My parents who got married in 1936 rented a small house on Oregon street in Evansville Indiana. My dad worked at Briggs a division of Chrysler motors. During the next five years they had two boys and a girl. They saved what money they could planning on someday building a home. In 1941 they purchased a one-acre plot outside of town and negotiated building their dream home. They worked with a local builder and settled all their issues. Construction was to start December 8, 1941.
We all know what happened December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor. All construction ceased as the nation prepared for war. So they continued to rent.
In the late 40’s, my grandfather Robie Mitchell moved to Evansville. He wanted to buy a house and convinced my parents to move in with him. It actually was a good time in our lives, and we enjoyed the relationship, and my grandfather loved having someone to cook and clean for him.
Then, my grandfather developed stomach cancer. The prognosis wasn’t good and after spending time in the hospital and recovery at home, he passed away. He had no insurance, so my parents’ savings for a home went to pay his bills.
Before we knew what was happening, our aunts and uncles decide to sell the house. Since there were seven siblings, they put the house on the market for $7,000. Their figuring was they would each get $1,000. This they did and we ended up in the street. For the next ten years we rented before they were able to buy a home.
It was at a surprise 80th birthday party for my dad that he made peace with his sisters.
