Thursday, March 11, 2010

DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH THE HELSCHER'S


After posting Tom Newton's brief story, below this posting, I have been researching the Helscher family. Tom had mentioned that his Mother's (Charlotte) uncle was Charley Helscher. He had the feed store in Paradise in the 30's and 40's. I don't have a lot history to research, but did find this about Charley in the Paradise Farmer - September 13, 1926.


"C.E. Helscher is a citizen of Paradise and we don't care to slight him in our write-ups, for he is all over soul and body worthy of due consideration. He is a stock merchant and a real Evangelist along that line. Of course he lives with his wife in a cozy cottage on main street and she knows Charley's appetite for hot biscuits and sour kraut to an advantage. She hardly ever crosses him unless it is with a yard of bologna sausage and that being one of his favorite dishes. He submits peacefully and there is no kick only by the cow at milking time, and sore spots of that kind are soon over like a late supper; it only injures the night's rest. Charlie takes everything in a good natured way and never holds a grudge against anyone or anything. He is no tabaccoist or cigarette use, doesn't get any beer and is much like the editor - it's total depravity now with us."
It sounds like both, Charley and the editor, have a good sense of humor. I typed it as it was written. You will notice that there is Charley, then there is Charlie. Also, the tabaccoist should be tabacconist - however I make mistakes in typing and in spelling too.







The only photo I could find of Charles Helscher's feed store in Paradise was this one. I think this little boy (Millard) is in a picture in front of every place of business in Paradise. ☺

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