All posts by Shanna Vicker

About Shanna Vicker

I was lucky enough to be a part of my Grandmother Elizabeth Carsey's last 40 years. We played countless card games, read books, played dress-up and many other games at her house. My family spent almost every holiday with her and Grandpa (until his death in 1985.) She was loved by the entire neighborhood and was often referred to as the Neighborhood Grandma. I held a special pride in the fact that I could call her mine! Through her simplicity, she taught me the basics of life and the things which make you happy. Love your family, your church and music. The only thing worth crying over is beautiful music. And above all else, approach life with a sense of humor. I have done my best to live up to her expectations and pass those lessons onto my children.

Sunday August 26, 1934

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(no entry)  We know she is spending time with family in El Paso and preparing for the move to Roswell for her second teaching job.

Here’s what else was happening 80-years-ago today:

The biggest boxing event ever staged in Germany was held in Hamburg, as 90,000 fans watched former champion Max Schmeling begin his bid for a comeback by knocking out Walter Neusel in the ninth round

 

A little note about things to look forward to. You will never believe who Carsey pal’s around with and she finds a doppelganger!

1914
1914

Music was a big part of her life. Being a minister’s child the Lancaster’s were always surrounded by music. Elizabeth was fabulous on both the piano and the organ. She grew up playing during service while her father preached. After she retired, she offered piano lessons out of her home and left a lasting memory on her students. It was this July, on facebook, that I found these comments from a post reminiscing about the neighborhood you grew up in…

neighborhood

 

E.S.V Piano lessons with Mrs. Carsey.

July 19 at 11:19pm · Unlike · 4

J.Z.D Yes, Mrs Carsey. We used to go over for her homemade Popsicles after riding our bikes all day.

July 19 at 11:22pm · Unlike · 1

I thanked them for remembering her….and got this!

E.S.V.  Mrs. Carsey was one of a kind, and I could never forget her. I’m glad I had the privilege of being one of her piano students!

July 20 at 8:18pm · Unlike · 5

G.G. Man me too!

July 20 at 9:17pm · Unlike · 1

B.L.  I remember Mrs. Carsey, she was always a nice lady.

July 20 at 9:19pm · Unlike · 2

W.B.P.  I remember that Mrs Carsey would make me chocolate milk and cinnamon toast after my piano lessons…such a thoughtful and extraordinary lady. Sure miss her.

July 20 at 9:22pm · Unlike · 2

And each December those students became stars!    At Arnold’s request her annual recital would happen during the holidays.   Each student would take turns playing their music, each spectator would be handed have a book of Carol’s and would be expected to sing.    How fun that was – I looked forward to it each year. I’d love to hear from some of those students – ‘er stars – on the experience.

Many of the neighborhood students knew she played the organ, piano and hand bells at her church, but she also volunteered, for years, at the Spanish Methodist Church across town; a place I’m sure she fit in quite well.

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Saturday August 25, 1934

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(no entry) We know she is spending time with family in El Paso and preparing for the move to Roswell,  NM for her second teaching job.

A note about what to expect before the end of the year. A WEDDING!  Yes there will be a wedding before 1935!  Can’t wait to share it with you.
Here’s what else was happening 80-years-ago today:
Coat of arms of Jordan.png
The Coat of arms of Jordan was made the official emblem of the country.
HankWilsonGoudeycard.jpg
Hack Wilson of the Philadelphia Phillies played in his final major league game, getting a 2-RBI base hit as a pinch hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates

In the meantime, here is a little bit about where Elizabeth came from.  Her middle name Whipple is the maiden name of her mother. – Elsie Whipple.

elsie portrait
Elsie Whipple

That was often the tradition in those days – to pass along a maiden name to the first born female.    This was one area she would make a face – she was not fond of Whipple for a middle name.   In fact, after she was married she kept Lancaster rather than Whipple.  Interestingly enough, there is an entire genealogy site dedicated to the Whipple’s.   I just discovered it as I researched the family for this site.   I had heard through the years, that many of the relatives were college educated.   In fact, somewhere there is a photograph of a great-great relation, receiving a diploma  from Brown University in Boston.   That relative was one of only two woman to receive a degree that year- the photo was taken some time in the late 1800′s.   In fact, it was expected that Elizabeth go to college and as the oldest she was also expected to send money to help pay for the younger siblings higher education.    All five earned at least a bachelor degree.   If you venture onto the Whipple website – you will see big names: Susan B. Anthony,   Calvin Coolidge, Franklin D. Roosevelt – believe it or not, there have been three US war ships named Whipple.

USS Whipple
USS Whipple

Notorious things and people connected to such a simple woman.  She would never drop names or boast about those she did not know.  But if you ever attended a “Lunch Bunch” meeting after church on Sunday – you would hear her brag.!   No gossip ever crossed her lips – but detailed explanation of the latest accomplishment of one of her son’s  -and/or     grandchildren was always allowed – and told with that familiar sparkle.    Much like the details she wrote daily in her journal.   I was surprised that she could make a pair of broken glasses or a pillow on a train ride so engaging.   My father tells me she was passionate about writing.   Yep, I think she was!  Thanks grandma for allowing us to go back in time!

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Friday August 24, 1934

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(no entry)   We know she is spending time with family in El Paso and preparing for the move to Roswell, NM for her second teaching job.

A little note about things to look forward to.  Stay tuned to find out when will she hear from Carsey again and who she dates while she waits?

Here’s what else was happening 80-years-ago today:

Haile Selassie (1969).jpgEthiopian Emperor Haile Selassie ordered civilians to leave Addis Ababa and disperse across the country in order to reduce casualties from the anticipated aerial bombardment by Italian planes.

 

The Agricultural Adjustment Act Amendment was enacted in the United States.

The funeral of Brigadier General W.O. Dodds takes place in Montreal.

 

grandmaIn the meantime, I thought I’d tell you a little about the grandmother I knew. You can tell by her journal she was very articulate and intelligent. She was also the most positive person I’ve ever met. She is someone you would always want to be around simple because she was happy.   ( That’s probably why Carsey waited a half hour for her that last night in Mexico – she was as contagious as her writing!)   Even when she lost the use of both her legs and was confined to a wheel chair – her eyes sparkled as she spoke and she never complained.  I think being around her was like being around a baby.  It was just a happy, pleasant and positive experience – you always wanted more.  She loved flowers, colors and most of all music. If you came into her little red house with the green living room and found her crying…you would also find some sort of music playing on the record player.

from:TomandJerry.com
from:TomandJerry.com

She even liked to watch Tom and Jerry cartoons with us grandchildren – go back and check – they play classical music during the chase!  My goal has always been to strive to be as happy as my grandmother.  She did not seem to care about the material things in life – just people – and that made everyone she met care about her.

The discovery of the journal is very exciting and eye-opening. I hope you continue to tag along with me on her journey!

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Thursday August 23, 1934

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Decided to get a Pullman at Chihuahua – easier to ride and if the family does not meet me in Juarez, easier to get across. Dad met me in Juarez – and was I glad to see him.

jplandcaster
Rev. JP Lanaster

He looks quite thin! Changed what money I had and met him in El Paso.  Checked bags and went out to see Lockmood”s. Stayed for supper.

El Paso
El Paso

Went to town and got weighed – 118 ½! Lost again – Quite a hot trip.   Left El Paso at 9:00 – got home at 1:25.   Everybody there to meet me!

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Tuesday August 21, 1934

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Packed and did a washing.  Got cigarette case for Fay’s brother,  a magazine in the National Theatre,  two pieces of music and a map of Mexico.   Looked for a dictionary but didn’t find one for less than 9.50 pesos that I’d have.  Found out that Fay and Carsey were right in that Peatones means pedistrians – train stationMr. and Mrs. Ruiz took me to the train but did not buy tickets to Tacuba.  Ho!   However Mrs. Davis and Ethelyn were at the train and put me on – Got sleepy soon after we started and got a rubber pillow – Took off my glasses and broke them again – They were rose-colored (comparatively).   Maybe that means something –
Anyway it has been a grand summer.   None better – Ruiz’s invited me back whenever I come – They surely are lovely people.     lonely Lonely today in Mexico sin mis companeros! (without my companions!)
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Monday August 20, 1934

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 bid farewell
Went to the National Library in the morning.   Saw new books,  old books, big books, little books, thousands of them. Some entirely of parchment, written in Latin by hand or with hand press. Saw a Polyglok?   Bible in seven languages: Sanskrit, Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, Latin, and others – Went to the National Museum, saw chessmen, jewelry, carriages, and arms – Ate lunch at the Mitla.milta god
The interior is covered entirely with native Mexican things from the South:  straw matting on chairs and walls, jicaras for lamp shades, zarapes, small straw hats, Milta Gods, loudly painted flowers on black chairs and tables (a la Jicara)and waitresses in costume.  Good dinner – it started to rain so we just sat and talked until it was over – Walked to the Regis and met Dignomitty who invited us to coffee.  Carsey had shown me a copy of Dignomitty’s papers and they joked about it.
Went to supper at Danis.   Had waffles but strangely enough, I wasn’t hungry.  They gave me a polvera*  for Mrs. Ballard.   Met Carsey about 9:45 when it should have been 9:15!   But he was at the corner waiting.  Bless his heart!
Zona Rosa aka "Red Light District"
Zona Rosa aka “Red Light District”

We decided it was too late for a show so went to the Red Light District!   West on Gante,  I believe, is the way to get there.   Saw a cheap fair of some sort n the act of closing for the night but nothing particularly thrilling.   Walked back to the Regis – Had met Dignomitty on the way down the Gante (that man is everywhere) and he had said he’d catch up and show us the District but I did not see him again.  Had chocolate at the Regis Drug Store and came home by tren.   Walked by Mrs. Joublaile’s where they were having a fiesta but could see nothing – Bought a taco on Tacubaya carline – When I mentioned how clean the man’s apron was on which he wiped his knife, a policeman heard us and laughed!   You never can tell who is going to understand English in this place.

After a while we bid each other fond farewell – about 2:30 AM!   He leaves at 8 for Monterrey.   Will stay there a day before going on to Dallas!   I leave 12 hours later for El Paso!   Another dream over?
*spanish dictionary
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Sunday August 19, 1934

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Slept until 11:30.   Ate dinner at 2.   Wrote home and to Miss Cowan!

floating garden
Xochimilco

Decided to go to Xochimilco in the afternoon.  Bought some bananas, tangerines, peanuts, and tacos.   Nice night but cloudy – Ate Supper (?) and almost thought there was a moon.  Stayed at the halfway place to listen the orchestra music.   It started to sprinkle so we told the boatman to take us home.

Xochimilco
Xochimilco

Before we got back we had moved several times to avoid leaks in the roof but it was no use.   So we just proceeded to get soaked!   Went to the landing and waited a bit before starting for the street car.   It had rained so much that the streets were rivers.

Carsey carried me across one street and I got no wetter than I had been – We bought a taco each at the “portal” and could have eaten another but the “tren” came. They were hot!

"Tren"
“Tren”

The ride to town wasn’t as bad because of the upholstered seats and the fact the doors weren’t often opened on the way.   But from the Zocalo home it wasn’t quite so comfortable.    He finally put on his coat though I don’t see how it could have helped much!

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Saturday August 18, 1934

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Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park

 Walked with Fay through Chalpultepec Park in the morning.   We couldn’t find  anything: animals, aquarium or botanical gardens!  Not even the childrens playground!

Got my hair fixed this afternoon –

train station
Buena Vista Station

Carsey came and helped us get the bags etc to the station – Re-validated her ticket.  Had to buy tickets to Tacuba, second class in order to go out to the train.  That’s the only time I can remember seeing Carsey show the least bit of temper – Can’t blame him, tho.    Davis’ were there, having just seen Alice McDuffey off.   Was raining but after getting her out the train we started for the Regis.

It took a bus, street car and libre* to get us there!   I was somewhat damp in the shoes.   Sat in the balcony until the Don Quixote dinning room opened at 10:30.
tskSaw Minnie Mae McAlister and her Fiance, Mr. Halsbeck (?) (56 years old, she’s 23!)    Earl Dawson and Dignomitty**  at the dance.   Good Music – stayed until it was over – On the way home we wished that the libre would get a flat tire – Instead it ran out of gas but quite close to a filling station. (Grrr!) and we got home soon.   Had left the key at home and I had to wake Mr. Ruiz to get in.   I was certainly embarrassed!
*Taxi
**Can’t make out the name.
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Friday August 17, 1934

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Finished papers and took them to school.  Brought back a carved wood hot plate and tile for Fay.  In the afternoon saw people going into the National Theatre.

National Theatre Mexico City
National Theatre Mexico City
Fay wanted to go so we, after chasing to the Departamento de Educacion finally got permission to go through! The secretary gave us the magic name of Monterde to get us through if by no other means. We didn’t need it.  She was much impressed and I took back the idea that I could not appreciate it so much the third time as the first!  Went home to find that Elena had deaath holiday12not brought Fays washing back so she decided not to leave Mexico until tomorrow night – Went to the show with Carsey and me to see “Death Takes a Holiday” 
Very Good but we wished we had seen this one last night and “Casa de Rothschild” tonight – the latter was better.  Saw Rothschild Fils Paris on a carriage wheel in the comment of Churubusco!
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