Beata P. Zipf Hefler

by Rori Contreras from an interview with her Grandma in 1993

My grandmother was born in 1915 and one of her earliest remembrances was November 11, 1917. Her father was carrying her through the streets on his shoulders while people celebrated the Armistice at the end of World War I. The relief was so great to the nation and so many were killed that there was almost a hysterical reaction of joy that followed. It’s interesting today to see in some families how different members have participated in three major wars.

Somewhat earlier grandma’s husband-to-be, experienced the Halifax Disaster. At that time a munitions ship blew up in the harbor, devastating an entire section of the city. Many were killed or injured and as a young boy, my grandfather had to go through the morgues to identify relatives. At the time many in his family were suffering from typhoid, but he was in another area with an elderly aunt and was not physically hurt. However, the memories stayed with him all his life.

Grandma and her family lived in Buffalo, NY until she was about twelve. Her dad had died when she was four and her mother remarried. Life was normal for the times and she remembers a small pond in the back yard that froze in winter. She and her brothers would go skating on it and sledding on the ice covered streets. Life was pretty simple even in the city and crime wasn’t rampant as we know it now. There was no television and a movie cost ten cents. Grandma would go to the butcher’s to buy twenty five cents worth of baloney which her mother would fry with eggs for breakfast.

Another sign of the times that life was frugal but good was that people were able to entertain themselves. She remembers her folks playing cards and her uncle giving her seventy five cents to buy candy and root beer for the whole family and this was a big occasion!

The winters in Buffalo were often very severe. One year in particular my grandma remembers it was so cold that the Christmas tree in the sun porch was not taken down till Easter. That was the time it was a joy to get two oranges in your stocking for Christmas. Rag dolls, knitted mittens and scarves were big at that time. Caroling and Christmas Eve services were looked forward to.

Times became increasingly hard in 1929 and there was little work. Bread lines began to form and people helped each other and shared what they had but my grandma can’t remember seeing homeless people on the streets like we have today. She can remember seeing men at the corners selling apples for five cents in order to earn pennies. Then tragedy hit her own family and her step father lost his job. Somehow she had never felt poor before although her father was only an ordinary worker. Times got worse and when he was promised work in California they decided to move.

Great grandma never worked, it was a different world than it is today. The women’s world was being a wife and a mother and her career was mostly in the kitchen. In that time clothes were boiled in a huge copper tub in the basement, they were rinsed and rung out by hand or put through a ringer, turned by hand. Later the clothes were hung on lines in the basement or in good weather, the yard. Sometimes in the early spring and the clothes were hung outside, a sudden freeze would cause the clothes to freeze stiff. It looked like Halloween with all the long underwear clapping in the wind.

Homes were heated in those days by a furnace in the basement fired with coal. Grandma remembers how much fun it was when the delivery truck brought coal and delivered it with a chute through the window in the basement.

After the decision to move, the family sold everything they had and started out for California. Mother, father, the two brothers and grandma, surrounded by suitcases and boxes, started out. The running boards on the car also carried boxes as well as the carrier on the roof. To grandma and the boys it was a great adventure, following route 66 camping along the way and stopping at an occasional motel for a shower. In those days motels were no resemblance to today’s stopping places. They were mostly five or six tiny places in a row along the road.

It was fun cooking on a lsmall stove over a fireplace. It wasn’t like today with recreational camping with all the best equipment. Grandma slept in a small tent with her parents and the boys slept in the car. They had a large touring car which was equipped with eising glass windows for occasional cold. The tires were small and there were frequent blowouts or flats. The tires were patched and air hand pumped into them. These were “Grapes of Wrath” times and many others were on the highways looking for occasional work to buy gasoline and food. To grandma’s family or at least to the children it was a great adventure.

Upon arriving in California they went to Los Angeles where other relatives lived. The sunshine seemed like heaven, grandma said, after comparing it with Buffalo, but the sunshine turned to gloom when there was no work. Grandma’s family lived with relatives for a short time. Her father finally got a job on the W.P.A. This was a work project organized by the government to give work to the unemployed. It was menial work on roads, etc. but it gave hope for better times.

Grandma’s memories were of early radio days when the whole family sat around the radio and listened to Amos and Andy, the black comedians. Sometimes they got up at 5AM to listen to Jan and Glen.

Money was always in short supply and rationing was in effect because of shortages. People traded items with others if they didn’t need them. Maybe when everyone didn’t have a lot they were more willing to share.

When grandma was in high school she remembers experiencing a large earthquake. She was standing in the kitchen holding a frying pan when it hit. She said it was like a dog crawling under the carpet and rolling around. Her high school was literally destroyed and they had to use a Junior high for her to graduate. After graduating, she married Clyde Hefler on November 11, 1933. At that time he drove a laundry truck as an independent dealer and made good money for the time. Roosevelt became president and gave hope to the nation struggling with unemployment, depression and grinding poverty.

In the 1930’s Hitler came to power in Germany. Jews were persecuted and even in America grandma said that things changed as the world moved towards World War II. Life changed again for many. After Pearl Harbor men when went to war, women went to work in factories to help. Later there was rationing of food and gasoline.

Grandma said television changed America’s entertainment for good. Families were glued to small screens in the front room. It was as if the nation decided to heave a sigh of relief and decided to have fun for a change.

After my grandfather died grandma returned to work full time as a church secretary. Her daughter Nancy was married and Sue Ellen was planning her wedding. The house was sold and grandma and my mom moved into a condo near Inglewood. This was when the area was very nice.

Grandma remembered when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and that it was a terrible shock which paralyzed the whole nation. People couldn’t leave their TV and watched the episode over and over.

Years later in 1982 grandma had the thrill of witnessing the development of the space program. The computer revolution also changed almost all business methods. In 1984 after Ronald Reagan’s strong stand with Russia, the Berlin Wall came down and again history changed.

Grandma had seen a lot of changes in her 78 years. She is active in the church, on the Commission for the City of Thousand Oaks, Vice President of AARP’s local chapter and active at the Goebel Senior Center as a volunteer. Her three daughters are all married and she has seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Her grandsons are engineers, computer analysts, business executives and a minister. The grand daughters are an art therapist/psychologist, an actress and a pre-school teacher along with being a student. Grandma’s last statement was, “It has been quite a life!”

[This interview was done in 1993.]

OUR WALK WITH GOD

Written by Beata Hefler 11/11/91

I will be for you in every situation. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, life, death and resurrection. If you do not believe I AM you will die in your sins. There is eternal life with God that death cannot end. I will go with you and give you rest.

Trust in the Lord one day at a time. We cannot adjust, manipulate, coerce God; we must trust Him for all our needs. He is the Lord God who is above all forces of evil. He will be to us what we need him to be. He gives the best for us so we can avoid what is worst for us.

God says “I am”.

When His people were wandering in the desert He answered their needs. Manna appeared from the heavens and the quail dropped in a miraculous change in their direction, that they might be fed. One day at a time, not to be saved, but eaten with thanks and faith for the next day.

God can use what we think is worst. We must trust and listen to what He says. His agenda for us is beyond our comprehension if we believe. Trust in Him.

If I do not believe this I will die in my sins. If I do, eternal life with God is my portion. Death cannot end that.

God help my unbelief wherever it appears. Give me the confidence I need to live a fully committed life, witnessing daily to your life on earth, your death and resurrection and my Christian walk. Let it be apparent to others as I witness daily. Keep me in your care.

Zipf Family Move to Los Angeles in 1929

[The following was originally written by Beata Pauline Zipf at age 14 as a journal when the Zipf family moved from Buffalo, New York to Los Angeles in 1929. It was copied by her into a Record Book Oct 1, 1932. Spelling is as done in the copied version.]

Our Trip To California

Copied Oct 1, 1932

Left home Monday July 23

Arrived in California Saturday August 9th

Our Trip – Day by Day

Monday July 28

We started at 10:30 this morning from Aunt Ethel and Uncle Wills. Both were sorry to see us go and we all cried like babies. Uncle Will gave each one of us five dollars apiece. He had to leave for work before we started on our way. We took a couple of pictures and started out – finally; we had several more stops to make. Then we stopped at Laus to say good-bye. Uncle Harry was out with the truck so we didn’t get to see him again. We all had coffee and doughnuts and left about noon. – More tears. Aunt Flo gave me three books to read along the way. From there we went to Aunt Lena’s and so on our way. Aunt Lena gave mother five dollars and Uncle George gave us a dollar for candy. Aunt Dolly gave us a box of marshmallows and Aunt Carrie a box of home made fudge. The Briggs, Vaulkenbergs, Wurtzs and Kruegers gave us farewell dinners.

We had a very nice trip thus far. Have gone 167 miles and no trouble – yet.

Expenses

Gas & Oil: 3.34

Camp .25

Milk & Coffee .17

Refreshments .35

4.11

Mileage

Buffalo to Painsville 167 miles

Tuesday July 29

We left camp this morning at twenty of six. We rode 39.8 miles and have now, at 9:10 stopped for breakfast. We are now past Cleveland, could get no cards because stores were still closed. Just purchased gas and oil. The menu for this morning consists of coffee, bacon & eggs, cantelope and bread & butter.

We will try to make Toledo today. 216 miles gone, only 3134 to go.

Well we made Toledo but are not going through it today.

Changed our minds, its still early (only 4:30) so we will try and make 150 more miles.

We stopped in a cabin in Angola Indiana.

234 miles today.

Expenses 4.11 (Mon)

Gas and oil 4.67

Camp 1.00

Refreshments .35

Gum .10 7.12 (Tues)

Total Cost 11.23

Mileage total 401

Wednesday July 30

We have just completed breakfast and are going to take a picture.

We just arrived in Chicago having completed our four hundred and forty third mile. It’s a nice city but terribly dirty in places. No, we didn’t see any stray gangsters.

Chicago certainly is a big city. We were two hours trying to get out of the place and connect with Route 30. Finally after getting information from about ten people we ran into a man (I don’t mean actually) and he put us on the right trail. Howecer we lost ourselves again and after receiving more info we reached Lincoln highway – actually. We rode practically all night stopping to rest on the way. It certainly was a thrilling night, we were resting on a road in Creston when a (?) car came along and flashed its light on us (3 times). It scared mother so we started out again.

Expenses Total 11.23

Gas and Oil 4.52

New total 15.75

Mileage 401

Angola to Sterling 300

701

Thursday July 31

We went through Mount Vernon, the home of Cornell College. We went through Cedar Rapids (Furniture) and Montour. Montour is the location of a Christian Endeavor camp. We also saw Custer Battlefield, Ogden, Boone and Grand Junction. We went 253 miles in all and finally landed in Jefferson Iowa.

Expenses Total $15.75

Gas & Oil 4.55

New total $20.30

Mileage 701

Sterling to Jefferson 253

Total 954

Friday August 1 –

We camped at Jefferson all night at a camping ground (25 cents). We left camp at 8 A.M. and went into Carroll to purchase cards. Got a flat tire and didn’t know it till a man came up and told us. Had it fixed for seventy five cents and bought a new tube for three thirty five. We traveled all day on Lincoln highway – all good road except thirteen miles of gravel. We went through Dunlap City and across the Missouri River. We went over some terrible hills and the heat – whew - . It cost us thirty cents to go across the Missouri River Toll bridge, that took us from the border of Iowa into Nebraska. From Omaha we went to Lincoln where we stopped at Uncle Wittes for a short time. He wanted us to stay over night but thought it would be too much trouble. We saw the new state capital in the making. We finally stopped at a Tourist camp at Dorchester.

Expenses Total 20.30

Tire & Tube 4.10

Gas & Oil 4.31 8.41

New total $28.71

Mileage 954

Jefferson to Dorchester 234

1188

Saturday August 2

Left our camp at Dorchester at 8:45 and started out for Hastings. We went through Minden, Holdenedge and Oxford.

The heat is terrible.

We went one hundred fifty miles – not so good – but neither were the roads. Decided to stop at Oxford after a great deal of hesitation in the meanwhile we got a flat tire from the heat. Stopped at a very nice tourist camp and got a cabin for $1.25 (with showers) We all took a shower and maybe we didn’t need it. No ants in the cabin – hurrah – maybe mother will sleep.

Expenses Total 28.71

Gas & Oil 3.80

Camp 1.25 5.05

New total $33.76

Mileage 1188

Dorchester to Oxford 154

1342

Sunday August 3

We left Oxford and went on into Imperial Nebr, at that point we saw a sign Eggs 13 cents per Doz. It would be just like us to have plenty.

We went through Beverly and later crossed the border from Nebr. Into Colorado. That makes eight states we have conquered, namely New York, Penn, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and not quite Colorado. (Expect to do that tomorrow.) After crossing the border we passed through Holyoke, Sterling and Brush. We stopped at a tourist camp in Brush after driving 244 miles.

Expenses Total 33.76

Gas & Oil 4.15

New total 37.91

Mileage 1342

Oxford to Brush 244

1586

Monday August 4

We had a terrible storm last evening. I woke in time to see the lightening but missed the thunder – thank goodness.

We got up at 4:30 this morning and left Brush at 8:30.

We crossed the state line from Colorado into Wyoming at two P.M. We went into Cheyenne and went around to a few stores. From there we went through Granite Canyon. Just before we got into Laramie we stopped at Summit Lavern to get some oil. We met some very nice people from Minnesta who are also headed for L.A. We decided to get together and both got cabins at Laramie. There again we witnessed a terrible storm.

Expenses Total 37.91

Gas & Oil 3.18

New total 41.09

Mileage 1586

Brush to Laramie 164

1750

Tuesday August 5

We left Laramie at 8:30 with our new friends. We traveled through Lookout, Rock River, Medicine Bow, Fort Steven & Paris. Bob yelled our luggage was coming off so we stopped and adjusted it. By the time it was fixed our friends were way ahead. They were going to eat at a Café so we looked for them in the next town – no luck. We finally stopped at Rock Springs for the night. Cabin 1.20

Expenses Total 41.09

Gas & Oil 4.88

Cabin 1.25 6.13

New total 47.22

Mileage 1750

Laramie to Rock Springs 222

1972

Wednesday August 6

We were just ready to leave camp at Rock Springs when whom should go by but our friends. They stopped and we went on together to Salt Lake City. We went through Green River Valley which was very beautiful and about that time discovered all our bedding was gone. We went all the way back but couldn’t find it. Later we went through Lymen, Evenston, Echo, and finally Salt Lake City. We didn’t stop to see the lake or go in. During the night we drove through Lehi, Provo, Springville & Nephi.

Expenses 47.22

Gas & Oil etc. 4.88

$52.10

Mileage 1972

Rock Spr – Nephi 287

2259

Thursday August 7

We just passed Nephi when we got another flat tire. We expect to stop now and rest at some camp

267 miles today

Expenses 52.10

Exp – Aug 7 7.32

59.42

Mileage 2259

267

2526

Friday August 8

Everyday in every way we are getting nearer and nearer – I’m too excited to write

Only 137 miles today.

Expenses 59.42

5.01

64.43

Mileage 2526

137

2663 Total

Saturday August 9

We arrived in L.A. at midnight. Had a terrible time finding Arlington Avenue. We road 311 miles to complete the journey. When we got to the house we didn’t know what to do as it was so late, finally Bob rang the bell and Ethel and Esther came to the door. They were expecting us but sure were surprized. Everyone got up and we had almost a whole meal before we went to bed. The house is keen.

Expenses $64.43

Aug 9 5.01

$69.44

Mileage 2663

311

2974 miles

FRIENDSHIPS

Written by Beata Hefler, date unknown

Friendship is a golden charm, the links are friends so dear. And like a rose and precious jewel it’s treasured more each year.

I have been rich in friends. The friendships that lasted start with a high school friend who graduated with me from Manual Arts. Through the years we have kept in touch although our lives didn’t parallel often. I have heard that opposites attract.

Maurine [Bolts] was somewhat wild by my standards, flamboyant as her red hair. I loved her. Throughout Hi school she was infatuated with Ludwig who worked with her father. And I guess I learned about life from her. Before graduation she was married at home in a simple wedding in which I was maid of honor. Later on her marriage produced three boys and mine three girls. We kept in touch through the years meeting on occasion and I often visit her now.

Most of my friends throughout my life have been neighbors and members of my churches. Jensens, Petersons and Haywards were my earliest neighbor friends and our social life revolved around the Church. Helen Peterson continues to tell the story of coming to the church (very pregnant) and her husband overseas, greeted by me and urged to attend a Circle meeting at my home. I shall maintain these dear friendships although Katy died recently and her daughter Debbie says I am now her mother. She and my daughter Beata Jean continue the friendship. Through the years we four have shared many happy memories including our yearly trek to the Laguna Art Festival. Nancy and Helen and husbands have retired to Cambria and I am a frequent visitor to their homes. Recently Helen had a heart attack and she and Earl used my apt for her recuperation when the doctor wouldn’t let her leave Thousand Oaks. Don and Nancy have a special place in our family since Don is Beata Jean’s godfather. What is great about these couples is their consistent moral support. They have been with me consistently through many of life’s difficult passages. Most of all they stood by me during Clyde’s (my husband’s) depressions and death. And even today we keep in touch by telephone, letters and visits.

The Johnsons, beloved pastor and wife have kept in touch through telephone and visiting many years.

Another dear friend is Lura Mae, a sister in law and wife of my husband’s favorite brother. Both men are gone now but Lura and I have a special relationship. They kept Beata Jean in Hawaii for the summer following her father’s death and kept her happy. The entire Hefler family is gone now – only Lura and I, sister-in-laws and our children remain.

[she added this comment later] Lura died recently. Now there is one.