DRUM FISH “LUCKY STONES”
Grandpa Roy grew up on a farm near the Mississippi River, and always said fishing was his first love. In Marbles in a Fishbowl, I recounted a memorable story about his first time fishing with his grandfather, Pops. At a young age, Grandpa learned to fish with night crawlers, paddle tail swimbaits, and eventually Pop’s secret recipe. No matter the day or weather, for relaxation or dinner, Grandpa ultimately enjoyed drum fishing for sport and the reward – lucky stones.
FUN FACTS
The color of the deep-bodied, freshwater drum fish ranges from bright silver to metallic bronze, with iridescent patterns on its gill plates. They have two ear bones behind the brain called otoliths that are used for balance and detecting sound. About the size of a dime or nickel, they look like white ivory pieces and have an “L” or a “J” groove on one side. The drumming sound is made by muscles in its body cavity when they vibrate against the swim bladder. They produce a deep resonant “grunt” or “thud” like a drum. Legends say that Native American Indians collected the drum stones for their spiritual properties and good luck.
MARBLES
For many years I contemplated authoring a book. Should it be a picture book for children, or one geared for young readers? While shopping in an antique store, I spotted a fishbowl filled with marbles and I thought about my grandma. She had a bowl filled with colorful marbles, goldfish, and a lovely green plant. As I continued with errands, my mind was flooded with memories of my grandparents, weekend visits to their home in Normandy, and summers at their stilt house on the Mississippi River. When I returned home, I sat at my desk and began to write. The title would be Marbles in a Fishbowl.
FUN FACTS
There is much speculation about the origin and purpose of marbles. They can be made of clay, agate, porcelain, or glass. Archeologists discovered round stones dating back to the Neolithic age, glass beads and spheres in Egyptian tombs, and clay balls in pueblo ruins in America. By the mid-1800’s, Germans were making marbles from chips found in stone masons’ yards. They built small water-powered mills to grind and polish them. As innovation and machine manufacturing improved, so did their popularity. The word marble comes from Greek marmaros, meaning “shining stone.”
HUMBLE SUITCASE
My great-great grandfather used this black humble suitcase when he traveled to the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. Upon his return, he shared stories about the achievements he witnessed in science, art, and industry with his family. His daughter, my grandma Jane, taught me many life lessons that shaped my character; lessons about love and loss, perseverance, and thankfulness. When I traveled on medical mission trips with IAMM of Springfield to poverty-stricken countries, I told my childhood stories, played games, and sang songs with women and children who walked long distances for hours to get desperately needed medical care. Like my great-great grandfather, I came home with a new and profound appreciation for family, friends, and all that I have in America.
FUN FACTS
In the late 1800’s, thousands of people immigrated from Germany, Ireland, and England seeking freedom from political, religious, and economic oppression. Great innovations emerged. Canals were dug, rails were laid, and roads were made to pave the way for steamer ships, trains, and automobiles. In 1888, Herkert & Meisel (H&M) Trunk Company was founded to address the growing needs of travelers. Trunks and luggage made it possible for people to move with essentials and their most treasured possessions. The humble suitcase was designed to be light-weight and portable for short business trips and leisure. It became an iconic symbol of enterprise and adventure.
GRANDMA JANE’S APRON
For Grandma, wearing an apron was as routine as putting on her glasses every morning. In Marbles in a Fishbowl, her home always smelled of freshly cut fruit or flowers from the garden, and baked cookies. Between meals, Grandma puttered around the house, did laundry, or sat at her vintage sewing machine for as long as possible. She hummed while she pumped the foot pedal in fits and starts. I believe Grandma loved homemaking as much as Grandpa loved fishing. When you look at her apron, you may see thread-bare fabric and faded red piping, but I see Grandma’s soft blue eyes and a genuine devotion to her home and family.
FUN FACTS
Historically, dating back to ancient times, the apron was created as a protective covering. It was used by men and women in different cultures, was affiliated with diverse occupations at the turn of the 19th century and was symbolic of social status for women in the 1940’s and 50’s. For some it represented wealth and family values, but for others it became an emblem of domesticity and repression. Today, aprons are used in traditional occupations involving cooking, baking, and sewing. Now, they are worn by modern day baristas, florists, and artisans – to name just a few.
KEWPIE DOLL
In Marbles in a Fishbowl, I share memories about my grandparents and spending time in their home. This kewpie doll sat on their bathroom windowsill. It holds talcum powder and has tiny holes under the cap. When Karen and I stayed overnight, we sprinkled the sweet-smelling, silky powder on our arms and legs after our bath to soothe our skin. What special memories do you have with your grandparents?
FUN FACTS
In 1874, Rose C. O’Neill was born into an artistic household in Taney County, Missouri. She became a talented cartoonist, illustrator, author, and artist. In 1906, her drawings known as “The Kewpies,” were described as cheery, cherubic, babylike fairies. They were wildly popular. Over time she amassed a fortune of $1.4 million dollars through her art, novels, poetry, comic strips, and the marketing and manufacturing of the kewpie doll. Rose was also active in the women’s suffrage movement, became a women’s rights advocate, and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
PIGGY BANK
In Marbles in a Fishbowl, I share a vivid memory about piggy banks, hurt feelings, and a lesson about forgiveness. When Karen and I were young girls, my grandpa surprised us with personalized piggy banks. He cleverly used my grandma’s red nail polish to paint Karen’s name on hers, and Kathy on mine. When we wanted to buy candy, we turned the bank upside down, and jiggled a butter knife in the opening to release coins. Today my piggy bank is a collector’s item, but I will never part with it. To me, it is PRICELESS!
FUN FACTS
In late 14th century, Java was the economic center of Indonesia. Clay pots or pig banks were used to store coins. The phrase “piggy bank” originated from the Javanese word “celengan.” The root meanings are “likeness to a boar/pig” and “object for saving.” During the 1940’s and 50’s, the American Bisque Company in the US sold thousands of ceramic piggy banks. The Red Bow and Cherries piggy bank has a small hole in each foot, and a slit opening on its back to deposit coins. Today, piggy banks remain an enduring symbol of good luck and prosperity.