Memories from James White

November 6, 04

Dear Aunt Myrtle,

Thank you for your letter of October 6, 2004, in regard to grand children and their memories of Grandfather and Grandmother Houston. You are correct, I remember very little of Grandfather Houston, but that is not the case with Grandmother. My thoughts of Grandmother Houston and the "Ole Place" are many and all good. I am not sure where to start, but I will just jump in and say what pops up and hope it comes out in a presentable manner. She was a very special lady, a real "pioneer", who exerted a most significant, positive influence upon my life.

My first memories of her is that she made a real effort to give every grand child a gift at Christmas. It amazed me how she was able to do that as she aged. The most cherished gift was a glass tea pitcher she gave to Donna and me. We used it often for several years and I remember the day it was dropped and shattered beyond repair. Donna and I lost something very special that day, but the memory is still there and the meaning. She was certainly a giving person.

Since we usually were there only on special occasions, the crowds were big and it required her to spend much time in the kitchen and that area of the house. Therefore, many of my memories are associated with Grandmother and her outstanding ability to cook and serve meals.

I loved to sit in her kitchen and watch her prepare a meal on the old Home Comfort stove. From the wood cut just the right size, to the big black baking pan full of biscuits or sweet potatoes, the images remain engraved in my mind and soul. I am still able to hear her closing that big, heavy oven door. It often made a loud clang but it sounded good to me. I can still see her making those big "cathead" biscuits with flour all over the counter top of the chest my Grandfather White had built. The old coffee pot, and how she poured water through the coffee grounds with care, just at the right time. I can remember thinking how that piece of cloth holding the grounds was sure stained and wondering when she was going to replace it with a new one. I remember the times we brought in cleaned rabbits and she would place them is salt water to soak overnight on that same counter top.

Her trips to the smokehouse for a slab of bacon. That place was "off-limits" to us and it always caught my attention, with the meat hanging in there and the really good odors.

Breakfast was often a special time, especially when I would walk in and see all those biscuits, fried rabbit, "possum gravy", eggs, coffee, and a fire in the fireplace. I guess in the winter, that was the warmest" place in the house, and it was a good feeling. To me, she always seemed happy to prepare and serve meals and took great pride in her culinary accomplishments. I also remember standing in front of the pie safe, but knew better than to open the door for a little sample. Her hard tack cookies were really good and I can remember wondering how she was able to do that.

I believe Grandmother, along with my parents, gave me much of my attitude toward hard work and endurance. From my vantage point, she had a wonderful work ethic, and the work challenges presented to her were never ignored. One day I saw her pick up a bale of hay and walk to a distant location for the purpose of feeding cows. Although she lived many of the last years at the "Ole Place" alone, her chores seemed to always get done. She even seemed to be a central figure during the scalding of hogs, butchering, and rendering. I am able to remember only one big wash pot, but I'm sure there had to be more than just one. This operation took place out by the well shed.

On another occasion, upon our arrival from Ruston, we learned she recently had been bitten by some type of spider. I recall seeing the swollen, discolored area and seeing her put some type of liquid on the swelling and continue with her duties. She said, "It won't amount to anything" and it did not stop her from doing what had to be done. To me, she was one tough lady, with a loving heart.

For some odd reason I remember Grandmother and Mother making plans where everybody would sleep and I remember them making all the beds. I guess that was a really important aspect on those special occasions. We always ended up in the "junkroom" or "dungeon" as it was also called. It did not matter to me, because I was having so much fun anyway. For some strange reason I remember her saying, "Oh Verd, come over here for a minute" when they were working together.

And when families would leave to go home, Grandmother would always stand on the front porch and wave good bye. Often she would wave with a wash towel or something white that could be seen from a distance. I would keep my eyes on that towel until it was completely out of sight. I realize now how sad I know it made her feel to see all of us go.

She also was the one who knew how to make popcorn balls. I remember the clan sitting around in the kitchen and her serving popcorn balls and how really good they were. Of course, the grown ups had all the seats and us kids would run in and grab a ball then off we would fly to no telling where or what we were up to. On one such occasion, some relative climbed on the roof and drooped a string of firepoppers down the chimney resulting in a mixed reaction by those gathered around. But once again, I do not remember Grandmother throwing a fit over the incident.

Grandmother impressed me with all her knowledge about living and how to survive. I seem to remember her not being too well pleased about the replacement of the Home Comfort stove with a new stove which operated off butane. It seemed to me that the new stove was a much better stove, but I guess she just knew how to cook with the old one and change often does not come easy.

I can only remember one grandparent real well, and that is Grandmother Houston. But oh how she filled in for all the rest. The treasures, the values and the good times she made available to me are numerous, valuable, endurable and greatly cherished. Over the years, time has not etched or faded them. They remain embedded deep within my heart and soul where they shall remain until I take my last breath. I guess one of my biggest regrets is that I did not get to spend more time around this wonderful lady who I am privileged and honored to call, Grandmother Houston. A wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and a guiding light that will shine until we are all together once again.

Aunt Myrtle, I hope I did not leave anything out that was important. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to express in an insufficient manner, my memories of Grandmother.

I trust all is well with you and yours, I remain,

James