News from the Hills of Hawbuck

Oh boy ! I see I got my picture in the paper last week. It sorta makes my head swell up - Ha ! Well, its about time us poor hard workin' reporters gets a little break, after pourin' in all these heart breakin' reports and news to that hard hearted editor we got. (Sorry, Mr. Craw, but folks oughta know better.)

Now that you know what I look like, maybe you'd like to know what makes me tick?

After all, being married for 27 years, and raising ten kids, something oughta make me tick !

I usually write such a willynilly mess about us, ourselves and we-uns that most readers, who don't know us personally, are probably confused as to which is who. Maybe I'd ought to set the record straight for once:

My maiden name was Eva May and many of you older readers remember my parents, John and Ida Brooks May.

Harry and I were married January 5, 1926, and lots of folks knew his parents, too, Truman and Carrie Brown Hoskins.

Our oldest son, John (Johnnie, Jack and sometimes big Red) is 26, and married to Kathryn Rogers, formerly of Oakwood. They have three youngsters, Marilyn Sue 4, Jerry Dean 3, and John Steven 2. (No a new arrival is not expected at present.) John now works over at Chanute Field and served four years in Uncle Sam's Navy back in '44-'48.

Second is Harry Harvey (not Junior, as pop Harry's middle name is Walter), and better known as Pete at home. Sometimes he's dubbed as little Red. He's 23, unmarried, and at present works 'way back in the parts department of Prillaman's Hardware Store, here in Potomac.

Third Richard Lee, or Dick, 22, an ex-Marine and a blonde for a change, works at chanute Field, also

unmarried; he and Pete are our bachelor boys, altho I swear they're not allergic to girls; every time they come home seems like they've a new girl friend along.

Most local folks know son number four as Bill. Tall blonde and handsome (?), his proper name is Gordon Robert. some handle ! Just now he's in the Navy as a torpedoman, serving aboard the USS Waldron. Evidently he isn't allergic to girls, either. (His steady girl friend doesn't receive the M.J., thank goodness !)

The fifth youngster is our oldest girl, a redhead (complete with temper to match). Her name is Eva Wauneta, she's 17, and just out of high school. Usually I find her in a corner with (my) paints and paper, trying to emulate her mama __ but at the dishpan, she's a washout. Still and all, we have a working agreement, if I do the dishes, she does the mopping and keeps three rooms "redded up", and I, two. Since that is fair enough, we manage,. Besides that she does plenty of other things around home that I'm not so spry at anymore.

These five comprise what we call our "first family", all now grown up and through school.

First of the "second family," or number six, is Adam Everette, 15, a junior in high school. He's six feet tall and rather a thin rind now, but due to fill out as soon as his feet quit growing: To date the girls haven't seemed to bother him much, but that's due to happen 'most any time now.

Seventh, Albert LeRoy, 12, a blonde and rather a lone wolf here among the small ones, does the milking, and is general boss of the chore gang. At least he likes to boss the lesser fry. He's still in the "I don't care stage" just occasionally we catch him "slicking up" when he's getting ready to go anyplace. He's in the eighth grade and thinks school is for basketball and playing (an idea that goes for too many present-day kids, grade and high, both.

Number eight is Lester Dale, 10, a bit on the thin side and a rather easy-going youngster. Not much to

describe about them at this age that can be outstanding. He's fair-haired, as is Harold Eugene, 8, who is the ninth in line. Harold is a bit more stubborn than Lester and loses his temper about as bad as if he were red-headed instead. Both are good workers, and usually together. Neither one has thoroughly whipped the other yet, altho they've sure tried.

The last but not the least is number ten, the second girl and a redhead like her sister. She's six and starts to school this coming term. Her Proper name is Esther Virginia, but nicknamed "Penny" and as a baby was called Pinky ! How do we ever get such things going, anyhow ?

These last five make up our "second family." After September all will be in school, and with Eva going to work, this will leave me alone with 1 sow, 2 ducks, 3 cows, and their respective calves, 5 geese, an assortment of about 10 dogs, around 400 chickens and, I nearly forgot, 1 canary. So, you see, I won't be really lonesome and I think I'm going to kind of like it for a change.

At the present a third family is not contemplated. Besides that, I've dozens of things I've put off through the years that maybe I will get around to doing. But being me, I probably will grab a book and read, instead.

After reading this maybe you will be more thoroughly briefed on any forthcoming epistle I manage to compose: you might even file it away for future reference, being's there's so many of us-- ha ! It might even come in handy to settle a family argument with, even.

So often we're asked, "how many and which is who" that this brief little family history may settle a lot of questions.

Harry is 46 and I'm 47. Still, I ain't the boss, not by a long shot ! And Harry, being just Harry, well I'm not kicking. He's a pretty good guy to "ride the river" with.

(Taken from the Middle Fork Journal aprox. 1951.)

News from the Hills of Hawbuck

by Eva Hoskins

March 2, 1951

Our school bus drivers are going thru the seasonal nightmare- bottomless roads. The roads can be described as just plain"ain't".

Word has been received that the old Tillotson farm, two miles west of Jamesburg, has again changed hands. Ralph Saddle,of Ogden, has sold it to Bernard Doyle of Rantoul. It was formerly tenanted by Francis Blaze the past three years. Francis is now in the Merchant Marines, and his wife Marilyn is living in St. Joseph.

According to the Marine Air Base paper called Wind Sock, from Cherry Point, No. Carolina, comes a bit of information concerning "The Big Snow", which is now a memory. The snowfall totaled 8.3 inches and everyone tried out the new 'ammo" in snow balling, building snowmen, and sliding. Many people hadn't experienced a snowstorm, and some had never even seen snow, strange as it may seem to us.

Bob Stunkard of Danville was "out our way" on Sunday, and John Denison on Monday.

Road Commissioner (Pilot) C. E. Huffman has had a lot of brush and trees trimmed along the roadsides. In spite of our "atomic" weather, lots of people are looking forward to those spring days for the pleasure of those Sunday drives along the country roads. Kids like to cut loose and "run wild" - and Pops

been overhauling his fishing tackle - again.

Speaking of fishing brings up the subject of cheeks and streams, which are now going "all out" celebrating the thaw a little early. This years high water down in our neighborhood almost hits the high water mark of ten years ago.

Then a few robins are about and one meadow lark to date. Sort of gives us a touch of Spring Fever. And last, but not least - this morning - Feb 28, - a large string of wild geese were sighted, circling the brakes of the middlefork. Where's my seed catalog - quick?

March 9, 1951

The thunderstorm of last Wenesday evening seemed to be all the weatherman could furnish as a grand entree for March weather. While the west got a real dousing of winter weater for a change.

Nice for us, anyhow.

Mrs. John Hoskins and children spent Saturday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Rogers, of Oakwood.

Relatives of Mr. Doyle, the new owner of the old Tillotson place, were out Saturday, giving the place what we call "the once over."

Jessie and Fern Hoskins of Danville were in Potomac last Thursday evening.

The Burton Family who moved into Dal Acton's place vacated last fall by the Earl Coopers, have again moved back into the Henning District.

The past Sunday brought out two fisherman from the city. However their stay was short, as old Middlefork hasn't settled down enough To top it off, thier big blue car really got stuck while trying to turn around.

Clinton Powell's (locally known as Bud) are moving this week from the old Sifrit place below Higgenville to farm just southwest of Collison.

March 16, 1951

Howard Porter, down Higginsville way, had the misfortune to lose a spindle bolt, then a wheel from his car Monday afternoon on the Hungry Hollow Road.

Jessie and Fern Hoskins moved to the Wayne Goodwine tenant house, Saturday, from Collett St. in Danville. Jessis will try his hand at rural living for a change.

The crows seemed harder pressured than usual this winter, a few have become bold enough to come around the house, and one hanging around the corn crib too long, got his upperance. Like rats the only good crows are dead ones.

Bill and Pat Hoskins were Danville movie goers Sunray.

Due to the arrival of the recently taken picture portraits at school all the Hawbuck small fry were widly comparing likenesses on the school bus one evening thid week. Four, fourteen or forty - the school bus driver has a stupendous job. How well this family knows that!

Five or six Potomac families were represented at a furniture auction sale Saturday in Danville. Auction sales, like gambling, have a certain sort of fascination that is rather irresistable, once one gets "aucionitus". The crowd, the typical mixture of people found at any and all free American gatherings

is a conglomeration of humanity. Not rubbing elbows - but packed shoulder to shoulder - women covered with pin curls - in slacks and in furs - men in greasy and work weary with men in topcoats and fedoras, all gathered with one ourpose in mind to get a bargain. - and children drug along for want of leaving them.

(what a place to jam into with small children.)

Everyone is desirous of finding something he wants. Articles are displayed for a "quickie" inspection, the auctioneer on his platform throne, beguiles the crowd over a loudspeaker with a mumbo-jumbo until someone nods assent to his hynotical sing-song and has bought some entirely ludicrous article that he

never wanted. Have you ever done such a thing? I have. If you never have - you've missed some fun.

March 22, 1951

Mr. Bryant substituted for Earl Pierce on our bus route last week. Even though his driving may not be an experts, he gets them there and gets them back. Our modern teacher's work world is a far cry from the rural school Master's job of yesteryear, when one needed to be a jack of all trades. Evenso, todays teacher may be called upon to fill the bill of any number of odd jobs. Seems to me that this years staff of teachers is one of the best groups of instructors we have ever had and it should be to the interest of all school "fans" to keep it so.

Charley Cooper has returned home from Quincy, where he has been staying for the past several months.

Jesse Stone has hired himself a Hawbucker for "white wings" around the hardware store.

Four dozen hens make plenty of music around, especially when it accompanies the production of enough eggs to keep the kitchen crocks full. And the youngsters all busy culling out choice Easter egg material.

Harry (Pete) Hoskins reported this week for his Army physical checkup.

C.E. Hoffman's road truck made the rounds of the Pilot Twp. roads Friday, checking on their condition. Hope he takes notice of that bad culvert at George Osborn's corner.

Thanks, folks, for all your compliments!

Bernard Doyle of Rantoul was down in our neck of the woods Tuesday.

Harry Hoskins Sr. landed himself a job as a firefighter at Chanute Field. Friday of last week while enroute home he happened on the wreck of a car containing two G.I.'s, one of whom

was seriously injured.

Speaking of your Red Cross first aid, never try telling Harry that it isn't worth while.

Rick Lanham's ambulance delivered the two boys to Chanute Field. Ever get fouled up with both red tape and adhesive tape at the same time? Rick and Harry did.

Spring arrived on schedule, which happens to be Mom's birthday, giving the kids an occasion to celebrate: and the bluebells are showing up through the ground.

Mr. and Mrs. G.E. Blair, Rantoul were Sunday dinner guests at the C.H. Hammond home.

Mrs. Gertie Cooper, Danville, spent several days with Alta and Al Blackford and enjoyed the minstrel show on Saturday evening.

March 30, 1951

Easter and its weekend holiday enjoyed by all the kids, and the teachers, has passed, and since it coincided with Lester Hoskins 8th birthday it was more than an average occasion for him.

Little Mary and Ellen Baker spent Easter with their mother and family at Lebanon, Ind. Their grandfather George Osborn, with whom they make their home, drove with them, and Howard Osborn, over there for the holiday.

Something new has been added to Hawbuck. Hoskin's brothers, that is Pete and Bill, have purchased a motorcycle of doubtful vintage, and you can hear it percolating thru the hills at most any hour. Hope the neighbors livestock doesn't start having heartfailure!

Finley Stewart and Mrs. Kitchen were shoppers in Potomac Monday afternoon.

Ralph and Opal Dukes of Oakwood were out our way on Sunday afternoon.

The "run" is on for the summer it seems. Just as soon as weather permits cars to hit the dirt roads, there is a daily traffic of strange cars turning around at the road's end, a sure sign that winter is "done for".

Leslie and Alberta Sidwell and sons, and Truman Hoskins were out to Harry Hoskins, on Easter Sunday.

Miss Ardith Paynter and her mother of Hillery, were in Hawbuck Monday afternoon, and later called on Sam Smiths family, who were formerly neighbors of the Poynters.

Life on this backroad has its humorous side. Take the night Pete Hoskins returned from Chicago following his physical checkup by Uncle Sam. Arriving back in Danville along about the witching

hour, he found that his boss had handed him the wrong keys to the garage where he had left the car to drive home. Thinking perhaps one might work on the rear door, he hurried around back, and was

surprised to find himself face to face with a cop, (and one behind,) from the police prowl car. Finally convinced that he was on the level he was allowed to resume his erratic way.

And that effervescent activated new lamb has been christened Hadacol !

April 6, 1951

We read where Jamesburg has entered the locals with a news column. Now for higginsville, they should "go thou and do likewise," for we know happenings there are as interesting as elsewhere. For example: Miss Pat Kinney took second as soloist at the music contest at Gilman last Saturday. She sang 'Mighty Lak A ROse" and that next Staurday she again sings in the high school chorus, which returns to gilman. Good for you, Pat, glad to hear it.

The turbulent hailstorm of last week was a lulu. It drove the chickens frantic, the ducks took it stoically, then later made up for the pelting they recieved by making good use of the resulting puddles. But the bus driver, with homeward bound school pupils, had to stop and wait the storm out.

Such weather tantrums are oft times forerunners of those famous "twisters" common throughout this territory and this season.

Leslie Sidwell is the new owner of the "local" motorcycle. So, neighbors, you can breathe easy again. (And so can we!)

But those two goats of R.D. Actons, left without caretakers when the Earl Coopers moved away, have been acquired by those Hoskin kids! Well, if it ain't one thing its two, and all we need now is a monkey! Heaven forbid!

Junior Farnsworth has rented the vacant house of Bernard Doyle's for the coming year.

The current sick list out our way among the school youngsters is rather lengthy this week, with the latest epidemic on the loose. The list of those ill with measles, mumps and pnemonia includes: Charles Land, fith grade; James Pollitt, second grade; Harold Hoskins, first grade; Larry Schmink, first

grade, and Lester Hoskins, second grade.

Tuesday, aday for Americans to say thier say! Any voter who didn't vote is like a guest at a party, you take what's dished out to you!

The absence of Mrs. Faye Cossairt's article last week (for which the blame, along with that for a number of other articles which didn't appear) left a rather bare-like place on our local's front page.

April 13, 1951

Mrs. Enid Sylvester of near Alvin, writes that Roy, her husband, who recently suffered a severe heart attack, is slowly improving at Lake View Hospital. They are well known here and have a number of acquaintances in Potomac. Enid was a teacher here at Tillitson school for several years before consolidation with Potomac.

Last weeks greeting to Mildred McGowen was a little jubilant for the occasion, due to Gene's accident, which we did not learn about until too late to halt the printing of the comments. But we're thankful it was no worse. Dick Hoskins is engaged in the same kind of work, at the Marine Air Base, Cherry Point, N.C.

Oh yes, the first wild flowers are blooming - those greeting cards of spring - hepaticas.

The discourse on hot lunches by E, Hinton, last week gives us an interesting viewpoint on the student controversy concerning this "hot lunch" business. Would that more students take courage and present their views on this and other subjects.

Sure the folks will poke fun at you, some will disagree, but what else are you going to school for, and getting educated unless you exercise that education.

I'll bet the Journal would go for a High School weekly Editorial by the students! (Good idea Ed.)

Katherine Hoskins and children spent last Thursday with her parents in Oakwood.

What happened to Mrs. Gaylord Hall's interesting letters? Although personally not known to us, nor are we known to her, we enjoyed those letters very much.

Her description of her new adventure are so natural and comely and familiar in the little every day occurances that one in reading them feels as tho we too, were there. Could we persuade you, Mrs. Hall, to write the Journal a column, something of a diary, say once a month, and keep us stay at homes steeped

in a nice brew of Pacific Fever". Most of us would like a "look-see" into your new habitation, but few of us would voluntarily follow suit. Most of us here back home have some one in the service, and news such as yours in letters home, give us all a better idea of what it is like to live on the far side of the world.

27 Apr 1951

Fred Hoskins of Williamsport rural route was in Potomac last Thursday. His father, Truman Hoskins

returned home with him for several days visit. Fred recently purchased a twenty-acre place about three miles south and west of the Hanging Rock Park that is located on route 63 South of West Lebanon. Over where the Walbash flows, and certainly is lovely country.

Losing some change is always disheartening. Losing small bills is worse, but when one loses a check for a neat little sum, that sort of takes the wind out of your sails.

This happened to an acquaintance of ours, last week, and any one who has ever been in this redicament knows how it feels. I've never lost a check (yet) but once upon a time, I did burn up a twenty dollar bill. My father laid it on the table, while I was packing his lunch one morning. Having finished I gathered the loose meat and bread wrappers into a wad and tossed them into the stove (nice fire going, too, I remember).

On returning to the table, no twenty-dollar bill, "no nuthin'." Believe me, in the twenty seven years since, I have inspected what I'm stuffing into the fire. Hoping to find the dratted thing yet-I guess.

Anyone dining at the Pages Diner over on U.S. route One Sunday could upon investigating, have found Pete Hoskins working there on that shift.

Mrs Farmer, little Mary and Ellen Barker's mother, is visiting with her father George Osborn. Her home is in Lebanon Ind.

I've just discovered that these famous meat and vegetable dishes sometimes topped with biscuits or biscuit crusts and often called meat pies, vegetable pies, or what suits the occasion, in days gone by were denoted by the delectable name of Lobscouse. Sounds like politic's.

Of course Harry has a badge to wear, working in the fire department. Quite unintentionally he left it on his suit. Saturday night in Danville he was mistaken for a plain clothes officer--paging Dick Tracy--.

You readers who also live in the country, no doubt enjoy visits by youngsters from town. A person gets a kick out of watching a bunch of kids, whose experience in the country is often limited to a few hours at a time, maybe as little as two or three times a year. In our territory there are very few who don't rate at least that much.

So when the weather warms up we are usually hosts to around one to a dozen on Sundays and this weekend seems to be the beginning of the season. LeRoy Ellett of Armstrong brought out a car load from that "big city."

A lot of kids from Danville get out here who promptly drop all property at the gate.

Knowing our tribe of rough necks can hold their own, the visitors usually enjoy themselves in very natural and unstilted enthusiasm.

Not satisfied with two horses that can be rode, lots of time it winds up with a regular rodeo, including the sheep, the cows, and the calves. Even Bill's pig, Salomy, isn't exempt.

___________

Word received here recently informs us that Mrs. Florence Runyan, formerly Florence Spain, has presented husband, Rube, with a big baby daughter, March 27th. They reside in Niles, Mich.

May 11, 1951

The old timers say to plant corn when the oal leaf is as large as a squirrls ear. And wait till the wippoorwils call. The oak leaves are bigger than a cat's ear now, and then some. And the wippoorwills have been going full tilt for three weeks. Corn planting time id full blown, that's certain, and some folks

are already planting.

If you've never heard the whippoorwill, weel, you've missed something. There's one wise guy who likes to alight just outside our doorway and cut loose. He starts off witha sort of puttering or burbling sound and "whips" two or three times. After he finally gets up steaam he will "whippoorwill" continusly for minutes on end. I once attempted to count his calls but, after getting up in the eighties, had to give up and he quit further up on the count. His serenade begins at dusk and continues off and on all night long. COMes daybreak and these birds will taper off to silence. To the unintaited they're a little spooky but to us they're welcome visitors, or maybe I should say friends.

Tommy Farnsworth celebrated his second birthday May 11. He received several gifts and cards from friends and relatives.

Mrs. Jane Farnsworth attended the bridal shower given in honor of Barbara Wood at the YMCA clubroom in Danville on Friday, May 11.

Little Marilyn Sue Hoskins also celebrated her second birthday on May 4.

Popcorn seems to be the vogue among the farmers hereabouts. The premier Popcorn truck from Wtaseka was out our way Friday, delivering seed for planting to the ones who contracted for same

this year. Mr. Doyle is having a field planted to this crop. Well, we sure can eat popcorn next winter, if all goes well.

About the time everyone changed over to daylight savings time our old clock sort of went on a strike of its own. We noticed it was chiming several times too often for the tine of day. Adjusting it to proper hour and strokes was quickly done but I'll bet someone, or maybe two or three someones, were

setting the clock ahead and monkeyed up the works.

The Russell Atwoods of Grand Rapids, Mich., attended the funeral rites of Mr. Atwood's mother, Mrs. Annie Atwood, formerly of Newtown (or Pilot), who recently passed away in California.

The services were Saturday afternoon, at the Hebron Church in Newtown.

Mr. and Mrs. Atwood visited with Mrs. Atwood's uncle, Truman Hoskins, here, Sunday, and spent that evening with the Leslie Sidwells. They returned to Grand Rapids on Monday.

During the past week I've met some of my newer neighbors. Mrs. Farmer at the George Osborn home, came down on Thursday for several hours visit, and Tuesday, I stopped to chat with Mrs. Fred Farnsworth Jr. for a half hour. It's nice to meet new people and renew old acquaintances.

Truman Hoskins was out and spent Monday with Harry and family.

Mr. and Mrs. Chester Atchison delivered seed corn to customers out this way on Monday evening.

Chore routines on the farm or elsewhere sometimes get monotonous, and it's often a welcome relief when something comes along and upsets the schedule. But when egg-gathering gets upset, what would you call that, scrambled eggs, or omelet?

May 18, 1951

What a busy weekend? The rain put a stop to everyones farm work everyone knows that. But it gave us time to do a few odd jobs around. In overhauling an accumulation of old papers and letters I learned a number of interesting things of yesteryear.

The following is an excerpt from a letter dated February 14, 1892 to my grandmother:

"Pa was here and stayed one night this winter. More than a year ago he was taken with a severe pain in his head, had an occulist from Columbia (Ohio) see him' it was caused from his eyes, and for him to wear a mustache. So he has worn one since and his eyesight is better.

The famous Dewey mustache club might have had something at that. If there's anything to it- it might profit Harry Truman to sprout one. Someone in his country needs to be able to see their way.

Warm day bring put a pleasant little country habit into daily use- the meeting of neighbors where mailboxes are grouped together just after the mailman passes by.

We were pleasntly surprised just at breakfast time Sunday morning out here, by the unexpected arrival of Harry's neice and family, Hattie, Juick, husband George, and son Vicky, of Niles, Michigan.

They had spent the night with Wilbur and June Spain, and dropped by to see "Unk" and family, leaving here to go to Oakwood to see her sister Francis Dukes. They planned to return to Niles

in the afternoon.

Alberta and Leslie Sidwell and two boys with Truman Hoskins were out for Sunday dinner. Sid, as he is better known, is off work again. His left arm having infection set in, he had x-rays taken Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Brown of Danville spent the evening last Wednesday with John and Kathryn Hoskins. Bob and Evelyn Layton were also callers there one evening this week.

Mrs. George Jones and Mrs. "Boss" Dodsen were shoppers at the Grab-It-Here about the same time Saturday morning.

Charles Shanks who operated the Saturday night auction sales that some folks in this locality like to attend died unexpectedly at his home in Danville, Saturday morning. He was a brother to Mr. Shanks of our neighborhood.

Mrs. Marilyn Blase and her uncle Ralph Sadler of Ogden, were in Potomac on Friday.

That lovley corsage that Bill kept in the icebox last Friday, sure melted the ice! The trouble was - too many "inspectors"- we couldn't keep the icebox door closed. One consolation: allowing them to LOOK at it, if they'd Keep HANDS OFF, worked out pretty well.

Saturday we were visited by two boys who work with Harry, enjoying themselves out in the country.

Sunday two boys came for the day, and stayed overnight, returning to work with Harry on Monday.

Highlights of both days visits were their riding the two horses. Once when the dogs ran a rabbit in front of them, one horse stopped, but the rider didn't. Second event occured when another boy unseated into one of the many thickets out here. However they seemed to like it. I know we did.

Any way they're all young fellows a long from home and friends, just like your boy and mine.

Jun 1st 1951

Well another school year closed. No more up at 6, wash, dress, eat and run for three months. No more "Mom-wheres my work book ?" "Mom"-wheres my other shoe ?

Wheres my crayons ?" "He's got my tablet"-"wheres-wheres-what ? " No more hot lunch money for three months six kids-$7. a week whools! I'll feed 'em green onions and radishes, eggs and milk and let 'em fish. ha! ha!

Ma Gruel, Aunt Louise and Aunt Vada-nice people, you betcha. And who are they ? Well did you ever eat a meal at the grade school ? Most parents have, and a lot of others. Everyone that has will probably call them a square meal, full and overflowing round.

And anyone knows that a hungry kid's eyes are bigger than his anterior region, and that when mealtime rolls around, a single portion never fills up those hungry regions, like being able to ask for more. No average, normal family hereabouts, to my knowledge ever puts just ONE helping before their own child and says "No More", not in this land of PLENTY, not unless there isn't a way to provide "No More." Provided by our taxes and the daily fee charged for each child, in a sufficient amount to

cover the cost. Who is going to say "NO" to the hungry child here in America ? (Original Print read Who is going to say "Say"to the hungry child in America ?) (Possible papers error.)

Who can pack there child a durable lunch for this cost ? Some can, but many more cannot. The contrast is all in favor of the school hot lunch. The cost the trouble the "hot" meal, the collective eating, all contribute in favor of it.

Then it's eaten in a "homey" atmosphere, where the kids are loved, bossed, kidded or corrected accordingly, all pretty well "mother" by these three "Girls", and then medical science plainly advocates that a cheerful atmosphere is half the meal, makes digestion better, and the food can be properly assimilated, and all that. It's no wonder that the kid's think the cooks are the berries.

In most homes today, even the modern up to date house with all its fine advantages, the little prayer at meal time is often missing. In many homes, the first time Grace has been said at the table is often by the request of, and given by some youngster who first heard it at his "Hot Lunch Meal". I know it was so with us.

In a Christian nation, proud of it's heritage this is a shabby shame.

I wonder how many of us actually realize the efforts these three women put into this job. They put in the same hours almost ha the teachers do, and handle all the kids too, for part of the day. So, like the teachers they most do their home chores besides, and on their days off do their washing, shopping, and cleaning also.

Their days, therefore of necessity, are a rushed affair.

Their sponsors all realize this I'm sure, and many outsiders; and still there's someone who is always

standing around to discredit them. It burns me up. Whose gotta "gripe" about it ? Lets give credit where credit is due.

Friday was shopping day in Potomac for me, and it seemed like everyone I met was in an uproarious mood. The funny bug must have bitten most folks, with all the kidding and jokes on each other, all in fun. The printer was about the gloomiest guy I met, trying to rush his paper and job and work both, but he had time for a friendly grin. Another hard working bunch (or pair) of people.

Did you ever -- well pshaw ! Everyone does, have one of those work goes haywire. Wednesday was such a day.Harry had set his head to finish planting the corn that day, and the boys, Pete and John got off late to work. I had the earache, the kids were contrary, I didn't get the washing done till 3 p.m. The planter broke, and Bill found our yearling red heifer deader than a doornail-- how dead can a doornail be?

It looked for awhile like the corn planting was stalled. Finally with some combined efforts, a little

ingenuity, and that good old intestinal fortitude that gets a guy out of a tight spot, the last hill was clicked

in by supper time. Which seemed to make the evening sun go down smiling after all.

"Maw and Paw Kettle" our are new nicknames tacked on us by the soldiers over at the firestation; complimentary evidently ? and befitting because of the hills, the woods, the shack, and all these kids, our varigated livestock, and the informality we extend them on their visits here.

So--Maw and Paw Kettle were Daniville shoppers on Saturday. We also attended an auction sale, till we were "hailed out"--and Bill had to ride in the back seat of that Crosley we acquired of Sid's amid pots and pans, some dishes, a tub, the groceries, a hundred pound sack of potatoes, and various other purchases aquired. In that Crosley ? And me, besides ? Sure thing you know. I made

it. Harry still had elbow room to drive. We've dubbed it Bumble Bee, Honey Bug and Buzz Wagon. Any more suggestions ? I see where a yank gets a letter 36 feet long written on shelf paper by a neighbor of his. One day last winter Eva and I cut off the width of an envelope an a strip of shelf paper about 8 feet long, everyone took a part in writing it, we filled it, folded it accordion style and dispatched it to son Richard. He and his buddies got quite a kick out of it.

Today I received a letter in which he said. "You can start addressing my mail to Sgt. Hoskins from now on, instead of Corporal." OK Sgt. Hoskins it is, then. Sergeant, get me a pail of water !

Dick's address is: Sgt. R.L. Hoskins, VMF-115-MAG 11, Cherry Point, N.C.

In the order of family events comes those nights when the married son and daughter-in-law turn up to donate their infant offspring to "Grandma" for the evening. For compensation they take along a pair of the other kids.

Even so, it makes life worth living until, when the resulting days are a modicum portion of the evenings wild and wooly westerns. Sometimes I wonder ! Indians under the beds, or scalping on another on top (why make the beds up ?). Cowboys stalking the kitchen, paper arrows in the gravy I'm stirring, and cane spears are apt to be sticking thru some article of clothing that made an excellent target on the clothesline, full blown by the wind. Indeed life in the backwoods has it's advantages, at that: plenty of room for self expression.

Talking about your big meals, you all should have been around here last Thursday night. With 17 in all, we enjoyed one of hubb's "chili suppers" we celebrate with on occasions. He came home in the evening, having only a 12-hour shift to work, and Bob Bergner, Jim Foreman and Don Clark of Chanute Field came along. Everyone was hungry, so we dispatched Bob and Pete down to the market.

(To be Continued)

June 8, 1951

(continued from June 1 Issue)

They took the Buzz Buggy for the "makin's". The rest of us "coffeed up" until their return, then we all jumped in opening cans, adding more wood to the cookstove, making more coffee, chopping onions (and wiping eyes), setting out bowls and spoons, while Harry combined the "chili" on the old wood burner. Mixed with the conversation were numerous "tastings" to see if it suited and everyone tasted and argued, more spice was added, stirred and sampled again, and then finally he assembled the stew in the new milk pail, the only available container large enough to hold it, and deposited same in the center of the

table.

Everyone but the small fry ladled out their own, the kids were detailed to second table in the front room.

Well, by this time it was about 9:30 and we ate, and we talked, we ate some more and compared "home states" and visited until someone noted the clock hitting one stroke! Well, it was only 11:30. By that time, John and Kathryn and babies had long since faded from the scene, the rollaway evidently unfolded itself and was loaded to the rim with kids asleep. all at once the coffee, cigarettes and chili just couldn't seem to keep anyone awake and all of us grownups were patting the yawns and batting our eyes

and the boys left--commenting, "How about doing this again sometime, Pop?"

Mr Roller's talk at the eighth Grade Graduation program was a two-fisted and timely speech.

It would be heartening if more speakers were as frank and as simple in their desires to get their facts and their illustrations over to the average listeners.

Usually it is not only over the heads of the graduate, but often over the head of a lot of the audience, as well.

One statement he expressed rather stuck in my mind. He stated that J. Edgar Hoover's theme is "loyalty" and "that without it industry, honesty (and so forth), are without meaning".

Mr Roller added that "you must be loyal to your family, loyal to your community, and loyal to your God."

Frankly I was expecting him to say "you must be loyal to your family, loyal to your community, and loyal to your country". But no, he stated "loyal to your God" instead. After all, that covers everything, including your country.

While listening to him I was thinking that if those boys and girls could only see what the adults there can see, that Mr. Roller's illustration of free men was well exemplified by the men on that platform that night: a musician, a farmer, a lawyer, a teacher, all men whose lives were lived according to their own individual choosing.

Since they've been under his tutorage for the past several years their principal should always be to them an example of a free American. He is a young ex-service man, a family man, a businessman (teaching is a business tho called a profession), a child's man, one that listens to each and every child's self-important tale--a Christian, a leader, a man in the community who not only pushes where needed, but pulls as well. Potomac would be wise to "hang on" to such a man.

Bill and Eva were busy planting tomatoes the day of the high school picnic--and so couldn't go. Ory Britt followed suit two days later and got his plants out. With Kinney's and Tartar's patch maybe we can change our local name to "Tomato Road," at least for this summer. And our grade schoolers didn't picnic--mumps!

Mrs. Berry, Mrs. Parsons and Mrs. Henry were out the other day checking on Eva's trip to Monticello in August. We're all looking forward to that.

Then Mrs. Maxwell called to see how she was progressing on her summer project. With tomato picking, helping out all around at home, sewing and her trip, she'll be busy this summer.

Sundays fishermen were abundant out here in spite of the rain. Some of the ones who stuck it out till evening were Mr. and Mrs. Carol Hopkins and Ed Murray of Chanute Field. They did land two small ones and at least they can say they got to fish.

We, that is, Harry and I, and the six kids from Eva on down, piled into the Buzz Buggy, Sunday afternoon and "buzzed on over to Harry's brother, Fred's place, for a couple of hours. Marshfield, a community we passed through, had had some wind. Trees and big limbs had been dragged off to the side of the road and several trees were blown down around Fred's place late Saturday afternoon.

Fields were all soggy and plenty of rain and hail had accompanied the wind.

Adam certainly enjoyed himself on the eighth grade Chicago trip. Getting in about daybreak, he slept til mid-afternoon. No wonder those kids didn't turn out to practice for their graduation program.

Jun 15, 1951

I'd like to take this occasion to say "thank you" to all you folks who have complimented me on the "Hills of Hawbuck", and especially to the ones who have written to me. I started this for the fun of it, on a cold, old winter day. Later I took the liberty to try and break it off. After a trip or two into town, and receiving several letters "to keep it up", I decided to go ahead since it seems there are some who do enjoy it. Some probably think its silly, and no doubt a few think I'm crazy. Well sometimes I wonder !

Harry and his father and I were over to Pence, Ind. on Tuesday last spending several hours with Uncle Bill and Aunt Relly Hoskins, their son Frank and his wife Hazel. From there we drove down to Freddie Hoskins for supper, and helped him break in a new horse to the garden plow. After all our expectations of some kind of fireworks, our hopes all fell flat. The horse just simply atook ahold like an old hand at the game.

At a sale recently I struck up a conversation with a very nice old lady, carrying a spray of shasha daisies and bachelor buttons in her hand, and who was wanting to buy some flower containers. She offered me some flowers if I'd go over to her home. We both began to cast around to find a mutual acquaintance, and it developed that our local restaurateur and wife, Hobe and Louise, had been

neighbors of hers for years, and she was quite enthusiastic over the twins.

The same evening we stopped by to see Arlo and Cille Farrow. Of course we were curious as to the amount of damage sustained by them in a recent fire. The fire started with the wiring in the wall back of built-in kitchen cabinets and burned a sizable hole thru into an enclosed porch. Occurring during the evening, it was promptly squelched by neighborly help. Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Doyle, Rantoul, came over Friday to see their place, and to compare notes for awhile.

In Danville Friday, we met up with Mrs. Enid Sylvester of Alvin. We had a long chat with her and were glad to hear that Roy is fast recovering from that severe heart attack he suffered earlier this spring. Miss Enid (to our kids) will be attending a teacher's summer course

at Terre Haute, Ind.

"News from the Old Home Town" sort of struck a spark or two. We liked the Williams' store at New Smyrna, Fla. and we've never quite realized before how the gladioli market was supplied with those lovely flowers.

June 9 will be quite an occasion in our family hereafter. Saturday was the natal day of Harry Harvey

Hoskins (Pete to everyone), being his 21st birthday. The birthday dinner was postponed until Sunday, due to the arrival of John Stephen Hoskins, six pound, seven once son of John and Kathryn Rogers Hoskins, at Lake View Hospital, Danville. He's Pete's nephew and quite a birthday

present ! I've lived out here in Hawbuck for a number of years and have heard the rest of the family talk about the cliffs of Middlefork. Well Sunday, Harry took me over to see them. Talk about the Shades of Turkey Run if you want to but at the end of a 15-minute drive from Potomac you will find some scenery right in our own back yard that will equal a lot you see over there.

Pete and Bill decided recently that they wanted a cabin all their own. So the other day they borrowed my wash house, put in a new floor with the help of two boys from Chanute Field, furnished it by borrowing bedsprings, chairs, and a dresser and bedding of Mom, and moved in.

If this keeps up the Hoskins family will have quite a settlement down among these here hills.

Jesse Stone and Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Emerson were out our way one day this week.

June 22, 1951