This week we are hearing the interesting story of Carol Thurston, as told by her son, Byron. Carol was born in Wadena in 1957 and went to school here. Her parents were Elmer and Beatrice Ellingston, also of Wadena.
Carol headed for Florida when she was 18 years old. She found various jobs there, and it is where she met Paul Thurston. It is fortunate that Carol liked to see the country as Paul's job as a professional metal worker took him to Florida, Texas, Virginia and Minnesota. The Thurstons have five children.
Metal workers need to know many things, like measuring, cutting, bending, installing and much more. Paul's work took him high up when working on a high-rise in some city, or in some farmer's cow yard, putting up one of those tall blue silos.
When Carol was more active, before surgery robbed her of her voice, she enjoyed going to rock and roll concerts, whichever state they were in. She likes Bob Seger's music.
Carol also likes to garden and cook. The family recalls all the good baked things as well as casseroles she took out of her oven. Byron remembers the box that held all of her recipes.
ADVERTISEMENT
How fortunate it is that Carol likes to read. People who can read have the world at their finger tips. Talking books are also available and a real blessing when you need to give your eyes a rest.
The first talking book was presented in 1877 by Thomas Edison, wouldn't you know it? He came up with many inventions to make life better, easier, more fun, for common people. The records were expensive, bulky and very breakable.
In 1932, a great stride was made when American Services of the Blind came along. We are hoping that Carol will be enjoying stories again before long via the spoken word. One does not need to be blind to enjoy a talking book.
I am overdue mentioning the religious service provided by each one of the area churches and their pastors each Sunday afternoon. For an hour they sing favorite hymns, preach, and visit with whomever comes to the services. I hear about them on Monday.
By the way, do you know that Shady Lane Nursing Home (now Fair Oaks Lodge) filled a spot on the Paul Harvey Show during the early 1970s? Well, we did.
Paul started his program that day with, "There is a small town in the middle of Minnesota by the name of Wadena where their nursing home also boasts a maternity ward."
I had sent him a picture of the robin's nest, filled by four baby robins on wobbly necks, mouths wide open, on our top floor fire escape.
