Bessemer Area Historical Society 2006 3rd Quarter Newsletter

At this time of giving, I think, in gratitude, of the wonderful gift my parents, unknowingly, gave to me----the gift of limited income. In my early years, with scarcely a discernable difference between the haves and have-nots in our little town, unburdened with excess material possessions, I was free to roam the hills and fields, with only my imagination to limit the scope of my adventures and pleasures.

Winter and summer---each brought their own delights and made treasured memories that come to me at unexpected moments---gifts, that time only makes more dear.

But, with the passage of time, the larger world intruded, and we became a part of it. The joys, sorrows and cares of the adult world became ours. So each of us must cherish the gift we were all given---an opportunity to live and grow in our little
community, and absorb its tranquility and good will.

Our Heritage Center serves us in preserving our past and our memories. Here we can recall the time we were privileged to spend here. Here we can all open the gifts of memory, and Christmas can come to us at any time.

With memories of Christmases past crowding my
thouights, and with gratitude for the gift of your
continued support, I wish for you the gift of happy
memories and "dobre zdrowie'---good health.

Catherine McLean, vice-president