MEMORIAL CONGREGATIONAL CHRUCH

MEMORIES OF ROSE KENNEDY OF 1934-39



Rose Chiaurro Kennedy



September 3, 2004

In the years from '34 to '39, I lived at 1329 January and attended Gratiot School. My childhood friend, Margie Fink (Zwieffel) and her family who lived across the street, were members of the Memorial Congregational Church on Graham and Victoria. We were together so much that when she told us her Church was giving out Penny Babe Ruth's to everyone who came to Choir Practice on Wednesday after School, we were there! A Babe Ruth in those days was about 4 to 5 inches long and quite a treat to Depression Children. So eventually, catching the wrath of my Catholic Grandmother, we all went for the candy. Once in a while, we made an appearance in Church on Sunday with our friend.

Every year they held the "Tiny Tot" Wedding and this was a huge affair. I remember the elevated decorated isle starting from the back of the church to the alter. Two very small children as bride and groom with the whole bridal company including parents and family of each one. What a great event.

I also remember another what I think was a Spring Event that we participated in. A beautiful girl with long blond hair, fair skin and blue eyes and the most beautiful voice sang "The Rose of Tralee". Her name was Carmen Ent and her family with two brothers, Clarence and Earl or Ural Ent lived in the vicinity of Childress and Clayton Road. My sister ran into her a few years ago living in Illinois.

We were in the Chorus and these were the words to the song we sang:

"Glad you came to see us, on this happy evening
Ready now to hear us friends and parents dear
We will try to please you, with our plays and antics
So when all is over, you'll be glad you're here!

Welcome to you all sitting in that row
Glad you came to see us, hope you like our show.
(Repeat one more time).

The minister at the time of my writing was a lady, and her name was "Ollie" Anderson.

Fun times.

Rose


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