Happy July 4th to all our readers
By MARIAN HOUSER, Community editorI can remember when the Fourth of July meant sweetened ice tea in tall goblets and some sparklers that we anticipated all day.
I can see us in my mind's eye, running around the yard, swirling the sparklers in patterns only we understood.
If my dad was home, there might even be a trip down to the creek (we called it the crick).
We didn't have cookouts. The only thing we had that resembled today's mainstay of American suburban summers was a wiener roast and those usually were reserved for the fall.
Sometimes we did have some delicious homemade ice cream, and one year I remember my brother-in-law taking us to Pure Milk Dairy in town for ice cream to top homemade peach dumplings. You had to get dry ice to ensure the ice cream didn't melt before we got it home. And I remember that Raymond's choice of strawberry instead of vanilla didn't go as good with the wonderful dumplings, but we savored every bite anyway.
We lived a sheltered life in those days. We didn't have much but we didn't realize it because there weren't many of our neighbors who did. And we were very happy with what was an idyllic life.
I still live out there on Bantam Ridge, although I live further down the road.
I pass my birthplace every time I go home the "front way," and I?remember the days my little brother and I?spent there.
A lot of Fourths have passed since then. We all live a little more sophisticated way of life now. But one thing hasn't changed. Although times are not the best, it still is the best country in the world in which to live.
Have a wonderful day.
Wellsburg OES seats leaders
Wellsburg Chapter No. 23, Order of the Eastern Star, held installation of officers for the year 2008-09, at 7:30 p.m. in the Masonic Temple.
New officers are Bonnie Kerr, worthy matron; Kenneth DeWitt, worthy patron; Elizabeth McCuen, associate matron; John Bowery, associate patron; Ruth Ann Shingleton, secretary; Evelyn Griffin, treasurer; Phyllis Dalton, conductress; Mary Lou Chambers, associate conductress; Sherry Tallman, chaplain; Shirley Mushet, marshal; Jo Ann DeWitt, organist; Maxine Ragan, Adah; Darlene Gerrard, Ruth; Janice Swain, Esther; Betty Rea, Martha; LaVonne Balint, Electa; Robert Parrish, warder; Harold D. Griffin Sr., sentinel.
Installing officers were Annabelle Hayward, Charlene Brown, Bud Brown, Ronald DeWitt, William Mushet, David Chambers.
Ruth Ann Shingleton, Rosemary Berdine and Evelyn Griffin were in charge of the guest book. Decorations for the dining room were by Jane Parrish, Kim Govey, Kim Basil, Devan Basil and Allie Basil were in charge of the reception following the installation.
Guests attended from Wheeling, Bethany, Chester, Steubenville and Shadyside and Scotland.
The new worthy matron and worthy patron were entertained with a program presented by the incoming officers.
Council lists festival activities
Members of the Weirton Area Literacy Council announces its planned activities for Saturday during the Weirton Renaissance Festival. They include a 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. "giant book sale" and a 1 p.m. Scrabble tournament.
A Theme Basket Drawing, a Sand Art Tent and door prizes will be available during the day.
For information, contact Pamela Makricosta, at (304) 797-8510
Toronto Masons to hold breakfast
Toronto Masonic Lodge 583 will hold a breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the corner of Henry and South Third streets, Toronto.
You can e-mail me at community@heraldstaronline.com
