During the early 1900s, Grandpap and Grandmother Jordan rode the train from their home near Monteith, Iowa, to Key West, Minnesota, to visit the Goff family one August, bringing a trunk full of nice apples from home. The Goffs lived too far north for apple trees to thrive. It was such a big treat, because they bought apples by the barrel during the Minnesota winters, when they lived there from 1903-1905.
Sisters Georgia and Leora Goff, about ages 10 and 13, enjoyed driving the rural roads with Grandpap in a one-seat buggy pulled by a horse. David Jordan was a jovial man and taught them songs, like “Ke-mo, ki-mo.”
"There was a frog lived near a pool Sing song ketcha ketcha ki-me oh He surely was the biggest fool Sing song ketcha ketcha ki-me oh Ke-mo, ki-mo Del-O-Ware Hee-ma ho and in come a salasicker Some time Penny went a link tum nip cat sing song Ketcha ketcha ki-me oh.”
Those Iowa grandparents stayed three or four weeks, so there were several rides with Grandpap. Georgia and Leora took turns driving. One time Georgia had the horse on a trot and Grandpap, with a twinkle in his eyes, said, “Georgia, don’t make the horse go so fast–we will get home too quick.”
From Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots
What a beautiful story…and you’re right, Joy. What a kind, open hearted face. So good! 😊
Thank you, Vicki. His wife, Emilia Ann, also had such a kind face. It’s no wonder their granddaughter remembered them with such affection. (Leora, as a young adult, taking turns with her sister, also stayed with them after they’d retired, especially after Emilia was widowed.)
So lovely. Thank you for all of this, Joy. 🥰
“Ke-mo, ki-mo” appears to be a fun song for children. Thank you for sharing such wonderful memories that spark heart-warming nostalgia! 🙂
Grandma could still sing it! Thank you, Nancy.
I love Grandpap’s singing a silly song to his granddaughters as he took them on a buggy ride.
Thank you, Liz. Me too!
You’re welcome, Joy!
I can’t get enough of these old family stories. You’re so lucky to have pictures to accompany them, Joy!!
All the photos from three or four generations ended up with me! I’m the fourth “oldest daughter” in a row and the family historian. Meant to be???
Yes, indeed. Someone else might not have gotten around to compiling all this.
Such a beautiful story! This really made me smile…:)
I’m so thankful that Grandma wrote down these dear details!