What My Grandparents Were Like

What a wonderful question. Sadly, I learned from them by observation, or stories I heard from one of their children. This generation did not communicate the details of their lives; they just lived it the best they could.

These two couples had varied backgrounds, but because they lived through the depression, wars, and famine, they took a similar path. All four moved to Southern California during a time of hardship.

Papa Reece and Grandma

Ruth Jackson-Reece and Paul Reece were raised in Iowa and in the Quaker tradition. They both attended college for a time. Grandma studied homemaking, which served her well. I never knew the details of Papa's stay in college except that he sang in the men's choir.

Because of financial hardship, Papa migrated with their oldest son, Steve, to Southern California to be with other family already living there. After arriving in California, Papa took up painting as a trade; Steve (Dad) was Papa's apprentice. When enough money was earned, Grandma made the trip with kids in tow. They all stayed with Ruth's mother, known as Grandma Jackson.

Ruth and Paul had four children: Steven, Keith, Willard, and Shirley. All were university graduates, but Dad. Grandma and Papa took a loan on their house so my Aunt Shirley could finish her graduate courses. I think that was a remarkable thing to do for a daughter, at the time.

I did not stay with Grandma and Papa very often. But when I did, Grandma would fix the meals (I had fried rabbit for dinner for the first time there), and Papa and I would play cards. He taught me pinochle and we played for hours.

Although I did not spend much time at their house, I would see Papa at our house a lot. He was the one with the contractor's license and was the founder of Lewis-Reece Painting Company. The home office was at our house. Papa Reece painted with the men, Papa Delbert managed the office, and my Dad managed the jobs and men.

A fun side fact about Papa Reece was that he bet on horses. He would go to the shop early in the morning and look over the racing schedule for the day. He would place his bets with a local bookie. No one spoke of this in front of Grandma.

Grandma suffered from clinical depression, but she loved her activities with friends at the First Methodist Church in Huntington Park. She would walk, or Papa would drive her there, because she did not have a driver's license. On Sundays, Papa would drop her off at church; he never attended with her. After church, Papa would pick her up and take her for a Sunday drive and have a meal out at a restaurant. I loved that they had Sunday dates.

Papa Delbert and Nana

Margaret Staley-Lewis and Delbert were raised in Oregon and Idaho, in the Mormon tradition. They too migrated to Southern California to find jobs and be near family. Nana became a short-order cook and Papa worked as a butcher; he also took painting jobs.

They had two children, Richard and Dorothy. Richard got married, had a son, and became a sailor in WWII. His ship was bombed and sank, killing all onboard.

Mom and Dad met at Huntington Park High School. The school was destroyed in the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. They never finished high school because they got married. Mom was 16 and Dad 18 when they got married. Mom was pregnant, but the baby boy was stillborn.

I spent the most time with Nana and Papa. I loved going to their house. Nana taught me how and when to plant flowers, prune roses, grow plants from stalk cuttings, pick raspberries and tree fruit. She also showed me how to crochet; I wasn't a fan of that skill. When Nana cleaned house, I got to be her helper, usually dusting duties. She also showed me how to can fruit and vegetables.

Christmas Eve dinner at Nana and Papa's house was magical. Nana would fix a huge turkey dinner with all the fixings; we even had Nana's canned spiced peaches, and mashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows browned on top. Just as the dishes were being cleared from the table, the doorbell would ring. I was sent to the front door to see who was there; instead of a person, there would be a huge box (taller than me!), filled with Christmas presents. But who delivered them? It wasn't any of us, we were all together. I was not told how the box of presents magically appeared at their front door until I was much older. This was a very fun childhood memory.

As a child, Nana and Papa also took me on trips. We went to Death Valley to see Scotty's Castle, and stayed at the Death Valley Lodge. Also, they took me on a three-week trip that included Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. It was a memory-filled trip.

For a time they raised their grandson Dick after Dick's mom died of a seizure; he was an orphan at twelve. Later, when I was in need, I lived with them as well. They were very welcoming even when it was difficult for them.

In conclusion, I remember how Grandma and Papa were steady in life, and their later years together appeared pleasant. I know there were troubles, but from my point of view they loved and cared for each other well.

Nana and Papa had more difficulties, but were always ready to help in time of need.

I loved each one and I am forever grateful for their influence, and the love they showed me.

I have more information about Nana and Papa, but I will not include it here. Ask me about it sometime if you are interested.