I am writing about an article in the Dec. 27 Herald concerning Louisa Donaldson (“Display celebrates roots”). I knew her and her son. She had a small store at the approach to the old Snohomish River Bridge on Everett Avenue, above the creosote plant on the river. She sold small stuff – candy, tobacco, fresh eggs, etc. Louisa was short in stature, had white hair, pale tan skin and brown freckles on her face. Her son was tall with black skin. Louisa had to be in her eighties at that time (1933). She had been in the community a long time and was well-respected.
My family farmed on Ebey Island (Homeacres) and my father would send me up to the convent with vegetables. I carried extra in my gunny sack for Louisa, who was very good to me. She gave me (and other kids) candy and one time gave me colored Easter eggs. When the weather was bad, she would call me in to dry out and have cocoa.
As I read the article, my mind went back to a beautiful old lady and I knew that as a 10-year-old boy, I had known a quality person.
That was a long time ago, as I am now 78 years old.
Gold Bar
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
