Life History of Heidi MacDuff

Previous/Next

Dedicated To Main Page Life History Project

1. Tell about your favorite uncle.

...this is hard one. I can think of something special I liked about each uncle. I have always looked up to Uncle Phil and I think that is because my mom did and the rest of the family. I think of knowledge, understanding and caring when I think of him. Uncle Billy is fun loving and unique. I know he liked me, he was always quite the public relations man. Uncle Tunk and I used to bowl on a league together. He was fun to be with...always looking for laughter. Uncle Woody always was caring and loving to me, even though he could get a bit obnoxious. Uncle Don Goodrich always made me feel special and important.

2. What changes have you seen in technology? (Indoor plumbing, water, telephones, computers, cars, etc.)

Now the plumbing thing and technology....I can clearly remember using the outhouse in the garage at great grandma’s house. Now on a day like today (-10 degrees below zero) it is a wonder the pee didn't freeze on its way out. But as a child I can remember it being so exciting to use the outhouse. Mom would get annoyed and say why don't you just use the pot in grandma’s room? Sometimes that was the better choice and it would be a full pot to say the least. But we never paid much attention; it was the way things were done.

And then to think of running water. Wes and I would fight over who would go out and fetch a pail of water at the pump/well for grandma and Grandpa Harris. This was a very important job. I have to say I treasure the modern conveniences of home. It must have been so hard to live that way. I feel special that we were exposed to that way of life.

3. Tell something you remember about one of your grandparents. (Were they funny, crazy, loving, mean, or special in a certain way.)

In thinking about Grandpa (Marshall) Harris. I can always remember when we visited, he would pick up the newspaper and read an article to us and slide our name into it. He would chuckle as he commented on how we made the newspaper. He would sometimes make up a silly story and pretend he was reading it from the newspaper. We always knew he was kidding around.

I also remember Grandpa would make Grandma buy her own "Photoplay" magazines and cigarettes. He wasn't going to spend his money on that nonsense. I would always feel sorry for Grandma; I felt it was selfish of Grandpa. Especially knowing how hard Grandma worked for the little she was paid.

4. Did you ever have an accident, illness, or an operation? Pick one and tell about it.

I can remember when I was 3 years old and I had to have my tonsil / adenoids out. I can remember my mom taking me to the hospital and the nurse wouldn't let her stay with me. The mean old nurse put me on a huge stretcher and pinched my fingers between the it and the wall. It hurt so bad and the nurse wouldn't listen to me.

In 1997 I was on my way into work, I slipped on black ice in the parking lot...broke my right ankle and tore the ligament. What I remember most is how alone I was in the parking lot and I couldn't walk. There was no one in sight to help me. So I had to scooch myself (my butt) across the parking lot to get to the door that lead inside. I yelled and yelled and yelled for someone to help me....finally someone did and I was whisked away to the hospital in an ambulance. Ended up having surgery after 3 days of pain. I am unable to take most pain killers, so it felt like forever. I still have the plate, screws and pins (hardware) inside. It was the longest and most depressing recovery for me.

5. Tell what your hobbies or interests are. (Do you sing, sew, write, hunt, build things, let us know more about you.)

My number one favorite thing to do is sew. When I was 10 years old Aunt Millie (Harris) taught me how to sew a nightgown and Barbie clothes. I will be forever grateful to her for the patience she had to teach me. I can still hear her saying to me "you can do it" and "you did a great job". I enjoyed the time Aunt Millie spent teaching me and I still enjoy sewing....even though now days there is little time in my life to sew and it is cheaper to buy clothing than make it.

I also write in a journal / diary everyday. I have done this since I was 14 years old.

6. Tell about the changes in television. (Anything you want, earlier shows vs. today's shows, invention of VCR's & DVD's, the sky's the limit.)

I can remember at the age of 3 years watching Lassie. I would get so engrossed watching the show. I can remember crying my heart out for Lassie when she was lost or being hurt. At the age of 3 I could empathize with the animals pain. My mom had to stop me from watching the show, as I would become too emotionally upset. Now I stay away from animal shows they still make me cry. I have to avoid shows that can upset me emotionally. I stick with romantic comedy's or sit coms that are funny.

7. Lets be romantic! - Tell us about your valentine, first love, first crush, or how you were proposed to, or how you proposed to your sweetheart.

I met my husband Bill in 1979, we both were working at First Nat'l Bank at the time. We were married on September 5th, 1981. He is still the love of my life. We have 3 wonderful children and a good marriage.

8. What types of jobs have you had and which did you prefer?

I have worked at grocery stores, card shops, cocktail lounges, a bank and now at a school. I don't mind being a cashier. I am speedy. Right now I work at a Hallmark card shop part time and at a Elementary School. I do clerical / secretarial work and also work with children. I prefer secretarial work, I am very organized and like taking care of others. I like keeping things in order in my work surroundings.

9. Who was your best friend while growing up, or who is your best friend now? Let us know a little about the friends you have had in your life.

My best friend growing up was my neighbor Thelma. My mom babysat for her when we were both 3 years old and we still keep in touch today. I feel I still keep in touch with friends that are special that I have met over the years. I do so by keeping in touch by email or sending cards.

10. Tell us about your favorite Aunt

My favorite is Aunt Gail. She lived with my mom and dad when she was 12 years old. She has always had a special place in my heart. When I was 10 she had me come to her home in Munsey, NY and stay for a week. When I was 12 she had me come to Springfield, NY and stay for a week. She always made sure she planned fun things to do. When Aunt Gail lived in Saratoga I would go down and stay a lot. I have always felt there is a strong bond between us.

Previous/Next