Schedule – page 5 | Grandma’s Stories

Oct 25th Schedule – page 5

There is one thing that any “old timer” – that would be me a “GRANDMA” – takes note of today – and that is – that you do not see the young girls of today learning to do embroidery, crocheting and I do not believe that any one uses a “SEWING MACHINE” – I’ll bet “sewing” is not taught in “HIGH SCHOOL” – like when I went to school? What about the young boys – are they learning “Wood-Working” and do they have a “Shop” class – or a “Hands-on” – something so the boys have a variety of “CRAFTS” other than just the “BOOK” knowledge?

So, on the “MONDAY” schedule – while the girls were into all phases of sewing – the “BOYS” also at the same time were in the assigned rooms on the boys-side of the building to learn “WOOD” working and a whole variety of “CRAFTS” – making many things from almost nothing – but into something beautiful and useful and everything that was made – was for “SALE!”

My brothers were making different items and one of the very first – were bottles that could have been trashed – but with a fancy way of multi-color paint – this bottle is turned into something collectible and useful and then to make it a real work of “ART” – added some foliage! There were some plants on the Orphan Home property that grew into a fan-type of spray – I do not know the name of this plant but every once in awhile you will see them and – they just look like a huge vase of flowers – planted in the ground. The stem is very tall and strong with the plumage waving so graceful in the wind – just looks elegant to view. As these grow they are a tan-bamboo color – so, the boys had cut these in different lengths and arrange these in the vase that they have prepared.

When they have the size and number of pieces needed for their individual vase – take them to a place prepared for the painting. Some were done in a multi-color effect and some were done in solid colors – so that you would end up with – a “MASTERPIECE” and these were – since my Mother and my Aunt Irene Riley bought several of these “MASTERPIECES!”

In my collection of newspaper clippings that I have – will post pictures of the boys in their different “CRAFT –CLASSES” and my brothers are in those pictures – that’s why I have saved them all these many years. Seems – to me – if you save some stuff – someday you will use it. I’m “Grateful and THANKFUL” that everything new and exciting in LIFE has had a very beneficial use – just for me. Just goes to show that if you live long enough – save a lot of stuff – someday you and the whole world will get “news” of it and or “read” about “IT!”

Also, in the news clippings – there are pictures of my brothers – building their soapbox for the races that were held in Forest Park, Saint Louis, Missouri and all was sponsored by the Chevrolet Company. I sometimes wonder if anybody ever thinks to give some of the “COMPANIES” a “THANK YOU” for all of the wonderful charity work that they do for Orphans and Widows. With that said – and if it is not too late – we, the “McClarren Family” – give a special “THANK YOU” to all those who give so generously!!! (MORE TOMORROW!!!)