From the Beginning: A Cautionary Tale of an Everyday Family

By Wayne E. Held

From the Beginning: A Cautionary Tale of an Everyday Family is based on the actual events of Wayne E. Held growing up in a family that endured many challenging hardships. It's an extraordinary story of Rachael Anderson facing her overreaching ambitions. Over time, her ambitions of producing and raising a large family were met with overwhelming struggles with each additional child.

Rachael's family faced many social hardships while moving from one town to another. At every move, the hardships became cumbersome and lead to a series of mental and physical abuses.

Upon settling in a rural New Hampshire town, the Andersons faced even more difficult and extreme challenges with responsibilities larger than themselves. Even with the constant help of unswerving neighbors and townspeople, they couldn't redeem Rachael and her family from the extraordinary undertakings of country life. The Andersons endured love of family, social disciplines, and financial struggles, coupled with years of mental and sexual abuses that weaved into the family's emotional fabric--much like those that could be found in any everyday family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781684987443

Book preview

Author’s Note

This novel is the revised edition of the original 2021 publication. It is a more in-depth, controversial tale of Rachael Anderson, who endured financial, social, and economic hardships while producing a large family. It tells how the family coped with the daily struggles and abuses that weathered most families. This story is considered a historical fiction. Names, characters, and incidences are based on the actual life of the author and are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Contents

Author’s Note

From the Beginning

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Rendezvous

The Turnaround

The Transition

Kingston

Winthrop

South Boston

Growing Pains

The New Year

The Additions

Camp Fireside

Trials and Tribulations

A Year of Surprises

The Last Year

New Durham Homestead

The Visits

The Adjustment Days

Another Year, Another Dollar

The Killing Spree

Turning Point

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Graduation

A New Sunrise

Richard’s Block

A New Decade

Closing the Door

Passing of the Matriarch

Epilogue

From the Beginning

The summer of 1952 beamed across the vast playground that lay alongside South Street. There were days Rachael escorted her two toddlers across the street, venturing into the neighborhood’s amusement park. A chain-link fence encompassed the play world of metal swings, monkey bars, a seesaw, and a huge metal slide. From a year and a half’s perspective, it touched the heavens. Nathan was too young climbing to the top. He crawled up halfway from the get-off point, made a turnaround, then slid down to where he began. Rachael stood watching her youngsters’ enjoyment going from one amusement to another, finally settling on the swings to end the day.

Beth was a year older than her brother, having being born in Quincy, Illinois, in November 1949 to Clarence L. and Rachael M. Anderson. Rachael continued giving the slight pushes to the swings as her small ones giggled on their forward incline. Rachael watched their enjoyment while reminiscing of their earlier days.

Rachael remembered how Beth was shown as the darling child throughout the basin of Peoria, Illinois, where the Anderson clan lived. Clarence and Rachael had made their home in Kansas City, Missouri, and drove the many miles throughout the Illinois cornfields visiting Clarence’s family in the farmlands of Macomb. In Rachael’s mind, it didn’t compare to the colonial settings of the Plymouth coast.

Rachael’s family originated in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and was born to parents who could easily pass as her grandparents. Her mother, Sarah, was middle aged while her father, Milton, was on the threshold of his golden years. Rachael was born in Plymouth during May of 1929 and the only child to Milton and Sarah Manter, a period when the nation was facing its worst depression in history.

The depression hit everyone the hardest, with many losing their jobs and experiencing hard times. Hard times was no stranger to those living in the Manomet-Plymouth region. It was a couple of years after Rachael’s birth that Milton developed severe arthritis in both legs, relying mostly on a cane to get about.

The Manters had little possessions, and their meager income wasn’t enough to sustain a livelihood. They found refuge living with Milton’s sister, Ethel Sampson, and her family on Manomet’s Brook Road. Sarah was the main caretaker, utilizing her nursing skills in caring for the community.

Sarah was born not far from the Sampson homestead. Joshua and Martha Nickerson lived near the Manomet shores when they gave birth to Sarah in June of 1892. She was the second of three girls and a boy. The Nickersons’ colonial-style home had limited accessories. It consisted of a hand pump at the kitchen sink, pulling water from the submersible well. They heated water on the stove and utilized an outhouse for relieving themselves. Bathing was primarily done by taking sponge baths since the house wasn’t built with what was considered modern-day plumbing.

Milton was a generous man with an easygoing personality. He was mainly responsible for Rachael’s upbringing during her formative years, allowing his daughter to do whatever she wanted for her own amusement. Sarah was the disciplinarian, making Rachael behave to her every word. Sarah believed in a quick switch of a stick, supporting her theory of not spoiling the child.

As Rachael was an only child, her neighborhood peers often posed as her surrogate siblings. She had a close relationship with one girl, Karen Adams, who lived several roads over. Both were similar yet different in nature. Karen was adventurous, wanting more out of life. She had dreams of leaving the Manomet farmlands and establishing a career in a big city. Rachael also had thoughts of experiencing life beyond her rural domain. She was flighty and flirtatious and wanted an exciting lifestyle. It was Rachael’s peers that tried taming her social ethics during her elementary and adolescent years.

After graduation, Karen was invited to visit an aunt in Kansas City, Missouri. She thought this might be her ticket to the outside world. Karen told her best friend about the upcoming trip, sparking Rachael’s interest in tagging along. There wasn’t much of a career opportunity in the Manomet, Plymouth community. A girl usually married the first guy that came along that made her smile and produced a family. Rachael was ambitious and made it known to her parents she wanted to accompany Karen to Missouri. Sarah and Milton were reluctant but realized their daughter wasn’t close to settling down and agreed to let Rachael travel to Kansas City for a short period. The permission hadn’t left Sarah’s mouth when Rachael was already packed.

She and Karen took the train from Plymouth to Boston, then transferred over for the train ride westward. It took a couple of days stopping at every major city along the plains. The train arrived in Kansas City, where Sonya Ethridge stood waiting at the station. She hugged her niece and welcomed Rachael to the city while driving the weary travelers to the Ethridge Victorian home. It was a massive house with large rooms that seemed to echo the inhabitants of past generations.

The days passed, and Sonya figured the girls had enough time to get settled and for them to start looking for a job. After all, it was the main reason for Karen’s trip. Rachael was ready to explore her new surroundings. Sonya thought Rachael would be better off having something to do even if it was only temporary, keeping her out of mischief.

Both sat at the breakfast table sharing an occasional chuckle as they looked through the want ads of the local newspaper. Karen’s outlook was more administrative while Rachael’s was in waitressing or housekeeping.

The girls made several calls that followed with revealing interviews. Karen landed a secretarial position with Kansas City’s Caterpillar Tractor Company. Days later, Rachael found a part-time job waitressing at a nearby diner. The jobs were just what the girls wanted and needed. It gave them the opportunity to meet and associate with people unlike those that lived on Manomet’s Brook Road.

Many of Caterpillar’s employees solicited the diner. Rachael worked during the lunch period, enjoying the banter and laughter of many of the blue-collar workers. Among those was a man named Clarence Anderson.

Clarence was a slender six footer with blue eyes and wavy brown hair. He was employed as an assembly line mechanic and a regular at the small diner. He caught the eye of Rachael Manter. He noticed her outgoing nature and her broad smile highlighting her oval face framed by her shoulder-length brown hair. Rachael’s pleasant and flirtatious persona, coupled with her slender high-school looks, took every snide remark in stride. Waitressing suited her.

It wasn’t long before Clarence would seat himself in Rachael’s waitressing area. Their conversations became more personal with every cup of coffee. All Rachael could talk about with Karen was Clarence.

Sonya learned about Rachael’s love interest and tried making her realize this was her first love and shouldn’t take it seriously. She cautioned the young lady that there would be other loves in her life once returning to the East Coast in the fall.

Rachael, like Karen, couldn’t see herself going back to the farm life in Manomet. She found herself a man and decided to pursue him. She started dating Clarence, wanting to know everything about him. She learned he was from Macomb, born in March of 1927, and the only son of three children born to Jesse and Hannah Anderson. Clarence had joined the naval reserves upon graduating high school and served two years of active duty during the end of World War II. He was accepted at a local college before being hired by Caterpillar Tractor. The pay was good and made his life in Kansas City.

By fall, the correspondence between Rachael and her parents went back and forth. It was time for Rachael to return home now that she had a taste of the outside world. Rachael wouldn’t have any part of it. She was getting accustomed to the enjoyment of city life.

Rachael laid the foundation of her desires by announcing her marriage to Clarence. They set the date for Christmas Eve. Clarence was settled, yet his family was founded in Macomb on never-ending miles of cornfields and soybeans.

Sarah and Milton realized they no longer had any restraint over their daughter as they read the invitation of her upcoming wedding.

Sarah decided to call. Hello, Rachael? How are you doing, dear?

I’m fine, Mom, came the response.

I got your wedding announcement. Are you really serious about this wedding? asked Sarah.

Mom, of course I am. I love Clarence. He’s everything I ever wanted. He’s intelligent, caring, and is really down to earth. Besides, he has a good job and wants a family just as much as I do, replied Rachael enthusiastically.

Rachael, you’re young. You have your whole life ahead of you, Sarah said with a discouraging tone.

Mom, this is what I want. Are you and Dad coming out? asked the excited daughter.

I’m planning on it. Is it all right if I stay where you are? Is there room? asked Sarah.

There’s plenty for the both of you. When are you planning on traveling? asked Rachael.

It’s just me, dear. Your father won’t be making the trip because of his legs. I’m planning on taking the train out on the twenty-third. I don’t want to leave your father alone too long. Is that all right with you?

There was a slight pause before Rachael answered. Sure, Mom, I’ll arrange your visit on this end. Give my love to Dad.

Okay, Rachael, I’ll drop you a line before then. Take care of yourself, and hope to see you on the twenty-third, ended Sarah.

Rachael met her mother at the train station, giving her a hug and a kiss on her cheek. She was overwhelmed just seeing her mother at her side. Both seated themselves inside the car for the ride to Sonya’s.

Sarah looked at her daughter smiling. You’re looking well, and I’m pleased you’re able to take care of yourself. How’s Karen doing?

She’s doing okay and loves what she’s doing, replied Rachael.

How’s your job holding up? asked Sarah, making small talk.

It’s okay. I love meeting and talking to the different people that go there. How’s Dad? asked Rachael, changing the subject.

Sarah looked at her daughter. He’s holding his own. He misses you and is heartbroken that he couldn’t make the trip to walk you down the aisle. Sarah continued, Rachael, I know we’ve talked about this, but are you sure this is what you want? You’re young. You have your whole life ahead of you. Why don’t you put this whole thing aside and come back home with me? It’ll give you time to think.

Rachael paused, then looked into her mother’s eyes. I want a new life. Manomet isn’t for me. I like it here. There’s so much to do and see. I love you, Mom, but I love Clarence too, and I want to raise a family.

Sarah tried unconvincingly to sway her daughter. The least she could do was help her with any last-minute arrangements for the wedding. Rachael was married at the Trinity Methodist Church in the evening of December 24, 1948. It was a small celebration, with only the immediate family attending.

Sarah rode the long train ride home staring out the window, thinking about her daughter’s wedding. Sarah’s eyes welled, recapturing the moment when the elder Mr. Anderson walked her daughter down the aisle, depriving Milton of being the proud father. The train continued while the disheartened mother looked out watching the landscape swiftly pass by.

Milton waited patiently for his wife’s return. He wanted to know firsthand about his daughter’s wedding. He rubbed his legs, cursing the chronic arthritis that gripped his muscles and prevented him from performing one of his proudest moments. Milton was the second of five children born to Caleb and Harriet Manter in Plymouth during October 1879. Like many of his generation, he graduated with an eighth-grade education with a background of farming.

The newlyweds stayed in Kansas City, often driving the occasional trip through the cornfield territory and arriving at the hidden hamlet of Macomb. Rachael got to know the Andersons with every visit. Clarence loved his town even though it wasn’t for him. They stayed at the Andersons’ farmhouse. From her bedroom, Rachael could see the miles of cornfields. Only a sprinkle of farmhouses and silos could be seen. The trees seemed to be corralled into the horizon. Rachael could only take so much of the rural countryside. It reminded her of the dirt roads she left behind less than a year earlier.

November of 1949, Clarence and Rachael gave birth to their first child, Elizabeth May Anderson. She was Rachael’s pride and joy. Rachael had a family she could call her own. She could see her life getting more entangled with Clarence’s hometown as time went on.

The Korean conflict headlined the nation’s newspapers, and it was known that Clarence would be recalled to active duty. Rachael realized Clarence’s departure, and there would be arrangements for her to stay at the Andersons among the acres of cornfields.

Rachael decided she needed to return to her native New England if she was to survive her husband’s absence. Rachael convinced Clarence of a better life back in Plymouth. That spring, the young Anderson family packed what belongings they had and moved to the colonial shores with Rachael pregnant with her second child.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

William and Flora Atwood looked forward to the arrival of their niece and her husband. The Atwoods had their home on South Street and made room for Rachael and her family. They owned a two-story house across from the large fenced-in playground that paralleled South Street. Flora was Sarah Manter’s older sister. She married William Atwood the same year as her sister. William was a carpenter by trade and helped construct many of Plymouth’s administrative buildings. Flora was a social butterfly and active in the community social circles.

The Atwoods loved traveling throughout the country, giving them no time for raising children. They earned enough money to buy a plot of land at Ellis Pond situated on Plymouth’s outer edge. William built himself a small cottage as a retreat from Plymouth’s flourishing environment.

A few doors down on South Street was the perfect home for sale. It was ideal for what Rachael and Clarence needed with a second child on the way. It was through the navy’s programs that the young Andersons could purchase the place. They no sooner moved in when Clarence received orders to report to active duty, taking his place in the Korean conflict.

By the end of fall, Clarence was serving as a radioman second class on board an LST off the South Korean coast while Rachael was left pregnant with a newborn in her arms. Clarence provided his wife custody of the Ford car, giving her some independence. It wasn’t enough. She approached her parents and convinced them to move in with her on South Street.

It was during the Christmas holiday when Nathan was born. Rachael’s family dynamics was complete. She had a daughter and now a son. Rachael was glad having her mother around helping with the newborn. Her father was the ideal babysitter while both women left to do the shopping. It was the first of the year when Clarence was able to take time in returning home to see his newborn son.

He sent most of his money home for Rachael to pay the bills. She received additional help from her parents’ Social Security checks. The Manters got her through the winter, and with spring on the horizon, Sarah felt it was time for her and Milton to find a place for themselves.

Sarah heard rumors of a family looking to care for their old matriarch and her estate. The Harold family lived on the north end of Plymouth in a two-story estate. The house was surrounded by five acres of flourishing lawns and flower gardens. Sarah knew the family and the matriarch, wasting no time answering the request. By summer, she and Milton had a few rooms they could call their own.

The Manters were given the ground floor of the estate. In return, they would care for the elder—cooking her meals, cleaning her second-floor living quarters, and taking care of the limited outdoor maintenance. A landscaper was hired to mow the lawns and keep the snakelike driveway clear during the winter months. If Sarah needed time for herself, she only needed to notify the family days in advance.

Rachael felt nervous driving her two toddlers while they sat in the back of the Ford. She preferred walking the mile and a half downtown. She prepared the baby carriage for the neighborhood stroll. The carriage was made of rugged steel, possessing an overpowering red leather hood with an extended metal scoop pan. It was perfect for placing those basic toiletries that comforted every infant. It was big enough to fit both children and the accessories for a casual walk along the shore.

Plymouth was a small colonial town established during the 1620s by Pilgrims belonging to the English Separatist Church at Leyden, Holland. They were sponsored and financed by the Merchant Adventurers of London in colonizing themselves in English North America.

Its historic possessions attracted new occupants as the years passed. Its coastal shores invited a multitude of visiting motorboats, including fishing vessels that moored at the town’s extended pier. The large pier jettisoned a short distance from the ornate large portico encasing the Plymouth Rock. The rock had been moved decades earlier when the rock’s tourism increased. It had interfered with the fishing depot and novice fishermen hoping for a fresh supper’s catch.

Accompanying the rock’s portico stood two replicas of Pilgrim homes complete with thatched roofs. Alongside stood a replica of the fortress that protected the Pilgrims against the elements. Plymouth’s coastal vista viewed miles of ocean water dotted with seasonal boats and nearby islands. Across the street stood Cole’s Hill displaying historic statues and the large marble crypt that entombed the ancient bones of the original Pilgrims.

Rachael wheeled her carriage down South Street, turning on Sandwich and continuing along the waterfront. On one side were a couple of small independent parks with benches for the coastline sightseers. The sidewalk followed the curvature of the natural coast, passing Cole’s Hill and the various Pilgrim monuments. A couple of white open-windowed trailers were strategically parked selling Pilgrim souvenirs, banners, postcards, and bottled soft drinks for the occasional tourist.

Rachael loved the waterfront. She grew up with the ocean bordering the town of Manomet. It provided a calmness to her soul. After spending a few hours among fellow wanderers, she wheeled the carriage back to her home. The walk did the threesome good. The salt air prepared them for a midafternoon nap.

Rachael managed the South Street dwelling with help from her mother and aunt. She loaded her two into the car for a day trip, driving along Manomet’s Brook Road, where the remnants of Rachael’s childhood and the Sampson homestead still remained.

She stopped at Clifton and Esther Michaels to say hello and get a glass of cold water for her younger two. The Michaelses were close friends of Sarah and Milton and played the part as Rachael’s adopted aunt and uncle. Esther was a strong, forthright tall woman who projected herself monotonously. Clifton was the ideal retiree. His average height reflected a bald head and displayed the investment of many years of good eating. His presence was inviting, often emitting the aroma of cigar smoke. It was one of his enjoyable vices. An hour passed when Rachael loaded her toddlers and continued the drive on Brook Road, stopping at Aunt Ethel’s for lunch.

Ethel Sampson lived on Brook Road all her life. She was Milton’s younger sister and was born in the1890s. She was a small thin lady whose pleasantness radiated through her thin smile. She wore a simple dress and sported glasses that seemed to magnify her blue eyes. They served to highlight her gentle features. Ethel and her husband, Joseph lived alone now that their children had grown and were living on their own. Their homestead had been well preserved although its exterior was heavily weathered. The inside aired a distinct musty scent that reminisced throughout. The coolness of the nearby brook contributed to the mild dampness that embraced the house.

Ethel was finishing putting lunch together when Rachael arrived with her two kids. Milton’s brother, Octavius, sat on the porch whittling away on a piece of tree limb. He had a slender build, and his weathered face sported a sun-bleached beard. Octavius involved himself in nautical enterprises and was a prominent figure in the operations of the area lighthouses. He was glad seeing his niece and her children. He accompanied them inside, where Ethel was already setting the table for eight. Rachael was curious who else was coming. Ethel invited Molly Baker and Katie Freeman. They were old family friends who hadn’t seen Rachael in years. The luncheon brought back memories of days long passed.

Other days, the trips took Rachael driving to Ellis Pond visiting Uncle William and Aunt Flora. They owned a sheepdog named Teddy, after Teddy Roosevelt. William built the comfortable three-room cottage as a place to relax on those hot summer days. He constructed an outdoor charcoal pit made of cultivated stones, a picnic table, and a hammock that suited them. They often invited the surrounding socialites to stop by for a cool one and a dip in the pond. The Atwoods raised both white and gray rabbits. It was their hobby although they wouldn’t say what happened to them after the summer season when the rabbit cages were emptied.

Rachael loved beaches, and Plymouth had its popular White Horse Beach. She remembered her earlier years when her parents spent a number of days basking in the sun. Rachael thought of all those seashells she gathered along its coastal shore. It was a warm summer day when Rachael gathered her children to spend a few hours enjoying the Atlantic shore. Rachael laid the large army blanket cornered with her shoes and stones preventing the ocean winds from blowing the blanket about. The salt air could be smelled as the ocean rolled its thrusting waves along the shore.

Rachael watched Nathan confront the oncoming waves. They were immense and continuously pounding the pristine white beach. Beth seemed brave enough to challenge the white suds rolling up along the beach shore. Nathan sat contently not far from his mother with a pail and shovel, making creative sand piles. Beth had to be watched constantly, having a tendency to wander off exploring. Today it was small oblong seashells that caught her interests.

It wasn’t often Rachael made long, distant drives. When the moment arose, she made the long drive visiting Charles and Marie Baily. Marie was Sarah’s younger sister, who married a businessman and produced a large family. Marie made no bones that her brood didn’t provide her a moment’s rest.

Rachael had a close relationship with her cousin Constance. She was the one Rachael grew up with over the phone. After Sarah finished talking with Marie, she’d let Rachael talk to Constance, sharing their innermost secrets of adventures and misgivings. Rachael’s relationship with her cousin abruptly ended when Constance developed cancer that took her life. Her death devastated Rachael, leaving a void in her soul.

Mornings on South Street were no different from the daily occurrence of any other neighborhood. Folks went to work. Children were picked up by yellow school buses, echoing their loud vocals from within. Mothers cared for their young and tended to the housework. Some encountered the dairy truck delivering bottled milk, packages of butter, and tubs of cottage cheese. South Street had one of those delivery trucks driven by a slender crew-cut man named Tracy Booker.

Tracy lived a couple of streets over from South Street with his wife, Gloria, and two young sons. He made his rounds, stopping at the Anderson house delivering a couple of quarts of milk. Rachael met him at the doorway, getting the two glass bottles from his metal carryall. She spent time chatting away about her daily events. With Clarence gone, Rachael looked at Tracy as a neighborhood friend and a substitute for male companionship.

The fall of 1952 arrived. Rachael led her two into the playground running and jumping through the piles of leaves, creating mounds of laughter amongst the three of them. Beth was enrolled in nursery school at the Downy’s converted storage building on the other side of town. Nathan made use of his well-discovered legs, making his mother chase him about the house. There were the short walks to Flora’s house for morning coffee. She was prepared for Rachael’s visit. She had a child’s jigsaw puzzle comprising of a dozen large pieces. It amused Nathan putting it together as he chewed on one end while contemplating another.

Flora witnessed Rachael and the milkman sharing smiles and an occasional laugh while standing on the open bay porch.

Flora asked, Who’s the milkman you’re talking to these mornings?

Rachael responded, Nobody. He’s just the delivery guy saying hello.

Flora smirked. Looks more than just a delivery guy. Looks like someone saying more than just hello.

Come on, Aunt Flora. Don’t make more of it than what it is, replied Rachael.

Well, don’t get yourself into something you can’t handle. I’ve seen what can develop when you’re not watching, and people are watching, Flora said sternly.

Afterward Rachael walked over to the playground with Nathan in hand. She sat thinking over her conversation with Aunt Flora while Nathan hobbled about on the beaten grass.

Rendezvous

Rachael got her kids up and dressed for breakfast. Beth stood by the door waiting for George Downy, who drove her to nursery school. Nathan sat on the living room floor concentrating on his toy cars. Rachael kept an eye out the front window for the milk truck. She enjoyed meeting Tracy and their morning conversations.

On a particular morning, Rachael called Flora to see if she could watch Nathan while she went shopping. Her aunt always found time for her grandnephew. Rachael got Nathan dressed and hurriedly walked over to Flora’s to drop him off. Rachael made her excuses and made it home in time before the delivery truck arrived. The milk truck made the brief stop, allowing Rachael to indiscreetly climb inside as it made the route down the side streets.

Flora watched the intervention from her living room window with the towhead at her side. The delivery truck returned in time, allowing Rachael to meet Beth from her day at preschool. When William was able, Flora had him follow the truck on its secret rendezvous, often making its way toward White Horse Beach. Those frequent occasions were temporarily halted when Clarence returned home for a week’s leave.

Rachael began hearing the silent whispers about her among the neighbors. She tried reflecting them by having her parents over during the holidays. It coincided with the Harold family taking their matriarch home to enjoy the family get-together.

The new year came with the blistering winds off the Atlantic Coast. It fingered snowdrifts throughout Plymouth’s network of streets. It seemed 1953 was off to a harrowing start. Rachael clung close to her children as they watched the snowflakes chaotically fall outside their living room window. It wasn’t Rachael’s main worry. She realized she had become pregnant, a pregnancy that shouldn’t have happened.

Rachael thought long and hard about her present state, knowing she couldn’t carry it to term. She had to find ways to lose what was growing inside her. She worked