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What do you see in Julian?" I've heard so many say,
Ah, there is so much, my der, I'll just tell part today. I see the flaming pear trees, swollen mountain streams, the gorgeous sunsets, moonlight nights, akin to fairy dreams. A district school house, all night dance, ruffled skirts and peg top pants. See a caller wave his hand, starting off a country band, "Choose your partner, now let's go, Rye waltz, two-step, heel and toe. Mr. Johnson do-se-do, the more you dance, the less you know". Graduation fuss, oration, flowers, youngsters, decorations Gathered by wagon load on hill by streams and dusty roads. Forest fires, fear and dread, darkness, quiet, embers red, Neighbors called from out their bed, women up to keep 'em fed. Miners, gold, sudden rushes, claims and stamp mills, paying crushes, Weary travelers, stage and four, mail and freight, an oil lit door. Thunder storms, a muddy street, old saloon and shoeless feet, General store, a team and wagon, Indian squaw with kids a taggin'. Weddings, brides and chivarees, pumpkins, cider, Christmas trees, Hay rides, hikes, and fishing trips, crocheted shawls and unroughed lips. Fiestas, lanterns, games of chance, birth and death and sweet romance. Family albums, weekly tub, medicine to take or rub. Measles, mumps, gout or flu, someone had a curing brew. Snowy nights, toboggan spills, chilblains, mittens, sore throat pills. All the beauty, all the pests, East wind, hoppers and the res. A million things pass my eyes as I look back where memory lies. -Alice Price Hoskings |
