Person:Grace Paulsen (1)

Grace was a DAR. She developed diabetes later in life.

Grace's note to Dot and Ed Nov. 27, 1971. "Dear Dot and Ed. I've spent an hour on each Dick's and Carl's. They're the only ones I have got done. I got only fifteen of these for the inner circle! Carl and Irene spent Sunday two weeks ago here. He got a lot of what I have collected by way of my mother's family history. Carl is very much interested and will furnish you with copies of what data I have given him. I have had more kick out of digging up ancestors this last year! Mother's Great, great grandfather, Thomas Askey, Lieut. in French and Indian War and Capt. in Revolution and his wife Elizabeth Baker (daughter of Col. Baker) were one of the four first settlers of Howard, PA in 1782 (They were there ten or more years before that!) We have found the graves of all in Centre Co. back to Thomas Askey. Paul and I have been to Centre Co. three times this year! How about coming this summer?"

Grace was the "family historian." She kept track of names and dates. She wrote this about the family photo: "It was taken Oct 8, 1971 at the Kar-Mel Motel -- Bellefonte, PA. Right to Left: Alexander Webster Mead Born June 5, 1886 - Died Nov 8, 1972 Myra Reber Paulsen Born July 27, 1890 Clara Kate Paulsen Born Feb 24, 1887 Kathryn L. Mead (Williams) Born Dec 12, 1918 Grace P. Paulsen Born May 6, 1898 W. Paul Thompson Born Jan 16, 1896 Rose Marie Brady Born Dec 28, 1904 Walter Theodore Paulsen Born May 13, 1903 - Died Nov. 26, 1972

Aunt Grace's note Nov. 13, 1972 Mrs. W. Paul Thompson 303 Sixth St. Patterson Heights, Beaver Falls, PA. 15010 Dear Dot, Ed and Family, Your letter was dated July 18th and to say that I'm thoroughly ashamed of not having answered would be very inadequate. It was such a nice letter but it came just at this time that your Uncle Paul entered the hospital with diverticulitis. He is still on very controlled diet (no fresh fruit or vegetables all summer for one thing). The infection and diarrhea took thirty pounds and much strength from him in a short time. Now arthritis and gout are limiting his driving. You can see one reason why I hated to write. It sounds like the daily news--so hard to find good things to report. I'm sure that either Carl or Dick has let you know that Uncle Allie passed away on Nov. 9th. Two bright spots yesterday which we like to talk about. Carl and Irene came and took us out to diner! Our two diets (mine diabetes) has kept us from trying "people's" food since May. You can readily see how we did appreciate that! We were so pleased to learn of the birth of David and Carol's daughter. Carl also brought pictures of your trips, the houses, Cindy as a bride, etc. One thing they didn't know that I could relay---Jack Motzer's older boy, Bill, was married this Fall. We couldn't even get there and haven't been to T'ville or anywhere all summer. Jack went to Tood and brought her here for a few hours visit when he took her home. 7 or 83, she is doing wonderfully well and had danced at the wedding! I knew Eddie would want to know about Aunt Freda. We saw Clara and Allie for a few hours in May. At that time she was wonderful at 86. Last year at this time, we had gone to Centre Co. and had learned from the head of the "historical Society" a few additional facts about the Askey family. Mother, I'm sure had heard many stories. (I knew the one about her grandmother's having hidden in the cave). I'm afraid we didn't ask enough questions when we could. People are generally bored by these things up until a certain age. That's why I wanted to try to get enough to pass on to the younger ones while I could. It's a good thing I did because we couldn't make those trips now. I had the most trouble finding data on my grandfather Reber. Mother's mother died when my mother was 9 ms. old. Grandpa Reber left her (Lenna) his only living child with his mother, Mary Ann Askey Reber (who had raised six children--Uncle Irv the youngest was just a few years older than my mother and was more like a brother to her). Your dad, Clara and Tood were born in Howard---the fifth generation! (John, Mary Ann, Theodore Reber (grandpa), Lenna & our three. I was born in Centre Hall (Centre Co.) and Bobe in Titusville. These things might be of interest to you. You or your daughters or any of their's would have no trouble getting into D.A.R. Just be sure to have my no. 564555 on record. It was the fact that mother was an only child and I didn't know the married names of any of her cousins. One had sent Mother her number at one time in case Clara or Tood were ever interested. Mother tried to give me a lot of things by way of information one time, but I'm afraid between indifference and much moving it was lost. In this morning's mail was a copy of the beautiful note that Carl wrote to Clara and I learned definitely that you knew that news before. Thanks so much for the letter. I don't know whether or not we will get out to get Christmas cards so don't be alarmed if you don't hear from us then. Love to all of you and Uncle Cal---I asked Carl about him. Aunt Grace

1. ↑ Dick Paulsen & Grace Paulsen & family oral histories. Paulsen Family History.