“Do WE…LOOK READY?”
“Camera…SOUND…ACTION…”
“STOP the ACTION… HOW can we make something – – when Eleanor does not have her apron???” “ON?”
“Do you think that we made anything…this day that we are… all – dressed in our best…and without a big squabble…we all decided on some special spot to stand… and look like we… were going to do something… exciting and important???”
Take a look at the photo …the two tables are set for eight (8) to sit down and drink a glass of milk. Well…what about the other two in our class of ten girls… two (2) of us will get to stand – – or just be the “servers” – – as we are all ‘used to serving’…we have been doing that… for years…so what is NEW?
After… this photo was taken…we did not have anything special to do…so a few of us did stay there in this kitchen – – that was in the basement part of the new “GYM” – – and no sense to go back to the “HOME” part of the Orphanage – as there was nothing special for us to be doing – – now that we were done with the “PHOTO” set-up… and as you can see some of the “PROPS” were still there – – to make this photo really look like we were actually learning to cook???
So…one of the girls poured some of that milk in a bowl and someone else cracked a couple of those nice eggs into the milk and started stirring. Well…without even a half of an idea… of what we could have made – – some sugar was added and then a little of the different spices – – and we asking – – “WHAT can we do with this???”
Well…there I am with a “COOK-BOOK” in hand – – “did I even think to really check out the cook-book – – what could we make…just for FUN – – using the ingredients – – and if necessary – – send someone to the bakery for a few more things to actually make something????”
I only thought about this a couple of weeks ago… (only some sixty years – too late)…when… I was making some “FRENCH TOAST” – – “All that – – we needed then… was…some of the “HOME-MADE” bread from the BAKERY – – and then …we could have had … something really good to eat – – that is the few of us girls – – – that were just hanging out???”
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“We are getting ready!”
Of all the places to WORK… the above photo shows a small area of the BAKERY… and that is Sister Augustella…one NUN who everyone enjoyed working for…and would WORK …24/7… if that was a choice.
This photo is for the … Anniversary Edition …I would have to check the correct year …where I have an old copy – – and I am so glad to have this once in a LIFE-TIME EDITION…all of the old photos.. from the years when I was there… just to show…how things were…way back and when!
Sister Augustella would have a large “laundry size” basket – just full of the treats…that we would get at “RECESS TIME” – – in the morning and afternoon RECESS times – – and that would be a basket for the GIRL’s side and also a basket for the BOY”s side – – and that was a real treat for each of us to be able to get something …extra sweet! We did not go to the BAKERY…as you see in this photo…as Sister Augustella and her workers were busy “baking” and there was no room for interruptions – as you see all those loaves of bread!
Back then… when I was the size of some of those girls in that photo line… I would work in the BAKERY – – and one of the jobs that I had…was putting those loaves of bread in the bread slicer. Then …one or two girls would spread each slice of bread with “HOME-made grape jam”…which was also from the grape vineyard on the Orphanage grounds – – and we also had “HOME-made Apple-butter” – from the green apple trees…also growing on the Orphanage grounds.
When you think back…these jobs that we had when we were very young…was good training for all of the things that you may consider doing when you are older and have left the Orphanage – – as we all need to work at some point in LIFE – – and what better way is there …than for young children to learn how to develop skills in a variety occupations- – so as to get an idea of the type of work – – which would be of a benefit in more ways than… one can think of – – the motivation factor in determining – – what natural talents – – will provide the exact “road” in LIFE to pursue!
When it comes to this time of the year…Thanksgiving TIME… having had the chance to work in the BAKERY with and for Sister Augustella has been of a great benefit to me…as I have such good memories of getting ready for these HOLIDAYS…and I sure do enjoy telling everyone how and why I do what I do – – since everyday of my LIFE…seems… that each day was a learning lesson…just for the next day and year!
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“Old Memory reaps “Future” reward!
One lesson that I have learned is to always be “Grateful” for each and every thing – you receive! Sometimes as a child – you really see no sense – at all – to what is going on – and some of the things that you receive – you sometimes think to yourself – “What in the world were they thinking, when they picked this “what-not” for me?” But, and just sometimes – if you can just remember – that in an imperfect world as we live in – what happens today is really a part of something a whole lot bigger and better – in your “tomorrow” to come??
So, me – receiving the “DOLLS” clothes washing machine, for a Christmas present form the “Famous Barr Store” – in the 1940’s – left a very permanent memory on my small brain – “It was fun receiving – and – for my age at the time – I felt better to have had received something – where as we children – maybe could have not received anything – and then how would we have felt???”
So, in the 1970’s when I had my own family and involved in the children’s activities – the 4-H Program – had a lot of ideas for fun for all the children that join into our “4–H Road-Runners” in the Fenton area. Starting our group when school started in September – our “GROUP” met several times a week and having lots of projects going on – that when December was soon to be here – wanted something very special for my “GROUP!” Everyone worked so well together – I just had to have a nice Christmas Party for all the children and all their parents.
The location that was ideal for all of us – would be the school – so – “LUCK” we were able to get the date I selected. All the members were active having “Bade Sales” to raise money for the main course the beef roast – and I was able to get restaurants around our area to donate drinks for the children and all the paper goods. We were able to have Christmas Candy donated – but something was missing? We need a “SANTA” and some gifts???
Here’s the good part – I remembered about the “DOLLS” clothes washing machine – so I wrote a letter to the “SANTA” store that gave gifts to us “ORPHANS” – and they liked the letter. I received a phone call – was told that they all just about died reading the letter – that they would be glad to fill my order! How many boys and girls and age – so that they can put some information on the gift so the child receiving can enjoy! Another call came in with directions as to where to come to pick up 3 very large bags of gifts. While I was downtown – found a place that sold “SANTA” out-fits – so had to get that, also. One does need a “SANTA” to distribute all the gifts.
Now, we needed a “PERSON” to fill the “SUIT” – called a couple of the helping mothers to find a man for the job? We have to have someone as I have a gift for everyone – well that was passed and – and then I had new children joining our “GROUP” – and I had to let the word out that every child may not receive as I don’t know if I can receive more free gifts??? Thanks to Almighty Yahweh – the store did give me eleven more gifts! It may have at the time – that I was a child seem to me – not the best gift in the world to have received –but when You stop to think – that later in “LIFE” – when you are trying to make other children as “HAPPY” as you always were – the “FUTURE” rewards to pass on to another generation are much greater – as very “HAPPY” and “WARM MEMORIES” – will pass on to the “HEARTS” that help to fill dreams of children!
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Christmastime Memory!
Some of the things that we, “ORPHANS” did – at least what I did – just stick in my “MEMORY” cube – as if they just happened , yesterday?
Only one of the Christmas gifts – that I had received from the “Famous Barr Store” – and I did receive seven Christmas wrapped gifts – but the one and only gift – the one that so many of us little girls received – was a “DOLL Clothes Washing Machine!” Why would I remember that? Well, several of us little girls did have dolls – and the “DOLLS” had a few clothes. – – I cannot believe that “DOLLS” get their clothes dirty – but – – – now – those of us having “WASHING Machines” – – – had to see how the “Washing Machines” would work?
There were several of us trying to figure all of this out – but for some reason or the other – the little “WASHING MACHINE” did not work. As an “ORPHAN” – there were long hours for us in the “PLAYROOM” and nothing better to do – but try to figure out – how does this machine wash the clothes? Now that I think about it – the machines did not work – but as a little girl – I’m guessing that a lot of “DOLL” playing – is to learn to use your “wildest of wild” imaginations with as much “make-believe” that you can possibly dream up – and all your “DOLLS” and activities really take place in a world for removed from the “ADULT” world – so that if we had a “DOLL Clothes Washing Machine” to wash our Doll’s clothes – then – let’s pretend that we now are way back in the 1940’s – and now – – I am thinking – – – – some of us had Dolls – that would have accidents – like falling into a rain and storm filled mess – and everything that that our Dolls were wearing needed to be wash and dry and iron and even some of the Doll’s clothes would have to be hung on a clothes-line – in the nice “Sunshine” and while all of this is going on — we will take our good Dolls for a buggy ride. Later the Dolls will be home for their meals and even later on – – we will be putting the Dolls to bed, for this day!
Well, this wonderful day must come to end – All gifts to children are really items to let the eyes – see and the hands – feel and with your friends, use your mouth to speak some sweet things to your “DOLLS” – and always use the ears to listen for good sweet words – so that you and with the help of your “DOLLS” – – – – you are using the five (5) senses that you received as your first gifts from the Almighty – – and now you are putting your good gifts to the best of uses – by using all your gifts for positive good to all!
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After – “Famous Barr Store” – Dream?
After the wonderful visit to the “Famous Barr Store” in the downtown – Saint Louis, Missouri – we take our seat on the “Greyhound Bus” and start to go into a “Dream” world – each of us Orphans – each thinking of our – travel in such luxury – how much of this , will we be able to remember and enjoy , forever?? This special trip – only came once a year – and that was the First Sunday of Advent! I would have like to go home to live with my parents – I was always praying – that someday and soon – our “FAMILY” would be able to be all together – but, those “PRAYERS” all went into my “Prayer Bank Account” – I must have a very high balance of prayers in my account – all to draw against – whenever I have a real need???
As we were headed back to the Orphanage – some of the children could not keep the wrapped Christmas gift in their hands, without opening it – just to see what they received??? The suspense was just too great for some – and as soon as they opened the gift – you could see on their face – they were very disappointed! Since there were so many of us – close in age and sex – naturally – they all received the same type of gift. Some like theirs and others – I’m guessing really were expecting – something way beyond the scope of getting – no matter who you are??? Since the package of mine was so much like others that were opened – there was no sense for me to open mine. – – – I think I always like to save things that I receive – since I don’t need the item immediately – I can wait and enjoy – even more – later?
On our arrival back to the Orphanage – some of those who are close and good friends – would get together and go over all that they liked and would give their opinion of what they heard that maybe some of us did not hear – since they were on another bus – and a different “NUN” was with them and they may have seen or did something that we did differently? Some of the “NUNS” are more friendly and really enjoy being with a large number of kids – they will sometimes share stories of their own childhood – it let us know that they sympathized with our being in the ORPHAN HOME?
Here’s the part of the “FASTING” – for their thing to do without the stocking of candy now – they would stash it away in a hiding place in their locker – this stocking of candy would add to – or get you in the mood to save it until Christmas – and then you would have – maybe more “CANDY” than everybody else??? So, with this type of “FAST” for ADVENT” – would you say the “BABY JESUS” was well pleased with this “GOOD” work you were doing for “HIM” for “HIS BIRTHDAY?” Anyway – we were encouraged to learn to do without – but, now that I am much older – I do not believe that – that was the way to please “BABY JESUS!”
When you think about all the children in this world that do not get to enjoy an outing like we did way back – then in the 1940’s – it seems to me that – more should be done for small children – that they get a chance to enjoy Christmas – and as we get older – learn to do more for those who have so little – so that “LIFE” has more meaning – it’s the “MEMORIES” that you will have forever!. “I cannot remember hearing of anyone saying how much – that they enjoy carrying all their treasure with them – everywhere they go?” There’s no happiness in collecting bags full of stuff – which no one enjoys!
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“Orphans” wait all year – 1st Day of Advent!
Advent is the four weeks before “CHRISTMAS” – a time to reflect and give some thought about the “BIG” event about to take place. This is the four weeks to think seriously – as to what you will do – something that will put you in the correct and right frame of mind – since you will be receiving a most important person – the new born babe, “Baby Jesus!”
This was a time for us “KIDS” – to start doing acts of kindness – even if we might think – “Being nice to the NUNS and the other children would kill us – but to be extra nice – was going to be our “GIFT” to “JESUS” – and even if nobody noticed – we really were trying to be the best child – but – just for the sake of “JESUS!”
Some of the older “KIDS” – who were in the Orphanage – for quite awhile – and were more set into their own way of doing things – just for themselves – had another solution to this time of ADVENT! Here is their special plan – they would “FAST” – do without the candy and sweet treats – that they were offered. To start this special “FAST” – they knew that “TODAY” would be the best day to start.
On the 1st Sunday of Advent – the GREYHOUND BUSES would be in the entry drive of the ORPHANAGE – and all of us children would be dressed in our “SUNDAY” clothes – as well as the “TEACHING NUNS” – all these buses took us to the downtown, Saint Louis “FAMOUS BARR STORE” – and were we ever “HAPPY!” We would sing all the new songs that we had recently learned and we would behave – so that we would be invited the next year, too!
As soon as the bus was in the right location – we left the bus and entered into the “FAMOUS BARR” entrance area for us as well as some of the other ORPHANAGES and HOMES for children – getting on the escalators – floor by floor – till we arrived on the 9th floor, where they have an auditorium – and we were guided into a section for ST. Vincent’s Children – to be seated. A most wonderful “SHOW” and “LIVE PERFORMANCE” – just for all of us kids was presented. For the seven years that I was at the Orphanage – we were always invited – but letters were sent out – and of course – we were told about – the unsatisfactory behavior of some children – which meant that they would not be invited – in the following years. My guess is that the children at St.Vincent’s heard that message and knew that the “NUNS” meant business – who likes losing the very few privileges one gets – anyway???
Over and above this – extra special trip to the downtown – SAINT LOUIS – the part of this trip that meant so much to us “poor” Orphans – was the “GIFTS” we each received! There were some of us who never ever had any “VISITS” from “Parents – Relatives or Friends of the Family” – so this must have meant even more to them! I was one of the “LUCKY” kids – my parents came every SUNDAY and even any other time that they felt like coming out – just to see us – no matter the trouble some of the NUNS would give them???
As we exited the Auditorium – we were directed – boy or girl and by age to a line and you would follow though – there were volunteer store employees dressed as “SANTA’S” helpers – and from a small area in the wall you would receive a “CHRISTMAS” wrapped gift – and you were directed where to follow for your “GROUP” to stay together – and then down the escalators – to the main entrance.
And the best part – you waited for – as you were ready to leave the “STORE” you were handed a “STOCKING FULL of CANDY” – out the door of the best store in town “FAMOUS BARR” – follow through to your bus and your seat – behave – sing songs and start to day dream – “CHRISTMAS” is coming!
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