Delia Strickland was born December 04, 1890 in Binghamton, NY (Source: Death Index: Social Security: 114-32-7344.).

      Delia took the name Katherine because she liked it.

      Delia Strickland married Willis B. Palmatier December 09, 1919 in Binghamton, NY (Source: Interview, John G. Bucknum.).

      On April 2, 1930 Willis B. Palmatier, 57 year old Retiree born in New York, who was 18 years old at the time of his first marriage, and who owned a radio and his own home valued at $12,000, Katherine D., 39 year old born in New York, who was 28 years old at the time of her marriage, Elizabeth M., 8 year old born in New York, who had been attending school, were living at 459 Upper Front St. (Source: Census: 1930: NY: Broome: Dickinson: ED: 4-61: Page: 1A: Line: 6.).

      To Gordon, Bea & family, Happy Christmas! How fast the time flies! I’m always hoping you’ll be coming this way to let Bea see how nice your Eastern cousins are! The Charles (Bill) Bucknums from San Diego almost made it but may next year. Do you see them often? She wrote that Bill’s mother had died. Would that be Mary or Fay? Frank Buckman’s son, Bill, from Colorado, and his lovely wife were here this summer the first since he was here for Bob’s funeral, 10 years ago. She had only been in Bing. 25 yrs ago and I had never met her. They are grand parents for the first. So great to see them! They stayed at Joan’s, Bob’s widow, and also were in Canada to see relatives there – Arlene’s? His resemblance to Frank, his father, was startling at first (Frank in his youth.). Poor Joan! She was stricken with pneumonia this fall and with it, a syndrome where she lost use of her limbs! She left the Hosp. and is at Kathy’s and will go to Utica for therapy. Has progressed so she can walk across the room without the walker. Very encouraging. She had brought Mary Florence up to see me a few weeks before. Mary is in Fla. Helping in a Senior’s Citizen’s Home and loves it. My family were here for Tgiving and Betty & Doug came for my Bday. They have been coming every other week to help with mowing, etc. We sit up late playing Scrabble-lots of fun! Leota is still at Rivermede Nursing Home down on Front St. Her mind doesn’t improve. John sold the house to Ted Sumide, the Japanese fellow, who was so good to her. He takes me to see her every week. May God bless & keep you all. With love to all, Delia (Source: Letter: Delia Palmatier to Gordon Bucknum, December 20, 1981.). Dear Bea & Gordon, I was glad to hear what good times you are having, with the trips to Salt Lake City & Calif. It must be great to have children in different places so you can enjoy traveling and enjoying the scenery. A Xmas card came from Mary Florence and her address is still the same. Janice has a new address. She and my family are coming for Christmas. I hope the roads stay open. We've had no snow but the last two days are extra cold - real wintry but I'm hoping. John's oldest, Curt, was married a year ago, and Mike will be married in July 1984. John still lives in Schenectady and works now for G.E. Leota is in her third year at the Rivermede Nursing Home down on Front St. I think she knows me but not always her children. It is hard for them. I was surprised you knew the date of my birthday. Thanks for remembering. Years have gone by but to me you are still that good looking young cousin who came with my Aunt Katie in 1937. So, stay as young as you are and Merry Christmas to all. Cousin Delia (Source: Letter: Delia Palmatier to Gordon Bucknum, December 25, 1983.).

      Dear Gordon & Bea, Betty and I keep feeling more thrilled every day at the prospect of your coming! We are reminded of 1937 when we were so excited at the coming of your Mother, my dear Aunt Katie, and yourself. How we enjoyed that and I’m sure this time may even top it with meeting Bea after all these years. She is so considerate to think of it being easier for me at this age (94) to have you stay at “Super 8” or Howard Johnsons (both a five minute walk or Betty can drive you from here, at the Sunrise Terrace entrance) – then spend the days here. Also, Betty and Douglas will be here at the same time (and Les on the Get-to-gether day) and so will take up the bedroom space. Her idea is wonderful, tell Bea. That particular date is fine for us but if you need to change, one way or the other, that will be all right too. As for a Get-to-gether day! When the date is really set, we will have a gathering of Janice (maybe John and Peg. He has a job now) Betty & family, Ruth Lay (you escorted her to her High School Graduation dinner) James Strickland, Diane Weyna, his daughter, who bought Howard’s place & teaches Spanish at Chenango Forks, Virginia Hanes, Bob Strickland, wife Wilma & 18 yr old Robbie, Joan Buckman, Bob’s widow, also Jack Sullivan’s widow and Julie and two children (Julie can easily drive up for the day, as she did with Sr. Lucie). Rita Sullivan Craig & Gordon might drive up from Fla. (They came to Bing every year and on to Newark, NY where one son, Charles, lives) Now the youngest son just moved to Tenn. He had to be a doctor in the Navy near Wash. But can practice for himself now. His being in Tenn. Changed Rita & Gordon’s way of getting to Newark. Now they go by way of Tenn. And skip Bing. I miss them. Their daughter, Mary Rita, manages a restaurant in Houston, Texas for JBM. So her family are down there from Bing. So many are here no more, I think you and I are the only first cousins left. My brother and sisters are gone, also Frank and Arlene Buckman, and Bob & Florence. Sr. Lucie thought you didn’t have the wedding picture of you parents. Betty is having a copy made for you when you come. My feelings are like yours in the wonderful prayer but not so beautifully expressed. I’m taking advantage of it to use, at least through Lent. Our Lord is so good to me; I use a cane for balance but do the housework, etc. but Betty is my mainstay-so wonderful! I’m especially good at talking, so we’ll have a grand time when you come. Don’t forget the pictures. Tell me when you know the date. Do hope Dick can come. Love to both and may God bless you. Delia (Source: Letter: Delia Palmatier to Gordon Bucknum, March 9, 1985.).

      Delia Palmatier died November 14, 1988 in Binghamton, NY (Source: Death Index: Social Security: 114-32-7344.).

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^{© Richard J. Bucknum}
July 15, 2005, Clackamas, OR