Personal Page of $Name

Effie Opal Ehlers

Personal Data:

Item	Date	Place/Description
Birth	29 Oct 1910	Clearbrook, Wa.

Parents:

Parent	Name
Father	Frederick Bernard Ehlers
Mother	Katie Opal Little

Personal Note(s):

Note Number	Note Text
1	[Ehlers Family History.FBK.FBK.FBK.FBK.FTW] 1. I have the wedding certificates for both weddings---8/20/1936 and 3/14/1942 2. Photo of Effie in Ned Skinner's corporate offices. Architecture/West Magazine, July 1963, page 22 3. I have several children's books I believe belong to Effie, Katie Little Ehlers and other family members. They are stored in one of the plastic boxes with oversized framed pictures, etc. LAKESIDE CEMETERY---THE EHLERS FAMILY PARK Effie was very involved in legalizing the Lakeside Cemetery, which had been set aside as a one-acre site for family members and the community. It was created in 1899 by H.C. and Nancy Ehlers when their son, Johnie, died. Over the years while many people were buried there, apparently the legal process had not been entirely followed. Beginning in 1966 with a limited liability report issued by the Bellingham Title Company, the issue was beginning to come to a head. A letter to Bill Ehlers (December 21, 1971) by attorney Jacob Smith asked that he contact and try to correct the fact that the "family park" was vested in many different people. In a letter dated January 12, 1972 attorney Smith he indicated that, "...I am of the opinion that it might be better to leave the title as it is." So rather than try to completely clear title to the property he suggested that family members get together and appoint one member to proceed with the management and development of the property. Effie was the family appointee. "Monday, June 26, 1972. I went to the Bellingham Court House and had the good fortune to talk with Hugh Corey. I had a copy of the 'Homestead Map' and copies of old tax statements on 'The Park'. I ask him about bringing the title up to date. He ask if Grandad left a will or an estate and about N.A. Ehlers. Did we want to ever sell it or borrow money on it, etc.? I said, 'No'. He said it would need a lawyer and title insurance and go to court to bring it up to date. But as he saw it, as always being family property as such and only one acre that he suggested leaving it N.A. Ehlers and thereafter in an Ehlers name. I ask him to make in N.A. Ehlers in care of William Ehlers..." Effie followed up with a legal document with the Lakeside Cemetery Association that guaranteed the continuation of the family park. July 20, 1974. EDITOR'S NOTE---PLEASE REFER TO BOTH THE FOLDER ON THE LAKESIDE CEMETERY AS WELL AS NOTES INCLUDED UNDER JOHN CHRISTOPHER EHLERS. Folder for Effie Ehlers Fowler includes the following: a letter dated December 13, 1972 about her retirement and the notes from her retirement party; postcard to Henry A. from Yuma, Arizona, in 1975; a report card from Clearbrook School, eighth grade, January 1925; a story about Ned Skinner, her boss; a letter dated May 19, 1967 from R.C. Rose, a supervisor at work, commending her efforts at getting business;3 copies of her birth certificate;correspondence concerning the Ehlers Tea Company (samples of tea bags in plastic storage box); copies of both marriage certificates (1936 and 1942) to Ray Fowler; receipts from Wayne Ehlers for their political contributions to his 1972 election campaign for the House of Representatives ($25); a note, undated, from Wayne regarding a visit to see him at the Legislature;letter from Effie, August 1967, about her visit with Dayton Friend 4. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, undated. "This article in the paper about the original 'Buster Brown' brought to mind something from the past. I'm guessing I was about six years old. It was a rare occasion to go someplace in those days on the farm. The folks took us to Everson to a hall that had a stage and a screen and someone played a piano. The occasion was a free show put on by the Buster Brown Company. The shows in those days consisted of showing the picture on the screen and the next screen was the words. I suppose it was the first time I'd seen anything like a picture show. But most of all I remember Margie Tyler sitting next to Gordon up front and to the left of where I sat. She read all the working throughout the picture out loud to Gordon. 'Buster Brown' and 'Tige' were there." 5. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, undated. "I remember we were always cautious of Pangborn Lake. But in the early days the fish were good there. We had many a dinner of fish and duck in season. Many a dish of cranberries came from the marshes around the lake. Muskrat were trapped in the winter and pelts sold to Sears Roebuck." "In the later years someone got the idea to put catfish in the lake. This time Pop and some more were in the group that went fishing and when they came home the catch filled our big dishpan. I said I would clean the fish. I got along fine until I picked up a catfish and it was alive and jumpy. It startled me so I began to cry. The men folks thought it a great joke to play on me but Mom gave them what for.' "Speaking of fish in those times, salmon used to come up the creek that flows out of Pangborn Lake. The boys used to take them from the creek with a pitchfork and they made good fertilizer." 6. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, undated. "I remember how the family enjoyed the goodies I would make. Mom encouraged me to try anything and everything. We had a good cookbook. I had my share of failures. This one time my white cake sunk in the middle. I felt badly but I had an inspiration. I made a nice, smooth chocolate icing. Placed a saucer on the plate and put the fallen layer upside down on the saucer. I iced it and the second layer on upside down. I iced the whole cake and it sure did look nice. I never said a word about it. When the cake was cut that evening my secret was out. I thought Henry and Dick would never stop laughing. That cake was one of the best I ever made." 7. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, undated. "This little true story took place in Bellingham during the Second World War. Ray was in the South Pacific area and Henry was in the China-India-Burma area. I wanted to do something nice for them and give them something else to think and talk about. So I filled out the papers for the Veterans of Foreign Wars membership. I went to the meeting hall on this meeting night. There were maybe twenty men there to take the oath. I was the only woman present. We marched around to the different chairs or officers and back to the middle of the room. All very impressive & solemn. Then we were sworn in. When that was over the men all shook hands with me and said nice things. I then left that meeting and went to the room where the Ladies Auxiliary was held. There I went through the same ceremony and became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Post #1585. p.s. I wore a blue dress." 8. As told to Sue Flanegan by Tom Kelley, 1966. "The first Clearbrook School was built of logs in 1887 and was located near the southwest corner of the Kelley farm. There were 15 or 16 students answering the name of Ehlers, Hagin, Kelley, Kirkman, Tilton or Van Over. In the mid-1890's John Kelley and a neighbor, Bob Duncan, each donated a half-acre of land on the Van Buren Road for a school. A larger school was later created across the road." 9. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, undated. "This is a true story about a print of an oil painting. The artist was J. Henry Ehlers. I saw this picture on the recreation hall wall where we spent the winter of 1973 at Los Palmas Trailer Park, Apartado Postal 310, Mazatlan, Sinola, Mexico. Dr. Luies De Alba Luna owns 51% of this trailer park and Dr. and Mrs. Heuron of Medford, Oregon own the rest. I ask Mrs. Heuron about the picture. She said when she married the Dr. and went to live at his family's home in Medford, this picture was in the attic. When she was decorating the hall in Mexico it seemed a good place to display it. From memory I have tried to paint the two white cockatoos sitting on a branch. One falling one way and the other with its back to us. The background was quite tropical looking with green leaves. With my limited talent this is the best I can do at this time." EDITOR'S NOTE: A PHOTOGRAPH OF HER PAINTING IS IN THE PHOTO ALBUM. 10. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, October 27, 1969. "This is a true story. Names are omitted but the locale is Lynden. The Dutch people were very religious as I remember as a little girl. The head of the family always went to church regardless of illness or weather. No work was ever done on Sunday, even going so far as to go out to the barn before 12:00 at night and put the harness on the horse. Time to go to church, the horse was hitched to the buggy. On returning to the horse was put back in the stall but the harness was not removed till 12:00 that night. The stove was never turned on on Sunday. Just cold lunch was served with as little effort as possible. Even to this day it is a 'no no' to mow the lawn on Sunday." 11. Letter to the family from Effie, dated about August 12, 1967. "I was in Bellingham...took a little time and went to see Mrs. Roland C. Richards. Before her marriage she was Frances Bloom...still so pretty as I remembered her from so many years ago....said her Dad's things were gone but showed me a photograph album. In the collection was Northwood School & children including George Crabtree, Northwood Mill before it burned...many pictures of the Jacobs family & first house...even Paul Jacobs picture in the group. Grandma Ehlers, Jim, Fred B. and Laura. She looked like Judy Grenstad..." 12. Story written by (and, I think about) Effie, undated. "A lady made a pot of pea soup and took it with her to her Brother's farm for a treat. Well, while there she picked a pan of black berries and cooked them. She got ready to pour them in a bowl that happened to be sitting next to the pan of soup. Well a man in the bathroom shaving started a conversation and distracted the cook. She started pouring too soon. The berries were poured into the pan of pea soup. To this day she hasn't heard the last of it. p.s. She went out and picked another pan of berries." 13. Letter written by Wayne Ehlers, Speaker of the House, to Effie and Ray, January 21, 1983. Included enclosure of a letter written by Edna Davis Ehlers inquiring whether we were related. "I received this letter, which is is self-explanatory, and thought that you might want to respond. Knowing of all the genealogical work you have done during your travels perhaps you will know right away whether we are related to these folks." "I also want to say how nice it was to have you come down for the swearing-in on the eleventh. Having the family down for the day made it very special. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Mom and I went out to dinner later that evening. I've enclosed a picture from the day that was taken during the reception. I haven't had time to review all the proofs yet, but I'll send more if you would like me to do so." "Well, I need to get some work done her for the state. Be sure to take care of yourself. Look forward to seeing you again."

Note Number

Note Text

[Ehlers Family History.FBK.FBK.FBK.FBK.FTW]

1. I have the wedding certificates for both weddings---8/20/1936 and 3/14/1942

2. Photo of Effie in Ned Skinner's corporate offices. Architecture/West Magazine, July 1963, page 22

3. I have several children's books I believe belong to Effie, Katie Little Ehlers and other family members. They are stored in one of the plastic boxes with oversized framed pictures, etc.

LAKESIDE CEMETERY---THE EHLERS FAMILY PARK

Effie was very involved in legalizing the Lakeside Cemetery, which had been set aside as a one-acre site for family members and the community. It was created in 1899 by H.C. and Nancy Ehlers when their son, Johnie, died. Over the years while many people were buried there, apparently the legal process had not been entirely followed. Beginning in 1966 with a limited liability report issued by the Bellingham Title Company, the issue was beginning to come to a head. A letter to Bill Ehlers (December 21, 1971) by attorney Jacob Smith asked that he contact and try to correct the fact that the "family park" was vested in many different people. In a letter dated January 12, 1972 attorney Smith he indicated that, "...I am of the opinion that it might be better to leave the title as it is." So rather than try to completely clear title to the property he suggested that family members get together and appoint one member to proceed with the management and development of the property. Effie was the family appointee.

"Monday, June 26, 1972. I went to the Bellingham Court House and had the good fortune to talk with Hugh Corey. I had a copy of the 'Homestead Map' and copies of old tax statements on 'The Park'. I ask him about bringing the title up to date. He ask if Grandad left a will or an estate and about N.A. Ehlers. Did we want to ever sell it or borrow money on it, etc.? I said, 'No'. He said it would need a lawyer and title insurance and go to court to bring it up to date. But as he saw it, as always being family property as such and only one acre that he suggested leaving it N.A. Ehlers and thereafter in an Ehlers name. I ask him to make in N.A. Ehlers in care of William Ehlers..."

Effie followed up with a legal document with the Lakeside Cemetery Association that guaranteed the continuation of the family park. July 20, 1974.

EDITOR'S NOTE---PLEASE REFER TO BOTH THE FOLDER ON THE LAKESIDE CEMETERY AS WELL AS NOTES INCLUDED UNDER JOHN CHRISTOPHER EHLERS.

Folder for Effie Ehlers Fowler includes the following: a letter dated December 13, 1972 about her retirement and the notes from her retirement party; postcard to Henry A. from Yuma, Arizona, in 1975; a report card from Clearbrook School, eighth grade, January 1925; a story about Ned Skinner, her boss; a letter dated May 19, 1967 from R.C. Rose, a supervisor at work, commending her efforts at getting business;3 copies of her birth certificate;correspondence concerning the Ehlers Tea Company (samples of tea bags in plastic storage box); copies of both marriage certificates (1936 and 1942) to Ray Fowler; receipts from Wayne Ehlers for their political contributions to his 1972 election campaign for the House of Representatives ($25); a note, undated, from Wayne regarding a visit to see him at the Legislature;letter from Effie, August 1967, about her visit with Dayton Friend

4. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, undated.

"This article in the paper about the original 'Buster Brown' brought to mind something from the past. I'm guessing I was about six years old. It was a rare occasion to go someplace in those days on the farm. The folks took us to Everson to a hall that had a stage and a screen and someone played a piano. The occasion was a free show put on by the Buster Brown Company. The shows in those days consisted of showing the picture on the screen and the next screen was the words. I suppose it was the first time I'd seen anything like a picture show. But most of all I remember Margie Tyler sitting next to Gordon up front and to the left of where I sat. She read all the working throughout the picture out loud to Gordon. 'Buster Brown' and 'Tige' were there."

5. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, undated.

"I remember we were always cautious of Pangborn Lake. But in the early days the fish were good there. We had many a dinner of fish and duck in season. Many a dish of cranberries came from the marshes around the lake. Muskrat were trapped in the winter and pelts sold to Sears Roebuck."
"In the later years someone got the idea to put catfish in the lake. This time Pop and some more were in the group that went fishing and when they came home the catch filled our big dishpan. I said I would clean the fish. I got along fine until I picked up a catfish and it was alive and jumpy. It startled me so I began to cry. The men folks thought it a great joke to play on me but Mom gave them what for.'
"Speaking of fish in those times, salmon used to come up the creek that flows out of Pangborn Lake. The boys used to take them from the creek with a pitchfork and they made good fertilizer."

6. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, undated.

"I remember how the family enjoyed the goodies I would make. Mom encouraged me to try anything and everything. We had a good cookbook. I had my share of failures. This one time my white cake sunk in the middle. I felt badly but I had an inspiration. I made a nice, smooth chocolate icing. Placed a saucer on the plate and put the fallen layer upside down on the saucer. I iced it and the second layer on upside down. I iced the whole cake and it sure did look nice. I never said a word about it. When the cake was cut that evening my secret was out. I thought Henry and Dick would never stop laughing. That cake was one of the best I ever made."

7. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, undated.

"This little true story took place in Bellingham during the Second World War. Ray was in the South Pacific area and Henry was in the China-India-Burma area. I wanted to do something nice for them and give them something else to think and talk about. So I filled out the papers for the Veterans of Foreign Wars membership. I went to the meeting hall on this meeting night. There were maybe twenty men there to take the oath. I was the only woman present. We marched around to the different chairs or officers and back to the middle of the room. All very impressive & solemn. Then we were sworn in. When that was over the men all shook hands with me and said nice things. I then left that meeting and went to the room where the Ladies Auxiliary was held. There I went through the same ceremony and became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Post #1585. p.s. I wore a blue dress."

8. As told to Sue Flanegan by Tom Kelley, 1966.

"The first Clearbrook School was built of logs in 1887 and was located near the southwest corner of the Kelley farm. There were 15 or 16 students answering the name of Ehlers, Hagin, Kelley, Kirkman, Tilton or Van Over. In the mid-1890's John Kelley and a neighbor, Bob Duncan, each donated a half-acre of land on the Van Buren Road for a school. A larger school was later created across the road."

9. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, undated.

"This is a true story about a print of an oil painting. The artist was J. Henry Ehlers. I saw this picture on the recreation hall wall where we spent the winter of 1973 at Los Palmas Trailer Park, Apartado Postal 310, Mazatlan, Sinola, Mexico. Dr. Luies De Alba Luna owns 51% of this trailer park and Dr. and Mrs. Heuron of Medford, Oregon own the rest. I ask Mrs. Heuron about the picture. She said when she married the Dr. and went to live at his family's home in Medford, this picture was in the attic. When she was decorating the hall in Mexico it seemed a good place to display it. From memory I have tried to paint the two white cockatoos sitting on a branch. One falling one way and the other with its back to us. The background was quite tropical looking with green leaves. With my limited talent this is the best I can do at this time." EDITOR'S NOTE: A PHOTOGRAPH OF HER PAINTING IS IN THE PHOTO ALBUM.

10. Story by Effie Ehlers Fowler, October 27, 1969.

"This is a true story. Names are omitted but the locale is Lynden. The Dutch people were very religious as I remember as a little girl. The head of the family always went to church regardless of illness or weather. No work was ever done on Sunday, even going so far as to go out to the barn before 12:00 at night and put the harness on the horse. Time to go to church, the horse was hitched to the buggy. On returning to the horse was put back in the stall but the harness was not removed till 12:00 that night. The stove was never turned on on Sunday. Just cold lunch was served with as little effort as possible. Even to this day it is a 'no no' to mow the lawn on Sunday."

11. Letter to the family from Effie, dated about August 12, 1967.

"I was in Bellingham...took a little time and went to see Mrs. Roland C. Richards. Before her marriage she was Frances Bloom...still so pretty as I remembered her from so many years ago....said her Dad's things were gone but showed me a photograph album. In the collection was Northwood School & children including George Crabtree, Northwood Mill before it burned...many pictures of the Jacobs family & first house...even Paul Jacobs picture in the group. Grandma Ehlers, Jim, Fred B. and Laura.
She looked like Judy Grenstad..."

12. Story written by (and, I think about) Effie, undated.

"A lady made a pot of pea soup and took it with her to her Brother's farm for a treat. Well, while there she picked a pan of black berries and cooked them. She got ready to pour them in a bowl that happened to be sitting next to the pan of soup. Well a man in the bathroom shaving started a conversation and distracted the cook. She started pouring too soon. The berries were poured into the pan of pea soup. To this day she hasn't heard the last of it. p.s. She went out and picked another pan of berries."

13. Letter written by Wayne Ehlers, Speaker of the House, to Effie and Ray, January 21, 1983. Included enclosure of a letter written by Edna Davis Ehlers inquiring whether we were related.

"I received this letter, which is is self-explanatory, and thought that you might want to respond. Knowing of all the genealogical work you have done during your travels perhaps you will know right away whether we are related to these folks."
"I also want to say how nice it was to have you come down for the swearing-in on the eleventh. Having the family down for the day made it very special. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Mom and I went out to dinner later that evening. I've enclosed a picture from the day that was taken during the reception. I haven't had time to review all the proofs yet, but I'll send more if you would like me to do so."
"Well, I need to get some work done her for the state. Be sure to take care of yourself. Look forward to seeing you again."

Partnerships:

Ray Fowler
Ray Robert Fowler