OUR READERS WRITE

By: Michael A. Aun, FIC, LUTCF, CSP, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame

Dear Michael,

My mother, Mary Rhoten (Mrs. J.T. Rhoten), and I really enjoy your articles in the Chronicle. She started showing them to me recently, so now we save them. I have seven (counting this week) and was wondering how many you have written and how I could get copies of them.

I was born in Lexington (at home on the Mill Hill), 523 E. Main Street, on March 6, 1944. I have a brother, Tim (age 65) and Jimmy (60). We grew up doing the same things you describe in your articles. My uncles, Willie and Roy, ran the grocery store, "Thrifty Grocery", all their adult lives after returning from the War.

Daddy and mama worked in the Martel Mills for many years; consequently, we lived in one of the mill houses. We didn't own a car until I was 14 years old and Tim was 16. My Uncle Willie had taught Tim how to drive so he could deliver groceries. Therefore, Tim convinced daddy to buy a car (a 1952 Chevrolet). This was in 1958. In fact, Tim taught daddy how to drive. Then daddy educated me, and later Jimmy. Jimmy trained Mama, and she is 85 and still driving. Sadly, daddy died in 1979 at the age of 57.

Well, I could go on and on. I just love all the memories I have and will share some of them with you if you like. I work part-time teaching adult education for Lexington School District One. I retired 4 years ago from teaching.

I knew your family. Mary Delle was the only one with whom I ever talked. She was a couple of years younger (maybe with Jimmy's class - 1965), and I always admired her. I was so impressed when she decided to become a nun. I had never known anyone who was a nun. My cousin, Suedella Rhoten, was also a classmate of Jimmy's and Mary Delle's. She is Willie's daughter. She has 3 brothers: Boyd, David, and Wesley. Wesley still runs the store (Rhoten's Country Store) and makes sausage from our grandmother's German recipe.

Can't wait to hear from you (at your convenience, of course).

Sincerely,
Loretta Rhoten

Hi Mike,

My name is Ruth Padgett (formerly Ruthie Jones of Lexington). I graduated from LHS in 1963. My younger brother is Edward Jones (also known as Charlie and when a DJ..."Charlie J").

I was a friend of your sister, Mary Delle. My brother gave me a subscription to the Chronicle as a Christmas gift and I have to tell you how much I enjoy your articles. You bring back such wonderful memories...some make me laugh, others bring a tear but all remind me of the wonderful little town where we grew up and the wonderful people we knew.

Your uncles, Eli (Jr.) and Arthur always called Edward and me "Popsicle Petes" because we always got a pops, sweeticle (the double orange or grape ones which we had to share). Sara Nell Bryan was the mother of my very best friend, Linda, and I can't even begin to count the nights we spent at each others homes. What a wonderful tribute you paid her in your article.

My mother (Sarah Jones Steele) was a nurse at Dr. Liverman's Hospital and was present at the births of many of your brothers and sisters. I remember that one time I ate lunch at your house when I was visiting Mary Delle. My mom later fussed at me because she said that your mother had enough children to feed without feeding me, too. I told her that "I only ate a very small sandwich."

I remember one time your mom was making stuffed squash and I found out how she made them and mom and I later made them at home. I STILL make them and always remember your beautiful mother. I can still see and hear your mother with her soft, sweet voice caring for your brothers and sisters.

Mary Delle told me one day that she had a "saint" and being a "good little Lutheran" I didn't know too much about saints but I decided that I should have one also, so Mary Delle told me that since I was born on July 22nd that Saint Mary Magdalene should be my saint and since then I have considered her "my saint!"

I could go on forever but I will close this and thank you again for the memories. I wish I could get back copies of all the articles you have written for "the Chronicle" but I know that is impossible. I'll just keep reading them every week and remember the good times. By the way, we lived on West Main Street across from "Haygood's."

Thanks Mike. I'm very proud of all you have accomplished in your life. I know your parents and Grandpa Eli much look down from heaven and smile.

Fondly,
Ruth Jones Padgett "Ruthie"