Albert and Max at Chicago World's Fair - 1893

Albert and Max at Chicago World’s Fair - 1893

The 1893 Fair in Chicago was also known as the World’s Columbian Exposition to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the new world. It was dedicated in 1892 and was opened to the public May 1, 1893 through October 30, 1893. My sister Olive Galbreath and their oldest son Merritt (11) convinced Max (8) and me to go with them to the Fair. Merritt and Max always enjoyed playing together at family gatherings. It had been two years since Rosco, Alta May and our new infant had passed and this was a nice break from the farm at the end of a great harvest.

Merritt was helped through college and dental school by his parents with the understanding that he would help his brothers (Roger, Joe, Clyde and Otto) with their college expenses, but he did not. This became quite a sore spot in that family. One of his brothers did, however, also become a dentist. After training in Spokane Merritt and his wife, Bess, settled in Chicago where he had been so impressed in 1893 by the Fair.

We started our trip on Saturday October 7, 1893 by having Sam Galbreath take all four of us to stay overnight with my sister Ida and her husband Charlie Osborn. They lived 3 miles to the West on a 40-acre farm. Ida always had a kind disposition and loved to serve others. She did not have much use of her withered right arm but did become a teacher and was able to control the kids. When she was 4 she was playing near where we were clearing some land and a large falling branch hit her right arm. After that she started using her left hand for everything and her right arm stopped growing. She always wore a black glove on her tiny hand and pinned it to her dress. Her handicap did not slow her down. She did it all: cooked, washed dishes, canned, and made her own clothes. She and Charlie were very active members of the McDowell Church a mile West of their farm.

Well, back to our Fair trip. Sunday morning Charlie took us to South Haven to board the Lorain L. steamer to travel across Lake Michigan to Chicago. On the boat, which was very crowded, we got to talk with Chief Simon Pokagon. I had met him once before. The boys were fascinated. The Chief lived in Lee Township to the east of us. He was traveling as a special “Chicago Day” Fair guest to give a speech, ring the Bell of Liberty for the first time and be in the parade on Monday the 9^th. He told the boys about his new pair of pants that he had purchased for $1 at the Locota store. This was the same price for each of our round trip boat tickets. The Chief’s father (Chief Leopold Pokagon) sold the Chicago area to the US Government in 1833 for 3 cents an acre. The Chief said he had spent his whole life trying to get paid for that land and met with Presidents’ Lincoln and Grant pleading that his people get paid.

We stayed in Chicago Sunday and Monday nights returning home on Tuesday. What an eye opening experience. We got to see the latest inventions, newest products, and experienced the “Midway” area. We all enjoyed the amusement and carnival area with its sideshows. Rides included the very first Farris Wheel that was 264’ high. Each of the 36 cars held 60 people. One of the cars carried the John Phillip Sousa band that played daily. We read that 1.5 million people rode the Wheel the first month of the Fair.

I was most impressed with the Westinghouse electric building. There were several displays showing different methods for generating electricity. I thought the Dynamo electrical generator might be used at our farm. Some of the new products included: Cracker Jack, Juicy Fruit Gum, the hamburger, Quaker Oats and Shredded Wheat. Could not help but think of the 1871 Chicago fire and all the smoke we experienced at the farm. We did not see any evidence of the fire, only new and modern buildings and facilities. What an uplifting experience for all.

Note – Martin O spun the above tail based upon facts and some speculation. Want more information about the 1893 fair and take a “virtual tour” go to this website:

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA96/WCE/official.html

At the Farm February 1, 2010

The farm family is traveling lots this winter to and from the Fennville schools as the kids are in several activities. Inside the paper work is being worked on and tax returns prepared. Trying to loose less each year is Allan’s goal on the farm. That is an old, old story with farmers. They always hope to make some or more next year. On the expense side of the equation, Allan has added a chain saw that is at the end of an extension device for trimming. So here is how they trim: hedge most trees with a huge power hedger, thin out the bigger branches with the chain saw and then do the hand trimming. Trees need to be thinned out in the middle so sunlight gets to the fruit.

Question- what do you do if you see a blue peach? Try to cheer it up!

Don’t forget fruit!!

Albert Takes A Wife - 1886

Albert Takes A Wife - 1886

The rose color of her cheeks made me think of peach blossoms in the spring. Yes, I always was smitten by Alta May Usher’s beauty. We both attended the EUB Church at Leisure. She lived a mile south of the Church just past Uncle Wilshire and Aunt Mary Johnston’s farm. With mom gone, I got to thinking about taking a wife and Alta May was my top choice. After courting her for a short time I suggested marriage and she was very excited and enthused about the idea. Our marriage (January 21, 1886) started out the same year the Statue of Liberty was being constructed.

Alta May, at age 22, became mother to my siblings still at home (Charles 19, Mary Ann 16, and Minnie 12). Plus dad lived with us until the summer of 1886 when he married a second time. It was a good match. Henrietta (Fisher) Warfield had lost her husband, had two young children (Fred and Clara) and needed help caring for her farm 3 miles straight south of us. We were back and forth between the two farms a lot and raised most of our hay on Henrietta’s place. The peaches were becoming our most profitable crop. We were able to invest in new orchards and make some improvements to the house during our first years of our marriage. Household expenses were very low. We paid 10 cents a gallon for kerosene to light the house at night. Evenings were always a joy as we cast away the cares and distractions of the day by playing games and reading to the boys.

Tragic struck the family again in 1887 and sister Olive saved the day. My sister Mary Ann became pregnant by a neighbor boy (Herschel Adkin - 18). They did not get married and Otto was born 4/26/1887. Do to complications, Mary Ann died 9 days later (May 5). Sam and Olive adopted and raised Otto until he was 12 (1899). Then Otto moved to live with his father’s family – Herschel and Eda Adkin who then had 3 boys (Bob 4, Roy 2 and Harry a new born). Later in life Otto Galbreath and Herschel Adkin jointly owned a dance hall east of Pullman on Upper Scott Lake. There was never any animosity between the families. Mary’s death was just one of those things that happened.

In 1888 I took out a mortgage for $2,000 and other money changed hands. As a result, Alta May and I ended up owning the main 60 acre farm. Brother Lonson and Minnie lived across the street. Olive and Sam took title to the 40 acres on the corner, although they lived ½ mile north of the store on the west side of the street. Olive and Sam Galbreath deeded the 40 acres over to my brother Charles and Minnie after they were married (6-21-1891). Dad and Henrietta lived on her farm. (Photo L to R me, Alta May, Henry, Minnie, Lonson, Olive & Sam)

As for our children, we first had Maxwell Glen and then Rosco Glen (see photo). Yes, we always had at least one dog on the farm. The most tragic year of my life, 1891, started out with the death of two and a half year old Rosco. Shortly after our third baby died at birth and Alta May died of complications. My new family had been reduced to Max and me. I felt the same pain in my gut and tornado in my head as I felt when mother and Mary Ann passed. My head told me they are all at peace. I prayed for God to give me a cheerful heart. On the outside I kept positive as the farm and house needed running and 5-year old Max needed me to be strong.

Note - above written by Martin O based on facts and some speculation. Were you at the 100th Overhiser Cousin's Reunion? It was held in 1993 on the same site where Otto and Herschel once owned a dance hall.

2010 At The Farm

The fruit trees are resting. All is well - Cold, wind, snow and looking for signs of spring. May all be well with you in 2010.

Eat fresh, canned or frozen fruit!