(4411) Marjorie Anne Day b.5/10/1920 m.1/1/1939
Clayton Edward Crunden (better known as Red)
The Crundens relocated to Merridale, NY in the
1950’s and operated a small farm on Smith Hill Road. I can remember Marge
telling of their move to New York from Hartland CT. They removed the back seat
of the car so they could transport a cow to the new farm. They farmed into the
1980’s and by then owned three farms. They had several nieces and nephews that
they put up each summer. We helped work the farm and had great summers. I think
we drove Red right out of his mind. Even after we became adults they always
welcomed us and our families into their home. Red passed away 9/15/1997. Marge
and Matt live in Morriston, FL.
Bill Day (4523)
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Memories of Aunt Marge and Uncle Red
I have many fond memories of my Dad's youngest sister, Marjorie Anne Day, better known to all the Days of my generation as Aunt Marge and her husband Clayton Crunden better known as Uncle Red. When they lived up on the hill in Hartland, I spent many a fun weekend with cousins Fred and Clay making mischief in the fields and forest around their home. The time period was roughly the late 40's-to early 50's. While a lot of the details blur I record here some highlights that made an impression on my youthful mind and that may jog others memories:
My Uncle Red was one of the hardest working men I have ever known. Whether it was carpentry, farming, cutting wood, cutting brush, working at the creamery-he always charged right into the task stayed with it until the job was done. I still remember his work ethic advice "Bull right into it and give it hell all the way!"
We cousins always had a great time when in Aunt Marge's care. She was always good natured, ready with the latest joke, and willing to take a gaggle of kids and cousins to the local swimming hole or fishing for Sun fish. She was helpful when cucumber and mayo sandwiches were the fad.
Marge and Red had the first Television set that I remember seeing, It was installed in their home in Hartland in time for the Joe Louis vs. Rocky Marciano fight in 1951. As a 10 year old in the corner, I can still remember the excitement of all the adults as Marciano knocked Louis through the ropes in the 8th round and the ring announcer kept repeating "and the Brown Bomber is down!" I also remember watching the Kate Smith show on that TV in the early evenings. As Kate sang "When the Moon comes over the Mountain" my Aunt Marge would always tease me saying that Kate was Donnie's girlfriend.
In the mid 50's Marge and Red moved to Meridale, NY and any number of cousins enjoyed their hospitality. I often stayed for weeks at a time during the summer months. How Uncle Red and the animals survived is still a mystery to me. The following one liners may bring back memories to those involved:
" Uncle Red said to Bill Day "can't you make that horse go any faster!'
" Barbara in the apple tree with a broken ankle after having been chased by a bull was told by loving cousins "you're faking now get down and walk home!"
" Uncle Red from the top of a hay wagon in a field overlooking his farm house-"That looks like smoke - the house is on fire" (Didn't the fire start in the corner where Sharon and Cousin Frankie were setting off fireworks the previous day?)
" Who went from the swimming hole into the barrel of powdered milk and then ran through old lady Tuttle's back yard.
" Who had the idea of going fishing with Cherry Bombs?
" Hunting frogs on the pond with an inner tube and a club-Frog's legs taste just like chicken.
" Who got the neighbor's rouge bull out of the pasture by using Rock Salt in the 12 Gauge and where was the bull hit?
-Donald Day, nephew