Isaac Alonzo Clark (1828-1906) – Co-Founder of Oysterville
My friend Stephanie wrote yesterday, “All of Sydney Stevens’ blogs are interesting, but I particularly like the ones about Oysterville history.” I appreciated that comment for several reasons but mostly because I’ve been thinking about gathering together some of the stories about “Oysterville Characters” to take a look at our history through the eyes of those who created it.
My first thought was of the earliest codgers and crones I know about — those who were around in the Pioneer Days when my Great Grandfather, R. H. Espy, was still around. Then, I began to think ahead, generation by generation.
Papa and Aunt Dora when they were young – 1896
My Great Aunt Dora, R. H.’s oldest child, had some great tales of the characters who were around during her childhood in the 1870s and ’80s. Come to think of it, so did her brother, my own beloved Papa. As I have remarked before, though, his stories were more about the “saints” while Aunt Dora favored telling about the “sinners.” They all expose aspects of Oysterville’s history that should be told and retold (in my opinion) so the human side of things doesn’t get sanitized or changed as our culture and sensibilities morph ever-onward.
When it comes to my mother’s generation, it gets harder. These are people I knew and, no matter their foibles or forcefulness, I’m not sure how objective my stories of them would be. Ditto when it comes to Oystervillians of my own generation. Can I tell their stories capturing their unique force and influence on our little village. Can my words ever express the joy one feels at hearing a certain neighbor’s laughter from afar or the “here we go again” feeling when another neighbor sets his jaw and “starts in” on an old sore point?
Helen Thompson (Heckes), c. 1927
But… does that really matter? Is the point to be objective or to capture the uniqueness of some truly special, maybe even quirky, individuals as I have known them? So far, I’m still pondering — at least regarding some of the more recent “characters” of our village. And, no. I’m not interested in changing the names or circumstances. That removes some of the most important history. And like Stephanie, that’s the part I like best.
I really enjoy the pictures that go with the stories as an extra bonus