Rosemary, 101
b. August 15, 1923
Grandfather Custer was a man of many talents, juggling the roles of farmer, musician, carpenter, and jeweler in a time when such diversity was necessary for survival. He even crafted a tiny chair for Ms. Rosemary as a child, only to have it comically break under the weight of their mother. With his modest farm in Ohio, jewelry shop, and skill at making violins, he embodied the American spirit of hard work and perseverance.
Meanwhile, on the maternal side, Theophilus Bernard Custer, likely descended from German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania or Ohio. And on the paternal side, Ms. Rosemary's family ventured westward to Nebraska thanks to the Homestead Act of 1862. However, her father John Swift (originally known as John Everett) distanced himself from his family due to his love for music being frowned upon by his father.
John Swift's travels took him all over the U.S. and even into Alaska during the Gold Rush, where he sought fame through performance and journalism. Later on, the family settled in Florida during the land boom but faced challenges like hurricanes.
Ms. Rosemary fondly recalls memories of Grandfather Custer in Florida, including a memorable encounter with a snake. Even after his passing, a kind neighbor helped comfort her during that difficult time.
Throughout the story, we see glimpses of family dynamics and reflections on simpler times. Ms. Rosemary is an only child who humorously thought her middle name was Dawn until she found out otherwise.
From her childhood experiences at West Central Elementary School to facing fears and navigating through innocence and adulthood, Ms. Rosemary reflects on pivotal moments in her life. This includes meeting her future husband Calvin while attending vocational school and their Fourth of July wedding in 1953. Together they faced societal tensions surrounding naming a new school.
One eventful road trip with a friend brings spontaneity and joy, even amidst car troubles. Later on, after decades of working in a law firm, the author reflects on an attorney's tragic suicide and her bond with Calvin's son Skip, whom she raised as her own.
In her retirement, Ms. Rosemary treasures friendships with neighbors and fondly remembers her late husband and their shared aversion to snakes. Through humor and reflections on life's challenges, this story captures the author's journey through family, friendship, and personal growth.
Ms. Rosemary's complete profile is coming soon.
