If a love of animals is passed on through the DNA, then it would explain why I've always had some sort of pet. Cats, dogs, goldfish, guinea pigs, hamsters, turtles... you name it, I've probably had one. Or more.
The following are photos of a few of our family pets:
Lucky was my father's beloved boyhood companion for a number of years. He now has a Welsh Corgi, a Cocker Spaniel, and about 7 cats. At least, that was the last count.
For the life of me, I cannot remember the name of this cat. I do remember that she was a Siamese, and had blue eyes that I think were crossed. My grandmother always had one or more cats; even the neighborhood cats hung out at her house because she put out food for them... just in case they were hungry. Unfortunately, I discovered that I was allergic to cats when my eyes swelled up and itched like crazy every time we went to visit my grandparents.
I've had about 5 dogs in my lifetime, but Pepper was my first. He was a bit odd, but loyal and loveable, nonetheless. He is pictured here getting a bath in a tub that's just a few sizes too small. And yes, my shirt really does say, "Shake Your Booty." It was the '70s.
Reilly lives with us now. I adopted him in 1999 from the animal shelter when he was about three months old. He was my "baby" until my daughter came along. He doesn't much like his new position in "the pack," unfortunately.
Photographs:
"Dad and Lucky," (ca. 1952). Photograph. Privately held by Elizabeth O'Neal.
"Reba Dunn Swanay and Cat," (ca. 1973, Rialto, Riverside Co, California). Digital Image. Privately held by Elizabeth O'Neal.
"Pepper and Me," (July 1977, El Toro, Orange Co., California). Photograph. Privately held by Elizabeth O'Neal.
"Reilly," (September 11, 2007, Lompoc, Santa Barbara Co, California). Digital Image. Privately held by Elizabeth O'Neal.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Creatures Great and Small (Mostly Small)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
John Andrew Pado: Loving Life and Family
John Andrew Pado, my husband’s great-grandfather, was born on March 25, 1887 in Czechoslovakia to parents Michael Pado and Mary Gades. He was the 3rd son to be named “John” – his two older brothers were each named John before him, but both died in infancy. His other siblings were: Michael (born March 3, 1883; died September 12, 1951), George (born October 3, 1895; died May 1969), Andrew, Anna, Mary, and Susie.
John’s formal education lasted only a few days. As a result, he never learned to read or write, either in Czech or in English. His early years were spent working in the stables of a local Count.
In May 1910, John married Anna Susan Bires in Czechoslovakia. Their first child, Mary, was born November 26, 1911, also in Czechoslovakia.
To make a better life for his family, John left his wife and baby daughter to find work in America. He was first employed at a glass factory in Kane, Pennsylvania. His brother told him of the great job opportunities in Endicott, New York, so John relocated there shortly afterwards. He soon found employment at the tannery of the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company, where he was to work for the next 40 years.
Much of John’s earnings were sent back home to Czechoslovakia so his family could join him, but he was later to find out that his father was taking the money and spending it on himself instead! Because of this, it took John 3 years to save up enough money to bring his family to America. In 1914, they were finally reunited; Anna and Mary were on the last ship to America before the start of WWI.
Four more children were born to John and Anna:
- Anna Marie, born April 10, 1916 in Endicott, New York; died February 2, 2007 in Melbourne, Florida.
- John, born May 3, 1918 in New York; died May 1978 in Johnson City, New York.
- Beverly, born November 26, 1928; died March 9, 2003 in New Jersey.
- Two other daughters are still living.
Although unable to read or write, John went to night school to learn about America and become a United States citizen. The 1930 U.S. Census shows his status as PA, or “papers filed.” He was so proud to become an American. (Note: Anna is listed as AL or “alien” in the 1930 Census.)
The Great Depression was financially difficult for the family, as it was for most families. John never trusted banks afterwards, and kept the family’s savings in the brass bedpost in his bedroom.
John was a happy and fun-loving man who loved his family and loved the Lord. His favorite thing to do was DANCE. He frequently took his wife and family to the Saturday night dances at church where they would dance and visit with friends.
He also enjoyed watching “cowboy shows,” such as The Lone Ranger, on television. However, he was always surprised when one of the characters died in one episode and came back to life in the next! “How could that happen?” he was known to ask.
John loved to work in his garden, and his vegetables were his pride and joy. One afternoon while John was away, his young grandson Bobby was playing in the garden while his aunt hung the laundry. When she finished, she found that Bobby had pulled up all of John’s prized pepper plants! Bobby’s aunt panicked, and quickly ran out to buy some replacement plants. When John came home, he was seen walking through his garden scratching his head, wondering how his plants became SMALLER while he was away!
Family members often described John as a “frustrated chemist.” He suffered from arthritis in his legs and desperately wanted to find something to ease his pain. He was often found mixing stinky concoctions, hoping to invent something would work. Unfortunately, he was not successful in his quest for a cure, and his wife was known to say that the smell emanating from the basement was awful!
He was also known to keep a jar of leeches, which he used on his neck and leg. Although the thought of this practice – known as “bloodletting” – scares our 21st century sensibilities, it was still used to some extent during John’s time. My husband still remembers seeing the jar of leeches when he was a young boy.
John died in February 1967 - shortly before his 80th birthday - in Endicott, New York, where he is also buried. He is missed and lovingly remembered by his family.
Many thanks to Pat, Joyce, Betty, and Ben for contributing their memories of John Pado to this article.
Sources:
Census:
1930 U.S. Federal Census, Union Twp., Broome Co., New York, Roll T626_1408, ED 4-77, Sheet 13B.
Photographs:
John Andrew Pado, Photgraph, ca. 1940. Digital Image. Privately held by B. O'Neal, California, 2007.
Pado Family, Photograph, November 1936. Digital Image. Privately held by B. O'Neal, California, 2007.
Copyright © 2008 by Elizabeth O'Neal
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Young Love, Old Love
Being in love is easy when you're young and infatuated. It's not so easy when you've spent a lifetime together raising children, learning about each other, and living through life's ups and downs.
Married on October 2, 1917, in Greene County, Tennessee, my grandparents, Isaac Lee and Reba Dunn Swanay spent almost 70 years together. Almost. My grandfather passed away in 1986 and grandmother in 1987, so they didn't quite make it to 70. But they came closer than most us ever will.
The first photo was taken at an unknown family gathering in November 1917, so they were still newlyweds. The second photo was taken at their 60th wedding anniversary party in October 1977.
They were dealt some hard knocks, but they stuck it out. You don't see that kind of commitment very often these days.
Will I make it to my 70th anniversary? Not likely, unless I live to be 110. But I'll give it my best shot.
Photographs:
Isaac Lee Swanay and Reba Dunn Swanay, Nov. 1917, Greene Co, TN. Copy of original photograph privately held by Elizabeth O'Neal, CA.
Isaac Lee Swanay and Reba Dunn Swanay, Oct. 1977, Rialto, Riverside Co, CA. Original image privately held by Elizabeth O'Neal, CA.
On "Being Irish"
What does "being Irish" mean to you?
This was the question posed in the 6th Edition, Carnival of Irish Heritage and Culture, hosted at Small-Leaved Shamrock. Lisa has done a tremendous job of showcasing the many wonderful entries.
My entry about my Irish grandmother is here: To Be 100% Irish.
The 7th Edition, Carnival of Irish Heritage and Culture involves a summer reading challenge, complete with homework. Tune in to Small-Leaved Shamrock for details!
Friday, June 6, 2008
To Be 100% Irish
Growing up, “Irish,” to me, meant leprechauns, shamrocks, pots of gold… basically things that were “magically delicious.” Ireland was just some far-away place, full of strange, mystical things.
My maternal grandmother was fond of telling me – often, and with great gusto – that she was “100% Irish.” I wasn’t sure what that meant. Was she was related to leprechauns? Did we have a pot of gold somewhere? Was I 100% Irish, too?
What was so special about being 100% Irish?
There was definitely something special about this to my grandmother. Although her parents did not come from Ireland, she was certain that her grandparents – maternal and paternal – did.
She kept a pot of shamrocks in her yard and frequently told the story of how they came from a real, Irish, shamrock plant in Ireland. Someone (I’m sure she told me who, but for the life of me, I can’t remember) hand-carried this shamrock cutting to America and gave pieces of it to various members of her family. She was so proud that her 100% Irish shamrocks were thriving under her care.
My grandmother was never able to tell me why it was so important to her to have this connection with her Irish heritage. For some reason, being 100% Irish was of great consequence to her, despite the fact that she knew so little about her ancestors. I was not able to understand this connection until I became interested in genealogy.
Doing the math (which I know is much more complicated than this), I can estimate that I’m about 26% Irish, give or take. My maternal grandmother – as you know – was 100% Irish, and my maternal grandfather was French-Canadian, making my mother approximately 50% Irish. My father’s family had been in America since before the Mayflower, in some cases, and although his mother’s Dunns may have hailed from Ireland, we have no proof, and it was a looooong time ago. So I gave myself an extra 1%, just in case.
But 26% (give or take) is still a pretty substantial amount. To say that I’m “one-quarter Irish” may not be as meaningful as my grandmother’s statement that she was 100% Irish, but it still matters, right?
Yes, it does. And I’ll tell you why it matters to me.
Many times on this blog, I’ve bemoaned the fact that I have very little information about my mother’s ancestors. Fathers abandoned their families, and no one spoke of them ever again. Personal papers were destroyed. Family photos were found in boxes and (non-archival) albums, decaying and unlabeled. Personal history books were left empty or incomplete.
Most of my maternal ancestors are strangers to me.
But this much I know: They were Irish.
And knowing this, it’s almost like I can reach back in time and touch them through their “Irishness,” like a golden thread connecting generations. We may be strangers, but we share a common connection to Erin… the Emerald Isle. Someday I hope to visit Ireland – to take my daughter to stand on the soil where her ancestors – her father’s and mine – once lived.
I may never know who they were, but at least I know where they came from.
And in some instances, I know why they came to America:
There were those who came over during the Great Potato Famine of the mid 1800’s. Others came in the 1890’s and found work on the railroads. Still others migrated to the Midwest and became successful farmers and land owners.
These are some of the classic stories that we learned in high school American History… stories that meant nothing to me when I was in high school, as I doodled in my notebook and daydreamed of boys.
But now I know. I know that my own, Irish, ancestors were part of some important moments in history.
I can imagine them coming to America on big steamships, probably cramped into steerage, joyous at beginning a new life, but at the same time sad to be leaving Ireland… their homeland.
I can imagine them trying to learn strange, new American customs, yet trying to preserve some of their own culture and heritage.
I can imagine the souvenirs and heirlooms they brought with them from their homeland, which have since been lost to time and carelessness.
And when I look at my grandmother’s pot of shamrocks – which now lives in my own backyard following her death – I can almost feel what it’s like to be 100% Irish.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
See the Bathing Beauties at the COG!
If you haven't already done so, you'll want to dive into the Carnival of Genealogy, 49th Edition: Suimsuit Edition!
You won't see ME, of course, but you will see a wide variety of lovely, memorable family photos and stories.
It's not Sports Illustrated, but I'm certain that you will enjoy it, nonetheless!
My entry in the COG is here: Back to the Beach: 1940's Suimsuit Edition, featuring my mother and her sister in the most stylish of 1940's era swimwear for children (shoes and socks included).
If you're feeling inspired, here is the skinny on the next Carnival of Genealogy:
The topic for the next edition of the Carnival of Genealogy will be: family pets! Bring out those old photos of Snoopy, Garfield, Rex and Bob! Tell us the funny, charming, and cute stories about the pets you remember or remember hearing about. Introduce us to the furry, feathered, and scaly members who have a place on your family tree! The deadline for the next edition is June 15, 2008, and it will be hosted by none other than the flutaphone master himself, Bill West!See you there!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Back to the Beach: 1940's Suimsuit Edition
Pictured here, modeling the most lovely of late-1940's era children's swimwear, are my mother, Judy Dagle, and her older sister, Sharon Dagle.
As is the custom with my family, NONE of the photos are labeled, so I have absolutely no idea where they were taken, when, or what the occasion was (grrr). I'm lucky if I can figure out who is in the pictures.
Sharon and Judy in matching swimsuits, ca. 1943. Picture probably taken in Iowa. I'm guessing from the shoes and socks that both are wearing that there must be no water to play in nearby.
I do love the border around the photo. It says "ELKO" in the corners; apparently the Elko Photo Company was based in Kansas City, Missouri, so it's possible that they also did business in other midwestern states. (Digital Image. Original privately held by Elizabeth O'Neal, California, USA, 2008)
Judy and Sharon, a few years later. This time, no matching suimsuits. Notice the daring, yet subdued, tummy-baring "bikini" my mother was wearing! To my knowledge, she was never caught wearing one of these ever again. Photo was taken ca. 1947. Based on the background, they appear to be in northern Washington, at a lake or river. (Digital Image. Original privately held by Elizabeth O'Neal, California, USA, 2008)
This photo appears to have been taken on the same day as the previous photo.
(Digital Image. Original privately held by Elizabeth O'Neal, California, USA, 2008)
Perhaps someone from the Washington State area might recognize this spot? I do know that the family lived in Tacoma in the late 1940's/early 1950's, which is probably when these photos were taken.
Friday, May 23, 2008
7th edition of the Carnival of Central and Eastern European Genealogy is Posted
The 7th Edition Carnival of Central and Eastern European Genealogy has been posted at Jessica's Genejournal. Jessica has done a terrific job hosting this carnival!
The topic for this edition was in honor of Mother's Day: articles were to be about a female ancestor from the region of Central or Eastern Europe.
My post, Anna Susan Bires: From "Cinderella" to a Happy Ending, discussed the life of my husband's great-grandmother from Czechoslovakia.
Many thanks to my mother-in-law for sharing her fond memories of her grandmother in preparation for this article. My husband and I used a digital voice recorder to record our telephone conversation with her. We hope to copy, transcribe, and share these memories (and hopefully others) at a later date.
In honor of Father's Day, the topic for the 8th Edition will be about a male ancestor from Central or Eastern Europe. The deadline for submissions is June 12th.
Copyright © 2008 by Elizabeth O'Neal
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Anna Susan Bires: From "Cinderella" to a Happy Ending
My husband’s great-grandmother, Anna Susan Bires, was born on July 14, 1892 in Czechoslovakia. She was the daughter of George Bires and Susan Dudas.
Anna had a very unhappy childhood. Her mother Susan died following the birth of twins when Anna was about two years old. Sadly, the twins both died, as well.
George remarried shortly afterwards, and he and second wife Mary had five children. Mary treated Anna almost like the evil stepmother treated “Cinderella”: her own children had beds to sleep in and plenty of food, while Anna slept under the kitchen table and had barely enough to eat. When she was old enough, she was made to work during the week and give her earnings to Mary. On weekends, she worked at home for no pay.
Mary wanted Anna to marry an older man who was quite wealthy, but Anna refused. She said she would “jump in the well” before she would marry that man.
Anna eventually met John Andrew Pado (b. March 25, 1887), whom she married in May 1910 in Czechoslovakia.
Their first child, Mary, was born November 26, 1911, in Czechoslovakia.
John immigrated to the United States in 1911, and by 1914 had saved enough money to bring Anna and Mary to New York.
Five more children were born to John and Anna:
- Anna Marie, born April 10, 1916 in Endicott, New York; died February 2, 2007 in Melbourne, Florida.
- John, born May 3, 1918 in New York; died May 1978 in Johnson City, New York.
- Beverly, born November 26, 1928; died March 9, 2003 in New Jersey.
- Two other daughters are still living.
John took good care of Anna, and she was very happy with him and her life in the United States.Granchildren called Anna, “Baba.” and John, “Zedo,” meaning grandmother and grandfather in Czech.
My husband’s mother remembers Anna as being a kind and thoughtful grandmother. She has fond memories of Anna cooking and baking whatever the children wanted to eat, and says Anna never had an unpleasant word to say about anybody. She remembers her as always smiling and happy.
One year on Anna’s birthday, when my husband’s mother was a young girl and did not have money to buy her grandmother a present, she went upstairs to Anna’s room and got a piece of jewelry from Anna's jewelry box, wrapped it up, and gave it to Anna as her “birthday gift.” Anna opened the package and acted surprised and thrilled to receive such a lovely piece of jewelry for a gift, never letting on that she knew it was her own.
John died in February, 1967. Anna stayed in Endicott, New York, until she died on October 20, 1979. Both are buried in New York.
Following her death, Anna was mourned by many family members and friends, and Masses were held for several days in her honor.
She had found her prince and got her happy ending after all.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Mom Knows Best: The 48th Edition Carnival of Genealogy
For the one or two of you out there who haven't heard... The 48th Edition Carnival of Genealogy: Mom, How'd You Get So Smart? was published on May 17th.
My mom always told me that she had eyes in the back of her head. I know now that it's just some special "smartness" that comes with being a mom.
And the need to stay at least one step ahead at all times.
My COG entry is here.
You won't want to miss the next edition of the Carnival of Genealogy: Swimsuit Edition - just in time for the beach!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Momsense: How'd You Get So Smart?
Several years before my mother died, I gave her a book. It was one of those "All About Mom" personal history books, which asked a bunch of questions about life, and had blanks on which to fill in the answers.
Mom died in 2001. I found the book among her belongings... still full of empty blanks.
So I'm at a loss for information about much of her life.
I do know a little bit about her school years, mostly from the few stories she told and from the photos and news clippings I found after her death.
From what I can determine, Mom attended grade school at Sacred Heart School in Tacoma, Washington.
2nd Grade Class, Sacred Heart School (Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington). Photo taken May 20, 1949. Original in possession of Elizabeth O'Neal.
On the back of her second and fourth grade photos, she meticulously wrote the names of all of her classmates.
3rd Grade Class, Sacred Heart School (Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington). Photo taken c. 1950. Original in possession of Elizabeth O'Neal.
On the back of her third grade photo, she wrote, "This is the third grade when I had Father Kelly and Sister Mary Paula for my teachers, and Father Kelly for my priest." Mom always did have beautiful penmanship.
4th Grade Class, Sacred Heart School (Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington). Photo taken c. 1951. Original in possession of Elizabeth O'Neal.
High School Diploma of Judith Ann Dagle (St. Bernadine's High School, San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, California). Dated June 3, 1959. Original in possession of Elizabeth O'Neal.
After the death of her father Marvin Dagle, Mom, her mother Mary, and her sister Sharon moved to San Bernardino, California, where she attended St. Bernadine's High School. St. Bernadine's was an all-girl, Catholic school.
High School Graduation Photo of Judith Ann Dagle (St. Bernadine's High School, San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, California). Photo taken 1959. Original in possession of Elizabeth O'Neal. 
St. Bernadine's High School Graduation Announcement from Unknown Newspaper. Date Unknown, estimated June 2, 1959. Original in possession of Elizabeth O'Neal.
After high school, Mom was accepted as a flight attendant (or "stewardess," as they said back then) with an airline - I believe it was American Airlines, but I'm not certain. She did not finish her training, as she decided to marry my father instead of becoming a flight attendant.
Mom never attended college, but always had a great love of reading. She voraciously read dozens of books each year, and instilled this love of reading in me with numerous trips to the library when I was young.
She was also the best "speller" of anyone I knew. Unfortunately, whenever I asked her how to spell a word, her favorite answer was, "Look it up."
I'm sure I'll be passing this wise bit of "momsense" on to my daughter someday.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mom: How Beautiful is Your Smile!
The 1st Edition of Smile For The Camera - A Carnival of Images: Mother Love - Love of Mother has been posted.
You won't want to miss the beautiful photos and tributes to some wonderful moms.
My entry, a photo of my mother and me, is here.
Off to get some tissues now...
Friday, May 9, 2008
How Much Your Mother Loves You
Photo of my mother, Judy Dagle Swanay, and me; September 1963. I was about 1 month old. (Original photo in possession of Elizabeth O'Neal)
"You'll never really know how much your mother loved you until you become a mother yourself."
My mother used to say this all the time. I never understood what it meant until I had my daughter.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Two Treats!
I was a little under the weather yesterday, so I didn't get to see the posting of the Carnival of Genealogy, 47th Edition, until this morning. The topic for this edition was "A Place Called Home." So many parts of the world are represented - you won't want to miss checking out these terrific articles for a little "armchair travel" around the world!
I'm running out of superlatives to describe what a wonderful job Jasia does with the Carnival of Genealogy. Thank you again, Jasia, for all you do. I hope you enjoy a much-deserved summer break!
TREAT #2
I typically let my daughter watch her favorite cartoon - "The Little Einsteins" on the Disney Channel - in the mornings. I know, Bad Mommy using the TV as a babysitter... but it keeps her occupied for a while so I can get my morning chores done. I'll deal with the guilt later.
Anyway, while "The Little Einsteins" are saving the world yet again, I like to tune out (a little - moms NEVER completely tune out) by listening to my favorite podcasts on my iPod. These include a variety of genealogy podcasts such as Lisa L. Cooke's "Genealogy Gems," and "DearMYRTLE's Family History Hour."
I'm also something of a LOST junkie, and I enjoy "The Lost Podcast with Jay and Jack." It's good to know that I'm not the only one confused by this show.
So this morning I was listening to "The Genealogy Guys Podcast" with George C. Morgan and Drew Smith, episode #135, and who did I hear them mention? Why, none other than Miriam Midkiff from AnceStories: The Stories of My Ancestors!
Miriam had written to The Guys to in response to a previous show on which they discussed genetic genealogy, and she referred them to Blaine Bettinger's free publication, "I Have The Results of My Genetic Genealogy Test, Now What?" available on Blaine's blog, The Genetic Genealogist.
I was happy to hear both of these fine blogs mentioned by The Guys on their show. If you haven't read either of these blogs, or listened to the podcasts I mentioned, I hope that you'll take some time to do so. You won't be disappointed!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
It's Greener in Greeneville
Pleasant Hill Church: many of my ancestors are buried in its cemetery. (Photographed by Elizabeth O'Neal, May 1995)
My father’s parents came to California from Tennessee, specifically, Greeneville, in Greene County, Tennessee.
About Greene County
Located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Greene County is found in the Eastern part of Tennessee, and is named in honor of Revolutionary War hero Major General Nathanael Greene. It was organized from Washington County, Tennessee, in 1783, with Greeneville as the county seat.
Greene County is ranked the 6th largest county in the state, and covers 624 square miles with an average elevation of 1,320 feet above sea level. Of this, more than 230,000 acres are under cultivation by Greene County's nearly 3,400 farm families.
Like in the days of early Greene County, farming continues to be an important industry. (Photographed by Elizabeth O'Neal, May 1995 )
Some famous Greene Countians:
Davy Crockett (Col. David Stern Crockett) was born in Greene County on August 17, 1786. You probably know him as the “King of the Wild Frontier,” but he also had quite a political career, and represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Col. Crockett died at the historic Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.
President Andrew Johnson used to make his home in Greenville. “Old Hickory,” as he was known, became the 17th President of the United States after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. His former home and tailor shop are open to the public.
This replica of Andrew Jackson's South Carolina birth place stands in Greene County. (Photographed by Elizabeth O'Neal, May 1995 )
But I’m not related to either of these gentlemen.
My Visit to Greene County
My father, my aunt (Dad’s sister), and I took a trip to see the “ancestral home” of Greeneville over Memorial Day weekend in 1995. My aunt was the person who got me interested in genealogy back in 1987, and she had been researching our family for about a decade before that. So it was fitting that we should make this trip together.
My father and I met at the airport in Knoxville; he flew in from Massachusetts, and I from San Diego. The first thing I noticed was the HUMIDITY. It was like a wall of steam hitting me in the lungs! Being a California desert girl, this came as quite a shock.
Once my aunt arrived from Washington, we were able to really get the show on the road. The next day, we took the scenic route from Knoxville to Greeneville via the Great Smoky Mountains and a teensy corner of North Carolina. Having never been in this part of the country before, I enjoyed the drive very much.
The "Olde Greene County Gaol" (jail), built in 1882 by Turner and Lane.
(Photographed by Elizabeth O'Neal, May 1995 )
While in Greeneville, we experienced as much of the “local color” as possible. My favorite was the way the waitresses would always ask, “Would you like grits with that?” Grits aren’t a staple of the typical California diet, so this was an unusual question to me. I really didn't want grits with anything, and I still don't.
(Oddly enough, my husband loves grits. But then, he’s a “southerner,” having lived in both Carolinas, as well as Florida, growing up.)
I was also struck by how aptly named Greeneville was: everything was so green! After a few days, I started wondering why on earth my grandparents ever left Greeneville for California. I mean, I know why they really left (I think), and it had nothing to do with the landscape, but still… Los Angeles must have been quite a change for them.
Tusculum College, founded in 1794, is Tennessee's oldest college.
(Photographed by Elizabeth O'Neal, May 1995 )
We stopped for a short visit at Tusculum College, admiring the beautiful stone arch at the entry. In my grandfather's younger days, he wanted to become a teacher, and had dreams of attending Tusculum. Life got in the way, and this didn't happen; however, he did raise two children who became teachers, and two of his grandchildren also became teachers. It seems that teaching runs in the family.
The three of us trekked through as many cemeteries as possible, visiting the known graves of ancestors, and discovering a few new ones. We hit cemetery “pay dirt” at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, finding lots of family graves to photograph and record. Unfortunately, we had a big missed opportunity, because at the time, we didn’t know that the burial location of our Revolutionary War ancestor Leroy Taylor was just down the road in Leesburg (the town named for him – DUH!).
Greeneville’s most historic cemetery, the Old Harmony Graveyard, was established in 1791. Many of Greeneville’s most famous residents are buried there. Although none are/were related to me, we did check it out, just the same.
Old Harmony Graveyard (Photographed by Elizabeth O'Neal, May 1995 )
We also visited the courthouse and found some genealogical gems, which I’ll be happy to talk about in future articles.
I really loved visiting Greeneville, Tennessee. The landscape was lush and green, and the people were warm and friendly.
I hope to make it back again soon, especially now that I’m armed with even more genealogical information!
We were surprised to learn that we're actually named after this sign! Or was the sign named after us? Either way, it was a fun find! (Photographed by Elizabeth O'Neal, May 1995 )
____________________
More About Greene County, Tennessee:
TN GenWeb
Pleasant Hill Cemetery on Find A Grave
Old Harmony Graveyard on Find A Grave
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Carnival of Central and Eastern European Genealogy, 5th Edition, is Posted!
If it's getting close to dinnertime where you are, as it is here on the U.S. West Coast, take a mouth-watering peek at Jessica's Genejournal for some meal-time inspiration!
Jessica has posted the 5th Edition of the Carnival of Central and Eastern European Genealogy, which features traditional dishes from the regions of central and eastern Europe.
My carnival contribution is here: My Husband's Favorite Slovak Dish, featuring the ever-popular pirohy with three different fillings.
The next Carnival will be a carousel, meaning that bloggers can choose their own topic, and the deadline for submissions is April 27. You can submit your article here.
Mmmm... time now for something to eat!
Friday, March 21, 2008
My Husband's Favorite Slovak Dish
To the best of my knowledge, my family is either Irish, Scottish, English, German, French, French-Canadian, or some flavor of "Heinz 57" (having been in America since before the Mayflower landed).
So, when I read of the Carnival of Central and Eastern European Genealogy hosted at Jessica's Genejournal, I knew that I wouldn't have anything to contribute pertaining to my own family.
However, my non-blogging husband's maternal family is Slovak, so I thought he might come up with something, especially since the topic was near and dear to his heart: Food! More specifically, "traditional dishes of our ancestors from Central and Eastern Europe."
While on a recent business trip to Florida, my husband consulted with his mother to find a favorite family recipe. She loaned him a copy of The Anniversary Slovak-American Cook Book, edited by The First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association (Tylka Bros. Press; 1st edition, 1952), which was given to her by her mother, Anna Marie (Pado) Macek, in 1974.
My husband selected the recipe for Pirohy found on page 99. He remembers his grandmother and great-grandmother making these frequently, and says that this was one of his favorite Slovak dishes. He particularly liked the potato filling... but not so much the cabbage.
PIROHY
1 cup flour
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
About 4 tablespoons cold water
Brown melted butter and pour over pirohy when served
Mix all ingredients with enough water to make a medium soft dough. Knead well, then roll out until thin. Cut in squares to make 50 pinohy. Place on each square 1 teaspoon filling. Fold in half to make triangles. Pinch edges well to keep filling from escaping. Drop in salted water and cook until all pirohy rise to the top of the
water. Then cook for 5 minutes longer. When done, pour in a small amount of cold water and strain. Place in serving dish and pour over butter that has been melted and slightly browned. Eat while hot, and if desired, add more salt.
Cheese Filling for Pirohy
1/2 cup dry cottage cheese
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon butter
Pinch of salt
Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Potato Filling
One large potato cooked and mashed. Add one tablespoon melted, browned butter and salt to taste. A few dry crushed peppermint leaves may be added. However, this is optional.
[NOTE: my husband's mother wrote "ugh" next to the part about peppermint leaves, so I'm guessing that wasn't a popular addition!]
Cabbage Filling
One pound head of cabbage chopped fine, to which add 1 teaspoon salt and set aside to stand for several minutes. Then squeeze out water from cabbage and fry in one tablespoon butter that has been allowed to brown. Add one teaspoon sugar, and stir occasionally to keep from burning. Fry until golden brown.
~Sophie Gresko, Whiting, Indiana
Copyright © 2008 by Elizabeth O'Neal
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
44th Edition of the Carnival of Genealogy is Posted!
Hop on over to Jasia's Creative Gene to read the terrific entries in the latest edition of the Carnival of Genealogy.
Being that March is National Women's History Month, the topic of this edition was "A Tribute to Women."
My own post is here: My Mother, My Hero.
If you haven't already done so, be sure to honor some of the outstanding women in your family this month.
Flowers are always good. Or chocolate.
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The topic for the next edition of the Carnival of Genealogy will be: Cars as stars!
Next to purchasing a house, a "new set of wheels" was the next most significant purchase for many families. What car played a starring roll in your family history and what roll did it play? Did your family build cars or tinker with them? Did they take "Sunday drives"? What was your first car? Was there a hangout that you frequented in your car? How far back can you document your family's automotive genealogy?
The deadline for submissions is April 1st. Submit your blog article to the next edition of the Carnival of Genealogy using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on the blog carnival index page.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Lá Fhéile Pádraig!
What a St. Patrick's Day treat to find the 4th Edition of the Carnival of Irish Heritage and Culture posted at Small-Leaved Shamrock this morinng!
If you aren't feeling green enough today (or even if you are), be sure to check out the terrific job Lisa has done rounding up these great posts.
My own post is here: Walking Tall with an Irish Shillelagh.
I'm definitely going to have to order the book The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh
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The 5th edition of the Carnival of Irish Heritage & Culture will honor the beauty of the Irish language with a focus on Irish Gaelic names and words.
- Has the charm of the name of a place in Ireland always called to you to visit someday?
- As a child did you secretly wish you had the Irish name of a great-grandparent instead of the name you were born with?
- Do you have a story to tell about someone with an Irish surname?
- Is there an Irish proverb that you have always loved to let slide off of your tongue in its original language?
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May you have love that never ends,
lots of money, and lots of friends.
Health be yours, whatever you do,
and may God send many blessings to you!
~Old Irish Blessing
Friday, March 14, 2008
Walking Tall With An Irish Shillelagh
My Daughter, the Irish Princess, Models my Mother's Shillelagh (click to enlarge).
Photographs by Elizabeth O'Neal, March 13, 2008.
Before my mother died, she frequently had to use a cane to get around. She hated canes, as I'm sure most people who have to use them do.
So her full-blooded Irish mother - my grandmother, Mary Margaret McGraw - bought her a shillelagh: a handmade Irish walking stick.
My mother never used her shillelagh because it wasn't sized properly for her, and canes that are used for medical purposes need to be the right size in order to be functional.
This lovely shillelagh has been sitting in the corner behind the door of my office since we moved to this house a few years ago. I had never really given it a thought... until my daughter found it - and started beating on things with it - the other day.
The shillelagh is typically made of blackthorn wood or oak, and is named for the Shillelagh Forest in County Wicklow, Ireland, once known for its massive oaks. The wood would be smeared with butter and cured in a chimney, giving the stick its shiny, black appearance.
A shillelagh may also be used as a club or weapon, and the knob was often made from a heavy blackthorn root for weight. Sometimes the stick would be hollowed out and filled with molten lead, increasing the weight. This "loaded stick" would pack quite a wallop, I'm sure!
While examining Mom's shillelagh, I found that it is indeed shiny, although I'm not convinced that this is caused by cured butter. It weighs slightly less than a pound, so it's obviously not filled with molten lead (thank goodness!).
There is a rough-hewn band of copper around the bottom tip, although the wood remains exposed where the stick meets the floor.
In the handle is what appears to be an Irish penny, dated 1996 (see inset).
The tag reads: "This 'Blackthorn' is identical to what I handcrafted for President Kennedy, President Ronald Reagan, and Tip O'Neill on their Historical Visit to Ireland. Made in Ireland."
I have no idea who crafted this item or where my grandmother bought it; however, I did find this link to the National Geographic Online Store, where they state that "The craftsman who makes this blackthorn and hazelwood walking stick has made ones as Ireland's official gift on state visits by U.S. dignitaries including Presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Regan, and Bill Clinton."
Until recently, I was unaware that such a special piece of Irish culture was right under my own roof. I'll be looking for a more prominent place to display Mom's shillelagh, but one that is safe from curious little fingers!
