“ME at 8:20 A.M. on MONDAY – Ready for Work”
When… “You” enter this world at 8:30 A.M. and on a MONDAY morning… You are ready… for the WORK PLACE – – You will always know “how” to be on time – – as… that is what most employers LOVE – – their workers to 
be wide eyed with lots of “get up and go” – – as the “work” needs to be done NOW!
All the places where I worked – – were well pleased to have me working for them – – as I was one of those types that like order and for me – – to be put here on earth at the precise time – – where most people start their day’s work – – well… everything worked out just A-OKAY for me. – Does this almost faded out PHOTO of me, as a new born baby – – give the impression – – that the bright CAMERA Flashlight kind of woke me up?
How’s this PHOTO of “ME” sitting on these steps where we were living? The legs at the top of these steps… belong to my MOTHER. In those days
– – most Mothers’ to be soon – – did not like to be PHOTOGRAPH – – and this was the case here. I am a couple of months older – that is just past the one year mark – – as my younger brother, DENNY Jr., will be born in JANUARY.
As the first child in our FAMILY – I was on the go – – go here to see this relative and visit these FRIENDS – and whenever my PARENTS had to be some where – – well I did get to go – – and the way that – – I am sitting on these steps – – just looks like I am ready to “GO” – – and right NOW! Sure am glad that I did receive all the good care as a baby – – as that is what it takes… to keep you “going” … when you get – to be “gray and old!”
This is another of my favorite PHOTOS – when I was small – – that… old rocking chair was the best place to be 
– – especially when someone was taking care of me – – that was one thing that I really did like – and that was to rock and rock. When my younger brother, DENNY Jr., got to be old enough – – then this chair was DENNY’s as you will see him in this very same chair – – guess that I must have really broke it in – just right. -Each time that my MOTHER had to go to the hospital – – for another baby – – they (my parents) had to bribe me with something – – guess that – – I did not like to be left with other people – – – will have to tell you those stories again, later.
One more FAVORITE PHOTO – – this is when DENNY Jr., was a brand new baby – – and I was so on the job – – checking out everything – – I had dolls and they did not talk and they did not need my MOTHER to take care of – – but NOW this is a NEW BABY in our house and – this is all NEW stuff to me – – FRIENDS and RELATIVES to see – and make over the new baby – and like this PHOTO – – well that was something I knew about – – and I did like to be getting all this extra attention – – – and you can see – I am paying attention – – just making sure that everything is done right – – and all from my “ROCKING CHAIR” – – which someday soon will belong to DENNY Jr., – as he will enjoy as much as I do!
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“GRADUATE and START Collecting MEMORIES”
To “Graduate” from the eighth grade – – was a terrific day for me! “Graduation DAY” was the sec
ond SUNDAY of the month of JUNE – -and this year 1952 – – that would be the eighth day – – the second Sunday… and I could finally leave – – did not have to spend one extra day in a place that – I did not like and prayed to be able to leave – – for all the seven years that I was there.
By saying novenas and every special prayer – – that I was informed – – that this PRAYER – will get the results you want – – and never ever was going to happen – – because … what I did not know – – is that Catholic Charities was collecting my Falter’s pension – – to pay for us – – collected through the Court system in Saint Louis. In fact – – they kept collecting my portion of his pension for over a year – – after I left and was living at home with my MOTHER. I have the papers from the Court – – and they never reimbursed my MOTHER – – for those funds – – that is called CHARITY.
This PHOTO of my PARENTS with my younger brothers, TOMMY on the left and DENNY is between DAD and MOM. This was in the Fall – – getting colder – – nothing like having a PHOTO of the front of the building – – and before the changes were made to the entrance area.
Do we look like “ANGELS” – we just made our FIRST COMMUNION – – and had to have our pictures taken. We are eight and seven and six years old – and all in “WHITE” could have passed for “SAINTS” that day!
Only if… you are old enough – – will you remember that – – that there was a “FAD” going on – – that of
having a “POODLE SKIRT” – – and here I am. My Mother knew … that I would like one…so she bought me this skirt and brought it with her on this “VISITING SUNDAY” and of course my Aunt IRENE made the blouse, that I have on – – to go with this “POODLE SKIRT” – so I feel good for this day – – but – – had to turn these new clothes in – – and they were not suitable for everyday wear – – so I did not get to wear them any more – – where they went – probably to GERMANY – – as there were NUNS in GERMANY – and lots of clothing went there – – WWII left lots of people there in need – – and this order of NUNS came from GERMANY. In fact… there were kids who could speak German – and it was taught in the ORPHANAGE – – before I came to this home.
Something different… in the boys’ wear – is the “KNICKER B
OCKERS” that my brothers are wearing – never saw these until coming to this ORPHANAGE – – and – – as there were lots of donations – – of used clothing – and – in those days – – well… who would see you and who cares – at least you have something on.
In this PHOTO with my PARENTS – – looks like DENNY is still a little taller than TOMMY – – but by the TIME… that TOMMY was in eighth grade – when DENNY and I had already left – – TOMMY shot up to be a “six-footer” in the eighth grade – his legs were too long for the little “class room desk” – – I have something from way back in those days – – TOMMY’s comment – do not remember how he described his discomfort – – but he is NOW the tallest of the three of us kids.
I say us… “KIDS” because – after a certain age… I think that “KIRK DOUGLAS” said at age “70” – – you start all over – – it is like being in “FIRST GRADE” again – – it’s FUN — for the rest of your YEARS – here!
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“We are 6 – 7- and 8 and BABY make FOUR!”
When you are in need of some temporary help – 
– be careful of “who” you are seeking help… from. The “HELP” you think will be short term – – will not be short term – – it will be the complete disruption of the FAMILY for LIFE!
These PHOTOS are of my younger brothers, DENNY Jr., and TOMMY and this first one is with our MOTHER, and she is holding our new baby sister, EVE KAREN born February 16th, 1946 – – and we are standing on the side yard of the GERMAN ST. VINCENT ORPHAN HOME – – this is a “Visiting SUNDAY” – – and visit’s are from one in the afternoon till five o’clock.
This next PHOTO includes my brothers and sister – – me of course – 
– but… with our FATHER – – and he is holding our baby sister – – and our MOM is taking this PHOTO.
We came to this “ORPHAN” home after having – – first going to the “HOME” of St.MARY’s in South St.LOUIS and for girls only – – then checking out “ST. JOSEPH” home for boys only – – but … our AUNT IRENE – heard of this ST. Vincent’s – – that did take boys and girls. So for $10.00 for each child and for each week – -this is where we went – – and only for six months.
Once we were here… there was no changing – more is written in other places – – and what most people HOPE for – is that this generation will be able to stand up and make a LIFE for their selves – if only you believe that – – that your CREATOR is watching over you each and every day. As you can see we were not “ORPHANS” – -but were treated as if…
The next two PHOTOS are of us three – – DENNY Jr., TOMMY and MARY ELLEN – and of course… on another “VISITING SUNDAY” – – when we were first in this – – – 
home – there was only one VISITING DAY a month – – and just so you know – – when our parents were here for the very few hours – – that we could enjoy just being together – – we were so HAPPY – -but when “FIVE O’CLOCK” came – – it was like having to go back to HELL! All – – that I could do was to cry – – and when it was “TEN minutes after SEVEN” we were headed off to the third floor dormitory – – and all I could do – – was to cry my self to sleep –
Not all the children in this “ORPHAN HOME” would even have visits – they had FAMILY – – but no one came to see them – -I just do not know 
how some FAMILIES – – who have children – – do not ever care to see their very own children.
This PHOTO shows the play ground – and you see very few parents here to visit their very own little child. How you think that – – those children – who never ever get a “VISIT” feel – – and the problems that will develop – – later on in their lives???
This last photo is of our MOTHER – TOMM
Y and DENNY Jr., and I am taking this PHOTO. If you look into the back ground – – – that is our DADDY standing on the Pavilion – – and just above and behind DENNY and TOMMY – – wish that there were more light – – so DADDY could be seen better – – but this is just one of those extras – – that you get by being “LUCKY” – since we were having so much FUN – – taking PHOTOS – – of which I am so Grateful and Thankful – – that I was the oldest and allowed to use DADDY’s camera.
PHOTOS – – the one thing if ever there is one thing to tell everyone – – is that if… at all possible – take PHOTOS – – especially of your FAMILY and FRIENDS – – whenever you get together – – – you may look at these PHOTOS and think that they do not look good enough to keep – – but – – no matter what they look like – – there is a “MEMORY” in this photo – – and a “hundred years” from NOW – – when you are “old and gray” – – you will just LOVE to sit back and remember… all that this PHOTO is recalling for you – things you have forgotten – and even some things you just never ever gave a second thought – but – on this day – -you will feel so good – – with your MEMORIES!
LOVE – BLESSINGS – LAUGHTER – – to all!
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“MOVE…From HERE…to THERE…”
What do little children know about – – when it comes to where they are living? Is this location better – – or would this other location fill more of what is needed for the FAMILY?
The above PHOTOS are with me and my brother, TOMMY in the left photo – – and ME and DENNY Jr., in the swing and that could be little TOMMY in the play-pen – and that is with us living in the… PINE LAWN area – – Saint Louis County.
In the above PHOTO … is DENNY and TOMMY – – and the PHOTO to the right side is MARY ELLEN and TOMMY. These photos are in the new home for us… in the NORTH SAINT LOUIS area. As you can see – – we now have a smaller lot – than that of the home in the County. We moved into the new location in the month of AUGUST – – and we (AMERICA) are now in the WWII time – – where everyone was having a rough time finding homes to live.
The house in the COUNTY – – sold so fast… that we did have to make a temporary move to another location – – into an apartment building – – and my parents did not unpack – – so that… as soon as something became available, that is to buy … we could move in a hurry.
How do you like this PHOTO?? Every “SPRING and FALL” my DAD would drive us all up to Circleville, OHIO to stay for a while at his Mother’s farm. From the left – – that is ME at age three (3) and next is DENNY Jr., age two (2) and then the baby is TOMMY – – who looks like he needs some help in standing for this PHOTO – – AND – look at the “STRAW HAT” that DADDY is wearing – – I do not think men wear that type of hat anymore.
Looks like we will be checking out what all goes on – – on a small FARM – – and if we KIDS – – are allowed to wonder around… someone will be into some trouble – as I always have to keep an eye open and watch out for my brothers – – but the best part of being on a FARM – – – is to have a “GRANDMA” – that sure likes to cook – and when we were there – – we always had plenty to eat – – we even took “pies” back to SAINT LOUIS – – whenever we were ready to return home.
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“WE are – ONE – TWO – THREE and FOUR”
We have to start out with “ONE” and… here I am with DADDY. In this PHOTO – – just looks like I am 
waving to all and – to everyone – – maybe… I am inviting everyone to my “BIRTHDAY PARTY” – – and all of us young “KIDS” … just LOVE to have a PARTY – – with lots of “FUN and LAUGHTER” – – so let’s just say to you “ALL” you are invited to my “BIRTHDAY PARTY” – – just let me know – – if you and… how many will be coming for “CAKE and ICE CREAM” – – just want to have enough!
Here is “TWO” – – the two of us – – that is baby, “TOMMY” – -and since he is so new… to the world – – I have to stand beside him… and act like an “ANGEL” — holding out my arms – – like little “WINGS” to catch him – – should he make a quick and sudden move – – as if he might try to fall – – and LUCKY “ME” – – is standing guard to keep TOMMY from hurting himself.
Here is THREE – – we “three” are ages … three – four – five – -we have NOW … moved from living in “PINE LAWN – – which is in the SAINT LOUIS COUNTY area – – back to the NORTH SAINT LOUIS area.
This PHOTO is in the “FAIRGROUNDS PARK” – – that is the beautiful LAKE – – – that we are standing next too – – and we would so often walk to – – play all day – and walk back home – – – – in fact we “KIDS” had fishing polls to do some fishing – – I can not remember us ever having caught anything – – – but… we did try – – as I brought some “hamburger meat”with us one time – – – can’t say that we ever pulled anything out of that LAKE – – – except for little TOMMY – – – he fell in – – – and loss one shoe – – and we had to walk home – – with Tommy – having only… one shoe!
THREE and ONE make “FOUR” – – as DADDY is in this PHOTO with us – – this – has to be on the same day – – as our clothes are the same as the photo above – – DENNY JR., on the left – – MARY ELLEN in the center – – and TOMMY on the right.
We had relatives living on “PENOSE AVENUE” which was along the one side of the PARK – – and they always needed my DAD to do some work for them. They had property they rented out and there was always electrical work and plumbing work – – to either install and or repair – – I sure miss my DAD – – as today… it costs a small fortune to have that kind of work taken care of.
In my opinion… to have “CITY PARKS” near by – – sure gives the FAMILY and FRIENDS a real nice place to meet and have FUN – – – AND… when we KIDS were small as you see – – the few blocks that… we would walk to either this PARK or the “O’FALLON PARK” in the opposite direction – -and of course… I knew the way… to get to these PARKS – – well… that is where we would all go – – and of course there were other KIDS in the neighborhood… all of us wanting to play.
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“BRADY GIRLS – MARRIED and FAMILY”
Nothing like having a FAMILY – – all your own – and when you receive the best GIFTS in LIFE – – that come from our CREATOR – – it is TIME to give a THANK YOU – – and start saying many prayers – – that include your supplications with more THANKSGIVING – daily!
These PHOTOS are of me… with my MOM, MARIE BRADY McClarren and with my DAD, Denny H. McClarren – -the photo with my MOM – – we lived across the street from the PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH in NORTH SAINT LOUIS. The photo with my DAD is in one of the two “PARKS” so close to where we were living – – O’FALLON PARK – – was on one side of us and then the FAIRGROUNDS PARK was on the other side of us – – and each PARK had different attractions… for all of the neighbors in and around.
This PHOTO – – on the left – – is of my younger brother, Denny Jr., and this photo is also taken … in our AUNT IRENE BRADY RILEY’s back yard. The PHOTO on the right is of AUNT IRENE with her new baby, little Bernard and of course she was married … way before my MOTHER – but this is a wonderful photo of AUNT IRENE and little BERNIE.
Everyone LOVES to see PHOTOS of little babies – – they are so cute, RIGHT?
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