In the house I grew up in, my dad's den was next to my bedroom. In his den was a wooden bookcase filled with books. From my earliest memories I recall sitting in front of the bookcase, fascinated by the books it held. I spent hours as I grew up on the floor in front of that bookcase just looking at the books. When mom and dad moved to Beavercreek I found myself, there, doing the same thing. Even when they moved to Enon I would sneak in his den on occasion to sit in front of that old bookcase. There was just something comforting I guess about it and it made each house feel more like home.
My mom downsized when she moved and to make room for a crib for William she asked if I wanted the bookcase. I asked for the books as well! Several weekends ago the bookshelf came home with me and the following weekend the books made their way here. I finally finished unpacking them recently.
To look at it, it looks like an ordinary bookcase. To me, it's so much more. The bookcase itself was made by my Grandpa Frank and Uncle Willis. The books, well, there are many stories about those books. Here are a few ...
*Bulldozer, by Stephen W. Meader : this was my dad's favorite book. He took more than his share of ribbing over the years about this book. It's not a spectacular book or anything, he just loved it. This particular copy belongs to the Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library and my mom's library card is still in the back. She promises she did pay for it. I plan to read Bulldozer finally and maybe I will find the same fascination my dad did. This may be one of the most treasured books on the shelf for me because of what it meant to my dad. As I unpacked the boxes, tears streamed down my face upon its discovery.
*The Hawaii Book: this book, along with one about the presidents (which I believe now resides with Casey) occupied much of my time growing up. The book has my Grandpa's name engraved on the front in gold. When mom and dad moved I took possession of the Hawaii book and now it has been returned to its rightful spot on the bottom shelf. I smiled as I placed it there.
*When A Man's A Man by Harold Bell Wright: a note inside the cover reads,
Dear Larry;
As you, know doubt remember your Dad was an avid reader.
One of his favorite books was, "WHEN A MAN IS A MAN" by Harold Bell Wright.
The main character there in was named Lawrence Knight, and that is where you picked up Larry.
I thought you might enjoy the book from which he derived your name.
Here is the book for a keepsake.
God bless you and yours,
Uncle Willis
On the bookshelf is also a copy of The Lone Star Ranger by Zane Gray from which Uncle Terry's name was derived (Terry Duane). Both authors, Gray and Wright can be found many times on the shelves.
*A Father's Book of Wisdom, God's Little Instruction Book for Dad, and A Tribute To Fathers: all given to my dad from me. A Tribute To Fathers is a Peanuts book and inside it says, " With love to:
My Father, From:
Your Daughter". It also says "
I miss you". It was not dated but from my writing I believe I gave this to dad when we moved back to Ohio and he was still in Grand Forks awaiting his retirement.
*to the World's best Grandpa, given to dad from Casey in 1999.
*Mitchells' Corn Palace by Jan Cerney, with a note attached, "
Dad - When you are "back on your feet" we need to make a date!" This was from Jamie and a date they made. Some years ago mom and dad traveled out west with John and family and dad wanted to stop at the Corn Palace and John wouldn't stop. For years following that trip dad talked about the Corn Palace and how John wouldn't stop for him to see it - John took quite a bit of crap for that! The trip with Jamie was probably one the highlights of dad's life. He and Jamie made a trip to the Corn Palace and also went back to Nebraska, where I was born (I had to add that!), and revisited several places.
*Mickey Mouse in several forms - a comic book, several children's books. One is titled, Mickey Mouse and the Peanuts. If you knew my dad well you know there's no better combination than Mickey Mouse and peanuts - two of his favorite things!
*Lucile by Owen Meredith. Written inside is "
Julia Gorby", my Great Grandma Sollars. I do wonder if that had anything to do with my Grandma's name being Lucille.
A few titles from the shelves: Ben Hur, Tut, Tut! Mr. Tutt, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Betty Zane, Little Britches, The Black Stallion, The Swiss Family Robinson.
Dad loved to read. Among his favorites were W.E. B. Griffin and Tom Clancy. There are several of those that I think Steve will enjoy too.
The Taylor's made a habit of writing their names in their books and often the city and year as well. Among them the towns of South Charleston and Uniopolis, and the years 1923, 1926, 1939, 1945. Some have multiple names. My guess is when they were passed on or gifted the recipient added their name. Oddly, my dad never picked up this habit. I've yet to find one book with his name written in it. Most of the books on the shelf were my Grandpa Frank's books. But there were many others that were treasures to find.
Some are stamped, C.E. Taylor, my Great-Grandpa Cledith and some were hand written Kate Burden, my Great Grandma. I guess she didn't have a stamp! Some are also written Aunt Kate. One very special one, a gift from Kate to Cledith contained one of the neatest finds. A small card with a picture of a church on the front. Inside is typed:
"Fifty-two times within the year
We met together there.
To study and to pray and sing,
Our Friends we, too, would bring.
To Him our whole heart we will give,
For our Dear Savior we will live,
To Jesus Christ we will be true,
"Band of Fifty-Two."
On the adjacent page is typed:
"Gladly we go to Sunday School
To learn the Golden Rule.
And of the Christ, the way, the truth,
Accepting Him in our youth.
Come join our band, and bring your friend
You must endure unto the end,
If you would win the offered prize,
"Win souls; be wise."
At the top is written
Bea Blair.
I also found several that belonged to Auntie Bea - (Beatrice). The Covered Wagon by Emerson Hough reads, "
To Beatrice from Mother and Dad". These will be returned to her son, Bobby. And speaking of Bobby. I found one that says, "
Larry Taylor from Bobby and Becky, Southeasten High School".
I found a few that belonged to my Uncle Willis. One from Sunset, Utah, another from Sun City, Arizona. And one from Frank to Willis dated 1944. Another that also belonged to his father at one time. These will be shipped to Arizona to his children.
There was one to my dad from Aunt Marie (my Great Aunt Helen's mother) dated 1952. It was a book of baseball stories by Zane Grey. Oh how my dad loved his Auntie Marie!
I found several with the name Howard Owen Barnett. If any of the Taylor's can identify this man, let me know!
I have always enjoyed the books on the shelves but unpacking them was a special treat!
And here is the bookcase ...
Blessings to all,
Alisa
