The Life of

My Great-Grandmother Eileen Strough

By Alexander Strough

Me, Great Grandma & Kenzie

Important Dates

Born: 1/21/1922 Graduated High School: 1940 Married Vernon Strough: 1942

Had 2 Children
Don
November 27, 1947

Diane
May 11, 1957

Great Depression
She lived as a child during this time period in the 1930s. Her parents said they couldnt always give them everything they wanted. Had to be careful with their money and had to sacrifice.

Facts About the Great Depression

Effected the whole world in the 1930s. Many people loss their money and jobs. The Great Depression lasted 12 years. 1929-1941

Great Grandma at School

She went from K to 8th grade and then to high school. She was NOT in a one room schoolhouse. The subjects in the school were arithmetic, spelling, and reading.

Great Grandmas Parents

She was adopted by her step-father. Her parents hosted travelers in their house. Her Dad helped to start the Watseka newspaper. Watseka Republican was the original name.

Toys and Games

Raggedy Ann Doll Jacks Gin Rummy Hopscotch Playing Sports (ball)

Heroes
Great Grandma didnt have a favorite cartoon hero. She said her heroes were her Mom and Dad.

Her Husband - Vernon Strough

Married in 1942 in Missouri. Great-Grandpa joined the US Navy and fought for freedom in World War II. Many years after the war, he became a sheriff.

Life During World War II

War for freedom against Japan and Germany. Great-Grandpa fought in Italy. Great-Grandma helped by working in a factory (like Rosie the Riveter ).

Other Jobs of my Great Grandma

She was a cook for schools. She was a cook for prisoners when her husband was the county sheriff. They lived in the apartment above the jail.

Favorite Singer
Dean Martin Singer Film Actor Television Star Comedian

Pets
No pets as a child Had a dog as an adult - Toy Toy was a Pekingese Very small dog

Sports
My Great Grandma liked basketball and baseball. Great Grandma liked to watch her son play sports. - Basketball She likes to watch the Chicago Bulls. Didnt have female sports when growing up in school!

Interesting Facts
Great Grandma Loves to Fish!
Traveled to Wisconsin each year.

Didnt get a Drivers License until Age 70! Lived in Iroquois County her entire life. Enjoyed finding antiques.

Questions?