From an autobiography written in 1977:
I was born Nov. 1st 1899 the third child of Edward Gerardy and Lissie Drusilla Gross Gerardy on their farm in Forest community, Lincoln County, Oklahoma south of the county seat, Chandler.
My parents were early settlers and through thrift and hard work they cleared their farm land and made a home - first a log cabin better than most in those days as it had glass windows! Later a comfortable frame house was built where I was born. When I was 4 years old the large west wing was added. That summer we lived in the log cabin, which later became my father's work shop.
I grew up on this farm and attended Forest District 82 country school through the 8th grade. At age 14, I entered Chandler High School for four years, staying with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoyt and worked for my board and room. I had hoped to go on to college then but my father thought if I wanted more education, I should earn it.
During World War I my parents bought a farm near Midlothian, Oklahoma and the first summer after graduation, my brother Loren and I mowed 100 acres of alfalfa three times. Once when I was driving a pair of mules hitched to the mower I ran over a bumble bee nest. The angry bees flew all around and the mules took off across the field. All I could do was to hold on until they were stopped by a fence about a quarter mile away.
The next fall, 1918, I became a school teacher in a 2-room school at Warwick, Oklahoma where I taught for three years. The first year I taught 6th, 7th, 8th and two 9th grade subjects (Latin and History). The 9th grade students who could go on to High School were admitted as Sophomores in either Wellston or Chandler schools.
The two years following I taught the first five grades in Warwick, later teaching 2nd grade in Sparks, Oklahoma for two years. During the summers I attended Oklahoma State University (then A & M) specializing in Education, where again I earned my room and board in a dormitory. I enjoyed teaching but while I was in Warwick I met a young farmer, Virgil Pinkston, at a school pie supper. (He bought my pie from an old bachelor who was too bashful to eat with the school teacher) He later became my husband. His father, Oliver Pinkston, was a bed-fast invalid and Virgil, the youngest and only child at home had to farm and help his mother, so even though we dated for 3 years and were engaged for two years, we could not marry until after his father's death in 1921.
Virgil Leaven Pinkston was born in Chase County, Kansas January 25, 1895 to Oliver and Sarah Frank Pinkston on a farm near Cedar Point, Kansas. When he was 1½ years old his parents moved to a farm near Warwick, Oklahoma where he grew up. He attended the country school, Valley View, through the 8th grade and later a term at Chilicothe, Missouri Business College. After his father's death he struck out for himself making the wheat harvest in Western Kansas and then working in Colorado on the Berthoud Pass Highway. In July 1922 he came to Arkansas City, Kansas and was hired by Santa Fe Railroad with full pay where he worked almost 40 years before retiring in 1961.
We were married June 3, 1923, in my parents' home in Chandler where they had moved, by Rev. G. A. Kleinsteiber, pastor of the Methodist Church. It was a very simple wedding at noon with just the immediate family and a few very close friends present. As soon as the ceremony was over, we all enjoyed a delicious dinner which my mother had prepared. We came to Arkansas City a few days later and established our home at 1407 S. Summit where we still live (1977). It has been a full happy marriage. We have two lovely daughters, Virginia and Dorothy, and now six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (1977)
I have always been active in church work and was converted and baptized when I was 10 years of age when I became a member of the Congregational Church where my parents were charter members. My father gave the lumber from our farm to build the country church. My mother was a deeply religious person and taught her family to honor God and while we were all growing up we had family bible reading and prayers. We were taught to be industrious, thrifty, honest, and loyal to each other.
After coming to Arkansas City, I became an active member of the First Baptist Church where I have held many offices. On February 24, 1935 Virgil and both girls were baptized and also became active members of First Baptist Church. Virgil served as deacon.
On June 3rd 1973, Virgil and I were privileged to celebrate our Golden Wedding and were honored with a reception at First Baptist Church in Arkansas City, hosted by our daughters and their families. It was a lovely affair and many relatives and friends came to offer congratulations and visit.
As this is written (September 1977) we have had 54 anniversaries and still live in our home at 1407 S. Summit. We are no longer young but still active. Virgil is an ardent fisherman and a fine gardener especially since his retirement in 1961. With his help I still take care of our home, cook, and can and freeze the garden produce. In spite of some serious illnesses and the depression years when income was low, I can't think of anything I would change. Every night I pray that God will keep us in His care. And He always has.
Part of a letter written by Myrtle to one of her daughters, circa 1980:
So many of our friends are gone now and we are always conscious that we don't have many years left. Friendships of longstanding become very precious. There is so little one can do to make it easier for those who lose those they love, but the expressions of sympathy and just "standing-by" means so much - a hand clasp, a brief prayer that God will give strength for the days ahead seem to help. Too, a call afterward always seems appreciated. Usually if it is a neighbor or a close friend, I fix something for a meal.
When it comes to my own loved ones, I can only depend on God and the love and concern of family and friends. As far as my own death - I'm not afraid to die, and hope I can meet it with dignity and calm. When you reach our ages, so many have gone on that you have many reunions to look forward to. I would like to close with this quote. I don't know who said it.
"You ask me what I know about life after death? Very little, but I do know that God is there as well as here and wherever God is is Heaven."
Lovingly,
Mother
Poem in honor of Myrtle and Virgil Pinkston's anniversary, composed by their daughter Dorothy Pinkston Fleener:
With Virgil in the Rockies
And Myrtle down at Sparks
The romance ran on smoothly
With the help of both the Clarks
….. Oh boy, and what a wedding night!
June 3 of nineteen twenty three
The preacher tied the knot
Ula came in late that day
But hatched a scheming plot
….. In the back seat of a Model T!
It was daybreak the next morning
When Ula lost his way
But they soon got back to Chandler
And it all turned out okay
….. Hey Mom, lets get along to Kansas!
They moved then to Ark City
And bought themselves a home
They really had a swell time
And ne ' er too far did roam,
….. Hey Mom , let's start a family!
The kids weren't long in coming
And Ginger was the first
She'd hardly stopped her squalling
When Dottie wailed her thirst
….. Hey Mom, let's keep those diapers clean !
World's Fair was in Chicago
And the Pinkstons had to go
With plaster off the ceiling
And the kids with spots to show
….. Hey Pop, let's catch ourselves a fish!
Now Pop he liked to angle
And Mama liked to sew
The kids had fun a fighting
And both forgot to grow
….. Hey Mom, where's your great big Brownie smile!
With camping in the summer
And fishing all year round
With Scouts and games and parties
This family got around
….. Hey Pop, can I have the car tonight!
Letter written to Virgil Pinkston from his granddaughter, Marilyn Busby Wolfe, in honor of Myrtle upon her death:
January 30, 1984
Dearest Grandpa,
As a child, I loved making visits to Grandma and Grandpa Pinkston's house. I knew you and Grandma would have my favorites waiting - strawberries at every meal and Grandma's special chicken and noodles! The two of you always smiled as I gobbled them up!
I loved sleeping on the back porch and swinging on the front porch in the comfortable, warm atmosphere of Grandma and Grandpa. Trips into the cellar for canned beans and squash were an adventure! I can remember being so proud when I was allowed to help with the wringer washer.
Grandma always chuckled as I squirmed and chattered in her lap as she tried to brush my tangled hair. Grandma had a gift for listening attentively to a child. Grandma's chuckle followed me out to the yard where I played with my sisters and cousins. Though she may have doubted that I'd ever become a lady, there was no doubt that she loved me, prayed for me, and treasured me as a unique person.
I was lucky to share Grandma's great joy -- reading. I loved discussing literature with her, and she always wanted to know my opinions.
Grandpa, you and Grandma are responsible for so many happy memories. Thank you.
All my love,
Marilyn
Your ONLY red-haired granddaughter
I was born Nov. 1st 1899 the third child of Edward Gerardy and Lissie Drusilla Gross Gerardy on their farm in Forest community, Lincoln County, Oklahoma south of the county seat, Chandler.
My parents were early settlers and through thrift and hard work they cleared their farm land and made a home - first a log cabin better than most in those days as it had glass windows! Later a comfortable frame house was built where I was born. When I was 4 years old the large west wing was added. That summer we lived in the log cabin, which later became my father's work shop.
I grew up on this farm and attended Forest District 82 country school through the 8th grade. At age 14, I entered Chandler High School for four years, staying with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoyt and worked for my board and room. I had hoped to go on to college then but my father thought if I wanted more education, I should earn it.
During World War I my parents bought a farm near Midlothian, Oklahoma and the first summer after graduation, my brother Loren and I mowed 100 acres of alfalfa three times. Once when I was driving a pair of mules hitched to the mower I ran over a bumble bee nest. The angry bees flew all around and the mules took off across the field. All I could do was to hold on until they were stopped by a fence about a quarter mile away.
The next fall, 1918, I became a school teacher in a 2-room school at Warwick, Oklahoma where I taught for three years. The first year I taught 6th, 7th, 8th and two 9th grade subjects (Latin and History). The 9th grade students who could go on to High School were admitted as Sophomores in either Wellston or Chandler schools.
The two years following I taught the first five grades in Warwick, later teaching 2nd grade in Sparks, Oklahoma for two years. During the summers I attended Oklahoma State University (then A & M) specializing in Education, where again I earned my room and board in a dormitory. I enjoyed teaching but while I was in Warwick I met a young farmer, Virgil Pinkston, at a school pie supper. (He bought my pie from an old bachelor who was too bashful to eat with the school teacher) He later became my husband. His father, Oliver Pinkston, was a bed-fast invalid and Virgil, the youngest and only child at home had to farm and help his mother, so even though we dated for 3 years and were engaged for two years, we could not marry until after his father's death in 1921.
Virgil Leaven Pinkston was born in Chase County, Kansas January 25, 1895 to Oliver and Sarah Frank Pinkston on a farm near Cedar Point, Kansas. When he was 1½ years old his parents moved to a farm near Warwick, Oklahoma where he grew up. He attended the country school, Valley View, through the 8th grade and later a term at Chilicothe, Missouri Business College. After his father's death he struck out for himself making the wheat harvest in Western Kansas and then working in Colorado on the Berthoud Pass Highway. In July 1922 he came to Arkansas City, Kansas and was hired by Santa Fe Railroad with full pay where he worked almost 40 years before retiring in 1961.
We were married June 3, 1923, in my parents' home in Chandler where they had moved, by Rev. G. A. Kleinsteiber, pastor of the Methodist Church. It was a very simple wedding at noon with just the immediate family and a few very close friends present. As soon as the ceremony was over, we all enjoyed a delicious dinner which my mother had prepared. We came to Arkansas City a few days later and established our home at 1407 S. Summit where we still live (1977). It has been a full happy marriage. We have two lovely daughters, Virginia and Dorothy, and now six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (1977)
I have always been active in church work and was converted and baptized when I was 10 years of age when I became a member of the Congregational Church where my parents were charter members. My father gave the lumber from our farm to build the country church. My mother was a deeply religious person and taught her family to honor God and while we were all growing up we had family bible reading and prayers. We were taught to be industrious, thrifty, honest, and loyal to each other.
After coming to Arkansas City, I became an active member of the First Baptist Church where I have held many offices. On February 24, 1935 Virgil and both girls were baptized and also became active members of First Baptist Church. Virgil served as deacon.
On June 3rd 1973, Virgil and I were privileged to celebrate our Golden Wedding and were honored with a reception at First Baptist Church in Arkansas City, hosted by our daughters and their families. It was a lovely affair and many relatives and friends came to offer congratulations and visit.
As this is written (September 1977) we have had 54 anniversaries and still live in our home at 1407 S. Summit. We are no longer young but still active. Virgil is an ardent fisherman and a fine gardener especially since his retirement in 1961. With his help I still take care of our home, cook, and can and freeze the garden produce. In spite of some serious illnesses and the depression years when income was low, I can't think of anything I would change. Every night I pray that God will keep us in His care. And He always has.
Part of a letter written by Myrtle to one of her daughters, circa 1980:
So many of our friends are gone now and we are always conscious that we don't have many years left. Friendships of longstanding become very precious. There is so little one can do to make it easier for those who lose those they love, but the expressions of sympathy and just "standing-by" means so much - a hand clasp, a brief prayer that God will give strength for the days ahead seem to help. Too, a call afterward always seems appreciated. Usually if it is a neighbor or a close friend, I fix something for a meal.
When it comes to my own loved ones, I can only depend on God and the love and concern of family and friends. As far as my own death - I'm not afraid to die, and hope I can meet it with dignity and calm. When you reach our ages, so many have gone on that you have many reunions to look forward to. I would like to close with this quote. I don't know who said it.
"You ask me what I know about life after death? Very little, but I do know that God is there as well as here and wherever God is is Heaven."
Lovingly,
Mother
Poem in honor of Myrtle and Virgil Pinkston's anniversary, composed by their daughter Dorothy Pinkston Fleener:
With Virgil in the Rockies
And Myrtle down at Sparks
The romance ran on smoothly
With the help of both the Clarks
….. Oh boy, and what a wedding night!
June 3 of nineteen twenty three
The preacher tied the knot
Ula came in late that day
But hatched a scheming plot
….. In the back seat of a Model T!
It was daybreak the next morning
When Ula lost his way
But they soon got back to Chandler
And it all turned out okay
….. Hey Mom, lets get along to Kansas!
They moved then to Ark City
And bought themselves a home
They really had a swell time
And ne ' er too far did roam,
….. Hey Mom , let's start a family!
The kids weren't long in coming
And Ginger was the first
She'd hardly stopped her squalling
When Dottie wailed her thirst
….. Hey Mom, let's keep those diapers clean !
World's Fair was in Chicago
And the Pinkstons had to go
With plaster off the ceiling
And the kids with spots to show
….. Hey Pop, let's catch ourselves a fish!
Now Pop he liked to angle
And Mama liked to sew
The kids had fun a fighting
And both forgot to grow
….. Hey Mom, where's your great big Brownie smile!
With camping in the summer
And fishing all year round
With Scouts and games and parties
This family got around
….. Hey Pop, can I have the car tonight!
Letter written to Virgil Pinkston from his granddaughter, Marilyn Busby Wolfe, in honor of Myrtle upon her death:
January 30, 1984
Dearest Grandpa,
As a child, I loved making visits to Grandma and Grandpa Pinkston's house. I knew you and Grandma would have my favorites waiting - strawberries at every meal and Grandma's special chicken and noodles! The two of you always smiled as I gobbled them up!
I loved sleeping on the back porch and swinging on the front porch in the comfortable, warm atmosphere of Grandma and Grandpa. Trips into the cellar for canned beans and squash were an adventure! I can remember being so proud when I was allowed to help with the wringer washer.
Grandma always chuckled as I squirmed and chattered in her lap as she tried to brush my tangled hair. Grandma had a gift for listening attentively to a child. Grandma's chuckle followed me out to the yard where I played with my sisters and cousins. Though she may have doubted that I'd ever become a lady, there was no doubt that she loved me, prayed for me, and treasured me as a unique person.
I was lucky to share Grandma's great joy -- reading. I loved discussing literature with her, and she always wanted to know my opinions.
Grandpa, you and Grandma are responsible for so many happy memories. Thank you.
All my love,
Marilyn
Your ONLY red-haired granddaughter
From an autobiography written in 1977:
I was born Nov. 1st 1899 the third child of Edward Gerardy and Lissie Drusilla Gross Gerardy on their farm in Forest community, Lincoln County, Oklahoma south of the county seat, Chandler.
My parents were early settlers and through thrift and hard work they cleared their farm land and made a home - first a log cabin better than most in those days as it had glass windows! Later a comfortable frame house was built where I was born. When I was 4 years old the large west wing was added. That summer we lived in the log cabin, which later became my father's work shop.
I grew up on this farm and attended Forest District 82 country school through the 8th grade. At age 14, I entered Chandler High School for four years, staying with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoyt and worked for my board and room. I had hoped to go on to college then but my father thought if I wanted more education, I should earn it.
During World War I my parents bought a farm near Midlothian, Oklahoma and the first summer after graduation, my brother Loren and I mowed 100 acres of alfalfa three times. Once when I was driving a pair of mules hitched to the mower I ran over a bumble bee nest. The angry bees flew all around and the mules took off across the field. All I could do was to hold on until they were stopped by a fence about a quarter mile away.
The next fall, 1918, I became a school teacher in a 2-room school at Warwick, Oklahoma where I taught for three years. The first year I taught 6th, 7th, 8th and two 9th grade subjects (Latin and History). The 9th grade students who could go on to High School were admitted as Sophomores in either Wellston or Chandler schools.
The two years following I taught the first five grades in Warwick, later teaching 2nd grade in Sparks, Oklahoma for two years. During the summers I attended Oklahoma State University (then A & M) specializing in Education, where again I earned my room and board in a dormitory. I enjoyed teaching but while I was in Warwick I met a young farmer, Virgil Pinkston, at a school pie supper. (He bought my pie from an old bachelor who was too bashful to eat with the school teacher) He later became my husband. His father, Oliver Pinkston, was a bed-fast invalid and Virgil, the youngest and only child at home had to farm and help his mother, so even though we dated for 3 years and were engaged for two years, we could not marry until after his father's death in 1921.
Virgil Leaven Pinkston was born in Chase County, Kansas January 25, 1895 to Oliver and Sarah Frank Pinkston on a farm near Cedar Point, Kansas. When he was 1½ years old his parents moved to a farm near Warwick, Oklahoma where he grew up. He attended the country school, Valley View, through the 8th grade and later a term at Chilicothe, Missouri Business College. After his father's death he struck out for himself making the wheat harvest in Western Kansas and then working in Colorado on the Berthoud Pass Highway. In July 1922 he came to Arkansas City, Kansas and was hired by Santa Fe Railroad with full pay where he worked almost 40 years before retiring in 1961.
We were married June 3, 1923, in my parents' home in Chandler where they had moved, by Rev. G. A. Kleinsteiber, pastor of the Methodist Church. It was a very simple wedding at noon with just the immediate family and a few very close friends present. As soon as the ceremony was over, we all enjoyed a delicious dinner which my mother had prepared. We came to Arkansas City a few days later and established our home at 1407 S. Summit where we still live (1977). It has been a full happy marriage. We have two lovely daughters, Virginia and Dorothy, and now six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (1977)
I have always been active in church work and was converted and baptized when I was 10 years of age when I became a member of the Congregational Church where my parents were charter members. My father gave the lumber from our farm to build the country church. My mother was a deeply religious person and taught her family to honor God and while we were all growing up we had family bible reading and prayers. We were taught to be industrious, thrifty, honest, and loyal to each other.
After coming to Arkansas City, I became an active member of the First Baptist Church where I have held many offices. On February 24, 1935 Virgil and both girls were baptized and also became active members of First Baptist Church. Virgil served as deacon.
On June 3rd 1973, Virgil and I were privileged to celebrate our Golden Wedding and were honored with a reception at First Baptist Church in Arkansas City, hosted by our daughters and their families. It was a lovely affair and many relatives and friends came to offer congratulations and visit.
As this is written (September 1977) we have had 54 anniversaries and still live in our home at 1407 S. Summit. We are no longer young but still active. Virgil is an ardent fisherman and a fine gardener especially since his retirement in 1961. With his help I still take care of our home, cook, and can and freeze the garden produce. In spite of some serious illnesses and the depression years when income was low, I can't think of anything I would change. Every night I pray that God will keep us in His care. And He always has.
Part of a letter written by Myrtle to one of her daughters, circa 1980:
So many of our friends are gone now and we are always conscious that we don't have many years left. Friendships of longstanding become very precious. There is so little one can do to make it easier for those who lose those they love, but the expressions of sympathy and just "standing-by" means so much - a hand clasp, a brief prayer that God will give strength for the days ahead seem to help. Too, a call afterward always seems appreciated. Usually if it is a neighbor or a close friend, I fix something for a meal.
When it comes to my own loved ones, I can only depend on God and the love and concern of family and friends. As far as my own death - I'm not afraid to die, and hope I can meet it with dignity and calm. When you reach our ages, so many have gone on that you have many reunions to look forward to. I would like to close with this quote. I don't know who said it.
"You ask me what I know about life after death? Very little, but I do know that God is there as well as here and wherever God is is Heaven."
Lovingly,
Mother
Poem in honor of Myrtle and Virgil Pinkston's anniversary, composed by their daughter Dorothy Pinkston Fleener:
With Virgil in the Rockies
And Myrtle down at Sparks
The romance ran on smoothly
With the help of both the Clarks
….. Oh boy, and what a wedding night!
June 3 of nineteen twenty three
The preacher tied the knot
Ula came in late that day
But hatched a scheming plot
….. In the back seat of a Model T!
It was daybreak the next morning
When Ula lost his way
But they soon got back to Chandler
And it all turned out okay
….. Hey Mom, lets get along to Kansas!
They moved then to Ark City
And bought themselves a home
They really had a swell time
And ne ' er too far did roam,
….. Hey Mom , let's start a family!
The kids weren't long in coming
And Ginger was the first
She'd hardly stopped her squalling
When Dottie wailed her thirst
….. Hey Mom, let's keep those diapers clean !
World's Fair was in Chicago
And the Pinkstons had to go
With plaster off the ceiling
And the kids with spots to show
….. Hey Pop, let's catch ourselves a fish!
Now Pop he liked to angle
And Mama liked to sew
The kids had fun a fighting
And both forgot to grow
….. Hey Mom, where's your great big Brownie smile!
With camping in the summer
And fishing all year round
With Scouts and games and parties
This family got around
….. Hey Pop, can I have the car tonight!
Letter written to Virgil Pinkston from his granddaughter, Marilyn Busby Wolfe, in honor of Myrtle upon her death:
January 30, 1984
Dearest Grandpa,
As a child, I loved making visits to Grandma and Grandpa Pinkston's house. I knew you and Grandma would have my favorites waiting - strawberries at every meal and Grandma's special chicken and noodles! The two of you always smiled as I gobbled them up!
I loved sleeping on the back porch and swinging on the front porch in the comfortable, warm atmosphere of Grandma and Grandpa. Trips into the cellar for canned beans and squash were an adventure! I can remember being so proud when I was allowed to help with the wringer washer.
Grandma always chuckled as I squirmed and chattered in her lap as she tried to brush my tangled hair. Grandma had a gift for listening attentively to a child. Grandma's chuckle followed me out to the yard where I played with my sisters and cousins. Though she may have doubted that I'd ever become a lady, there was no doubt that she loved me, prayed for me, and treasured me as a unique person.
I was lucky to share Grandma's great joy -- reading. I loved discussing literature with her, and she always wanted to know my opinions.
Grandpa, you and Grandma are responsible for so many happy memories. Thank you.
All my love,
Marilyn
Your ONLY red-haired granddaughter
I was born Nov. 1st 1899 the third child of Edward Gerardy and Lissie Drusilla Gross Gerardy on their farm in Forest community, Lincoln County, Oklahoma south of the county seat, Chandler.
My parents were early settlers and through thrift and hard work they cleared their farm land and made a home - first a log cabin better than most in those days as it had glass windows! Later a comfortable frame house was built where I was born. When I was 4 years old the large west wing was added. That summer we lived in the log cabin, which later became my father's work shop.
I grew up on this farm and attended Forest District 82 country school through the 8th grade. At age 14, I entered Chandler High School for four years, staying with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoyt and worked for my board and room. I had hoped to go on to college then but my father thought if I wanted more education, I should earn it.
During World War I my parents bought a farm near Midlothian, Oklahoma and the first summer after graduation, my brother Loren and I mowed 100 acres of alfalfa three times. Once when I was driving a pair of mules hitched to the mower I ran over a bumble bee nest. The angry bees flew all around and the mules took off across the field. All I could do was to hold on until they were stopped by a fence about a quarter mile away.
The next fall, 1918, I became a school teacher in a 2-room school at Warwick, Oklahoma where I taught for three years. The first year I taught 6th, 7th, 8th and two 9th grade subjects (Latin and History). The 9th grade students who could go on to High School were admitted as Sophomores in either Wellston or Chandler schools.
The two years following I taught the first five grades in Warwick, later teaching 2nd grade in Sparks, Oklahoma for two years. During the summers I attended Oklahoma State University (then A & M) specializing in Education, where again I earned my room and board in a dormitory. I enjoyed teaching but while I was in Warwick I met a young farmer, Virgil Pinkston, at a school pie supper. (He bought my pie from an old bachelor who was too bashful to eat with the school teacher) He later became my husband. His father, Oliver Pinkston, was a bed-fast invalid and Virgil, the youngest and only child at home had to farm and help his mother, so even though we dated for 3 years and were engaged for two years, we could not marry until after his father's death in 1921.
Virgil Leaven Pinkston was born in Chase County, Kansas January 25, 1895 to Oliver and Sarah Frank Pinkston on a farm near Cedar Point, Kansas. When he was 1½ years old his parents moved to a farm near Warwick, Oklahoma where he grew up. He attended the country school, Valley View, through the 8th grade and later a term at Chilicothe, Missouri Business College. After his father's death he struck out for himself making the wheat harvest in Western Kansas and then working in Colorado on the Berthoud Pass Highway. In July 1922 he came to Arkansas City, Kansas and was hired by Santa Fe Railroad with full pay where he worked almost 40 years before retiring in 1961.
We were married June 3, 1923, in my parents' home in Chandler where they had moved, by Rev. G. A. Kleinsteiber, pastor of the Methodist Church. It was a very simple wedding at noon with just the immediate family and a few very close friends present. As soon as the ceremony was over, we all enjoyed a delicious dinner which my mother had prepared. We came to Arkansas City a few days later and established our home at 1407 S. Summit where we still live (1977). It has been a full happy marriage. We have two lovely daughters, Virginia and Dorothy, and now six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (1977)
I have always been active in church work and was converted and baptized when I was 10 years of age when I became a member of the Congregational Church where my parents were charter members. My father gave the lumber from our farm to build the country church. My mother was a deeply religious person and taught her family to honor God and while we were all growing up we had family bible reading and prayers. We were taught to be industrious, thrifty, honest, and loyal to each other.
After coming to Arkansas City, I became an active member of the First Baptist Church where I have held many offices. On February 24, 1935 Virgil and both girls were baptized and also became active members of First Baptist Church. Virgil served as deacon.
On June 3rd 1973, Virgil and I were privileged to celebrate our Golden Wedding and were honored with a reception at First Baptist Church in Arkansas City, hosted by our daughters and their families. It was a lovely affair and many relatives and friends came to offer congratulations and visit.
As this is written (September 1977) we have had 54 anniversaries and still live in our home at 1407 S. Summit. We are no longer young but still active. Virgil is an ardent fisherman and a fine gardener especially since his retirement in 1961. With his help I still take care of our home, cook, and can and freeze the garden produce. In spite of some serious illnesses and the depression years when income was low, I can't think of anything I would change. Every night I pray that God will keep us in His care. And He always has.
Part of a letter written by Myrtle to one of her daughters, circa 1980:
So many of our friends are gone now and we are always conscious that we don't have many years left. Friendships of longstanding become very precious. There is so little one can do to make it easier for those who lose those they love, but the expressions of sympathy and just "standing-by" means so much - a hand clasp, a brief prayer that God will give strength for the days ahead seem to help. Too, a call afterward always seems appreciated. Usually if it is a neighbor or a close friend, I fix something for a meal.
When it comes to my own loved ones, I can only depend on God and the love and concern of family and friends. As far as my own death - I'm not afraid to die, and hope I can meet it with dignity and calm. When you reach our ages, so many have gone on that you have many reunions to look forward to. I would like to close with this quote. I don't know who said it.
"You ask me what I know about life after death? Very little, but I do know that God is there as well as here and wherever God is is Heaven."
Lovingly,
Mother
Poem in honor of Myrtle and Virgil Pinkston's anniversary, composed by their daughter Dorothy Pinkston Fleener:
With Virgil in the Rockies
And Myrtle down at Sparks
The romance ran on smoothly
With the help of both the Clarks
….. Oh boy, and what a wedding night!
June 3 of nineteen twenty three
The preacher tied the knot
Ula came in late that day
But hatched a scheming plot
….. In the back seat of a Model T!
It was daybreak the next morning
When Ula lost his way
But they soon got back to Chandler
And it all turned out okay
….. Hey Mom, lets get along to Kansas!
They moved then to Ark City
And bought themselves a home
They really had a swell time
And ne ' er too far did roam,
….. Hey Mom , let's start a family!
The kids weren't long in coming
And Ginger was the first
She'd hardly stopped her squalling
When Dottie wailed her thirst
….. Hey Mom, let's keep those diapers clean !
World's Fair was in Chicago
And the Pinkstons had to go
With plaster off the ceiling
And the kids with spots to show
….. Hey Pop, let's catch ourselves a fish!
Now Pop he liked to angle
And Mama liked to sew
The kids had fun a fighting
And both forgot to grow
….. Hey Mom, where's your great big Brownie smile!
With camping in the summer
And fishing all year round
With Scouts and games and parties
This family got around
….. Hey Pop, can I have the car tonight!
Letter written to Virgil Pinkston from his granddaughter, Marilyn Busby Wolfe, in honor of Myrtle upon her death:
January 30, 1984
Dearest Grandpa,
As a child, I loved making visits to Grandma and Grandpa Pinkston's house. I knew you and Grandma would have my favorites waiting - strawberries at every meal and Grandma's special chicken and noodles! The two of you always smiled as I gobbled them up!
I loved sleeping on the back porch and swinging on the front porch in the comfortable, warm atmosphere of Grandma and Grandpa. Trips into the cellar for canned beans and squash were an adventure! I can remember being so proud when I was allowed to help with the wringer washer.
Grandma always chuckled as I squirmed and chattered in her lap as she tried to brush my tangled hair. Grandma had a gift for listening attentively to a child. Grandma's chuckle followed me out to the yard where I played with my sisters and cousins. Though she may have doubted that I'd ever become a lady, there was no doubt that she loved me, prayed for me, and treasured me as a unique person.
I was lucky to share Grandma's great joy -- reading. I loved discussing literature with her, and she always wanted to know my opinions.
Grandpa, you and Grandma are responsible for so many happy memories. Thank you.
All my love,
Marilyn
Your ONLY red-haired granddaughter
