Ukiah Daily Journal from Ukiah, California • Page 11

Thursday, September 1983 Ukiah Dally. Journal, Uklah, to Visit cousin By FAg WOODWARD Journal staff Wrlttr Relatives of Harriett Gireerilee will be gathering in Ukiali this weekend for a special treat. They will meet and visit with a distant relative, Daphne Sidell of Norwich, England. Although the family was aware of its roots and even that there were still family members residing in England, it wasn't until Helen and Don Musser were doing genealogical research that Helen's distant cousin was uncovered. The storv behind the story is that at the same time the Mussers were malc- ing inquiries in correspondence to England, Sidell lilso making an effort to locate the part of the Aolett family that had gone across the; sea to 1i; America.

In an old Bible that had belonged to li her grandfather, Sidell found a postcard from a James Ablett (Harriett's father), who was her grand; father's brother. It was postmarked in Des Moines, Iowa, and she wrdte the postmaster in that city asking him to give her letter to a relative of James Ablett. Her letter was directed to one of James' sons (a twin), Edward Ablett. Edward gave the letter to a niece, one of his sister's daughters, wiip also lives in Des Moines. Both wrote to Daphne and in correspondence directed her to the Mussers, whom they knew were working on tlie family's genealogy.

While all this was going on, Don Musser wrote to the occupant of a residence in England asking that his letter be given to a vicker who could send birth, marriage and death records from the township in which the Mussers knew the Ablett family had lived. Their correspondece reached a Tony Ashby, who did as asked. Among the information gathered by the vicker were: the names of Daphne's parents, John Smith and The vicker also asked Ashby: "bo you suppose that chap in the U.S. would mind sending the usual $10 fee?" Delighted with the success of his venture, Musser, a retired school teacher afld principal, willingly sent the required fee. While Sidell was corresponding with relatives in Iowa, she discovered that a great uncle in the Ablett family had been awarded the Victorian Cross by England's queen for his action during the Orimean War.

He also was presented the scarf of his commanding officer, by that officer. These, she learned, were in a museum in London. On a holiday, she traveled to London to visit the museum, which she found protected by the Grenadiere Guards. Sidell's family had been members of the Coldstream Guards and wh6n the Grenadiere Guards learned this they treated her like a qtifeen, she reported. In addition to entertaining her, they had someone gather for her a family history that raced her family back to about 1750.

When Sidell finally got in touch with the Mussers, she had all of this history to share with them. Sidell is employed in a print shop in Norwich where she operates a camera that makes enlargements and reductions of reproductions for periodicals, books and pamphlets printed there. In fact, this print shop has won the contract to print ail of the works of William Shakespeare. Sidell's dark room skills have been an added benefit, since she has been able to send the Ablett family in the U.S. reproductions of a number of old photographs.

Months of correspondence, sharing information about the families followed, and this month Sidell was able to talk her employer into a three-week vacation to come to the United States. Last week she was entertained by 84 ENGLISH VISITOR, Daphne Sidell, visits with 92-year-old Harriett Greenlee, an American cousin. members of the Ablett family in Des Moines. This week she will be visited by members of the family who live on the West Coast. Sidell arrived at the San Francisco Airport Monday afternoon atjd was picked up by Don and Helen Musser.

While waiting for the rest of the family to gather, the Mussers plan to take their guest to visit the Avenue of the Giants, the fish harbor at Noyo, the art colony at Mendocino, Parducci's Wine Cellars, Hopland Station, and McDowell Valley Vineyards. Harriett Greenlee, Helen Musser's mother, and the daughter of James Ablet, knew about the Ablet family in England. In fact, during World War II her son, while stationed In England, was able to make contact with a member of the Ablet family there. It was an aunt of Sidell, who has since died. Members of Sidell's family in Ejigland knew and talked about this visit which took place 40 years ago.

"Now," the English visitor says, "we are the oldest generation Artist paints scattered, drying grapes Barnett wins best of show, first place By FAE WOODWARD Journal staff Writer PATRICIA BARNETT with prize winning painting. "I have been painting since 1978 and exhibited my work in the fairs since 1980," Patricia Barnett said today as she proudly displayed a painting which won her a best of show at one fair and a first place ribbon at another. Barnett actually shared the best of show in the professional division at the Redwood Empire Fair in Ukiah with Betty Ann Spencer. The blue ribbon winner who exhibited two years as an amateur, has been exhibiting the last two with professional artists. "I feel overwhelmed by this honor, and I'm not sure I deserve it," the artist said with a wide grin brightening her face.

"I'm more convinced of my ability, though, than last year when I entered the professional division for the first time and won a first place ribbon in the still life class for an arrangement of wild Barnett said at that point she was not really prepared to receive such a high award.The painting which won best of show in Ukiah in August and first place at the Mendocino County Fair in Boonville this month, is a watercolor of scattered grapes. "The painting is entitled 'Last of the It features drying grapes, plucked and scattered." According to Barnett the scattering was done carefully to form a pleasing arrangement which looks random, but in actuality is not. "A great deal of planning went on before paint," she said. Barnett said she has continued to further her -art education at workshops and Mendocino Community College. "Last year, I enrolled in a design class taught by Bob Comings, art instructor at MCC," she said.

"I learned a great deal about the elements that make a pleasing She followed this experience with a five-day workshop by Jade Fon in Pacific Grove in June at the Asilomar Conference Grounds. "It was a wonderful exposure, one in which I gained an appreciation for the competition outside our valley," Barnett said. "I hope to repeat this experience next year," she went on. "I have a lot of work to do tp feel ready to assimilate this concentrated experience." The artist said in addition to her paintings, she enjoys participation in other art forms. "I am a.vocalist and seamstress," she said.

My daughter's wedding gown also won a first place ribbon at our county fair this year. These, though, are definitely taking second place to my painting." In addition to being the wife of Robert Barnett, college business and math instructor, and the mother of two daughters, Patricia Barnett is the area representative for Ukiah's Christian Women's Club, a consultant for the club, and will be working on newspaper publicity for the Mendocino County Art Association, next month. In addition to her best of show award at the Redwood Empire Fair, Barnett also received a third place for "Peeking Grapes." At Boonville she got a second place for a painting entitled "Talmage Vineyard," and an honorable mention for a painting called "Withering Grapes." Other professional artists entered in the landscape class in which Barnett had her "Talmage Vineyard," included Betty Ann Spencer, who received first place for a painting, "The Gulls" Third place went to Fred A. Cornell for "Mendocino Back Street," and an honorable mention went to Betty L. Graubard for "Redwood Forest." Competing in the life class in which Barnett won her blue were Warren W.

Zimmer, who got second place with "Taking Five;" Beth Seaward, third for "Summer Dance." Honorable mention went to Glenna Anderson for "Dunk Tub," and to Barnett for' 'Withering Grapes." Thursday 6 p.m. Ukiah Soccer vs. Sonoma. 6 p.m. Overeaiers Anonymous meeting, Ukiah Church of Religious Sclent, 741 S.

Oak St. Ptibllc invited. No dues, no fees, no 485-7707. 7 p.m. Ukiah physical activity, Joe Riley Park, Lake Mendocino Dr.

7 p.m. Ukiah Valley Horseshoe Club, 12th District Fairgrounds, 7 p.m. Elk's bingo games, $4 entry dona- tlon. $25 minimum prize. 7-8 p.m.

"Back to School Night," Yokayo School. 7:30 p.m. Open house on wholistic health, sponsored by Heartwood College at Rising Shree Ranch, 121 HiUtop Dr. near Willits. For directions: 459-4759, info: 459-6907.

8 p.m. Gratitude meeting, 640 Orchard closed meeting.) study group AA Ave. (also men's Friday 9 a.m.-4 Annual fall rummage sale by Ukiah Presbyterian womien, Bromley Hall; Presbyterian Church, comer of Perkins and streets, Ukiah. 9:30 a.m. Redwood Valley TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the First Baptist Church on Ellen Lynn (off West Road).

Call 485-5155, or 485-8691. a.m. Flu shots by Lake County Health Department, Clearlake Oaks Senior Center, 12519 FoothUl, Cleariake Oaks. Fee $2. For information tJhone 263-2241, or 9949433.

9:40 a.m.-UHS: Rally. 10-11 a.m. Adult Education physical fitness class for seniors. Municipal Park Clubhouse, Ukiah. 10-11 a.m.

Bible study class. Senior Citizen Center board room, 496 Leslie St. Instructors: Loretta Challand and Blrtie Duffel. Take a Bible. Birth classes in Ukiah Classes to prepare parents to participate in the birth of their babies will be held the next two Monday eVenings at Ukiah General Hospital.

Cesarean sections will be the topic of the class to t)e held October 3 at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the hospital. Parents who know they will have this form of birth may attend the class to find out what to expect. Fathers planning to attend cesarean births must attend the class. Parents and support persons who wish to be participate in'births at the hospital's special Birth Room, must attend the "Orientation to the Birth Room" to be held at 7 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 10 in the conference room. Vintage Ball Fourth annual grande ball, sponsored by the Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce, wUl Saturday, Oct 8, at Weibei Winery, chamber representatives announced today, Reservations deadline has been announced for Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. The event will feature food, dancing and I entertainment from There will be a no-host bar for cocktails Which can be enjoyed with hors d'oeuvres around the fountain from 6:30 to 8 p.m., followed by a Succulent cross rib dinner with all the trimmings; catered by Frank and Ann Cuff.

Wine will be available with dinner. At 9:30, Weibel's tasting room will be transformed Into a ballroom with music by the Al Band. "All this for the unbelievable price of $15 per persons," stated Al Norris, executive secretary of the chamber. Tickets are available at the chamber office. Reservations and tickets may be obtained by phoning 462-4705.

Reservations cannot be accepted after Oct. 3 at 5 p.m., Norris "Mark your calendar to attend the 1983 Vintage Ball," the chamber executive urged. "It will be an evening to remember. Dance to the familiaf sounds of the Big Band Era!" Marriott's trip changed Since Marriott's Great America will close the end of October, the day trip planned as part of the Fall Recreation Program has been rescheduled to Oct. at, it was announced today.

the trip, which will begin at 6:30 and end is limited and pre- registration and pre-payment are required. Cost for the event is $25 per person and includes transportation and entrance to the park. All rides are included in the cost of the entrance. Persons interested in attending the trip to Marriott's must contact Mendocino County Youth Project before Oct. 10, at 462-7568.

The trip is sponsored by the Youth Pro- ect and the City of Ukiah Parks and Recreation Department as part of the Fall Recreation Program. Bridge winners Margaret Angell and Harry Hook were winners over-all In the two session Grand National Bridge Pairs held Sunday at the Great Western Savings and Loan building in Ukiah. Tied for second were Kathleen McKenna and Jack Myers with Bernice Bromley and Margaret Weaver. Irene and George Hunter were fourth. The next qualifying round will be held in Ashland, Ore.

Tied for first Monday night were Zqe and Bill Green with Weaver and Bromley. Third went to the Hunters, with fourth to Broc Phoenix and Allen Prior. Surprise anniversary party The second annual Bleuss Family reunion was held this month with a surprise 50th wedding anniversary celebration, honoring Frank and Maxine Bluess of Clear Lake. Although nearly 200 people gathered at the Starview Lodge at Cobb, the group was able to keep its plans a secret and surprise the honorees. A wedding cake, bottle of champagne and two glasses form a centerpiece at the head table.

The tiered anniversary cake, decorated by llan Olson, included the "bride and groom" ornament from the couple's oroginal wedding cake. It actually was on Nov. 2, 1933 that Maxine Elizabeth Merritt and Frank Charles Bleuss exchanged vows in what was the largest wedding ever held at Grace Methodist Church in San Francisco. Frank was the owner of a butcher shop on Courtland Avenue, that had been in the family for years. Maxine also was a native of the city whose father, Frank Merritt was an attorney and founder of the Goodwill Industries in San Francisco.

The couple moved to Lake County in the early 1950 's when they an interest in Hoberg's Resort, with Frank involved in food service and the dining room, and Maxine a mainstay in the office. They retired to their Cobb Mountain home when Hoberg'sAvas sold in 1974. Saturday night dance Saturday night's dance at the Senior Citizen Center this week wiRbe a Ball," according to Eva Graves, dance chairman. Bob Butler's Band will play music from the 50 's Big Band era for those who enjoy ballroom dancing, according to Graves. Dancing will.be from 7:30 to 11 p.m., with an intermission time to enjoy cookies and sandwiches taken to the event by dancers for a buffet.

Coffee and punch will be furnished. Admission will be a $2 donation to the Senior Center..