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The Life History Story That Was Read At Grandpa and Grandma's 50th Wedding Anniversary, February 17, 1957
Tonight we've put together a little history of the lives of my Grandpa and Grandma, Mr. & Mrs. Dick Rolffs. This story has taken place over the past 50 years.
Our story begins with a beautiful girl, Miss Minnie Jansen, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John D. Jansen from Sully, Iowa. She had many friends, both girls, and boys,-but the boy who stole her heart was Dick Rolffs, son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Rolffs. He had come to the United States from Holland at the age of 10. Minnie remembered seeing this strange looking Dutch family come to church. The boys had their long-johns rolled up under their knickers. But Dick had now grown up to be a very handsome young man who drove a very handsome team of horses on his buggy. They dated for about two years when Dick became the proud possessor of a Model T Ford in 1925. This was purchased for a total of $345.00
Things got pretty serious between the two so after four years of dating the big date was set for February 17, 1927. They were married by the Rev. Luke A. Brunsting at the parsonage in Sully. Dick's parents served as witnesses for them. The bride's colors of blue and white were carried out. A delicious lunch of coffee, cake, sandwiches, cookies and even home-made ice-cream was served.
Dick took his bride to the Everett Kruseman farm just south of Sully where he was working as a hired man. His wages were $35.00 a month. They set up housekeeping with a cook stove, table, chairs, kitchen cabinet, and a bed and dresser. They had been married only 5 months when the new little "housefrau" had to have an appendectomy. The Doctor bill was $275.00 which was hard to pay on Dick's salary, so Grandpa Jansen helped them out by paying half of it.
At about this time the Great Depression hit--and it hit hard! Corn sold for 10ยข per bushel, sows at $2.50 per hundred, and milk cows for $15.00 a head. In 1934 they had no corn at all. They sold 60 head of pigs weighing 50 lb. for $1.40 per head.
It was around this time their family started to arrive--
a boy for Dick, a girl for Minnie, then another girl for Minnie, and another boy for Dick. Then along came two more girls, and another boy. All of these children chose to arrive on Sunday except John. The Doctor was called out on a Friday evening (who could afford to go to the hospital in those days?). He stayed all night because there was a terrible rainstorm- a total of 6 inches. He left the next morning but was called back in the afternoon because John decided to come at 3:00 that Saturday.
They lived on a farm by Uncle Herman Jansen's place from 1932 until 1941. It was here that many happy and not-so happy memories occurred. The older children of the family entertained the mumps at the same time. In 1939, only two weeks after Marvin "arrived, Minnie underwent surgery for the removal of her gallbladder.
They were a busy family too--even Henry and Janet helped Mother out by canning baby chickens! These chickens weren't really big enough to be canned--and they really weren't killed before they were canned--but the main thing was that they were helping their Mother! Who can forget the lovable 400 lb. calf that was used for a "pony"? All around the barnyard he would go just as well behaved as you pleae. Later on he was replaced by a real: - pony named "Max".
In 1941 they purchased their own farm near Taintor. Here, too many memories occurred. Shortly after they moved, the entire family, except Grandpa and Cornelia came down with the measles. They moved two beds from upstairs into the living room, and covered all the windows with blankets so it would be dark. Grandpa slept on the couch, because even Grandma was sick. One night Grandpa thought he was going to get sick too, so he had a neighbor come in to chore, and bring in coal and wood, but the next morning he was alright. He was kept busy being nurse, cook, and chore-boy! Then to top it off Henry developed serious nose bleeds. The Doctor was called out to the farm one evening and again in the morning, because he bled so much. Literally wash pans full. Also while living on this place Janet broke her arm while riding a bicycle down the hill. Also Mildred broke her leg at Bible School.
In March of 1945 they moved to a farm south of Sully. It was here their last baby, Dale Eugene was born on April 7. He lived only 11 day, when Jesus took him home to be a precious jewel in His Crown.
In 1950 they moved back to their own farm by Taintor. Not long after, Grandpa too had gallbladder surgery. A new home was also built on this farm in 1950. Grandma also spent an entire month in the hospital in Iowa City. She was able to come home just a few days before Christmas, and Grandpa surprised her with a great big Christmas present--two crisp brand new One Hundred dollar bills, to be used for a carpet in their new home. She broke down and cried tears of joy and gratitude.
In 1958 they sold their farm and moved to Oskaloosa. It was on the farm sale that the family jeep "Willy" was sold. Little David cried when it had to leave the yard. Many fond memories were connected to Willy! Henry could tell you more of the details, but we do know that it would go where nothing else could go, especially when double dating on Sunday nights. Zeke Zylstra could tell you because he always said "that jeep had more guts than a slaughter house".
After moving to Oskaloosa Dick worked in a gas station for about a year. Then he drove a school bus for the Oskaloosa Community School for 12 years. In 1972 they moved to their present home at the Pella Manor.
Many, many people have sat at Grandma's table and have had a part in these 50 years of memories. Some of the school teachers who stayed with them were Mable Ashby, Charlotte Braine, and Arlene Dennis. Some of the hired girls were Arletta Van Sant Beerends, Jeanette Beyers, Olsthorn, and Iva Vander Krol Arkema. Their hired men were Clifford Anthony, and Jim Terlouw. Jim would always come on Saturday night so he could listen to the radio (which was a real treat in those days) and to get in on the homemade ice cream. Later Cliff Vos helped out when needed when John left for the Army, and Grandpa had surgery.
Also sharing in the love of Grandpa and Grandma's home was Great-Grandpa Rolffs who lived with them for approximately four years. Then too, Grandma always had a place in her home for Aunt Cobie whom she so lovingly helped care for. How about the time she would babysit for us grandkids?! When they moved to Pella, Aunt Janice said she lost her most faithful babysitter.
Through the years music played a very important role in the life of the family. Music lessons and instruments were a big interest of the family. Dick was active in singing in quartets and also singing solos. He was the soloist at Janet's and Henry's weddings. He also played a button accordion and a mouth harmonica at the same time.
Grandma and Grandpa have been privileged to do extensive traveling in their life. In the earlier years, they took trips to Denver to visit Uncle Lou while he was ill. In 1962 they journeyed to Alaska with Uncle Gerrit and Aunt Matt, and in 1973 they went to Holland. They have also made several trips to California, Michigan, and also Florida. They also enjoy boating and fishing in Iowa and Minnesota.
Grandma enjoys crocheting and other types of handwork. Grandpa keeps busy as the handyman or jack of all trades fix-it man around the Manor.
We're all very happy to be able to share in the great happiness of tonight, but above all, we're humbly grateful to our Heavenly Father who has so wonderfully blessed our Grandpa and Grandma. We also pray that He will continue to bless and uphold them in His wonderful love in the -future years of their lives together.
Presented by Randy Rolffs, the oldest Grandson.
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