Say What?

These are ads found across the country and gathered by a fun website that you can find here. Enjoy these.

~~Quarter horse mare. Well bread.
~~Illiterate? Write today for free help.
~~Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again.
~~Our experienced mom will care for your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included.
~~Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.
~~Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.
~~Stock up and save. Limit: one.
~~Semi-Annual after-Christmas Sale.
~~3-year old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.
~~Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.
~~Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting-off-head illusion. Blue Cross and salary.
~~Dinner Special -- Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00
~~For sale: antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.
~~Now is your chance to have your ears pierced and get an extra pair to take home, too.
~~We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand.
~~For sale: Three canaries of undermined sex.
~~Great Dames for sale.
~~Have several very old dresses from grandmother in beautiful condition.
~~Vacation Special: have your home exterminated.
~~Get rid of aunts. Zap does the job in 24 hours.
~~Toaster: A gift that every member of the family appreciates. Automatically burns toast.
~~Used Cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated. Come here first.
~~Christmas tag-sale. Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person.
~~Wanted: Hair cutter. Excellent growth potential.
~~Wanted: Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.
~~Our bikinis are exciting. They are simply the tops.
~~Wanted: Widower with school age children requires person to assume general housekeeping duties. Must be capable of contributing to growth of family.
~~And now, the Superstore-unequaled in size, unmatched in variety, unrivaled inconvenience.
~~We will oil your sewing machine and adjust tension in your home for $1.00.

Fun, huh?

Squint Shot 053109

You have probably looked at this a million times, but can you tell me where this is? No hints!

Squint Shot 053009

Summertime is upon us and 4H will be in high gear. Competitions during the Fowlerville Family Fair are a huge part of the activities during fair week. In July, head to the fair and be sure to take time wandering through the various barns -- admire the ribbons and congratulate the kids that work so hard.

Snack-urday 118

Summertime is for deliciously-cool desserts.

So, to that end, enjoy making this easy mousse, and then thoroughly enjoy eating and sharing it.

Lemon Mousse

(about 18 servings)

8 large egg whites
2 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup light corn syrup
3 cups heavy cream

Combine egg whites, sugar and lemon juice in the top pot of a double boiler. Over 2 inches of boiling water whisk the egg whites until smooth, airy and very thick. Add the corn syrup and whisk until smooth. Remove from the heat. Put the beaten whites into a large bowl, cover and refrigerate for an hour. In an hour remove the bowl from the fridge and add the heavy cream. Using the electric mixer beat until stiff, and forming peaks. Spoon into dessert cups or bowls and refrigerate again until it is time to serve.

Market Day

This little piggie went to market . . . .

And, oh was it delicious, and interesting, and fun to talk with the vendors.

A couple days ago, under the threat of dark clouds and rumblings off in the distance, the Fowlerville Farmers' Market was up and running for another Wednesday session. Kim and Sandra were there to meet and greet everyone with big smiles and conversation. They are ready with brochures and information for upcoming events and give-aways.

Sometimes I think it might be more of a social event than a shopping trip. As I wandered around to see the various vendors and products, I had vowed not to spend any money because I was more interested in getting information for this article.

So, after catching up with Kim and Sandra, I ventured over to Son-in-Law Products. Jars of salsas, horseradishes, barbeque sauces, and pickled asparagus, yes pickled asparagus, were lined up like little soldiers, ready and waiting to be put into service. I tried to resist but to no avail. When offered a stalk of pickled asparagus, I had to try it. Oh my gosh. It was delicious. I'll be back for more.

Son-in-Law is located in Webberville, 4220 Iosco Road, Webberville, 48892, 517.521.3358. If you can't make it to the market, be sure to give them a call. They will let you know hours of operation or when they will be at the Farmers' Market.

Across the promenade from Son-in-Law was some of the most beautiful jewelry I have seen -- original, classy, shiny -- all from Pi-Mar Designs. Oh my.

Pi-Mar is located at 515 West Grand River Avenue (across from Citizens Bank), 517.223.5950.

In addition to 20 years of experience in the jewelry designing business, they also buy gold. If you don't happen to see them at the market, be sure to visit their store.

Then, onto the next stall . . .

The Bake Shop, where you can find flavorful granola filled with blueberries or cherries, or maple-flavored. Susan "talked" me into trying some of the blueberry granola and I could hardly think of what questions I wanted to ask next. The taste was wonderful. She and her husband, Mike, have a shop in Owosso, 207 North Washington Street, 489.729.2253.

As I munched on the granola, the booth across the way caught my eye.

The Great Harvest Bread Company, out of Brighton, with the booth tended by Lori. Oh, the smells, the selections, the cookies and bread. I had my granola in hand and didn't think I needed anything else, but she was also very convincing. A cookie for my troubles. I saved it and shared it with my husband later that evening. Unfortunately, it was so delicious, I only got the last bite!

I'll have to revisit their booth for more cookies. The Great Harvest Bread Company is located at 416 West Main Street, Brighton, 810.225.1400.

Two booths to go.

Next stop was to meet Gary at Great Tasting Dogs, where he was slaving over a hot grill, brats browning nicely. Before I could hardly get a word in, he said those were already sold, but he would happily make mine the next order. My hands were full with granola and a cookie, so I passed -- but I will be back.

Gary is ready and willing to cater special events and plans on many Wednesdays at the Farmers' Market. He can be reached at 800.964.2315. Oh, and by the way, he uses all Michigan products, Koegel in particular for the brats.

Last stop and I broke my promise to myself. I just had to spend $2.75 for a dozen of farm-fresh eggs, but I resisted the asparagus (for now) from Turk Farms. It all looked so wonderful and I could have spent way too much money, but I'll be heading back next week for more.

Turk Farms sells everything from meats such as chicken, port, chevron, and rabbit to eggs to vegetables. They are located at 4915 Cullen Road, Fenton, 810.656.7216.

Short of having this sound like a commercial, I would like to encourage everyone to visit the Farmers' Market, every Wednesday, rain (we hope not) or shine (yay), and check out what it has to offer.

As Kim mentioned, every week there will be special events, each month a give-away, and an ever-changing array of vendors. It is now on my calendar for next week. Hope to see you there.

Squint Shot 052909

More peaks to enjoy -- I love looking up at all the interesting and intricate designs offered up by the older homes in Fowlerville. Carved out swirls and button-like knobs give this old house real character.

History Lesson by Cheryl Poch

Today's article is written by Cheryl Poch, Librarian-Extraordinaire, here in Fowlerville.

I'd like to thank her ahead of time. She is one busy person, and her staff is always there to help, even with everything they do. And, I admit it, I've pestered her a couple of times for an article, and she's been very gracious. So, to that end, thank you, Cheryl.

Here goes . . .

I would like to share with you some thoughts on ‘stupid American history.’

That’s right. Tales of stupidity, strangeness, and myth conceptions according to the book with the same name: STUPID AMERICAN HISTORY by Leland Gregory.

We begin with this little story: History books have idolized our founding fathers to such a degree that a lot of people believe that they were perfect. Simply by looking at the first line of the Constitution you will find that they were not perfect -- and they especially were not more perfect. The first line of the preamble to the Constitution reads, “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union.”

If something is perfect it’s, well, perfect. It can’t be more perfect! (makes sense to me)

How about this one: Andrew Jackson’s wife, Rachel, was the only First Lady who smoked a pipe (we do not know what the other First Ladies smoked).

And then this: When the Civil War started, Union General Ulysses S. Grant owned slaves, but Confederate General Robert E. Lee did not!

There you have it – a little “stupid American history” for you to conjure up in party-time conversations – your friends will be amazed!

Cheryl L. Poch, Director
Fowlerville District Library
131 Mill St. P.O. Box 313
Fowlerville, MI 48836
517-223-9089
c.poch@fowlervillelibrary.org

If this article has piqued your interest to read more stupid American history, either head to the Fowlerville Library and check it out. Or, by clicking on the book cover in this article, you can head to Amazon to learn more about purchasing a copy.

Thank you, once again Cheryl, for helping us out here at The Ville. For anyone interested in submitting an article, please contact me by clicking on my profile picture and then clicking on the "e-mail" indicated.

Squint Shot 052809

Fowlerville has some wonderful playgrounds along with some unusual playground equipment. This "bonnet" style jungle gym can be found at the Little Glad Center.Those lucky kids!

Squint Shot 052709

Set back, off from the busy traffic on Grand River Avenue, between Nicholson Road and the Fowlerville Fairgrounds, sits this shed, decorated with old-fashioned wagon wheels.As often as I drive by it, I wonder what is inside this shed and where did those wheels come from. Maybe someday I will stop and ask.

Kind of the way I feel about another shed as seen in this squint shot from April.

Movers and Shapers

A few more shots from the Historical Village at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds, and a thought came to me. This series of pictures encompasses the movers and shapers in our early history.

A train depot sheltered residents before boarding the trains that may have taken them along the Grand River route from east to west, and north and south from Flint to Detroit. This particular building came from the Howell area and has been beautifully restored, with displays inside and detailed trimwork outside.

That represents our movers.

Our shapers?

A school house -- Coughran School, built in 1882. The picture of the window makes me wonder if the size was on purpose so the students would be more inclined to study. Or economical? Or did it help to keep the building a bit warmer, yet let a bit of light in?

And we have a barber shop -- It was originally located in Hartland, built in 1910.

One of my early squint shots (which you can find here), explains the reasoning behind the striped barber pole. I can hardly pass by a barber shop now without remembering this bit of trivia.

Fowlerville is fortunate to have citizens that care enough to preserve and restore these buildings. Be sure to keep on the look-out for times and events when these buildings are open to the public. You might just find learning some of our area history is right up your alley.

Squint Shot 052609

It is now a day after the 3-day Memorial Weekend and I wanted to add my contribution to the mix.This is one of the many flags displayed on lamp posts in downtown Fowlerville.

Squint Shot 052509

Lilac blossoms are short-lived, but oh the wonderful fragrance we get to enjoy. Can't you just about smell these? This picture is courtesy of a grove off of Nicholson Road of wild-growing lilac bushes, untamed and glorious. Every spring, as I travel this road, I am glad for the owner of this property leaving the lilacs to flourish.

Hickbonics

Have you ever traveled through the southern states and wondered if you heard certain words correctly? Well, if so, check out the following dictionary of Hickbonics from an old hippie's website. Fun stuff.

The Association of Southern Schools has decided to pursue some of the seemingly endless taxpayer dollar pipeline through Washington designating Southern slang, or Hickbonics,” as a language to be taught in all Southern schools. A speaker of this language would be a Hickophone. The following are excerpts from the Hickbonics/English dictionary:

~~Heidi - greeting
~~Hire Yew - complete sentence and remainder of greeting
Usage: "Heidi, hire yew?"

~~Bard - past tense of "to borrow"
Usage: "My brother bard my pickup truck."

~~Munts - a calendar division
Usage: "My brother bard my pickup truck, and I ain’t herd from him in munts.”

~~Thank - ability to cognitively process
Usage: "Ah thank ah’ll have a bare."

~~Bare - an alcoholic beverage made of barley, hops, and yeast
Usage: "Ah thank ah’ll have a bare."

~~Ranch - a tool used for tight’nin’ bolts
Usage: "I thank I left my ranch in the back of that pickup truck my brother bard a few munts ago.”

~~All - a petroleum-based lubricant
Usage: "I sure hope my brother puts all in my pickup truck."

~~Far - a conflagration
Usage: "If my brother don’t change the all in my pickup truck, that thing’s gonna catch far."

~~Tar - a rubber wheel
Usage: "Gee, I hope that brother of mine don’t git a flat tar in my pickup truck."

~~Tire - a tall monument
Usage: "Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise, I sure do hope to see that Eiffel Tire in Paris sometime."

~~Retard - to stop working
Usage: "My grampaw retard at age 65."

~~Fat - a battle or combat; to engage in battle or combat
Usage: "You younguns keep fat’n, n’ ah’m gonna whup y’uh."

~~Rats - entitled power or privilege
Usage: "We Southerners are willin’ to fat for are rats."

~~Farn - not domestic
Usage: "I cuddint unnerstand a wurd he sed . . . must be from some farn country."

~~Did - not alive
Usage: "He’s did, Jim."

~~Ear - a colorless, odorless gas: oxygen
Usage: "He cain’t breathe . . . give ‘im some ear!"

~~Bobwar - a sharp, twisted cable
Usage: "Boy, stay away from that bobwar fence."

~~Gubmint - a bureaucratic institution
Usage: "Them gubmint boys shore is ignert."

It could go on forever! But now, when we head south, I just might be able to have some fun in conversation. How about you?

Squint Shot 052409

While at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds for yesterday's squint shot of a weathervane, this caught my eye. A tree trunk carved and painted as an eagle.It stands guard over anyone entering and exiting the fairgrounds by way of the main gate.

Snack-urday 117

We all love s'mores -- am I right, or what? And with the arrival of summer, who doesn't think of these yummy, gooey treats? But what if you don't have a firepit at your disposal?

Well, The Ville is here to help. I went in search of a recipe and found S'Mores Brownies by Joy the Baker. You can click on the picture to head to her website for more wonderful recipes.

So bring on your summer tastebuds --

S’mores Brownies
(adapted from Bon Appetit, October 1991)

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
5 large eggs
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup graham cracker, roughly crushed with your hands
12 big marshmallows (optional: dice 6 additional marshmallows and stir them into the batter. These marshmallows dissolve when baked, so you can leave them out or throw them in.)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9×13-inch baking pan with 2-inch-high sides. Combine first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Stir butter and chocolate in a medium sized bowl over a heavy saucepan of simmering water. Stir chocolate and butter in this double boiler until melted and smooth.

Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla in large bowl to blend. Stir in warm chocolate mixture, then dry ingredients. Fold in graham crackers. Pour batter into prepared pan. Dot with 12 large marshmallows. Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30- 40 minutes minutes.

Marshmallows will be browned and puffy but will deflate as the brownies cool. Cool for at least 20 minutes than slice with a sharp knife, cleaning the knife with hot water if it gets too messy and sticky. Serve or wrap individually in wax paper for storing.

YUM.

Squint Shot 052309

We now have two squint shots of weathervanes. And here I thought they were becoming extinct as you can see by clicking here.This one you can spot at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds, high above a gazebo not too far from the 4H Building.

Squint Shot 052209

A Chinese Abacus came to mind as I zoomed in on this house's front peak. It probably would have gone unnoticed if it hadn't been for the owner to ingeniously work in a color scheme of teals and burgundy.The house has two such peaks that have been similarly painted.

Squint Shot 052109

A chime at an archway to a garden greets any and all that pass by. Tulips grace the walkway up to the entrance while the chime shimmers as it catches the mid-morning sunlight.If only for the mere fact of possible trespassing, I was so very tempted to check out the garden within.

Squint Shot 052009

Another example of outbuildings in disrepair. The earth seems to be gulping them right up.But there is still beauty in how the weather-worn wood shows off the grain, or what used to be an upper window is now accessible as protection for animals in nasty weather.

Squint Shot 051909

Do you ever just want to hug a tree? Or at least admire it a little bit. I came across this fallen, massive chunk of weather-worn trunk and was intrigued with how it is now home to insects and small plants.There's a purpose for everything, and this is a perfect, even artistic example.

Websites 107

Have you ever wondered why barns are painted white or red or green?

To be honest, it was something I had never considered. But the other day, one of my favorite blog authors, whose website is entitled Synch-ro-ni-zing, posted an article entitled Why Are Barns Painted Red? or Sometimes White? or Green? You can access the article by clicking here.

The article is informative and may even send you down memory lane a bit.

In addition to learning some interesting facts and trivia, I also enjoyed learning where the term "bought the farm" came from. But I'm not giving anything away -- you'll have to head over to Synch-ro-ni-zing and find out. Then come on back and let me know what you enjoyed learning the most.

Where the Heart Is

That is home . . . where the heart is.

Back at the Fowlerville Historical Village at the fairgrounds, two buildings representing home stand side by side -- a place to feel comfortable, a place to belong, and where a great deal of time is spent -- the family abode and a church.

The Kirkland House, donated by the Kirkland family from Gregory, stands slightly askew, showing its obvious age of over 150 years old. The roof seems to bow in places but the shutters and window show signs of replacement. It helps us to remember this has been preserved, saved from the bulldozer, and restored as best as it can be.

What I found curious is how brilliant new tulips show off their colors with pride. A stark contrast to the paint chips peeling from the siding.

Across a small patch of green grass the church stands tall and imposing. The Green Church -- built a little over 100 years ago.

When this historical village was being organized, the Lavern Johnson family stepped up and donated this building. It had been located south of Fowlerville.

As I researched facts regarding this church, I came across an obituary from Friday, January 10, 1879 for George W. Palmerton, whose sudden death was felt through all of Fowlerville. His funeral was held in the M.E. Church. Following is the obituary, as printed in the Fowlerville Review:

Never, undoubtedly, have the people of Fowlerville and vicinity been more shocked than they were on Thursday morning last when the announcement went forth that George W. Palmerton was dead! The deceased was taken on Tuesday night with diptheria but was not considered in dangerous condition until about midnight Wednesday, at which time he fell into a state of unconsciousness, from which he did not revive, except for a few minutes when some stimulents were being administered. It was its sudden and unexpected arrival that made the calamity all the more appalling, and many moaned when told of it said, "It can’t be true," while the almost universal expression of all was, "It is as great a loss as the village could sustain."

George W. Palmerton was born in Saritoga county, N. Y., Feb. 28, 1836, and was consequently nearly 43 years old. He was the eldest son of Samuel G. And Lucy E. E. Palmerton and was married Dec. 16, 1857, to Joanna Fowler. He began the merchantile business in this village in 1859 on a small scale but gradually increased his stock, capital, etc., until September, 1872, when he associated himself with his brother-in-law, Albert D. Benjamin, under the firm name of Palmerton & Benjamin. In consequence of Mr. Benjamin’s failing health this partnership was dissolved on the 21st of May 1874, since which time he has continued the business alone. A magnificent three-story brick block was erected by him on the corner of Grand avenue and Grand River street in 1876 to better accommodate his largely increased business, which came to him as the reward of his diligence and square dealing. Few men have enjoyed a better business reputation than Mr. Palmerton, his patronage being continually sought and coveted by rival wholesale dealers.

To know him was to admire and respect him and his loss is more felt by the village by his being always the foremost in everything that would tend in any manner to advance the interests of the same. Every public improvement received his hearty co-operation and was aided on by his means. Deeds of charity were not uncommon to him and any movement that had for its end a charitable object received his attention.

The deceased leaves behind him a wife and two children, a son and a daughter, besides a very large circle of other relatives and friends. The last sad rites were paid on Sunday last, the funeral services being conducted from the M. E. Church under Masonic ceremonies. The discourse was delivered by the Rev. D. E. Hills, from Jeremiah 48 17th, and was a most fitting eulogy. The proccession was headed by the Fowlerville Cornet Band followed by the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Masonic fraternity in full uniform and regalia all wearing badges of morning and forming a most solemn spectacle as it moved to the well executed dirges played by the band.

After seeing the size of this modest church and after reading this obituary, I wonder how that building ever held everyone attending Mr. Palmerton's funeral.

Note: The 3-story brick building still stands strong and tall at the northwest corner of the main four corners, owned by and housing Harmon Real Estate.

Squint Shot 051809

A while back, I posted an article along with pictures of the Flowers of the Ville, which you can access by clicking here. There's one more flower, in great abundance, we wouldn't want to forget. Especially since they are so easy to grow! And we have fields and fields of dandelions and ragweed. Ah, spring has arrived.

Bringing Balance

This picture came to me through e-mail from a very good friend,with a great sense of humor. The subject line for the e-mail was A Wife Can Bring Balance . . .

Squint Shot 051709

Cinco de Mayo has long passed us by but this beautiful pinata twirled and swayed in the wind, hung from a towering tree on the middle school grounds.It has now vanished but I wonder what was inside it?

Snack-urday 116

Click on the picture of Panzella to head to Jean Sanders website -- beautiful artwork and she always has some wonderful recipes. =

PANZELLA
Serves 4

2 cloves garlic (1 peeled and crushed, 1 peeled and whole)
2 pounds beefsteak tomatoes
1 medium red onion (or Vidalia) cut into chunks
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
5 1-inch thick slices of day old French bread
2 cucumbers, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup of mozzarella, cut in cubes
1 cup torn basil leaves
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Put the crushed garlic into a large bowl. Add the tomatoes and onion. Add the oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper. Toss the mixture. Cover the bowl with Saran Wrap and let it sit at room temp for a couple of hours.

Lightly toast the bread under the broiler. Rub the toasted bread with the other garlic clove. Tear the bread into chunks.

When you are ready to serve the meal, add the cucumbers and basil to the tomatoes and toss. Toss the bread chunks into the fray. Pour a robust red!

My mouth is watering just thinking about this fresh, summertime flavor. I hope you'll try it and then let me know what you think.

Squint Shot 051609

One tree in Fowlerville, at the community park to be specific, is carved from metal -- leaves and branches that will never bend in the wind. But these leaves are also carved with names of major donors to the restoration of this park. A park for everyone to use and enjoy. Take a minute, in your walk around the Rotary Mile, to read the names on the leaves.

Squint Shot 051509

Before the fireflies move into our fields, you can always spot a sleeping fairie in town. Mystical summer evenings are moving into Fowlerville.

Historical Village

The Fowlerville Fairgrounds acts as host and resident-keeper of the Livingston Centre Historical Village. Located at the back of the property, and right next to many of the 4H buildings, you can find a barber shop, a cobbler, a schoolhouse, a home, a church, and a depot, along with a few other choice sights just begging for the attention of my camera.

So, the other day, I took to wandering through the historical village while no one else was around. The sun warmed my back as I read plaques and pondered the lives that had passed through the doorways of all these buildings.

And I clicked away, taking numerous shots of anything that caught my attention.

The Fowlerville Fairgrounds website contains quite a bit of information regarding these old buildings and you can read all of that here.

But I then went in further search and came across this website -- Fowlerville History -- and it is full of pictures from yesteryear along with current information. There are pictures of the main four corners from years earlier, along with the Standard gas station that used to occupy the corner of Grand River and Second Street.

Over the next few days, I will be posting some of the pictures I snapped that nice warm day so check back.

Squint Shot 051409

Many fields are already green with new growth, but some fields have only been plowed and are waiting for just the right moment to be seeded. From the center of Fowlerville at the main four corners, you are never more than a couple miles away from acres ready for corn, wheat, and soybean.

Squint Shot 051309

At night, these lights are ready to illuminate baseball games, tennis matches, and football battles. But during the day, the bright sunshine bounces off the gleaming spotlights creating its own show of lights. The school campus landscape is dotted with massive poles and spotlights for every event.

Squint Shot 051209

The architecture in and around Fowlerville expresses individuality. These maple leaves frame in a large front porch across an older home. The house appears well-maintained and could have been an original farmhouse before the village limits inched past it.