Remembering Tuolumne…..

By Joseph Celentano, Research Committee.

E-mail:   JCelentano@TuolumneMuseum.org

 

     The TCMM Research Committee wishes everyone a happy and prosperous New Year for 2004!

     This month we will read some news articles that were notable enough in Tuolumne to make front page headlines of the newspaper, The Tuolumne Prospector.  Let's reminisce 1945!

     Thursday, May 10, 1945:  "Eugene Sivori and his brother, Lloyd Sivori, both serving with the U.S. Coast Guard visited here in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Walter Dungan for several days, while on leave.  Eugene is stationed in the East and Lloyd is stationed at Treasure Island, San Francisco Bay.  They are the sons of Mrs. Rena Bates of Modesto.  Both boys were raised here and attended local schools."

     Thursday, May 10, 1945:    "The benefit whist card party held here last Friday evening in the Memorial hall was sponsored by the 4H Club, under the direction of it advisors, Mr. Ed Hill and Mrs. Dorothy Powers.  Eleven tables were used with Mrs. Helen Meade receiving high score for the evening.  Mrs. Jennie Keddy and Mr. Ed Schray won the evening's consolation prizes.  Mrs. Kate Connally won the special prize of the evening.  Other winners of whist included George Connally, Cordelia Wilcoxson, C.W. Follett, Mrs. Karl Defiebre, Hannah Brother, KateFollett, Marie Higuera, Tom Ardolino, Kate Connally, Wesley Howard, Larry Horn, Lois Reid, Dora Belle Howard, Mary E. Rozier, Elmer E. McDow and Mrs. Ben Roys."

     Thursday, May 10, 1945:  "Mrs. Ester Handy was hostess to members of the Hi-Low Club at her home here last Wednesday evening.  Members enjoyed playing whist with Mrs. Evelyn Couture holding the high score and Mrs. Glenna Carter, the low card.  Mrs. Handy served refreshments to the following guests:  Mesdames Margaret Dungan, Frances Dahl, Mary Ames, Kathern Archer, Vanise Smith, Evelyn Couture, Stella Coleman and Glenda Carter. "

     Thursday, May 24, 1945:  "A local infantryman, who learned about warfare against the Japanese through service in the Pacific, is now helping to present to the American public the story of Infantry courage and skill as a member of one of 25 "Here's Your Infantry" Demonstration units touring the nation during the 7th War Loan.  He is Sgt. Baptist Guidici, who lives at Tuolumne City, Calif.  "Here's Your Infantry" is a stirring presentation of Infantry action, weapons, tactics and skills, climaxed by an assault on a Japanese pillbox by a combat patrol armed with rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, flame-throwers and other Infantry weapons.  The determination, expertness and power of American Infantry is graphically portrayed in the demonstration and exhibition which last for nearly two hours, bringing home the messages that War Bonds make possible the many weapons and the complex training necessary to defeat Japan in her home islands."

     Thursday, May 24, 1945:  "Pvt. Battista V. Feriani, radioman with the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army Air Corps, and son of Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Feriani of Tuolumne City, entered service January 2, 1943.  He received his military training in Florida and at Fresno and Roseville, California.  After his last furlough in December, 1943.  Pvt. Feriani was shipped overseas early in 1944.  He saw action in England during the battle of St. Malo, in France during the liberation, was in Luxemburg and is now somewhere in Germany.  He is a graduate of both local schools. "

     Thursday, May 24, 1945:  "Susan Ames, youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Ames was honored on her sixth birthday at a party given Monday afternoon at the Tuolumne Women's Improvement Club House.  The little guests who gathered to help Susan celebrate played outdoor games.  Mrs. Ames served refreshments to the following children:  John, Jim and Joe Whylidko, Bobby Dunham, Marlen Ronten, Donald James, Betty McMahon, Shirley Gentry, Carol Barnett, Burna Fiske, Shirley Hold, Erline Spinetto, Katherine Archer, Susan Bonales and Betty Munroe.  The honored guest received many nice gifts from her playmates and friends." 

     We conclude this month's article on a sad note….. Thursday, May 3, 1945:  "Mrs. Nelle Ralph passed away in Lindsey Hospital April 17, according to word received here by relatives.  Cremation took place in Fresno.  Her husband, Galo B. Ralph, passed away last June in Modesto.  She had made her home with her only son, Vernon Ralph, and his wife in Lindsay since that time.  The Ralph Family formerly lived in Tuolumne County, owning the place now belonging to Dr. Eugene H. Reid." 

 

…..and thus, another page turns in the History of Remembering Tuolumne.                      (Jan 04)