You're kidding, right?

Well it is time to renew my driver's license.  Oregon has changed their requirements.  I have to prove that I am a US citizen.  The old hospital certificate of birth no longer proves anything.  Plus - I have to prove my name change from my birth, such as my wedding certificate.  Both items must be certified by the state.  Interesting, when I got my original license way back in the 70's  don't remember what I used.  Probably the nice certificate that has my little infant footprints on it with the seal from the hospital.

So.......guess what I get to do?  I get to order my own birth certificate from Iowa of all things! And - I get to order my own Marriage Certificate from Oregon as I only have a copy.  When we got married - also in the 70's - my husband and I lived on 10 acres in a little cabin/shack sort of place.  We had a burn pile.  I went to town and burned everything I could think of.  Wrapping papers & ribbons from the wedding - this and that - and of all things my original Marriage Certificate.  Not meaning to of course.  Back then I ordered a copy, so a copy is what I got.  Not certified.  Not good enough!

I suppose it will be nice to have a certified copy of each.  Don't worry - I live in the city and do not have burn piles anymore. It's a good thing.

Golden Wedding Anniversary - 1913

MARRIED FIFTY YEARS 

      _____________________

MR. AND MRS. W. J. BRICKLEY CELEBRATED THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING

LAST FRIDAY.

__________________________

ABOUT SEVENTY-FIVE GUESTS WERE PRESENT

__________________________

    Friday, July 11, 1913, seventy-five relatives and friends assisted Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Brickley, of this place celebrate their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary.  About 11 o'clock, a.m. the relatives and few invited guests assembled at the Brickley home where they were graciously received by the bride and groom of fifty years.

    A lively social time followed consisting of funny witticisms and numerous comments upon the youthfulness of the bride, who was dressed in white for the occasion, and the unusual nervousness of the groom elect.

    At high noon the announcement was made that the feast was spread, and it was in readiness at the M. T. church basement, where previous plans had been well carried out to serve all comfortably.  The officiating minister, the Rev. J.J. Kidder, and wife led the procession.  Immediately following them were the bride and groom, the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and lastly the guests.  As the procession arrived at the church doors the strains of a brilliant wedding march played by a granddaughter, Lela Purcell, fell upon the listening ears.  After all were comfortably seated in the church parlor, Rev. Kidder proceeded to read the beautiful impressive ceremony as follows: "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the presence of these friends and dear ones to celebrate the Golden Wedding of John W. and May Melissa House Brickley.  To Almighty God, our creator, and preserver, we render devout and sincere thanks, given for his benignant providences that has generously blessed and kept this husband and this wife, in the holy astute of matrimony for half a century.  For the benediction of this manly and these womanly daughters and their families, the children give to cheer and comfort our hearts, we thank our heavenly Father."

  "For as much as you did, fifty years ago, consent together in hold wedlock, and did witness the same before God and a goodly company, and did there pledge your faith either to other, and did declare the same by joining hands, do you, John W. and Mary Melissa, now renew these solemn vows and covenants before God, and in the presence of these witnesses, and in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost?"

    The response of such was "I do." after which the little granddaughter, Virginia Purcell, brought forth the wedding ring to grandpa, which the bridegroom of fifty years placed on the bride's finger with the words: "And with this ring we renew our plighted faith."

    The invocation was then pronounced.  Congratulations were then showered upon the couple.  To brighten up the seriousness of the occasion, Dr. J. A. White was called upon to make a new remark which he did ably and sufficiently to bring forth smiles from old and young.

     Dr. Port congratulated himself that he was counted a guest on this occasion, and Dr. Guernecy counted silence truly golden in keeping for this time.

    Chansey Houstman responded with an appropriate reading dedicated to "My Aunt Mary's in the country."

    The following verses were composed and recited by the bride:

    We've traveled down life's pathway.  Through its joys and through its pains, we have learned to trust in Jesus, hoping you all may do the same.

When your life's work is ended and time on earth with us shall be no more, we hope to greet you one and all with the loved ones gone before.

    Then the groom added words of good cheer to his relatives living testimony of a life filled blessings that he might grow and live in the service of the Lord.

    Mrs. C.J. Price directed the company to their places in the dining room which was tastefully decorated in white and yellow, the latter color being in honor of the Golden Wedding.

    The bride's table in the center of the room was profuse with yellow on the white linen.  In the center of the table was a huge bride's cake baked by Mrs. T.D. Crain, an old neighbor of the bride.  At this table set the bride and groom and their children.  All the tables were laden with cut flowers and all the good and dainty things known to the culinary art.  The dinner had been prepared by the children and was served in courses by Mrs. W.J. Miller and Mrs. Packer, who were ably assisted by the Misses Esther and Faith Kidder, Inz and Ethel Cruise, Ruth Cole and Blanche Walstin.

    John W. Brickley and Mary Melissa House were married at the home of the bride's father, Jeremiah house in July 1863, by Tomothy Stivers, Justice of the Peace.  There are living to-day three of the witnesses to this ceremony - Mr. and Mrs. James Carter and Mrs. J.M. Price.  On account of their feeble condition, Mrs. and Mrs. James Carter were not able to be present, but Mrs. J.M. Price, a sister of the groom was present at this time.

    To this union has been born ten children.  The one still living are Mrs. Fannie Lyon, J.H. Brickley, Lulu Purcell, Frances Taylor and Jennie Purcell, all of who live near Olin and all were present except the daughter who lives at Cass Center.

    There are 24 grandchildren, 22 of whom were present; 7 great-grandchildren, of whom 5 were present.  The out of town friends present were Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hayes, of Anamosa, friends of long standing; Mrs. Mary Turbox, of Clayton, Illinois, a sister to Mr. Brickley.

    Regrets were received from absent close friends, and many beautiful tokens were left by the children and friends in the form of gold coin, jewelry, useful articles for the table and house.  These so filled the hearts of the hospitable couple with appreciation that it is needless to say they really acted surprised with joy.

    Everyone in this vicinity knows Mr. and Mrs. Brickley, and can attest to the high esteem in which they are held.  Always having lived on their farm near Olin until seventeen years ago, when they moved to Olin, they have seen the country pass through many changes.

     Converted at an early age they have always been consistent members of the Methodist church, active in all its services, so that they are rightly classed among the most spiritual pillars of the church.

    O.A. Dayton was invited to take a picture of the company, after which friends began to say goodbye.

    Thus the golden links of friendship were strengthened, and lives made happier by the celebration of this Golden Wedding.

Transcribed by Mary Lyon Hellman 10/18/2011

Super Sister Sunday - The Swedish Sisters

This is the first Super Sister Sunday I have blogged about. It is something I have wanted to do for awhile. Being one of four sisters - I just love stories and pictures of sisters. I hope you will join me from time to time with your stories and pictures of sisters.

The Swedish Sisters
Here is a great photo taken in 1922 of my Grandma on my mothers side (the one on the right) and her sisters. Their parents came to America in 1890 with their Eldest child Mary (the one on the left) when she was about 18 months old or so. They came to the little town of Ruthven, Iowa where the rest of the children were born. My Grandmother was the youngest of her siblings. They also had two brothers. It was also taken the year before my grandparents married.

On a trip to Iowa in 2008 my sisters and I visited my mothers cousin Bob. I asked him to tell me about his parents. Both his parents died during the same year for different reasons which was a very difficult year for Bob and his siblings. This is the lady in the middle.
She was only 53 years of age when she died.

Back to the Swedish Sisters. Bob told me that the sisters used to drive he and all the cousins crazy because these ladies would either be on the telephone with each other or at family gatherings speaking in Swedish! This was a surprise to me because I never knew my grandmother even spoke swedish. Obviously their parents taught it to them. Plus in those days - if you don't ask, you won't ever find out. I never asked and barely found out! From a cousin of my mom's! Even she did not tell us kids about this.

Here are the sisters. They are actually standing Oldest to Youngest from left to right.

Mary B Nelson
B August 31, 1888, Genarp, Malmohus, Sweden
D December 17, 1971, Spencer, Iowa

Elizabeth Nelson
B June 23, 1896, Ruthven, Iowa
D February 14, 1949, Spencer, Iowa

Laura Marjorie Nelson
B November 20, 1903, Ruthven, Iowa
D October 1, 1979, Spencer, Iowa


All sisters are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Ruthven, Iowa.

Friends from Olin, Iowa

If any of you stopping by have relatives from the town of Olin, Iowa, you just might want to read this. This is a poem written by my Great Grandfather, John Wesley Lyon. He lived out most of his life there. He considered himself a poet and there are several I will share with you later. Other items he was written are "Life in Olin", "Letter to my Children" and his own "Obituary". He was an intersting character to say the least.

See if there is anyone you may recognize in the following poem.

Olin Friends
By John Wesley Lyon

We lost the Olin Recorder,
Mr. Hansen found it;
And when we got it back again,
He put it’s name around it.

But Mr. Hansen could not make it,
He could not its’ pages fill;
It was only printed on one side,
Something like a sale bill.

So Mr. Hospers took it over,
And business is his creed;
So business men send in your add,
For that is one thing he will need.

And if you want to write an article,
And your time is not all invested;
Mr. Hospers will try and write it,
And others will be interested.

Westfahl buys your produce,
And he buys it on the square;
And he pays you more for eggs and cream
Than you can get anywhere.

Westfahl buys your chickens,
And he also sells you feed;
He also has the oyster shells,
Or anything else you need.

Dayton sells the jewelry,
And glasses on the side;
And he has the best silverware,
Ever you have tried.

Guy Thompson fixes the telephones,
And he surely knows his stuff;
And when he works all day,
That ought to be enough.

The operators are now planning
And working out a scheme;
So that the monthly payday
Will not be so far between.

Fred said he would like to pay
The operators at least one a week;
But when he came to look,
The bank had sprung a leak.

Stingley repairs your shoes,
And they look so nice and neat;
It looks almost a shame
To put them on your feet.

Dave Curtright, he’s a workman,
And don’t you think he aint;
You ought to see him hang the paper
And how he slings the paint.

Macomber runs the drugstore,
And Jerry was his clerk;
He had been the business so long
He understood the work.

Macomber sells all kinds of drugs,
Everything down to salts;
And if taken according to directions,
You sure will have to waltz.

Frank Fall says “I have not much to worry me,
And my troubles would be few;
If it wasn’t for that ornery
And ever good for nothing J. W.

Earl Hart says you need not worry,
Although it seems so awful funny;
The depression will soon be past,
And we will all have lots of money.

His wife she listened, then she said,
“Earl I know your always right;
But I have worked here two months,
And theres not a payday yet in sight.

Houstman works for Uncle Sam,
And his ability is unsurpassed;
And you had ought to see his clerks,
If anyone should ask.

Save up for old age,
I thought it meant for me;
But when the boom was busted,
I began to see.

Hart sells hardware and groceries,
He sells them on the square;
And the milk and meat,
You will always find them there.

If you call for Dr. White,
And he tells you what you need;
Take his medicine according to directions,
And he will have you on full feed.

Now Reva White, his wife,
We could not do without her;
She looks after those in need,
All around about her.

Vernon moved his auto shop,
He moved it on the street;
And when you get your work done,
It looks so nice and neat.

Vernon went to Chicago,
To learn the auto trade;
And by his skill and practice,
Can fix any car that’s made.

Frank and Payson run a shop
On the east side of the street;
And when you buy your groceries,
You can also buy your meat.

Frank he works so hard
And he has his books to keep;
And when he goes to bed,
He can hardly go to sleep.

Miles, he keeps his books,
Although he never trusted;
And if the bank had been the same,
It never would have busted.

Yet the bank went busted,
But it did not all leak out;
And when the receivers turned the key;
They will get the rest no doubt.

If Mayor Carter sees anyone
Comitt a minor crime
He calls them in to court
And imposes on them a fine.

And Marshall Freeman watches
And if they can not give the bail
He takes them by the collar
And throws them in the jail.

He fed them bread and water
Until they were almost dead
But times got so hard
He had to cut out the bread.

But if the bank has busted
And had not left a cent
The receivers would of turned the key
And away they would of went.

Mason does the plumbing
Everything up to date
And Fluton runs the hardware
And you never find him late.

Taylor sells the Buick,
Just the car you need;
He also sells the Chevy,
That has got it skinned for speed.

He also carries a line of repairs,
And he always has enough;
He also has a gang of workman,
That surely know their stuff.

William Peck runs a restaurant,
On the west side of the street;
And when you go there,
You can get something good to eat.

We have three stations,
That sell oil and gasoline;
But the competition on all three
Is so very, very keen.

Mr. Cole is our lawyer,
And he does our legal work;
And if he has a case in court,
Will never duty shirk.

We have three good barbers on the street,
And they want their cash right down;
And we also have a lady barber,
In the northeast part of town.

John Gordon has farming tools,
And would sell them if he could;
But the farmers have no money
And their paper is no good.

We finally got our school house,
By a long continued fight;
And sometimes it was hard to tell,
Who was in the right.

Lawsons sell dry goods by the yard,
And sells the groceries by the pound;
And he gets the news on the radio,
Almost the world around.

Swartzell handles groceries,
And dry goods on the side;
He also has a line of shoes,
The best you ever tried.

And if you trade with Nellie,
And she tells you what’s the price;
You had better not try to Jew her,
For she will charge you twice.

If there is a nice young lady
Coming at the door;
And Nellie waits on her,
Then Robert he is sore.

Mr. Swartzell says it’s easy
To figure the gain and the loss;
But it’s sometimes hard to tell
Who is the boss.

Richell Miller says
Everything’s on the bum;
But according to the laws of nature,
Good times are sure to come.

Jurgenson has the highest job,
He elevates the grain;
And when he gets a supply on hand,
He loads it on the train.

And now in writing this poem
I hope I have not lost a friend
And wishing you many kind wishes
I bring it to an end.


John Wesley Lyon
Born September 23, 1860
Died December 20, 1883 in Jones County, Olin, Iowa

Sentimental Sunday - Grandpa's Junk Yard

My Grandpa was cool. He owned and ran a pretty popular junk yard. It was full of old cars that did not run, old and I mean really old farm machinery, sheep that meandered in the rows and many other items. He would sell parts to machinery and parts to cars. People would stop by quite often. After all it was right off of a main highway.

I can remember my Grandma standing by the kitchen sink pealing potatoes, snapping beans or shucking corn from the fields. There was a window above the sink to look out of. Sometimes a truck would pull in with a trailer full of metal. She would shake her head and say "oh my, he went and bought more junk". That used to make me laugh.

This place of course was in Ruthven, Iowa. When the cousins would stop by, us kids would go out to the rows of cars and hop from one car to the other on the roofs of the cars. Sometimes there were twenty in a row! Funny thing - I never remember any of us getting hurt. The cars as I remember were pretty close together so we could do this easily. It was thrilling! My Grandpa would never complain when we did this. We could have really done some damage to the cars, but he did not care!

What a neat Grandpa.
Stuart Donald Davis
Born April 18, 1902, Grinnell, Iowa
Death March 18, 1993, Ruthven, Iowa
Buried Crown Hill Cemetery

Tombstone Tuesday - Quivey

For Tombstone Tuesday this week I decided to do another missing headstone. This is at the Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell, Iowa.

Here is the resting place of my Gr Gr Grandparents Amy (Drake) and David H Quivey. As you can see, Amy's headstone is on the left and the one on the right is just the base for David H Quivey with the headstone missing. I checked with the cemetery and yes - this is where David is buried. He died of typhoid fever at the age of 29, leaving Amy with five children. Amy never did remarry.

I've also included a marriage certificate for them.

David H Quivey B 1850 in New York, M September 2, 1873 in Montezuma, Iowa D August 1, 1880 in Grinnell, Poweshiek County, Iowa at the age of 29.

Amy (Drake) Quivey B January 16, 1849 in Barry Woodford, County, Illinois D March 13, 1900 in Grinnell, Poweshiek County, Iowa at the age of 51.

I have wondered for some time what their life was like.

Sentimental Sunday - Grandma's Coffee

As a kid, when my family was home from the Mission Field (Indonesia, Japan, Singapore) on furlough, we would spend many summer days staying at my Grandma and Grandpa Davis's house in Ruthven. I believe I have mentioned Ruthven before. :)

While my sisters were still alseep I would get up and head downstairs. It was a wrap around staircase and the second I got to the landing between the staircases the smell of coffee came wafting through my nose. Now I do not know what kind of coffee my grandmother used, but she did use a percalator type coffee maker. It smelled sooooo good. I loved the smell of it and even today if I smelled the same coffee I would recognize it.

There was also the sound of the radio that was always on a news type radio station. Come to think of it there was never any sight of Grandma or Grandpa. Weird. I suppose Grandpa was already in the field or junk yard or tending the farm animals and Grandma was in her garden.

The smell of that coffee will remain a memory forever. I wish I could go there today just for the smell of the coffee.

Treasure Chest Thursday- Grandpa's Lantern

Oh my. My eyes feel really weary because of the scutinization finding the production date on this lantern. I even used a magnifying glass!

Here is a picture my husband took for me the other day of my Grandfather's lantern. How did I come about getting it? About 5 years ago I was visiting my Mom and her Eldest brother in Walla Walla Washington. Mom and I went over to Uncle Jim's place and he was saying he needed to clear out the shed. I saw this cool looking lantern hanging there and said "what about that lantern?" "Oh yeah" he said, "that was Dad's. I found it hanging in the barn. Do you want it?" Of course I jumped at it.

This lantern hung in Grandpa's Davis's barn? I loved Grandpa's barn! The cousins would have sleep overs in there. The cousins would make forts out of the bales of hay. We could hear mice in there. (gross) It was a priviledge for me to acquire my Grandpa's lantern.

The other day I saw it hanging in our garage. I asked my husband to bring it in to the house so I could clean it up. It was shocking how well the globe cleaned up. It is made of really thick glass. Like coke bottle glass. This would be perfect for Treasure Chest Thursday!

I did some research. This is a New York No. 2 Dietz Blizzard lantern. The globe is a LOC-NOB Fitzall. I'm not sure what the 4H stamp stands for at this time. The patent numbers and production date were stamped onto one side of the air tube to the right of the fuel cap. They even stamped numbers on the crease! From what I can tell this lantern was produced in the Syracuse Factory #2 in August or September of 1945. That was before I was born!

Did I ever see that lantern? Did my mom or her five brothers carry this around in snow storms to check on the animals? Wow........ Thanks Uncle Jim! Of course this was the barn in Ruthven, Iowa.

Tombstone Tuesday - Baby Great Aunt

Today for Tombstone Tuesday I chose to share a photo of my Great Aunt's tombstone. No one ever talked about her so when I came across her during the beginning of my research, some of us were shocked that Grandma had a baby sister who had died. Although Grandma was the youngest of her siblings, Betty had died before she was even born.

It really makes you wonder - here was a family that came from Sweden with one daughter, settled in the small town of Ruthven, Iowa, then had another little girl who died before she was even two years old. What happened to her? Was she ill? Did she get into an accident? How sad for my Gr Grandparents who lost a baby in a new land. They could not mourn with their parents or other siblings they had left behind in Sweden. The sorrow must have been unbearable. Years later they were laid to rest beside their baby Betty.

This post is dedicated to my Great Aunt Betty Nelson. She was the very first family member buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Ruthven, Iowa. Since then, many family members have joined her in this special cemetery. A couple of years ago I had the priviledge of visiting the gravestones of of Betty and many other ancestors there.

Sentimental Sunday Grandpa's Dilly Bars

For Sentimental Sunday I thought of a very fond memory. Saturday night was always a special night for my Grandpa Davis. He would travel from Ruthven, Iowa in to the larger town of Spencer to get a sack full of Dilly Bars from the Dairy Queen. Then he would bring them back for all the kids who waited excitingly at his house with Grandma, Aunts and Uncles. Usually this consisted of quite a few cousins.

I can remember the sack. It was really thick to keep the cold in. The sack went from one person to another as they selected their treat. I was so happy when there were enough Dilly Bars so that I could have one too! It made me feel special. Everyone paused to eat their favorite flavored Dilly Bar as Grandpa happily watched. Of course he bought enough for the adults to have one, him included!

My Grandpa on my maternal side was Stuart Donald Davis. He owned a junk yard which I will tell you about some day. I loved him very much.

Wordless Wednesday - Sister's!

 

1921 - Cedar Lake, Linn County, Iowa

Tombstone Tuesday - Andrew S. Davis

Andrew S. Davis
B April 20, 1821
D November 24, 1898



Woodland Cemetery
Des Moines, Iowa

Woodland Cemetery chapel.

Des Moines Daily News, November 25, 1898

DAVIS- Andrew, aged 77 years at his home, 2108 Woodland avenue, November 24, at 3:30 p.m. Mr. Davis was a member of Crocker post, G.A.R. and the funeral services tomorrow at 3 p.m., will be under the direction of that post. They will be held at the Cemetery chapel, Dr. Eaton officiating. Mr. Davis leaves a wife and children as follows: Mrs. B. F. Gifford, of 1115 Locust street; Geo. Davis, a member of the Fiftieth Iowa; also step-sons, Frank Needham, of Lowell, Mass., and J. H. Needham, of Chicago. Crocker Post members will assemble at the Cemetery chapel, at the request of Commander H. B. Hedge.

*************************************************************************************

Note: The obituary above mentions he is survived by a wife and children. Andrew's wife was not noted there. Her name was Anna (Schafer) Needham Davis. This was a second marriage for Anna. Mrs. B. F. Gifford was their daughter Zena (Davis) Gifford.

Monday Madness - Driving me coo-coo!

Today is Monday Madness. The frustrations I have regarding my Gr Gr Grandfather are huge! Sometimes I feel like I am obsessed with being a detective trying to figure him out. Believe me at this point, I am way farther along than I was a couple of years ago which is a good thing.

When reading the blogs from fellow blog members I keep hoping I will come across something that will totally "click". If any one is interested, please read the following on what I do have on him.

My gr gr grandfather, Andrew S. Davis was born in Hardy County, Virginia April of 1821 according to his civil war pension file records. We also found from those records he could not read or write. We stil have no idea what his middle name is except for the letter "S".

Here is the deal. I have no idea who his parents are or if he had any siblings. The next record we found after the supposed date of birth is in Des Moines, Iowa area. He enlisted in the civil war at the age of 40, survived the war and mustered out a full corporal at the end of the war in Louisville, KY in 1865.

I have found a census record of him living with Uriah White and his family before the civil war. One daughter was names Hanah. Later - Andrew's son, George W Davis (b1872 d 1932) is listed in a census living with Uriah White and his daughter Hanah when George was about 13 years old. I'm trying to figure out the connection there as well.

After the war, he married Anna (Schafer) Needham, (second marriage for her)in Nov of 1866 in Polk County, Des Moines, Iowa. He lived out the rest of his life in the Des Moines area and is buried in the Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines. Date of death, Nov 24, 1898.

Anna and Andrew also had a daughter named Zena. B 4/30/1870 D 06/06/1932. She married Benjamin F Gifford on Oct 26, 1891 in Des Moines, Iowa. They ever had any children.

From what I have tried, there are no birth or death records available for him.

I would love any information and/or photo's.

Sentimental Sunday - Strawberries and Ice Cream

It's June now and although the strawberries in Oregon are late this year because of the rain rain rain, I cannot wait until they are ready and the fruit stands start selling them. It will start happening this week I believe.

Being that today is Sentimental Sunday and thinking about strawberries coming soon, a fond memory came to mind. I thought about my grandparents farm in Ruthven, Iowa. Always on a Sunday, Grandma, my Aunt's and my mother would start preparing the strawberries. There were a ton of them to prepare. Grandpa and some of the Uncles would start cranking the old fashioned ice cream makers. Several of us cousins would help with the cranking, such as 50 cranks each. Then that evening everyone got some ice cream with plenty of strawberries on it! There were lots of cousins, Uncles and Aunts all enjoying strawberries and home made ice cream on a hot Iowa evening. There never were any left overs! What a fond memory.

Yum, Yum.

Treasure Chest Thursday Grandpa's Coin

This is a true treasure to me. You see, the coin was carried by my Gr Gr Grandfather, Andrew S. Davis, in his shoe during the Civil War. He was a member of the Iowa Company E, 4th Infantry for the Union. He signed in at the age of 40 and mustered out as a full Corporal. He was also a flag holder at the Grand Army Parade in Washington DC at the end of the war. My cousin atually has possesion of this coin and he will pass it along to his son, also named Andrew.

The envelope reads: "This 50 cent piece was carried by Grandfather Davis in Shermans March to the sea. Also - up the coast to Washington to be mustered out at the close of the war.______" We believe the writing on the envelope is that of my Grandpa, Stuart Davis.

Don't you just think this is cool? I sure do.