Two Noras: August 8, 1914 and August 8, 2021

Nora Bauer: Saturday, August 8, 1914

Went to Burnettsville to pay off this afternoon. Clara, Gertrude and I went shopping this evening. Went to the station to meet Anna & Mamie. They came home at 8:35. 

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday, August 8, 2021

Today is my youngest sister, Ann's birthday! Worked at Marigold, then visited the Indiana State Fair. Saw the Grand Drive for the first time. Dad would have loved it. 

You may remember that Grandma Nora went to Burnettsville a couple of weeks ago. I've spent a good chunk of time trying to figure out what she was doing there. I assume she was there on behalf of her employer, Barnes Construction. 

I've been searching for a project that Barnes that was building at the time. Burnettsville, formerly known as Burnetts Creek, was (and still is a small town). In 1910 the population was 489 and it had only grown to 517 by 1920. That said, in 1914 the town had a bank, pharmacy, market, doctor and dentist. 

The last history of White County (where the town is located) that I could find was written in 1883. I searched the historic register, just in case that led me somewhere - no luck. I even read through the July and August Burnettsville newspapers. That's not as heroic as it sounds, it was a one-page paper published once a week - Thursdays if you were wondering. 

It sounds like Grandma Nora had a nice evening with her younger sister and Clara Brill. I hope that Anna and Mamie had a good time in Milwaukee. 

This photo from twelve years ago (2009) popped up today. Dad was 73...and I'll be 72 in 12 years. So weird to think about. Dad loved the strawberry shakes from the Hooks museum soda fountain at the State Fair.  

I had a lovely day also. I worked at Marigold for the annual Broad Ripple Sidewalk Sale. I was home by 3:00 and invited Schaun to join me at the Fair. Schaun talked me in to riding on the back of his Honda Grom  (appropriately helmeted, of course). 

I arrived on a Honda Grom....I did not leave on a Honda Grom. More on that later. 

We saw the Budweiser Clydesdales and the Dalmatian. We visited Pioneer Village and my lamp. Just in case you were wondering what second and third place looked like, here you go! 

My goal for today was to see the Grand Drive, getting to show "on the dirt" of the Coliseum is a big deal. My Cousin Clyde's grandson, Ari, was showing his champion sheep. 

This was my first time attending the Grand Drive and I'll admit to a few tears. Eric Holcomb, the Governor of Indiana and Mrs. Holcomb spoke. We all said the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H pledge and the National Anthem was sung. 

I wasn't in a good spot to get a close up of Ari, but I got goosebumps knowing he was out there. Here is a video of the champions. 

I wonder if Grandma Nora even imagined four generations away? She was Ari's Great-Great-Great-Grandmother. I also know that Dad would have really loved this also. 

We were back at Schaun's bike when he realized that he didn't have the key (for the record, I offered to put it in my purse). Luckily I live just a mile away. I wasn't mad about the lost key - we all lose things, but the discussion of the best way to walk to my house almost caused me to commit a crime. There is literally a paved trail leading from where we were standing to my actual backyard. I'm not sure why it took me so long to convince Schaun that it was the quickest way home. Walking a mile is a good way to let off some steam....

We grabbed my car and I drove Schaun home to get his spare key and back to the Fairgrounds. All and all, it was another good day at the Fair.