As previously mentioned, I’m working on a high school Arizona History curriculum, you know, in my free time. Yeah, I’m a nerd. But if you’ve been around My Sister’s Jar for any amount of time, you know that already. History books make me salivate. And old family photos, be still my heritage-loving heart. Currently I’ve been reading about the pioneer folks who settled AZ… these were people with moxie, hardihood, pluck and mettle. People of great strength and hardy stock. Wow. I read the stories of rivers flooding, houses burning, Indian attacks, unending water hauling and I realize it was an extremely difficult life… then I remember air conditioning wasn’t invented yet, adding another level of intrepidity. Wow.
Above is a glimpse into my heritage… my Great-great Grandparents and their daughters. GG Grandpa Bethel crossed the plains and settled in Oregon. I know I’m partial to these attractive folks, but they seem a bit smarter than those who settled Arizona. It’s relatively comfortable in Oregon in the summer! Yes, it rains a lot, but then you don’t have to haul as much water and your vegetables grow into mammoth blue-ribbon-winning beauties. And yes, there were Indians, but not the Apaches! Mercy, they were a tough lot.
This picture isn’t dated, but my guess is 1890-something. Both the daughters were married by 1901. I’ve foolishly thought that I would have faired well in those times. The more I read, I’m not so sure. I love the outdoors, gardening and baking, sewing, being ingenuitive….. but not for survival purposes. More like for a hobby.
Anyway, I’ll be reading AZ history books for the next nine months, so I’m sure you’ll get more thrilling information that you can pass on to others who don’t really care either.
My Sister's Jar 