Smelt RunsWhen I was 11, my dad decided that we should go smelt dipping on Lake Huron. Smelt are a smaller fish, maybe slightly larger than a sardine. They live in, but are not native to the Great Lakes and in April every year they swim inland to spawn in gravel covered streams.To prepare for… Read More Smelt Runs

In 1970, I started the sixth grade and should have moved to the junior high school. That year Carman Schools ran out of money. Also that year Carman saw its highest enrollment ever with almost 10,000 students. For some reason that seemed to be a common occurrence back in the 60’s and early 70’s. They… Read More Sixth Grade

The ChadwellsMy grandmother Richard, after being widowed for the second time after my grandfather died in 1915, remarried to Edward Chadwell in 1920. This was the step-father that hated my dad and sent him packing when he was 13.They had two daughters Edna (1921-1981) and Cynthia Ann or Annie (1923-1992). My dad stayed close to… Read More The Chadwells

Female Ministers and The Michigan Association of General Baptists1943•First General Baptist Church of Jackson joined the Michigan Association.1944•Central General Baptist joined the Michigan Association.•Mrs. Pearl Chambers was listed as a delegate from the Jackson church.1945•At the March 10th Presbytery, Mrs. Pearl Chambers from the Jackson church was licensed to preach the Gospel. Her Pastor was… Read More Female Ministers and The Michigan Association of General Baptists

As a host he was not the best selection I had ever made. Maybe my choice was made because he was so easy. So easy in fact I had to curb my excitement and appetite. Giddy I began to feed with a gusto that could jeopardize my plan. After a moment my feeding slowed. Deciding… Read More The Host

I have struggled with the Edmonds and Massie names in my family. I sometimes think they don’t want to be found.My great-grandfather Edmonds, George Wiley, married Mary Jurisha Massie. I was struggling with finding her parents. I knew I had an Uncle Harlow, but it took me a while to figure out that he was… Read More Newton Massie

Satire CathabaptistjewIs the title confusing? Maybe so, but in reality, it should not be any more confusing than any organized religion.Almost every religion has the Golden Rule tucked into their teachings, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That and the fact that most utilize scripture and buildings, the ability to… Read More (Satire? Maybe) Cathabaptistjew

Marching BandWhen I was in the fourth grade, the local music store (Marshall Music) came into the school and any child that wanted to play an instrument could visit the gym and try an instrument on for size. My choice was the trumpet. I was so excited! A week later Marshall contacted my parents and… Read More Marching Band

Earl and General MotorsI tried once to obtain my dad’s work record with GM, but they, because of possible legal issues, will not release anyone’s record except to the individual.From the stories I remember, Dad hired into GM multiple times. The last time he was hired was around 1948. He retired from GM in October… Read More Earl and General Motors