My heart is a little broken,
I wish I was not so Sentimental.
There going to tear down my Maternal Grandparents home
to build something new. It may not happen tomorrow but it is going to happen.
to build something new. It may not happen tomorrow but it is going to happen.
They lived in Booth House
from 1945-1965
It sits on the grounds of Eastern IL University in Charleston
The home is a duplex and it was owned by
Mary Josephine Booth
she was a librarian at Eastern Illinois University
she even has a Wikipedia page.
She donated a great deal of money to the school and the
Library is named after her, but I think it is a travesty that
they would tear down another piece of history,
her home.
My Grandparents lived their starting during WWII
and until Ms. Booth's death in 1965.
She left the home to the University
I have some of her things, a poetry book, a sterling silver serving spoon, things she gave to my Grandmother. She was a sweet woman to us.
My Grandparents lived their starting during WWII
and until Ms. Booth's death in 1965.
She left the home to the University
I have some of her things, a poetry book, a sterling silver serving spoon, things she gave to my Grandmother. She was a sweet woman to us.
Why am I so sad
My first memories of Christmas is there
My first memories of birthdays were there
My only memories of my Great Grandparents is there
I remember 4th of July there. because the fireworks were a block away at the EIU football field
My first dog even, Friskey
My first dog even, Friskey
After my Mom died in 2002, I was wandering and my cousin wanted to go to the EIU campus so we did.
Some how I wandered into Booth House. It houses offices now.
As I entered I was welcomed, when I told them why I was there,
they let me walk through the entire place. They wanted to hear the stories of when the building was
a "home".
The huge staircase I remember as wide and varnished to a slick shine was now small.
I can remember wanting to climb it an being told "no"
As I looked at the mantle and bookcase I thought of my Grandmother's things that were once there.
My Grandmother's bedroom I remember as being so large that it held her bed and my crib was so tiny
I remembered the attic, it seemed huge and it had a wooden platform I thought was great for dancing
I can remember taking a bath in the pink bathtub, it had pink and black tiles
I can remember taking a bath in the pink bathtub, it had pink and black tiles
The screened in porch was my favorite, it was off the living room and oh how my brother loved it when it was warm enough for us to play out there.
I think when most of your loved ones are gone, all you have to hold on to is
the memories that bring you the happy and warm feeling, like they are giving you a hug.
The thoughts of Booth House make me feel that way.
So the memories of
Eastern Star meetings
Book lovers club meetings
Easter
4th of July
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Birthdays
will now just live in the pictures I hold dear to my heart.
But the most cherished is my Mom and Dad
Their wedding reception
August 10, 1947
Booth House
Rest in Peace Booth House,
you were loved.
23 comments:
So sorry Ann that another bit of your past will be gone, it seems that they are changing things everywhere.
Thank goodness for your photos that you can still enjoy.
Hugs to you and thinking of you too!
Marilou
You have an amazing amount of family history in that house. Thanks for sharing it and your photos with us. How sad the house will soon be gone. I know you cherish your memories. :) Pam
Oh, Ann. Reading this just put such a lump in my throat. I know exactly how you feel. When I went home when my brother died this past winter I went past my old farmhouse. It had burned down and there was a new house sitting under the old elm trees that I can remember my father planting...just saplings and now huge trees that shade the house and the road. It is good that we have the memories in our hearts because time changes all things- xo Diana
I know it's hard. But you are so lucky to have these wonderful pictures and memories of the times spent with family.
Ann you have some great memories of the Booth House and they will be yours forever...
The photos are so lovely to have as well. Thank you for sharing your Family with us. Take care.
Wanda
Oh my, what a shame that they are tearing such a lovely piece of history. How sad. Thank Goodness you have all of those wonderful photographs and memories. The booth house will live on in your heart ~ take care my friend
Such lovely memories, what a shame they are tearing it down.
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger
So sad, Ann. I didn't realize they were tearing it down. :( Like Granny's farmhouse, I still have the memories. When I drive past it on rt 40, I always cherish those memories that come flooding back. You have your memories, too!
You have such wonderful pictures. So sorry the house will be torn down. Hugs, Marty
Ann, My heart breaks for your loss...we become attached to homes because of the love that was there. I always wish old things could be used or renovated..not torn down. xoxo,Susie
Oh that makes me feel so sad for you. I feel that way when any old building is torn down never the less a building that houses so many precious memories for you. Your photos and card from Mrs. Booth add so much to the story and your post. Very well done. So glad you got to go into it one more time.
Sending my hugs your way,
Gina
Love your old photos! So sad about the house. I hate when old homes are torn down. The first house I ever lived in (from birth to 10 months) was torn down and a huge house that's too big for the lot was put there instead. I feel your pain. :(
Dear Ann,
Maybe they will let you have the house numbers or some other selected part of the house after they take it down. At least you will have all the great memories that you have collected over the years. That is a good thing..think of the good..I know you will cry and that's okay..make them happy tears..
I'm sorry, Ann, that they will be tearing the house down. Sounds like some great memories that were made there, and they can't take that from you, ever.
What a shame! I'm glad that you have so many happy memories and photos of what was not just a building, but a happy home. To think that in Europe, buildings and homes exist for hundreds and hundreds of years. They don't just tear everything down like we do here!
I have to honestly say, when I read or hear of these situations...it makes me...ugh! I feel so bad for you, I know it has to be hurtful. Thank goodness, you have wonderful memories and pictures to go along with it. Why do things have to change....when it really isn't necessary? Thank goodness for those who see the importance of preserving our history and buildings. Hopefully, it will be later than sooner, when it comes down. Blessings~~~Roxie Thank you for your sweet comments, and yes, I sold my home of 17 yrs. I knew it was the right decision but I will miss it so.
I enjoyed seeing your wonderful pictures. Thank goodness you have them. That was such a cute picture with your brother in his plaid jacket and you in your little frilly dress, with your grandma.
So sad that the house is being torn down.
Sorry that this part of your past is going to disappear Ann, but you have the most precious thing to keep - your wonderful memories!
Rose H
xx
Ann,
I know it's hard to let go!
You have many memorable life happenings in Booth House!!!
Great photos of then. . .perhaps you could take photos of now. . .and the demolish to complete your history and ties with the home.
Sending warm thoughts your way, dear friend!!!
Fondly,
Pat
What a lot of great memories you have! I'm sorry they are going to tear it down!
Take care,
Pam
I'm with you Ann I hate to see an old house torn down for progress of the city etc,especially when it's a family home
what wonderful pictures you have of your Grandparents and all your stories are wonderful
you was a little doll
I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm sure it just hurts your heart. The older you get the more it happens. It's just how it is. The real amazing thing is just how much of your history you can still hold in your hands. Truly extraordinary. You must have lots of those "archive" genes!
So many memories in your family home. Thank you for sharing the lovely post and pictures. Wishing you a Happy 4th of July!
Blessings from Still Woods Farmhouse
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