I recently returned from an amazing vacation in Italy, accompanied by my husband, daughter, son-in-law, and two of our grandchildren. We all understand that we are privileged to be able to do such things, and we are reminded of being more generous with what we are given.
As I returned to my writing and again searched through my Inherited Treasures for inspiration, I came across a book that was supposed to be a Single-Entry ledger, but Hazel had used this one for her own purposes. Into it she had pasted poetry, newspaper quizzed, Bible verses, obituaries, marriage and birth announcements, alongside other pieces of what she considered to be newsworthy articles.
As I flipped through it, I found an article I had seen before, but which suddenly had much more meaning.
Apparently, in October of 1927, the Los Angeles Illustrated Daily News had challenged citizens to donate one day’s pay to begin its Community Chest Fundraising Drive. The five citizens who rose to the occasion, and were honored by the newspaper were C. Ganson Bullard, a messenger in the U.S.C. (University of Southern California) Administration Office; F. Etuarte, a fruit stand clerk; C.M. Roberts, Engineer, 1215 South Ditman Street; and Betty Cone, Salesgirl.
You’ll notice that Charlie didn’t bother to change out of his usual work overalls for the photograph, though everyone else looks as though they could be off to church services. I’m certain Hazel had something to say about that after the picture was published.
Speaking of church services, Hazel would have said that Charlie’s generosity was a modern example of the story of the widow’s mite, a Bible story from Luke in which a poor widow gives two small coins to the temple treasury. Jesus says it is a great gift because it represents such a large proportion of her wealth. Charlie knew his Bible but wasn’t much of a churchgoer and, with a wink, would have probably denied knowing the story.
I’ll keep this story in my heart as I move forward and will inevitably weave it into Hoofers & Hooch. Now you’ll know why.
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Inherited Treasures Series 
I loved the little vignettes about Hazel & Charlie, and the additional pieces about the piano, her chair, etc.. it added a little nuance about the individual or piece that was nice to learn about.
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