Life and times of a new farmer/homesteader
On growing up with neighbors... {
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Tuesday, January 9, 2007
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I don't know why, but in my youth I remember the women more than the
men. It seems that I spent more time in the kitchen than in the
livingroom, as I would rather cook than watch football. I really remember 4 women who were neighbors when I was really young, probably because (other than one,) they were still around when I grew up. The three that are still left, were also volunteers at the voting place when I left Washougal in 2004. One republican, one democrat, and one independant. The fourth died long ago, as she was much older, and probably touched me the most. Ma Fuller was the wife of the local shopowner. Where I lived, there was only one business, at least only one open to the public. It was officially called the Washougal River Merchantile, but everyone called it the Steel Bridge Store. At various times, they were part bar, part restaurant, part soda fountain, part hardware store, part coffee shop, part gallery, but they were always part convenience store. That might be a bit of an understatement, they carried most groceries, they even had (and have,) a small produce section. In the back, they're oldest son runs a gunsmithing shop. They also had two daughters, and one son who I occasionally hung out with as a kid. He was a bit older than me, so we didn't hang out much, but when no one else was around to play with, we did OK. Mostly destroyed models of warships with bb guns, but we had fun. She was (and is) a good mother, giving her children the tools to live a good life, and the freedom to use them. I think they all still work for her, and their father. She was the republican. Ma Dolan lived across the street from us, at the end of the street. She would let us cut across her property if we didn't bother her horses or cows. Her sons were the rowdiest boys in the county at their time, and most grew into upstanding young (and old) men. They worked at the paper mill my father and I worked at (me, for about three summers, dad, for about 30 years.) I had the opportunity to work with some of them. They were very strong, hard working and insightful, thoughtful men. I went to school with some of their children. Didn't get along with them, but I always got along better with adults anyways. She was from one of the original families in this part of the county. She had one of the biggest plots of land, and she used and treated it well. Occasionally, her goat would escape and come over to eat the blackberries that were so prevalent on our propert but non-existent on hers. I would call her, and she would tell me "If she's there tomorrow, let me know. She's normally home by dark." She had ducks too, and is probably responsible for the rather large mallard population on that part of the river. She loved animals. She was a good mother, giving her sons the tools to live a good life, and the freedom to use them. Maybe even too much so. She was the democrat. Anna Lehman also lived across the street from us, although up on top of the hill. She worked at the school I went to, Cape Horn/Skye Elementary. She was the kindest, sweetest woman who ever lived. (Ok, maybe not, but she was right up there.) She saw too much of my troubles. She never judged, but she would evaluate. She was (and is,) a wise woman. She raised chickens, and made her own bread. She was also one of the hardest working school secrataries that you could find. My parents bought their property from her and her husband back in 1977. Her family was also one of the original settlers of the area, as was her husbands family. Her husband, well, lets just say he wasn't a nice man. She, however, was. I don't know if she ever had any kids. She was the independent. The last neighbor, she was different. She had a son, who became something of a country music star in the 70's. I remember seeing him on HeeHaw. Jimmie Rodgers (not a "Y", an "ie".) Ma Rodgers taught piano to many of the local kids (of which I was not one, to my great regret.) I would do odd jobs for her, and sit and talk, and play chess, and meet her visitors. I would resist when my mother suggested I go over and "keep an old woman company," but I would love every moment I spent with this woman. I would help her with dishes, and I would chop wood. She lived on the other side of Ma Dolan, between there and the Steel Bridge Store. I met "Doc" from "Little House On The Prairie" there, and had a long talk with him and her. She asked if I knew who he was, and I said he looks familiar. He asked if I ever watched the show and I told him no, but my sister did. We talked for a long time about living in the country before he suggested I watch the show. It took a couple years before I knew who he was, to make that connection. He didn't suggest my watching the show because he was on it, he suggested I watch it because he thought I would like it. I didn't for a while after meeting him, but I did once I started, for years after. I wish I could remember his name, he was a very kind and peaceful man. TV doesn't hold much in my mind anymore, I guess. Anyways, I most remember Ma Rodgers feeding Ma Dolans ducks. I asked her why once, while we fed them. She asked me to come with her, and behind a bush down the river she showed me their nest. It had six eggs in it. "I used to eat the eggs, but I so much more enjoy the ducks." She said. Good memories, growing up with neighbors. Thanks, Raymond { Last Page } { Page 127 of 181 } { Next Page } |
