Oct 13th “MOM’s Visits with YOU are the BEST”

Some Things Not Allowed?

As a “first child” in the “FAMILY” … I could usually get whatever I  would ask  for.

When my brothers and I were in the Orphanage – we were so lucky to have parents that would come out to visit every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday – as those were the allowed Sundays for a visit and those hours were from 1:00pm to 5:00pm – which was a very short time for me.

So, to keep in touch with my parents – I would write letters and also had “PENNY POST CARDS” to use and sometimes would write nice and small and put so much information –as my Mother would do the same with lots of information to and for me.

The Orphanage had a side road along the side of the building for delivery and the workers who were coming there to do whatever they needed to do  – they would  usually come in that way… to report in at the Kitchen,  for their deliveries – so that – that  Nun could check off  exactly what they were to do, and or  tell them… where to bring whatever,  they were delivering…  then they were  there also for some pickups of deliveries to other places?

So, as long as this road along the girl’s side of the building was where I was – I just told my parents that whenever they want –  they can come out to visit me – as I will always be on the look-out for them?

This was just a terrific idea – as my Mother was working in an area not too far the Orphanage – so she would get a bus transfer and after her day’s work would come out to see me.

One such afternoon – I was on the swings – just swinging away and for all the joy of  just having fun – and some of the girls that were playing near this side entrance road – started to call me, “Hey Mickey…Your Mom is coming down the road!”

I was not about to stop swinging –  till I knew for sure – so continued and just howler back –

“Just as soon as I see her I’ll be right there!”

Someone, that must have “EAGLE- EYES” yelled back –

“Your Mom is carrying a big bag – she must  have a lot of stuff – for you!”

Well, with that I just jumped off the swing and ran as fast as I could – thought that  – that was too long a walk for my Mother to be carrying a heavy bag –

So…  I just ran on out and down the road – to meet my MOM!

I think my MOM was absolutely the “BEST” she was always bringing us kids something – and I knew she didn’t have the money for everything…  that we kids wanted –

But that was my “MOM”  she enjoyed seeing us kids being  happy – regardless of what it cost her,  or what she would have to do without?

These little extra visits that my Mother would make – were the “BEST of BEST” visits – as my Mom would always have something… that I would be able to share with my friends  – and this time was even better than most.

This time my  Mother  had bought some white and round balls of candy and if I remember – they had something in the center… some kind of crushed nuts and chocolate –I don’t know – but as I remember… that she would buy her candies at the Famous Barr Store downtown, as they had such very good stuff…   it seems  to ne that they were much larger in size –  than  a moth ball – but were they ever so good!

The kids and I knew that it was wrong to ask my Mom to visit between visiting days – but these “VISITS” were so much more enjoyed by me and my friends –

As… My Mother would always have the very “BEST stories to tell us –

“A VISIT  from My Mother was worth a Million!’

Oct 12th Every BOY wants his “Soap Box” to WIN”

Just a reminder  and or a remembrance  of some of the  things that were done in the past… and just hoping, that these kinds of activities are still being offer to all young children in our area  and also throughout and even in all States.

Today as  never before … we have lots of children,  with creative minds and also they would just  love…  to have this opportunity to design  a “Soap Box” … as this is a great  learning activity that  will inspire young boys to be  even better builders … and in todays’ world even more creative!

“Orphans enter “SOAP Box” Derby!”

This newspaper article gives all the information about the boys and their work to enter the   “Soap Box”  Derby!

It sure is good that a real interest was taken in the boys – at  “German St. Vincent’s Orphan Home” !

I know that  my brothers were included  in this activity   –   really gave them a  “hands-on”   –   as to what you can do in  “LIFE”  when you receive inspiration from men in the Community.

These are terrific  men who are  able and interested in young boys getting a very good chance to learn a few new  skills   and hopefully … make something of themselves.

Once again –  my Thanks for all the boys who benefited from this happy activity while at   St. Vincent’s   – and found that all the help received   was something to remember for all  of their life.

also  – a very special Thanks to all the participating  “Chevrolet Companies,”  who so generously gave financial and personal support and all those men who “volunteered ” and  had a  real hands-on with the boys…  in the actual building of their  “SOAP-BOX”.

I just feel that this was…  a terrific  and most wonderful venture  for all!

Does St. Louis still have a Soap Box Derby race every year? Here’s a photo of my Soap Box Derby in 1951 when I was 13 years old in St. Louis.