Revisit: January 25, 1941

Hello all!  A few years back I posted the love letters that were written from 1941-1942, between my Grandfather George and my Grandmother Frances.  Since my Aunt Dot and Grandpa George were brother and sister, I thought it would be nice to revisit those original blog posts I did some 2 years ago, in a way to kinda remember a part of Aunt Dot's life.  From what I understand, Aunt Dot and her sister Catherine, decided since they weren't going to find men to marry them (actually Aunt Catherine had a few men who were interested in her but, was not allowed to marry them as they were not Catholic), they would go together and buy a farm.  So, at some time in the mid 1930's "the girls" bought a 65 acre farm with a run down old stone farm house.  At some point, their brothers, Edward and George also jointed them on the farm and together they started a poultry, egg and feed business.  In the letters that George wrote to Fran, you will notice  George wrote often about farm life and raising chickens.  

Enjoy!
~MaryD

Original post from 1/10/2010

In 1941 my Grandfather and Grandmother began dating. During that time, he wrote her numerous love letters. For some reason, I have all the love letters. I had promised my family members that I would copy the letters so that everyone would be able to read them. I started doing that on a blog back in the summer and once I went back to work...well, lets just say I got really busy. I'm going to try again...and not be a big lame O this time. I'm also going to put them on my main blog for all to enjoy! Now on to the cast of characters....

Character#1 My grandfather middle back row!



Character #2 My Grandmother last one on the left.

The first letter in my stack is dated January 25, 1941. I'm assuming George had just recently met Frances. I'm guessing that they probably met at church. George at the time lived on a farm in East Berlin, PA and Frances lived in the town of New Oxford which was about 15 miles away. And so began a DeVine Romance!

Dear Frances,

I believe at one time I told you that I did not like to write letters. Well you can start calling me a liar. Because here I sit, trying to think up some excuse for writing to you. The only thing I can find to blame it on is the snow, (10 inches of it) which will keep me from seeing you for a few days. But I have some wonderful memories, which will hold me for awhile.

Things sure are a mess out here in the sticks, with all the roads and lanes drifted shut. I suppose we will be shoveling the mile and 3/4 into town tomorrow morning at day break, so the farmers can get their milk out, and bring feed in for their stock. Lots of hard work, but you get something out of it that you can't buy for all the money in the world.

How is everything in New Oxford? I was looking for you Sunday, but you kept your word and went to late mass so I was disappointed once more. Such is life. But I am looking forward to the time when I can be in some ones company whom I enjoy very much, meaning F.M.W. What does the "M" stand for?

You sure did make a hit with my sisters, the other night at the church meeting. When they came up here Saturday, they told me all about the wonderful speech you delivered. I wish I had been there, but I can't bake cookies.

If you can make this letter out, and would like another, let me know. Hoping to see you soon, I remain, with love,
George C DeVine

A big thank you to my cousin who sent me a disc of old family pictures and also the research she did of the family history. I will try to not be a big lame o this time.

A Pineapple Zucchini Cake

Here's a great way to use up some of those zucchinis from your garden and make something other than just plain zucchini bread! 

 

Pineapple Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting  

Ingredients:
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup flaked coconut
* 2 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp salt
* 2 tsp ground cinnamon
* 1/4 tsp nutmeg, optional
* 1 pinch ginger, optional
* 3 tbsp canola oil
* 2 whole large eggs
* 1 tsp vanilla
* 2 cups grated zucchini, unpeeled (squeeze excess liquid)
* 20 oz. can crushed pineapple in juice, drained well

Frosting: 
* 8 oz 1/3 fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 350°.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, coconut, baking soda, salt, and spices; stir well with a whisk.
In a medium bowl, combine oil, eggs, and vanilla; stir well.
Add grated zucchini and pineapple; mix well.
Fold wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, batter will be stiff and dry but keep folding it and it will all come together.
Spoon batter into a cake pan or 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for about 33-40 minutes, depending on pan size or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and cake is pulling away from sides of pan.
Cool cake completely on a wire rack.

To prepare frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread frosting over top of cake. You can garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.

Servings: 16 • Serving Size: 1 slice • Calories: 230 • Fat: 7.6 g • Protein: 3.3 g • Carb: 36.8 g • Fiber: 1.8 g