Story by Sheryl Palmer
Great Grandma Aldrich (Ida Palmer Aldrich) lived just across the alley from us as I was growing up in Hughson. I remember having to knock real loud on her back door because she was hard of hearing. You didnít just walk in because it might scare her. She had to have cookies in her cookie jar at all times for us kids. She would call me over and we would make dozens of cookies. I still make the same kinds of cookies. One of them is still a tradition for me today (Molasses Crinkles). She would have quilting bees. She taught me how to sew my first quilt. It was a doll quilt, but I was really proud of it. I remember having to thread her needle on her treadle type sewing machine. She said I could be her eyes. I didnít understand at the time, but I sure do now. I helped her sew some pieces to her quilts on that machine. I know she was a great influence to me as a homemaker. It was great when all the family got together on holidays. The family got so large we had to use the Social Hall at the Church. She was very active in the church and held prayer meetings at her house.
Grandma Swagerty (Lulu Aldrich Swagerty) was an influence on me also in the homemaking department. I remember her doing a lot of canning and preserving and working in her garden. She loved to garden. The ranch was a great place to go. They grew a variety of fruits and nuts. Grandma always had a great vegetable garden also. Her favorite thought was her flower garden. She was right at home outdoors doing the gardening. To relax on a Sunday afternoon she would play her organ. It was just a great place to relax and not have to worry about a thing. Never a cross word to be heard.
Swagerty-Aldrich Family Web Site 