Memories of my Father by Clytia Lilly McCabe
My memories really start in Del Norte, Colorado in 1931-32. We lived in a large two-story house, heated by a wood cookstove ans a cast iron heater.
I loved that winter. I am sure it was a real trial for Mom and Dad, financially now as I am older, but we always seemed to have all the necessities.
I loved to visit out at Uncle Willard’s and aunt Beth’s farm. I was always a little in awe of my "rich" Aunt Maude. I did love the shelter and play house under her weeping willow tree, and Uncle John always found a piece of candy for us when we visited his store.
(General Merchandise, I believe ). We, Irene and I, attended the Presbyterian Church with Aunt Maude, or at least at her invitation. We enjoyed it.
Also that winter I would read "Bible Stories for Children" , by the light of a coal oil lamp, each nigh as we snuggled under the covers. This was the beginning of my desire to know about God and to be near those who were him.
I was baptized by two Mormon Missionaries traveling through Del Norte. Some how my membership was never recorded, so I had to be baptized when in High School to establish my membership.
I think what we all liked best about that winter was Uncle Walt and other of Daddy’s relation would come and reminisce and sing old folk songs like, "The Preacher and the Bear"
We had our first radio, it had three dials, and was so hard to tune in that Daddy was the only one who could get it clear.
As it was still depression days and work was impossible. I’ve often wondered how we managed at all and I appreciate Mom, Dad, and Oren for their perseverance. I included Oren, for any money he made he gave to the folks for the family.
Abe Johnson let us live in his rent house on the left side of the lake. Daddy also share cropped his farm about seven miles northeast of Lakeside. It was a hard way to support eight children but it was rewarding. We loved the farm life and the soil was rich. It had a natural spring on it, and even the extra dry months always had the sweetest, coldest water. We carried water to the garden plants by buckets from the spring. The field crops were dry farmed. Anyone ever having lived in Arizona, knows what a gamble this was. We were blessed however and raised enough oats, potatoes, etc. for ourselves, a share going to Abe Johnson, for his land and some to sell for cash.
Mom did a lot of nursing during these years. At times like the diphtheria epidemic, being quarantined in with the families she was caring for. She was a registered Midwife as well and always had her "bag" ready to go. Her bag consisted of sterile gauze and other first aid articles plus rubber sheet to protect the bed during childbirth.
Daddy was a genius when it came to fixing broken objects and making something work, whether it was a car, a washer or a child’s toy. He was especially adept at whittling. On the farm he always kept R. G., Max and I supplied with willow whistles.
Over the years he acquired several horses, including his work team, Granny and Button, and a nice heard of milk cattle. We also would have hogs to butcher and chickens for eggs and meat.
Gradually the times got better and working positions were available. During this time my older brothers and sisters married leaving only R.G., Max and me at home for the next few years. I will ever treasure the summers on the farm in the railroad tie house, Daddy had built for us there. He also had built a frost proof building with double walls of railroad ties with sawdust in between, for his ‘root cellar’. The potatoes and apples would keep nearly a year in this building.
Daddy went back to work for Southwest Lumber Company and turned the farm back to "Uncle" Abe Johnson. In the meantime he had bought a couple or so acres below our living quarter’s and had gathered railroad ties and built us a nice home consisting of two big rooms at first. He gradually added on to these rooms until we had a nice warm home, plastered inside and out.
Peggy and Doreen were born during my high school days. The older children said they were more like my children than their sister’s. I can see why, because Mom’s nursing was more in demand than ever and I baby sit continuously. It was the rule all older children took for granted, to tend their younger brothers and sisters, so I never felt I was doing anything special.
Daddy started having x-ray treatments on his face for skin cancer. Mom’s blood pressure was a real danger signal. They was advised by their Doctor to go to a lower climate. Back to Safford was the natural move. This is where they had grown up and married. Many of their friends in the mountains wondered why they were buried down in Safford, but they don’t understand they were at home there, too and had memories, friends, and relatives there.
Mom battled her high blood pressure until her death, but was permitted to lead a fairly active, normal life until the end.
How ever Daddy was not so fortunate. The skin cancer continued and then it was throughout his body. He suffered many months before he was permitted the ease of pain for which he begged.
I am thankful for my parents who set a wonderful example, especially of hard work and honesty. Cheerfulness was a part of each of them. I am truly thankful Daddy was baptized, and received the priesthood, and took Mom to the temple before his death. Mom was lonesome without him, but thanks to many good friends and relatives she was never completely alone her remaining years.
By Clytia Lilly McCabe (Daughter)
Please feel free to contact Delbert Adair Jr. at the following address: dtadair@att.net
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