Sunday, February 22, 2004
THE STRICKLETT FINALE
The Stricklett family were some of the first settlers of Washington County, Nebraska as were the Bouvier’s. My grandmother had a strong sense about her and was an astute business woman. Grandpa was a thoughtful man who loved music and his family. He played the fiddle and after he passed away it always sat by the piano in the living room.
After grandma was widowed she sat about making sure the children had a good education. Three of the children went to college while the other three married and moved away. There was always chatter about some new book or a community event that they were all part of. Grandma was a charter member of the Congregational Church at Blair. Her children followed suit and belonged there until moving away or as my two uncles who married women from other churches and attended with them.
The Strickletts were artistic and musical and strongly believed in higher education. The girls all played the piano and everyone sang. They would often gather around the piano and sing while grandma rocked in time to the music.
Inabelle, Sally and Roger did a lot of solo work which continued throughout their lives. Aunt Sally sang with the Sweet Adelines, often writing the theme and working on costumes. Roger organized the Melody Men and they toured for many years.
While grandma was a no-nonsense type she could be affectionate and had great respect for all of her children. She would cock her head to the side while listening and give her full attention, smiling and slightly nodding as you went on with your story. She was always learning and encouraging the rest of us to attempt great things.
The family had confidence without pride and humility without hypocrisy. They all enjoyed what ability they had and served their respective communities well. One day when I was quite small I asked grandma why she was always so “good”……… she thought for a moment and then said, “Well I always thought people should be good and I decided that it was going to be me‘…………..I have followed after her for a long time but my shoe still doesn’t fit her footprints…………I’ll have to go further down the road……………..
Until tomorrow,
Essentially Esther
After grandma was widowed she sat about making sure the children had a good education. Three of the children went to college while the other three married and moved away. There was always chatter about some new book or a community event that they were all part of. Grandma was a charter member of the Congregational Church at Blair. Her children followed suit and belonged there until moving away or as my two uncles who married women from other churches and attended with them.
The Strickletts were artistic and musical and strongly believed in higher education. The girls all played the piano and everyone sang. They would often gather around the piano and sing while grandma rocked in time to the music.
Inabelle, Sally and Roger did a lot of solo work which continued throughout their lives. Aunt Sally sang with the Sweet Adelines, often writing the theme and working on costumes. Roger organized the Melody Men and they toured for many years.
While grandma was a no-nonsense type she could be affectionate and had great respect for all of her children. She would cock her head to the side while listening and give her full attention, smiling and slightly nodding as you went on with your story. She was always learning and encouraging the rest of us to attempt great things.
The family had confidence without pride and humility without hypocrisy. They all enjoyed what ability they had and served their respective communities well. One day when I was quite small I asked grandma why she was always so “good”……… she thought for a moment and then said, “Well I always thought people should be good and I decided that it was going to be me‘…………..I have followed after her for a long time but my shoe still doesn’t fit her footprints…………I’ll have to go further down the road……………..
Until tomorrow,
Essentially Esther
