Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Creating Fiction from History: 1/5/2022

Barbara Jo Stafford, or Barbie as she was commonly known, was an only child.

The circumstances of her emergence into this world were quite miraculous; some might even say magical and mysterious.

Jo Ann and Jacob, Barbie's parents, had been trying for some time to have a child, but with no luck. Having exhausted all the standard, doctor-approved means, the Staffords decided to try some rather unconventional ones.

A friend of a friend of a friend told Jo Ann, over a quilt one Tuesday morning on a bright July day, how her grandparents had brought with them from the Old Country a wealth of folklore. Among that brought was some herblore; in particular, and herb to aid those who were having difficulty conceiving. When Jo Ann got home that day, she made a tea with the herbs she had acquired. When Jacob returned from the mill that evening, she apprised him of the situation.

Several days later, Jo Ann's new quilting buddy confirmed Jo Ann was indeed with child and the rest is history!

Nine months later, in May of the year 1890, the year that construction of the new elevator was completed at the mill, Jacob and Jo Ann became the proud parents of their miracle baby Barbie.

As an only child, and especially as their miracle baby, little Barbara Jo was unabashedly spoiled, though this did not seem to have the ill effect too much parental spoiling does. Barbie was a poster child, one might have said, the epitome of what a child should be, with her quiet obedience. That is, until one fine day when she grew up!

Fortunately for her parents, this photograph was taken well before that fateful year; the year of our Lord, 1903!

Want to create fiction from history? Email the Ledger at whledger@gmail.com to get a link to several dozen unknown photos from the area. Choose the photo that speaks to your imagination, create your own story, and send it in! The deadline is Monday by 5 PM.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/22/2024 01:02