15 May, 2020 - Mom's Book & Family History
Dear, Mom -
This evening, I decided to revisit the book you wrote about our family history. I guess it had been a few years since I had read it as I feel as though I've discovered a lot of things I had forgot. For example, for some reason I though Grandma was a nurse at the Oregon State Hospital, but she was an aid then worked for the central supply. It's so nice to reread and rediscover these things. The one thing I think is great, is that Grandpa Arvo and Uncle Wilhelm worked on the building of the Detroit Dam! I have driven past there with Kim on vacation a few times and never knew that my own kin were part of the historic building of the dam.
It is pretty interesting knowing that Grandpa and Uncle Wilhelm could have been in this picture with this group of people, or here:
Recently, the dam had to be drained to where much of the old Detroit town that was once submerged with water, reappeared. Mainly it was tree stumps, but some things have worked their way to the top layer of mud. Like this old wagon from the turn of the century:
The next time I drive through that area, I am going to stop and look at it with fresh eyes. Now I know it holds some related history for us. The work was important for the family to be able to put food on the table.
You also mentioned when you were young and living in Seattle that you would go to a place called, "Playland". Apparently, built right when the Great Depression hit, the amusement park was a place to "banish jaded nerves, nagging thoughts and worries, and to apply instead wholesome recreation and relaxation'. From the pictures I have seen and the descriptions I have read about the park, with 12 acres there certainly was a lot for people to see and do. Did you ever go on this water ride?
I bet you had a lot of fun going there as a child. I can see why it would be a great place to go when the news of the day was pretty disheartening. I'm glad you had a place like this when you were little.
Well, today I had a pretty average day. I worked with Birgit. I had to take her to the clinic to get her blood drawn and then we came home and I tidied up the house for her while she sat in the sun and read. It was a nice day to be outside, but I must admit I didn't get out in the sun much due to paperwork, problem solving, emailing, and calling. I was so pleased to get a call from YOU and to be able to see your smiling face. Mom, it really made my day. It boosted my spirits to hear from you. You're the best mom EVER!
I am going to keep rereading the book you wrote and will probably talk a bit about it as I write my letters in the future. Was Eino Rouso also Finnish like Grandpa and Uncle Wilhelm? Did his family settle in the Dakotas like ours did? I'm assuming since he married Great Aunt Margaret Ann that this must be correct? There are so many things I guess I still don't know, but cannot wait to learn!
Remember, I LOVE YOU. I will talk to you again on Monday. Until then, BIG HUGS AND BIG SMOOCHES TO YOUCHES! Hahahahaha. With Love, Your Daughter --- Sal
This evening, I decided to revisit the book you wrote about our family history. I guess it had been a few years since I had read it as I feel as though I've discovered a lot of things I had forgot. For example, for some reason I though Grandma was a nurse at the Oregon State Hospital, but she was an aid then worked for the central supply. It's so nice to reread and rediscover these things. The one thing I think is great, is that Grandpa Arvo and Uncle Wilhelm worked on the building of the Detroit Dam! I have driven past there with Kim on vacation a few times and never knew that my own kin were part of the historic building of the dam.
It is pretty interesting knowing that Grandpa and Uncle Wilhelm could have been in this picture with this group of people, or here:
Recently, the dam had to be drained to where much of the old Detroit town that was once submerged with water, reappeared. Mainly it was tree stumps, but some things have worked their way to the top layer of mud. Like this old wagon from the turn of the century:
The next time I drive through that area, I am going to stop and look at it with fresh eyes. Now I know it holds some related history for us. The work was important for the family to be able to put food on the table.
You also mentioned when you were young and living in Seattle that you would go to a place called, "Playland". Apparently, built right when the Great Depression hit, the amusement park was a place to "banish jaded nerves, nagging thoughts and worries, and to apply instead wholesome recreation and relaxation'. From the pictures I have seen and the descriptions I have read about the park, with 12 acres there certainly was a lot for people to see and do. Did you ever go on this water ride?
I bet you had a lot of fun going there as a child. I can see why it would be a great place to go when the news of the day was pretty disheartening. I'm glad you had a place like this when you were little.
Well, today I had a pretty average day. I worked with Birgit. I had to take her to the clinic to get her blood drawn and then we came home and I tidied up the house for her while she sat in the sun and read. It was a nice day to be outside, but I must admit I didn't get out in the sun much due to paperwork, problem solving, emailing, and calling. I was so pleased to get a call from YOU and to be able to see your smiling face. Mom, it really made my day. It boosted my spirits to hear from you. You're the best mom EVER!
I am going to keep rereading the book you wrote and will probably talk a bit about it as I write my letters in the future. Was Eino Rouso also Finnish like Grandpa and Uncle Wilhelm? Did his family settle in the Dakotas like ours did? I'm assuming since he married Great Aunt Margaret Ann that this must be correct? There are so many things I guess I still don't know, but cannot wait to learn!
Remember, I LOVE YOU. I will talk to you again on Monday. Until then, BIG HUGS AND BIG SMOOCHES TO YOUCHES! Hahahahaha. With Love, Your Daughter --- Sal
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