The South Hardin Signal Review
August 4, 1999
"Hi There" by Irene Gogerty
I lost a childhood friend this summer. We hadn't seen each other for many years but we kept in touch with letters at Christmas and an exchange of birthday cards. Today, July 28, is her birthday. I met her when I was a fifth grade student in country school. Her name, Ruth Lucille Fosseen Orrison.
We had just moved to the neighborhood, north of Radcliffe. We had been there not more than 6 weeks when we were invited to the Fosseens for supper. Father, mother, grandmother, my one brother (the second brother had not arrived yet), my three sisters, and myself. The Fosseen family were nine in number, their eldest was already married.
The Fosseens had recently moved into a brand new house and I thought it was grand. Spacious rooms, beautifully polished hardwood floor, many windows, and electric system in place and running water. Much as I loved good food I really believe I was most awed by the house!
The dining table was extended as far as possible. I believe the four Fosseen boys and my brother Norman sat around the big square table in the kitchen.
An interesting feature of this fine home was a kind of boys club in the basement where the "guys" adjourned after we'd eaten. There they played cards, read Western magazines, and smoked hand rolled cigarettes. After this visit and many more subsequently, Norman was given armloads of magazines which were prized possessons of his.
I remember helping with the dishes. I was taught always as a guest to help with the work and I have never forgotten that responsibility. The "folks" listened to the radio, a new and exciting inovation that was just entering our lives. The Fosseens were not only hospitable but so generous.
Ruth and I continued our relationship. I spent many a night there. Ruth and I sometimes sat at the kitchen table and Ruth would whip up a batch of absolutely the creamiest fudge which we'd snack on...or she may bake a huge chocolate cake. (She didn't have to ask permission, either.) Ruth had an enviable collection of popular magazines and many movie perioicals which we devoured. Sometimes we tried on her big sister's dresses and rather indulged in her make-up and perfume.
We talked and talked about certain boys we liked!
There is a time during adolescence when one is aware of a nameless restlessness. When a girl is too young for dates and yet she is no longer a kid, that is when a couple of good girl friends are as good as it gets.
Ruth had another special gift in addition to her gift for friendship-she could play the piano! I loved to sit in their cozy living room thumbing a vast collection of popular music (sheet music) and ask her to play those tunes and she could! How impressive is that?
We did not know Sinatra nor Elvis but we had our own idol. Rudy Vallee, he was our Vagabond Lover!
Dear Ruth, You were the last of your big family to leave us. I hope you are all together now and I really believe you are.
