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About Nyssa gate city journal. (Nyssa, Or.) 1937-199? | View Entire Issue (May 6, 1976)
« Page Four Nyssa Gate City Journal. Nyssa. Oregon « Social Scene MAMA AND PAPA BAIR OR BETTER known as Nell and Howard have been married 47 vears this June. They have three children of their own and have helped to encourage many young people not only in this area but ui different parts of the United States and other countries. Nyssa Woman Honored In Mother's Day Tribute By Pai Savage The word Mother is not always easy to define, but to many young people in this area, and to some not so young anymore. mother brings to mind Nell Bair. Nell, who is married to Howard Bair and has been for 47 years, is a most warm and understanding woman. This wonderful lady was the eighth child in a family of 10. so she began her mothering by taking care of her brothers and sister. After her marriage to Howard Bair they were blessed with three children of their own. Cecil. Joyce and Carl. When two of ner children were young. Howard was a sheepherder for the Deseret Livestock Company, on the west Utah desert and it was during this time that Nell be came very ill with black pneumonia which resulted in a very bad heart condition. This on top of a chronic milk »eg condition, as a result of an automobile accident, and sugar diabetes and kidney trouble would have made many women take to their beds and give in to the life of an invalid. But with the help of Grandmother Bair and Grandmother Parkin and the two children helping, they kept the house clean, meals cooked and all the things necessary to running a household. A third child. Carl was born then and for the next five years Nell and the two grandmothers took the place of mom and dad as Howard was ranching in Colorado The family joined him there and they homesteaded. They lived in a tent and had beds in the trees until dad got the log cabin built. Through all these times Nell was most happy and family ties were most important. No one ever complained and Mom always had a smile on her face and love in her heart. "One moment when we were homesteading will al ways remain in my mind,” Nell Bair recalls. "We hauled our washing on the back of a mule to the spring, where the cattle were watered. The spring was protected by a wire fence and we heated the water and washed our clothes in a wash tub, with Fels-Napha soap and lots of arm muscle. We hand wrung everything and Cecil, 4, and Joyce, 3, would hang them over the sagebrush to dry.'* This one day a thunder storm came upon us, and all the cattle rushed toward the spring. Suddenly three bulls were in combat and to my horror 1 noticed the gate to the spring was down. Finally we got the gate closed and huddled near the center of the enclosure. Hopefully I prayed that Carl, the baby wouldn’t cry and irritate the bulls more. The storm grew worse and the bulls more angry until there were fifteen huge white faced bulls in full battle not twenty yards from this 'Mama and her three tiny Bairs'. We had to hold onto our frightened mule and horse as this bartie went on. The fence poles sagged and barbed wire broke as the bulls hit the enclosure, when finally as if in answer to our prayers the bulls moved further into the meadow and Howard came to our rescue. The next day we found the enclosure fence torn down and the spring trampled into the mud, so needless to say, until the spring was restored we dug snow from the deep holes in the rocks and hung it in gunny sacks to drip into a barrel to give us drinking water. Next occupation that was chosen to supplement the family budget was mining and Nell had to drive the children to school over bad roads with many hairpin curves. The strain of driving the hard miles to school each day and living in such a high altitude proved to be to much for her heart and the family moved to Bountiful. Utah. Howard went to Cleveland. Ohio where he went to welding school and worked in a war plant for the next 2*/> years. Finally they moved to Nyssa in 1943 where they were to become dairy far mers. Here they became active members of the community, always active in LDS Church and eager to help wherever they were needed. Nell, in later years, because of her friendliness and thoughtfulness became known as the “Sunshine Lady" at the Nursing Home where she visited many shut-ins. Her mother instincts proved fruitful in 1944 when she began writing in long hand to servicemen that were serving our country She would try to write twenty or more letters each week so that they would have a letter each month. It cost 20c to airmail these letters and her family was hard pressed for money, but she felt that she could do without a lot of things if she could make a service boy feel he was loved, and remembered. Mrs. Bair received many answers to her tetters, received many hugs in person, and even gained a son-in-law, John Lbert Tur ner whom she wrote to while he was in the Navy. “1 asked a nephew. Jack Bair who was in Africa, if any orphan boy he knew ever went without mail and he said yes, there was such a boy who never got any mail. I wrote a letter to this boy and told him we cared, and appreciated what he was doing to help us stay free, and when the bombers would fly over here. I would think of the many homesick lads, and offer a prayer for them.” At mail call a long looked for letter was handed to him. with great pride that he had a letter he boarded the plane with the letter in his hand waving and smiling, His plane never came back. When Howard was Bishop for seven years, she would average 700 to 800 letters a year, but by this time she had learned to hunt and peck on the typewriter so this made her correspondence job a little easier. Each letter was personal and went to service men, elders, people that were baptised, or ordained and many others. Many phone calls were made to young people attending school or working away from the area to let them know that someone cared about them. In 1965 this courageous woman had cancer surgery and was not able to sit down for Five years, she would kneel or stand or lay down. During this time of severe pain she wrote more of her families genealogy history standing at the typewriter. She called it Noble Birthright and it contained histories of her progenetors from 1854 down to her parents and brothers and sisters. She finished hers and her husbands in 1975. "The doing of the histories in 1965-67 was the best possible therapy as I never took pain pills and the accomplishing of the work kept my mind from the pain and now that it is in print it has made a lot of people happy." Nell had open heart sur gery in 1972 and this meant many days in bed. but a hope to get well, kept her not a mean bear, nor a growly one. but a happy Bair. During this time she enjoyed the visits to her bedroom window of the birds and indulged in writing and reading poetry This fantastic woman fought coyotes from children, learned to (Continued On Page 7) • • • • Mrs. Wayne Haroldsen of Salem was a houseguest for two days last week at the home of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Haroldsen. Other houseguests last week were another son and daugh ter-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Don Haroldsen of Idaho Falls. They returned to their home on Tuesday. Howard Foster of Colusa. California visited at the home of his sister and brother-in- law. Mr. and Mrs. Ravmond Sager for a few days last week. He also visited his father. Mr W. W. Foster, who is a resident at the Nyssa Nursing Home, and his sister Frances Foster of Pakistan who is now living at the Sager home. • • • • • • Mrs. D. E. Nedrv returned home Sunday via airlines after visiting for two weeks with her daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. David Hartwig in Waco, Texas. She spent much of her time getting acquainted with her baby granddaughter. Sarah, and littly Tommy, age four and a half. Dirk Sappe, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bud Sappe and Gary Sparks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Sparks were contestants at the High School Rodeo at Madras over the weekend. Dirk took second place in the bull riding. Both boys were entered in the bareback division but didn't place. Don Sappe accompanied the boys. • • • • • • Mrs. Wilma Ostrom retur ned recently from a five weeks visit with her father. John Sterner in Klamath Falls, She also enjoyed a weeks visit with her niece and husband Dr. and Mrs. George Long in Eugene. They attended the Ice Follies in Portland. • • The Malheur Memorial Hospital Auxiliary ladies are sponsoring a Mother's Day tea to be held Friday. May 7 at 3:30 p. m in the main dining room of the nursing home. Relatives and friends of the residents are cordially invited to attend and honor the Mothers who reside there. Cake and punch will be served. • • Mrs. Iona Flinders and Mrs. Carolyn Blaylock went to Meridian Saturday night to see the Bicentennial program "Mainstreet-USA" with 670 children of the Meridian Stake Primaries participating Several children of dif ferent nationalities perfor med special numbers. Ma jorettes. drill teams and others participated in a parade. A large cake with 200 candles was used and every child waved flags and sang America and other patriotic- songs in the grand finale. Cleo Saunders, president of the Meridian Stake pri mary. wrote and directed the program with board mem bers and ward leaders assisting. Dinner guests Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Muri Lancaster were their children and grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hobson and children of Hagerman. Idaho; Mr. and Mrs. Mike Lancaster and Mr. and Mrs. Dean Lancaster and daughter of Fruitland; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Payne of Caldwell. Honored guests were Ma thew Hobson, the youngest grandchild, who celebrated his third birthday and Mike Lancaster, the oldest grand child who also celebrated his birthday. Mrs. Hobson and children are spending this week with Grandma and Grandpa Lancaster • • • Tea Planned • Miss Melissa Larson of Nampa was a weekend houseguest at the home of her grandmother. Mrs. R. G. Larson. Melissa is the daugh ter of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Larson. Couple To (Iburrrr 25th Anniversary The children of Norvelle and Betty Robbins are hosting a reception in honor of the couple's twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Sun day. May 16. from 2 to 5 p.m. The reception will be held at the home of Mr and Mrs. Merildean Robbins. 4-miles north and Vi mile west of Nyssa on Gem Avenue. The request is “no gifts please.'* BIRTHDAY PARTY Christopher Van Biljouw was honoree at a patio barbecue at the home of his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Rene Van Biljouw Sunday after noon. He celebrated his second birthday and his parents celebrated their third wedding anniversary. Guests for the afternoon were Dr. and Mrs. John Long. Mrs. Inga Buckley. Delores Hawks Mrs. Ruth Klinkcnberg. Mrs. Don Savage and Kris. Special event of the day was the cutting of Christopher's "Winnie The Pooh" birthday cake, which was baked and decorated by Mrs. Floyd Ulrey. Christian Women Hold Meet The Treasure Valley Chris tian Women met Wednes day. May 5 at the La Paloma Restaurant in Ontario. The Treasure Valley Gar den Club gave green thumb tips on "How Does Your Garden Grow.'* Guest spea ker was Alice George of Boise. College of Idaho Spring Concert Among participants in the spring Concert at The Col lege of Idaho on May 11 at 8:1$ pm., will be Miriam Kunkel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kunkel, Nyssa. The choir and orchestra will combine for the concert, featuring Handel's Dertinger Te Deum. À ADRIAN GRADE SCHOOL SECRETARY for eight years is Mrs. Pete (Irma) Sillonis. She has three children. Gus. Regina and Kathy. The family lives in the Big Bend area. Nursing Home Resident* Enjoy Ringo (dime» Seventeen residents of the Nyssa Nursing Home enjoyed the regular Thursday mor ning Bingo activities. There were several guests present to enhance the playing. Many prizes were selected by the winners. The last game before lunch was a complete blackout of the players' card. This gets very SENIOR CITIZEN ACTIVITIES Nvssa Senior Citizen Presi dent. Orma Cleaver called the April 28th meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. There were 36 mem bers present. Following the reading and acceptance of the minutes and the treasurers' report, sickness of members was reported. Ann Beers is in the hospital and Sam McConnell is not too well. A newsletter on housing was read. The rummage sale will be held as soon as good weather sets in Pricing of items is being done this week. The sale will be held at the home of Alma Topliff. A school bus has been obtained for the Club's trip to Succor Creek on May 22. Nineteen have signed up to go and any Senior Citizen that wishes to go may do so. Everyone attending will pay their own way. The quilting project is underway. The 1976 budget was read and approved. Clean-up Committee for May is Harriet Warren and Beth Ellis. The meeting was closed by all repeating the Lord's Prayer. There was a potluck dinner and cards in play that afternoon. exciting as several players have just one more number to win Mary Wallington was winner of this game Our selection of prizes is in need of replacements. If you happen to have something interesting for the players please leave donations at the Home desk or call .172-2589. Some suggested items are necklaces, pins, small glas ses of jelly, combs, handker chiefs. Thanks to all who have so generously given to date. Happy Dosen The Happy Dozen Card Club met Friday afternoon with Edna DeHaven Guest players were Mary Hatt. Hazel Schafer, arid Hazel Smith. Winners were Goldie Ro berts, Hazel Schafer. Bernice Toomb and Dorothy Fox. Washington High Graduates Sought The 1966 graduating class of Washington High School in Portland is planning its 10 year reunion The events will include a dinner dance at the Portland Ramada Inn on Saturday evening August 21. and a family picnic at Laurelhurst Park on Sunday, August 22. The search is on to locate graduates who may have scattered across the state during the past decade. If you graduated from Washington High in 1966, or had any friends or relatives who did. please phone 659-5121 or send the infor mation to 4995 S E Casa Del Rey. Milwaukie. Oregon 97222. If you’re a senior citizen, • I make your life easier. these services can At First National, we realize senior citizens have different bank ing needs. Our answer is to offer services individualized to meet them. Direct Deposit of Social Security Chocks. We kn ow it's not always /* 4 Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Riggs visited a nephew . Don Riggs, at the Veteran's Hospital and a niece. Mrs Donna York at St. Luke's Hospital last Thursday. Enroute home they stopped at Kuna to visit Darrell Manning and family. Mrs. Merle Johnson at tended a family reunion Sunday at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Sweaney. Others attending were Mr. and Mrs. Eddy Eagen and family. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Sweaney and family. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sweaney and family all of Caldwell. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sweaney from Eureka. California and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Curry of Nyssa. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sweaney have been visiting at the Curry home in Nyssa this past week. Mrs. Swea ney is Mr. Curry's daughter. • • • Mr. and Mrs. Dick Tensen and Tiena visited their son John in Corvallis and their daughter and son-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Gary Ross in Salem over the weekend. They all attended the wedding of Miss Melissa Estes and Ernie Peterson in Portland on Saturday. Dr. Peterson is the son ot L>r. and Mrs. Clare Peterson of Portland Mother'» Dav >« Mr and Mrs. Bill Wahlert and * Mr. and Mrs. Ray Wahlert went fishing at Antelope Reservoir on Sun- dav. • • • Mr. and Mrs. Elton Clapp. Mrs. Neta Mae Wiley and Emily went to Caldwell Sunday to visit Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Wiley. Mr. Wiley had been hospitalized for a heart attack but is home now and doing very well. • • • Thursday. May 6, 1976 convenient for you to get to the bank to deposit monthly Social Security checks. So we offer a free Direct Deposit Service, which enables you to have your Social Security check deposited directly into your checking or savings account. Even if your check is late, First National will guarantee the deposit of your check on the date due each mon^h You can pay bills and wnte checks without being concerned about mail delays, being away from home, or having your check lost or stolen. Just call or visit your First National branch, and we'll tell you how to begin. Senior Citizen* Checking. If you are 62 years or over, you're eligible for free checking service with a First National Regular check ing account.This means the ser vice charges for writing checks, and the monthly maintenance fee, are waived.To start no-fee check ing, stop by your branch and verify your age. If you're currently using a different checking plan, we'll be glad to take care of the details. Trust Service*. A trust plan is an important part of any sound finan cial management program. A trust may be established to provide fam ily income, to handle your estate, or to settle your will. To find out what a well-managed trust can mean to you, contact your First National branch. We ll be happy to arrange for a Trust Officer to discuss any of our trust services with you. You'll find these services can do a lot to ease the complications of your life. At a time when you de serve it. Why not talk to us soon and find out. In the business of life there’s a Ost time for everything Member FDIC FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OREGON Nyssa Brandi
