Dolly, the seventh member of the clan, arrived October 12, 1919, and was christened Rachel Edna Johanna Obenhaus. Especially appreciated was the solidarity of family life established by Christian parents whose values of hard work and thrift illuminated homelife.

In the serenity of the evening, we felt family togetherness, love, and security in the shelter of our home. As dawn would break and a new day begin, we could hear Mother hustling in the kitchen preparing breakfast. As the aroma of the pot of coffee and hot biscuits drifted up the stairs, we knew it was time to dress hurriedly as chores must be done before going to school. The brothers usually fed the horses, and we girls milked. The cows were turned in so the calves could nurse a little while; then we would rope the calves and tie them to the fence. Hurriedly we took the milk stool and placed it in milking position. We would squirt milk at each other, then in the bucket. Occasionally a cow would kick the bucket of milk, and we would be so concerned we would fill the bucket with a little water so would have the specific volume.

With fondest thoughts, I recall my older brothers and sisters. Mary was instrumental in seeing that I was cared for properly. She and Paul were always most kind and generous; we enjoyed their wonderful hospitality and good meals.

Brother Walter, being the oldest boy, was always respected; he and Elsie would usually come at hog killing time. I would get to play with Harold and Curtis.

I always thought Millie was as beautiful as a movie star; I adored her. When Clarence came to see her, he would bring me gum.

Clara usually cut my hair. On one occasion I wiggled; she called me "Frotse." I replied, "Stink-Cattsa." I received what I deserved--a slap on the cheek. When Chance came to see Clara, he would tease me and call me "Pest."

Tillie was gracious and kind to help Mother remake clothes for me. I recall the new dress she made for me. She and Herbert took me to the first movie I ever attended. Afterward, they bought me a frosted coke--the royal treatment.

In 1936, Dad, Otto, Dorothy Streit, and I went to the Centennial in Dallas. Otto showed a calf. When he got his first car, he let me go with him. We had fun when we fished or seined the tanks. Success was celebrated with fish fries.

Occasionally I traveled to Fort Worth with Dad to sell some Hereford cattle. He allowed me to drive the truck part of the way, and he would sing or recite a poem he memorized.

After the older ones married, Otto, Edward, and I were left at home. Frequently we shucked corn or carried in wood and kindling when we came home from school. In the summer, we would cultivate and go-devil the cotton. Our spare time was spent visiting the George Streits or they us. We would play hide-n-seek in the big red barn or would hitch the horse to the hack and go riding.

In 1941 the man in shining armor, Albert Brockriede, entered my life and on September 26, 1942, we were married. I, the adventurous one, broke the record and moved far, far away--50 miles from the old homestead to Electra. To our household were added loving children Chester Arnold (deceased), Sarah Frances, Albert William, Carl Henry, and James Robert.

Reprinted from The Otto and Alvene Obenhaus Family History compiled by their children April, 1977 pages 39 and 40.

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