Southwest Sierra - #29

Continued from last week...

The Bradbury house. It was located below the McDonalds sign now hanging on Main Street. This is the house where my older brother DBJ attended an unplanned home birth (See SS#2). It belonged to Jackie White when it burned down in the early 1990s.Merle Eva Marguerite Bradbury was the only child of Thomas and Lizetta (Nihill) Bradbury. The late historian Bill Fuller interviewed Merle and her Uncle Dick Bennet in the 1960s and 70s. Much of the information that follows is from Bill Fuller and Merle’s 3rd cousin Jane Proctor. Merle was born in 1895 in a house that her Grandfather Captain John Bradbury built in 1876 (see photo). Merle’s married name was Myers, she had no children. She died in Nevada City in 1988.

Both of Merle’s parents were also born in Alleghany, making her a full second generation Alleghanian. Merle’s mother Lizetta was born in what was known as “Cumberland” at the north end of town (Mammoth Springs Road area). Her father Thomas was the youngest of seven children, he would have been 12 years old when his father, a successful merchant, built the house where Merle was born. Tom is famous for having located the Sixteen to One Lode Claim (hardrock mine) in 1896. It was located not far from the back of the family home.

As mentioned last week, Merle ripped every single date out of her memory book. Mattie Bell, the owner of the other book was born on January 18, 1887 making her almost nine years older than Merle. It seems likely that Merle’s book is not quite as old as Mattie’s, which was given to her for Christmas in 1901. The intention of the books was clearly to provide a memento of one’s youth in later years. The handwriting in both books appears to be from people of all ages. Many of the signors are classmates, but we also see aunts, uncles, and community members. If any of our readers know more about this tradition, please share your knowledge! This appears to be a precursor for having classmates sign a yearbook.

Most of the entries are written in rhymes. From Merle’s book: “Dear Merle On these leaves of snowy whiteness, I trace my name for thee, and in hours of joy and gladness give one little thought to me. Your friend Edith Phillips” - “Dear Merle: Your album is a golden spot in which to write “Forget me Not.” Nettie Brainerd” –“ Dear Merle Remember me is all I ask, But if remembrance be a task, forget me. Your friend Herbie Smith” – “ Dear Merle Remember me long, Remember me ever, Remember the fun we had together Your friend Mamae Flynn Alleghany July (rest ripped off)”.

I found a few more coincidences regarding the two memory books: Both young ladies shared the initials M.B. and both were given their books by an aunt. Some of the rhymes are nearly identical: “Dear Merle: When rocks and rills* divide us and me no more you’ll see, remember it was “Julia” that wrote these lines for thee. Your Friend Julia.” The first entry in Mattie’s book reads: “Denver. Colo: Dec. 27-01 When rocks and rills Divided us both, and you no more I see, Remember the name of Geo. And write a line to me. Geo. Graham. First Starter”. Both books contain this rhyme: “Remember me when far far off where the woodchucks die of whooping cough”. Merle’s is signed by “Your loving schoolmate Ella C. Casserly”. The same poem in Mattie’s book is dated “Aug. 3 1908” and signed “your friend Clare Moore”.

About the author: As a kid in 1975, Rae Bell (aka Pauline) moved with her family to the Ruby Mine area located between Alleghany and Downieville. She and her husband have lived in Alleghany proper since 1992. If you have news or suggestions to share, please send an email to: raebell44@gmail.com or mail to: PO Box 919, Alleghany, CA 95910

* A rill is a stream smaller than a river.