The Deicison That Started it All - Betty is One Step Closer

Betty's father, Dr. Calkins, rests his head in the palms of his hands.  His finger tips threading through his hair, his pinkie knuckles digging into his closed eyes, and obscuring his view.  That sleepy, tingling sensation radiate from his bent elbows resting on his wooden desk.  Elbows that have kept the heaviness of his head a float in his palms, swarmed amongst strewn papers.  Papers that tell a story, one that none wants to hear or reveal.

Possibly what Dr. Calkins'
 desk looked like

Dr. Calkins sitting alone in his dental office located in the heart of Chicago's upscale shops in the Marshall Fields building slowly picks his heavy laden head off of his palms.  Blurred vision comes into focus as he lifts his head out of his palms, relieving the blurring pressure from his eyes.  Spread before him are ledgers, each line telling a story that one can not deny.  To his right, lay the next days mail ready for pick up.  Tucked carefully inside each envelope are the most recent slew of past due notices.  Each sealed with the dampness of an anxiety ridden lick, addressed with hand written desperation, waiting for their recipients' possible positive reactions.  

A sample dental ledger from
the 1930's

William, slowly with determined mental heaviness flips through the pages over and over.  Reviewing every entry, tallying each cent, ensuring they are being accounted for.  Exhaustion and defeat throbbing through his veins, fighting each thread of hope since opening his  dental practice.   Decisions needing to be made, changes need to happen , and sooner rather then later.

We go back a few years prior to the event above, the year 1929, right at the burst of the stock market bubble.  Individuals and businesses who placed their trust and financial future in the mighty stock market, like William, were left with a future of unknown trajectory.  Dr. Calkins found that dental needs, just like many needs during this time, took a back seat as survival became Americans' focus.  The required root canal for a tooth ache was quickly replaced by pliers in the tool drawer, a huge savings on the patients pocket book.

An example of a popular 1930
dental chair

Between 1929 and 1933, Dr. William's dental chair saw fewer and fewer patients each week. The chairs sat empty for hours, and days at a time.  Patients that could pay at first, eventually started receiving past due notices.  Along with the crash of the stock market, his patients means of being able to pay their dental bills, were whisked away as well.  Oftentimes dental bills ran on and on for years, until Dr. Calkins made the decision that it was costing more money trying to get paid then to quit collecting for their debt.

Several sobering years combined with lack of monetary resources, push Dr. Calkins to this night - the night of anguish over decisions needing to be made.  Changes that needed to happen in order for Dr. Calkins and his family's well being, a decision made for the better of his family.  Dr. Calkins, with his ledgers of accounting in front of him, makes the first of many hard business and family decisions. He decides to move his struggling dental practice to his house, where the overhead costs were minimal compared to those of Marshall Fieldings.

This decision will be the first of many decisions that will bring Betty closer and closer to Frank.  The beginning of the end of an era, and the start of a new.

Betty 'Rocks'

Unknown Calkins Baby
From Black Leather Binder

Elizabeth and William Calkins, welcome and delight in the arrival of their daughter, Betty Margaret Calkins. Born in the midst of  the 'roaring twenties' at the beginning of American Prohibition, and in the same year that the US Attorney General proclaimed it 'legal for women to wear trousers anywhere'!   Sept 13, 1923, the day a catalyst for hope,  Betty, is born.

During Betty's young life, the influence of music could be heard and seen where ever she went:

"Betty, it's time for your lesson." Elizabeth states matter of factly as she enters her daughter's play room, a room littered with dolls and their 'required' accessories.

"Ah, not now.  I'm not ready."  Betty whines as she continues to dress the doll she has in her hands.

Elizabeth turns to walk away from the room, and says over her shoulder, "Well, unfortunately, it's your piano lesson in 10 minutes, and your teacher will be expecting you.  Now put your doll down and grab your piano books.  I'll be waiting by the front door."

'Strolling Along with Grandma Elly'
Unknown Baby From Black Leather Binder

Betty hesitantly places her doll in its bed, the bed made just for her doll.  You know the ones, the kind that every girl between the ages of 6 and 11 want, the kind with the canopy top, and matching dresser.  Betty pulls the doll's covers over her doll and gently tucks her in, kissing her on the forehead like her mom does to her.  Betty quietly tip-toes out of the room making sure to not wake the sleeping doll.  She gently closes the wooden playroom door as quietly as she could, acting as if her doll was a real child, who would magically awake if she was too loud.

Once Betty shuts the door, she starts sprinting towards the living room.  Knowing how impolite it is to keep someone waiting, especially her piano teacher.  Betty skids to a halt in the living room, right in front of the piano.  She grabs her books and hastily turns to meet her mom at the front door.

When Betty reaches her waiting mom, she starts into her continual run on questions (like most girls her age): "Mom, how long does my lesson take? When we are done, do you think we can go look at the drums in the store?  Do you think you and Dad will let me get drums?  I really, really want to learn how to play the drums.  If I learn how to play them, they will help me with my piano and dance, I'll be better at keeping rhythm on both of them."

'Talking to her pansies'
Unknown Calkins Girl From Black Leather Binder

A moment of silence sliced through the entry way, as Betty puts her shoes on.  Without skipping a beat, Betty clamored on as they walked out towards the driver waiting patiently with the back seat door open.  "You've always told me how important music is, how it helps make a lady well rounded and stimulates my mind. So what do you think?  Don't you think it would be splendid to have a daughter who would be so well rounded?"

Betty slides past the open Lincoln door, and climbs into the back seat. The slippery leather seats tempting her to slide across the back like a slip and slide, but without the downward motion.  She sits, bouncing ever so slightly in place, staring doe eyed, plea-fully, and hopeful at her mom.

Elizabeth carefully climbs into the back, being sure to keep her dress smoothed down so she could slide easier into the back.  She looks to her left to see her daughter, doe eyed and begging.  "Well, I'll have to talk with your father." as she tries to hold any semblance of laughter from her voice.

Picture of unknown lady driving car
From Black Leather Binder

After Betty's piano lesson, Elizabeth exclaims in heightened excitement from the back seat!  "Oh driver, will you please rush us to Williams office?  I just remembered Lilly Pons has an appointment with William today.  Oh, I do love her voice, it's like a choir of angels when she sings."

Betty sitting in the back seat next to her mother, starts to fill with childhood excitement and energy, similar to a bouncy ball being dropped from the second story window. She just loves the kindness and beauty that makes Lilly so appeasing and personable.  Lilly always makes sure to acknowledge Betty along with her parents each time she sees her, only making Lilly just that much more of a super star.



Elizabeth, with the same excitement as Betty, does everything she can to remain calm and composed while they drive into the city.  Elizabeth watches her daughter try not to bounce in the back seat, smirking to herself as she watches Betty attempt to monitor herself.   Elizabeth starts reminiscing about the many other times that she's had the opportunity to briefly converse with Lilly, most times ending with an invitation to one of her shows at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Unknown Calkins Girl
From Black Leather Binder

Elizabeth caught up in her memories of their trips to see Lilly perform, suddenly comes back to reality as they pull in front of the Marshall Building.  Once stopped, their driver walks around and opens the door for the two ladies.  They both walk quickly, with out seeming like they are rushing, through the busy Marshall Field building.  Elizabeth, wanting to keep herself as put together as possible, decides to take the escalator up to William's office.

Oh, how Betty loves the escalator!  It's as close to a carnival ride as a child can get in this stuffy store.  The place that tests her (and all children) in her ability to look with her eyes, and not her hands; walk, not run; and remember to act like a ' lady'.  The escalator was the one shining token of relief in a not so child friendly store.

Betty while riding the escalator envisions that it's the roller coaster at the carnival.  It takes all her might to keep calm and remain standing next to her mom, especially with the roller-coaster visions running through her mind.   All too quickly, her carnival ride is over.  However, she knows that once off the escalator it's just a few steps to Dad's office,  knowing Lilly is there makes it better that her ride is over so quickly.

Mother and daughter enter the office just in time, for Lilly was getting ready to leave.  Lilly, hearing the office door open, turns in time to see Elizabeth and Betty walk in.

Lilly Pons
Opera Star

"Why, Mrs. Calkins, I was just exclaiming to Dr. Calkins that I do hope to see the two of you at my next opening this spring at the Met." Lilly exclaims in star like, authoritative, fashion as she places her stylish hat on perfectly smooth long dark hair.  "Please send me a notice if you two can make it.  I'll have them reserve the best seats."

"Oh Lilly, we would be honored to attend.  Thank you so much."  Elizabeth, in a star struck, overly pleasing tone replies.

Betty, in childlike awe, steals a stare at the scene before her.  Her mother, in adoration, conversing with such a beautiful star like Lilly.  No matter that she's an opera star - she's famous, beautiful, and kind.  Betty, in inspiration, looks at this moment and with child innocence and asks, "Mom, are you going to ask Dad about the drums?"

"We'll talk about that later." Elizabeth nervously replies.  In an attempt to quickly hush her daughter and not embarrass her in front of Lilly with such silly talk of drums.

Sample of the Calkins lifestyle
From Black Leather Binder

"The drums, you say little Betty?  Why I think the drums are such a grand instrument." Lilly exclaims in earnest attention.

"You do?  I love them!  They make such a noise and keep the entire orchestra on beat." Betty in huge overly exaggerate tones,  gestures with her hands flaying around in front of her as if playing a set of drums.

"Why my darling girl, we should indeed take a real look at having you learn to play the drums." Elizabeth reassuringly and calmly says. Placing her hand on Betty's shoulder, indicating that it's time for her to hush, yet knowingly trust that they will indeed look into having her learn to play the drums.

Betty in innocence and excitement does her best to keep from jumping up and down and running around in joy and anticipation.  Finally!  She's going to learn to play the drums.

- Although the story above is based on actual facts, the reality of how Betty was able to talk her parents into letting her learn to play the drums is unknown.  I can't imagine Nanny (Elizabeth) being ok right away with her only daughter playing the drums, especially when you take into consideration their rich lifestyle and elite social life.  In any case, this means that my grandma rocked!

The star quality smile of Lilly Pons was indeed the work of Dr. William Calkins.  Through his work, the Calkins family became acquaintances of the opera star Lilly Pons.

Extravagant Decor and Upscale Dinner

As  you recall, last week we left off with young Betty being dropped off to school by her driver, with plans after school:

Betty Margaret Calkins
in middle - 4 years old

As Betty runs towards the school doors, the wind whips around her and sneaking up her long wool coat, causing chilly drafts to chill her young bones.  Assisted by the wind, she pulls open the door.  In wedge like manner, the wind holds the door open, and rushes in and down the halls.  

Betty turns and looks at the door, for a moment she debates whether she wants to fight the wind, and attempt to close it on her own.  Reluctantly, she drops her books to the side of the hallway, and walks towards the wind tunnel of a door way.

Her small hands grasp the door handle and she starts to pull it shut with all her might.  A gust of wind unexpectedly blows her feet right out from under her.  She's blown right into the door, where she struggles to compose her self in some lady like fashion.  She takes a mental assessment of her predicament and realizes there is no way she could remain lady like.   The next thing she feels is the gnarly wind blowing her coat tails up and over the back of her head - quite a sight for anyone to come upon!  Luckily her mother was well out of view!

The principal, feeling the bitter wind roll through the halls, starts investigating which door is propped open.  As he turns the corner, he notices a student plastered to the doorway by the wind, unable to loosen herself from its forceful grip.  He quickly walks over to her, creating a barrier between her and the wind.  Betty quickly lets go of the door and runs back inside, leaving the principal to fix the wind stuck door.

During the day, the wind blew a snow storm in, coating the ground with a small dusting of snow that blew around in blizzard like fashion in the gusty wind.  Betty would watch from her desk the wind and snow dance together creating swirls and streaks of white for her to be enthralled by.

The school bell rings, finally, it's over. Such anticipation of the evening activities made the day feel longer then ever!  Betty runs out to greet her mother, who was standing by the car door being manned by their driver.  Elizabeth stoops down and wraps her daughter in her arms, protecting her from the windy chill.  Betty hugs her mother back, and questions, "Are we still going to meet dad?"

Marshall Fielding Building

Betty hurriedly climbs into the car, where the warmth from the heater envelopes her and melts any snow.  She quickly pulls her hat off, letting her hair remain fashionably messy.

Elizabeth gently climbs in after Betty, being sure to straighten her dress as she sits, as to keep it relatively wrinkle free.  She fixes her wind distressed hair and says, "Well of course darling, he's expecting us."

The driver, again, maneuvers himself through the cold wind as quickly as possible, being careful to not lose his balance as he rounds the driver side of the car.  He climbs behind the steering wheel and negotiates the Lincoln towards the highway, en route to the immaculate Marshall Fielding Building in downtown Chicago, where Betty's Dad, William's, office was located.
 
The Driver pulls up to the front entrance of the Marshall Fielding Building, where they are greeted with opulence and high class.  Betty scrambles out of the Lincoln, and quickly asks, "Mom, can we go look at the windows?"  Pointing her index finger towards the nearest window, she utters in excitement, "Look, they've just changed them."

Elizabeth, who too enjoys the scenes created in the windows, especially this time.  "I think that'd be a great idea.  How about you make sure to keep with me and not run off? "

Passersby admiring the windows at the
Marshall Fielding Building

The Christmas theme windows always conjure up images of Santa Claus, elves, toys, and new Christmas fashions.   Oh what a dreamy evening it was going to be, thought Elizabeth.  Her daughter, and her walking through the breezy snow that just fell a few hours ago.  Both of them enjoying the scenes before them, created in Christmas fashion, with an air of generosity cloaking them.  

After walking outside the building for a few minutes, the chilly air soon became too much for the ladies.  They decide to go inside and make their way to dinner.   Upon entering, Elizabeth had to remind Betty that ladies don't run in stores, especially in the Marshall Fielding Building.

Betty excitedly asks, "Are we going to take the escalator?"  She continues in child like excitement, "I love the escalator, it's so fun."

A Letter, A Prominent Dentist, and His Family

William G. Calkins, Betty's Dad as well as a
Dentist in Chicago dated 1938

I received a letter.  Yes, a snail mail old fashion kind of letter.  The kind that if you were a child, and you received one, you knew you were 'important'.  I received one of these such letters last week from my dad, Leon Grange (Frank's son-in-law).

Cradled inside this simple manila envelope was a pivotal, riveting, handwritten copy of historical history - early history of Frank and Betty Houser.

Frank wrote this several years ago, before the ravages of strokes and falls started to take away his ability to express, and accurately depict his own life history.  A handwritten memoir of types, one that depicts a different time, in a different place, yet a place that still exits nowadays, but so different then decades ago.  He carefully, in cursive handwriting, chronicled general moments in his and Betty's upbringing, painting a picture of vastly different lifestyles.

A history that each and every sibling of Frank received inside their copy of the Houser genealogical book.  A cherished book that will last for generations, one that will be passed down in the various extended families from child, to grandchild, to great-great-grandchildren, and on and on, of Frank's.  One that someday will hopefully make its way back to Utah, so I can run my fingertips across and trace over Frank's handwritten words.  Imagining his rough weathered hands writing this information over and over for each of his children.  Smiling at the thought of his focused dedication and unwavering stubbornness to create and finish this, and every other, genealogical book.  A book that one day will bring the spine tingling tickles of truth, hard work, love, and historical history written with care by my grandfather, your grandfather, your dad, and great grandfather - Frank Houser- up and down my arms.

Join me in our next trip (with a little literary freedom, of course) as we take a look into the early life of Betty Margaret Calkins Houser, my grandma, your grandma, your mother, and great-grandma.

Betty's early life was filled with much luxury and opulence.  As the daughter of a prominent Chicago dentist, William G. Calkins, was able to provide his daughter, Betty, with many of the luxuries every child dreams of and wishes they could have.  As Frank writes, "Betty's parents were well off"

The view today of Ardmore Avenue
 in Illinois 

William, Elizabeth (Betty's mom and Dad), and Betty lived in an upscale neighborhood  just on the outskirts of Chicago, Illinois called Evanston, close to Lake Michigan.  Situated on a small avenue surrounded by other brick and wood homes with small front yards.  Yards that only had a few steps to separate the front door from the sidewalk, yet just large enough for a small welcoming garden. The type of garden that would surround visitors with beauty and smells of sweet flowers creating a welcoming earthy atmosphere for all that walked by or entered - just a tease of what could possibly be behind the large front windows and beckoning doors.   The type of house that even 90 years later still has the aura of wealth and prominence:

"Betty, it's time for school, hurry up now, the driver is out front waiting." Elizabeth, Bettys' mother, loudly calls through the house.  "Also, don't forget your hat and gloves, the wind's picking up and a storm is brewing."

"Coming mom" Betty calls out as she hurriedly pulls her hat on her head, then quickly places each finger in the sleeve of her mittens, and finally gathers her books under her arms as she runs towards the front door.

Elizabeth Calkins 1927 San Juan

While Elizabeth waits for Betty to come scampering from her room, she calmly looks at herself in the mirror.  She makes sure her hair is quite right and each piece is in it's proper place, her lips evenly accentuated with the newest and best shade of lipstick. She smiles, double checking that she hasn't smeared any onto her teeth.  She turns sideways, smooths her hands down her freshly pressed dress to accentuate her figure.

As Elizabeth finishes smoothing her dress, she looks down just in time to see her daughter come scrambling to a more lady like walk to meet her mother.  "Now remember darling we have to meet your father after school today.  You must keep neat and tidy, and remember to be on your best behavior."

The two ladies, mother and daughter, walk properly out into the freezing wind, their fur and wool coats pulled tightly around them.  They take a seat in the back of the car, in lady like fashion, carefully sliding in as to not wrinkle or mess their outfit.   The driver gently shuts the car door, buries his head into his chest as to avoid the bitter cold wind from freezing his nose and cheeks.  He quickly, yet gracefully, climbs in behind the steering wheel. The Lincoln slowly pulls out away from the curb and onto Ardmore Avenue.  As they speed up the sound of the wind whipping wildly around the car gets louder, reminding them all how great it is to be sheltered inside the warm car.

The car stops in front of Betty's school.  The driver gets out, turns his face to avoid the bitter wind, and quickly opens the door for Betty.  Betty fidgets, scrambles, and hops out in childlike fashion.  Leaving Elizabeth shaking her head in wonderment as to the possibility of her daughter ever having the manners required for their lifestyle.  As the driver shuts the door, he smiles and winks at little Betty in encouragement, as she hustles quickly into the school, out of the wind.

There's 'Chemistry' In The Lab

Pomona Junior College Yearbook 1942 pg 29
Frank should be somewhere in this picture.
Take a look and see if you can find him,
if you do let me know.
Compliments of classmates.com

During the summer of 1941, Frank prepared himself to attend Pomona Junior College, which was an extension of Pomona High School.   They offered a 2 year college program that would prepare you for one of the local 4 year colleges.

That fall, Frank started college with a full course of classes. [The exact classes he took are unknown, but if you remember what your first session of college was like, you'd probably have a pretty good feel for what he was feeling; busy, overwhelmed, exhausted, tense, excited, and hopeful]

There was one class, that stood out from all the others - Chemistry Lab.

While in Chemistry Lab, Frank would quite often find himself in one mess after another.  [Who knows if how explosive the messes were, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were a few.]

One day, one mess, one such extra big mess - the type of mess that even the messiest of people look down on - was created by Frank:

Frank, finishing his lab assignment, looks around the table, and sees the largest mess the chem lab has ever seen!  Papers, bottles, liquid, and lab equipment, were sprawled all over the place.  It was such a huge mess that it took up the entire table even flowing down the sides to the floor.

Frank, being just over six foot, clumsily starts cleaning the mess.  As he'd put one item away, he'd knock over another, spilling and dropping more items then before.  Cleaning this way was getting nothing accomplished.

A gently, petite, kind, caring, beautiful young lady walked around the table, bent down along with Frank and started to help him clean.

Frank lifted his head to catch the individual kneeling next to him, and came in contact with the most delicate, gentle, eyes, he's ever gazed into.  Just then the cause, reason, and why of the mess quickly ran from his mind, only to be replaced by the vision of kneeling next to him.

They both stood to place a few items back on the table, Frank's height looming above her petite five foot frame.  She came only to his chest, but looked directly into his eyes, catching a glimpse into the soul of the real man, Frank.

Frank introduced himself and thanked her for over and over for the extra help.

She introduced herself as, 'Betty, Betty Calkins', and commented with a little giggle that he could use a little help right about now.

Together, this cute little lady, barely 5 feet tall - and this messy, 6 foot tall man cleaned up the chemistry mess.  This moment would forever catapult Frank's life into a new trajectory, one filled with future hope.

Pomona Junior College Yearbook 1942 pg 28
Betty Calkins, I believe is on the front row very far left.
Classmates.com

One would love to know the reason for the extra help.  Was it Betty's generous compassion for the extra large man, attempting to clean an extra large mess, while making more messes as he cleaned?  Or was it the opening she was hoping to come across so she'd get to know this good looking gentleman in lab class?  Unfortunately this will always remain a mystery to us, at least one that we will never know in this lifetime.

Whatever the reason, I thank Betty's generous heart for her willingness to help Frank.  For it was this moment that made it possible for me, and most of you reading this, to be here today.  Thank you Betty, also knows as Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma.

Pomona Junior College Yearbook 1942 pg 54
Betty Calkins asterisk next to name and pic
classmates.com

Frank's Unspoken Dream Comes True

Frank Houser Senior Picture 1941
Page 50 of Pomona High Yearbook
compliments of classmates.com

Let's jump back a few years, and get to to know more of Frank Lambert Houser's earlier days:


While moving from Montana to California, then up and down California following the crops, working side by side his mother for hours on end, future hopes and American dreams were luxurious available for the rich.  


Today, the secret dream he held onto while working as a migrant worker, is coming true: 


Frank, after carefully dressing in his finest attire, walks into the room where his mom stood.  Grace admires the man standing before her, with love and pride in Frank and all that he has become.  She quietly cherishes this moment, marveling at how remarkable both of her son's have turned out in spite of the rough start in California.  


Frank strolls through the house ready to leave, and asks his parents if they too are ready.


It's late spring of 1941, Grace grabs her handbag, tucks a tissue inside, and sets off with Frank Sr, and Frank Jr.  (James unable to attend since he was (most likely) pursuing his dream - crossing the ocean and on his way to the South Pacific.  If he were here he wouldn't miss watching his young brother for anything.)   

Pomona High School

They arrive at Pomona High School, Frank Jr, parts from his parents and lines up with his class mates.  Today he becomes a high school graduate, a dream that seemed highly unlikely several years ago.  


Frank in anticipation, like most young graduate boys, straighten up a bit taller.  It could be from the formality of this American ritual, pride over his accomplishment, or merely so their parents could easily find them in the crowd. 


Grace finds Frank easily in the sea of graduates.  He didn't need to straighten up, he naturally stood taller then most his age.  


Today IS a good day.


Frank steps up to receive his diploma.  As he takes his diploma from his Principal, Principal Johnston E. Walker, gratitude and happiness start welling up in his heart.

Frank Houser is identified in red asterisk.
 Page 50 of Pomona High yearbook.
compliments of classmates.com

Grace, elated, watches him from the crowd, as he receives his diploma,   Grace's heart swells, both of her boys graduated, overcoming extenuating and difficult circumstances earlier in their life. 


Frank, on his way back to his seat, catches Grace's eyes.  They they smile at each other across the distance.  Frank quickly looks away in fear of the tears welling up.  They've been through a lot together, looking at her face beaming with pride while dabbing away her tears.  He knew he too would be overcome with emotions that he'd rather not reveal, and looking away was the only way out.


Frank takes his seat, brushes away the feelings that threaten to surface.  He couldn't imagine having his friends and classmates see him overcome with feeling, feelings he has kept buried deep inside.  As the procession of graduates come to an end, Frank and his classmates stand.  They ceremonially move their tassels from one side of their cap to the other - symbolizing their entrance into adulthood. 

Yearbook cover from Frank's senior year

Today, is for celebration and happiness - as one door closes and another opens.


Today is a good day, the future is bright, one could dream their dreams - even in dire circumstances.  Frank's future is encouraged, even celebrated.  He knew that if he received an education and worked hard, he would find his way out of poverty.


This fall, Frank had a lot to look forward to - a future. 

Commemorating James M. Houser

Picture compliments of Marilyn and
Jamie Houser which they received
after sending flowers.  Click here to
find out more.

As you recall, last week's post left you with some great news (at least for me).  Marilyn Houser, wife of  Jamie Houser, Frank's son sent some information about James' death, newspaper articles, as well as his final resting place (as best we know it's his bodily remains).  today's post will piece together the known stories from Frank as well as the time frames found in the newspaper articles:

James, Buster, worked in the orchards in California, helping to keep his mom and brother fed while they awaited for their father to join them, the year is 1935, right at the height of the Great Depression.  James was a hard worker who knew that he would someday be able to use the skills he learned from the duties of helping to run the Houser ranch in Montana.

After officially moving to California, James (27) joins the Army .  James was hoping that by joining the Army his true passion to travel the world would soon come true.  He dreams (which is a luxury for migrant workers) of  visiting strange new cultures, defending America's honor and dignity along his far away travels.

Private James House soon receives his first military assignment, Fort McCarthy, a whopping 38 miles away from his home in Pomona.  In disappointment, yet classic dignity, he accepts this assignment with plans to request a quick change of scenery.

News article about James' letter
to Grace.

For the next 4 years, James continually requests re-assignment to somewhere overseas, with each request being denied by his superiors.  Through hard work, and the many skills he learned while running the ranch and working as a migrant worker, he earns his way up the 'ladder' and becomes Sargent James Houser.

After 4 long yearning years, Sargent James Houser, receives the orders of his dreams - Philippines under the orders of General MacArthur.  James enthusiastically accepts his new re-assignment, and sets sail for the the Philippines soon.

James has been stationed in the Philippines for a while, the exact length is unknown.  While there, he kept a steady stream of letters to his mom, Grace, letting her know that he was still ok and doing well.  When the Japanese started controlling the South Pacific, letters home came to a stand still.  For several weeks, Grace knew nothing about the status of her son.  She held onto hope that her son was alive and safe.

When the lucky day came that she received a letter from James, dated Feb 8 (1942?), Grace in excitement and relief reads the letter, each word bringing her closer to her son.

In the letter, James told Grace that he has been promoted to Second Lieutenant!  This made Grace even more proud of her oldest son, her relief and excitement just oozed out of each pore in her body.   James also indicated that he has seen some action from the Japanese, but he was doing ok.  Grace read and re-read the words written in this short letter not knowing that this would be the last letter she would ever receive.

When Grace read this letter, it had been a few weeks after it was written, and Manila had recently been taken over by the Japanese.  Grace believed with every cell in her body that James had escaped the Philippines with Genereal MacArthur, who was ordered to leave late Feb 1942.  She knew that her son was safe, and she'd soon hear from him.

News article about James
and one other Pomona individual
being held as POW

Months go by before Grace hears any word about or from James.  Her hopes that he escaped to Australia were getting harder and harder to hold onto with each passing day.  Her soul, however, needed to hold onto this hope in order for her to continue with each day.

In January, 1943, almost 10 months after Grace last heard from James, she hears the disbelieving news that she was hoping she'd never hear.  She learns that James is one of two Pomona men being held as POW's in the Philippines, most likely Camp O'Donnell.   Again, she finds some positive bit of information, he's still alive.  She'll see him soon, she needs this thread of hope to keep carrying on.

The next six moths Grace finds herself fraught with emotions.  She hesitantly continues her daily life, all the while grasping onto the hope that she'll receive news any day now from her son, James.  When you're a POW, no news is good news.  


July 1943, the Red Cross sends a telegram to Grace stating, "The causality report shows that he (James) died at a prisoner of war camp in the Philippines islands as a result of beriberi*, but fails to show the exact date.  Efforts to gain the exact date have been unsuccessful.  From the meager information gained from the Japanese, the war department  regards him as being dead at the time of this dispatch..."

News article about
James' death

Grace, all feeling rushing from her body, re-reads in disbelief the horrendous telegram.  News she so desperately didn't want to find out, has now been confirmed.  In numbness and disbelief she works on burying her pain, pain that got easier to hide as time went on.  A few weeks later Grace receives an official letter from the Army confirming the Red Cross telegraph.

Grace used the next year and a half before the war ended to work on moving forward with ease, and less emotional pain showing through.  After the war, the Army started their own investigation into the POW camps, using any data left by the Japanese, mass graves, and the red cross to determine a better time frame of death for James.

Grace learns sometime in 1946 that they found what they believed to be James' body.  Grace, and Frank M. decide for what ever reason to have him buried in Manila.  They did send request for any personal effect found on the body believed to be James to be returned to them, dated, August 1946.  It is unknown if they found anything to send back for Grace.

Copy of the letter Grace received from the Army
concerning personal effects

Chronological Dates of 

James Morrison Houser:

Visit the Manila American Cemetery for more information:
The following picture is from the following website:
http://www.abmc.gov/search/wwii.php

* May 27, 1908 - James Morrison Houser born
* 1935 - James and family 'officially' move to California
* 1935 - James joins the Army stationed at Fort MacArthur
* 1939 - James re-assigned to Philippines
* Feb 8, 1942 - Last letter from James
* April 1942 - America surrenders Bataan Philippines to the Japanese
* April 10, 1942 - James begins the Bataan Death March
* April 16, 1942 - James at POW Camp O'Donnell
* Dec 2, 1942 - James passes from beriberi
* January 1943 - Grace learns of James a confirmed POW
* July 1943 - Grace notified of James' death
* 1945 - Army investigation into deaths
* 1946 - James body identified with a better decease date of Dec 2, 1942
* August 1946 - Grace requests any personal effect from James' body


This is the best that I can determine for the dates. I hope I've honored James' life in a manner that would please him. Thanks to Marilyn's timely email offer to share what she has, this information has helped fill in the gaps and confirm several unknowns.


*Beriberi is caused from a lack of vitamin b1 (thiamine) that affects either the cardiovascular or nervous system.  Symptoms included; difficulty walking, loss of muscle coordination, loss of sensation, memory loss, confusion, paralysis, severe pain, tingling in the hands or feet, vomiting, swelling of the feet, enlarged heart, accumulation of fluid around the lungs, kidney failure, etc.  If left untreated, death.

Rescue Mission of POW's, Launching Investigations, and Paying the Highest Cost

This is a picture of 3
POW's rescued from Cabanatuan

It's early 1945 and a rescue mission to save the remaining POW's (who had been dispersed and moved around over the last 3 years) that were now being held at Cabanatuan. When the rescuers raided the compound, they found 500 plus skin and bone POW's who were starved, beaten, and disillusioned through lack of nourishment.

Second Lieutenant James Morrison Houser, was not one of these POW's.

It's Spring of 1945, Grace and Frank Houser receive word from the Red Cross that their son, James, passed sometime in 1943. The details surrounding his untimely death was unknown, another American POW loss.

Grace after holding onto straws of hope for years that James would be found alive, suddenly has a piece of her heart torn out forever.  Standing there, all emotions leave her body, escaping down through her legs and out to mother earth, she maintains what bit of small composure she can - after all she isn't the only mother who has lost a son in this war.

Her son, a man who grew up before his time, knew what hard work was about, one who willingly faced challenges head on.  He took the the role of big brother and oldest son as his honor to hold. Grace will never feel James' hugs or see his face again.  Grace, having witnessed, lived, and worked through some of America's toughest times now faces any mother's worst fears - the loss of a child.

Grace in her shell of shock carries on, her numbness and pain hidden, for her life hasn't been easy and has taught her well on how to bury these tragic emotions.  Each day she gets up, continues on, the pain getting easier to bury as she waits for news from her other son, Frank Lambert.

In the fall of 1945 WW2 is officially over.  With the POW's reunited with their families, the horrendous stories and war crimes spread through America.  Those that lost loved ones, now wanting answers, more details, and hopefully a body to bring home to give a proper burial to.  The Army, realizing the need for answers to these thousands of families, launches a detailed investigation.
  

Upon further investigation the Army finds records from the POW camps.  They send word to Grace and Frank that they believe James died in the spring of 1942 due to the abhorrent conditions found in the prison camp.  The Army found what they thought could be the body of James, however they couldn't be certain since it was found in a mass grass.

Grace and James were given the option of having what they believe was Jame's remains flown back to California for a proper burial or be buried, at the Army's expense, in a military cemetery close to Manila.
Due to financial and emotional reasons, they decided to have him buried in the Philippines.  His services was held in military fashion, full of honor and dignity.  Missing however, was his family to witness his interment and to say their last goodbyes.  The reasons why they choose this vary, though not confirmed between - lack of financial assistant, the uncertain identity of the body, not wanting to re-open emotional wounds, a combination of them all, or something else.  The true reason will remain 'buried and hidden' with Grace.

Christel's thoughts and notes:  While interviewing Frank during this story, I had such a hard time grasping the concept that a body, who may or may not be James' is buried somewhere close to Manila Philippines.  It's hard to comprehend when we are surrounded by modern day technology to remember that the world was a different place 70 or so years ago.  They didn't have DNA testing, and the bodies were in such disarray that dental identification was nearly impossible.

After learning what I have about the Bataan Death March, I wanted to find out as much as I could about James' life, the battle he fought, where he was buried, and anything else about him.

I spent many, many, way to many hours searching for anything with James' identification on it concerning the Bataan Death March, deceased POW's, anything!  After way too many hours, the only listing I found was on a list of causalities from WW2 for the Los Angeles County (see left).


Again, I learn from Frank Lambert another historical memory. One that will now live on forever, one that will remember and honor James' life as it should be honored. His life is now written for all to read, learn, remember, and thank in our hearts.

For James gave the utmost price for our freedom - his life.


Let's all take a moment and thank not only James, but all the other lives lost in so many wars for the freedoms we have today because of their gift to us.

In Memory of James Morrison Houser

James Morrison Houser, May 27, 1908 - Jun 1, 1942 
Army 2nd Lieutenant in World War 2
 Prisoner of War Causality, Philippine Island 

It's the night before releasing this post, and I'm busy updating the ending with some great news.   Just when I thought I'd tracked down every possible lead on James, a timely, invaluable email was sent to me.

I read the email, and with each word I read my muse was busy dancing, singing, filling herself with energy and excitement.  Unbeknownst from the sender, this information was what I'd been looking for, for months.  I'm finally going to be able to share some real answers with everyone.

Marilyn Houser, wife of Jamie Houser, Frank's son, shared this invaluable information on James' death, burial, and specific location.  With her help, my muse will be working overtime this next week so I can share this information with you in next week's Friday's with Frank.

Burning Bridges, Barriers Built, 16,000 Lives Lost Marching

James nervously awaits his orders, knowing that whatever it is, it's going to involve greater risk then previously known.

America was ill-prepared to tackle a world war at both ends of the European continent. American senior military had to make decisions, decisions that they knew would not have the best outcome for several thousand troops.  One major decision determined which troops would get aid and attention or which troops would be 'left behind', 'abandoned', and 'defenseless' was ultimately determined by several meetings between Winston Churchill, FDR, China and The Soviet Union.

Only a few days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, some say it could have even been that same day, Japan enters the Philippines. With little resistance and much ease, they make their way towards Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Actions heard and witnessed by James in the following days after Japanese forces set foot on the Philippine island helped James determine that the 100,000 or so men under the orders of General MacArthur were seriously disorganized, under prepared, under trained, lacking sufficient communication, and left with little or no air or naval support. James in disillusionment, watches the scenes of the Japanese progression unfold -much like a skunk let loose in a mall. Cities fell with ease, creating shock waves of disbelief along with low moral to the military troops fighting to keep Manila out of the Japanese hands.  Back at home, Senior American military leaders grew increasingly alarmed and concerned by the ease of the Japanese take over on the Philippine islands.

Dec 23, 1941, only weeks after Pearl Harbor, James receives orders from General MacArthur that all troops are to begin retreating from Manila towards Bataan.  As James and his battalion retreated, they would collapse any steel bridges, burn wooden bridges, leave tank road blocks, and double barb wire fences in hopes of halting the Japanese progression.

Pic of American Soldiers placing
straw on a wooden bridge to burn
it down to prevent Japanese soldiers
from crossing it.

Army soldiers in fox holes during their
retreat towards Bataan

Road blocks created to halt the progression
of Japanese military to Bataan

By Jan 2 1942, only days later, Manila is under Japanese control, despite Manila being declared an 'Open City.' by the Philippine government. At this point almost one half of the Philippine island is under Japanese control.  The Japanese needed to take control of the entire island - onward they trudge conquering towns and villages on their way towards Bataan.

As the America men retreated towards Bataan, their promise of food, supplies, and aid was no where to be found.  The decision on which war front to fight first had been determined by America and her allies - all supplies were directed towards taking out Germany First, therefore leaving the troops in the Philippines on their own.   The armed troops, hungry, tired, malnourished, and exhausted found themselves alone, abandoned, and suddenly with a new General, General Edward King.

For the next couple of months James and his fellow soldiers were left with the orders to fight til death to keep some type of a strong hold in the Philippines.  All Army personnel, including American and Philippine men, nurses, and others, were left with this impossible feat of an order.

General Edward King signing over Bataan and almost 70,000 troops to the
Japanese

On April 9, 1942, with reluctance and hesitation, Bataan was signed over to the Japanese by General Edward King. The soldiers were, emaciated from lack of food, injured from fighting, and sick from a lack of medical aid for the past few months.  General King couldn't fight with an army of men literally wasting away.

Out of fear and humility, he signed over the city of Bataan in the hopes that thousands of men would quit dying.

In exhaustion, fear, defeat, and deprivation James and about 70,000 other men were rounded up and forced to walk from Bataan to Camp O'Donnell, a military training camp set up to house 10,000 men maximum.   James in seriously declining health due to malnourishment worried about the tough 70 or so miles they had to march, which would become known as the 'Bataan Death March'.  While marching along this route, he witnessed grave horrendous war acts from the Japanese troops towards the American military, and Philippine civilians.

While marching, the men were only fed a bowl of rice once a day and allowed only one drink of water during that meal (usually floating with maggots).   If a POW staggered, slowed, or looked at one of the Japanese men they'd immediately be killed, by either gunfire or beheaded.  If they tried to get a drink along the death march, they'd be brutally killed right there in front of their peers. For those that were wounded and couldn't keep up they were tied down and ran over by Japanese vehicles. If any locals tried to help the POW's along the march, they'd be brutally beaten to death in front of their village.  It is estimated that 16,000 men died along this 70 mile stretch to Camp O'Donnell.

Troops carrying injured soldiers along the march

Japanese soldiers looting the American soldiers along
the march

Soldier beheaded by Japanese on a whim

Soldier ready for beheading along
the march

Those lucky ones, which James was, that made it to Camp O'Donnell found life even worse then the couple of weeks along the Bataan Death March.

The Japanese military were not prepared to take care of this many POW's, and when they reached Camp O'Donnell they found that this military training camp, now turned prison camp, was not set up to handle the remaining 54,000 POW's.

When the American troops made it to their prison camp, they found one spigot to service the entire camp.  With a lack of sufficient toiletry, food, medical aid, and basic needs; malaria, dysentery, beriberi, and other diseases set in and ran rampant. Men who were sick prior to making it to the prison camp were the first to contract these deadly, yet treatable, diseases.  James witnessed, between 400-500 men a day die.  With so many deaths taking place daily, those that were healthy enough helped dig and bury their comrades in mass graves just outside the prison walls.   The stintch and smell that permeated the camp became seared into James' memories forever.    As James' time as a POW continued, he too found himself fighting against all odds.

Financial Recovery, Selling the Houser Ranch, Oceans and Continents Apart

James graduated college in 1938 or possibly 1939, the date isn't what this story is about, so the exact year won't be known, since the memory is only an approximation.

America was just starting her financial recovery from the Great Depression, and the unemployment rate was slowly getting better, which helped in the selling of the Houser ranch. After almost ten years - ten long years of desperate, starvation, and survival Frank Morrison joins his wife and two sons in sunny California.

Even with all the success that America has created, the American dream however, was reluctantly starting to fracture - again. Germany's, Adolph Hitler, was on a path to turn all of Europe into the Nazi, Aryan Nation.  The American Society, along with her defensive allies, were reluctant to get involved in another expensive war. They decided instead to sit back and maintain neutrality in fear of another financial tail spin that they experienced after WWI.

American military defenses kept a militant eye on Japan, a small nation under militia control, which also happened to be close to American soil.   They watch the Japanese military strike and take control over the Chinese borders and other various islands in the South Pacific Sea. American military couldn't sit idly by without implementing some kind of military action plan. American military determines that they had to somehow create a 'secure, meandering, stealthy' path through the South Pacific islands to Japan.



James learns (through the newspaper and other media like, radio) about the wars going on around Japan and Europe. He learns of Hitler's deliberate actions that willingly defy the Treaty of Versailles, as well as the suppression being imposed on our allies, and the other unbelievable grotesque war crimes. His compassionate desire to end the suffering of innocent people, combined with; American pride, the need for a job, and the desire to remove the lethal dictatorships of the world - motivates him to sign up for the Army.

After finishing basic training, James is assigned to active duty in the Philippines. He's to help create the secure and safe path that would meander through the South Pacific islands to Japan.

Dec 8th, 1941 around 4:30am, James is awakened from an exhausted sleepless sleep, by his commander's direct urgent tone. He's required for an important military briefing  ASAP.  James, jumps out of bed runs out of his barracks, ready for anything - confident that his training would serve him well.

James along with his fellow soldiers stand at ease waiting for the briefing to start. He stands there listening as his commander explains that he was just notified by General McCarther that American blood has been spilled on American soil. Two hours prior (the Philippines are about 16 hours ahead of Hawaii), the Japanese slaughtered thousand's of Americans by their sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.

It's Dec 8th, 1941, a day that James, in tragic disbelief, lowers his head, and wipes the tear pooling at the corner of his eye. Another day in James' life where indescribable emotions swirl around him, wanting to consume his every cell, causing time to stand still. He stands with weak knees, slowly attempts to soak in the depth of this new reality- thousands of fellow troops died in a sneak attack - troops that were struck in the morning light, under secrecy and surprise, dying without the ability to strike back.

Tragedy has struck America - the land of the wealthy, populated, and un-impenetrable.

Standing there feeling alone in a crowded Army briefing in the middle of the Philippine coastline thousands of miles from home, he awaits in uncertainty the impending orders: