Person:Madeline Carey (1)

MARGARET MADELINE CAREY STARR (1906-1980)

She was called by her middle name because there were already several "Margarets" around when she was a child. The Carey family leased the farm where she was born, and moved to Denver, hoping the good air would cure Gene's asthma.

Maddy went to East High and Loretta Heights for two years, and graduated from Denver University in 1928. She taught school for five years. She was very pretty, and loved to dance and go to parties. She was very popular and was engaged three times before she decided on Cliff Starr. He had been transferred by the Army to Denver, and they met through mutual friends; Elmer Gault was a close friend of Cliff, and his wife knew Madeline - possible at DU. They were married at the Carey home by Fr. William Higgins. I was born in Fitzsimmons Hospital on march 21, 1934.

Mother was a great asset to Dad. She listened alot and kept her mouth shut. He always said that she knew more about what was going on in the Army than he did. She was a wonderful hostess - and a great bridge player. She made friends easily and kept them - which made moving constantly less painful. Her address book was full of names of friends from Fort Warren, Fort McDowell, etc.

Dad retired and the family moved to the Churchill Farm just outside of Morris. It was in great need of repair, but two years of remodeling made it into a beautiful home. Then Dad died in 1950. Grandpa didn't want us staying in that big house, so we moved to town. Mother sold the animals, and eventually the house. Mother was only 44 when Dad died - still young and very pretty. She chose to stay in Morris though my grandmother wanted her to move back to Denver. We'd spend the summers in Denver, and Grandma would fly out for Christmas.

After I left for college, Mother travelled alot with Alma Elliott, Ginny Gregory, and Mary Ruhoff. This went on until two years before her death. Mother was great with my friends, and they all loved her. The one she liked the best was Harvey Newquist, who became her son-in-law in 1957.

We spent holidays in Morris with Mother and Grandpa when we lived in New Hartford. They came to visit us in Framingham. She was amazed that she had eight grandchildren. She did love them. She died in December, 1980 after moving to Phoenix just four months before. She saw three of her grandchildren in college, three in high school, and two in elementary school. She was a great lady.

Related by Patricia Starr Newquist

Went to Minnesota in 1924 - graduation gift of my folks. Enjoyed my school days so much - especially my college days at Loretta and DU. First year of teaching was a thrill, too; riding horseback and all the inconveniences of a farm.

Summer of 1929 was grand. A two weeks trip to Yellowstone Park. Position at Garden Home School teaching fourth grade for 1929-1930. Enjoyed the year very much, with the the exception of a few things.

Summer of 1930, left May 27 for Washington DC. Met Auntie and Anne. To NY and suburbs, lived in East Orange, travelled thru Canada, Niagar Falls, across Lake Michigan, to St. Paul. Saw Bobby Jones while there. On to Ellsworth and home thru the Black Hills. A marvelous time being with Auntie all summer. Never will forget it.

Teaching at Garden Home beginning September 3, 1930. Taught 3rd grade, marvelous school year. Lovely summer. Trip to Mesa Verde, Santa Fe and Taos.

Teaching again at Garden Home - Jr. High in 1931-32. Some unpleasant times along with some nice ones.

Summer of 1932. Left May 30th (Auntie, Mrs. Mullan, Mrs. Curcio, and myself) for the Northwest. Idaho, Oregon, Washington and to Victoria and Vancouver, BC on a boat. To San Francisco (will never forget the good times there) - Mark Hopkins and Noth Beach. On to Yosemite, Leland Standford, and CU. San Luis where I met Art, Long Beach, Catalina, gambling boats, Hollywood and vicinity, Tijuana and Caliente. Home by way of the Grand Canyon, Didn't miss a thing. Was gone two months and all was perfect. So much fun being with Auntie; Dede came later. A wonderful time.

September 8 - back teaching (1932-33) Jr High School and became engaged in February. Was married to Clifford J. Starr on June 7, 1933. A very pleasant courtship and a successful wedding. First home was in Colorado Springs, CO.

by Madeline Carey Starr