Forty-six year old Cora was left with fifteen year old Laura and a questionable future. Undaunted, she was of stern stuff, most worthy of being the first female to continue this Gates bloodline. She could look back on youthful days when as a graceful girl ice-skater she was known as 'The Pride of McGregor's Landing'. As a child she had no sled and was forbidden to ride her brother's. She never told them how under a full moon she stole out of the house in her 'double nightgown' and coasted barefoot on their sled down a long hill. She delighted in going to the original Ringling Brother Circus which had its home at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, just across the border from her McGregor birthplace. She was fascinated with the Mississippi River traffic, but her varied interests also included absorption with book-learning. Attending boarding school, she quickly out-classed her fellow students. In an environment where teachers were scarce, she became one at sixteen. She had to board out for part of her pay, and to sleep with one of her pupils.
Gone also were the adventures of the intrepid quartet during her married life.
Faced with earning her living, Cora took stock of her means. Orlen's pension which arrived promptly amounted to less than $30 per month, and throughout her remaining half century, never exceeded $40 per month. This pension was insufficient for her own needs, let alone her teen-age daughter's.
Cora was an excellent seamstress and could earn $5 per day thereby. A single day's worked helped, but only blossomed when she served for a week in a client's home. She then also received her meals. Despite such periodic stints the work was not steady enough. By 1899 Cora was en route to San Francisco, having sent Laura to Fort Worth, Texas to live with her cousin Mab Hudson and her husband Sam for the next two years.
What induced Cora to go to the West Coast? We do not know, but in view of later developments, it may have traced to a theater touring group reaching Denver. In constant need of costume repair, it had been able to offer steady work and steady income.
Gutsy Cora had been struggling and had jumped at the job. Two years later in 1901, she was able to return for her daughter and introduce her to San Francisco. In due course Laura also joined the troupe which specialized in Gilbert and Sullivan offerings.
Mother and daughter toured for six years until Laura married Joseph W. Sykora in Cleveland, Ohio on 8/13/1907. All three then moved to New York City. In 1908 Laura's stillborn baby left her slow to recover, unable to regain her normal good health for over a year. Times were difficult. Joe sought, usually unsuccessfully, to sell his literary efforts. With Laura out of commission, much rested on Cora's sturdy shoulders, her seamstress endeavors, and her inadequate pension. When Laura regained her strength and wrote articles for magazines, things improved.
Barbara was born live to Laura on 6/15/1910 in New York City. Three others were to follow within the next ten years. When Barbara was three Cora rented a place of her own. While there were advantages to staying together, there were disadvantages, the most important of which was getting along with her difficult son-in-law. Joe resented Cora's desire to have Laura's undivided attention, and Cora resented Joe's desire for the same. This situation was changed with Cora's 1913 pre-war move.
Cora had a special affection for Barbara, perhaps because she was her first grandchild. Moreover, Cora probably needed companionship. Thus it came about that fourteen year old Barbara came to live with Cora in 1925. This arrangement was interrupted by the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression. In 1931 the economic crisis forced Cora and Joe to swallow their differences and try again, this time in a move across the Hudson River to Leonia, New Jersey. Cora was at this time in her eightieth year, and had to confine her sewing to family needs. She lived on her meager pension, even paying a portion of it as rent.
Cora lived from 1931 to 1940 within the suburban life of Leonia. While sedentary and hard of hearing, she was always able to maintain her neat and fastidious style of living. There was nothing static about peppery Cora. She maintained an avid interest in public affairs, and often was able to discern obscure implications within the events of the day. On her lighter side she promoted quilting parties, enjoyed Russian Bank, and was crazy about Chinese Checkers. An avid competitor, she was not above slick maneuvers, and was always blue-eyed innocence when caught.
Cora was fascinated with the dramatic impact of the military actions in Europe. When the Japanese bombed Pearl harbor on 12/7/1941, she became one of the millions of armchair strategists. By 1942 the Leonia family had dwindled to three when Cora's only grandson was swallowed up by the Army. Accordingly Cora, Laura and Joe moved back to Manhattan to an Eighteenth Street apartment, close to Cora's medical needs.
Cora watched the ending of World War II with a consuming interest, and turned her attention to the unrest in Korea. Her days, however, were numbered. She died in New York City on 5/31/1949. Curiously, her ashes were buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, Fort Worth, Texas, next to those of Anna.
Gone also were the adventures of the intrepid quartet during her married life.
Faced with earning her living, Cora took stock of her means. Orlen's pension which arrived promptly amounted to less than $30 per month, and throughout her remaining half century, never exceeded $40 per month. This pension was insufficient for her own needs, let alone her teen-age daughter's.
Cora was an excellent seamstress and could earn $5 per day thereby. A single day's worked helped, but only blossomed when she served for a week in a client's home. She then also received her meals. Despite such periodic stints the work was not steady enough. By 1899 Cora was en route to San Francisco, having sent Laura to Fort Worth, Texas to live with her cousin Mab Hudson and her husband Sam for the next two years.
What induced Cora to go to the West Coast? We do not know, but in view of later developments, it may have traced to a theater touring group reaching Denver. In constant need of costume repair, it had been able to offer steady work and steady income.
Gutsy Cora had been struggling and had jumped at the job. Two years later in 1901, she was able to return for her daughter and introduce her to San Francisco. In due course Laura also joined the troupe which specialized in Gilbert and Sullivan offerings.
Mother and daughter toured for six years until Laura married Joseph W. Sykora in Cleveland, Ohio on 8/13/1907. All three then moved to New York City. In 1908 Laura's stillborn baby left her slow to recover, unable to regain her normal good health for over a year. Times were difficult. Joe sought, usually unsuccessfully, to sell his literary efforts. With Laura out of commission, much rested on Cora's sturdy shoulders, her seamstress endeavors, and her inadequate pension. When Laura regained her strength and wrote articles for magazines, things improved.
Barbara was born live to Laura on 6/15/1910 in New York City. Three others were to follow within the next ten years. When Barbara was three Cora rented a place of her own. While there were advantages to staying together, there were disadvantages, the most important of which was getting along with her difficult son-in-law. Joe resented Cora's desire to have Laura's undivided attention, and Cora resented Joe's desire for the same. This situation was changed with Cora's 1913 pre-war move.
Cora had a special affection for Barbara, perhaps because she was her first grandchild. Moreover, Cora probably needed companionship. Thus it came about that fourteen year old Barbara came to live with Cora in 1925. This arrangement was interrupted by the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression. In 1931 the economic crisis forced Cora and Joe to swallow their differences and try again, this time in a move across the Hudson River to Leonia, New Jersey. Cora was at this time in her eightieth year, and had to confine her sewing to family needs. She lived on her meager pension, even paying a portion of it as rent.
Cora lived from 1931 to 1940 within the suburban life of Leonia. While sedentary and hard of hearing, she was always able to maintain her neat and fastidious style of living. There was nothing static about peppery Cora. She maintained an avid interest in public affairs, and often was able to discern obscure implications within the events of the day. On her lighter side she promoted quilting parties, enjoyed Russian Bank, and was crazy about Chinese Checkers. An avid competitor, she was not above slick maneuvers, and was always blue-eyed innocence when caught.
Cora was fascinated with the dramatic impact of the military actions in Europe. When the Japanese bombed Pearl harbor on 12/7/1941, she became one of the millions of armchair strategists. By 1942 the Leonia family had dwindled to three when Cora's only grandson was swallowed up by the Army. Accordingly Cora, Laura and Joe moved back to Manhattan to an Eighteenth Street apartment, close to Cora's medical needs.
Cora watched the ending of World War II with a consuming interest, and turned her attention to the unrest in Korea. Her days, however, were numbered. She died in New York City on 5/31/1949. Curiously, her ashes were buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, Fort Worth, Texas, next to those of Anna.
Forty-six year old Cora was left with fifteen year old Laura and a questionable future. Undaunted, she was of stern stuff, most worthy of being the first female to continue this Gates bloodline. She could look back on youthful days when as a graceful girl ice-skater she was known as 'The Pride of McGregor's Landing'. As a child she had no sled and was forbidden to ride her brother's. She never told them how under a full moon she stole out of the house in her 'double nightgown' and coasted barefoot on their sled down a long hill. She delighted in going to the original Ringling Brother Circus which had its home at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, just across the border from her McGregor birthplace. She was fascinated with the Mississippi River traffic, but her varied interests also included absorption with book-learning. Attending boarding school, she quickly out-classed her fellow students. In an environment where teachers were scarce, she became one at sixteen. She had to board out for part of her pay, and to sleep with one of her pupils.
Gone also were the adventures of the intrepid quartet during her married life.
Faced with earning her living, Cora took stock of her means. Orlen's pension which arrived promptly amounted to less than $30 per month, and throughout her remaining half century, never exceeded $40 per month. This pension was insufficient for her own needs, let alone her teen-age daughter's.
Cora was an excellent seamstress and could earn $5 per day thereby. A single day's worked helped, but only blossomed when she served for a week in a client's home. She then also received her meals. Despite such periodic stints the work was not steady enough. By 1899 Cora was en route to San Francisco, having sent Laura to Fort Worth, Texas to live with her cousin Mab Hudson and her husband Sam for the next two years.
What induced Cora to go to the West Coast? We do not know, but in view of later developments, it may have traced to a theater touring group reaching Denver. In constant need of costume repair, it had been able to offer steady work and steady income.
Gutsy Cora had been struggling and had jumped at the job. Two years later in 1901, she was able to return for her daughter and introduce her to San Francisco. In due course Laura also joined the troupe which specialized in Gilbert and Sullivan offerings.
Mother and daughter toured for six years until Laura married Joseph W. Sykora in Cleveland, Ohio on 8/13/1907. All three then moved to New York City. In 1908 Laura's stillborn baby left her slow to recover, unable to regain her normal good health for over a year. Times were difficult. Joe sought, usually unsuccessfully, to sell his literary efforts. With Laura out of commission, much rested on Cora's sturdy shoulders, her seamstress endeavors, and her inadequate pension. When Laura regained her strength and wrote articles for magazines, things improved.
Barbara was born live to Laura on 6/15/1910 in New York City. Three others were to follow within the next ten years. When Barbara was three Cora rented a place of her own. While there were advantages to staying together, there were disadvantages, the most important of which was getting along with her difficult son-in-law. Joe resented Cora's desire to have Laura's undivided attention, and Cora resented Joe's desire for the same. This situation was changed with Cora's 1913 pre-war move.
Cora had a special affection for Barbara, perhaps because she was her first grandchild. Moreover, Cora probably needed companionship. Thus it came about that fourteen year old Barbara came to live with Cora in 1925. This arrangement was interrupted by the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression. In 1931 the economic crisis forced Cora and Joe to swallow their differences and try again, this time in a move across the Hudson River to Leonia, New Jersey. Cora was at this time in her eightieth year, and had to confine her sewing to family needs. She lived on her meager pension, even paying a portion of it as rent.
Cora lived from 1931 to 1940 within the suburban life of Leonia. While sedentary and hard of hearing, she was always able to maintain her neat and fastidious style of living. There was nothing static about peppery Cora. She maintained an avid interest in public affairs, and often was able to discern obscure implications within the events of the day. On her lighter side she promoted quilting parties, enjoyed Russian Bank, and was crazy about Chinese Checkers. An avid competitor, she was not above slick maneuvers, and was always blue-eyed innocence when caught.
Cora was fascinated with the dramatic impact of the military actions in Europe. When the Japanese bombed Pearl harbor on 12/7/1941, she became one of the millions of armchair strategists. By 1942 the Leonia family had dwindled to three when Cora's only grandson was swallowed up by the Army. Accordingly Cora, Laura and Joe moved back to Manhattan to an Eighteenth Street apartment, close to Cora's medical needs.
Cora watched the ending of World War II with a consuming interest, and turned her attention to the unrest in Korea. Her days, however, were numbered. She died in New York City on 5/31/1949. Curiously, her ashes were buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, Fort Worth, Texas, next to those of Anna.
Gone also were the adventures of the intrepid quartet during her married life.
Faced with earning her living, Cora took stock of her means. Orlen's pension which arrived promptly amounted to less than $30 per month, and throughout her remaining half century, never exceeded $40 per month. This pension was insufficient for her own needs, let alone her teen-age daughter's.
Cora was an excellent seamstress and could earn $5 per day thereby. A single day's worked helped, but only blossomed when she served for a week in a client's home. She then also received her meals. Despite such periodic stints the work was not steady enough. By 1899 Cora was en route to San Francisco, having sent Laura to Fort Worth, Texas to live with her cousin Mab Hudson and her husband Sam for the next two years.
What induced Cora to go to the West Coast? We do not know, but in view of later developments, it may have traced to a theater touring group reaching Denver. In constant need of costume repair, it had been able to offer steady work and steady income.
Gutsy Cora had been struggling and had jumped at the job. Two years later in 1901, she was able to return for her daughter and introduce her to San Francisco. In due course Laura also joined the troupe which specialized in Gilbert and Sullivan offerings.
Mother and daughter toured for six years until Laura married Joseph W. Sykora in Cleveland, Ohio on 8/13/1907. All three then moved to New York City. In 1908 Laura's stillborn baby left her slow to recover, unable to regain her normal good health for over a year. Times were difficult. Joe sought, usually unsuccessfully, to sell his literary efforts. With Laura out of commission, much rested on Cora's sturdy shoulders, her seamstress endeavors, and her inadequate pension. When Laura regained her strength and wrote articles for magazines, things improved.
Barbara was born live to Laura on 6/15/1910 in New York City. Three others were to follow within the next ten years. When Barbara was three Cora rented a place of her own. While there were advantages to staying together, there were disadvantages, the most important of which was getting along with her difficult son-in-law. Joe resented Cora's desire to have Laura's undivided attention, and Cora resented Joe's desire for the same. This situation was changed with Cora's 1913 pre-war move.
Cora had a special affection for Barbara, perhaps because she was her first grandchild. Moreover, Cora probably needed companionship. Thus it came about that fourteen year old Barbara came to live with Cora in 1925. This arrangement was interrupted by the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression. In 1931 the economic crisis forced Cora and Joe to swallow their differences and try again, this time in a move across the Hudson River to Leonia, New Jersey. Cora was at this time in her eightieth year, and had to confine her sewing to family needs. She lived on her meager pension, even paying a portion of it as rent.
Cora lived from 1931 to 1940 within the suburban life of Leonia. While sedentary and hard of hearing, she was always able to maintain her neat and fastidious style of living. There was nothing static about peppery Cora. She maintained an avid interest in public affairs, and often was able to discern obscure implications within the events of the day. On her lighter side she promoted quilting parties, enjoyed Russian Bank, and was crazy about Chinese Checkers. An avid competitor, she was not above slick maneuvers, and was always blue-eyed innocence when caught.
Cora was fascinated with the dramatic impact of the military actions in Europe. When the Japanese bombed Pearl harbor on 12/7/1941, she became one of the millions of armchair strategists. By 1942 the Leonia family had dwindled to three when Cora's only grandson was swallowed up by the Army. Accordingly Cora, Laura and Joe moved back to Manhattan to an Eighteenth Street apartment, close to Cora's medical needs.
Cora watched the ending of World War II with a consuming interest, and turned her attention to the unrest in Korea. Her days, however, were numbered. She died in New York City on 5/31/1949. Curiously, her ashes were buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, Fort Worth, Texas, next to those of Anna.
Family Members
Siblings
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
