28 A Fiery Turning Point By: Jane Dow / Mutterings & Musings “ Wake up, Janie. The chic-a-bob’s on fire.” My 8 year old ears heard these words my mother spoke, but I didn’t see any flames or smell any smoke. My home couldn’t be burning up! In 1956 my family and I lived in a sub-basement apartment under a three story commercial building my father had designed. The top floor had 17 hotel rooms, the ground level was a bar and restaurant. A basement was under that, and we lived in a two bedroom apartment next to the basement. My father “Chic” was a larger-than-life businessman, his brother “Bob” was a farmer. Together they built the Chic-a-Bob. Life for a southwestern Pennsylvania eight year old and her five year old sister Susie was the American dream from morning till night. We walked to school, played outside till dark, and learned to be comfortable around a bunch of drunks. The dream came to an end that hot August night in 1956. The clothing and toys Susie and I had madly thrown into pillow cases were forgotten as we heard Mommy’s voice screaming to “come out of the bedroom! You need to get out!!” I still didn’t hear or smell anything. Why was mommy so scared? Our neighbor, Mr. Claycomb, had arrived to drive us to a motel up the road. Mommy stayed. As we rode up the driveway next to the Chic-a-Bob, I looked back through the rear window. I saw the giant orange flames licking out of the third floor windows. Shadows of firemen were holding powerful hoses, trying futilely to douse the flames. It was a last memory of my childhood home. August 29, 1956 was a turning point in my life. A few pieces of furniture and some family photos were saved, but the only thing my daddy and I could find the next day in the ashes were a few melted bar glasses and eight blackened pennies. So much gone. But true to form, six months later, my daddy built a 17 unit motel on the very site of the Chic-a-Bob and named it the Janey Lynn. I’m Janey. My sister is Susan Lynn. Jane taught high school English and theatre for 30 years. She now spends her time being a Toastmaster, enjoying the endless entertainment options in our town, attending Pilates classes and spoiling her rescue, Mandy. October 20<strong>23</strong> Exploring Your Roots: A Great Hobby for Seniors By: Craig Smith / Guest Column Family history and genealogy are more than just hobbies; they’re journeys of discovery that can unlock the secrets of your past, connect you with your ancestors, and provide a deeper understanding of your identity. Whether you’re just starting your research or you’re a seasoned genealogist, the world of family history offers endless opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with your heritage. Preserving Your Heritage: Family history is like a tapestry of stories, and each thread represents an ancestor’s life. Preserving this heritage ensures that the unique experiences and traditions of your family are passed down to future generations. Passing on family stories to your children and grandchildren is important as well as enjoyable. Getting Started with Genealogy: Start by collecting information from living relatives. Record names, dates of birth, marriages, and any family stories or traditions they remember. This information can serve as a foundation for your research. Utilize Online Resources: The internet is a treasure trove of genealogical resources. Websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org (free), and MyHeritage.com offer access to extensive databases, records, and tools to aid your research. DNA Testing: DNA testing services like <strong>23</strong>andMe and AncestryDNA can reveal genetic connections to distant relatives and help you expand your family tree. Join Genealogy Societies: Connect with other genealogists by joining local or online genealogy societies. These groups offer support, knowledge, and access to resources you might not find elsewhere. There are four genealogical societies right here in the Las Vegas valley: 1. Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society (CCNGS) 2. Nevada African American Genealogy Society (NAAGS) 3. Centennial Las Vegas Genealogy Society (CLVGS) 4. Jewish Genealogy Society of Southern Nevada (JGSSN) Members of these organizations have years of family research experience. They enjoy helping people get started with their family history research and assisting with organizing family records. Craig Smith is the President of the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society. The Society meets on the third Saturday of each month at the Paseo Verde Library in Henderson. Craig can be contacted at president@ccngs.org
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