Letters From Readers
Several readers responded to my request in the last issue. All that I have received are mentioned here. The letters are printed with only minor editing, mostly deletions in the interest of brevity. They're printed in the order received.
I really do appreciate your responses; they'll encourage me to keep at it!
Remember, the basic question was, "Who reads this, and why?"
John Price
John Price
Sioux City, IA
I read it because I like home town news. I've been gone for 30 years but it's still home to me."
Stephanie Woodrich
Mark and I both check on a regular basis, believe it or not!
In general, I find small towns fascinating. Most people drive through them casually all the time and think nothing, or try to leave as quickly as possible - but I like to think about the individual history and people whenever I pass through a tiny community. Every town has a story, and within that large story there are thousands of stories from the individuals that make up the town. I think it's probably rare to find a web page such as ls4.us dedicated to a small town...that's why it's entertaining!
Oh, and I got 100% on the color test on the first try. Not sure how-apparently my left brain and right brain work in unison!
Editor's comment: Stephanie is our granddaughter and lives in Owatonna.
Susan Bigalk
Harmony, MN
As I don't frequent Lime Springs that much anymore, your website is a great way for me to keep up on the "goings on" in the community. Sounds kind of strange, I know, living only seven miles from LS. And, the website author is a great journalist."
Editor's comment: Susan is the daughter of Evelyn (Price) Jones and lives near Saetersdal Church.
Dianne Miles
I check this site once in a while - grew up in Lime Springs - my grandparents and then later my parents owned the gas station on the flat iron corner - prior to being a gas station my grandpa sold Ford Model T's - today January 22nd would have been my mom's (Marian Schacht Eaton Miles) 91st birthday - so am just remembering what a great place it was to have called my home town - Dianne Miles"
Editor's comment: I remember Charlie Schacht, Dianne's grandpa. His station was the gathering place for the male "senior citizens" of the time. I recall that my grandfather would go there, return to our farm, and duly report "the news."
He used an interesting sentence pattern, like this, when reporting on a conversation with Tom Jones: "She went to Cresco today," says he.
I've always suspected that may be a standard sentence pattern in Welsh. Anyone know for sure?
Theresa Northcutt
My name is Theresa Hansen Northcutt and my mother's family has a long history of being in Lime Springs. We visited our relatives on the family farm when I was young and remember, that in contrast to the big city newspaper where I lived (Seattle), it was noted in the Lime Springs Herald that my great aunt and great uncle had relatives visiting from out of town.
I currently live in San Francisco and have no relatives left in Lime Springs. My mother's family was the Thomas family: they had a farm within a mile of town --according to what I remember. John Daniel Thomas was my grandfather--his brother William William "Bill" Thomas had the farm. I have a newspaper clipping describing how my great grandfather and his parents and siblings got off the train in the 1870's, wandered through Lime Springs until they found someone who spoke Welsh, and then got directions to the home of their friends. My great grandmother was Mary Ellen Williams--another person who moved to Lime Springs.
I hope to come back to Lime Springs in the near future to visit all the family graves and to see the town again as an adult. I was last there in 1981, visiting my great aunt Ruth Thomas.
Take care
Theresa Northcutt
ps, you are welcome to print this with my email."
Editor's comment: What a pleasant surprise, this letter! I don't know that I ever saw "John Daniel" but I remember hearing his name. And every Lime Springer knew and loved Bill and Ruth!
About eight years ago, we stopped at the home of their daughter, Dolores, in Elgin, TX, specifically to see Ruth and wish her well in her 101st year. Her reply, when asked how it felt to be 100-years old, "Well, Keith, it really doesn't feel much different than being 99."
Terrie Mogensen
... I think one of the most important things about being from a small town is knowing that caring about others and "community" are valuable aspects of our lives. People there care and are glad to show it and lend support when it's needed......
Regards,
Terrie Mogensen"
Editor's comment: Terrie is the daughter of Harold and Betty Munkel. Even though her note was not for publication, I hope quoting the very pertinent parts above is acceptable.
Nancy Sugges
I find it just about awesome - and until now I was not really sure what that word meant - that our generation is the one that saw the black folks go to the front of the bus and sit down. I am clueless that any mortal can fix the state of the nation and, in particular, the sagged economy. The good news is Obama has the youth and energy to try - and for now folks are lining up with good advice to offer him. I could do with a bit less news on the Mrs.' wardrobe choices.
So I assume it is yours truly that joins Wayne and Warren as 'hitting' your page quite often. I find those that don't the losers and continue to commend you for taking the time to keep us informed. What I really like is you are the Editorial Board of one so what you write doesn't have any censor. I am sure you might like some ideas from afar on what those out there might like to read about. I'm anxious to have you include some of the notes you have received.
... Kareen and Earl are in their car somewhere between the tundra of Iowa and the sun of AZ. ...
Donna calls... with some regularity....
Pete and I stay fine. We did a quick trip to Flagstaff in Jan. to spot bald eagles and hear lectures by the Game and Fish Dept. The field trip produced lots of birds we don't see in the Valley as well as the eagles and hawks. Great trip. Snow all over and ice and freezing temps. Only fools would leave Phoenix area in Jan.
"
Editor's comment: This is from the former Nancy Moldt. She lives in Chandler, AZ, and is a great writer. I keep making offers to her to write for The Lime Springs Page but her agent keeps holding out for more money.
Thanks, Nancy, for the letter(s) and kind words of encouragement.
Jean Stopperan
We too are wishing for a new year that is filled with hope and security for all of us….Sincerely, Jean Gassett Stopperan ..."
Editor's comment: Thanks so much for "checking in," Jean.
Editor's comment: John is the son of Edyth the late Edwin Price.