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A smile and a tear

Oct 14, 2008 10:55PM - 9 comments

As long as Swampy is journalling about family photos, here is one that makes him smile.

Two men in front of a row of canned goods. On the left is Uncle Leon. He is still alive at the age of 91. On the right is Swampy's grandfather. Swampy and his grandfather have the same first name, and look very much the same. But Swampy's grandfather had an intense kindness that is impossible to describe. He was smart, he knew everything, and there wasn't a adverse situation he couldn't handle.

This picture is taken in a small store -- what we call today a convenience store -- that Swampy's grandfather and his children built. You see, Swampy's grandfather was in charge of food concessions at the local mental institution, but then, probably for reasons of Louisiana politics, he was laid off. Back then, there was no unemployment, there was no welfare. He had children to feed. So he went home, and said to his three sons and two daughters, why don't we build a store...we will gas station, cafe, and store next to the road.

And they did! Swampy's family is good at building things. Those blocks and mortar you see in the picture -- Swampy's grandfather, his dad, and his uncles all built together. The little store and cafe supported the family for a number of years in the early 50s.

After Swampy's grandmother died, the property was sold, and today a Sonic Burger now stands at that spot.


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by MJIthewriter, Oct 14, 2008 11:00PM
That sounds really cool for them to have made their own way and find a way to survive hardships. Sad though that something else now takes that spot.

by Kande, Oct 15, 2008 02:38AM
This takes me back to memories of my grandfather. He started the first moving company in Indiana. He also had two bakery's. The buildings are still standing, but different businesses are there, of course. I have my grandfather's old recipe journal. I also have some of his old cookie presses made out of wood. I display his things in my kitchen and dining area. He had an old copper and brass coffee maker that is just beautiful. I treasure all of his things. Thank's for the entry, I enjoyed the memories it brought back to me of my grandfather.

by TrudieC, Oct 15, 2008 07:21AM
What a wonderful story!  So this is the closest to seeing a picture of Swampy?  Thanks for sharing.



by Happy2girls, Oct 15, 2008 09:04AM
Swampy....you are so blessed to have these photos that you share with us.  They are such treasures.  Both your uncle and your grandfather were handsome men and I must say it's nice to see them smiling.  Often in those older photos the people look almost dour, I guess that it was the custom to pose that way for photos back then.  My Aunts (who never married) live in the same house where my Mother grew up in a quarry town in Western PA.  When I was a kid we visited them every Easter and they had a little Mom and Pop shop right next door.  They sold penny candies and coming from the city I thought that store was the cat's pajamas.  I sure do miss those visits, my folks still go but it's been awhile since I have seen Aunt Annie and Aunt Helen.  Thanks for sharing.        

by swampcritter, Oct 15, 2008 12:03PM
Another story from the store days -- one of those "you can't do that with your kids today" stories...

Swampy's youngest uncle Malcolm was 11 years old when they were running the store. His job was to run the cash down to the bank at the end fo the day. Remember -- it was a cash economy then, no credit cards.

They lived about 8 miles from the bank. Its too dangerous to go by bicycle (even if security were no issue, that road is treacherous), so little Malcolm used to take the family car. Yup, Swampy's grandparents let their 11 year old son drive the car each day for this important errand. Down to the bank he would go, blocks tied to his feet to reach the pedals.

Of the five children in that family, every single one of them got a college degree. The boys got science degrees, the girls got, well, girly degrees as women did not commonly work in that time.

Their work ethic is very strong. In 2004, one of the aunts needed money to pay her property tax. She had moved to Texas from Louisiana, and the tax rules changed. Though in her mid 70s, she marched herself down to Home Depot and got one. She made the money and paid her taxes.

by Happy2girls, Oct 15, 2008 12:32PM
Oh goodness, Swampy!  I have an 11 year old and can't imagine her driving.  This bought a smile to my face.  It was a different time back then. How lucky for you that your family has/had grit, very important.  It's my belief that hard work will get you a lot farther than pure intelligence.  Just a question though....what's a girly degree?        

by AndiJ78, Oct 15, 2008 12:44PM
I have to hide my keys, I live in fear of my 4 year old taking the car...don't laugh, one day I will be on here or you will hear about it on the news.

Great stories, Swampy.

by GNicole, Oct 15, 2008 01:12PM
What a great story.

by lonewolf07, Oct 20, 2008 03:29AM
Swampy - you have an incredible family.  Some of the stories I've heard about my family have been inspirational and I'll bet you feel the same way.  In a culture that really despised Native Indians (at the time) all my relatives worked hard from a young age till they were nearly in their graves.  Some of them used to say they'd sleep when they were dead - and they lived into their 90s with their minds still working.

You share some wonderful memories  = )




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