Memories of Mary Obenhaus Graf by her sisters
Memories of Mary Obenhaus Graf by her sisters
Mary, the firstborn in our family, was loved and respected by all of us. We recall how fondly our parents spoke of the deep devotion between her and Grandmother Obenhaus, who lived with us. A young child's affection for one whose years on this earth were drawing to a close must have been very comforting to the aged one. At the same time, Grandmother instilled a kind and compassionate spirit in our sister that we all cherished.
A large picture of Mary, which was taken when she was about six months old, hung in the same honored place in our parlor throughout her lifetime and now has a prominent place in her son's living room.
Whatever problems the rest of us had, Mary was always willing and ready to help. She helped with our school assignments and reviewed our memory work from Luther's Catechism. Since she excelled in spelling, she helped the younger brothers and sisters with their spelling assignments. Fixing lunches for school, braiding our hair, and tying the large taffeta bows which we wore on Sunday moring were responsibilities which she accepted. In the winter time we had to wear long black stockings. Many times we went to her for help in keeping them up properly.
Mary's natural ability to cook was a great asset. Her homemade bread, sweet rolls, pies, and cakes were delicious. Her specialty, however, was homemade noodles which were cooked in the broth from a big fat hen. In addition to Mary's good cooking, our diet also included homegrown vegetables and fruit. In the summer time we canned and preserved surplus foods. The many shelves in our cellar were well stocked with fruits, jellies, and vegetables. The smoked bacon, hams, and sausages were also stored there.
Laudering before the days of electric power was quite a chore. What a joy for all when the old rub board was laid aside and we got our first washing machine. It had a wooden tub and a handle to turn the dasher on the inside. This was later replaced with a gasoline-powered motor. However, we continued to use the homemade lye soap.
Ironing with flat irons heated on the wood stove was another chore that took a lot of practice. Papa liked his white shirts heavily starched and expected them to be done just right. Ironing became much easier after we got a gasoline iron.
The tragic experience which almost took Mary's life was the time she was bitten by a rattlesnake. This caused us all great concern. The after effects of this bite impaired her health for a long time. In spite of this affliction, life had a beautiful meaning to her. She was an active member of Walther League and the church choir. Here she had many loyal Christian friends.
When her fiancee Paul Graf came to visit, he had many eyes staring at him. We all admired his ability to play the organ. His favorites and ours were Under the Double Eagle, Black Hawk Waltz, and Over the Waves. On Sunday he would play for church. Since the organ was in the balcony, Mary would sit in the balcony also. After church he usually had dinner with us. When they announced their wedding, I remember their driving in their little Ford Roadster from hom to home inviting the guests personally. Mama worked hard preparing for the wedding, for a big dinner was served. Our cousin Esther from Electra came to help with the wedding preparations.
For the wedding dinner the dining room had a circle of cedar branches and a cedar arch behind the honored couple. For the ceremony in the church they also had a cedar arch which they and the attendants walked through.
When Mary's son Charles was born, I (Clara) stayed with her to help. She couldn't understand why it took me so long to do the dishes. Otherwise she thought I did a good job.
Mary always took time to read a prayer at mealtime and at bedtime. She lived close to God and carried out his command in every way. She was loyal to her parents, family and church. When she died, my aged father looked at her and said, "What a beautiful saint."
Reprinted from The Otto and Alvene Obenhaus Family History compiled by their children April, 1977 pages 26 and 27.