Stark Odyssey

From 'Jesus, Lover of My Soul' “Miss Jennie,” announced Aunt Ella, “I will be returning to Laclede with your grandfather tomorrow. Tonight, he can stay in your father’s room, and Aunt Lizzie will have John’s bed.” “Not necessary, Ella. I have already arranged for an additional night at the hotel.” “You, Father? Paying for two nights at a hotel? My goodness!” Aunt Lizzie spoke up. “If it is all right with you, Jennie, I would like to stay a day or two longer. Unlike your grandfather, I cannot afford an extra night at the hotel, so I hope I can stay here. We have some catching up to do.” Jennie was delighted but confused. She could usually keep up with plans that change, but these developments taxed her. But, of course, she could not refuse. “Certainly!” She hoped the enthusiastic smile she was sporting was convincing. The party came to an end when Mr. Hornback departed, followed by John and Jay returning the tables to the Jefferson Club, and then escorting Miss Eulalie Church ba...

Lithograph from Jennie's Book, Jesus, Lover of My Soul John awaited the group on the front porch. He bowed and gestured toward the front door. “Entrée!” Jennie entered, followed by the others, one at a time. 1111 Paquin St.*  “Miss Church! How delightful to see you here!” Jennie grinned for the first time since receiving her diploma. “My father thought I should come and help serve. He found a couple others to help at the restaurant in my place.” “I may have convinced him a little…” John rubbed his thumb with his fingers, indicating he may have crossed the elder Church’s palm with additional silver. “We got the tables from the Jefferson Supper Club. Most people are out celebrating elsewhere, so they could part with two of them.” Jennie could tell John was enjoying his role of party-giver. He was eighteen now, and always out with his friends. Until now. She noted a change. Did he grow up overnight? “Miss Jennie, you should be made aware that your brother John contributed toward the c...

Jennie Stark BA, University of Missouri, 1913 Orval was not too distant from the group, at least not in terms of geography. But Booche’s Pool Hall, quietly offering beer for a nickel “under the table,” was exactly where he wanted to be. There, he felt less likely to be judged. If one wished to be on the up-and-up, they could purchase liquor from the drugstore just downstairs. Drinking by himself, within limits, was an art Orval perfected many years prior. A rule he kept was to never come home drunk to his children. Of course, that sometimes meant he did not come home. For days. Even back when they lived in Chillicothe and Jennie was a teenager. Orval’s three children fended for themselves, especially with others around who could look after them, especially members of their church. What Orval did not comprehend was the effect upon his offspring, except to feel that somehow Jennie became strong-willed, determined to make something of herself. The more he outwardly failed, the greater was...

Jennie spread her robe neatly and descended slowly onto the wooden chair in Jesse Auditorium. She hoped the outfit beneath it was not gathering the wrinkles her brother so carefully removed. Around her, alphabetically, were the other female graduates. Several rows behind her were the young men. There were as yet few people in the auditorium, so from where she was, Jennie could vaguely make out her father, aunt and brothers. Her vision was not the best for such a distance up to the upper balcony where they sat, so she removed her glasses and attempted to clean them with her robe. But, wait… “Oh, my goodness!” From Jennie's Yearbook Miss Alma Steele turned to Jennie to inquire what Jennie’s exclamation concerned. “I simply cannot, cannot believe it!” Jennie’s mouth hung open. She removed her spectacles for the second time in as many minutes, forgetting she had already been unsuccessful in cleaning them. She put them partway into her mouth and blew some steam on them, wiped them again...