I think we last envisioned Grandma Ella sailing from London in steerage; falling so ill as to be unable to care for her three little ones, over many weeks; disembarking at Ellis Island in a weakened state with her hands full—literally—as she'd held my mother in her arms while disciplining my restless uncles, Allen and Jerry, who were just tots, themselves. The fact that my mom had been a babe in arms at this time suggests that they'd arrived in the new world circa 1914, six years before Dad.
As to Grandpa Harold, who'd earned his keep as a tailor, he'd eagerly swept his wife, daughter and little sons into his arms.
Though I don't know where they'd lived, at first—perhaps, in Grandma's sister, Bertha's apartment—both Mom and Grandma told me stories concerning their early years in America, and needless to say, having absorbed details from both points of view deepened my insight into Mom's development.
Since I can't remember if these details had been published in earlier posts, I'm just going to go with whatever flows out of my think tank, naturally, today.
As already mentioned, Jennie was sandwiched between two older brothers, Allen and Jerry, and two younger boys, Mack and Larry (born in the same Midwest metropolis where Jack arrived at the age of seven). Allen, being an obedient, harmonious and melodic lad, won Grandma's heart, most especially when her brown eyed, dark haired son proved such a talented violinist that, early on, he'd earned much more than Grandpa. This left the more rebellious seat open for blond, blue eyed Jerry. In fact, if you asked which of my uncles, whom I'd known and loved, had seemed most like Grandma Ella, without hesitation, I'd name Jerry.
Whereas tall, dark, blue eyed, Mack proved movie star handsome as well as athletic, Larry trailed behind his big brothers, seeking attention by cutting up. In fact, photos in family albums show brown eyed, dark haired Larry in poses that never fail to make us laugh. At times when Larry (who upon growing to manhood had followed Mack to the west coast) came to stay at Dad's dream house, his unexpected antics offered a surprise a minute. I remember one family dinner when my uncle, a father of two, excused himself from the table. Next thing I knew, a yipping dog, nipping at my leg, gave me such a start, I jumped right out of my seat to see Uncle Larry, still yipping, peeking out from under the drop of Mom's formal tablecloth. Though Larry's talent as a violinist measured up to Allen's, his self confidence lagged. Whereas Allen had assumed first chair in orchestras of aclaim (Jackie Gleason's orchestra, being one), Larry taught violin to children in schools as well as at his home. I have no doubt those lessons came with many a laugh—but as that's conjecture, perhaps not.
As to Grandpa Harold, well, he was a dapper, genial soul who'd sought peace from all the havoc at home by not showing his face for more than a short time, each day. As his sons, nearing manhood, were involved in music and sports outside of Ella's realm, he'd spent time many an evening carousing with them.
Amidst all of the high jinks accompanying this abundance of energetic testosterone, Jennie learned to keep her thoughts private and her emotions low key, and this proved wise, because above every diverse character trait that made up this strong spirited family of seven stood Grandma Ella, whose word was law—no ifs ands or buts about it.
As to how Jennie fared, growing toward womanhood, in the midst of this strong spirited, tumultuous fray?
Tomorrow is another day :)
As to Grandpa Harold, who'd earned his keep as a tailor, he'd eagerly swept his wife, daughter and little sons into his arms.
Though I don't know where they'd lived, at first—perhaps, in Grandma's sister, Bertha's apartment—both Mom and Grandma told me stories concerning their early years in America, and needless to say, having absorbed details from both points of view deepened my insight into Mom's development.
Since I can't remember if these details had been published in earlier posts, I'm just going to go with whatever flows out of my think tank, naturally, today.
As already mentioned, Jennie was sandwiched between two older brothers, Allen and Jerry, and two younger boys, Mack and Larry (born in the same Midwest metropolis where Jack arrived at the age of seven). Allen, being an obedient, harmonious and melodic lad, won Grandma's heart, most especially when her brown eyed, dark haired son proved such a talented violinist that, early on, he'd earned much more than Grandpa. This left the more rebellious seat open for blond, blue eyed Jerry. In fact, if you asked which of my uncles, whom I'd known and loved, had seemed most like Grandma Ella, without hesitation, I'd name Jerry.
Whereas tall, dark, blue eyed, Mack proved movie star handsome as well as athletic, Larry trailed behind his big brothers, seeking attention by cutting up. In fact, photos in family albums show brown eyed, dark haired Larry in poses that never fail to make us laugh. At times when Larry (who upon growing to manhood had followed Mack to the west coast) came to stay at Dad's dream house, his unexpected antics offered a surprise a minute. I remember one family dinner when my uncle, a father of two, excused himself from the table. Next thing I knew, a yipping dog, nipping at my leg, gave me such a start, I jumped right out of my seat to see Uncle Larry, still yipping, peeking out from under the drop of Mom's formal tablecloth. Though Larry's talent as a violinist measured up to Allen's, his self confidence lagged. Whereas Allen had assumed first chair in orchestras of aclaim (Jackie Gleason's orchestra, being one), Larry taught violin to children in schools as well as at his home. I have no doubt those lessons came with many a laugh—but as that's conjecture, perhaps not.
As to Grandpa Harold, well, he was a dapper, genial soul who'd sought peace from all the havoc at home by not showing his face for more than a short time, each day. As his sons, nearing manhood, were involved in music and sports outside of Ella's realm, he'd spent time many an evening carousing with them.
As to how Jennie fared, growing toward womanhood, in the midst of this strong spirited, tumultuous fray?
Tomorrow is another day :)
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