Title
Weekly News November 19, 2012Description
Socially Acceptable: Each generation of Americans has held certain things acceptable and others frowned upon. Supposedly less noticeable in America than in other countries, status or class nonetheless played a role in what was or was not acceptable. In the early 20th century, I grew up in middle-upper-class society, sometimes influenced by Quaker traditions, which were often in conflict with one another.
In my parents’ generation, the success or failure of the male head of the family determined the “class” in which the family operated. The four male Marshalls—Warren, Albert, Henry and Clarence—of whom my father was one, inherited a growing and very profitable business if properly managed. None of them were college graduates, and all went into the family business after high school. They got along with one another famously for about 15 years after the decease of Israel Marshall, father or uncle to each of them. They were expected to take on the management role, and this they did, complete with its way of life. Each had a comfortable home with one or more servants and a wife and children that fit into the picture. The men smoked good cigars, even at home, and the women did not smoke at all. Mostly, they attended Quaker Meeting regularly, either at Hockessin or at Kennett. Three of the four owned vacation homes and managed time there when their families were in residence. Each owned two or more fine American automobiles. Old-time Quakers may have thought this lifestyle too extravagant, but it was condoned.
The four wives—Bertha, Abbie (not Abigail), Lucy, and Esther (my mother)—each belonged to the Kennett New Century Club and to several other women’s clubs as well. They were supportive of their husbands’ whims and capable of running their households and raising the children. Two drove a car (one of whom enjoyed it); the other two did not. They were more fortunate than a typical housewife of those days, however, as there would be someone in the family’s employ who could chauffeur when needed. Women always wore hats when they went out, the styles becoming more ridiculous with the years.
In 1926, three of the four, including my father, resigned from the National Vulcanized Fibre Company, and each of the three pursued his separate interests. Sociability within the families remained close, however, and visitations and reciprocal meal invitations were frequent. Into this environment I was born, and although it would be unacceptable today, there were many human prejudices we never thought about. Yorklyn was a friendly place, and women would wave and men would throw up their hand when passing in a car or on foot, regardless of whether the greeters knew each other.
Work Report: With Steve Bryce in charge and about 12 in attendance, the following jobs were accomplished on Tuesday, 11/13. The water column affecting the three-tube indicator on the Model 76 was inspected but found to be clear (the indicator was erratic on 11/4). The 735 was cleaned after its runs, as a leak in the after-market feed water heater sprayed oil on the right side of the car. The small air conditioner was removed from the museum window for winter storage, and the popcorn machine was moved back to the museum. Locomotive 402 was cleaned from its use for training on Sunday, Nov. 11, when six recruits made good progress toward becoming fully qualified engineers. The kerosene cans were emptied and the contents put in the large kerosene tank behind the shop. On the Model 607, the bonnet over the boiler was patched and improved and the front floor panels have been re-covered with new grey linoleum. The steam line to the water tank siphon has been completed.
With Bill Schwoebel in charge Thursday, 11/15, seven volunteers accomplished the following:
On the Model 607, the bonnet was further refined, the wooden door strips were covered with their first coat of varnish, the pilot tank (a part of the main fuel tank) was painted, and the fuel-level gauge in the pilot tank was repaired. The railroad locomotives were readied for their runs on 11/24, and the boilers were prepared for their annual state inspections, which took place satisfactorily on Friday, 11/16.
2012 White House Ornament -- A Steamer!: Thanks to member Rob Reilly for alerting us that this year's White House ornament celebrates the steam car! The ornament depicts President and Mrs. Taft enroute to deliver Christmas presents in the White Motor Company's Model M, a seven passenger steam-powered touring car. See the White House Historical Association website for more details and ordering information.
2013 Marshall Steam Museum Calendar
You can buy your keepsake calendar now! This year's edition features photos from on- and off-site events and marks the dates for our public events in 2013 and major holidays. What better Christmas gift than a calendar that reminds your family and friends about all the great events at Auburn Heights! Available now for $16 ($14.40 to Members!), plus shipping ($5 for first calendar and $1 for each additional). You can purchase online or contact the FAHP office (302-239-2385 or admin@auburnheights.org) or mail a check for purchase price and shipping if you need it mailed to you. As in past years, we printed only a limited number, so when they're gone, they're gone!
