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SEVER ALOUD
When Andre* asked that I write a few words about my father,
I decided to use a paper I wrote when attending the University of California, with very few modifications.
He was born in Bay St. Louis, MS, Emile Maurice Perre?. Dad enjoyed some years of prosperity. He had a charge account at the local malt shop and a governess. The depression changed the Perre' style of life.
Daddy told some unflattering stories about himself as a youngster. When Dad became angry with his teacher at St. Stansislaus, he threw an eraser at him and was expelled from school. Aunt Elise, the family matriarch, intervened and he returned to school. Later, Aunt Elise offered to put Dad through college. He refused and Dad always regretted it. Dad always encouraged us to advance ourselves with an education. He wanted more for us.
My early life in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, was interesting. As a family we prayed the rosary aloud every night. It never mattered who came to the door during that time -- they knelt down and said it too. One night the insurance man dropped over for the quartetly premium. He knelt down and said the rosary like everyone else. Ve never saw him at that time of night again.
I remember the gardening. Tomato plants were placed in patterened rows with great care. They usually rested next to the pale pink peonies. Every evening pesticides and tender loving care eventually brought forth the anticipated fruit. My father made sure all of this was done even though he worked two Jobs.
Dad always worked two jobs. His main occupation as a freight inspector allowed little flexibility in our household schedule. Someone had to be near the phone at all times. A phone call or telegram would notify Dad of incoming freight. His second job was produce man at a mom and pop grocery a few blocks away. He arranged that he could leave the store whenever he was needed at his freight Job.
Honesty was never discussed at home but it was expected. Dad was such an honest man. It was general practice at the grocery store to bring home as much produce as the family could use. This practice was unheard of in our house. I clearly remember the meticulous filling out of his time card for the grocery store for fear he might get paid too much.
Mom and Dad had a quiet relationship. Rare were outward displays of affection. Even rarer were fights. Dad would never allow anyone to say anything bad about Mom. They worshipped one another.