My Week

This summer I think I used my air conditioning very little. I guess I've been fortunate to save on my air conditioning bill this summer but looks like it will be back on this week.  Summer is not over yet.  I also noticed ants only once in the spring.  I used to tackle them often. 
Tuesday evening I went to the airport homecoming for the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.   Governor Rauner was there with his wife Linda to welcome the veterans home.  He's been getting out and greeting people a lot and I've been in his company before but this was my first photo with him. Here I am with Les Morgan, our Legion Service Officer.

in addition to the governor there was  Erica L. Jeffries

Director, Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs

A candid selfie was taken by a photographer for the Lincoln, IL News Herald. She did show us it in her camera after taking it and we thought is captured the moment.  I didn't know it was published until a friend told me.  Other photos here: http://www.newheraldnews.com/454/135785/a/1st-of-fall-honor-flights-touched-down-tuesday-night
 
Wednesday's thrift store finds for my reenactiong are a chemise, wool throw, and a high back chair.  The chair looks like a cat used the bottom wood as a scratching post but the chair didn't wiggle.  I'd use it in camp anyway so the scratches and wear wouldn't matter.

 I also found a chemise which I removed the tag and a wool throw.  The tag says Pennington wool.

Thursday I went to SIU Edwardsville for the annual Welcome Week's Rock Horror Picture Show. I put the 8 week color in my hair.  The bottle was so old that when I squeezed it, the bottle cracked, split and spilled.  On the way I stopped by to see our old house.  It's looking good for its age.

 I went through all the props and put them together by characters in the movie.  I had a some help bringing them from the parking lot to the student center.  I gave them some background on the movie but the audience was so full of virgins that it would have been impossible to conduct the 'virgin ritual' and give them all one of the sour cherry candies that I brought representing the RHPS popped cherry.  I had prepared a Power Point with the script and the audience call backs were in parenthesis.  If ever I can't come down to do this as happened in 2009 when I had my accident, at least the show will go on with the slide show script I gave them.

Friday I went to the Old State Capitol for our finale of the summer's History Comes Alive at the Old State Capitol with the Soldiers Aid Society.  This was the end of August and the end of History Comes Alive so a bit dramatic hugs to close.  In the evening I experienced a cramp from my left hip to inner knee.  It lasted about 10 agonizing minutes. I wonder if that is a side-effect from my Pravastatin.

Saturday morning I had my first meeting with the Wimmer Cemetery board regarding the September 27 Cemetery Walk.  I'll be portraying Ruth Orr Mau.  I have a practice on Sep 22d.  After the meeting I In the evening I helped out at the Old State Capitol for a reception and presentation in my widows weeds since the presentation was on Lincoln's funeral.

Sunday I walked my dog and saw a hawk kill a squirrel on someone's lawn. Then after a few moments of struggle the hawk flew it to the roof of a neighboring garage. Well, there's plenty of hawk food in this neighborhood that's for sure.  Then I went to church on Wheezer.  I saw the neighbor girl and asked if they had given a name to the lost cat that chose their home to live at and my dog to taunt.  She told me that Steve has stuck.
I spoke with my son, Alan, and learned that he had not had alcohol (beer) in over four weeks.  Although he is drinking more soda.  I asked him if he lost weight and he said about 8lbs.

Monday morning I have a meeting with the Lincoln Monument Association at Schnucks store.   As I was leaving Schnucks, three men were following (I wouldn't say running but walking with big steps) after a black woman who was running out the door. She got in her SUV and they took a photo of her. As they returned, I asked what that was all about. He said she just thought she was entitled to something she didn't pay for.
Monday I got a nice letter in the mail from a Lady of Liberty whom I sent a box to.

That sure is motivating as I have 3 boxes almost ready to go out for September.

As the grass gets dryer and burs are sprouting, Sophie's little tail picks up a lot of brush.

My week

There, I finished 3 shifts at The Illinois State Fair serving beer at the fair and one shift with the "Looking For Lincoln" exhibit.  My pop top finger is sore and nails broken.  One tent had a tool for that the did not hurt the finger but two of my shifts were at the other tent where he had to use our hands to open the cans.  The weather was real nice this year.  It rained once.  Although most of the workers were getting funds for their chosen veterans organization, one was doing community service for the American Legion.  The hottest of those shifts being the Looking for Lincoln all dressed up.

Tuesday I painting my porch ceiling sky "Haint"  blue after years of knocking off wasp's nests.  I've been wanting to do this for years but finally did it. I also tried out a new program at Powerworks called Zumba Gold for seniors.  That really worked up a sweat. 

Hahaha on the dance floor dance like no one's watching.

Wednesday was the first day of school around here (Monday in different areas) and I saw a mother snapping a picture of her daughter dressed for 1st grade.  In the evening I went to a thank you reception for State Senator Andy Manar as a member of ABATE.

Thursday I had lunch with Michael which usually happens on Wednesday.  In the evening I went to our first meet for the History Mystery Dinner in which I will be roll playing Elizabeth Todd Edwards (Mary's sister).  The first show is sold out before we even met.

 It's sort of like playing the game of Clue and there are 6 characters to choose the "who done it".

Murder Mystery Dinner
Friday, October 2 (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, October 3 (SELLING FAST!)
6 pm
$40

In response to popular demand, Edwards Place will host a Murder Mystery Dinner in the parlors on Friday, October 2.  The year is 1864. Benjamin and Helen Edwards are throwing an engagement party for their daughter Alice, but murder is in the air.  It’s up to you to discover “whodunit”  and solve the crime! Ticket price includes dinner, mystery, and table wine.

 After that I made it to an ABATE meeting that started at 7PM.  I was just a little late but I think they started a little late too.

Friday after my exercise class I went to the Veterinarian.  I had all the paperwork now done and mailed for Sophie to be a certified Therapy Dog International's therapy dog. 

There was a short notice for a Patriot Guard  mission for Fredrick Randall "Fred" Snyder.  So I quickly got some Chinese food "to go" and ate it while we waited for the funeral to begin.  After the funeral I came home and took a brief nap before I worked the beer tent.  I got a .50 c tip which goes to the cashier for veterans.

In my blog 2 weeks ago, I wrote:  "I have a pet peeve that is not really my problem nor affects me personally in any way. It happens to be yard waste bags without a pre-paid collection sticker and the bags sit, rot, get parked on till they disappear naturally and the residents put out a replacement."
Today,  I took positive action. I put my own pre-paid pick up sticker on this bag for my neighbor.

Saturday I tried (really) to check a few things off my list of chores.  I got a hat for my upcoming cemetery walk outfit, dropped off a Catholic War Veterans cap with a member,  then loaded up my flags to take to Oak Ridge state War Memorials for a a Governor's Ride.  I have a big plastic flag on poles that can be held by 2.  We had some nice Girl Scouts helping and afterward there was a street party at the Governor's Mansion.  This guy played the National Anthem with his mouth/teeth.

Girl Scouts helped us hold flags as the 400 motorcycles went  past the Illinois State War Memorials.

Sunday I had Mass with the Catholic War Veterans and then I went to the last day of the state fair.  Monday morning I tied Sophie to the front yard as I go about my morning.  Sometimes I sit outside with my laptop and coffee.  This morning I didn't and she was excited about a cat in the yard.  She got loose.   I must have tied her to the ring of the dog tag rather than the ring of the collar.   Sam across the street brought her home when he saw her running loose.  Thankfully, Graham brought over his super-dupper metal detector wand I now have her personalized tag back. 

Monday evening I went to the Honor Flight banquet and helped bus tables.  I explained as I reached that I'm not a waitress type.  We had plenty of help with this banquet and it went real smooth.

My Week

I got 2 emails thanking me for boxes sent to soldiers this week.  Whoo Hoo.  I know better than to expect it but it's nice to know that they didn't end up on a plane that went down in the Indian Ocean or something.  The only weird thing is that the box intended for a lady with panties seemed to get a thank you from a man.  No biggie.

Wednesday evening we had a great turnout this evening for Amvets Post 61.  Most ever and a new member to boot.  She works for the state veterans administration and will truly be an asset.

My plumber came to fix the leak in my bathroom.  At least I get to watch Daniel Boone on MeTV since I usually got to exercise at that time.  The new faucet is in.  He didn't charge me labor because of the new water heater job.  Only parts and I picked that up at Lowes myself.  Only took a few minutes.  Now I'll have to the vanity floor repaired where the leak was because of the rotted wood.  I got an estimate for $225 from the handy man.  Ahh when it rains it pours. 

I decided to fill my kiddie pool for relief.

Friday I make a dish of noodles, ham and kraut for a funeral luncheon.  The funeral for was for a WW2 veteran and father of a member of our Catholic War Veterans post.  The hearse arrived 15 minutes late for the 10AM Funeral Mass.  They left the church for the cemetery about an hour late.  Our luncheon didn't close till about 3PM.  It was my first time as hostess for a funeral luncheon so I don't know if this was typical but it was a big funeral.

Saturday I went to the state fair as part of the Looking For Lincoln exhibit.  It was hot and we were outside but in the shade. 

I met one of the many Santas at the fair that happened by.  Others I hear were on the other side of the fair grounds.

I had a young man ask me which side was the blue and which side was the gray.  Although for the most part, blue was Union and gray Confederate there were exceptions early in the Civil War.  I figure if they don't know the blue from the gray, it would be too confusing to discuss early-war exceptions.

Sunday I walked my dog early and notice a flea (or so I though it was because I brushed it away quickly) so I bathed her before going to Mass.  I rode my bike with the big flags on it for the events of the day.  The Mass scripture readings seemed to encourage me to eat fair food.   You can hear the readings here:  http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/15_08_16.mp3
Right after church I went to the fairgrounds for the opening ceremony of State Fair Veterans Day ceremony.  I got the veterans pin.  About 12:30, I left the fair grounds to go to a meet up at the route 66 truck stop for a PGR ride to Camp Butler National Cemetery for a wreath laying ceremony commemorating the end of WW2 known as the Spirit of 45.

Libby and I from the back while standing at the ceremony.  There was a shortage of flags for the turnout so I welcomed the relief when someone offered.

This photo of me riding past the memorial was taken by the State Journal Register:

Other photos from the event here:  http://visuals.sj-r.com/wreath-laying-ceremony-at-camp-butler-aug-16-2015/

It brought a tear to my eyes when Chaplain Holden read Mother Teresa's
"Do it anyway" because that's how I feel when there's no support. http://prayerfoundation.org/mother_teresa_do_it_anyway.htm

I returned to the fair for the 4PM veterans parade through the fair grounds.  This year, fair goers didn't cross in front and make me brake hard.

Last year, my son's dog, Moe, ruined a fur muff that I used for reenacting.  I found another on ebay but then Sunday evening, Sophie ruined a mink stole used as a prop for the Rocky Horror Picture Show.  My mom used to tell us kids when we broke some thing "I can't have anything nice"
 
 Monday evening I went back to the fair for the beer sales.  I was lucky to get assigned to Ethnic Village where the music isn't loud and the closure is earlier than the other beer tents.

Why can't veterans get along?  We get along well when a fellow comrade dies but if we get any where near the topic related to money or business, all hell breaks loose.  Rant...down and out for now.
 

My Week

I have a pet peeve that is not really my problem nor affects me personally in any way. It happens to be yard waste bags without a pre-paid collection sticker and the bags sit, rot, get parked on till they disappear naturally and the residents put out a replacement.  Don't they learn that they need a sticker or have they been confused between storm branches and yard waste?

Last Monday I dropped off paperwork for the veterinarian to sign for Sophie's Therapy Dog documentation and he didn't have a record of her vaccinations. I then dropped off a copy of what she had from Sangamon County Animal Control.  I had to leave it since the doctor was not availble. At that time, the next available appoint was Aug 17. I follow up the next day and was told the doctor was busy so I made the next available appointment for Aug 21st (yeah that wait cost me some time). I guess they want money and not just a record check and documentation signing.

Tuesday I attended a "2 for 1" mission with the Patriot Guard Riders.  The mission was for David Dilly and we gave flag line honors as guests arrived.  I knew two of the guests attending the visitation, one from work and one from church.  Mr Dilly was a gracious marine and scout master.  Meanwhile, Navy veteran Dennis Clark had a small funeral at Staab's Funeral home and the PGR gave honors to the hearse which left a hour earlier.   I must admit that the driver of the car following Cark's hearse got out of the car (with family inside) to step out and join us in saluting the casket as it went by. 

Wednesday I just did my thrift store shopping early and local so I could have an 11:00 lunch with Michael.  That's because at noon I was a volunteer at the Elijah Iles House  till 4PM.  I fixed a wonderful garlic bratwurst and then went to my meeting with the Legion Riders.  I don't know what to say about that meeting but going into the meeting I knew it would be stressful. I knew they would try pulling me into the mess. 

The meeting started right off with Dave attacking Neil for speaking in the garage to fellow members   behind his back. I took the off side conversations more as praise in public and criticize in private. He also argued about the "support your Outlaws" patch on Neil's vest.  Granted, No support pins or patches for motorcycle clubs or their support organizations shall be worn on The American Legion Riders vest.  The day before the meeting, Dave called me (on speaker phone with Ron in the background).  During the meeting he turned to me and that I said there were discrepancies in the account.  No I told him that I didn't say that.  I said that after every meeting Ron offer us a chance to look at the account for discrepancies because he had nothing to hide.
Neil feels we are not as tight knit and brotherly as the Outlaws.  I really feel this is between the two of them and the fact that Dave lives across from the Outlaws' club house.  Dave seems to have a love-hate relationship with the outlaws and to seeing Neil socializing with them probably makes him envious or unnerving.  "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone" (Matthew 18:15-17)

Our main post officers were present for the legal aspects of our by-laws and officers. 

Thursday was reserved for my appointment with the plumbers.  I got a new water heater and it required new pipes and the works to bring things up to code.  While they were here, I had them check the dryer that sometimes smells of gas and the dryer duct vent that's under the crawl space.  That vent was a foil sagging tube and no good.  Now that I have a new water heater and new gas line to the dryer, I discover that the spittle sound that was coming from my bathroom sink is really a leak. I went under my sink to get cleaning supplies while the water heater was out of the utility closet and discovered this. They'll have to come another day due to time constraints. Then after that get's fixed, I'll need someone with carpentry skills to replace the wet boards. Curt Wood Plumbing and sons did a good job. His son even thanked me for my service despite not having service members in his family except WW2.
Before and after dryer duct.  Old foil sagged between joists as low as the crawl space.  Yes, I took pictures blindly in the dark, upside down, from the crawl space hole.  The workers left that silver snake down there.  Sometime in the near future, I'll have to lower my step stool and pull it out.

While the plumbers were here I got a lot of stuff done.  I paid my bills, cut the grass, did some image scanning, set up facebook event for Lana's medical bills, etc. 
Friday while at the Old State Capitol, I picked up my copy of the photo book from the Lincoln Funeral at cost ($30).  My picture is in it 3 times.
Here's a photo of the cover of this 11" x 8.5" coffee table book.

Yeah I had a busy week and sill a lot of work I need to do but I need a fun run with the Legion Riders to Evandy's Boatel. I had blackened catfish with sweet potato fries and coleslaw. NO BONES in my fish either. Yum!

Evandy's Boatel is a kid friendly place!

Sunday morning I went to Mass and drove past Laura walking which I know she prefers and even drives a Prius.  However, during Mass there were thunderstorms and she gladly accepted my ride back.  I read the second reading at Mass.  I fixed lunch for Sean and myself.  Starting to pull everything out from under my bathroom vanity to get ready to fix the leak.

I sawed up some wood using the circular saw and put them on a pallet for the fireplace in winter.  Not much there.  It's a hunt when I walk the dog or drive by potential winter wood.

I'm scrubbing up a script for the Wimmer Cemetery Walk which still needs work.  I'm also getting props ready for SIUE's Campus Activities Board showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.  While in the garage, I found my charger cable for the Toro mower that I'd been looking for.  I bought a new one.

Lesson for this stressful week:
The student asks the master, “Master, how do I get away from doing the wash, cleaning the dishes, taking a bath, etc. everyday?”
The master smiles and says “Do the wash, clean the dishes, take your bath…”.

My Week

Thursday and Friday nights we had a "blue moon".  Do you realize that unlike the sun, a full moon, or any stage for that matter can be seen around the world.  I look up at that moon and wonder if my adopted soldiers see what I'm seeing simultaneously.  I got a one-day notice to show up at Vacation Bible school to receive a bunch of cards for our soldiers. I brought a box that I had half way prepared and told them OUR story.  I told them what little I knew about my 2 adoptees and according to their bios, one is 17 and one is 23.  The student aid is 17!  I put angel wings on two students (see the 2 kids kneeling and holding the letters). I'm sure my soldiers will appreciate the letters of support.  All the kids were given a Soldiers Angels jelly bracelet.  The photo is featured in this Sunday's church bulletin:   http://content.seekandfind.com/bulletins/01/0164/20150802B.pdf

In the evening I went to my "Distant Memories" gig just before the Flag Retreat.  The heat index was high so I dressed light.  I finally can fit my hair in a bun since my hair was chopped off last October for "Wigs for Kids".  The video is on my facebook page open for public view.  
https://www.facebook.com/rose.connolly/videos/vob.1615723034/10206142814042095/?type=2&theater 
Sorry the sound is too far from the camera to hear my portrayal of distant memories. My hair is now long enough to fit in a tight bun. I dressed light because there was a heat index warning. If you can't hear me, my script is here Distant Memories Script for Rose Hermann
 
Monday I couldn't cut the grass because the push button starter need some charge.  The button sticks in the down position so I rigged a string around and under the button to pull it back out once the mower starts and then its on gas all the way.  I had seen this coming the past few weeks because it would quit and not start.  After a rest, it would start.  So I frantically been looking for the charger cord.  When I couldn't find it, I knew that Kunz mower shop would open on Tuesday so for $30 I got another.  You know what that means, I'll find the cord soon.  When I came home from Distant Memories, my mower was charged and I cut the grass in the back yard...that is until I ran out of gas leaving a little strip.  I bought a new 1 gallon gas can also on Tuesday and filled it but when I tried to fill my mower, it was spilling all over.  Ugg!  My hands smelled of gas all night. 

Wednesday I did some more thrift store shopping after my exercise class.
Thursday morning I missed my exercise class so I could attend a Patriot Guard Mission for Jeff Uber. Ron, Charlie and I attended the Patriot Guard Mission for Jeff Uber.  Commander of the Navy Club said it would take 10 to replace him.  I stood the flagline from 9-noon then rode escort to Camp Butler for a 1pm internment.  There was about a dozen motorcycles and over 50 vehicles.  It was hard to count because of the blind spot created by the pavilion.  Most of the PGR went to the truck stop for lunch but I went to the reception at the Navy Club.  

My son learned from his neighbor that there are bats coming out of his attic vent.  His neighbor has been toying around with night time photography and that's how he learned about the bats.   Oh joy!

 There, I fixed the problem of putting a light(s) on my flag so that I don't have to get my step stool out morning and night. It's a star spangled banner!

Friday I took Sophie to "Bubbles of Fun" groomers.  No hair cut.  She smells better than I do now but she's itching where they trimmed her below.  No bows.  I can't believe I pulled a tick off of Sophie the morning after grooming. Maybe from the area near Bubbles of Fun where she relieved herself before going in.
I've been retired now over a year and a half and got an email requesting some advice this week.

I went to bike night in Athens with the Legion Riders. I was ready to leave at 8 but was convinced to stay when the governor was on the way. I have the photo on my text but don't know how to get it out of the text.  Riding home was nice with the full moon.  A lot of bugs hitting me in the arm and I had a windshield.  The other 2 that rode back with me had no windshield.

I wanted to come home but stayed a little longer for a photo op cuz the governor rode in. 

 Saturday morning I went to the VFW post for a meeting of trustees.  We did the quarterly audit.  
Then I changed and got ready for the Worlds Fair Tea at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.  I put my Edwardian on but thought that the hat was too much.

 I loved this center piece with the Ferris Wheel in motion and era products.

 This was the look I had taken the day before at Edwards Place.  The hair is complicated but based on photos.

 The Tea Ladies presented the program about the 1893 Worlds Fair.

 Afterward I changed into my jeans, cut up my honey melon, and went to the parish's Mass in the Grass at the Knights of Columbus.  I took Sophie with me to test her social skills and she was a perfect angel.

Sunday was stress filled leading to 5PM test for Therapy Dog International certification. I thought Sophie would fail because of the "down" command and small dog stubborn trait. The tester,  Rose Hutches, gave her another chance on her down command as she was distracted.  After the test I approached the desk to face my rejection and the examiner told me it would have been OK to give her a little yank especially with the attitude of small dogs.  I think I was the only one practicing a loose leash.   What surprised me was all the others that yanked the dog and the man with the rotties spoke harsh to the dogs.  The rottweilers were obedient but the handler used a very strong voice which was against the rules but apparently may not be one of the automatic fails.  There was a setter there with absolutely no discipline and I feared the active dog would be distracting just like my son's pit bull. Now to complete the paperwork for an ID and get her into her first 50 therapy visits.  Sophie will get a neckerchief, tag and ID card.  May God Bless Sophie and her handler as we attempt to comfort the infirm.

Thursday I will get a new water heater and gas plumbing including dryer vent replaced in the crawl space.  Priority over the kitchen or any other things. Aesthetic vs functional and what would keep a home sale-able.
 

Wimmer Cemetery Walk ~ Ruth Orr Mau

Wimmer Cemetery Walk on September 26, 2015 from 5PM to 9PM

Script for Ruth Orr Mau  b. Apr. 19, 1892 ~ d. Mar. 3, 1977
Portrayed by Rosemary Connolly, NAI CIG

1850s attire:

Hello.  What a fine fall day here in Auburn in 1960!   My name is Ruth Orr Mau, the only daughter of Wiley (Edgar)  (d 1959) and Georgie Ann (Lewis) Orr (d 1943). I was born (on April 19) in 1892 here in Auburn.  I am here visiting the burial site of my family (it would have to be after they died around 1960 making Ruth about 68 years old as of this presentation).  Many of my relatives are buried here in Wimmer Cemetery.  The Gleason's, Makey's and Orr's just to mention a few.

My parents are buried over at Auburn Cemetery which is about a mile west on Dickey John Road.  My three other brothers are buried here in Wimmer.  My oldest brother, Lester (1890), died 2 years before I was born, his sickness lasted but three days.  After I was born, momma lost two more sons due to complications from child birth.  They are buried over there near the Wimmer Monument.  My older brother, Clarence, was the only other sibling who lived to adulthood in our family.   He died 10 years ago and (1891 ~ 1950) is buried in Bloomington.

My dad was a farmer most of the time.  We never had to worry very much about food not being on the table.  Clarence and I had our various chores that helped mom and dad maintain the farm but we still had our fun.  I remember our trip to the 1904 St Louis World's Fair like it was only yesterday.
That year the Illinois Traction System or ITS for short (also known as the Interurban), set fares for families to travel to the fair on their electric railway.  We bounced all the way to St. Louis.  I saw more country stops for milk deliveries and various other farm products than I have in my life.

Farmers would place their products at designated stop in the country to have them picked up and placed in the electric cars which in turn would deliver them to town.  It took much longer to get to our destination with all those stops than by regular train but the fare was much cheaper.

Once we arrived at the fair we were swept into the gadgets of the modern world.  We saw the first electric typewriter, a telephone answering machine called the Poulsen telegraphone, coffee makers, dishwashers and so many new marvels.

Electricity was the major focus of the fair.  All the buildings were lit inside and out by electric lights.  We even got a glance at Thomas Edison himself overseeing one of his exhibits.  Oh, what a great thrill that was to see the famous man.

The thing I remember the most from the fair, however, was the ice cream cones, iced tea and the fabulous hot dogs!!! One of the main reasons for going to the fair was to give dad a break from farming.

When we returned home he announced that he was going to sell the farm and that we would move into town.  Everyone was shocked at first but the excitement of living in the newly incorporated city of Auburn filled our minds with thoughts of all those conveniences.  No longer would we have to feed and clean up after the animals, chop wood for the fireplace or lug water from the cistern to bathe.

Now we would have indoor plumbing and electricity and as a bonus with the new house we had a telephone.  Walker Ramsey installed it himself!  Walker was the owner of the first telephone system in our city.

The telephone is how we found out about one of the biggest events in Auburn's history.  Since dad was a member of the volunteer fire department, they called our house first for an emergency. The worst call we remember was when the east side of the square was on fire.

Our lives were fairly normal after that fire.  Life continued and we grew but in 1918 our lives changed once again.  The usual rumors had surfaced for some time that we be involved in the war in Europe but no one believed that until the draft occurred.  Clarence was living in Girard at the time so that is where he registered.  Not only were we facing the threat of war but the Spanish influenza had also entered our lives.  No one gathered together in groups that winter of 1918-1919 as it was feared that the flu would be spread in large gatherings.  An estimated 675,000 Americans died of influenza during the pandemic, ten times as many as in the world war. Of the U.S. soldiers who died in Europe, half of them fell to the influenza virus and not to the enemy (Deseret News). An estimated 43,000 servicemen mobilized for WWI died of influenza.  Fear of death was all around and many funerals were skipped for direct burials because of fear.

Clarence was one of the lucky few who did not get drafted for the war.  No one in the family suffered from the flu either. Clarence became a teacher in various positions in Easton, Venice and Winchester, Illinois.  Eventually, he took charge of the Teacher's Extension Caucus offered by Normal University.

I married Otto Mau (1892-1955) in 1913.  We had two beautiful girls,
Naomi (nee: Strang) in 1915 and
Anna Lucille (nee Davis) in 1920 (d 2009).
Lucille took after my father's interests and became a teacher in the Auburn School System.  Some of you may remember Mrs. Anna Lucille Davis.  She married Clarence Davis (August 1) in 1942 in here in Auburn.

My husband, Otto,  was well known throughout Sangamon County in the hardware trade.  He owned and operated Mau's Hardware from 1925 until his death in 1955.  My daughter, Lucille and her husband took over for a short time until Naomi's husband, John Strang, bought out the interest in the store.

One of the many happy memories I have is the time the Mau and Christin families had their reunion back in 1929 out at Irwin's Park.  That was back in the heyday of the park when the dance pavilion was still standing.  The family had played games and had contests that lasted all day long and at the event they held a dance in honor of everyone present.  The Irwin family was so good to host the event at the park. Irwin’s Park became a popular dance spot during World War II. It had a roller coaster and merry-go-round. There was a house made of rock that came from same rock quarry as the Old Statehouse in Springfield. Actress Betty Hutton once performed there. There were free movies and a swimming hole, all maintained by the Irwin family. The family also farmed the surrounding ground.

My goodness gracious, how I have been yammering on for so long this evening.  I just realized how late it is getting and I haven't even made it to my brothers graves to pay respects yet.  If you will kindly let me be to pay my respects in private I'll be headed over that way.  I'm sure I will not be at my best for company shortly.

Goodbye for now, have a good evening.

Thanks to Timothy Bidleman for this recording so I can be my best critic.  Ruth Orr Mau

program:

References:
Wiley Edgar Orr 
http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=71831589
Georgie Ann Lewis
http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=71831988
 Ruth Orr
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=mau&GSfn=ruth&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=29238514&df=all&
 Clarence Orr
http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=38554933
Wimmer Cemetery Walk
http://www.wimmerfriends.com/events.html
Auburn Cemetery
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilmaga/sangamon/cemetery/auburn.html
Illinois Traction System
http://www.illinoistractionsociety.org/
Lester Orr
http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=orr&GSiman=1&GScid=108897&GRid=77625654&
Mrs. Anna Lucille Davis
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilmaga/sangamon/cemetery/auburn.html
Otto Mau
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Mau&GSfn=O&GSiman=1&GScid=104575&GRid=29238513&
Anna Lucille Mau
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=davis&GSfn=anna&GSmn=Lucille&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=16&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=37018112&df=all&
Poulsen telegraphone
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blpoulsen.htm
Wimmer Cemetery lookup on findagrave
http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&GSln=henry+&GSfn=Jacob+&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=16&GScntry=4&GSob=n&CRid=108897&df=all&pt=Wimmer%20Cemetery&
Irwin's Park by Dave Bakke
http://www.sj-r.com/x38421230/Dave-Bakke-Lawsuit-could-doom-Irwins-Park
Info on the Spanish Flu
http://virus.stanford.edu/uda/


I'd like to thank the Wimmer Cemetery Association for their efforts at preserving the past.