LETTERS FROM PAULINE DOETSCH
TO MARY LOUISE DOETSCH
EDITED FOR FAMILY HISTORY

My memory begins at 3414 Tennessee ave. - half block south of Cherokee St. where the car went around the bend, to Gravois Ave. Toward Grand Ave and out west. We were about two blocks east of Grand. Our house sided on a brick alley. Three room frame with a large front porch the width of the house. there was also a large empty lot on the south side which was ours. (later Papa (Henry H. DOETSCH) and others built a single flat there - 3 rooms and bath.) A wooden fence crossed the house and lot which was around 100 ft. in depth. The back yard close to the house was a good size. Down from this yard was a double red shed. Half was used for coal and the other half for chicken roosts and other things. Among them a trapeze which your Dad put up to chin on. It was too high for me to reach, but I jumped at it till I made it - pulled myself up and promptly fell on an upside down chicken water pan on my face, breaking a front tooth slant wise. In front of the shed was about 6 ft. to our fence. From there along the fence was an open shed with doors to the back alley. (in those days people did business with the horse and wagon and housed them in their yards.) Mama (KATHERINE EULER DOETSCH) boarded up part of the front of the shed and had geese in there. I got nosy another time and stepped over into the pen. The gander came up to me and whipped my legs good with his wings (you see I learned some lessons from the ground up).

 Next to the shed was a horse stall (used for wood and odds and ends.) Next to that was the out house at the corner of the two alleys. Between this and the red shed your Dad planted peanuts. We had an old Rhode Island Red called Bautsch, and other laying hens. I remember chopping up hard boiled eggs with mash to feed the little chicks. They were so cute. We also had a billy goat for a pet. He had the run of the yard. You had to be careful never to bend over in his presence or he'd butt you and knock you down. One morning we found him lying in the yard. He'd been poisoned. We had no dogs although papa loved them. On the other hand Grandma Doetsch's (GERTRUDE \\) family always had dogs and cats. Papa went there often taking me along sometimes. We would walk hand in hand through the park - catty cornered and came out close to grandmas. It was said that Papa loved his mother very deeply. he grieved for her very much. He died 1 year and 12 days after she did.

 Some other things that might interest you - a peddler lived across the alley - his wagon had an aisle through the middle, a step on the back so you could step up into the asile and pick out the vegetables and fruit you wanted all fresh. You'd take a pan or basket with you to put them in. Also a rag man came through the alley on a wagon, calling out that he'd buy rags, old clothes, and anything you had to sell. He had a large canvas umbrella to protect him from the sun. Also a man going through singing out "Wash poles to buy - hold your clothes line nice and high" had a pretty good voice too.

 In the winter the snow would reach as high as the 6 ft. fence with drifts. And imagine this, we would clear the snow, to make a path to the out house. When we were able to hang out the wash, it would dry stiff and had to be beat up to put in the basket. Here are some interesting things in our wash routine. We had a wash bench that held 2 washtubs, which we filled with water (by bucket) from faucet. One for the washing (done on a scrub board) one for 1st rinse. A third tub (on a chair or stool) for the blueing water, which bleached the white clothes. We had a copper wash boiler and lid and wash sticks. (Something like a broom handle only a little thicker. About 2 to 3 feet long) the boiler was put on the gas stove. About half filled with water and brought to a boil, soap added. The yellow laundry soap came in solid bars, which we cut like curls with a paring knife. After the soap and water boiled and dissolved we put in the clothes, and let boil until they were clean, stomping them often with the stick. When ready you lifted them out one or two at a time. (Burning your fingers in the process) and put them in the 1st wash tub. There you scrubbed out anything that didn't get clean in the boiler. Of course your knuckles got scrubbed too. We'd put a hand wringer on the tub, and cranked the handle to wring out the clothes, from one tub to the other. At that time collars were separate from the shirt. Collars and shirts starched in a thick jello like mess, made from lump starch which you boiled in water. (Only the cuffs and front of the shirt were starched) Then you could hang out the wash. So you can see the difference in the years. As to ironing - 1st flat irons, heated on the stove, picked up with a pot holder. Later we had a gas iron and finally an electric iron. We had a coal stove in the kitchen with an oven under the coals. In the winter this stove took care of heating, cooking and baking. It also kept the flat irons hot, so at night when your feet were like ice, you'd wrap an iron in a thick newspaper, and put in your bed to warm your feet.

 Speaking of tubs (as I did earlier) they were also our bath tub. Our ice box was about 4 feet high with a lid that tilted back to put the ice into. In the summer we would put newspaper around it to keep longer. It also had one door in the front (no shelves on the door) and 3 or 4 shelves, and a drip pan underneath to catch the melted ice. Ice man delivered every day, you put a card in the window to let the man know how much you wanted, 25 - 50 - 75 -. Ice came in 300 lb. blocks, the man would use an ice pick to cut it down to size wanted. We kids would follow the wagon sometimes and pick up broken pieces to eat. while I'm thinking of it - did your Dad still have his book shelf? He made that on Tenn. Ave. - I remember it standing in back of the front door. Also when we lived on Humphry Ave. near Grand.

 Here is one to remember - the garbage wagon, (made with slant sides) was drawn by two mules. set the garbage out (in short cans or buckets) in the alley. When the wagon was full they'd put a tarp over the top and buckle it down. another thing that sticks in my mind. There were many horses - so sometimes one might die on the street. they had a big red wagon, with a large door in back, which they let down to make a ramp. Near the front there was a crank handle. From inside the wagon they would pull out a long heavy chain. Which they put around the dead horses neck, and crank the handle pulling the horse up into the wagon. Imagine we kids would stand and watch.

 Here are some school happenings. We walked to and from school (6 blocks one way). Came home at noon for lunch (except in bad weather we took a paper bag lunch, sandwich and apple). The school was in the old church building on Utah St. near Grand. Later the new St. Pius church was built on Grand Ave. and Utah St. Fr. Lyons was pastor a long time. We all had a sunday pair of shoes and sunday clothes to go to church. Papa wore a derby hat on sunday, cap during the week. In the summer we had our school picnic. We met at the school, marched parade style with a band, waving small flags and singing, carrying our lunch in a shoe box to Carondelet park. Booths were set up for games and such. There was a lake with canoe riding. If I remember correctly it cost 25 cents to row your own boat. We always looked forward to this event. We both went through St. Pius school and graduated 8th grade. From there your dad went to St. Louis U. High and I went to St. Elizabeth's.

 Here are some things that might interest you. I can still see the Little Sisters of the Poor. Riding in a horse drawn black wagon, going to business places to collect food in their baskets. They also walked house to house to ask for donations. Sometimes they came by the house at lunch time and Mama would fix them something to eat. They were always so sweet.

 Another thing, at night the policeman walking his beat, would bounce his night stick on the sidewalk and let people and kids know he was on the job. Also we had street gas lights. The post made of iron (about 10 ft. high) topped with a frame to hold the globe (open at both ends) and an iron tilt back lid to cover the globe, and the gas mantle. At dusk a man on foot would come around with a long pole (with a hook or something on the end) and reach up and turn on the light. In the morning a man would come around to turn it off. Also a man would come around with a ladder, hook it on to bar at top of post, go up the ladder, take out the globe, come down, wash the globe in his bucket and take back up and replace. Take his ladder to the next post and repeat. About 2 times a month the sprinkling wagon (drawn by 2 mules) went down middle of street and wet down on both sides, then men came along with long handled push brooms and swept along the gutter, Formed piles of stuff, which then were picked up by other men with wagon. Nothing but man and mule power!

 Some nights a man would be on the corner selling homemade Hot Tamales. He carried an apparatus over his shoulders that kept them hot. he sang out in a loud voice "Hot Tamales here, get them good and hot."

 The stores were run by individuals, or family Mom and Pop. Coffee came in big sacks (bean form) which was ground in the store or at home. We had a coffee grinder, a square box with a little pull out drawer in bottom. Put beans in top and grind around with a handle. The drawer caught the ground coffee. You'd hold the box between your knees to grind. Most people (as the Germans) always kept a pot of coffee on back of coal stove. If company came you'd have a Coffee Klatch with bakery goods or homemade stuff.

 Oleo came in a pound block with a color capsule enclosed. Put oleo in a large bowl, put capsule inside block and prick with a fork and mash the oleo around with fork until an even yellow color all through it. Butter (which we did not have) and lard were sold in bulk form. They came in wooden tubs like a half bushel size and kept in refrigeration. A short wooden paddle used to scoop out and put into a wooden tray (boat shaped). Covered with a thin paper, wrapped in light weight butchers paper, and tied with a string. Everything was wrapped and tied at the time. (Today tape is used). Dill pickles stood in a large wooden barrel with a lid. You'd reach in for a pickle with your hand or a long handled fork. (5 cents a pickle). Crackers and cookies were sold by the pound from square tin boxes. Nuts came in 100 lb. sacks in the shell, flour and sugar also came in 100 lb. bags, sold by the pound in paper bags. We ground our own horseradish (which Papa liked). We all had to take our turn grinding, tears running down our faces. if you had a cold that stuff would open up your head wide.

 At the butchers (saw dust on floor) we could get a 5 cent soup bone with meat on it with some sprigs of parsley free. Mama made a great vegetable soup and cut up meat in each plate. papa liked his in plate with horseradish. The butcher also gave the kids a half weiner with purchase.

 At Christmas the neighborhood bakery would give hand painted cake plates, platters or a bowl to their customers. We used our bowl to get vanilla ice cream in it at the drug store. great big scoops. When we had company. More stores gave away Christmas calendars too. our Christmas was quite simple. We had a real tree on top of the front table, with old fashioned ornaments, and lighted candles (3 in. high in all colors) put on the edge of the tree very carefully. This was the only time of the year that we had oranges (great big ones). They were kept in a bowl under the tree. and permeated the whole house. I also can recall the windows covered with a thick frost, we had to scratch openings in the ice to see out. Mama baked vanilla flavored cookies (quarter in. thick) in hearts - rounds - birds - diamond shape. They were put in a wicker basket with a handle. A white table cloth spread in basket and pulled over and around the cookies and put away for Christmas. They kept real good until then.

 Christmas eve we went to midnight mass. I remember walking on the hard snow, and the feet making a crunch sound. It was really cold too. moon and stars shining so beautiful. It was a lovely quiet scene. Stars were so much closer than now. Then dark was really dark, no lights all over the place.

 We hung our stockings on the mantle for santa. We usually got an orange, some cookies and a piece of hard Christmas candy and nuts. At that time clothes And such things were received for gifts. Christmas day we had a turkey with mama's famous onion stuffing. real mashed potatoes and a good gravy and home made cranberry sauce (whole) and home made mince pie with Brandy sauce. Mama also made her own noodles. I remember helping to roll out the dough real thin. Then rolled up like a jelly roll and cut in quarter in. slices. Then lifted them up and separated and spread out to dry. Then we put oleo in skillet with some onions and diced bread croutons and sauteed until bread was light brown and poured over the cooked noodles and mixed lightly. We loved it. Also remember carolers with their beautiful singing going down the street. Nothing can compare with the beauty of those early years, everything natural.

 To change seasons, in the summer mama put up sauerkraut in a large 5 gallon or more crock, covered with a cloth, put a plate upside down on top of cabbage and weighted it down with a brick. Also put up pickled turnips (cut in strips like french fries) in a crock. They were usually cooked with a piece of pork (very good too). Mama also put up jelly and vegetables. I remember helping can tomatoes. After they were cooked and put in tin cans. I put the lids on and then sealed them with red sealing wax to keep air out so they would keep. We had a little thing made of iron with a long handle and a lip. It was about like a cup, in which we melted the wax (which came in flat red sticks) and poured real easy around the lid to seal. We had a fruit closet in the cellar where all put up stuff was stored.

 Before I forget, Papa had a shaving cup with shaving soap in it and a shave brush. He'd whip up the lather in the cup and brush over his face. He had a straight razor he used, and a strop made of leather on one side (to sharpen the razor) and some kind of material on the other side to smooth it down. Then put witch hazel on his face. made him smell good (like todays shaving lotion).

 To get back to the house. When Papa had the single flat built on our lot next door. He also had our house fixed up on the outside. Stucco was put on the house, and a small concrete porch added to the front. The green shutters (which protected the windows from cold and rain) were taken down. They served as today's storm windows. It sure made a difference in looks. we lived in this house until about 1920 or 1921 and then it was all sold and the family moved down to Grandmas house on Salena St.

 The business was taken over by some other people and we gave up the two rooms in back and moved upstairs. We had a small kitchen and small dining room. A small bedroom which was your Dad's. The front room was very large. Mama, Eddie and I slept in there.

 After graduation I took an examination at the public library to become a librarian. I fell flat on my face. The questions were beyond what I had in school. They offered me a job of book shelver. I took it. Would you believe $40.00 a month? after about 6 months or so I had an accident at home. Burned my right arm half way between the wrist and elbow. Doctor said no work for awhile. After 2 months the library notified me they couldn't hold my job any longer. after I was able to go back to work I got a job at an ice cream parlour. Learned how to make sundaes - sodas and sell candy and serve at the tables. It was near a school and after school let out the kids would pile in for sodas and sundaes and stuff. The boss would come in to dip the candy. I never learned that trade - it was too messy for me, sloshing around in that melted chocolate. I enjoyed making the ice cream dishes. But business slowed down, and the boss decided to run the place himself.

 From there I got a job at Laclede Gas Co. downtown as a file clerk. This must have been in 1926 or early in '27. Anyway in '27 brother Oscar announced he was getting married. We moved from Salena St. to a flat in Humphry St. just east of Grand. Living room, dining room, large bedroom on one side, kitchen, a little hall, bathroom and small bedroom next. Hallway to front small bedroom and a stair case out the front. It was a lovely place. As I was at the Gas Co. I was able to furnish the kitchen with a lovely gray stove and refrigerator (at discount). Got a nice table and chairs and a set of dishes (on time). It was real nice. Zika's gave us some antique furniture for the front room. We made out alright. (Mama still had the kitchen outfit when she passed away.)

In November of '27 brother O and Isabelle (MARY ISABELLE SHEAHAN) were married and lived with us for a time. They had the large bedroom. Mama and Eddie took over my room and I got Oscar's room in the front. So there was plenty of room. Some time in early 1928 the newlyweds moved out to a place of their own, and of course we looked for a smaller place to live. After 2 moves we rented a flat on Oregon around by Jake (Jake EULER) and Vic (Victoria ???) Euler. From the Gas Co. I went to work as a helper in a beauty shop. Learned to shampoo hair, helped with the permanent wave machine. At that time hair was put up on spiral rods - and had a cover fit over them, had to be watched very carefully. When ready I took them down and shampooed the hair. Learned also how to finger wave and manicure but not for customers. (No licence) I liked it real well but when a cafeteria opened up in the basement of the building I applied for a job and got it. The checker became manager so I was trained in checking. I was pretty good at adding and learned fast. After awhile I was shown how to relieve the cashiers desk. I really liked the work and place and my meals. Then one of the partner bosses asked me if I would like the cashier's job at a new sandwich shop they were opening on broadway and I think Chestnut. It was across the street from the court house. I learned a lot there too. A cigar case stood at the front door and cash register - I took care of both. much happened there too, to add to my experiences. Then in 1929 I tripped coming down a stair at a new Year's Eve party at a hotel, broke an ankle and was out of work for 6 months.

 In June of 1930 I applied for work at Nugents downtown in the food section. I was sent out to Sears on Kingshighway to see if I could manage the lunch counter. Worked out great. Learned a new thing called perpetual inventory. Had to keep a record of food on stock shelves, how much used each day and what. When you reordered you'd add that to what was on hand. You always knew how much and what you had in stock. It was interesting. It was a nice place to work. One day my boss asked me if I'd be interested in going into partnership in a cafe he found on Washington. I talked it over with a friend and decided to take a chance. Then the boss pulled out (never knew why) and I went ahead with the deal. A Corporation was formed. Don't know if you remember that. Your Dad kept the books for the company. To make a long story short, we couldn't make ends meet so we closed in '32. In '33 I moved away from Mama and Eddie to a house on Idaho Ave. (I think). In '34 my friend from school got married in Indiana and I was bridesmaid. In '35 I moved to Neosho St. west of Kingshighway, and retired from work for a while.

 To get back to the family. Uncle Joe lived in Texas - used to send small sacks of pecans at Christmas. Her brother Edward was killed by lightning while working in the fields. Don't know anything about him, except that Eddie was named after him. Her step-brother William lived in Nebraska. Changed his name to Eiler. He was a farmer. Had several children. You must remember him - he came to St. Louis at Mama's death. (If you were there at the time) never heard from any of them since. About Jake Euler (I am wondering if he could have been Uncle Joe's son.) John and Vic were cousins to us kids. Maybe you could find out from Louise (if you are in touch) about Eddie - he was born blind, had internal problems. As I remember an inverted diaphragm - heart problem, and his body did not mature with his age. I remember in 1932 or so he broke his ankle in the back yard. At the hospital the X-rays showed the bones of a 21 year old and he was 35 or so at the time. He was sent to blind school but things didn't work out, as he was so much bigger and older than the other kids. He also had an eye operation, but that didn't work out either. He spoke very good English and German, and nobody's fool was he. (Even without an education.) Mama took care of him through her life time, accepting all odds, as only a mother could do. At the time of Mama's death the doctor examining Eddie, said he wouldn't live too much longer. He thought he would miss his mother too much, having been together so many years. He died at the Little Sisters in 1947 from heart trouble.

 About Connie and your Dad - you remember hearing of Mrs. Zika ?? she was Connie's Aunt. Your Dad knew Mrs. S. from St. Pius church as altar boy and such. That's how they met and became friends. (I mean Connie.) That's a long time ago - before the '20's. I think in 1923 or so Connie went to rome. He brought your Dad and me a rosary blessed by the Pope. I still use mine every day.

 As for your Dad - he was a very private person. We were not close as to confide in each other. So we both went our separate ways and kept our personal lives to ourselves. I don't know where he met your mother. I was just told he was getting married, and Mama and I were invited. I think mama knew before hand. That's it for now.

 Now Mama was just the opposite. She was a stern and serious person. Not much laughter as I recall. of course when you think of the burden she carried all those years, with Eddie, it's understandable. She was also very religious, went to early mass every day. No matter what the weather, she walked to church many blocks. I suppose that's what kept her going. She enjoyed going to the Sewing Circle at church to do quilting, also liked to play euchre at the church. Won many cut glass items. I think the church, Eddie and your Dad were her whole life.

 As for the name your Dad had for me, it happened like this. We were having supper at Grandma's house - (about 8 or 10 around the table). Must have been a couple of sausages left on the platter, and I timidly asked "Can I have another little Wushie?" Wurst is German for sausage, and I pronounced it wushie. It must have sounded quite funny and from then on I was called by that name. Even in later years when I would visit Uncle Oscar he would bring it up and have a good laugh remembering. One thing about Salena St. Life seemed to be content with what little they had. They ate five times a day. Besides breakfast, dinner and supper - at 10 in the morning they had a light meal of cold cuts, bread, all the condiments needed and a large bucket of beer from the saloon downstairs. At 3 in the afternoon it was coffee and coffee cakes or just bread, butter, and jelly. So you see they enjoyed their life. Those meals went on every day.

 After the plant closed (after the war), I was sent to Burbank (the main plant.) There I worked on a new jet plane (can't remember the name) also did repair work on the B-52. six months after the war I was let go. Didn't have enough seniority. Anyway I wouldn't take a million for the experiences I had and learned. I really hated to leave. Had made many friends at the two plants. In 1946 Aunt Pauline wrote that Mama was ill, and thought I should come home. I did and found mama in sad shape. She seemed glad that I had come. I went to see the priest at St. Anthony's and he came to see her. After seeing her condition he got her into the hospital where they drained her stomach and took care of her until she passed. I gave blood and on the way home on the street car I almost passed out. somebody gave me a seat at the window and I continued on home to Eddie. No phone in the house so Ollie took messages from the hospital and when they called that she was dying Ollie took me out there. Oscar and I were with her at the last. After the funeral I came back to California to close up my room and pack my trunks and take care of some business things. Went back to St. Louis and looked after Eddie.

 In June of 1947 I came back to California on some business. While here was in a car accident. Was in a rest home for a month and walked with crutches for 2 weeks more. When the doctor said I could go home, got word that Eddie had died. Went back for the funeral and closed up the house. Came back to California in Nov. 1947. Got a room at the Trent Hotel just south of 6th st. then in 1948 finally found an apartment on Union Ave. where I lived for 13 years.

 In 1949 went on a tour to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and had a wonderful time. The train was backed into the station and served as our hotel. Went on several bus tours to places of interest. I'll never forget coming back to the train, we stopped at an outdoor donut shop. They served Cafe Au-lait, and the best homemade donuts I'd ever tasted. Donuts are made right there in front of you. The parade itself was very exciting. Also stopped in biloxi, miss. For a dinner at the hotel, also a chuck wagon dinner in Texas and a bus trip into Mexico. Also had side trips on the way back. It was great.

 In 1954 I got the bug to work again. I applied at the Calif hospital and at McFarlands Candy Co. down the street from me. The next day the hospital called to come in to work. it was as a counterwoman in the employee's cafeteria. Student nurses also ate in there. They had a hotel up the street from the hospital where they lived. After two weeks I was asked if I would wait on the faculty dining room. Met all the administrators of the hospital. They were very lovely people. Made good friends with some of them. Always remembered me at Christmas. They only ate in there at lunch time so I had other chores too. like salad woman, steam table dish up, dessert station, ice cream station and coffee and tea dispenser. When I worked the steam table I got up at 4:30am catch the 5:05 street car and opened up at 6am. at the grill, fried eggs, french toast, hot cakes, also had soft boiled eggs, bacon and scrambled eggs came from the kitchen downstairs, also hot cake and waffle batters. Some of these things were for special different days of the week, like the waffles and hot cakes, french toast. Once a week at noon we'd have grilled cheese sandwiches. Also worked breakfast and dinner parties for the doctors. On those dinner party days, my hours were different, 11am till late at night. Worked many times on Sunday.

 I also worked as checker and cashier. When the manager was put in the hospital with a heart problem, I was given the job temporaily. Kept the time cards, made out the schedules for the staff of about 12 or more. I loved it, so diverse, never a dull moment. I could write a book on my job at the hospital. I wish I had been younger, I really would have liked to stay longer. Later the job in cashier's office was offered to me by the administrator himself. I turned it down. My legs were giving me trouble, being on my feet and all the walking I did. After my operation in 1955 (kidney removal) I was tired at times. Thought I better leave. So in Sep. 1960 I resigned. They gave me a party and sunbeam drip coffee maker which I still have after 25 years. Brings back a lot of good memories. That's enough for now.
 

 Now to finish my story. In 1962 I found this house on Cloverdale, which was for sale. After some dickering back and forth I bought it. My Real Estate agent handled things for me. Moved in here in May 1962 and have been here ever since, me and my three dogs. Started out with a German sheperd (Spot 1) added a Spitz (Pup) after a year to be company for each other. What  dogs they turned out to be. I felt so safe. After 10 years Spot 1 died of an enlarged heart. I was sick. Little Pup missed him too. So again I took a trip to the SPCA and found a cute little Sheperd puppy (Spot 2). She turned out to be a rough character. (Must of had an alley ancestor) In 1975 little Pup died of liver trouble and arthritis. He became helpless. Had him put to sleep (which tore me up), but it was for the best. In 1980 I started having heart problems and high blood pressure again, and was in the hospital for 3 days for test. Spot 2 stayed at the Vets hospital till I came back.

 After he came home he was harder to handle than ever. In July 1980 he seemed to go berserk. Took him to the Vet. Driving with one hand and holding down his chain with the other so he couldn't get to me. I'll never forget that drive. Vet said nothing to do but put him to sleep, which again was a tough thing to go through. Had him cremated and buried his ashes next to the other two, in the rose garden, behind the garage. I made up my mind then that I would never get another dog or any other kind of pet. When I lived in St. Louis I gave up 3 dogs too. No more. And that is the end of my saga.

 Sorry I was not able to relate more of your fathers early life. So be it.