Chapter 6: The Park Falls Years, Part 1
Riding into Park Falls for the first time I felt like I was transported into a fairy tale. The main street was lined on both sides with majestic elm trees in full dark green leafy elegance. The weather was mild and sunny. We turned off the highway onto a street with large solid houses dotted with flowers and trees.
Riding into Park Falls for the first time I felt like I was transported into a fairy tale. The main street was lined on both sides with majestic elm trees in full dark green leafy elegance. The weather was mild and sunny. We turned off the highway onto a street with large solid houses dotted with flowers and trees.
The town was small, quiet and clean, unlike the noisy, unkempt streets of our house in Indianapolis. Throughout the summer I spent time here with Aunt Emma and Uncle Jack.
When time came for mom and us kids to travel back to Indianapolis Aunt Emma invited me to stay and live with them.
My reaction was immediate....Sure! In my mind I instinctively knew I would have a safe, clean place to live and someone to care for me. I had nothing to leave behind at home. I was 9 years old. Little did I realize with that invitation and my decision, Park Falls would be my home for the next 58 years minus fragmented 6 years in other locations.
THE HOUSE ON 3RD AVENUE...
The majestic 2 story house with a full basement was a wonder to me. My room was at the top of a large carpeted stairs a few steps from the front door. It had twin beds. I felt safe most of the time but occasionally I would think someone might break into the house and find their way to me. I devised a plan, though, that if that happened I would quickly hide under the bed. I felt safe once again.
Park Falls was a paper mill town. Our house was less than a block away from the wood yards.
Twenty four hours a day men would be working there, hoisting huge logs onto trucks that would transport them to the mill to be processed. Many nights I would drift off to sleep to the rhythm of cranes, and banging chains and wood being dropped onto large truck beds. There was something soothing and secure about that.
(photo: Flambeau Paper Mill wood yard)
Aunt Emma, my dad's sister, had no children of her own. She had opened her home to family members before me. My sister, Paula, was probably living with her the year I traveled north then she decided to return to Indianapolis in the fall.
My current memories tell me Aunt Emma was not a warm, affectionate mother figure, but pictures show me hugging and clinging close to her at that time. She was a meticulous housekeeper whose standards were not much short of perfect, as were her culinary achievements.
She instructed me on how she wanted things done and let me know quite firmly when they were not up to her liking. I was compliant and willing to learn. Today I am grateful for all the skills she taught and instilled in me. They have served me well in raising my 7 children.
She always dressed stylish with her hair, nails and make-up flawless. She loved mink coats and shawls.
(photo: from left...Mom, Aunt Emma, Pop, Grandpa Mike...at a family wedding in Indianapolis while I was still with the Sperry family)
She had a blue parakeet named Skeeter. He was proficient speaking several words and was free to fly around the kitchen. He would sit on the counter and screech, "Skeeter want a kiss. Skeeter want a kiss." and make kissing sounds. I enjoyed him most of the time, except when he would land on my shoulder and peck at my ear. He lived many years. When he died one winter day, Aunt Emma wrapped him up and preserved him in the kitchen freezer until summer when the ground was thawed enough to properly bury him in the back yard.
UNCLE JACK...
Uncle Jack was one of several siblings in a strong, traditional
German family whose parents had "come over from the old country". As time went on I was considered a Kundinger niece and cousin as my life started blending in with theirs. From what I remember Uncle Jack was quite docile. He catered to his wife's desires. (upper photo: Uncle Jack, 4th from the right in the back)
(photo: Uncle Jack and me in Chicago)
I recall enjoyable activities with him, such as walking in the woods on a crisp fall day. I relished the crunch of dry leaves under my feet as he allowed me to follow behind when he went partridge hunting. A few times he took me skiing down a small hill on a Sunday afternoon. Other Sundays we all would attend the polka dance at a local tavern.
He was an electrician. I don't know if he had his own company. When I was in high school he worked out of town somewhere in southern Wisconsin. It was a sad day when I received a call at the boarding school that he had died. The report was that he was suddenly sick from radiation contracted from the work site. (photo: Uncle Jack's work truck and his young son, Joey)
It would be more accurate to refer to the swimming hole. It was a large dammed up area of the Flambeau River that ran through the town and on which the paper mill relied for water and recycling "run off". It was surrounded by man made beach.
I entered 4th grade at St. Anthony's School in 1955. At the time there were probably 6-8 sisters who taught there and lived in a convent next to the school.
(photo: St. Anthony's church and school in one building. The priest rectory to the far right. The wooden framed convent, not shown, was on the left by the tree.)
CHAPTER 7: THE PARK FALLS YEARS...PART 2
I learned in later years that she had suffered several miscarriages. She must have been elated and worried with this pregnancy. I don't recall anything dramatic during these months. That is, up until the night I was sleeping with her and woke to great excitement in the room. I was scooted upstairs to continue the night. Sometime the next day I was told about little Joey's birth. (photo: family...Georgia, Emma, Jack, baby Joey on baptismal day.)
I'm sure I was excited and enjoyed having a baby around. But as time went on I began to feel more like a live-in babysitter and that my role was to assist with his care and housework. Not that I was abused and misused, but I felt I had more than a child's share of responsibility. And I often felt lonely, probably from unconscious memories of fun siblings and parental involvement I had known from the Sperry family.
Not too long after Joey was born Aunt Emma went back to work at a local supper club named Heinies. My baby care responsibilities became more.
Aunt Emma also had a piano and found me a teacher. A lady who was physically handicapped and gave lessons from her upstairs apartment. I took lessons for 2-3 years. Playing piano became my emotional outlet when life seemed overwhelming.
They also supplied me with a bike
which I probably got as an Easter present.
One family had 3 boys. We visited with them often. The oldest was my age. One time when we were at their home we kids were running around playing something. One brother got mad at the other and threw a metal cap gun. He ducked and the gun came flying at me, hitting me between the bridge of my nose and my right eye. Off to the emergency room we went. I don't recall how long it took to recover, but I did.
There was a TV program during these years called West Point. It was my favorite show. They were stories about military cadets who were attending West Point Academy. I was intrigued by the military life style, probably the self discipline and confidence it displayed. I memorized a few phrases they had to learn, though I don't know where I got them. It was my dream to attend there, but girls were not allowed. Even if they were, as they are today, I would not qualify physically. I had a favorite dress, maybe because it came close to being military style. Come Thanksgiving time I devotedly watched the Army/Navy football game to cheer on my cadets.....even though I am not a football fan.
Sometime into my 5th grade year, Aunt Emma and Uncle Jack had a new house built. I felt sad leaving the large, majestic one that had become my home. It was "across the river" and further from school, piano lessons and the skating rink.
THE BRIDGE...
Sometime in the fall of my 7th grade year, I began to yearn to be with my natural family; to get to know them and they me. I don't recall how it all came about but I returned by Greyhound bus to Indianapolis after Christmas for the second semester. My 10 year old youngest sister, Betsy, had moved up during November of that year, traveling with our dad when he came up for his annual hunting trip. She told me recently that she had been failing her 4th grade classes in Indianapolis and Dad said she could go to Wisconsin with him if she didn't come back. In Park Falls the St. Anthony's teacher gave her extra help and by spring had brought her up to the proper grade level. (photos: Pop/ Betsy with Joey)
Back Home in Indianapolis...
I moved home with the hope of living there permanently and being integrated into my natural family. I once again attended St. Catherine's school. Again, I did not make friends easily, I did not like kickball which was the big athletic sport for girls. I did not get close with the nuns like I had in Park Falls. It was all too foreign for me. Even the cafeteria had an unfamiliar smell to it.
I did form a friendship with a girl of Irish heritage. I walked a long distance to her house at least once. She tried to instruct me in Irish folk dance, but I wasn't as agile and peppy as she.
Ice Skating...
The corner drug store, about 1/2 block from us was the anchor of our family social interaction. I think the pharmacist and clerks knew our family by first name. I gathered that my siblings would often go there for first aid advise and assistance. It was during this time that I was trying to wash my clothes in a wringer washer when I caught my arm in the wringer. My sister took me down to the pharmacist to look over the injury. It was minor but I remember feeling sad when he scolded me for playing around with the washing machine.
(photos: roller washing machines...stock photos)
Emma and Jack's Cabin...
Emma and Jack had a cabin built during this time. It was just out of the town of Fifield about 3 miles south of Park Falls. We spent a lot of weekends there. It was situated on a small hill overlooking the Flambeau River.
The one memory I have that I can't fully account for, meaning it was actually so or it is conjured in my mind, is following the banks of the river to a solitary spot where large boulders lined the river. I recall going off on my own, simply enjoying the solitude and fun of climbing on the rocks.
(photo: relative group picture in front of cabin)
(photo: boulders along the Flambeau River)
This cabin is where I tried out the potential wild side of life, with Aunt Emma's nudging. She smoked and would offer me one. At 12 or 13 years old I accepted one and took a few puffs. I'm sure I didn't inhale. The experience didn't impress me and I never again had the urge to try one. She also let me drive a car for the first time, probably about the same age. Remember that the cabin was built on a small hill leading to the river. We were on an open field when I took the wheel. I remember panicking as the car rolled down the hill and close to the water. Emma managed to get to the brake before we all took a swim. That was my last driving attempt until I was 20, mostly because the high school I attended didn't offer driver's ed. (photo: Georgia and Buddy on hill behind the cabin)
(photo: Flambeau Paper Mill wood yard)
AUNT EMMA....
Aunt Emma, my dad's sister, had no children of her own. She had opened her home to family members before me. My sister, Paula, was probably living with her the year I traveled north then she decided to return to Indianapolis in the fall. 
My current memories tell me Aunt Emma was not a warm, affectionate mother figure, but pictures show me hugging and clinging close to her at that time. She was a meticulous housekeeper whose standards were not much short of perfect, as were her culinary achievements. She instructed me on how she wanted things done and let me know quite firmly when they were not up to her liking. I was compliant and willing to learn. Today I am grateful for all the skills she taught and instilled in me. They have served me well in raising my 7 children.
She always dressed stylish with her hair, nails and make-up flawless. She loved mink coats and shawls.(photo: from left...Mom, Aunt Emma, Pop, Grandpa Mike...at a family wedding in Indianapolis while I was still with the Sperry family)
She had a blue parakeet named Skeeter. He was proficient speaking several words and was free to fly around the kitchen. He would sit on the counter and screech, "Skeeter want a kiss. Skeeter want a kiss." and make kissing sounds. I enjoyed him most of the time, except when he would land on my shoulder and peck at my ear. He lived many years. When he died one winter day, Aunt Emma wrapped him up and preserved him in the kitchen freezer until summer when the ground was thawed enough to properly bury him in the back yard.UNCLE JACK...
(photo: Uncle Jack and me in Chicago)I recall enjoyable activities with him, such as walking in the woods on a crisp fall day. I relished the crunch of dry leaves under my feet as he allowed me to follow behind when he went partridge hunting. A few times he took me skiing down a small hill on a Sunday afternoon. Other Sundays we all would attend the polka dance at a local tavern.
He was an electrician. I don't know if he had his own company. When I was in high school he worked out of town somewhere in southern Wisconsin. It was a sad day when I received a call at the boarding school that he had died. The report was that he was suddenly sick from radiation contracted from the work site. (photo: Uncle Jack's work truck and his young son, Joey)
THE SWIMMING POOL....
It would be more accurate to refer to the swimming hole. It was a large dammed up area of the Flambeau River that ran through the town and on which the paper mill relied for water and recycling "run off". It was surrounded by man made beach.
One of my first memories of recreation was an afternoon "at the pool". To me it was a small lake with river water. There was one obstacle to me having fun. Sulfur. The smell of sulfur in the air irritated my nose and breathing. I sat on my towel on the beach watching people enjoying themselves and all I could think was, "They call this fun?"
To folks in town it was "the smell of money". All the years I lived there I could not become accustom to that smell of money. At 68 years old it was one of the reasons for me moving from Park Falls.
(Several years later the regional power plant was constructed at this site. Lou, my husband, was a turbine operator there for 30 years.
(Several years later the regional power plant was constructed at this site. Lou, my husband, was a turbine operator there for 30 years.
St. Anthony's Church and School...
(photo: St. Anthony's church and school in one building. The priest rectory to the far right. The wooden framed convent, not shown, was on the left by the tree.)
I don't remember a lot about the beginning of my time at St. Anthony's. I felt like an outsider and didn't make friends easily. I guess I was content enough most of the time. I enjoyed school and learning. I think I was liked by the nuns since I was a serious student, while most kids were not.
The sisters were somewhat feared for their disciplinary tactics.There was a young one that befriended me and we conversed a lot.
I had a crush on one serious minded boy, but was too shy to ever let him know. I remember his name and I think he matured quite nicely.
The school opened in September, 1922. Lou's mom attended a few years but was needed at home in later grades. All of Lou's family, our 7 children, and a large portion of Park Falls kids graduated from there. Sadly the school closed in the fall of 2019.
( photo: Graduating class of 1952. Louie is the third boy student in on the right behind the girls.)
St. Anthony's, Park Falls, Aunt Emma, Uncle Jack and a surprise would be my life for the next five years.
I had a crush on one serious minded boy, but was too shy to ever let him know. I remember his name and I think he matured quite nicely.
The school opened in September, 1922. Lou's mom attended a few years but was needed at home in later grades. All of Lou's family, our 7 children, and a large portion of Park Falls kids graduated from there. Sadly the school closed in the fall of 2019.( photo: Graduating class of 1952. Louie is the third boy student in on the right behind the girls.)
St. Anthony's, Park Falls, Aunt Emma, Uncle Jack and a surprise would be my life for the next five years.
CHAPTER 7: THE PARK FALLS YEARS...PART 2
The Surprise...
I don't know at what point I became aware that Aunt Emma was pregnant. She was in the early stages in the summer. With me being 9 years old I suppose I wasn't too aware or concerned about such things.
I learned in later years that she had suffered several miscarriages. She must have been elated and worried with this pregnancy. I don't recall anything dramatic during these months. That is, up until the night I was sleeping with her and woke to great excitement in the room. I was scooted upstairs to continue the night. Sometime the next day I was told about little Joey's birth. (photo: family...Georgia, Emma, Jack, baby Joey on baptismal day.)
I'm sure I was excited and enjoyed having a baby around. But as time went on I began to feel more like a live-in babysitter and that my role was to assist with his care and housework. Not that I was abused and misused, but I felt I had more than a child's share of responsibility. And I often felt lonely, probably from unconscious memories of fun siblings and parental involvement I had known from the Sperry family. 
Not too long after Joey was born Aunt Emma went back to work at a local supper club named Heinies. My baby care responsibilities became more.
I recall the first Christmas Eve with him. We had a whirlwind of opening presents and then Em and Jack went out for the rest of the evening. I was left at home while the baby slept. I remember sitting among the gifts and crying before the Nativity set, telling God how lonely I felt and that I never wanted to be left alone on Christmas Eve ever again. (That's probably why I ended up with 7 children in later years.)
(photo: Heinie's restaurant,orange sign, along parade route)
(photo: Heinie's restaurant,orange sign, along parade route)
I had a fair share of attention. I had received a pair of white figure skates for Christmas. The local outdoor skating rink was a few blocks away. The warming house was a small wooden building with a wood burning heater and wooden floor. Once I stepped out onto the ice I fell in love with the cold, smooth flowing movements of skating. It was so freeing and exhilarating. I spent many hours into the evening there, even at 20 below zero. That pair of skates became my security blanket and prized possession even into my married years. It was a sad time in my 50's when I realized they were rusted and not used, sending them to the thrift store.
Aunt Emma also had a piano and found me a teacher. A lady who was physically handicapped and gave lessons from her upstairs apartment. I took lessons for 2-3 years. Playing piano became my emotional outlet when life seemed overwhelming.They also supplied me with a bike
which I probably got as an Easter present.
THE BOYS...
Uncle Jack had at least 5 nephews around my age. I don't recall any girls. Since I tended to be a tomboy I enjoyed playing with them. Often there was some sort of teasing which would end up with me "beating them up". At the time we were physically matched. Even for a number of months when I got "chunky" from too much ice cream they would tease me, calling me
Alaska because Texas wasn't big enough. Sometime it would be "Tank". I actually never took offense and used it as occasion to "beat them up".
One family had 3 boys. We visited with them often. The oldest was my age. One time when we were at their home we kids were running around playing something. One brother got mad at the other and threw a metal cap gun. He ducked and the gun came flying at me, hitting me between the bridge of my nose and my right eye. Off to the emergency room we went. I don't recall how long it took to recover, but I did.
(photo: "cousin" Gary who threw the gun)
When we moved from the house on 3rd Ave to another neighborhood, there was a red headed neighbor boy who took a liking to me. I was still a match physically, so often we would fun wrestle. As time went on and I drifted into other things he still was interested in me. Later years Aunt Emma said he told her that if I don't marry him he would never get married. Up to 2018 he still had not married.
Mystery Ailment....
Even though I enjoyed ice skating and beating up the boys I never enjoyed team sports or anything involving running. Mainly since after a block of running I couldn't get my breath and had to walk. There was also a peculiar situation. The playground had metal bars you could hang from and cross like a horizontal ladder. I always wanted to do that but when I extended my arms up something felt weird in my chest and I couldn't breathe. I never told anyone, just simply stopped trying to cross the bars.
I had started band, playing the trumpet. Though the band instructor said I was a best player he had in a long time I had to quit because I couldn't get enough air.
There were a couple times that Aunt Emma took me to a doctor for heart exams. They couldn't find anything specific, though one said I had a heart murmur but didn't recommend anything other than maybe I should lose weight. I was into my 60's before a cause would be found.
West Point....
There was a TV program during these years called West Point. It was my favorite show. They were stories about military cadets who were attending West Point Academy. I was intrigued by the military life style, probably the self discipline and confidence it displayed. I memorized a few phrases they had to learn, though I don't know where I got them. It was my dream to attend there, but girls were not allowed. Even if they were, as they are today, I would not qualify physically. I had a favorite dress, maybe because it came close to being military style. Come Thanksgiving time I devotedly watched the Army/Navy football game to cheer on my cadets.....even though I am not a football fan.
New House...
Photos: a rather disgruntled me caring for little Joey.
There was one road and one bridge connecting the main part of town to a less developed residential section. Our new house was "across the river". I probably walked across that bridge hundreds of times during my years in Park Falls. It was always intriguing to walk along and watch the water as I thought about where I was going. There were occasional times when my mind was invaded by the suggestion, "Why don't you throw yourself over?" I knew the water wasn't deep enough for a safe landing. I would wonder where such a thought came from since I had no forethought of harming myself. A couple times, the invader would taunt, "Go ahead, jump." I would quickly finish my walk to the other side.
In contrast I clearly remember one twilight autumn evening, having crossed the bridge and heading up the hill to home, that it seemed like heaven swooped down and surrounded me in a warm, comforting celestial hug. It made me feel at peace. There were a handful of such experiences throughout my growing years and I can recall the places where they each occurred.
TRANSITIONS...
My 4th and 5th grade years flowed steady for me with childhood acceptance of life. I don't think there was much communication between me and my family in Indianapolis, except for Christmas and my Birthday. I received cards and pictures from Mrs. Sperry; she was the security in my heart.
As 6th grade approached my self awareness began to grow. I would start to evaluate happenings and wonder if that is how life should be and what did I want in life.
TRANSITIONS...
My 4th and 5th grade years flowed steady for me with childhood acceptance of life. I don't think there was much communication between me and my family in Indianapolis, except for Christmas and my Birthday. I received cards and pictures from Mrs. Sperry; she was the security in my heart.
As 6th grade approached my self awareness began to grow. I would start to evaluate happenings and wonder if that is how life should be and what did I want in life.
Chapter 8: Park Falls Years... Part 3
Sometime in the fall of my 7th grade year, I began to yearn to be with my natural family; to get to know them and they me. I don't recall how it all came about but I returned by Greyhound bus to Indianapolis after Christmas for the second semester. My 10 year old youngest sister, Betsy, had moved up during November of that year, traveling with our dad when he came up for his annual hunting trip. She told me recently that she had been failing her 4th grade classes in Indianapolis and Dad said she could go to Wisconsin with him if she didn't come back. In Park Falls the St. Anthony's teacher gave her extra help and by spring had brought her up to the proper grade level. (photos: Pop/ Betsy with Joey) Back Home in Indianapolis...
I did form a friendship with a girl of Irish heritage. I walked a long distance to her house at least once. She tried to instruct me in Irish folk dance, but I wasn't as agile and peppy as she.
Ice Skating...
I had brought my precious ice skates with me but was disappointed to realize the weather didn't freeze for outdoor skating like it did up north. I remember waking up one exceptionally cold morning to find the water puddles in the ally had froze overnight. I played hooky from school, claiming sickness, to stay home and skate most of the day on the very bumpy, uneven temporary ice rink. That was my only skating adventure.
Sperry Family...
I spent a few weekends with my beloved Sperry family. Mr. Sperry would kindly drive several miles to come get me and bring me home again. I relished that time of country surroundings and familiarity, though their family was quickly adding children of their own.
Laundry Time...
Sperry Family...
I spent a few weekends with my beloved Sperry family. Mr. Sperry would kindly drive several miles to come get me and bring me home again. I relished that time of country surroundings and familiarity, though their family was quickly adding children of their own.
Laundry Time...
The corner drug store, about 1/2 block from us was the anchor of our family social interaction. I think the pharmacist and clerks knew our family by first name. I gathered that my siblings would often go there for first aid advise and assistance. It was during this time that I was trying to wash my clothes in a wringer washer when I caught my arm in the wringer. My sister took me down to the pharmacist to look over the injury. It was minor but I remember feeling sad when he scolded me for playing around with the washing machine. (photos: roller washing machines...stock photos)
Earning Money...
Soda was sold in glass bottles and people would discard them in garbage cans or drop them on the ground. They were worth a few cents each if returned. We would head out on a Saturday to collect the pop bottles and turn them in at the local grocery for cash. When we got enough, off we'd go to the drug store for a treat at the sit down ice cream counter.
10 Siblings...
Four older siblings were gone from home and married. My oldest brother Eugene I didn't know. The oldest girl,
Sally, lived near Indianapolis and had a few children. Paula must have recently been married and was nearby.
(photo: Eugene and Sally)
My sister, Rosie, the 3rd oldest, and her husband, Frank, had no children and were the main care givers of Mom and us younger kids. Fred, Pete, Kate and John were older than me and lived at home. A younger brother Nick was in Park Falls with Betsy during this time. Kate and I would occasionally stay with Rose and Frank over a weekend. I recall how safe and pampered I felt when there, enjoying warm meals, fresh soft bedding, an inviting bathroom with clean towels and good smelling soaps.
Pop....
My dad, Pop, worked a full time job, plus 2 part time jobs. When he was home he cooked his own meals, mostly fried pork steak and potatoes. He did the weekly shopping and we kids pounced on the fresh groceries like hungry lion cubs. He watched pro-wrestling with a passion. We couldn't tell if he really thought it was for real. He would take us to Mass on Sundays and then happily march us all to the local ice cream shop for whatever treat we wanted. Whatever hours were left he slept.
10 Siblings...
Four older siblings were gone from home and married. My oldest brother Eugene I didn't know. The oldest girl, Sally, lived near Indianapolis and had a few children. Paula must have recently been married and was nearby.
(photo: Eugene and Sally)
My sister, Rosie, the 3rd oldest, and her husband, Frank, had no children and were the main care givers of Mom and us younger kids. Fred, Pete, Kate and John were older than me and lived at home. A younger brother Nick was in Park Falls with Betsy during this time. Kate and I would occasionally stay with Rose and Frank over a weekend. I recall how safe and pampered I felt when there, enjoying warm meals, fresh soft bedding, an inviting bathroom with clean towels and good smelling soaps.
Pop....
My dad, Pop, worked a full time job, plus 2 part time jobs. When he was home he cooked his own meals, mostly fried pork steak and potatoes. He did the weekly shopping and we kids pounced on the fresh groceries like hungry lion cubs. He watched pro-wrestling with a passion. We couldn't tell if he really thought it was for real. He would take us to Mass on Sundays and then happily march us all to the local ice cream shop for whatever treat we wanted. Whatever hours were left he slept.
Mom's Sickness....
She missed Betsy not being home. Since she was the youngest Mom had a close emotional bond with her. She was often agitated that Betsy wasn't there. One day it all spilled out when she scolded me that if I weren't there Betsy would be. By God's grace I could understand her distress, forgive her and not feel hostility toward her.
(photo: my sister Rosie and mom on a distressed day; the dark around her neck is a strip of rubber tubing)
By Easter I knew I was defeated. I could not make home my home. I resigned myself to returning by bus to Aunt Emma and Park Falls, knowing I at least had some normalcy and stability.
(photo: spring of my 7th grade year...Betsy, Emma, Georgia, Buddy)
My mom was home during this time, but was in her own world. If life was alright she'd wander around the house in a happy mood. If things didn't go right she would head off into her bedroom after angrily stomping around the house. She would try to make oatmeal for us in the morning, but if it burned, she'd fling the pan with the oatmeal out the backdoor and slam the door. More than once I came home from school to see the ironing board and iron had suffered the same fate. She would occasionally give away clothing items of my brothers to random homeless men who came around. This made my brothers very angry.
She wore a strip of rubber from an inner tube around her neck. She said it kept the people hurting her away. I felt pity for her since I think it was her way of coping with the aftermath of shock treatments that were meant to remedy schizophrenia.
(photo: my sister Rosie and mom on a distressed day; the dark around her neck is a strip of rubber tubing)
By Easter I knew I was defeated. I could not make home my home. I resigned myself to returning by bus to Aunt Emma and Park Falls, knowing I at least had some normalcy and stability. (photo: spring of my 7th grade year...Betsy, Emma, Georgia, Buddy)
Emma and Jack's Cabin...
Emma and Jack had a cabin built during this time. It was just out of the town of Fifield about 3 miles south of Park Falls. We spent a lot of weekends there. It was situated on a small hill overlooking the Flambeau River.
(photo: on the cabin porch with my brother Nick, my mom, Gary, Uncle Jack and my piano lesson book)
I recall many enjoyable times there and with others, mainly the family of my "cousin" Gary.
I recall many enjoyable times there and with others, mainly the family of my "cousin" Gary.
The one memory I have that I can't fully account for, meaning it was actually so or it is conjured in my mind, is following the banks of the river to a solitary spot where large boulders lined the river. I recall going off on my own, simply enjoying the solitude and fun of climbing on the rocks. 
(photo: relative group picture in front of cabin) (photo: boulders along the Flambeau River)
This cabin is where I tried out the potential wild side of life, with Aunt Emma's nudging. She smoked and would offer me one. At 12 or 13 years old I accepted one and took a few puffs. I'm sure I didn't inhale. The experience didn't impress me and I never again had the urge to try one. She also let me drive a car for the first time, probably about the same age. Remember that the cabin was built on a small hill leading to the river. We were on an open field when I took the wheel. I remember panicking as the car rolled down the hill and close to the water. Emma managed to get to the brake before we all took a swim. That was my last driving attempt until I was 20, mostly because the high school I attended didn't offer driver's ed. (photo: Georgia and Buddy on hill behind the cabin)
The Girl Scout...
I joined the local Girl Scout troop at some point. I made friends and I enjoyed the experience. It was a big deal to me, maybe I could picture myself as a West Point cadet. I recall a camp out of a few days, in cabins at a local resort. We learned to identify trees and other woodsy skills. I still took trumpet lessons at that time and played taps in the evening. I don't recall how long I was a scout or why I dropped out.
Miscellaneous Memories...
There was one humorous result of me living with Emma and Jack and little cousin, Joey, who came to be nicknamed Buddy. When Buddy started talking he would address his mom and dad as Aunt Emma and Uncle Jack. It took them a long time to teach him "mom and dad".
Aunt Emma had a collection of fancy aprons made of delicate materials. She would wear them while she was cooking. One evening while she was gone to wait tables at Heinies Supper Club I helped myself to one and wore it while I worked in the kitchen. When finished I folded it back up and replaced it in the drawer. It must have been a bit messy. The next day Aunt Emma seemed upset and asked if I had worn the apron. I kept denying that I did. I'm sure she knew I had and probably wouldn't have cared if I admitted it. But.....
Their house had a set of about 20 wooden basement steps. At the bottom was an iron support beam that crossed the basement. I would jump up towards the bottom and touch the beam with my hand. On one occasion I was too enthusiastic and jumped high enough to bang my forehead against the beam. I remember bouncing up from lying on my back on the basement floor. To this day I don't know if that was instantaneous or if I knocked myself out for awhile. No one was home at the time and I don't think I ever told anyone.
My friends were still mostly the boy cousins. I did develop a friendship with a girl about my age whose family was friends with Emma and Jack. I enjoyed Saturday night sleepovers at her house and remember being excited to watch a TV dance program called The Hit Parade. That was the extent of my teenage socializing.
There were many Jack Kundinger relatives which included girls around my age but they lived in other towns. In my adult years in Park Falls I became closer friends with "cousin" Ginger. A few years ago she told me how she was jealous of me all those growing up years. I suppose because I got to live with Emma who provided a relatively comfortable material life style. I had no idea that anyone would be jealous of my circumstances.
Miscellaneous Memories...
There was one humorous result of me living with Emma and Jack and little cousin, Joey, who came to be nicknamed Buddy. When Buddy started talking he would address his mom and dad as Aunt Emma and Uncle Jack. It took them a long time to teach him "mom and dad".Aunt Emma had a collection of fancy aprons made of delicate materials. She would wear them while she was cooking. One evening while she was gone to wait tables at Heinies Supper Club I helped myself to one and wore it while I worked in the kitchen. When finished I folded it back up and replaced it in the drawer. It must have been a bit messy. The next day Aunt Emma seemed upset and asked if I had worn the apron. I kept denying that I did. I'm sure she knew I had and probably wouldn't have cared if I admitted it. But.....
Their house had a set of about 20 wooden basement steps. At the bottom was an iron support beam that crossed the basement. I would jump up towards the bottom and touch the beam with my hand. On one occasion I was too enthusiastic and jumped high enough to bang my forehead against the beam. I remember bouncing up from lying on my back on the basement floor. To this day I don't know if that was instantaneous or if I knocked myself out for awhile. No one was home at the time and I don't think I ever told anyone.
There were many Jack Kundinger relatives which included girls around my age but they lived in other towns. In my adult years in Park Falls I became closer friends with "cousin" Ginger. A few years ago she told me how she was jealous of me all those growing up years. I suppose because I got to live with Emma who provided a relatively comfortable material life style. I had no idea that anyone would be jealous of my circumstances.
The Organ Player...
With going to a Catholic school, choir was a major part of our education. During the school year the older students sang in the choir, in the upper loft in the back of the church, for the daily mass before classes began. In the summer the nuns would recruit who they could to come sing for the daily 8:30 AM Masses. The summer following my 7th grade year, there was no one to play the organ. I was recruited, or volunteered, to play simple accompaniment for the singers. The big reward for all this? A picnic at Copper Falls State Park at the end of the summer.
With going to a Catholic school, choir was a major part of our education. During the school year the older students sang in the choir, in the upper loft in the back of the church, for the daily mass before classes began. In the summer the nuns would recruit who they could to come sing for the daily 8:30 AM Masses. The summer following my 7th grade year, there was no one to play the organ. I was recruited, or volunteered, to play simple accompaniment for the singers. The big reward for all this? A picnic at Copper Falls State Park at the end of the summer.
Copper Falls was THE PLACE to picnic and hike for all of northern Wisconsin. It also had a unique, potentially dangerous feature. But that is for the next chapter.
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