The Brentwood Years

In the 1960’s, Chester would sometimes take his grandchildren fishing with him. They recalled how he would cut bloodworms for bait with his pocket knife, wipe it off, then cut a piece of cheese with the same knife and never think twice about it. He could also be found at home using this same knife to cut apples, which he liked to eat with salt. Salt was also routinely added to his mug of beer.

Although he was not formally educated beyond the basics, he loved to read. One of his granddaughters recalled him instructing her on how to educate herself. “Read the newspaper everyday. Every page. Every word.” Chester would read one, two or three newspapers each day. Kathleen would often fuss at him for his habit of stacking them on the hassock that sat in front of, or next to his chair, in the front room of their home.

Both Chester and Kathleen were known as good cooks. Family members recalled some of the ways Chester would prepare meats, using ingredients such as beer. Kathleen was known for making the world’s best fried chicken. Her secret ingredients included evaporated milk, lard and bacon grease.

Christmastime was a magical time in their home. The dinner table would be filled with food. Cousins, aunts, and uncles would wander between the kitchen, the family room and the dining room, catching up on family news. The Christmas tree was decorated simply, strewn with tinsel, and lit by strings of bubble lights that many of the grandchildren still recall. They probably purchased these lights about the time of World War II, and they were cared for with tenderness. Chester would carefully place them on the tree, and then pack them securely for the next year.


The mantle at Christmastime


Kathy visits at Christmastime, 1971