Zwaantje and Ruth, about 1913
Evangelical Church, Mendota, Illinois
Notice the horses and buggy
J.L. in Mendota to Grandma in Mt. Pulaski
back of postcard
"August 6. Just about dinner time. I am going to go out in the country this P.M. I looked the town over this A.M. Found some nice places. I guess I'll go to ???? tonight. Yours with Love, J.L.H.
(from a lengthy 1935 letter, from Zwaantje to daughter Ruth, recollecting many past days) "And do you remember, Ruth, when I had your hair up on rags for the Labor Day Parade at Sherrard that you & your daddy were going to see. And when time came to get you ready, you had cut off all the rags, curls and all. They were hanging on the hedge at end of our lawn. You were some sight. We couldn't help but laugh, and every one laughed who saw you--some were cut so close to the head, it made you look so comical. There was no going to see the parade that day. I have some of the curls in a bottle at home, but much faded. We sure had a wonderful experience with you."
It was in Mt. Pulaski where the farmers "paid" Grandpa's salary in produce (often overripe fruit). Grandpa built shelves for some 300 jars of food to live on for the winter. Grandma Zwaantje heard a loud crash in the cellar. When she opened the door, the entire harvest's work of canning jars lay crashed and broken on the floor. Grandma sat and cried. (recollection by granddaughter Janna Hey Dean)
Ruth and Grandma, Mt. Pulaski
Back of Photo: "at Mt Pulaski, Illinois
where Ruth spent her birthday, 1912
Mrs. Fannie Porterf(?) and I
Helen-Ruth. Back Porch.
Ruth is sweet. Hid from sight.
Photo marked "Ruth, 3rd Grade"
(Can't identify Ruth)