Celebrating 63 years!

My parents, Gene and Martha Franklin, celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on December 23, 2014. 

Congratulations! 

old family photos

from May 1960 - my maternal grandparents 

Rev John Sherman and Ethel Mae Allen Rice

Gone, but not forgotten!

In honor of Cindy's Uncle "Sonny" Ralph Morris Baggett, whose birthday was Friday, Sept 5th.

We found this campaign card recently and thought it was neat that he ran for office "Justice of the Peace" back in the day.  

Sonny would have been 80 this year!
Click to read hit obit in 2006

Tiny Keeter with her son Billy , early 1950s photo

Tiny and her son Billy Keeter 

I never got the know Tiny (Tina) Keeter 

as she died in 1953 before I was born.  

Tiny was the mother of my grandmother Mattie Belle Keeter Franklin.

This photo from the Franklin family archives was taken early 1950s -  

Those were the days...

Photo from 1956  

Cindy in the middle of the truck bed with 

her uncles David (L) and Leslie (R) 

A four generation photo from the past

Four generations (photo from Sept 1954) 

Cindy on her dad's lap - Joel Layton (J.L.) Baggett, Jr. 

Mildred (Mam-ma) Lorena Franks Baggett (left) 

Josie Viola Kindrick Franks (great-grandmother)

Reunion 2014 in photos

"Cousin" Joe Rogers and Uncle Joel Blackstock 

in conversation at the reunion.  

 Joel is married to Cindy's aunt Robbie Kay Baggett Blackstock.

Joe is the son Aunt Bea (Beatrice Baggett) Rogers 

who was the sister of Cindy's grandfather, 

Joel Layton Baggett, Sr.

Reunion photos 2014

Susan Blackstock  always does a great job taking our group photo for the reunion.  

Only she could round up 58 people and make them sit still for a photo!   

She also has a charming way with the kids!

If you live in Arkansas you can check her out at this link to susanblackstockphotography

Susan, cousin Mike's wife, with Charlie, Loren and Haley Grace! 

Reunion 2014 photos

Special times at the Baggett/Franks Reunion June 2014

Cindy holding grandbaby Asher and talking to Aunt Dolores Franks  and Mary Franks 

Reunion 2014 in photos

One of my favorite photos from the reunion  -  

I was able to capture the moment as Aunt Robbie gives 

Daniel one of her special hugs. 

Reunion photos June 14, 2014

Reunion 2014 photo -  Franks family -  

It was great to see some of the family of Mam-ma (Mildred Franks Baggett) at the reunion this  year.  Jesse G Franks (we called him Uncle Bo) was represented by his wife Dolores Franks, daughter Mary Franks and son David Franks.  Three of David's children were with him as his wife had to stay home with the other three children.  

Baggett Family Reunion June 14 2014

Video for Memorial Day: "Here's to the Heroes: A Military Tribute"

Thanks to my dad, Gene Franklin, and others who served our country in time of war. Dad was in the Navy from 1944-1946, during World War II. This video tribute sung for the Ten Tenors..."Here's to the Heroes"

Tracing our ancestry recently, we learned that one my grandfather Charles Clinton Franklin's brother Private John P Franklin was killed in action, Feb 19, 1919, during WWI.

Matha's Story, page 6

After returning from our honeymoon to Gatlinburg, TN,  we went to Clifton, SC to live with Gene's mom for a few weeks.  We stayed with his mom for about a month.  Gene's Mom (Mattie Belle) was such a good cook.  She would not only cook good meals, but would also make cobblers or fried pies for dessert.  She really spoiled me.   When we were sitting in the living room, Gene's six year old nieces, Patsy and Judy, were also living at grandma's. They would peek through the keyhole to see what we were doing. Judy went with us many times to visit my mom and dad in North Carolina. She as told this story through the years "When we went to bed, I would be between them, but I would wake up on the other side of the bed!" 

After four weeks, we found a mill house to rent.  We didn't have much but we were so happy to have a place of our own.  In the summer of 1952, we purchased a Frigidaire.  Boy, were we thrilled!  We had been using block ice to keep things cold.  Then my mother bought us a beautiful dinette set. The color was gold and we loved it!

Remembering Mam-Ma Baggett this week!

Mildred Baggett was born 100 years ago, January  22, 1914.  She was called "Mam-Ma Baggett" by everyone who knew her, including the preacher. 

To remember her this week, Cindy cooked Mam-Ma Baggett's special spaghetti recipe for us to enjoy!

IRISH-ITALIAN SPAGHETTI

1 chopped onion
2 Tablesp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp tobasco sauce
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash red pepper
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 8 oz. package of spaghetti 

Directions: Cook onion in hot oil until golden.  Add meat and seasonings;  brown slightly; cover and let simmer 10 minutes.  Add soups, cover and let simmer 45 minutes. 
Cook spaghetti in boiling, salted water until tender.  Drain and rinse with hot water. 
Arrange on a hot platter or plate and pour sauce over spaghetti.  Serves 4-6

Grandparents are special

Two people who made a distinct impression in my life were my grandparents - Rev. John Sherman and Ethel Mae Allen Rice.  I remember our many visits to their home in Sandy Mush, North Carolina. They always had a special treat, usually ice cream, for us to enjoy when we arrived.  This photo was taken in April of 1960, probably Easter Sunday. My mother, Martha, was the youngest of their three children.   

Great Memories!

                                                                                                                 

A favorite photo 
from the past - 
riding the Galveston 
Ferry in 1977

with Carl, JL and 
Mam-Ma Baggett.

Mam-Ma was born 
on Jan 22, 1914 
(100 years ago) 

and died on Jan 26, 1999.

J.L. was born on 
Dec 24, 1931 
and died Nov 5, 2002.

                          




In memory of Mam-Ma (Mildred) Baggett and Cindy's dad J.L. Baggett, Jr.