This letter was very interesting as it brings news from back in Kentucky and revisits the situation about Mr. Ballinger. Luther reveals that Mr. Ballinger must have been involved with the K.K.K. as they made their presence known by placing a large emblem on his casket.
Author: peratt_hooch
Letter 31 – Feb the 23, 1913
Austin’s mother writes to her granddaughter “Loulie” about news from back in Kentucky. Mother Jane states that she had just turned 64 years old.
Letter 30 – Grandma’s Letter to Laura
Eliza Jane Pieratt, Austin’s mother, writes to her granddaughter to praise her for taking care of her parents and being a sweet young lady. I do find it interesting that she spells her name wrong at least 2 times in her short letter and never does get the spelling correct. Not a big deal, just…Read more
Heirloom 59 – Harold Houchens’ 1906 Christmas Gift
This little blank album has got to be one of the sweetest items that remains from Harold’s items. The first several pages are dedicated to some lines of scripture, poetry or wisdom from each of his family members. The poems are extremely cute and catchy as one, in particular, I have found myself often repeating…Read more
Letter 29 – A Partial Letter from Emma
This is the only remaining page from a letter from Austin’s sister. She writes about Maxine’s wedding so this must have been some time in the last half of 1938, nearer to Christmas.
Letter 28 – A Poem on a Cake
This was a partial letter with no date or signature. Currently, it is out of context and just stands alone as a cute poem on a cake. I will try to find more parts of it and put more context to it. Right now, based upon where it was found with the other letters, this…Read more
Letter 27 – From Bethel, KY – May 22, 1938
Austin and Lula’s niece, Maxine Pieratt, writes to them, a few short weeks before her wedding. It is interesting to read “everyday” things that were occurring while big news items, like WWII, were happening or were on the brink of beginning.
Heirloom 58 – Medals of Eloquence: A Showcase of Debate and Forensics Achievements
Below are just some of the many awards that Hoyt Houchen received during his time on the forensics speech team. He won many medals while at Chaffey High School in Ontario, California and went on to be recognized as he continued his education at George Pepperdine College, now Pepperdine University. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have…Read more
Heirloom 57 – Vintage Round-Rimmed Glasses
The optometrist office where this case came from is located at 282 N. 2nd Street in Upland, California. These are bifocals but I do not know if they were Laura’s or Lula’s. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based upon either direct knowledge,…Read more
Heirloom 56 – Hampden Watch Co. Pocket Watch
Here is a beautiful gold pocket watch which dates to around 1910. Harold would have been 15 years and so this might have belonged to his father, Norris, prior to coming into his possession. Heirloom Disclaimer – I have done my best to identify either the owner or purpose of an artifact based upon either…Read more