1 Memories

Memories from Annette Hise

A Memory from Annette Hise

I was only 10 years old when Grandma and Grandpa Gallaway left the farm in Orange Grove to move to Wharton but I have vivid memories of staying there.  When I stayed there early on without my parents I had periods of homesickness.  One summer when Faye and I were there--we could have been 5 and 7--we grew so homesick we cried.  We did not want Grandma and Grandpa to see us so we hid behind the refrigerator in the living room.  (They had limited electricity at that time.)  I grew to love spending time there, especially by myself, away from being one of five children!  I also got to spend time with the Gregorcyk and Younts cousins.  And, I had Grandma and Grandpa to myself at times.  I felt special.

I remember at least one time Grandma sent me out to gather the eggs.  This was a big deal.  Chickens and eggs were always part of Grandma's work.  They were not only part of the family food source, but at least early on extras were sold.  I had collected eggs that morning and I do not know how it happened but one rolled out of the barket--I was probably skipping along.  Remember, I was under ten years old, and of course proud of my accomplishment!  Of course the egg broke.  I do not remember what I did with the egg nor whether I told Grandma.  I am pretty sure I would have been afraid of telling her.

Another fond memory is going with Grandpa to make a grain delivery.  I do not remember his ever taking us kids into town when he went in to leave Grandma's shopping list; so, when he asked me to go on the grain delivery trip I felt really special.  I do not remember where we went.  One of the things I remember most is that we stopped on the way back to the farm and ate.  I am pretty sure we ate hamburgers.  I vaguely remember he knew this place.  It is the only time I ever remember eating out when visiting Orange Grove.  It made the day even more of a treat.  Even my own family rarely ate out.  I fell asleep on the way back to the farm.