The Edina I Knew

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Little Ole Ladies

   It’s amazing just how many sweet little ole ladies bless your life in 90 years.

   The first little ole lady in my life was my godmother, Fannie Lingenfelter. Yup, she thought I was special, even gave me part of her name. She was also my mother’s best friend. 

Then, the next little ole lady in my life other than kin was Dee, she was my Sunday School teacher. I can still remember parts of Sunday School class. She, like Fannie has gone on to her rewards.

   When I was four, we moved into the homeplace. Our nearest neighbors were the Withrow and Killday families. Mrs. Withrow was getting along in years when I first met her. She was always quiet and soft spoken and always made you feel good.

   Then, on down the way, lived Mrs. Klote, we delivered milk to the Klotes. I remember she would fill the return bottle with Christmas candy.

   Then, the nuns of St Joseph School which was just half a block from our house. I had to walk right by that school to attend Edina Public School, 5 blocks up the street. Every now and then, one of the nuns would grab me, pull me close and ask how I was and how I was doing. But they like Tara are now and forever gone with the wind. 

   Now, back to the church and Ora Pinson and Bessie Shalley are my Sunday School teachers. Gosh, how they tried to steer me down the straight and narrow…so kind and understanding. 

   Now again, in the neighborhood. Evangel Woodard was our neighbor, she and her husband were childless. At the time I felt she had adopted me. I used to deliver milk, butter, and eggs to her. She always rewarded me with a cookie or sweet roll and acted concerned about me. 

   Then, there was my Aunt Nettie. She was mom’s older sister. Every time she came to see us, she would bring a big sack of candy. But her hugs were the great thing. Too bad she lived in Kirksville. 

   Meanwhile, my last Sunday School teacher was Myrtle Allen…what a lady. How great it was knowing someone cared for you. Many times, Bessie Shalley would substitute for absent teachers, what a kind little old lady. 

   Then, there was my great aunt Rosa Tully. She used to stay at our house for short spells. She was my grandfather’s brother’s wife. Aunt Rosa was always the sweet little old and so helpful with my homework.

   Then, I can think of 3 grade school teachers. Miss Fagan; Miss Cook; and Miss Hudson. How hard they tried to educate us. Miss Cook was the sweetest lady who ever lived. Miss Hudson was the smartest, what a pity none of the three had children.

   Then, on to high school where I met 2 wonderful teachers. Miss Neva Shinn taught history, what a joy to watch her try her best to educate us. Then, Miss Stice who taught literature so kind and helpful.

   I think about the women who helped shape my life and their kind deeds, at the same time there was those of lessor renown, some which made silent contributions to my life and how about your old girlfriends like Janet, Marjorie, Shirley, and Delores.

Contributed by Bill Lewis