The W. P. Swanson Confectionery Era Essay - 2149 Words

The W. P. Swanson Confectionery Era An unfortunate incident occurred toward the conclusion of the 1920s, when robbers broke into Bill, Clara, and Anton’s garage and stole their brand-new Buick automobile. While Clara lay in bed on the eventful night, she heard noise outside. Fearful of the consequences of a confrontation with the intruders, to safeguard Bill she refrained from waking him. Blissfully unaware of the burglars, Bill slept through the night and didn’t discover the theft until morning.26 An investigation revealed that after breaking into the garage, the thieves pushed the car out of the garage, the full length of the driveway onto the street, and down the street away from the scene of the crime, before starting the Buick and driving it away. The authorities never recovered the automobile.27 In 1929, Clara became pregnant at the age of thirty-five, regarded as too advanced in years to begin a family. An unexpected child this late in life, of course, created elation for the blessed arrival. However, in addition to Clara’s age, her family and personal history also caused grave concerns for the safety of both mother and baby. The death of Clara’s mother from frail health attributed to childbirth and the death of Clara’s only sibling, a brother, during his first year of life weighed heavily on Bill, Clara, and Anton.28 Furthermore, a miscarriage early in their marriage, while still farming in Peaceful Valley, exacerbated the concern.29 In an era whenShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Book The Round Oak Essay1576 Words   |  7 PagesItems for sale at the confectionery, in addition to those listed in the centennial narrative, included over-the-counter medical and veterinary supplies, toiletries, greeting cards, knick-knacks, and holiday specific nove lties. Besides attending Bill’s fireworks display on Independence Day, patrons purchased rockets, firecrackers, caps, and sparklers to enliven their family or neighborhood festivities.11 Even though Bill and Clara offered an extensive variety of merchandise, the physical size ofRead MoreA Halloween Prank, By F. P. Swanson Essay2340 Words   |  10 PagesA Halloween prank, which probably occurred during the era of the W. P. Swanson Confectionery, became one of Bill’s numerous favorite stories. A manure spreader parked beside Jarchow Hall on Halloween night presented an inviting target for a resourceful band of mischief seekers. Laboring late into the night, the revelers disassembled the farm implement, hoisted the parts to the top of the two-story Jarchow Hall, and reassembled it straddling the ridge of the full pitched roof. The residents ofRead MoreThe Accident Of The 1920 S Essay2170 Words   |  9 Pagesthe death of Clara’s only sibling, a brother, du ring his first year of life weighed heavily on Bill, Clara, and Anton.28 Furthermore, a miscarriage early in their marriage, while still farming in Peaceful Valley, exacerbated the concern.29 In an era when childbirth occurred at home, the family arranged for the finest medical care to alleviate risk. Late in her pregnancy Clara went to Minneapolis under the personal charge of Dr. Undeen, living with his family until the delivery became forthcoming