1969 prices
Gallon of gas $0.32
Loaf of bread $.23
Gallon milk $1.10
Dozen eggs $.62
1969 was an eventful year. Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” E. Aldrin landed in the Sea of Tranquility, on The Moon on July 20, 1969 (one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind”). The Manson “Family” committed a series of murders and the arpanet (first internet) was created. Monty Python’s Flying Circus first aired on BBC One and Sesame Street premiered on the NET (later PBS) network.
Hee Haw first aired on CBS. Led Zeppelin released their first album in the U.S. Wendy’s Hamburgers was founded by Dave Thomas.
In other news in April of 1969, a set of identical twins was born in Monticello, Minnesota.
My twin sister and I turned 100 collectively the end of April. Terri and I have celebrated all 50 birthdays together in Sherburne County. My birth certificate had a box checked that read ‘born first’, as I was 5 minutes older than Terri. She was born with a black eye, proving I was a violent womb-mate. Terri also had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck.
Mom doctored with long-time physician, Dr. Donald Maus, and shared that she thought she was having twins.
Mom had already given birth eight times when we came along. Terri and I were number nine and 10.
Our dad (age 47 at the time) told us he quit doing farm chores to go to the hospital, but our mom (age 37) insisted on cleaning the kitchen before agreeing to leave the farm for the hospital. Apparently, mom wasn’t in a rush to get to the hospital! Dad reluctantly decided to take a nap on the couch until mom was ready to head to the hospital.
The first four Erickson kids were born in St. Cloud, followed by two in Princeton, two in Buffalo and the final two in Monticello!
In honor of turning 50, it was suggested that Terri and I host a party. This concept felt a bit vain to me, but Terri and I came to terms with the idea by telling ourselves that each was throwing the party for the other! We ended up having 150 cherished family, and friends attend the party. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, for which we were grateful.
Turning 50 has been a hard pill to swallow. I am middle aged. It makes me realize I am on the cusp of being a part of the ‘older’ generation. It causes a person to contemplate how healthy one is and make a concerted effort at living a healthier lifestyle.
This year’s birthday was also our first without our mom. Mom always went the extra mile to make our birthdays special. As children, we often celebrated at our grandma’s house in Palmer with Peppridge Farm cake and Kool Aid. There were so many of us kids that the pieces of cake were miniscule, but it did not matter. It was such a special tradition.
Terri and I and a majority of our sisters enjoyed a three day girls trip over Memorial Weekend. A convoy of three cars headed towards Lanesboro, MN. We spent the night in Lanesboro at Stone Mill Hotel and Suites (an old grainery). Lanesboro is a thriving, magical hamlet nestled in the Root River Valley surrounded by rolling countryside and rocky bluffs in southeastern Minnesota. It was a busy milling community in the 1870s.
We made a stop at a family-run Amish store on a farm nearby and purchased many hand made items and baked goods. We were waited on by a 10 year old Amish lad named Jerry. He was extremely efficient and personable. We then headed down U.S. Hwy 52 towards Galena, IL.
Galena is steeped in history and home to former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant. We enjoyed walking the cobblestone streets and shopping. Spending time at the house together visiting was especially meaningful.
After leaving Galena, most of the group headed back home. My sisters Ruth, Terri and I headed towards Rockford, IL to visit an elderly relative who is 96. We are related through our mom (through the Gilyards). Nora Skurski and her son, Howard, invited us to their home for a long visit and fresh rhubarb pie with ice cream.
The next morning, we visited Nora’s brother, Allen Burns and his wife Eleanor in Wasau, WI, as well as some of their children (Sue and Bill Meyer and Austin Burns).
Allen (99) and Eleanor (90) live in a retirement home. It was such a blessing to spend time with Nora and Allen and their family.
It is such a rare achievement to reach 99 or 100 years old. I have only had the pleasure of knowing a handful of people that reached 100.
Carl Tingquist, Lydia Heed and Clarence Olson (all from Becker area) and my great aunt Ruth Gilyard.
Growing older is a gift not given to everyone. I was saddened yesterday to hear of another death of a long-time former Becker teacher unexpectedly at the age of 72 (Lonnie Chirhart).
We must not take our blessings for granted. Take the time to realize how special the people in your life truly are. Treasure those in your circle.
I believe God has placed each of us where we are at this special place at this time. I pray I make a positive contribution.
My goal is to add life to my years as I grow older.
