm as will pumpkins in the fall. For the Casco area, the freeze was similar to the 1945 freeze but not as bad as the 1906 fall freeze that killed all the fruit trees. Just like baseball, there is always hope that the crops will be better next year.<br />
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Adam, Alex, Kelsy and Kortny have graduated from 8th grade and will join Aaron at the Fennville High School next year. All the kids are enjoying their sports. Aaron will be playing summer basketball and is dunking at age 15.<br />
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<br /></div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-66628609344593282052012-05-01T20:58:00.000-04:002012-05-01T20:58:51.717-04:00April Freeze - 2012<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">April Freeze - 2012</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is May Day as I write. Remember how nice it was in March? </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The temperatures were more like May. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Crops were pushed ahead by 3 to 4 weeks. The sap was running in the maple trees. Some could</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> see it coming. Like the receding tide before a tsunami or the calm before the storm. We most always have frost and freeze in April and early May. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">At the farm, Allan has only bad news to report. His fruit had survived quite well until last Friday (April 27). When he got up early that morning it was 24 degrees. The leaves and buds were frozen solid. It looks like all the fruit is gone with maybe a very few scattered exceptions. Orchard and general farm maintenance will continue throughout the summer with or without fruit to harvest. It is not known at this time weather the retail building and animal barn will be open this summer.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">The freeze of 2012 will go down in history along with 1906 and 1945. All the fruit trees in Michigan were killed as a result of the October 10, 1906 freeze. The trees had not even started hardening off for winter. Some later varieties peach trees and many apple trees still had fruit on them. The fruit farmers who did replant new trees only did so in the most favorable locations such as along Lake Michigan. The spring freeze of '45 was very similar to this year, warm March and then April freeze. Allan remembers, when he was a young boy, in the late 1960s that a freeze destroyed much of the fruit.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Allan and Kim do have some crop insurance which will help out financially. Farm workers and farmers without insurance will experience extreme hardship. We all will keep these families in our thoughts and prayers. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Next month we will get a detailed farm update and I will continue the family history.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">The farm kids are all still involved in one of more sports (baseball, basketball, softball and soccer).</span></span></span>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-70375545444839814402012-04-01T10:05:00.001-04:002012-04-06T13:13:13.533-04:00The Cherry Shaker<div style="color: #f6b26b;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Cherry Shaker</span></span></b></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XLE-tLkFUFM/T3OGGQUlVZI/AAAAAAAAAjc/y_lg9ZzM_GU/s1600/ChuckCherryCrew1958DSCN7484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XLE-tLkFUFM/T3OGGQUlVZI/AAAAAAAAAjc/y_lg9ZzM_GU/s200/ChuckCherryCrew1958DSCN7484.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Albert and June had taken over the farm operations prior to Grandpa Bill's passing (12-27-1969). June continued to teach and was very involved in the summer harvest. Albert still "drove truck" (as Albert would say) for Pullman Industries but tried to reduce his runs to Detroit during the summer months. Every fruit item was hand-picked and finding workers when needed was always a challenge. Sometimes there would be close to 100 people picking sour cherries. This crew was a mix of migrant families, area residents and relatives.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfIKyn7v5Wk/T3ON6ciTnxI/AAAAAAAAAjs/p6djEd1mYGI/s1600/PlumsDSCN7488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfIKyn7v5Wk/T3ON6ciTnxI/AAAAAAAAAjs/p6djEd1mYGI/s200/PlumsDSCN7488.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While brother Chuck and I were in Jr and Senior High School in the 50s we were the "Orchard Bosses". This involved assigning rows, distributing ladders and buckets, spreading empty lugs, picking up the full lugs, keeping a record of lugs picked, getting teased by the adult pickers, and loading lugs on the truck so they could be taken to the Michigan Fruit Canners in South Haven. We did not know it at the time, but we were learning leadership skills by immersion, trial and error.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvkHPkUuXWE/T3XVvMvamVI/AAAAAAAAAkE/bedm_6h5nyo/s1600/100-0028_IMG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvkHPkUuXWE/T3XVvMvamVI/AAAAAAAAAkE/bedm_6h5nyo/s200/100-0028_IMG.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the late 60s Albert had wanted to buy a shaker system to harvest sour cherries. June was opposed to borrowing the money to purchase the equipment. She was well aware of how often the farm had ended the year with a loss. Their two non-farm jobs kept the bills paid for the "hobby farm".</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vpo-zLjc5tQ/T3OM3QMSFBI/AAAAAAAAAjk/LJ8isRid2pQ/s1600/DSCN7564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vpo-zLjc5tQ/T3OM3QMSFBI/AAAAAAAAAjk/LJ8isRid2pQ/s200/DSCN7564.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the summer of 1969 June was the "Orchard Boss" when Albert had to make truck runs for Pullman Industries. She did not enjoy that experience. She learned that elementary students were easier to supervise than adult cherry pickers. After that summer June agreed to the shaker purchase. It was used equipment and cost over $4,000. You could buy a new Chevrolet Pickup Truck for $2,000 and gas cost only 36 cents a gallon. A few years later they upgraded from a limb shaker to a trunk shaker. High pressure salesman, Art Hamlin, walked in and sold it to Albert while he was taking a bath. Now some 40+ years later Allan is still using the same catching frame and conveyor system for sour cherries and plums. It has, however, been rebuilt twice. A crew of 7 to 8 people now harvest the sour cherries in mid July.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></b></div><div style="color: #f6b26b;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At The Farm April 1, 2012</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGqz4CgQs48/T3OOXjKYsqI/AAAAAAAAAj0/_xNkeEMXG8U/s1600/101-0128_IMG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGqz4CgQs48/T3OOXjKYsqI/AAAAAAAAAj0/_xNkeEMXG8U/s200/101-0128_IMG.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mother Nature, as always, is playing a big role in the fruit development this year. The warmer temperatures have caused the blossoms and buds to pop sooner than normal. Can the little fruits make it through the spring without getting damaged by Mr. Frost? Time will tell.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There were freezing temps in the area March 26 and 27 but the warmer lake breezes kept the farm just above freezing. Cherry and peach blossoms are now buds and the apple blossoms will finish blooming the second week in April. So there is still time to see some blooms. Allan and his assistant Lester will be doing the spring spraying as soon as the bees are finished. </span></span><br />
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</span></span>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-90334457599891585112012-03-02T21:13:00.000-05:002012-03-02T21:13:55.185-05:00Charming Edna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyUDdG0dO0U/T1FGNBBk12I/AAAAAAAAAjU/QFRxTUQJWQc/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Charming Edna Mildred Trowbridge Overhiser</span></b></div><div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">(9/20/1895-12/7/1991)</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXF_WgC3WGc/T1BDpSKnEqI/AAAAAAAAAik/IXWiOn73rjg/s1600/MableEdnaBess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXF_WgC3WGc/T1BDpSKnEqI/AAAAAAAAAik/IXWiOn73rjg/s200/MableEdnaBess.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Tribute by Casco Township blueberry farmer George Fleming (retired Methodist Pastor)</u></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>In the early 1970's, my wife, Edna, and I made a trip to Florida and while on that trip we visited Edna Overhiser and Ethel Ransom who were then widow women wintering together in Florida. EdnaO and Ethel were delighted to see us and made us feel very welcome. It was truly a very beautiful thing to discover that these women, then widowed and alone and entitled to self-pity, could instead find strength and joy in sharing life with each other and allowing a life-long friendship to blossom further.</i></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gcpo9-v4QGw/T1FE8kS-bJI/AAAAAAAAAjE/o8GJvbd5EEs/s1600/BurrelllBillEdnaMableWeddingDay15Sept1915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gcpo9-v4QGw/T1FE8kS-bJI/AAAAAAAAAjE/o8GJvbd5EEs/s200/BurrelllBillEdnaMableWeddingDay15Sept1915.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><i>EdnaO was always a very warm and outgoing person. When I was helping my father on the oil delivery truck as a young boy in the 1950s, dad and I always looked forward to making deliveries to Edna and Bill's house for Edna always greeted us so kindly when we came to her door. Edna was delighted to have us and others visit her in Florida. Whenever I returned back to a Casco function in the later years of Edna's life, she greeted me enthusiastically and made me feel very special, as I am sure she did for many others.</i></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q6OOxSzpSWA/T1BEiWkES_I/AAAAAAAAAis/a-ONLPHncS8/s1600/FlemingFamilyInThe50s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vd6Znytw10/T1FEZ6EqXQI/AAAAAAAAAi8/g2IlIxrHGCU/s1600/EdnaInFL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vd6Znytw10/T1FEZ6EqXQI/AAAAAAAAAi8/g2IlIxrHGCU/s200/EdnaInFL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I believe Edna brought warmth to our entire Casco Church and community as she reached out and fostered friendship and good will among us. A poet once said, "One friend can change the entire landscape." Many of us can say, EdnaO was such a friend to us, a friend who blessed us and often renewed our perspective on life. She was a very good neighbor and a great friend. She truly enriched the life of our total community.</i></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">George, thank you very much. Many of us feel the same way about Edan. She was always cheerful and engaging in a playful way. Our memories of Edna give us all a chuckle and a feeling of gratitude that she was with us. Now I will list some events to highlight Edna's final years and the farm transition from generation 3 to farm generations 4 and 5:</span></div><ul><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hmzooHb-r2c/T1BHB70JyzI/AAAAAAAAAi0/FPbNzpf8siw/s1600/Edna10-26-2006+02;34;38pm+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hmzooHb-r2c/T1BHB70JyzI/AAAAAAAAAi0/FPbNzpf8siw/s200/Edna10-26-2006+02;34;38pm+%282%29.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1964-5 Albert and June started purchasing the original farm and gave Bill and Edna a life lease on the house and Bill took the role of farm worker for Albert. Bill enjoyed doing the spraying of the fruit trees.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">12-7-1969 Bill passed and Edna started her 22 years as a widow, mother, grandmother and friend to many.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 1982, after College, Allan and Kim moved into a mobile home next to Edna's house and were always very attentive to Edna's needs. <i><br />
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<li style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 1984 Allan and Kim entered into a farm partnership with Albert and June and jointly operated the farm until Albert and June entered retirement mode. Albert did continued to help on the farm as he was able. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At her 90th birthday party in 1985 Edna was starting to show her age. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">1989-90 Edna may have had a mini stoke and moved to Grand Haven to live with daughter Janet and Jack Brown. While there she broke a hip and became wheel chair bound and moved to a nursing home and was the well known dispenser of good humor. After passing 12/7/1991 she rejoined Bill.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">In 1990 -91 Allan and Kim expanded and renovated Bill and Edna's house and then added five children to the house in 1996 and 98. Our mother June passed in 1997 and Albert in 2008.</span></span></li>
</ul><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At The Farm March 3, 2012 </span></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyUDdG0dO0U/T1FGNBBk12I/AAAAAAAAAjU/QFRxTUQJWQc/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyUDdG0dO0U/T1FGNBBk12I/AAAAAAAAAjU/QFRxTUQJWQc/s200/IMG_0045.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The weather outside is not as frightful as farmers would like. Time will tell what impact the warm winter will have on the fruit development this spring. Prime blossom time at the farm should the last week of April and the first two weeks of May. Trimming continues along with all the other winter chores. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Allan was the guest speaker at the Marshall Area Garden Club on Feb 21 and did a fabulous job talking about "Growing Fruit Trees". Some 60 to 70 people there learned about the difficulties of running a commercial fruit farm. His trimming demonstration was very helpful to the hobby fruit growers. </span><span style="font-size: small;">The kids stay very busy with school and activities. It is tournament time for Aaron's basketball team and Alex and Adam will be starting play in an 8th grade AAU league. Kortny and Kelsy are finishing there basketball season. </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-30029457457979580652012-02-06T17:05:00.000-05:002012-02-06T17:05:19.429-05:00Snow Bird Farmers<div style="color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Snow Bird Farme</span></b><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">rs </span></b><br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: black;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lskugdOpC4/TzBEd3AjivI/AAAAAAAAAhU/FcDvP0rRG_E/s1600/BillyBill&EdnaAtMaconGA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8lskugdOpC4/TzBEd3AjivI/AAAAAAAAAhU/FcDvP0rRG_E/s200/BillyBill&EdnaAtMaconGA.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>From 1900 to 1906 Grandpa Bill spent winters at the Palma Sola Hotel on the Manatee River between Bradenton and the Intracoastal Waterway. His parents owned and operated the Hotel in the winters. Bill's parents (William Albert and Daisy) welcomed many of their Michigan relatives and farming neighbors to stay at the hotel. As a result, for decades Casco Township farmers have been wintering in FL. (For more info about the hotel see lower left blog archives 2009 April and May).<br />
</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtDhHpfsSoY/TzBNfpJngLI/AAAAAAAAAic/3NybUsZ2QNs/s1600/RiverFishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AtDhHpfsSoY/TzBNfpJngLI/AAAAAAAAAic/3NybUsZ2QNs/s200/RiverFishing.jpg" width="185" /></a>In the late 1940s Bill got reconnected to Florida. He and Edna started taking short trips south with their youngest son Billy (William Douglas 5Feb1936/30May2009). As Billy got older he would stay with relatives and Bill and Edna would stay in FL for a couple of months. Driving south they very seldom stopped at restaurants as Edna would pack road food. While in FL they found cheap housing near fishing rivers. They would eat lots of apples and canned goods from the farm, FL oranges, clams, oysters and fried fresh caught fish. Many of their close friends would visit or travel with them. Most times their FL base was in the Sebastian area along the Sebastian or Indian Rivers on the East Coast. Some years they rented at Victory Court Cabins. From an old photo album we know they took side trips to Silver Springs, Cypress Gardens, Spook Hill, Fort Meyers, Venice, Punta Gorda, Arcadia's Plaza Hotel, down the keys to Marathon, and the Palma Sola - Bradenton - Cortez area where the former family hotel was located.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Yiqg_W3lQg/TzBI2RtVqFI/AAAAAAAAAh0/CpiXrWCc8qc/s1600/MercuryAtCabinFL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Yiqg_W3lQg/TzBI2RtVqFI/AAAAAAAAAh0/CpiXrWCc8qc/s200/MercuryAtCabinFL.jpg" width="200" /></a>Two couples that were very close friends with B and E were Ethel-Nelson Ransom and Eunice-Wilsee Osman. The women had lots in common - Garden Club, raising kids, running a farm house, making their own house dresses, and assisting farm CEOs. The men were in lodge, attended farm meetings together, competed at raising fruit, and worked their butts off on the farm especially during harvest. When these couples were in FL they would take side trips, fish, cook and eat meals together, squeeze orange juice, and play shuffleboard. Bill even built a shuffleboard court at the farm. The drive to FL or Loon Lake was always in a Mercury with Bill's boat, motor and luggage towed behind. It was a good life made possible by not being tied daily to a dairy farm.<br />
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In the 1950s and 60s Bill and Edna were handing over more of the farm operations to my dad Albert as he scaled back his truck driving. During that time B and E spent more winter time in FL and summer time at Look Lake. Bill acquired his love for fishing in FL while he was just a kid (ages 4 to 10). That fishing love lasted until the day he died at age 73. On Dec 27, 1969 he and Edna had fished the Indian River. That night while watching the 11:00 o'clock news Grandpa Bill suffered a fatal heart attack while seated in a recliner - RIP!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acJDRfydXZY/TzBJeRH5PVI/AAAAAAAAAiE/Ui-SDgE9hzE/s1600/RansomsOsmans&Edna1950s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acJDRfydXZY/TzBJeRH5PVI/AAAAAAAAAiE/Ui-SDgE9hzE/s200/RansomsOsmans&Edna1950s.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">At The Farm - February 5, 2012</span></b></div>Q - How is this mild MI winter going to impact the fruit? Allan - We are always concerned that an early warm spring can bring on the blossoms and then get killed by freezing temperatures. With a warm winter, like we are having, the fruit can deactivate and loose its cold hardness. Peaches will not reactivate so might not develop fruit. The other fruits can reactivate and produce fruit. <br />
Q - Are you planning anything changes at the farm that customers will notice? Allan - We will be adding some changes to the petting barn area so its easier for the kids to interact with the animals and may have more animals this year. <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ScZsuc7c_DI/TzBJtjoGgVI/AAAAAAAAAiM/M9wTb3mRlIQ/s1600/ShuffleBoardFL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ScZsuc7c_DI/TzBJtjoGgVI/AAAAAAAAAiM/M9wTb3mRlIQ/s200/ShuffleBoardFL.jpg" width="200" /></a>Q - Is it true that you are speaking to the Marshall Area Garden Club on Feb 21? Allan - Yes, I am looking forward to that meeting.<br />
Q - Are you and the family taking any get away trips this winter? Kim - Nothing planned but sure would like one. The Quads are going on the 8th grade school trip to DC in April.<br />
Q - Do you think your basketball team is improving? Aaron - Yes we are. Our so so records would be great if we had won more or all of our close games. (Aaron is a freshman starter on the Fennville Varsity Basketball Team 5-10 record).</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Q - How can you fend off cabin fever? Martin -Think about what you most look forward to this coming spring.<br />
</div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-10722940505334788422012-01-06T09:23:00.001-05:002012-01-06T09:36:29.827-05:00Social Life -1950s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tojr1mV-7p8/TwZdIamjsLI/AAAAAAAAAfs/j51eW89DzN8/s1600/InsideEUBChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tojr1mV-7p8/TwZdIamjsLI/AAAAAAAAAfs/j51eW89DzN8/s200/InsideEUBChurch.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Social Life - 1950s</span></span></b></span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Leisure crossroads or corners was the social gathering place (107th Ave and 64th St) for East Casco Township. It included the Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB), Riley's Handy Store, the Community Hall, and the Fire Station. A great deal of informal socializing or <u><b>"loafing"</b></u> was carried on at the store. Men sit on the benches in front of the store after dinner and chores were done. On occasion Riley would show <u><b>free movies</b></u> on the north side of his store building and softball games where played north of the store.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Most everyone in the area attended the <u><b>EUB Church</b></u> led by Rev. Crosby and then Rev. Litchfield in the 50s. Opal Barden was the organist and her son Richard frequently played his marimba. Richard is still playing at the new Casco United Methodist Church. One of his favorite hymns is "His Eye Is On The Sparrow". Fund raising dinners by the <u><b>Ladies Aid Society</b></u> of the EUB Church were don't-miss social gatherings. Dinners were in the small Church basement until the new Community Hall was built across the street in 1953. This new community hall with large basement and kitchen replaced the <u><b>Knights of the Maccabees</b></u> Hall. The <u><b>Grange</b></u> members also used the hall for their Saturday meetings and noon meal.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsPWc83Eq44/TwZeC-gsIdI/AAAAAAAAAgE/QZhASBSLXS4/s1600/1950sEUBLadiesAidSoc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsPWc83Eq44/TwZeC-gsIdI/AAAAAAAAAgE/QZhASBSLXS4/s200/1950sEUBLadiesAidSoc.jpg" width="140" /></a>Many men belonged to the<b> </b>Independent Order of Odd Fellows<b> </b>(<u><b>IOOF</b></u>) benevolent fraternal organization. The <u><b>Rebekah Lodge</b></u> was a branch/auxiliary of the IOOF open to all women. Both groups used the community hall and supported a summer camping program for youth. Some women of the community belonged to the East Casco <u><b>Garden Study Club</b></u>. Membership was limited in number because the club meetings were held at member homes. If you were hosting the club meeting your garden was on tour. Many of these same women (and couples) would meet on occasion to play cards and would take winter trips to the same area in Florida.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVWcltH5vU0/TwZfKgXbkSI/AAAAAAAAAgc/4IyfqHTEip0/s1600/CascoCommDinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVWcltH5vU0/TwZfKgXbkSI/AAAAAAAAAgc/4IyfqHTEip0/s200/CascoCommDinner.jpg" width="200" /></a>Another "social club" for men was the <u><b>Township Fire Dept</b></u>. Fire Chief Harry Overhiser lived within a long stones throw of the station. Riley Overhiser ran the store, never went anywhere, and lived a short stones throw from the one truck station. Riley (the dispatcher) would take fire calls and push a button to activate the siren. The first volunteer to arrive drove the truck and others follow along. In the 1960s a second truck was purchased and the Dept became much more organized and connected with the South Haven Fire Dept. The men also had a <u><b>softball team</b></u> and dear <u><b>hunting groups</b></u>.<br />
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The all men Casco Band of the 50s was formed in 1928. It practiced Monday nights and performed in and around the community. Brothers Riley (trombone), Ward (clarinet), and Ray (cornet) Overhiser were members and at one time there were 7 Adkins in the band. The <u><b>Casco Band</b></u> is still practicing and performing today and has allowed some women to join.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQrdwjS8xXQ/TwZgJuQ0NnI/AAAAAAAAAhA/ZW4ItIAeMXE/s1600/RichardOnMarimba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQrdwjS8xXQ/TwZgJuQ0NnI/AAAAAAAAAhA/ZW4ItIAeMXE/s200/RichardOnMarimba.jpg" width="170" /></a> </div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Casco - South Haven </span><u style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Pomological Society</b></u><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> was made up of fruit growers from SW Michigan. The members from the Casco area helped organize an annual <u><b>Parade of Peaches</b></u> with dinner at the Community Hall. The well attended annual farm <u><b>machinery show</b></u> was also hosted by the East Casco farmers for farmers from all over the state. The equipment was set up on Arlie Overhiser's field across from Riley's store and Rankin Lyman was in charge of a dinner at the hall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For the <u><b>youth</b></u> of the community there were school activities, EUB Youth Fellowship, movies in South Haven, dances and roller skating in Allegan. Family gatherings were also super social events. Living on the farm was hard work but there were many opportunities for fun.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxSsyVCoeLc/TwZcM9wvoTI/AAAAAAAAAfU/4QTarok6L9w/s1600/EUBChurch10-29-2006+06%253B12%253B18pm+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxSsyVCoeLc/TwZcM9wvoTI/AAAAAAAAAfU/4QTarok6L9w/s200/EUBChurch10-29-2006+06%253B12%253B18pm+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="color: #e69138;">At The Farm January 6, 2012 </b></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Allan survived his birthday on the 4th and has been attending lots of meetings to start the year. Aaron, the freshman, is having fun playing on the Fennville varsity basketball team. The family has been kept busy and entertained attending the games. The fruit trees are resting and getting their annual trims so they will be ready to produce this next summer. </span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSiQr2WHu0U/TwZgmqNrzRI/AAAAAAAAAhM/gXlNVbnts0c/s1600/1958GardenClubBook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSiQr2WHu0U/TwZgmqNrzRI/AAAAAAAAAhM/gXlNVbnts0c/s200/1958GardenClubBook.jpg" width="155" /></a>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-18435670892902304882011-12-01T15:55:00.002-05:002012-05-04T12:05:23.285-04:00Fruit Farm Fragrance - 1950s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Smells can invoke vivid memories. Here are some farm fragrances I remember from the 1950s when I lived on the farm and attended school in South Haven.</div>
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<li><b><u>Edna and Bill's Basement</u></b> - the smell of apples and potatoes stored on stairs under the bilco door, storm windows being caulked and painted red, musty damp dirt-floor storage area for canned goods, salt brine over flowing the ice cream maker, fuel oil furnace, clothes drying in the basement (Edna had a washer but not a dryer), fishing tackle box, and Grandpa Bill's cigarette smoke. </li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWtNp6kjrOk/Ttfm5o2kqkI/AAAAAAAAAeA/bGCsrs1nZCI/s1600/1950sDinningRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWtNp6kjrOk/Ttfm5o2kqkI/AAAAAAAAAeA/bGCsrs1nZCI/s200/1950sDinningRoom.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><u><b>Our Farm House</b></u> - the smell of wood burning in the pot belly stove, wood storage room on back of house, hot water (heated on range) being pored into the cold bath water in the cold bathroom, then fuel oil (from Flemings) for the space heater and water heater, wet gloves drying on the space heater, vicks vaporizer, eggs and bacon cooking, laundry room clothes, plucking chickens, chicken being browned in a fry pan, canning fruit and canned goods stored in our Michigan basement. Then there was the fragrance of the outback outhouse that Albert used sometimes so he would not tie up the house bathroom</li>
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<li><u><b>Farm Equipment and storage buildings</b></u> - the smell of rubber tires, hydraulic fluid, flooded tractor motors, grease guns, fertilizer spreader, spray dope (as we called it) storage area, piles of lime ready to be spread, rye and oats for seeding orchards, and the smell of the sour cherry lugs. </li>
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<li><u><b>Orchards and Fields</b></u> - the smells from harvesting the different fruits, brush piles burning, fertilizers and sprays, damp orchard grass, dirt and dust from working the soil, rotting cauliflower, spring blossoms, Lake Michigan winds, and peach thinning smells and always the peach fuzz.</li>
<li><u><b>Barn</b></u> - the smell of animals, dusty stored equipment, hay and straw, ropes, skunk, rust on equipment, and basketballs as we had a small court inside the barn.</li>
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<li><u><b>Ratcliffe Field Locker Room</b></u> -the smell of sweaty kids, sweaty dirty uniforms, musty showers, rubbing gels in the training room, tape for ankles, brown sticky tuff skin for blisters, rubber inside helmets, and equipment storage boxes. I added these non-farm locker room smells so I could share the photo of us celebrating South Haven's first football championship in 1957 - yes in the smelly locker room.</li>
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">At The Farm December 1, 2011</span></b></span> </div>
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Let it snow. The farm is ready for a long winter's nap. Soil at the farm has been tested and lime and potash (potassium carbonate) spread in the orchards. Allan has just gotten his pesticide license renewed. This is required every three years. He must obtain 22 credits by taking 15 to 20 classes during the three year period. Tree trimming is ongoing. The 5 kids are all playing basketball. Aaron has made the Fennville varsity as a freshman. Hope we get to see him play this winter. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPxd5lnjIS8/TtfWLCTZFOI/AAAAAAAAAc4/xZHN6jKRHMU/s1600/Golden+Russet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPxd5lnjIS8/TtfWLCTZFOI/AAAAAAAAAc4/xZHN6jKRHMU/s200/Golden+Russet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3wlpX385ls/TtfWut3hfzI/AAAAAAAAAdI/f3b5AqRLmkY/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3wlpX385ls/TtfWut3hfzI/AAAAAAAAAdI/f3b5AqRLmkY/s200/IMG_0023.JPG" width="200" /></a>This past week Allan lost one of his fruit customers - Fred Meijer, age 91, the founder of Meijer Inc. Many of Allan's apples end up in the big stores, including Meijer's. For the past 6 years one wholesaler from the GR area made sure they got a bushel of Allan's Golden Russet apples and gave them to Fred for his homemade apple sauce. I would assume Fred remembered the taste and fragrance of the Golden Russet from his childhood.<br />
<u><b>May 2012 NOTE </b></u>- The Russet photo above was taken by Adam of Adam's
Apple's. He informs me it is not "Golden" but "Roxbury Russet" a close
cousin of the "Golden". Adam produces a great blog all about apples.
Check it out at <a href="http://www.adamapples.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.adamapples.blogspot.com</a> <br />
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<ul></ul>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-65800115058479631692011-11-01T21:36:00.000-04:002011-11-01T21:36:08.504-04:00November For Remembering<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">November For Remembering</span></b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1z7zMso9CSg/TrCN3qFPCvI/AAAAAAAAAbA/QqD3Ib-9gJA/s1600/Evvy1Nov2003Bday699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1z7zMso9CSg/TrCN3qFPCvI/AAAAAAAAAbA/QqD3Ib-9gJA/s200/Evvy1Nov2003Bday699.jpg" width="200" /></a>Today (Nov 1) is All Saints' Day for Western Christians. It is also granddaughter Evvy's 8th birthday. <span class="mceItemHidden" spellcheck="false"> Before the 600s A.D. a pagan festival was celebrated on Nov 1 as a time when the border between the dead and the living was especially porous and ghosts <span class="hiddenGrammarError">were believed</span> to walk among the living.</span><br />
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Other modern day November celebrations include Veterans Day and Remembrance Day in Canada (Nov 11) and Thanksgiving Day in the U. S. (Nov 24 this year). All of these days are set aside for thanksgiving and remembrance of loved one, veterans and successful harvest.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QED7osmGxao/TrCTLMHN6mI/AAAAAAAAAbI/nRKxGrLegBc/s1600/Bil%2526EdnaWithFLfish7533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QED7osmGxao/TrCTLMHN6mI/AAAAAAAAAbI/nRKxGrLegBc/s200/Bil%2526EdnaWithFLfish7533.JPG" width="200" /></a>This month take time at a meal with family or friends to call out the names of loved ones who have gone on ahead of us. These Saints helped mold who we are.<br />
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Also, be mindful of the personal encounters or events you might be experiencing for the last time. This could include a conversation with your favorite aunt or uncle. You may be holding a new born or changing the diaper of a grand child for the last time. You may be walking amongst the red woods or on a beach for the last time. Cherish those moments and be thankful.<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-91259907466248292762011-10-08T13:15:00.001-04:002011-12-01T22:17:09.544-05:00Teacher June Pearl (1937-82)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIzvQ0NgpXg/To9YDDYA4GI/AAAAAAAAAa8/z6weOuGjx3E/s1600/1930sJunePhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIzvQ0NgpXg/To9YDDYA4GI/AAAAAAAAAa8/z6weOuGjx3E/s200/1930sJunePhoto.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teacher June Pearl (1937-82)</span></b> As a young girl June Pearl Evans helped maintain their one room school (Horseshoe) in Lee Township. Homer Evans, her father, was the school director who hired and supervised the teacher. After graduating from Bloomingdale High School in 1935 she attended Allegan County Normal for one year to become a teacher. Those were the days of no federal and very little state control of education. In 1937 she took her first full-time day job at the Crow School and was paid $65 per month. Her 15 years of teaching in one room schools stretched from 1937 to to 1957 with 5 years off (1940-45) to potty train the two boys (Martin and Charles). Crow, Brown, Iddles, and McDowell were her one room schools. Classes were K through 6, 7 or 8 with school sizes ranged from 25 to 54 students. She kept the fire burning and supervised hot lunches and recess. She organized holiday celebrations with Christmas being the most elaborate.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubA-vD4kjlY/To9XiL5s2EI/AAAAAAAAAaw/WzZ3nA7QxNk/s1600/CrowSchool1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ubA-vD4kjlY/To9XiL5s2EI/AAAAAAAAAaw/WzZ3nA7QxNk/s320/CrowSchool1937.jpg" width="320" /></a>Mother continued to work toward her degree by taking summer classes offered by Northwestern, Western Michigan and Michigan State. The year I graduated from High School (1958), she received her BS degree from Western Michigan University. To finish her degree she was required to do student teaching at Paw Paw after having taught for 15 years. One of her student teacher jobs was to teach the class how to swim. That same year (1958) she started teaching at Lincoln Elementary in South Haven and taught 3rd or 4th grades for 25 years. June Pearl Evans Overhiser (6-13-1917/3-3-1997) retired in 1982 at age 65 after teaching for 40 years. She said this at her retirement: "I love working with children, it is very rewarding to have the opportunity to help shape an individual."</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mom always had her emotions under control and never raised her voice or ever said a harsh word to anyone's face. Maybe behind their back on occasion. June made a lasting impact on her students, her family, her friends and her community. She was a compassionate and caring teacher who was admired by her students and parents. At the McDowell Christmas Program in 1954 she was given new luggage. The parents knew that June, Albert, Martin and Chuck were spending Christmas vacation with Homer and Pearl Evans in Kissimmee Florida. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-upNoDCpjdF4/To9Xt2X4RhI/AAAAAAAAAa0/BnzLfY-DmWc/s1600/Iddles1949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-upNoDCpjdF4/To9Xt2X4RhI/AAAAAAAAAa0/BnzLfY-DmWc/s320/Iddles1949.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdlLJlQckBI/To9X4ER0_kI/AAAAAAAAAa4/G7H7UmuODCU/s1600/McDowell1954-1955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdlLJlQckBI/To9X4ER0_kI/AAAAAAAAAa4/G7H7UmuODCU/s320/McDowell1954-1955.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here is what one of her students wrote on 6-6-1973: "I think you have been a nice and wonderful teacher. I think you showed a lot of consideration to the whole class. You may be 56 but you are still a wonderful and pleasant teacher. Your age doesn't mean anything to me. I hope Mrs Swanson is as good as you. You have been the best! Your friend, Sandy Mear</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>At The Farm October 2011 </b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Apples, cider, pumpkins, squash and lots of other fall items are at the farm <u><b>daily</b></u> through the end of October. During November the retail building will be open on <u><b>weekends</b></u> until Thanksgiving (Nov 5/6, 12/13 &19/20).<br />
Fall and winter farm work will continue --- repair and clean equipment and fruit containers, work on existing and new structures, trim trees, remove old orchards, and plan new orchards for spring planting. Supervisor, Allan, has the Casco Township business to keep him occupied and Kim has the farm records and taxes to work on. The five farm teenagers will keep very busy with their classes and activities. "Oh how nice it is to be retired", this author said.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-713485529118962011-09-11T23:01:00.001-04:002011-10-07T21:27:24.003-04:00Summer Memories<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Summer Memories </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like a recurring dream, I fall asleep in June and wake up in September year after year after year. <i><b><u>June</u></b></i> - summer starts, <b><i><u>July</u></i></b> - cherries, <b><i><u>August</u></i></b> - peaches, <b><i><u>September</u></i></b> apples and summer ends. The basis for my dream started in the 1950's. Is this a dream or am awake living through another summer reality show? Some of my recurring summer dreams/memories include:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Itm_VKB0itY/Tm1xc-2xERI/AAAAAAAAAas/q0LdqxLkD1I/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Itm_VKB0itY/Tm1xc-2xERI/AAAAAAAAAas/q0LdqxLkD1I/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Green trees, blossoms, flowers, fruits and falling leaves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Dusty roads and farm lanes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Harvesting summer fruits</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A huge dirt ring around the bathtub </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Family gatherings and big Sunday dinners</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Playing, camping and swimming in the Black River </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Drive-in restaurants and movie theaters</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bike rides to get a Pepsi at Riley's Store</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Playing baseball and listening to the Tigers on radio</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cottage time for fishing and boating</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Swimming in lakes, rivers, ponds and pools</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Preparing for School </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As kids growing up on fruit farms in the 1950's we were fully involved in the harvest schedule. Work was never done, just put off until the next day. The family worked hard but found times to play a bit. I cherish the memories and am thankful I was part of a fruit farm family. May we all harvest fond memories.<br />
Martin Overhiser September 11, 2011</span><br />
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</span></b></div><div style="color: #e69138;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-large;">At The Farm In September</span></b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u9AlJsuSbkU/Tm1xXcwwCdI/AAAAAAAAAao/dlae-B2mKzk/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u9AlJsuSbkU/Tm1xXcwwCdI/AAAAAAAAAao/dlae-B2mKzk/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">U-Pick apples, cider, pumpkins, animals and a whole lot more are at the farm. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cider will be pressed this week and available weekend of September 20/21. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color: black;">Plan a trip to the farm and visit South Haven or Saugatuck and walk the beach. The kids are back in school and busy with sports. Weekends throughout the summer were very busy so Allan, Kim and Lucy (retail sales) are enjoying a little slower pace. </span></span></div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-68806153323893201462011-08-02T20:49:00.000-04:002011-08-02T20:49:03.438-04:00Celebrate The Peach<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Celebrate The Peach</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Growing up on a Casco Township farm in the 1950's meant you were surrounded by fruit farms and farm kids. In August, Peach Festivals were held at Leisure (64th street and 107th avenue). The Community Hall, the EUB Church and Riley's Handy Store were the center of activities. The Arlie and Harry Overhiser farm on the SE corner was turned into a display area for new farm equipment. Cookbooks full of peach recipes were available. Meals were served to celebrate the peach. The Casco United Methodist Church still serves those wonderful church dinners. All that remains from the fruit paradise of the 50's is a hand full of fruit farmers, the Church dinners and the memories that we survivors cherish.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyKm_v9PJwI/TjiG5OpEt3I/AAAAAAAAAak/ejNS0LzQER4/s1600/AlbertBill1962DSCN7487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyKm_v9PJwI/TjiG5OpEt3I/AAAAAAAAAak/ejNS0LzQER4/s320/AlbertBill1962DSCN7487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">From 1924 to 1963 Stanley Johnston headed up the MAC/MSU Experiment Station at South Haven and hybridized the Haven peaches. He was obsessed with developing bigger and better fruits. From some 21,000 cross-bred seedlings the Haven peaches were selected: the Halehaven, Kalhaven, Redhaven, Fairhaven, Sunhaven, Richhaven, Glohaven, and Cresthaven. Newer and "better" peaches have been developed by others. The peach season has been extended because of new varieties. The main varieties grown by my brother are: Red Haven, Rising Star, Red Star, Flamin' Fury (and some PF varieties), Coral Star, Loring, All Star, Red Kissed, Glow Haven and several cling-stone varieties for processing and fresh fruit.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't be fooled into thinking that peaches were the only fruit grown in the 1950's. Sweet and sour cherries were harvested before the peaches. Pears and plums during peach time, and most apples after the peach. Many early settlers brought seedling apple trees from their native states to Michigan. Early varieties grown in Casco were Yellow Transparent, Cutchess, Hubbardston, Golden Russet, Grimes Golden, Yellow Banana, Gravenstein and the Gray Stark. New varieties of fruits are always being developed. The Honeycrisp apple and the Flamin' Fury peach are just two examples.</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vF4Iqs78Jog/TjiF_l1mWQI/AAAAAAAAAag/YNMsnK-e9wc/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vF4Iqs78Jog/TjiF_l1mWQI/AAAAAAAAAag/YNMsnK-e9wc/s200/IMG_0015.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Casco fruit farmers also grew cauliflower, cabbage, pickles and cucumbers in their open fields or between the rows of newer fruit orchards. My dad, Albert, being a farmer and truck driver obtained two large trucks with flat beds. He then hauled his cauliflower and other farmers produce to the Maxwell Street Market in Chicago. Many a night was spent tying the load so dad could to take off around mid-night for the early morning market.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLzyZXP8vlw/TjiF1KlA2tI/AAAAAAAAAac/ZSOLfzyXgEo/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLzyZXP8vlw/TjiF1KlA2tI/AAAAAAAAAac/ZSOLfzyXgEo/s200/IMG_0057.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy your August, MartinO</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">At The Farm August 2, 2011</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Peach u-pick is in full swing at the farm and will be available through Labor Day. The Red Havens will be available after August 10. Currently at the farm you will find all the ripe fruit and vegetables that are in season. Be sure to print out the u-pick 10% off coupons on the Overhiser Orchards website and check the receipt links such as michiganpeach.org Slice ripe peaches and add cereal, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, milk, blueberries or nothing. With more effort you may freeze or can your peaches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The kids summer sports activities have concluded. County Fair preparations are just starting. The boys new chicken house is completed and the girls a having fun co-managing the animal barn. Two new alpacas have been added to the barn family at the 109th avenue retail and u-pick site. Eat Fruit.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40e_8bPeX3k/TjiFmZMji8I/AAAAAAAAAaY/0ArWwH_lVrY/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40e_8bPeX3k/TjiFmZMji8I/AAAAAAAAAaY/0ArWwH_lVrY/s400/IMG_0025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-25477292742728874552011-07-05T15:45:00.000-04:002011-07-05T15:45:59.334-04:001950s Fruit Farm<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1950s Fruit Farm</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVoLCqEB7vs/ThMxE1TMXjI/AAAAAAAAAaE/clx8DZnw1x4/s1600/BillChuckMart%252B10-29-2006+12%253B17%253B36pm+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVoLCqEB7vs/ThMxE1TMXjI/AAAAAAAAAaE/clx8DZnw1x4/s200/BillChuckMart%252B10-29-2006+12%253B17%253B36pm+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1KrmQpSTZQ/ThMyE-jpLOI/AAAAAAAAAaU/u4kWAL3Gmio/s1600/FarmAirPhoto10-29-2006+04%253B28%253B39pm+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j1KrmQpSTZQ/ThMyE-jpLOI/AAAAAAAAAaU/u4kWAL3Gmio/s200/FarmAirPhoto10-29-2006+04%253B28%253B39pm+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We lived around the corner from the original farm. Adkins were all around us (Harry, Roy, Art and Ray). Aunt Doris, Albert's sister, married Clare Adkin whose parents lived next to us. In the East Casco community everyone was related or connected in some way. Our little 20 acre farm was the center of our universe. Kalamazoo was the other side of that universe and Chicago and Detroit were like outer space. We had several play areas on or near our farm. Robert Stevens lived across the street. We played Tarzan in his barn hay lofts by swinging on ropes. We played basketball in our barn. David and Larry Flora lived one half mile south near the junction of the Black River and Scott Creek This was the swimming hole, camp site, and muskrat trapping area on occasion.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5oTj-3WgMU/ThMxsUIMigI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/_pw8QFjbVLM/s1600/MO1stBass10-29-2006+05%253B54%253B17pm+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5oTj-3WgMU/ThMxsUIMigI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/_pw8QFjbVLM/s200/MO1stBass10-29-2006+05%253B54%253B17pm+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Summers on the farm were very busy and filled with work, family gatherings and some play. Depending on our age we picked cherries, disked up orchards, thinned peaches, hoed around young trees, raised pickles, helped mom with the garden and canning, and drove truck loads of fruit to the Michigan Fruit Canners or the Fruit Exchange Co-Op. As "orchard bosses" Chuck and I assigned rows, spread lugs and crates, picked up the full containers, loaded the truck, and kept track of quantities picked. We would end the day very dirty and dusty all over our farmer tans. Our Indian blood helped keep us from burning. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Most of the peaches we raised were for sale to the canning companies. Some peaches and most apples were taken to the Fruit Exchange and packed for sale as fresh fruit. The sweet cherries were taken to the Benton Harbor Market. We kids learned from Grandma Edna how to get the best price possible from the Chicago wholesale buyers when we got to travel with her to Benton Harbor.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_M5lNevNSc/ThMxQEdahaI/AAAAAAAAAaI/Mcn8iHqlGUI/s1600/ChuckCherryCrew1958DSCN7484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_M5lNevNSc/ThMxQEdahaI/AAAAAAAAAaI/Mcn8iHqlGUI/s200/ChuckCherryCrew1958DSCN7484.JPG" width="200" /></a>Bill and Edna spent the two weeks between cherries and peaches in mid-July at Loon Lake NW of Baldwin. Their kids and grand kids would all spend a few days with them. Grandpa Bill was a big bass fisherman. He loved to do night casting and we kids would row the boat for him. What a thrill it was to hear the splash when a bass would attack the jitterbug or glow-mouse baits.<br />
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<b style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">At the Farm July 5, 2011</span></b><br />
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<div style="background-color: #e69138;"></div>The 4th has come and gone and we are now officially in the dog 40 days of summer. Sweet cherry u-pickers were in the orchards in large numbers. Next weekend will be the last of the up-pick sweet cherries. Pitted sour cherries will also be available starting next weekend (July 9/1 0) at the farm retail location (109th Ave and 64th St). Peaches are still being thinned with the early varieties coming on the last week of July.<br />
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The kids are building a chicken coop on wheels to go with the petting barn. Carpenter Leon Brush is helping them and teaching them how to build. Resident animals include goats, ducks, geese, rabbits, chickens and kittens. Plan a trip to the farm and Lake Michigan this summer.</div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-27192215055575121812011-06-03T10:12:00.000-04:002011-06-03T10:12:07.733-04:001940s 4th Generation<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1940s 4th Generation</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rA5rTIsKk4/TejjCuPbZ_I/AAAAAAAAAZo/v9_kf4uFsX0/s1600/AlbertMartinBillDaisy1940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rA5rTIsKk4/TejjCuPbZ_I/AAAAAAAAAZo/v9_kf4uFsX0/s200/AlbertMartinBillDaisy1940.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">In last month's blog, I wrote about white settlers pushing the Indians West. Here is another side by John Wayne in 1971, "Our so-called stealing of the country from the Indians was just a question of survival. There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians selfishly tried to keep it for themselves." We will let the Duke have the last word about our Native American Heritage from the Evans side. Now I will take you back to the 1940s when my parents (Albert and June) started a family by creating me, their first born.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I (Martin Wayne Overhiser 7-11-40) was named after Martin Evans, June's youngest brother. The Wayne may have been borrowed from John Wayne because it sounded good. Yes, good for calling out, "Martin WAYNE you get out of there". Albert and June rented a house from Ray Adkin across the street from the Bill and Edna's 60 acre farm. That would be the farm Henry settled in 1863 and passed along to William Albert, Bill's dad. Albert and June were the 4th generation farmers but did not take over the original farm site until after Bill and Edna retired. My brother Charles Edward was born 14 months later (9-26-41). June took off 3 years from teaching in one-room schools to train us in potty and other life long skills. (Note - Brother Allan, 5th generation farmer, arrives in 1960.) </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OL-ovOZvKv0/TejjI3_O61I/AAAAAAAAAZs/2Msxxb18PYQ/s1600/AlbertMartinEdnaSara1940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OL-ovOZvKv0/TejjI3_O61I/AAAAAAAAAZs/2Msxxb18PYQ/s200/AlbertMartinEdnaSara1940.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rl4JKDRpL8/TejjPBzAyWI/AAAAAAAAAZw/_Whsg0H01PI/s1600/AlbertJuneHouse1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rl4JKDRpL8/TejjPBzAyWI/AAAAAAAAAZw/_Whsg0H01PI/s200/AlbertJuneHouse1943.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Albert continued to drive truck and helped Bill and Edna with the farming when ever possible. It was War time, but Albert was rejected because he had double jointed ankles. He was always proud to show them off. The ankles never bothered him. He was always very fit and skilled at baseball in High School. As an adult he played softball for Casco. The whole community turned out for games behind Riley's Store. Some times Riley would show a movie on his north wall after the games. The Casco team played against all the teams in the area including the famous House of David in Benton Harbor. The Casco Band (formed in 1928) was also very popular and still performs in parades and concerts today.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AzKV05XxMb8/TejjTkmhggI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/CnZRJ48RYio/s1600/CharlesMartingNewHouse1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AzKV05XxMb8/TejjTkmhggI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/CnZRJ48RYio/s200/CharlesMartingNewHouse1943.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">When June lined up a teaching job for the fall of 1943 mom and dad bought the 20 acre Blanchard farm and house 1/2 mile east and 1/2 mile north of Bill and Edna. T. C. Blanchard and family moved closer to Pullman where they owned the hardware store. By going through Harry Adkin's farm to the south you could connect with the original farm, however, we just did not do that. Gas was cheap and the dusty gravel road was a much better ride traveling between farms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Before Chuck and I attended the Iddles one-room school, Mrs. Kuney took care of us boys while June taught. I started school in 1945 and Chuck in '46. Mother June was our teacher until we both started attending South Haven in 1953 (MO 8th grade and CO 7th grade). Mom then taught at McDowell School (53-54) and later joined the South Haven system at Lincoln School. </span></div><div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0bRMoehv8A/TejkxOVd85I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/vltpSvlok6s/s1600/Iddles1949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0bRMoehv8A/TejkxOVd85I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/vltpSvlok6s/s200/Iddles1949.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">At The Farm June 2, 2011</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spring 2011 has been very wet and cool. The fruit blossoms have survived nicely and should produce delicious and juicy fruit July, through October.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Allan is predicting sweet cherries will be ripe by the 4th of July but fruit will be later then last year </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Next year Aaron will be in 9th grade and the quadruples will be in 8th grade at Fennville. </span><span style="font-size: small;">One of the kid's first summer farm chores will be planting pumpkins and squash. By the end of the summer they may be looking forward to returning to school.</span></div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-31861039814868891542011-05-02T23:10:00.002-04:002013-01-01T21:24:18.110-05:00White Invaders - Early 1800s<div style="border: medium none; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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<span style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: x-large;"><b>White Invaders - Early 1800s</b></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOaitvr7xZ0/TbzhA1zj2FI/AAAAAAAAAZM/cJSiCC3dX5Y/s1600/TenskwatawaDrawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOaitvr7xZ0/TbzhA1zj2FI/AAAAAAAAAZM/cJSiCC3dX5Y/s200/TenskwatawaDrawing.jpg" width="134" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Overhiser Fruit Farm dwellers (5 generations) have much in common with our Native American ancestors. If you work the land and depend on the forces of nature you appreciate how Indians felt about Mother Earth. We now know that </span><span style="font-size: small;">Albert and June Overhiser's 30 descendants have a small percentage of Native American blood. This blog will give you a better understanding of our ancestor, The Prophet.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XevGHaIfl64/Tb9WXOb8SRI/AAAAAAAAAZc/4e9g8xHNSxw/s1600/TecumthaDrawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XevGHaIfl64/Tb9WXOb8SRI/AAAAAAAAAZc/4e9g8xHNSxw/s200/TecumthaDrawing.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">The Ohio and Kentucky Valley conquest was the greatest hurdle for national expansion in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Tens<span style="font-size: small;">qu</span>atawa the Prophet (our ancestor) and his brother Chief Tecumseh led the defense against the invaders. They forged a coalition of many tribes dedicated to protecting Indian lands and cultures. Tribal communities were based on clan and kinship with deference paid to age, not wealth or station. Women farmed, men hunted. They valued sharing and reciprocity as a way of living. Tribal homelands were hallowed ground held in common. One package - earth, sky, rivers, lakes, mountains, meadows and all living creatures. Euro-Americans viewed the land as wild, chaotic, and godless. Each side thought the other to be savages.</span> </div>
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Tensquatawa's preachings grew more militant and political from 1808–1811, as more young warriors from nearby tribes joined his movement. By 1811, both white settlers and the U.S. Army had become quite concerned about what was happening at Prophetstown on the Wabash. Late in 1811, Tecumseh journeyed south to meet with other tribes in hopes of building a larger alliance. According to legend, he left Tensquatawa in command and ordered him to avoid any confrontation with whites.<br />
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On November 7, 1811, while Tecumseh was still away, Tensquatawa saw a vision and told the other Indians to attack the coming white people. The Americans were under the command of future President William Harrison. Tensquatawa's forces were soundly defeated. (See the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tippecanoe">Battle of Tippecanoe</a>.) It was a two hour battle that left many Indians dead or wounded. The Indians buried their men in the night, and stripped The Prophet of his powers. The village at Prophetstown was burned and the defeat put an end to Tecumseh's hope of a broad Native alliance.<br />
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The notion of <span style="font-size: small;">"land exchange" was proposed as early as 1803, by President Jefferson (1801-1809). The 1817 treaty with the Cherokee was the first that included Indians ceding land in the east for equal amounts in present-day Arkansas. Many other treaties of this nature quickly followed. The earlier Indian relocations were done by purchase, force and coercion. The notion that Pioneers were heroes and Indians inhuman needs more balance by hearing more Indian voices.</span></div>
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Tensquatawa and Tecumseh participated in the defense of the Canadian colonies during the War of 1812. In 1813 The Prophet was present at the Battle of the Thames, but fled with the British forces and was absent when Tecumseh was killed. In the following decade he unsuccessfully tried to regain a position of leadership. He had married Priscilla Perkins in 1795 and Marsha Bates (our ancestor) was born in 1814. In 1825 he returned to the United States and assisted in removing many of the Shawnees west of the Mississippi. In 1826 he established a village at the site of modern Kansas City, Kansas. He died in 1836 at his village in Kansas City (located in the Argentine area; the <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Feather_Spring">White Feather Spring</a></i> marker notes the location).</div>
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Sources: Colin G. Calloway, <i>The Shawnees and the War For America,</i> 2007; wikipedia; and other Internet sites<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><b>At the Farm May 2, 2011 - Blossoms</b></span><br />
Allan reports that this year is a "normal" old fashion spring with cool wet weather. Fruit should be coming on at normal times rather than two weeks "early" as it was last year. The fields are muddy but they were still able to plant 1000 new peach trees and 200 apple trees. If you drive to the farm between May 6 and 16 you will see fruit trees blooming: sweet cherries, peaches, tart cherries, pears, plums and apples.<br />
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The Farm Family traveled to Hersey PA for spring break. Aaron and Kim went on the 8th Grade trip to DC. Kelsy and Kortny are in soccer and softball. Alex and Adam are playing baseball. Aaron is playing baseball and is on a travel basketball team. Makes me tired just thinking about all the activities. </div>
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MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-84420663834811653452011-04-01T00:01:00.002-04:002013-01-01T21:20:35.626-05:00Shawnee Prophet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Shawnee Prophet</span></b></div>
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Am I part Indian? <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301329089_0">Do I qualify as a tribal member, so I can receive a share of my local Casino profits? Many people have these questions. We decedents of June Evans Overhiser had always believed we were part Native American. The Evans-Indian link has been researched by Blanche Evans Wilkinson and others.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pr9mRV4QtCE/TY_wosRrk2I/AAAAAAAAAY4/QRrzmwHtiGw/s1600/DoraIdaMiselKing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pr9mRV4QtCE/TY_wosRrk2I/AAAAAAAAAY4/QRrzmwHtiGw/s200/DoraIdaMiselKing.jpg" width="139" /></a><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301329089_0">Here is what we currently know. Chief Tecumseh's brother Tensquatawa (1775-1836) was a Shawnee warrior and prophet. Google him for details. He had three wives and 20 children. Priscilla Perkins and Tensquatawa had a child, <u><b>Marsha Bates</b></u> (1/2 Native Am). Marsha had a daughter <u><b>Juliette Cummings</b></u> (1849-1925) (1/4thNA). Juliette and William Misel had a daughter <u><b>Dora Ida Misel</b></u> (1870-1961) (1/8thNA). Dora and Adelbert King had a daughter <u><b>Pearl Mae King</b></u> (1888-1971) (1/16thNA). Pearl and Homer Evans had a daughter <u><b>June Pearl Evans</b></u> (1917-1997) (1/32thNA). June and Albert Overhiser had <b><u>three sons</u></b> (1/64thNA). These son's children would be 1/128th NA and the <b><u>son's grand children</u></b> would be 1/256th (0.39%) Native American from the Tensquatawa line. Conclusion: us living descendants of Tensquatawa should not pursue Casino profit sharing unless you can prove more NA blood from other lines.</span></div>
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<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301329089_0">If you are a descendant of this line, check yourself for Native American characteristics. The photos in this blog show the prophet, Dora, Pearl and June. Do you see Indian facial features? Below is more information to help you determine if you have Native American features. Happy hunting.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSNQ_Dsi-rw/TY_wsn8HqqI/AAAAAAAAAY8/B1vxw5LLDZY/s1600/PearlMaeKingEvans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSNQ_Dsi-rw/TY_wsn8HqqI/AAAAAAAAAY8/B1vxw5LLDZY/s200/PearlMaeKingEvans.jpg" width="145" /></a>T<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301329089_0">he Native Americans</span> originally came to <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301329089_1">North America</span> by way of the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301329089_2">Bering Strait land bridge</span> that formed during the last ice age. These people were from Eastern Asia and <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301329089_3">Siberia</span> and display Asian physical features. Most have very dark brown or black shiny hair and an olive or darker skin tone with yellow undertones. People of Asian decent like the Native Americans have projected cheek bones. So usually their cheek bones tend to be very high and quite pronounced, giving them a wide looking face. They also have a wide, almost half-circle shaped palate, which lends to the physical feature of very broad straight teeth, whereas Caucasians have narrower, more crowded teeth in general. Most have a fold of skin near the eyes by the bridge of the nose. This is what gives Asians and Native Americans the look of slanted, narrow, or small eyes, as well as a broader, flatter nose bridge. Not all Native Americans will display these characteristics, but most do. North American Indians comparatively look like the Inuit or <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301329089_5">Eskimos</span>, while South American Indians may appear more Hispanic.</div>
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For more information about Native Genealogy see this Laurie Beth Duffy article http://imblackeagle.tripod.com/looks1.htm</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">At the Farm April 1, 2011</span></b></div>
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Sixteen year old Wes Leonard, a Fennville basketball player, died after scoring the winning basket in the last game of a perfect season. His death has impacted the students and the whole community. Aaron is best friends with Wes's younger brother. Just another reminder that life is fragile and should be lived and cherished while we are here. There will be time to rest when life is done.</div>
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The next big visible event at the farm will be blossom time. Keep tract of the blooming of your trees and do a drive by the farm.<span class="note_intro"> Cherry blossoms are blooming in DC and Lucy and Martin are there taking it all in. On the 27th of March </span>1912, President Taft's wife and the wife of the ambassador from Japan planted the first of <a href="http://www.elabs7.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=fj6,q236,dv,kr6e,2wjy,d89l,h96u" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Washington D.C.'s cherry trees.<span style="color: black;"><br />
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MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-58145169872076777362011-03-01T22:59:00.001-05:002011-03-02T07:33:27.995-05:00Albert Meets June<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Albert Meets June</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the 1930s, the Evans family loved going to Grand Junction, Michigan located between Saddle Lake and Silver Lake. The white pine and hemlock trees first attracted the white man to this area. The town was settled in the 1870s when it was known the railroads were coming. The Grand Rapids to Chicago Pere Marquette and the Kalamazoo to South Haven Michigan Central Rail Roads crossed at Grand Junction.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--rMZ2U9JOnU/TW2-A90mFzI/AAAAAAAAAYg/VQGWAHYCUXE/s1600/WilliamHenryEvans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--rMZ2U9JOnU/TW2-A90mFzI/AAAAAAAAAYg/VQGWAHYCUXE/s200/WilliamHenryEvans.jpg" width="138" /></a>The Pottawatomie's still roamed the area after Grand Junction was established. Chief Pokagon had these thoughts about the changes, "our campfires have all gone out! Our wigwams, and they who built them with their children, have forever disappeared from this beautiful land. And where we walked in single file along our winding trails, now locomotives scream as they rush along their iron rails like beasts of prey!" I understand his feeling. When I return to familiar places I find overgrown fields, dark rotting farm buildings, buildings gone and deserted swimming holes. As we zip through our life here on earth we do not get do-overs. We change, friends changes, places change but we were there. Celebrate those memories and God's everlasting love for us.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As your travel guide, I will now start sharing farm history that occurred during my life time which started in 1940. Click on photos to enlarge.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZIfWdFZu0vM/TW2-FhwHJ0I/AAAAAAAAAYk/IrFmw4qZTt4/s1600/EvansFamilyPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZIfWdFZu0vM/TW2-FhwHJ0I/AAAAAAAAAYk/IrFmw4qZTt4/s200/EvansFamilyPhoto.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Meet the Evans family in 1940: William Henry Evans (1854-1928) and Ellen Adele Griffin (1855-1897) settled the farm where my grand father Homer (1887-1962) was born. Adelbert (1858-1911) King and Dora Ida Mizel (1870-1961) were the parents of my grand mother Pearl Mae Evans (1888-1971). Pearl and Homer raised 11 children on that farm and my mother June Pearl was in the middle. The uncles used the Evans farm like a sportsman's club (fishing, hunting and poker playing). Uncle Eddie (Ethel) Michaud, who work for Ford, always had a new car to show off at the Sunday gatherings.<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-909EhKNrEus/TW2-L7F8cjI/AAAAAAAAAYo/9C6oBMe_mzo/s1600/EvansHunters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-909EhKNrEus/TW2-L7F8cjI/AAAAAAAAAYo/9C6oBMe_mzo/s200/EvansHunters.jpg" width="163" /></a>While Helen (June's sister) was attending Maher's Business School (1937-39) Helen dated Al Sankofski (Albert's best friend). This led to Albert and June double dating with Al and Helen when Albert was home from hauling cars. The dance hall in Grand Junction, was a frequent destination. It may have been the same bar and dance hall where Albert helped Uncle Tobe remove his slot machines right after Prohibition ended. Albert impressed Pearl and Homer Evans with fruit from the farm and June impressed Edna and Bill as a teacher. Both fun-loving families pulled pranks on the young lovers while they were dating. Grandpa Bill would often use poor English to test the teacher. In the fall of 1939 Albert and June eloped to LaPorte, Indiana to get married. After marriage they rented a house near the family fruit farm.<br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WAgoPo0-Zag/TW2-Rou-1yI/AAAAAAAAAYs/JGD4NSqxVo0/s1600/CaroleClarePearlDora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WAgoPo0-Zag/TW2-Rou-1yI/AAAAAAAAAYs/JGD4NSqxVo0/s200/CaroleClarePearlDora.jpg" width="140" /></a><br />
I was in the 1940 Evans family photo but had not yet been born. I was to become the third of 21 grand children for Pearl and Homer. Ernie Butler Jr. and Carole Evans preceded me. On the Overhiser side of the family I was the first of 16 grand children for Edna and Bill. Can you get the picture of what Sunday gatherings at the Evans or Overhiser farms would look like. Yes, there was lots of food, cousins, aunts, uncles, cats, dogs, chickens, turkeys, pigs and cows. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>At the Farm March 1, 2011</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nd3rjj4-xWA/TW2-VXZGz9I/AAAAAAAAAYw/9aHcZv3y_dw/s1600/Eddie1928Car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nd3rjj4-xWA/TW2-VXZGz9I/AAAAAAAAAYw/9aHcZv3y_dw/s320/Eddie1928Car.jpg" width="320" /></a>The family did get up north to Boyne Mountain for a ski and water park weekend. Trimming of the apple trees is almost complete. Trimming of other trees will continue all spring. Tax records are being worked on and a new software program is being learned. This program is for recording information on the application of chemicals. These records are required by EPA and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and have been recorded by hand in the past. Allan and his spray consultants are trained and licensed to apply chemicals. They also set insect traps to more accurately determine what problems need attacking. </div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-43487806897199746692011-02-01T00:01:00.005-05:002011-02-01T11:48:59.584-05:00The Trucker and The Teacher<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Trucker and The Teacher</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUI_OrUyo-I/AAAAAAAAAXs/4CR1M8MYeog/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUI_OrUyo-I/AAAAAAAAAXs/4CR1M8MYeog/s200/IMG_0001.JPG" width="200" /></a>"Drove truck," and farmed is what Albert Wayne Overhiser (17Dec1916-2Dec2008) would tell you he did as an adult. In High School he was a very social guy and lettered in baseball 1933, 34 and 35. His senior year he batted .414 and hit several home runs over the left field fence into the apple orchard at Ratcliffe Field. Low pay or no pay profession ball had no appeal </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TQo_hDTamqI/AAAAAAAAAXg/VHeVQ-9TvMk/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TQo_hDTamqI/AAAAAAAAAXg/VHeVQ-9TvMk/s200/IMG_0079.JPG" width="200" /></a>After High School, Albert and two older friends, Harold Lundy and Bob Winkle, headed for Detroit. They found a rooming house and auto jobs. Harold's father owned a car dealership in South Haven which helped them make connections. Because Albert "drove truck" for the farm and fruit exchange he was given a job driving a car hauler. It must have been scary for the young farm kid. When trips would take him near the farm he would stop and show off his big rig. For his siblings it was like something from outer space had landed.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before I tell you about how Albert started dating June Pearl Evans (13June1917-3March1997), you must visit the Evans farm. Homer (no middle name) Evans (19Oct1887-21Apr1962) and Pearl Mae King (26May1888-19May1971) raised 11 kids (Ethel, Clare, Ralph, Florence, Maude, June, Helen, Lawrence, Robert, Blanche and Martin). June's younger sister Helen was her life long best friend.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUbnst1uo8I/AAAAAAAAAYU/N0Ve-cblhJM/s1600/EvansFarm1920s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUbnst1uo8I/AAAAAAAAAYU/N0Ve-cblhJM/s200/EvansFarm1920s.jpg" width="195" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUYoLRxx-xI/AAAAAAAAAYA/BGeJ1Sfo_W8/s1600/JuneOnHorse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUYoLRxx-xI/AAAAAAAAAYA/BGeJ1Sfo_W8/s200/JuneOnHorse.jpg" width="145" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Crops and animals were raised on the farm and every kid had chores. </span><span style="font-size: small;">The boys always hunted and fished for the table. In the winter they trapped muskrats, mink and skunk for money. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Potatoes, carrots and cabbage were buried and dug up all winter. Hams were smoked and meats, fruits and vegetables canned. Pearl was famous for several of her special meals, such the wild game dinners (deer, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, quail) to celebrate Homer's October 19th birthday. June 25th (opening day) fish fry was also a big event. After some big meals, Pearl would say, "I need to lay down and take a short nap". The kids would then rush around cleaning up to surprise Mom. Some Saturday mornings Pearl would milk the 8 to 10 cows rather than wake up the boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Homer held jobs with the phone company, managed a liquor store in Allegan, sold cars and later sold real estate. He was also the Horseshoe School Director and hired and paid the teacher. The Evans family was paid $10 per month to clean, keep the fire and shovel snow at the school.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Saturday nights, after electricity arrived in 1935, the house was packed with people listening to the only neighborhood radio. Pearl would make fudge and pop corn. Adults in the living room listened to Lulu Bell and Scotty on the WGN Barn Dance out of Chicago. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Kids would be at the dining room table playing games. </span><span style="font-size: small;">On Sundays Homer would drive to Grand Junction, get the paper, and bring it back so the kids could look at the funnies while they were read on the radio. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Homer and Pearl did not attend Church but did send the kids to Sunday School at the home of a white bearded Mr. Orlandorff east of the school.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUYoIMUq97I/AAAAAAAAAX8/vCdMwMrz6jQ/s1600/JuneBike1936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUYoIMUq97I/AAAAAAAAAX8/vCdMwMrz6jQ/s200/JuneBike1936.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">June loved flowers and nature. Helen remembers June making a beautiful flower display for a reunion at Horseshoe School. At age 12 June started wearing black rimed glasses with gold trim </span><span style="font-size: small;">because of nearsightedness</span><span style="font-size: small;">. After graduating from Bloomingdale, June attended County Normal in Allegan (1935-36). Helen convinced her parents to let her room with June and attend Allegan High School because Helen thought the boys were better looking. They roomed with Bob and Bee Ball. Bob worked for Homer at the liquor store. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Great Aunt Maude (Homer's sister) may have been the one who encouraged college. Great Aunt Maude had attended Augrabright Business School in Battle Creek, worked in Chicago, and married Great Uncle Ernie. Their son Ernie married sister Maude which did cause some confusion. Ethel attended Davenport College, Florence became a nurse, sister Maude and June attended County Normal, and Helen attended Mahers Business School. Blanche and the boys got decent jobs right out of High School and did not attend college.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUYoSRTGZ8I/AAAAAAAAAYE/Fp1oN-kuIuk/s1600/JuneEvansHS1935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUYoSRTGZ8I/AAAAAAAAAYE/Fp1oN-kuIuk/s200/JuneEvansHS1935.jpg" width="146" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">In the fall of 1936 June got her first teaching job at the one room Crow School. She roomed with a family within walking distance from the school. One story she loved to tell was about her first day on the job. Several of the boys were standing around the water pump outside the school. Trying to engage them in conversation, she said "do you boys know how to work the pump"? One of the boys replied, "any damn fool should know how it works" ...he must have thought, if she doesn't know how the pump works, this is going to be a Very LONG school year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">At the Farm - January 31, 2011</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUYpMu5IttI/AAAAAAAAAYM/tFnhf-pyu_0/s1600/June11-02-2006+07%253B11%253B54pm+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TUYpMu5IttI/AAAAAAAAAYM/tFnhf-pyu_0/s200/June11-02-2006+07%253B11%253B54pm+%25282%2529.jpg" width="145" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">The farm family has been eating out a lot at school concession stands while attending sporting events. Groundhog Day will be welcomed as it marks the mid-point between the winter solstice long dark nights and the spring solstice when days are half light and half dark. Question is, how much snow will be receive? Pray the sun returns so we will not need to cancel summer. No sun, no ripe stuff from the farm. We also need heat from the sun to ripen the fruit. Two weeks ago the temps at the farm got down to -15. Allan took some cuttings in the house and has been watching them bud out. He thinks some of the buds may have been damaged. This might result in Mother Nature thinning the peach and cherry crop. I will keep you posted.</span><br />
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</div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-36560302046069817192010-12-28T12:15:00.001-05:002010-12-28T12:35:36.130-05:001930s Above and Underground<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1930s Above and Under-ground</span></b></span> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TQmXCA_oDrI/AAAAAAAAAXM/mRZl4cJowDQ/s1600/10Guys1962DSCN7502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TQmXCA_oDrI/AAAAAAAAAXM/mRZl4cJowDQ/s200/10Guys1962DSCN7502.JPG" width="200" /></a>Edna's brother, Tobe (William Earl Trowbridge 1889-1974) was a jolly 6'-6". The farm kids loved to rides on his shoulders. He served in the Navy (WWI) because he was to tall for the Army. Tobe smoked, drank whiskey, lived in the" big" City of South Haven and was skilled at pool and poker. in the 1930s he lived with his sister Bessie and Percy Chaddock or with Bill and Edna when needed to help out on the farm. Tobe hand dug the septic system at the farm. We will come back to Tobe down below.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TRbPVl2OUYI/AAAAAAAAAXo/3FkgMyB93hM/s1600/1921IddlesSchool10-29-2006+12%253B28%253B00pm+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TRbPVl2OUYI/AAAAAAAAAXo/3FkgMyB93hM/s200/1921IddlesSchool10-29-2006+12%253B28%253B00pm+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bill and Edna's kids (Albert, Ken, Doris, Ed, Janet and Bill) all attended Iddles School as did most of their relatives and ancestors. After Iddles they attended South Haven schools. Albert had use of a car when he was in High School (1933-35) and would drive kids from the neighborhood. These kids were always welcome at the Overhiser home. One time Ester Lyman Wilkinson was in the house and noticed Edna steering a large pan of chili sauce for canning. Ester said, "Edna must be a bad cook if she needs to make that much chili sauce". The Casco country kids were all a fun loving group. As for the depression, Albert would say, "we were not that bad off, we had ice cream most every night". </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TQmaT4JP5lI/AAAAAAAAAXU/jrF2qb3yze0/s1600/BabyJanet10-29-2006+12%253B47%253B12pm+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TQmaT4JP5lI/AAAAAAAAAXU/jrF2qb3yze0/s200/BabyJanet10-29-2006+12%253B47%253B12pm+%25282%2529.jpg" width="162" /></a>Edna and Bill were active at Church, in the Ladies Aid Society and in the community. Bill was elected Township Treasurer, appointed Clerk and then was reelected each term until Albert took over as Township Clerk. Albert then passed the job off the Allan who now serves as Township Supervisor. Bill's Grand Father Henry served as Township Treasurer from 1869-75. Edna was active in the Casco Garden Club which had limited membership because the meetings were held at the homes of members. A waiting list was maintained. Raising fruit and kids followed a familiar rhythm season after season, year after year. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the 1920s the Model T truck completely replaced the horse drown wagon for transporting fruit to the docks at South Haven or Glenn. Shipping fruit to Chicago by boat was replaced by larger trucks in the 1930s. The trucks cut 2 hours off the boat ride and some farmers took their fruit directly to the Chicago markets. Then the Benton Harbor Market became the place to sell direct to the Chicago buyers. It became the world's largest fresh fruit market. Albert, being the oldest son, became the farm truck driver and "drove truck" (as he would say) for the South Haven Fruit Exchange after High School. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TQmazuzK-XI/AAAAAAAAAXY/ZTU6eo0GI3o/s1600/BillsAddingMachine0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TQmazuzK-XI/AAAAAAAAAXY/ZTU6eo0GI3o/s200/BillsAddingMachine0039.JPG" width="150" /></a>The 18th Amendment ushered in prohibition days (1920-1933), speakeasy clubs, and underground criminal activity to the country and SW Michigan. After prohibition Uncle Tobe owned Art's Tavern in South Haven but lost the business because he extended credit to way to many customers. He was a legendary strong man who one time grabbed a knife, that had been pulled on him, broke it in half and returned the handle. We believe Uncle Tobe, the gambler bar owner, may have been involved in some covert activities. My Dad (Albert) told of still being in school when Tobe called the farm and told him to get the truck and meet him at the Grand Junction Tavern. Tobe's slot machines were removed from the tavern and loaded onto the truck. Tobe must have been active in politics because he was tipped off that the Sheriff was about to raid the tavern.<br />
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In the 1940s Uncle Tobe fell off a roof and broke his back. This injury crippled him for the rest of his life. He was never married but was very good friends with his landlady, Gertrude, who cared for him in his later years. Albert and Allan would stop and visit Tobe in the 60s and 70s after picking up a bottle of whiskey at Food Town on Broadway. He continued to live in Gertrude's Boarding House on Broadway and played cards at the Am Legion until he passed in 1974.</div><div style="color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>At The Farm December 28, 2010</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An all purpose 4-wheel drive Mule vehicle has been purchased for the kids to drive on the farm. It will be used this summer to pull a trailer for transporting u-pickers to and from the orchards. During most of December the farm has been covered with snow. This is good for the trees but makes it hard to get around the orchards for the trimmers. We hope the fruit trees are resting up to produce a bountiful crop in 2011. Yesterday, Allan and Kim took them on a road trip to Marshall to visit Uncle Martin and Aunt Lucy. After a meal at Turkeyville everyone went to see Tron at the Bogar. Must say, It was very virtual and not very real. If you are a big gamer you will enjoy the movie.<br />
Tobe PS - At age 14 Aaron wears size 14 shoes and is 5' 11.725" tall.<br />
Next blog - Trucker meets Teacher. Happy 2011 to all, Martin O</div><br />
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</a></div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-931568920661562882.post-60923209767697612222010-12-01T17:52:00.004-05:002011-05-02T23:08:50.987-04:00Lost Possessions - 1927<div style="color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Lost Possessions - 1927</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPa9IqTs7iI/AAAAAAAAAWw/RJ3PJi2H4sI/s1600/HenryHouse11-15-2006+01%253B07%253B26pm+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPa9IqTs7iI/AAAAAAAAAWw/RJ3PJi2H4sI/s200/HenryHouse11-15-2006+01%253B07%253B26pm+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>It was a grand old house. Sitting at the top of a steep slope over looking the road with a southern exposure. Carpenter/farmer Henry Overhiser had selected the site and build the first house in the 1860s. He added on and improved the home as the family expanded. William Albert married Daisy in 1896 and took over the farm after losing his first wife and two children. Albert became very successful and was able to add the beautiful porches and many modern conveniences. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPa9aBE8nQI/AAAAAAAAAW0/zE_vJtfd_3g/s1600/AWOHouse190011-15-2006+01%253B38%253B58pm+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPa9aBE8nQI/AAAAAAAAAW0/zE_vJtfd_3g/s320/AWOHouse190011-15-2006+01%253B38%253B58pm+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Like other farms, the Overhiser house was the farm headquarters. It sustained the family with shelter, food, social life, safety and security. The warmth in the house on a cold stormy day or night was so welcoming. Delicious smells drew you into the warm kitchen like a magnet. Housemates would sit around the radiant fireplace and play games. The farm house contained the family history, photographs, books, valued heirlooms, and memories. One would also experience this warm and cozy feeling in the animal areas of the barns on a cold winter's day.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div style="clear: both;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPa9sdOZlpI/AAAAAAAAAW4/thU_F2rMLhY/s1600/Riley%2527sStore10-29-2006+06%253B02%253B45pm+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPa9sdOZlpI/AAAAAAAAAW4/thU_F2rMLhY/s200/Riley%2527sStore10-29-2006+06%253B02%253B45pm+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One day in 1927 eleven year old Albert (my dad) was told by his mother (Edna) to run down to Riley's Store and get a fire extinguisher. Albert was there in quick order as it was only a half mile to the west. He stood behind a couple of customers and waited his turn. Then Riley said, "Albert what can I do for you?" To which Albert said, "our house is on fire, can I borrow a fire extinguisher?" Everyone in the store rushed to the big house but were unable to extinguish the fire that had started in a chimney. The back addition to the house was saved and is still used today by Allan as a tool shed. However, most family possessions were lost that day. </span></div><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPa-S3GVjWI/AAAAAAAAAXA/dtoBbHz41IM/s1600/Bill%2526EdnaHouseWestSide1930s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPa-S3GVjWI/AAAAAAAAAXA/dtoBbHz41IM/s320/Bill%2526EdnaHouseWestSide1930s.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I would expect Edna took charge and found housing for the family while Bill took on the task of rebuilding to the west of the burned out house. A tool building was expanded and became the "new house". The Bill and Edna house was home for Albert, Ken, Doris, Ed, Janet Joyce (1-8-1929) and Bill (William Douglas 2-5-1936). That same house has been welcoming, warm and cozy for generations. Fifth generation farmers Allan and Kim have more than doubled the size of the Bill and Edna house with two major expansions. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPbNb5WBNJI/AAAAAAAAAXI/dsVExWJEius/s1600/BarnBurned1941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPbNb5WBNJI/AAAAAAAAAXI/dsVExWJEius/s200/BarnBurned1941.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The mortgage on the grand old house became a blessing. Daisy wanted to be paid for signing over the farm to the newlyweds. Therefore, in 1916 Bill and Edna had to borrow money. With the help of Aunt Olive (Wm Albert's sister) and Uncle Sam Galbraith, a $4,000 mortgage was secured. The First State Bank of Allegan required insurance be carried on the house so we assume Bill and Edna received some insurance money to help rebuild. A second major fire at the farm occurred in 1941 when the big barn burned. That fire may have been started by smoldering green hay.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We all face disasters and disappointments. How we react and move on is a lifelong challenge. Bill and Edna moved past their disasters with class. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPa-lxosUaI/AAAAAAAAAXE/N7xJcIKJh3o/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u3d1uOP0h7Q/TPa-lxosUaI/AAAAAAAAAXE/N7xJcIKJh3o/s200/IMG_0018.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>At The Farm December 1, 2010</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Life at the farm is in traditional winter mode. Tree trimming, equipment maintenance, attending farm meetings, snow plowing, school activities, township business, and preparing for Christmas vacation. Water and electric lines have been run to the small animal barn and the larger small animals have been sold. The chickens have been moved to the chicken coop which sits on the site of the big barn that burned. The cider is gone and the cooler only has a few apples left.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sweet summer fruit dreams this winter.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></div>MartyOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886462996399316461noreply@blogger.com0