Merry Christmas

Who remembers : Breakfast at Shillitos in Cincinnati 1972 (My very first job as an elf!)







http://acincinnatihistory.blogspot.com/






http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=AB&Dato=20101216&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=12160804&Ref=PH

Where are you Christmas
Why can't I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can't I hear music play
My world is changing
I'm rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too

Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
I'm not the same one
See what the time's done
Is that why you have let me go


Remembering the days of Christmas past

Growing up the Christmas season began with Breakfast with Santa at Shillito's in Cincinnati. After visiting the Tea Room and all my grandmother's friends from work there, we would walk around downtown Cincinnati and look at all the decorated windows on our way to Cincinnati Gas & Electric where my grandfather worked, and pay a visit to the trains, always leaving there grasping a huge sugar cookie in our mittened little hands!

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/ourhistory/2010/12/16/shillito%E2%80%99s-elves-need-a-home/





As the days approached Christmas Eve there were numerous fittings of my Christmas dress, which by the way my mother made, and usually we would match!





Oh that stopped about 5th grade. Sorry to say the 70s arrived and I needed to be cool and wear a "MAXI" dress of crushed velvet that year! Mom made it for me though, knowing how heavy it would be to walk around in, never the less. With my long straight hair and my "maxi" bib dress out of royal blue velvet I was all the rage, and by the end of that night the hem was torn and tattered from tripping over it.

The Christmas Eve arrival of friends, neighbors and relatives included,Uncle Glenn and Aunt Betty, Uncle Ed, Uncle Art and Aunt Millie and their dog Dude(who by the way, always stole my sandwiches), Aunt Bevie from next door, Grandma Bobbie and Poppie Guy, Uncle Guy and Aunt Penny and Little Guy and later, Stephanie, Mr. and Mrs. Ebert, Hueston, Aunt Sarah, Charles Herman, Jerry Herman, Cousins, Bruce Botts and many others who would come and go throughout the years making memories never forgotten and always cherished. The beginning of Christmas Eve was ushered in by a lot of food. Stategically positioned on the big table, a pingpong table, and some still on the stove included ham, cheese, a crown roast of pork, bread, all the fixings for sandwiches, navy beans, shrimp, stroganoff with rice and cookies with punch and a very secret frozen drink my Pop made with orange juice that grown-ups added 7up and a little something extra! There were high balls and Tab and Coke and anything or everything you wanted and never had except on this night--it was simply terrific! As a kid, it was presents and loud talking, laughter and more. One year Uncle Glenn taught me an amazing card trick that even though I botched it, I still felt a raving amount of success. It was a smashing party and when it was time to leave Gram and Pop's and drive to my Aunt Sarah's house on Park Avenue in Newport, Kentucky, Gram would put everything away and if it was cold enough, those left-overs were sanctioned to an area on the screened-in porch. At Aunt Sarah's everyone crammed into her little house and ate more ham and cheese, deviled eggs and chips and lots of candy treats. We all waited eagerly to watch the exchange of the gifts where her two sons, Charles and Jerry would always bicker back and forth over who Mom loved best, carefully counted and measured by the amount and size of presents they received. I loved the gifts that Aunt Sarah would give to me, a candy cane filled with M&Ms and little tiny whimsical presents from Woolworth's that I cherished for years! Jerry had a tattoo of a a Hawaiian dancer on his forearm that he would make dance for all of us, and he made me laugh as a child, and that is a special holiday memory for me. We would depart Aunt Sarah's just when the party started to get going and all of Aunt Sarah's friends would begin to arrive, and walk together as a family to St. Johns United Church of Christ at the corner of Park and Nelson Place, and sometimes on the walk back, after the candlelight service it would be snowing, which was just magical for me. We went to the Christmas service there for years together and our family was in everything from the choir to angels and even Mary and Joseph with my little brother Jackie as baby Jesus one year. I sang and absolutely horrendous rendition of Away in a manger one year--horrible! After all the good byes and wishes of Merry Christmas hugs and kisses we traveled home to sleep and wait for a visit from Santa Claus. I always tried to stay up until midnight on Christmas Eve to hear the animals speak--I never made it. I wanted to know what my dog, Pixie would have to say to me.

I have tried to recreate those same easy memories for my own family, but long for the days of the red, white, and blue Christmas lights proudly displayed when my Uncle Guy was in Vietnam.



http://www.kentonlibrary.org/genphotos/viewPhoto.cfm?imagename=di34797


We still have our Crazy Christmas Eves, where we drink Pop's secret orange frozen drink and share loud laughter,hugs, and kisses... but the days are different -- still magical, though just different. We all are living in different cities but in our hearts we remain in the basement of 6 Douglas Drive, or for my Mom and Uncle Guy, Thornton street, and in our hearts and on our faces there is a rather large smile that only Christmas can bring. Thanks Gram and Pop!


I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love

the very real meaning of the Season

I don't really do this very much but a dear friend of mine owns a lovely knit shop on Monmouth Street in wonderful Newport Kentucky. She is an amazing light-filled and giving person whose spirit touches so many who enter, knit, and relax among the gift offered by the beauty of yarn. I would like to share a message from her website that I believe in. As the season of giving approaches reapidly among us all, take time to touch others in any way that you can. So visit this link and buy your beautiful yarns at Knit On! and knit sox or share the gift of a smile and your heart this year in any way that you can! http://www.knit-on.com/ and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQEXj6Rmn1s

May 10, 6:30 PM 1934

To: Guy Daines
Box 83 Newport Ky [scratched out]
Forward to
D.E. Kane Soft Ball Blooming ton In

(To H. Reed) [scratched out]

Dear Son, Newport Ky.

Wednsday 9-34

Just a few lines to let you know we were still thinking of you. Hope you had a good trip over there. I hope you showed them people over there how they play the game in old Kantucky, also hope you boys beat them. I was up with Oak View Jr.'s last eve. They win 8-2. Ange and that Hendrix girl were over last eve. I did not see them I was with Roy. They want me to be their coach but nothing doing. Boy was I tired yesterday. Went to bed at 3:30 and had to get up at 5:30. Your mother was all in yesterday too. How does Al like it. Give him all of our best regards and tell him to make good. What do you think of our Reds beating New York yesterday. I did not see any of the boys since you went away. Dr. Higgins was down last night. we might play Friday. he has not played all year. Give all of the buoys our best regards. I sure hope you boys make some money this trip because you all are sure entitled to it. Well as I don't know anything to write this soon will have to close Loads of love from all. Mother , Dad and little Bro

Letter from Guy May 9, 1934 ILL.

Colonial Hotel, European Plan, phone 414, Mt. Vernon Illinois:

Joe N. Marquis, Jr., Prop.
Jerry Bond,Manager

Dearest Ange:
Arrived here in Mt. Vernon, Illinois this morning about 11:30. we got lost on the way up here and went 87 miles out of our way. we are only 65 miles from St. Louis. The team we played tonight was named the liberty Goodrich. We defeated them 3 to 1. The run they got was given to them by us. Bailey walked the first man up and Forg threw wild trying to get the man at second. Glenn picked up the ball in center field and threw wild to me, the man scoring. Sroufe pitched the first 6 innings, and Bailey the last three. They got 2 hits off Sroufe & none off Bailey. This town is pretty big for its size. The population is around 12,750. The kids down here kept us busy all evening signing autographs. You ought to see Al- laugh when some of the kids come up to him and ask him for his autograph. I never got a hit tonight. None out of four. I flied out to the outfield 4 straight times. In the first inning with one out and Callery on third I drove him in with a long fly to outfield: Sandfoss got two hits. A double down the third baseline and a fly ball to the infield that the S.S.[short stop] & 2B.[second baseman] let fall bet.[between] them. He sure is holding his chest out now. The fellas are kidding me about him showing me up tonight. I don't pay any attention to them if they only say it once or twice but if they keep it up it hurts my feelings. We passed through New Albany, Ind. on the way down here. After we got lost we had to go through there. It is a pretty big town. Well, I don't know where we will go from here but I am getting ready for a good night's sleep. I guess I'll have to close now, hoping to hear from you, lots of love and kissesxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I remain as ever!
(How's this) Guy.

Tell your mother-Ed-Art-Sarah-Kale-Aunt-Charles-Jerry-Earl-and rest Hello.
I received Francis's Letter & tell her I said "thanks" for writing me. Will drop her a card. What's her address. Don't go on too many Moonlights.---------------

Forward to D.E. Kane Bloomington Ill.

May 8, 1934

May7, 1934

Dear Guy;
I suppose that you think that I am a fine one for I told you that I wasn't going up on sixth & York, then I went up anyway. I really meant it when I told you, but after I came home Mon. nite mom didn't want me to stay home by myself. Sarah said that we would stand some place where none of you could see us, that is why I changed clothes and put on dark shoes, hat and coat so that you wouldn't recognize me even if you did happen to see me. We were on our way home when your Dad picked us up. I really wish that he hadn't seen us for you were the last person that I wanted to see Mon. It wasn't that I didn't want to see you for you know better than that you didn't want me up their.

Betty Bane and I are going down the carnival at 3rd and Washington tonite. I suppose that we'll spend a pleasant evening watching that fellow eat rats.

Love Ange

P.S. I don't want you to be mad about Mon. nite for I'm truly sorry it turned out the way that it did. Everything went wrong. I hope that you arrived in Ill. safe. Ange

Card from Guy

Avolon Hotel May 4, 1934

Dearest Ange,
Arrived here in Orlando, Fla at 3' O'clock this afternoon. We left Savannah, Ga. at 8'o'clock this morning. Not bad for a 315 mi hop, eh! I received 3 of your letters today postmarked the 26th and 27th. Sure was glad to get them because I hadn't heard from you for a couple of days. Also got a letter from Bob and one from ham. They never had much to say. Bob still mentions Dorothy's name in his letters. You ask me if Dorothy was over to my house. she never was. Dad might have mistaken her for Ed's girlfriend. Well Ange, I don't know where we will go from here. We are lying idle for two days now. These long hops sure is killing us. we have traveled over 4, 000 miles already since we left home. 675 mi of it the last two days. These hops cost us more than we take in down here. If it keeps up like this down here we might be home next wk. or in a few wks. I can't say this to be true but it is just what I hear. How would you like to see me in a wk or two. I sure would like to see you. Saturday night will be exactly one month since we left home. It doesn't seem that long does it. Well Ange can't think of any more to write about so will close, hoping to hear from you soon

Love and Kisses
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Guy Jr.
Tell your family hello!(MOTHER-ED-ART-SARAH-KALE-AUNT-EARL-CHARLES + JERRY and rest!)

Letter from Ange dated May 1,1933 (1934?)

(In the top left-hand side of this letter Anne has it dated as May 1, 1933; but, the post mark on the envelope is dated May 2, 1934-- slight oversight of my grandmother's?)

Hello Darling;

Guess who I'm listening to, Yep, your right Ben Bernie "The ole Maestro". Arline Judge, Alison Shipworth and some other movie stars are speaking. I just finished working a cross word puzzle, that is all that I could do of it.

Sunday Dot came over and we went over on 12th St. to watch Ed and Bob play ball then we went up to the strand and saw some pictures that Joan Blondell, and Pat O'Brien played in, it was real good. we came home and washed up a bit and left right away for Covington. We went to the Liberty to see Convention City with Joan Blondell, Dick Powell and Guy Kibbee it was swell.There wasn't a good picture in Cincy. George Arliss, Wallace Berry and all "goofy" players like them were over there.

I went on the Moonlite last nite with Dot and Mary Ricker and Arline Steinhauer. We had a swell time. The boat was packed you could hardly dance.

Your Dad gave me that circular yesterday. The one you sent today is kind of "spiffy" isn't it? Does every town have circulars printed that you play in? Well Glenn does hit that apple once in while doesn't he. Was there anyone on base when he hit either home run?

Guy, I heard that "Murph" Callery is supposed to be sent home for going out with a girl. Is that right? Sis Hitty told me, she said that Deaver wrote "Yip" and told him. I guess that it's just another rumor that's out. If Agnes hears that it will be too tight for "Murph" she'll catch the next train for Florida.

I ['ll] be so glad when you get back, are you glad that you're coming home? I guess not.
Guy I don't know what's wrong that you're not getting any mail from me. I sure write you plenty of letters.
Glenn hasn't been sending any clippings home lately. He sent some home at first. he sent tha big write up that "Tiny" got about inhaling sandwiches and drinking "coca cola" bottle and all. We let your Dad take it home to let your Mother read. You didn't send that one home.
Ed wrote you a letter over a week ago. I don't guess that you received that one either.
Stay out of the water if it makes you sick. The team can't afford you to be sick can they. Love xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ange
(over)
P.S. Don't forget to send me a picture
Are you listening
oodles of love and kisses for you

Just me



Johnny Kinsella took all of opur clippings including the two circulars and put them up on his "Bulletin Board" up in the salon [saloon?] He's going to take good care of them and give them back so he said. He better. Thank's a lot for the circular. Well I think I told you about all the news & gossip that I can think of right now so I close. about time isn't it.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

May 2nd postcard from Guy

little gift cards sent to Ange

My grandmother had these saved in between the last letter and the next one, dated May 2, 1934. These are just nice little tokens of remembrances. I though I'd share these.

May 3,1934

Dearest Ange,
We defeated Savannah, Georgia tonight 9 to 4. They got 4 runs in the first inning off Sroufe. Sroufe complained he didn't feel well before he went in. After they got those 4 runs, we believed it. Bailey then went in and struck the next 15 out of 18 batters. Only one reached first base and that was by a walk. We played at the Municipal Stadium here. It seats 40,000 people. The people that we had in there, you could hardly see them in the stands. After the game the wanted to play us another game. They said if we played there way they could beat us. They pitch slow down here and they wanted our pitchers to pitch slow so they could hit them. We could have beat them again, slow pitching or no slow pitching but we were too tired to play. We have to jump all the way back to Orlando Fla again, 350 mi. We just came from winter Haven, 395 mi away, last night and will have to go almost all the way back again. Reedy sure keeps us on the jump. Hops like that cost us a lot of money and if it should happen to rain when we get there, we would just be out that much. I hope we won't have to jump back again. well, Ange, I haven't heard from you in two days. I hope you haven't forgotten me. I got a letter from dad today, it was mailed direct to Sav. Georgia. I haven't much more to write about so will close with love and kisses.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I remain Gut Daines Jr.

(Getting ready for bed have to leave here 6:A.M. in morning. Drive all day and play same night.

Scrapbook of Guy Daines

From the Gilbert Hotel letterhead

Letterhead:

THE GILBERT HOTEL SYSTEM
H. Gilbert, Pres. And Gen. MGR. Operating Hotels in the Following Florida Cities

JACKSONVILLE - DAYTONA BEACH - ORLANDO - KISSIMMEE
PENSACOLA - TAMPA - AND SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
This letter from

SAVANNAH, GA

Bert Boggs,
Resident Manager




Dearest Ange

Well we finally got out of the state of Florida. We traveled 395 mi last night from Winter Haven 5 to 1. I got none for three. It sure was a swell park at which we played. The Philadelphia Nationals trained there during their training season. We ran into a lot of rain on the way down from Winter Haven. We drove all night so you can just picture us in the back seat trying to get a little sleep. We have so many oranges on the floor, in the back, that you have to take your shoes off to keep from smashing them. We play in Savannah Georgia May 2nd, then I do not know where too, as yet. Ange this letter will be a little short but I can't help it because we just got in and I am ready to hit the ole hay. After the game tomorrow night I will write another one. Tell Ed that I won't forget to write him a letter. I hope he don't get sore. Is it cold up there yet? The weather down here is not so warm either. well Ange, I can't think of anything more to write about just now so will close with lots of love and kisses (write soon)

I remain.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Guy Daines Jr.

Were in Georgia NOW!

Tell everybody hello-

First Page of Guy's scrapbook

This is the very first page of Guy's scrapbook showing early clippings of him in Highschool. Guy made this scrapbook documenting his athletics and traveling baseball and diamond ball career. He was very proud of the book, and later his daughter re-made the book and added notes to the photos and dates. I thought this might be a nice compliment to the letters that passed during this time between Guy and Ange. The scrapbook often only has newspaper articles from the local rags where Guy and the Kentucky Colonels were playing, so that it is difficult to date at times. Alongside the letters though, the scrapbook adds a direct sense of place to the games and relationships of the players and the people.

Newport Ky. April 30,1934

Addressed to:
Mr. Guy Daines
c/o Mr. H. Reed
Box 83
Newport Ky

Postmarked 10:00 AM

Dated in the upper right-hand corner: April 28, 1934


My dear Guy;

I received your letter yesterday. You said that you haven't heard from me for a few days, well, it isn't my fault for I write almost every day. Reedy mustn't send them as soon as he gets them. There must be about five letters on the way.
Your batting average is swell, keep it up don't let any of the other players get mad at you.
You don't sound as tho you care for Florida very much. What's wrong are you getting tired of it all ready. guy I never see "Vince" "Bob" comes down home all the time but I suppose that "Vince's" work keeps him away.
That Hotel at Monticello must have been the last rose of summer if they didn't even have stationary.
Glenn is just the type to pull something dirty on someone. I guess that Stroufe will get even with him some way. I went out on 12th st. to see a game Fri. but is was just a practice game. the big fellows like Ed and Roy Styles, Johnny Vald and Ed Kilmer were playing their( last pages are lost)
(These pages were found)

In an envelope dated, May 4th:

(3)

little brothers, you should have seen it, boy it was pitiful. I went over the river Friday to get the picture that Mom had taken of Charles and Jerry. There was a man there and I had to ask him for the picture. I was trying to use the best English that I had ever learned. Then that big boyo turns around and says "Pardon me for asking the question, but are you a foreigner" when I ask him why he said, " well you certainly talk like on" Was I sore. Plenty. people told me that I talk like a southerner and that's bad enough. For when I was in grade school they made me play all the negro parts but talking like a foreigner and being told that burnt me up. I think I'll take a course in English perhaps that will help me a little.
I just got home from up the 10 [cent] store it's about 11 o'clock. boy and is my feet barking their just sc--ream--ing.
The radio just signed off so I guess that I'll have to sign off too


Love an kisses for you
Ange

PS Let me hear from you. Lots.

Memorial day 2010

Yesterday was Memorial Day, and My husband and I went to the cemetery to place flags and flowers upon your graves. It seems almost impossible to me that the both of you are gone from me now, as I need only to open these letters and your lives had yet begun. Sometimes it is difficult to describe the painfulness of the heart, or the emptiness I feel as I am left only with my memories. I sometimes close my eyes and take a walk through your house as it was, and I try to remember just where each and every item was placed, where you stored the flour, sugar, toothpaste, the color of the carpet. I see you smile as you look out the back window into the yard, the little dog, Holly, gently placed upon the windowsill so she could watch the birds. How many locks were on the back door in the later years, and where Gram hid her stash of M&Ms. I see you both then and sometimes in my dreams, and yet these letters are another sort of a gift to me now, left behind and serving as a sort of road map of discovering you both from another life angle... and it seems so surreal to me as I remember the yearly trips with you and Pop to the cemetery on so many Memorial Days. The ritualistic gathering and cutting of the flowers in our yard and sometimes our neighbors as well, then the careful and equal positioning of the blooms into small bouquets to be placed upon all the family graves and the mental mapping of where and who everyone was, their histories and their stories-- all signposts on the way toward knowing and keeping them here a little while longer with family left behind. These were much more than just the yearly trip to the cemeteries to visit and remember all of the relatives. Those stories and the careful grooming, although I was quite unaware of it myself at the time, were preparing me for the making ready of my future task, the responsibilities of this ritualistic keeping of these memories. The dedicated keeping, the task of remembering, the grateful duty of preserving and thus the rebirth and continual living through those of us left with this task of never forgetting would eventually be mine, and in a very primitive and basic sense we keep alive those that went before us -- all the lives that gave form and meaning to who we have become, where we came from, and why we are who we are today. It is a massive responsibility,this remembering, this task of keeping, of knowing who we are, and in every generation there will be those of us who will move on and gladly leave the memory keeping to others, while their lives take them to new places and these simple and basic tasks will fall on the shoulders of the ones in the family who gather and hold dear such memories. But we will be here still documenting, recording and rediscovering ourselves through the investigation of that which cannot be seen but only felt through our hearts. I will share it with you. So as this Memorial Day leaves us and we all venture toward June and the blooming of flowers and summer vacations, I leave you with the simple task of holding for a few seconds longer those memories that keep those we love so close and allow them to still remain with us as long as we listen and remember with our hearts. To remember and if all you ever do is to say a silent thank you, that is enough.

Miss Anna Botts

Gilbert Hotel
Main Street and Atlantic Ave
One Block from Ocean Pier
Daytona Beach, Fla

April 29, 1934


Hotel Gilbert Letterhead:

Gilbert Hotel System
Operating
GILBERT HOTEL
and
Oriental-American Grill
one Block from ocean Pier
Daytona Beach Florida

Gilbert Hotel
Jacksonville, FLA.

Gilbert Hotel
Savannah GA

Arcade Hotel
Kissimmee, FLA

Gilbert Hotel
Orlando FLA

MODERN and FIREPROOF



Dearest Ange,

Just came into Daytona beach this afternoon. Drove over from Melbourne this morning. We have an off day today but play here tomorrow. We had a game scheduled for here a few weeks ago but it was called off on account of rain. We defeated Melbourne 7-0 last night. Bailey had 19 strike outs. Glenn got two home runs. I got one hit out of four times. Still leading the team in batting though. Monday we play in Winter Haven and then I believe we are going to start our way back up north. This hotel we are staying at is only about a block and a half in view of the Atlantic ocean. Daytona beach is right on the ocean. Are you working yet?
Let me hear all about yourself. I haven't gotten any mail from you for four days. I guess it will all be in Winter Haven when we play there Monday. I hope so. How is everything up home? Do you and Dorothy still go over to the L.B. Wilson on Sundays? Is it warm enough up home to go in swimming yet?
Is Glenn sending any clippings home. I want to know when Ed is going to write me a letter. I read the one he sent to Glenn. Tell him that when he writes me I'll write him one. Haven't been able to go fishing down here yet but sure hope too soon. I don't like to go in swimming down here on account of the salt water. It sure upsets my stomach. Well , Ange will have to close with lots of love & kisses, hoping to hear from you soon I remain as ever, an ever, and ever (love) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Guy Daines Jr.

Tell the bunch hello!
Also your mother, Ed, Aunt, Art, Sarah& husband, Charles & Jerry, Earl and so on _ _

APR 27 1934

April, 25, 1934

Dearest Guy,
I received your letter to-day. I was sure glad to hear from you. I am always glad to hear from you tho you know that don't you?
Guy I realize now that it isn't your fault if the letters are delayed. Forgive me for ever referring to the subject.
Your mother looks fine and I think she feels the same. I don't think that she is worrying a whole lat about you for she knows that your in good company and that you have a place to eat and sleep, but you know that she wants you home with her, most mothers are like that.
That will be a wonderful trip to Japan, and South America. Your getting a chance in a life time and I bet that you don't even realize it.
I guess that half of the town were following you if you were with "Tiny" who wouldn't. I never had any idea that anyone could grow that tall. I thought that he was supposed to get married in Florida, isn't he?
Guy, haven't you had any snapshots taken of yourself. If you have, send me one will you. Agnes got a picture from "Murph" in her second letter and you haven't even mentioned one yet.
Say, you don't really think that I go down to the river do you? I was only kidding you.
I'm listening to Burns and Allen on the radio as I'm writing this. Gracie sure can say some wise cracks.
Your Dad was over to-night. He says that I had Dot Hendrix over to your house a few months ago. I'm positive that I hadn't, but he says I did. Do you remember anytime that Dot was over to your house, maybe you can but I can't.
Was the "bunk" Al wrote any than the "bunk" I write. Everybody said that I should write and tell you hello. Mom sure misses you. I wonder if she misses you as much as I do. I don't think so for I miss you terribly.

Oodles of love & kisses
Always yours
Ange.

Bon Air Hotel, Dakin and Pleasant Street

Miss Anna Botts
521 W. 11th Street
Newport Kentucky

Dearest Ange:
Arrived in Kissimmee, Florida this morning about 6'oclock after driving all night for about 275 mi. We won the night before defeating Monticello Fla- 18-4. I got one for five. Tonight we defeated the Kissimmee All Stars 20- 1. I got three for six. They couldn't see Bailey or Sroufe so Deaver put "Tiny" in for the last two innings. I haven't received any mail from you for three days. It must be delayed some place or maybe it has gotten lost. Is there anything in the papers up home about us leaving. If there is send me a clipping of what it has to say. This water they have in this hotel smells like rotten eggs. In fact, they have the same kind of water all over the city. It is some kind of a mineral water and is supposed to be 99% pure. I wouldn't give you one glass of our water up home for all of this water there is down here. When you drink it you have to hold your breath and then swallow it right down. Has indoor started up home yet? How is Martha and Al getting along. Have they went back together again. We have a short jump to make tomorrow. We play in Melbourne, about 56 mi from here. Up till now we have been traveling at night and sleeping during the day. It sure will feel good to get one good nights sleep. I ate so many oranges down here that I can hardly look at them. If we want any while we are traveling we just stop along the road and pick some. Well, Ange, haven't much more to say so will close with xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Love &kisses
Guy Daines
(P.S.)
Hoping to hear from you soon. Tell everybody at home hello.
Tell Ed to write.
Tell Dad that "Freddy Macguire" former second baseman for Boston umpired our game at Monticello. He is still under contract to Boston. He is down there trying to cure his arm which was broken. Glenn met him and shook hands with him.
Tell all the girls and boys hello.

So long until next time,
xxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

APR 26 1934

April 24, 1934

Dear Guy,
I'm glad that you beat the Poinsetta team. That's the team that beat you 1 to 0 in the 20 inning game isn't it?
Don't worry Guy about "slipping" even if your not getting as many hits as you have been, you'll make up for it later. If every player on the team would get one hit in every game, the team would be doing pretty good, don't you think so?
That's bad about "Haddy" Davidson having to go home. It will be pretty hard on the team now that He's gone won't it?
Tell all those "goobers" that made fun of your sweater that I said "If they have anything to say about it to come and see me."
Ed doesn't agree with you on that statement in that Florida is the Jackass state of the Union.

Lots of love and kisses
Ange

Newport, APR 24 4:30 PM 1934

"Eleanor Gehrig once asked Lou Gehrig in her book,'My Luke and I', what the difference was between a player in the minor Leagues and a man in the Major Leagues. Gehrig replied, "One step."


April 22, 1933 (I think she miss-dated this one and meant to date it 1934)

Dear Guy,

I received your letter yesterday (Sat). I'm glad that you write every other day for the time will pass quicker.
I sure had a big surprise yesterday. I was called to work at the 10 [cent] store. I thought that was a thing of the past. They just can't do without me. There was only one thing that was missing Sat. nite and that was you. I even looked for you when I came out, then I happened to think you were miles and miles away from here. You sure must have gotten a tough break in that twenty inning game some umpires are sure dirty. That game must have been something like the game that "Oak View" played against "Kirk Pies" wasn't it?
Ed is house cleaning now that He's home, ain't that something. He just loves to clean.
Bob hasn't seen Dot since the nite we went to the show but he sure wants to see her bad enough. He hasn't the courage to go over. Bob comes down home all the time but I haven't seen Ham since the nite you left. I'll have to close now for I'm suppose to be over at Dot's at 2 o'clock.
You wanted to know what I meant by that crack about you well, the first thing it wasn't a crack I was just asking you not to get "conceited" for that I do not think that it will be becoming not to you anyway for your not that type.

Lots of Love and Kisses,
Ange
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ridgeland Hotel Winterhaven Florida

On Ridgeland Hotel stationary

Hotel Arcade 2010

My cousin Guy Daines IV lives in Tarpon Springs Florida and sent these photos of the Old Hotel Arcade as it looks today, which isn't a lot different. He also sent this message:

Jodi,

I took a couple of pictures of the former Arcade Hotel in Tarpon. It is no longer a hotel. It is still called Tarpon Arcade, but it is retail shops & restaurants. Funny thing is, I didn't even know that it used to be a hotel. When I saw the pic on the postcard I knew exactly where it was.

I also sent a photo of Rotary Field. It was the only softball field in Tarpon back then and it is only a short walk from that building. *I used to play in a couple of softball leagues on that field also. Pretty amazing.

Dad didn't even know Pop ever stayed in Tarpon or played ball here.

Thought you might like to see what both currently look like over 70 years later.

Take care,

Guy

Apologies, updates & minor corrections

There are few corrections to the vernacular sent to me via my mother from my Uncle Guy, my grandfather's son and namesake. First, I want to correctly use the term "west-enders" not "west-siders" when referring to the relatives and friends from the west end of Newport Kentucky. My only excuse is that I was having a "what was I thinking" moment, or that there is and was a local corner bar, the West Side Cafe on 11th street in Newport and I may have been a little confused or just longing for a beer myself at the time. I apologize for this mix-up. I hope someone other than just my Uncle is reading this and caught it as well. I realize it has been a couple of weeks since I last posted a letter between Guy and Ange. On March the 14th it will be Ange's birthday. I have been busy, and neglectful in continuing the posting of the letters, so I promise to be better... so today March 9th I am looking at a letter Guy sent that is dated APR 23 1934 from Tarpon Springs Florida. What seems entirely ironic to me today is that my Uncle Guy now resides in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and his family has been there for quite a while. The Greek community still exists and for years "Papas" restaurant was a favorite among the grandparents and Uncle Guy's family when they visited. I do not know if the Hotel Arcade is still in business, but I certainly hope so, as even then, in 1934 it was a "classy joint" boasting a coffee shop, each room a bath, and steam heat at the bottom of the hotel stationary:

Letter from AVOLON HOTEL Orlando

Letter from Home

Letter to Guy in Clearwater FL. April 17th 1934

Care of H. Reed forward to R H Simpson Monticello Fla

Newport Ky.
Apr. 21-34


Dear Son,
Received your letter the 19th and was very glad to hear from you. I had a letter wrote to you about not getting any mail from Ange & us. but before I mailed it Ange came over and told us she just got a letter telling her you got mail from her and us. so I did not send it. I sure am glad you are enjoying your self and having a good time Eddie Snyder and Ham and Al was over last night and we played cards until 12:30 PM. Eddie win 25 and I win 20. Witte came down yesterday and brought a little gold basketball down for you from the tournement. It has a Y on it. I will not send it to you will keep it till you come home Guy I wish you would send George Neifarth & Dr. Higgins a card from down there also Aunt Dicea & Ruby. 375 Hineman Ave Col. O. Boy the reds are sure taking it on the chin. I did not get to play golf the other day Dr. Gill could not go. We have not had any gas in the house for 3 days. The pipe leading into the cellar had a hole in it and they are so slow fixing it. We are cooking on a little electric stove. That don't go so good. I weighed 186 lbs last Sat. That makes 33 lbs I lost but I feel pretty good. How are you feeling. I sure do hope you are well. Don't forget and take good care of yourself and gargle your throat everyday. That must have been a thrill when you all went in that show and they played My Old Kentucky home. All the boys sends their regards. I heard you all lost a 20 inning game 1-0 in Orlando but do not know if there is any truth in it or not.

over

We are all well at present. How is cannonball and Strofe. I hope they are ok by this time. It sure was tough. Give all the team and High Pocket and Henry Bill our best wishes and kindest regards and hope they all stay well. I was talking to Myrtle Risch yesterday she said she heard you was in Florida. Well as I can't think of amnything else I will say good bye. Loads of love from all of us. ans as soon as possible
Love and kisses your Mother & Dad
PS just received your letter from Orlando. It sure was tough you lost that game. Grandma says she wished they would turn her loose in them oranges she said she would bust herself. She said send that crate and she will eat them all up. At the West Side they have a bulletin board. Everybody goes up to see how you boys are going. Tell old man Bill everything seems to be going all right. They have very large crowds on Sat & Sun nights. His brother told me last Sat. night they had to turn about 100 away both rooms full. Your Mother and I stop almost every night with someone and gets a couple. I tell Knox all the news. I want you to write Marg Stiles 45 W. McMicken Ave. Cincinnati O. a card.Maybelle Schulte wants to hear from you, Oak Veiw Jrs win a double header yesterday, 10-0- 3-2 Little Dettie is here he says hello. Grand Ma says tell Johnny Deaver & Tiny hello. Roy says give his brother his love. with Love Mother & Dad
25 million kisses from
your wonderful Mother
the sweetest Mom on earth

Orlando postmark APR 21 12 PM 1934 FLA.

Written on AVALON HOTEL stationary:

Addressed to :

Miss Anna Botts
521 W 11th Street
Newport,
Kentucky


Dearest Ange:

Received your letter of Apr.16th. What do you mean by what happened to me. I have been writing a letter to Mother and dad and you [all underscored] almost every day. Can I help it if there not delivered on time. Thats all I do in the evenings is write letters and send postcards. I have written no one else letters but to you and to Mom and dad. We were supposed to play in Clearwater Fla today but the game was called off on account of rain. We had to travel 165 mi. over there and 165 mi. back for nothing. If this rain keeps up will probably be home sooner than expected I hope we don't wind up in the chain gang. I wish you was here with me. Wouldn't that be great, moonlight, Palm trees, a few stolen kisses and you, as you said. You ask me if I would like it. Can fish swim. I got a letter from Schneider today and he said that you worked him to death cleaning wall paper. I guess him and Ed go fishing quite a bit now that Ed is back. Do you still go to the show every Sunday with Dot Hendricks. Whats the matter with Al and Martha again. Let me know and I'll fix it up again for them. I may be in my glory up here playing ball but I know something else that I'd be in my glory if I were home. What do you think. Well, Ange, I haven't much more to say so I'll have to close with love and kisses

Always Guy Daines Jr.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (I'll collect)
Tell everybody hello--

P.S. The boys I am rooming with are waiting to go to bed. It's 2 o'clock in the morning.

April 20, 1934

Avalon Hotel Orlando Fla.

Dearest Ange:

Received another of your letters today and sure was glad to get it. We sure are having some terrible weather down here. We were scheduled to play two games yesterday but got rained out before the first one. After the field had dried out a little we played and lost 1- 0 20 innings to the Poinsetta team, Florida state champs. The umpire gave us a raw deal. I scored once on Davidsons (our second baseman)hit but the umpire made me get back to third. The next man up flied out ending the inning. We traveled over to Haines City tonight and defeated there team 11- 1. I got three hits in this game but none in the other. After the game we were invited over to an orange packing house run by a man from Cincinnati named Pusaten [ or Pausatevi]He sure treated us swell. He gave us all the oranges we wanted to eat and then gave us four large sacks before we left. Well be eating oranges from now until Christmas. Whats Ed doing now that he is home. I'll bet he is knocking the girls dead with that tan of his. I had a fairly good tan until I washed and then it all came off. What do you do in the evenings now since I am gone. Does Bob, Ham and rest come down very much. Does Bob get to see Dot Hendricks anymore. He sure likes her. Well Ange this letter might be a little short but I'll close with lots of love an kisses. Hope to hear from you soon
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx As ever and ever Guy Daines

P.S. What did you mean by the cracks of getting "high hatted" Tell your mother, Ed, Art and rest hello.

AVOLON HOTEL ORLANDO, FLA.

Dearest Ange,

I just received your letter and sure was glad to hear from you. I thought you had forgotten me. We were rained out here at Orlando last night and also at Daytona beach the night before. The team was invited out to the walkashow here. As we came in about 5,000 people stood up because they were playing my ole Kentucky home. They took us all in the center of the floor and announced our names one by one over the microphone. Frank Callery and I have been rooming together since we left. We sure have a swell room here. We have a bath, shower, two beds, telephone, dresser and etc. We are going to play a double header tonight, here in Orlando, with the Pointsetta team, Florida state champs. Their park here will seat about 1800 people. Sorry to hear that you have been laid off for a wk. I'm glad Ed came home and I wish I was there to see him. Tell him to write to me. I received a letter from home too and I want you to go over and tell them that I received it. From here we go to a town about 37 miles away. "Tiny" was over there the other day and they had the streets blocked for an hr. looking at him. I have been doing pretty good in hitting so far. The first game I got 1 for 4, second 2 for 3, third 2 for 4. I am batting fourth. Not bad eh! I sent some clippings home the other day so go over an look at them. Tell your mother, Ed, aunt, Sarah & husband, Charles and Jerry, Art, Earl, Mildred, Martha, and Francis hello. if I have forgotten anybody tell them hello also. All the boys are getting ready to eat and then we have to get dressed and go out to the ballpark so I guess I'll have to close hoping to hear from you again soon, I remain as ever xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lots of love & kisses
Guy Daines

2010 reflections

Today, I simply wish to reflect on my journey of re-discovering my grandparents, Guy and Ann (Botts) Daines. It has been a couple of weeks since I veered off the track and paused to describe a bit of family history. They grew up very close to each other in what Newportonians refer to as the "West Side"--He lived on West 10th Street and she lived at the Corner of 11th and Brighten Street. At the bottom of 10th Street there still stands a monolith of an ancient granary, and it remains as imposing today as it was then.
My grandmother was the youngest of five, and there were 16 years between her and Sarah her sister. She had three brothers, Arthur, Glenn and Ed. Sarah Botts Herman had two young sons, Charles and Jerry around this same time and they may have been living at 10th and Brighten as well. It was at any given time a full house, very diverse and busy, and for Ann, my grandmother, who was the youngest daughter, overflowing with many bosses telling her what to do and when.
I never really read my grandfathers scrapbook, or really listened to his stories about baseball closely. I always knew he was an exceptional athlete, but only enjoyed the satisfaction that came when he would demonstrate a curve ball, spit ball, or fast ball to the neighborhood kids, who could never believe it as well as never even see some these pitches--- and that was the best satisfaction placing me temporarily on a neighborhood pedestal for a fleeting moment in kid time. I relished the look on every single one of their faces when he threw those pitches! Growing up, I took my grandparents for granted, as most young children do, and lived every day as if they would always be there for me, and I was lucky, because for most of my life they were.
If someone were to ask my today to describe my grandfather, my Pop, I would say steadfast, reliable, my very foundation that my life was built on ... you know the type, he would always be on time, always be home for dinner, always be there when I went to bed and when I woke up in the morning. He rescued me many times from rain, snow and utter boredom, never missed a game I cheered in, a recital I danced in, the measles or the chickenpox, or Sunday in church. He was kinda quiet, and he never raised his voice at me, and if he did, you can place a bet on the very fact that I certainly most readily deserved it. I did not know anyone who could make me laugh louder, smile wider, or cry longer, wallowing in self-pity because I disappointed him,and he was beyond a doubt my biggest supporter.
Reading these letters and articles now, makes me see him from a different angle, it slows down the curve ball, so to speak, adding velocity and spin to his life. I imagine him young, so full of love for adventure and the game. He loved the game, he would watch the Cincinnati Reds on television, when he wasn't at the stadium, but he always listened to the radio. The volume on the TV remained turned way down, and almost off. As I read some of the old articles, I can hear the game, smell the game, and I can see those pitches. I can imagine those young men, bases loaded, playing their best game. Wow, that is amazing. I can see him on third base and my Uncle Glenn in the outfield. I want to run out on that field and hold on to them both.
When I read the letters that Ange writes to Guy in 1934, I imagine her as that young girl so in love with life, her friendships, her family, her very world. She was having a "grand" time herself, going to movies, visiting with friends. She was really something in 1934, wasn't she!
She used to wait up for me on the week-end nights when I was in high school. If I close my eyes I still can see her there, she would be putting her hair up in pin-curls with two bobbie pins, in her night gown and robe, patiently urging me to talk about anything. She was interested in me. She used to always end these conversations with the old analogy of "not paying for the cow if they can get the milk for free--if you know what I mean." She bought my school clothes, my new shoes and then complained about how I chose to wear them and my hair. She struggled with me, being my grandmother and not my mother, and yet she remains there beside me in many ways as I make my daily way through life. She was there when all three of my babies were born, and she was always there for them, just like she was for me, when I was sick she and my Pop would be over with ice-cream, and they did the same for my children.
Once again, reading their conversations, I feel as if I am watching them as they become who they will be, ultimately shaped by 1934 events. This is a rare gift given to me, and ...
I am beginning to see depth where once I saw only form and function.

Headlines from Florida Newpaper [1934]

...From page 16 of Guy Daines scrapbook


COLONELS PLAY AL-STAR CLUB ON BEACH FIELD
Newport's Kentucky Colonel diamondball team will open a three game series with the Miami Beach All-Stars on Flamingo Park diamond today at 8:30 p.m. as the openning games of a tour which will take the Colonels through 15 states.

The series will give greater Miami fans a chance to see some of the best diamondball players in the country in action. Chief among them is Cannonball Bailey, the brilliant pitcher who will oppose the Miami Beach ten on the mound tonight. Bailey had the Miami Beach all-stars helpless in two games he pitched against them in Cincinnati last fall, giving Miami Beach two of the four defeats it suffered on the trip.
Bailey was by far the best pitcher Miami Beach had to face, and members of the touring team rate as the greatest speed ball pitcher they ever opposed.
But Sroufe is the other pitcher carried by the Colonels and he is especially talented as a curve ball heaver.
The third outstanding athlete on the visiting aggregation is Tiny Gilbert, the seven-foot, 11-inch first baseman, who is the tallest diamondball player in the world. He towers almost a foot and a half above Primo Carnera and wears a size 23 shoe.
Other players on the Kentucky squad are from Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, Hamilton, Dayton, Springfield, and Ironton Ohio, as well as from Covington and Newport, Ky.
Newport's Colonels in claiming the world's diamondball championship, point to a record which is one of unbroken victories in exhibition games. However, J.B. Lemon, director of the Miami Beach recreation department, has selected a strong line-up for his all stars and figures his aggregation will prove the hardest the Colonels have ever had to beat.

APR18, 1934

1934 Photo of Guy Daines and Ann Botts.



Dear Guy,
I received your card and letter this morning. I am glad that you didn't wait so long to write this time.
I have written you four letters so far I don't understand why you don't get them. I guess that by the time you get this letter you will have already received the other three. I hope so anyway.
It isn't very cold up here we're still wearing coats but there Spring coats. Don't get too brown Guy or I won't know you when I get back.
I was over to your house tonight and talked to your mother for about two hours. She was home alone so I kept her company, and "boy" am I company.
It don't hurt how good of a time I was having I'd always find time to write to you and you know it. I don't think that Glenn has gotten any letters either for he doesn't know that Ed is home and Mom wrote him that ed was home on the 10th of April. "Murph" better stay clear of Newport if he cares to play on the team for Agnes said that when "Murph" gets back in Newport it's going to be for good. He's not leaving any more for she's keeping him here.
I hope that you do come to Cincinnati by next month. It seems years since I saw you last. How long do you think you'll be in Cinci? I hope it's a week or two at least.
That's swell you get to go to the Pig Tail Inn for free lunch and beer but don't drink too much or an "old sot" will come home instead of Sweet Guy Daines Jr. Keep up your batting average for your really doing swell.
Every time you write about the Atlantic ocean I go down to the river and stand against a tree and look across the beautiful Licking river. I think I am in Florida looking over the Atlantic ocean with you. That's the nearest I'll ever get to Florida or the ocean so I'll go on dreaming the rest of my life.
Every day that passes it seems like I miss you more. It seems good to know that you miss me maybe I mean a little more to you that I thought.
Always yours
With Love
Ange
Lots of kissesxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

(Ange, spelled out in little x's)

A letter from Ange dated April 16, 1934

The mail from Guy is being sent through a third person, sometimes it is an H. Reed and sometimes it is being forwarded to an R. B. VanFleet in Clearwater Florida. After games are played, Guy is once again on the move to the next location. He has been in Florida now since March. He has written letters and sent home post cards, but these are just not arriving fast enough for the homesick Guy or for the folks waiting news at home. It is even more frustrating for him as other players on the team are receiving mail without any difficulties. Ange at home watches mail arrive from her older brother, Glenn (who plays outfield for the Colonels)and sees that her Mom is receiving mail in a timely fashion, begins to feel a bit frustrated as well. The local newspaper, The Kentucky Post, has been reporting about the success of their hometown team. For the future, it looks like they might be coming back to Northern Kentucky for some summer exhibition games.


From Newport APR 17 10 AM a letter from Ange is forwarded to R.B. VanFLeet in Clearwater Flo.

Dear Guy,

Your letter came this morning. What happened to you, I thought that you died. I haven't heard from you since the beginning of last week? Can't you find time to drop a line evry other day? Write to your Mother and Dad that often even if you can't find time for me.
Glenn has been writing to Mom every other day. Your dad came over a couple of times last week wondering if I heard from you. He didn't know why you didn't write either.
Glenn sent Charles and Jerry each a turtle one is blue and the other is red. Sarah will have a fit when she sees them.
Dot and I went over to the Albee Sun to see "Men in White with Clark Gable and Myrna Loy, it was simply grand. Agnes (Callery's girl) came over home to see the "Miami paper" She sure misses her "Murph" the way she talks "it must be love."
Another romance went to the rocks, Martha and Al split up and it looks as tho it's for good this time, maybe not, for they broke up more than once and started to go together again.
Guy I know that your really in your glory now, down their playing ball for that's your one and only ambition "Baseball". I'm glad that you got a break for once. I miss you here but when I think of what you are seeing and what you are going to see I'm glad your their only I'm a little jealous because I'm not seeing thse places with you. I'm glad the people likes the team, they really must be treating you pretty grand.
I wish I was there with you. Moonlight, Palm trees and you with a few stolen kisses for good measure, what a swell combination. Would you like it? There just pipe dreams tho but we sure would be living a terrible life if we didn't have dreams to brighten it up. There beautiful even if there not real maybe someday some of our dreams will come true. I think that your dreams came true already beinng down in Florida playing ball.
Well I'll have to be closing darling for supper is nearly ready. Let me hear from you real soon.


With love
Ange

P.S. You can collect for the kisses when you get back.XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ange.

I hope you win all your games plus a lot of hits for you and Glenn.

Savannah Georgia

April 15, 5:30 PM, 1934

Dear Ange:
Sure am having a great time. We won the series with the Miami team and are ready to leave tonight for Daytona Beach. We are going to Drive all night. It must be cold down there the way the paper reads up here. Is Ed home yet? I played golf yesterday and almost burnt up on the golf course. It sure was hot. Today I rode a bicycle for an hour and it made me feel good. I haven't heard from you yet. Maybe you are having such a great time that you can't write me. Is that it. Almost everybody here has gotten a letter but me. I sure would like to hear from you. Our team might be down around Cincinnati by next month. Would it make you feel good. I am sending clippings home and I want you to go over home and look at them. The people down here sure treat us swell. Every night after the game we are invited up to the Pig Trail Inn for free beer and lunch. Is indoor started up home yet? Down here they call indoor diamond ball. They have stealing, bunting and use gloves. We do not play with gloves. I got one hit the first game, 2 the second, and 2 the third. Not bad huh.Boy what a time we could have together, down here on the beach looking over the Atlantic Ocean. Do you miss me much. I sure miss you. As soon as I find something nice for you I am going to send it home. We are going to leave for Daytona in a few minutes so I'll have to close hoping to hear from you. Love&kisses Guy
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kentucky Colonels

This is my Grandfather, Guy Daines in his Kentucky Colonel uniform, dated 1933.


Kentucky Post Article 19 Mar 1934 pg. 3

SOFT BALL NINE TO BEGIN TOUR
The Kentucky Colonels soft Ball Club will tour the country starting the first of April and play their opening game in Florida, where they will remain for about one month. They have contracted 80 games throughout the country.
This club is an all-star team of players from Newport, Covington, Cincinnati, Hamilton, Springfield Cleaveland and Chicago, each player having been selected as the best performer in his locality. Three star pitchers are featured with this club in the caliber of "Cannonball" Bailey, Sroufe and Meder.
The line-up includes the following players: Edwin Tranter, outfielder; Guy Daines, infielder; Glenn Botts, outfielder; "Howdy" Davidson, infielder; Arthur Miller, infielder; Howard Oester, outfielder; Frank Callery, infielder; Bud Sroufe, pitcher; Milton Forg, catcher; Ed Kolar, outfielder; Gilbert Reichert, infielder; John Deaver, (manager), outfielder; "Cannonball" Bailey, pitcher; and Ed. Meder, pitcher.







Players names and positions : Left to right-
Bottom row: Deaver, Left field; Bill, Trainer; Miller, 1st base.

Middle row: Oester, right field; Botts, Center field; Tranter, outfield; Sroufe, pitcher.

Top row: Forg, catcher; Callery, 2nd base; Davidson, S.S. [short stop]; Daines, 3rd base; Cannonball Bailey, pitcher.


Kentucky Post Article 14 Apr 1934 pg. 2

BAILEY SHOWS WELL IN SOUTH

Kentucky Colonels are in demand after wins

The Kentucky Colonels, an aggregation of local soft ball players traveling throughout the south, whipped the Miami Beach, Fla., team in a three game series this week.
Cannonball Bailey heaved the first and last game and the Kentuckians came through in both. The Floridians captured the second fray.
The score of the first game was 6 to 4. The second game was dropped 5 to 0, The last game ended with 9-to-3 score. The Colonels will play in Dade City Saturday.
The Mimi Beach team is said to be the best in the peninsular state. The manager of the club wants to book the kentuckians for another three-game series. The past series was contested before a large crowd.


Colonels Win series,

Kentucky team Breaks up tie in eighth inning

*from page 7 of Guy Daines Scrapbook*

Senor Bud Sroufe, his blue cap cocked askew on his curly locks and one cheek nursing a generous chew of what it takes--subdued our Miami Beach diamondball hitters right successfully last night, and the well known colonels of Ole Kaintucky, suh, ran away with the third and deciding game of the series, 9-3.
Bud was in there doing chores for one Cannonball Bailey, the famous speedball king who is nursing a lame saley whip. And Bud, a bit juberous about it all, before the game started, stood on the hill through many a tight spot and his well directed fire stood the local hitters on their ears.
Thirteen men fell strike-out victims to Sroufe's twisting delivery. He was in tough going for seven innings too, for this Miami Beach team was out to win and never stopped trying until the Colonels fell on Bobby Dosh with a barrage of hits that chased five runs over the plate in the eighth.
Until that rally things were fairly even. Miami got off in the lead when two errors and a double by "Widge" Davidson chased Bill Harkness over the platter, in the third inning.
But the Colonels were out for blood last night. They fought every inch of the way and hit the ball hard. Manager Deaver opened the fifth with a hot shot that bounced off Dosh's glove for a single, and Botts dropped one safe in left field. Both advanced on a passed ball, and then Deaver scored on a wild pitch. Forg poked a long fly to the right, after Oester had fanned, and Botts scored after the catch.
The ball yard looked like a drill field for the royal zuaves in the sixth, when the Colonels filled the bases.Three boys from Kaintuck, four infielders for the home team and a couple of umpires who insist on playing in around thye pitchers box had the place well cluttered up.
Only one was out when these got on. Davidson lifted a fly ball over second and Roberts couldn't quite reach it. Miller scored from third, but Roberts whistled the ball to Ryan in time to nail Tranter at the plate. Deaver struck out to end the inning.
Then our heroes went out and tied the score in their half of the inning. Davidson walked just after Harkness-- and just before Dosh-- struck out. But Pete Roberts singled to right and Oester kicked the ball long enough to let Davidson score. Roberts went to second on the throw to the plate, and when Callery's throwon Reynolds' ground ball was a bit wide, Pete scored.
So the Colonels decided to get plenty of runs. Callery pried open the eighth with a single, went to second on a wild pitch and to third after Tranter flied out to Younts in right field. Daines then bounced a single along the first base line, chasing a run home. Reynolds booted Davidson's chance and Deaver forced Dains at third. But Betts [Botts] slammed a clean single to the left, scoring Davidson and sending Dosh to the showers.
Page took up the hurling duties, and the merry ring of base hits went right along. Oester singled over short, Deaver scoring, Then catcher Fort [Forg] found one he liked and hit it a mile between left and centre. Two runners scored and Fort [Forg] was caught between thrid and home when he tried to stretch his hit into a homer.
The game was another snappy exhibition, with the visitors playing better ball in the pinches. The Beach team is still a bit uncertain in tight spots. The series has been well played throughout, however, and the Colonels gave us fast clean ball evry night. The fact that Melbourne cancelled a game scheduled, giving the Kentucky boys a chance to stay here for a fourth game, is a break for local fans and tough luck for those upstate.

Kentucky Colonels Ab. R. H. P. A. E.
Miller, 1b............................. 5 1 0 3 0 0
Callery, ss............................ 4 1 1 1 0 1
Tranter, lf............................ 3 0 0 1 0 1
Daines, 3b............................. 4 0 2 0 1 1
H. Davidson, 2b........................ 4 1 1 1 1 0
Deaver, sf............................. 4 2 1 2 0 1
Botts, cf.............................. 4 2 2 3 0 0
Oester, rf............................. 3 2 1 0 0 1
Forg, c................................ 3 0 2 14 0 1
Sroufe, p.............................. 4 0 0 1 0 0
--------------------------------
Totals................................38 9 10 *26 2 6

*Harkness out hit by batted ball

Miami Beach All Stars Ab. R. H. P. A. E.
Roberts, ss........................... 4 1 1 1 4 0
Reynolds, 2b.......................... 4 0 0 0 1 2
Stembler, 3b.......................... 4 0 0 4 1 1
Riggs, cf............................. 4 0 1 2 0 0
Younts, rf............................ 3 0 0 2 0 0
Ryan, c............................... 3 0 0 8 0 0
Gahan, lb............................. 3 0 0 7 0 1
Harkness, lf.......................... 3 1 0 1 0 0
W. Davidson, sf....................... 1 1 1 0 0 0
Dosh, p............................... 2 0 0 2 2 0
Page, p............................... 1 0 0 0 0 0
-------------------------------
Totals............................... 22 3 3 27 8 4

Score by innings:

Kentucky Colonels....................000 021 150-- 9
Miami Beach All Stars................001 002 000-- 3

Summary: Two base hits, W. Davidson; three base hits, Forg; struck out, by Srufe, 13, by Dosh, 6; bases on balls, off Dosh, 2, off Sroufe, 2; hits, off Dosh, 9 in 7 2-3 innings, off Page, 1, in 1 1-3 innings; passed balls, Ryan; sacrifice hits,Callery; wild pitches, Dosh, 3: umpires, Horton, Newell and Shaw; time of game,1.29; losing pitcher, Dosh.

Letter from Ange on April 12

Addressed to Mr. Guy Daines Jr., Box 83 Newport Ky, Forward to E.L. Varner, Orlando Fla. In care Mr. Reed (this is scratched out)


April 5, 1934

Dear Guy;

Please excuse the pencil for I can't find the pen. You should have been home today, Snyder, Ed and I were cleaning wall paper. You should have heard Snyder telling us what a wonderful fisherman he is. I laughed until my sides ached. Francis is getting a stepmother May the 5th isn't that something. Francis sure is buying herself plenty of clothes forshe knows that when the stepmother takes care of the money she won't get anything. Her Dad will be married on the 5th and on the 6th you'll see a big sign hanging on the front of the house Francis doesn't live here any more." You should have stayed over home last Sat. nite if you wanted to have some fun. Glenn didn't come home until about 10:30 and Boy : he was lit up like a Christmas tree.He said that he was going over to the "Cotton Club" Because that was the first time he had that much money in two years. Mom was frantic for he kept monkeying around until it was about 11:15
How do you like the climate down there? Is your cold any better? Take care of it Guy. Did you get any hits Wed? I hope you did. Write and tell me all about the baseball games. I wish that I could see them for I love ball games when I know almost everyone on the team. Do you and Murph sleep together? You know what you said before you left that you were going to stick to Murph while you were away. I miss you more than I thought I'd miss you before you left. There isn't anything to do in the evenings. I hope that the months go by real fast so that you'll be home real soon. Don't let baseball take the same effect upon you as foot ball did on Al. You know what I mean don't get "catty", "high hat", "conceited", or whatever you want to call it, just be the same old "Guy Daines" that left won't you try?
Your Mother told me to go over to "Fox's" to try to get a job you know, where Marg Styles works I'm going tomorrow (Fri) I haven't worked since last week when I was laid off.
Well darling I think that I had better close. When I start to write I don't know when to stop. I suppose you'll be bored to death by the time you finish reading it.
I close with load and loads of love.xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I remain always yours

Ange
PS. I wish you all the luck and success in the world including a lot of hits and runs.
I'm always thinking of you.
love
Ange

A word about Cruellers

One word about cruellers (well maybe more than one word, for those of you who know me I never say anything with just one word!) work.

First you need more flour to get the dough so it isn't sticky, and so that it is easy to roll into 1/2 inch thick strips. I twisted the strips, so that they looked more like those beautiful donut shop cruellers everyone sees inside the glass case at Bernhard's Bakery in Newport (522 York Street) or at The Cookie Jar (919 Monmouth Street)in Newport, (my personal favorite) -- that didn't work out so well. They were very good, according to my husband and my oldest son, a donut connoisseur. But they fell apart and they took a lot of time,as you have to be very careful frying them in the hot oil,and the oil gets kinda old fast-- so the later ones are easily burned before they get finished. This small feat set me back a couple of hours this morning from my task of researching the Kentucky Post articles at the library. My advice is that you should plan to make creullers for special occasions only! Now I know why we never had this recipe when I was a child. It just took too much time in the morning. My grandmother was an excellent cook, but usually everything was planned out and Sunday dinners were her specialty. I believe it really wasn't about the food, actually it was about family, because every meal was planned so that our family would be there together sitting around one large oak pedastal table inserted with 4 or 5 leaves that were made by my grandfather to accomadate all of us, and there were a lot of us at times. These were the only meals that you were expected to attend, after you went to church of course. Sometimes there were over 12, and it was loud, with arms flying all over the place alongside many differing opinions about the state of the world, clothing styles, babies, the weather, baseball, football, grades, my hair... you name it... and it all began with a prayer... and two very special people... and of course baseball letters.