Memories of Chester

Chester at various ages

One daughter recalled that Chester loved to play cards. “Any time he could get 4 people together a card game would be called.” Chester was serious when playing cards. He preferred to play Spades or Wisk, both of which complimented his ability to count cards (remembering which cards have been played). This skill sometimes led him to become annoyed with a partner who would make a play that he considered a poor choice.

Chester also loved to fish. He could not afford to own a boat, but he did own a motor. He would take it with him, and use it to power rented rowboats. The motor was not new, and not the most reliable source of propulsion. I’m sure that many family members recall being rowed, or rowing, back to the dock.

Once a fishing trip was underway, there was little that would cut it short. Joanne recalls a time when her leg became entangled in the anchor line, and she went overboard. Unable to swim, she was lucky to quickly climb back into the boat. Safe again, the fishing continued.

Chester’s was an experience fisherman and, just as with less experience card players, he might judge a fellow fisherman harshly if they required too much assistance, or committed the cardinal sin of losing a fish that should have been landed. As for the fish: if it was caught, it was headed for the pan. There was no selectivity or throwing back a fish others might consider too much trouble, or not the best tasting.


Chester after a successful fishing trip in Florida

The length and depth of his schooling are not known, but he loved to read. He liked westerns and history: especially English history. He did not like poetry. He told many stories. One set of stories told many times was about his ancestors the James’. His daughter Bernice recalls: “He wanted the James family remembered. He told me there were 12 James boys, but I don’t know if they were sons, nephews or cousins. It was important to him that I know the James’ came from England on a grant from the King.”

He was a skilled carpenter, but did not pursue the monetary rewards he could have. He was also a democrat, and was always proud that he supervised the work crews who helped to build the Inauguration Stands for Presidents Roosevelt and Kennedy.


This chalk drawing of Chester hangs in Bernice's home.