solving the mystery...

So, you got the researcher in me working on the whole newspaper article with Grandpa Lafe in it, Erin and Grandma!

Here's the scoop: The publication you found, Erin, is called "The Billboard: amusement weekly." Billboard started in 1894 in Cincinnati as a weekly periodical covering amusement parks, carnivals, fairs, vaudeville, burlesque shows, etc. Throughout the early- and mid-2oth C., the paper primarly covered local carnivals and fairs around the country, hence the article about Grandpa Lafe becoming the chair of the Wayne County Fair Board.

Interestingly, after Rock and Roll transformed the music industry in the 1950s and popular music moved away from the vaudeville & traveling show tradition, Billboard split into two main strands: "Amusement Business" and "Billboard," as in THE Billboard magazine with the Top 100, etc.

So, one our our relatives has been discussed in Billboard magazine! Who would have thought!!!

steve on the daytona speedway

this is Steve


Well, today I did my splurge for the vacation, or at least on of them.

at my age I have a list of things i would like to do.(i prefer to not call it the bucket list) one is to drive a race car on a super speedway.

Now, after conferring with my soon to be bride of 35 yrs and $450 dollar difference, I decided to do the 3 lap ride along. some time I plan to drive. well it was TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I MEAN I ENJOYED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM TRYING TO CONTROL MY EMOTIONS can't you tell?

okay, I suited up with a firesuit in 90 plus temps, helmeted and tried to climb in the car window. Mark Martin is 50 yrs old and still drives for Rick Hendrick, I was put to shame. once I got in the seat, belted in, Peter the driver took off. I looked at the tacometer at 6200+. they said we were going 165 MPH.

Well, it did not take my enthusiasm away, infact it challenged me to get in better shape, so I can jump in on the driver's side, and crank it up.

i respect those of you who think I have really lost it, but hey you only live once and Cheryl and i have missed a lot of fun times. God willing we will be able to have some yrs to experience an honest marriage and many fun times together.

if we do not get them posted sooner you will have a chance to see pics next Sunday.

Until then drive safely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it was so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve

Check it out!

Think this is G'pa Lafe?
An article in "The Billboard" out of Chicago titled "De Bolt Resigns as Prez of Corydon, Ia., Annual"

http://books.google.com/books?id=f0UEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA60&ots=keO87wyEkX&dq=lafe%20dent%20corydon&pg=PA60#v=onepage&q=lafe%20dent%20corydon&f=false

Today's Storm

This storm is amazing! Just went through Chicago.
Click on the uLocal pics at the bottom of the story - unreal pictures....
http://www.kcci.com/weather/23945737/detail.html

I can't find any sites that have more than 8 pics of the storm coming into Chicago. Have seen a report that windows were blown out at the Aon Center, where I work. Windows have also been blown out at Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).
Good thing one of my data consultants alerted me to the storms arriving and we left the office early. I got home just as the high winds were hitting Oak Park.

Here's an interesting link that gets live updates from people http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Severe-Weather-Careens-Toward-Chicago-96670454.html

Weather--thinking of Cheryl

I just checked online. The heat index in DSM is 102 and in Orlando it's 87. Of course, it's raining there---

Request

Don't know if I told anyone but we had a problem with our camera when we went to take the film out with Christmas pictures last winter. We lost everything, so if anyone has an extra Christmas picture or two, We would sure like to have them. Can hardly wait to see Andrew, Lily and Jack to see how they have grown!
Grandma

visits, zoo and circus!

Hi all--

Well, I don't think we can compete with the FL temps, but it sure is warm and muggy in STL, too.

Mike's mom just left from a visit while Marvin darted rain storms in N'western IL on his bike. Hopefully the rain will leave them alone, now. We had a good visit Phyllis complete with a trip to the circus! There is a great, small-ring circus that sets up shop in STL every June and does a great show. Andrew's favorite part were the guys doing tricks on horse-back. I was more shocked by the animal act that involved jack russell terriers, a larger fluffy dog (not sure what kind), shetland horses, and finally....GOATS. Yes, they had trained goats to climb up onto the shetland's backs as part of the show. Didn't know such things were possible!

Now we're getting ready for a visit from the Coopers and Lily & Jack's first trip to the zoo! I'll try to post some pics on here as a precursor to our upcoming gathering. G'ma, let me know if I can bring anything on Sunday; I completely support the plan of spending more time with the kiddos and less time in the kitchen, so let me know how I can help.

So Sorry

Hello Everyone,

I am so sorry about suggesting Sat, when so many people already had plans on Sat. We would never want people to change plans, so that we can go to church on Sunday with our extended family. Erin, I had no idea that you were planning a class reunion, and sounds like you have been a major organizer of your weekend!!!

Sunday is great with all of of our family--although, Jack was napping when I talked to Sarah.
Heather says Sunday is fine.

So we will see you all at G&G's on June 27th. While you are thinking about it..pray for cooler arir temp and lower humidity in Florida!!!

2 weeks!

Sounds like Sunday, June 27th works for everyone to gather at G&G's house. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone, relaxing, playing with some little people, enjoying some good food, homemade ice cream & angel food cake (hint hint - traditions should not end this year)!
:)

Genealogy?

G'ma, I know you have been interested in Genealogy in the past. Have you found anything on our family beyond G&G Dent & G&G Robison? I don't know anything beyond your parents and am curious who our relatives are and where we come from :)