1930...Amel's Life on on the Farm

Amel was 14 years old at the time and worked on the farm as a laborer as did his older brother Clark. Elliot, 43 and Mabel, 35 had been married now for 11 years. Mabel was born in Montana and her Father was born in Germany and her Mother was born in Canada. Elliot and Mabel had two children together. Lee was now 9 years of age and Margaret was now 7 years old. Both were born in Montana as a result of when Elliot met Mabel while working in Montana. Elliot had left Missouri in search of work in Montana in 1917. Apparently, Elliot lived and worked in Montana at least until 1923 when Margaret was born.

According to this census my Great Grandparents John, 79 and Belle, 73 and Howard ,11 were living together. Howard, called Buster was the son of my Aunt Mary. On this census Howard too is listed as a laborer for general farm work.

Also highlighted on this census is Alva Simmons and his family. Alva was Elliot's brother and Amel's uncle. That makes Alva my Great Uncle.

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My Uncle Mike McCune

My Aunt Dolly married Mike McCune in St. Louis, Missouri and together they had Kay, Michael, Bev, Jerry, & Gary. Well, a few hours ago I discovered that my Uncle Mike grew up on a farm in Howell County, Brandsville, Missouri. According to the 1920 US census Mike was just 1 year & 2 months old at the time.

My Uncle Mike's Father was born in Iowa & his Mother was born in Texas. Mike had 3 sisters & a brother at this time. In about 2 years another sister would arrive.

Eventually, Uncle Mike's parents moved to St. Louis and lived on Lotus Street across from where Joseph & Della Froehly raised their family.

I have fond memories of my Uncle Mike and I'll always remember his laughter when he gave me my first sip of beer. It took place in Clayton, Missouri in my Grandma & Grandpa Froehly's kitchen where the men had gathered on an afternoon occasion. I was just barely walking by this time & Uncle Mike would call me over by saying "Hey Bud, come on over & try some of this." I liked Uncle Mike so I went right over & when he lowered the bottle I took my first swig of beer.

Well, I had never tasted anything like this before and it sure tasted different than the milk, water, or apple juice that I was used to. I remember the beer tasting bitter & strong. I'm sure I made quite a face and I just remember what a kick my Uncle Mike, my Dad, & Uncles Chubby, & Junior got out of it. They all howled with laughter.

In the 1950's I loved spending time at my cousins when they lived at 2315 Dawes in Overland, Missouri. Kay, Bev, & Mike were older than me and then on Sept. 2, 1956 twin boys, Jerry & Gary were added to the McCune family. Whenever I could stay overnight I would jump at the opportunity. There were always fun things to do like shooting baskets in the backyard or running around the neighborhood with the kids. On summer evenings I can remember the sun setting in the backyard and then all kinds of lightning bugs appearing as it got dark. It was magical!

New Years Eve and New Years Day was always a thrill as the entire family celebrated at the McCunes. I always knew there would be a great chance that I could sleep over. New Years Eve was always one of my favorite times because I would join in with my cousins making noise all throught the neighborhood celebrating the arrival of the New Year. We would always count down the last seconds.

The McCunes liked to have fun and I was a willing participant. The more, the merrier. I'll always remember my Uncle Mike's laughter. My next beer is with him in mind.

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