| Nordheim always had a Mayfest. My Mama
and Papa had the kitchen. (Today they
are called concession stands.) They always made a lot of sausage,
potato
salad, pickles, bread and coffee and sold this at the Mayfest. The covered wagon was loaded with the food, bedding, for the kids to sleep on as this was an overnight affair. My parents had to clean up after. I was not old enough to dance yet, so Mama always put me, Eddie, and Perry to bed in the wagon. The next morning we kids would hunt for money.... we always found nickels and dimes. We even got to keep it. There was also someone at these Mayfests that sold beer, but no hard liquor. |
| When I was about ten, Papa sold the farm in
Nordheim, and bought another farm in
Runge.... About this time Dad heard rumors that new land was being
opened and sold at Church, Texas (now known as
Woodsboro in Refugio County). The rumor
was that oranges were growing wild everywhere, and the land was selling
for eight to twelve dollars an acre. So once again my Dad decided to sell out and move. Before leaving he built a wood platform outside and held a dance and beer bust. We danced by accordion music.... a fittin’ farewell. In those days dances were held in people’s homes, and we often walked three miles by lantern light to attend a dance. I was the youngest girl and always tagged along. I even got to dance with the grown-ups sometimes. The music was always accordion. |
| Papa had gone on ahead of the move and built
a house on a half section of land
that he had bought. When he came back we were ready to move. The house- hold furniture and the chickens were sent by train; the livestock was driven by men on horseback. The rest of the stuff, including the family, were moved by covered wagon. We spent the night in Goliad, Texas. The next morning, early, Papa made coffee and Mama made breakfast outside over an open fire. Then we were on our way. We got into Church about dusk, the livestock were corralled in Refugio. Papa used a lantern to lead the horses and wagon through the brush (no roads yet) to the house. We lit lamps and laid down pallets on the floor where we slept the first night. |
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