Story by Lucy Aldrich Moorhead Rowland, 1997 and Pearl Aldrich Swagerty, 1963
As the Aldrich’s grew up they became aware of a routine their parents had. When it was time for Ida to do her “wifely duty” she was signaled by Abe putting the teapot on the stove after dinner. If the teapot wasn’t enough of a clue, Ida would become rather grumpy. Lucy recalls an incident when she was living with her parents in San Jose when Ethel was going to college. Abe had given over the ranch, back in Hughson, to Wilbur. He needed something to do with his time. He found a job in the local paper about a foreman needed for a ranch with a large pear orchard. He and Ida went out to meet the Standishes and make arrangements for the job. They would need to move out to the ranch and live in the foreman’s house. Abe was very happy about how everything had turned out. Ida was tired after traveling there and back. That night after dinner Abe continued his good mood by putting on the teapot.
Swagerty-Aldrich Family Web Site 