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Our Forefathers and Foremothers 9
Sam the second time around
Sam the Miracle Man happily welcomed her back to California, but she was very disappointed. A sapphire bracelet, a three-marten fur scarf, pearl earrings, crystal necklaces and an antique crystal powder dish with a sterling silver top, all gifts from Mr. Smith, did little to cheer up my dear little grandmother. She gave me the powder dish, which is displayed in our guest powder room.
In 1955, Fannie could no longer take care of her duplex but didn’t want to burden her son or my mother, who couldn’t care for her own self very well, so my grandma applied for admission to The Jewish Home for the Aging, located in Boyle Heights. The cost of admission was to sell one’s assets and give them to the home. This entitled one to live forever in a nice environment, with meals, entertainment and medical assistance provided. Fannie sold her property and moved into the home.
However, since everyone had to share a room with another person, my granny decided she wasn’t going to spend the rest of her life listening to some other old lady repeatedly telling the story of her life. “They can talk you to death,” she would say. So, she made a wise decision.
Above
Mr. Smith’s gift to Fannie of an antique crystal powder dish was welcomed, but he failed to make a move to tie the knot.
Salter collection.
Opposite
Fannie in the 1950s.
Her vintage green enameled pin is cleverly designed to be worn as a single pin, or two separate ones. Salter collection.
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