Helen Johnson

Edward and Pinkie (nee Doolen) Johnson had three children; Ethyl, Helen and Rex. This is Helen Johnson's Iowa Census card from 1915. What we learn from this card is Helen's age; 13, place of birth; Missouri, number of years in school; 9, residence; Enterprise, Iowa and number of years in Iowa; 1. Helen has been described as having an outgoing personality, long blond hair and piercing blue eyes. Unfortunately there are no pictures of her. Helen's life was a brief one. She was injured while playing with her classmates in Enterprise. Feeling better care could be given to her in town, she moved to Des Moines, with her newly married sister, Ethyl. It was there that she died. Helen Johnson is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery.

Make It Funky

"Can
you
smell this?"







In this picture, I know it looks like she's smelling something. She is! Cheryl had gone into "THE ZONE." At this performance, she made it FUNKY (or STANK for some of y'all). She takes you on a journey, with each note she plays. Hearing the music brings pleasure, but seeing Cheryl perform brings joy. Musician, composer, arranger, producer; she does it all. Impressive, huh? With knowledge, composure, strength - oh, and one small thing, TALENT, Cheryl continues to live and love her dream. "All I want to do is play music," is what she says. On occasion she likes an adult beverage. What's not to like about her???

Another Year Better

Another cousin is turning another year better. Today is Robbie's birthday. I'll not reveal the man's age, but he is older than me, by a couple of years. Rob and I share the same passion for family history. We like to know as much about our family as we can. I'd post more pics of the kat, but he hasn't sent any, Hey Rob, I need more pics!!! Much peace, many blessings and an abundance of love, are my wishes for you Robbie. All the best!

Happy Birthday, Robbie!
COOLEYLOVE!!!

The Brothers

Every generation of this family has those special brother bonds. Thru the good and bad times, the brothers stick together. Pinkie Doolen Johnson can be credited with instilling a sense of togetherness, forgiveness and above all else, LOVE in her children. Those three very important "keys" have been passed down to each generation. All of these brothers (Johnson, Cooley and Thompson) have togetherness not witnessed in many families. This family has been BLESSED many times over. Like any family, we don't always see eye to eye.





Hell, we'll even fuss about it. Given a little time and cooler heads, it all seems to work itself out. To all the brothers of this fam, let's continue to love one another and others. Don't let hard feelings prevent us from being the "kool kats" we're destined to be.


The Brothers from top to bottom; Frank and Edward Johnson, Eugene and Marvin Cooley, Rev Earnest and Dr J.Walter Thompson, Bobby and Larry, Tim and Tony, Justin and Terry

Ease On Down The Road

Go ahead and laugh!!! LOL This was taken more than a few years ago. I had HAIR back then. I'm not sure if we (the high top/gumby haircut and I) are going to Des Moines or returning??? It was a trip down for Drake Relays. It had been years since I'd been "home" and I was excited about the return. As a child, Des Moines seemed so big to me. Not bigger than the Twin Cities, but a large city nonetheless. As we pulled into "town," I realized it was not so big to me, now that I was a grown man. Des Moines did not shrink. I realized my memories of it were thru a child's eyes. It seemed to be so big to me at age six. Everything became more proportional as an adult. Not a big or little city, not a small or large town. It was simply Des Moines. Seeing my grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins was the best part of the trip. It was time well spent with good people. As an adult, this was the first trip I had taken with Snookie and a fun time was had by all. We may take long overdue roadtrip in a couple of weeks. If all goes according to plan, the two of us will be going to Lawrence, Kansas. The purpose of the trip is for family research. As early as 1880, members of the family lived in Lawrence. Some of the family homes are still standing today. I always want to know more about the family history. I've got to check this out and of course take pictures. We shall see what it will be.

Family Reunion

Yesterday, I was talking with a friend about the upcoming family reunion. The location is the same, but the dates changed. Not a problem. It's always nice to get together with the family, eat some food, have a couple of adult beverages and fellowship. An event to look forward to each year. Not long ago, a reliable source told me there may NOT be a reunion this year. That's f*&$ed up! I'm hoping the one in charge can get their sh!t together and make it happen. The reunion encourages the family to come together for a joyous occasion. So, i'm going to do my part to assist. I'd like to offer a few tips for my cousin, the organizer.

Do you need help? We're here! As a family, we work well together and can make it happen.

When in doubt, talk to someone that knows how to do it. Call Donna - a.s.a.p.

Communicate. You have to let the family know what's up at all stages of the planning.

Do you have a plan? If you don't have one now -- you'd better get to work fast! Time is of the essence.

Still not sure what to do? If none of these suggestions proves useful -- you're screwed, but not chopped. No matter, you're still loved.

Seventy-five years ago today...

On June 13, 1934 in
Polk County, Iowa

Mister John Walter Thompson, of Lawrence, Kansas & Miss Veltirea Leonia Cooley, of Des Moines, Iowa were united in
holy matrimony.

Birds do it, bees do it...

Ted & Maria










Sources close to this blogger have photographic proof a wedding took place in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 30, 2009. That's the day Maria and Ted tied the knot. Congratulations and Best Wishes! The newlyweds have known each other, since they were children living in Saint Paul. After several years of being apart, the two were drawn together again. The newlyweds will reside in the jewel of the upper midwest; North Dakota. On behalf of the entire "COOLEY CLAN" -- Welcome to the family, Ted.



p.s. Maria has many brothers and male cousins that love and respect her. We know you'll do the same.

Maurice graduates from eighth grade!

It's hard to believe this young man graduated from middle school with honors last friday evening. Not because of the honors, but because he's reached this milestone. Next stop - high school. I clearly remember each step of his educational path. We took pictures on his very first day of school a few years ago. Actually, it was more than a few years ago, but who remembers the exact number??? Toyia, Maurice Sr and I watched him get on the school bus and we got a little teary-eyed. When I told Grandma, she said we were "silly" for crying. Be that as it may, we three were touched by the moment. At fourteen, he begins another stage in his life.




He did it!










A kiss for luck, and you're on your way. Congratulations, Maurice!!! We are so very proud of your accomplishments.

Happy Birthday, SJ!!!

On this twelfth day of June, we celebrate the birthday of Shawn. He has finally made it into the 40 Club. Welcome to the better years of life, Shawn. Happy Birthday.

Stop Doggin Me Around

Listening to music will remind you of days gone by. I found a song, "Stop Doggin Me Around" by Klique on Imeem.com. Originally, the song was recorded by Jackie Wilson in the 1950's. When the newer version of the song was released in 1983, I remember going to Montgomery Ward, in Midway Shopping Center, with Grandma to buy the album. She heard the song on the radio, and decided she wanted it. Going to buy the album didn't mean that was it. No, we had to look at other albums as well. I didn't understand WHY we had to look at almost all of them? When I purchased music, i'd get the one or two albums or forty-fives I wanted and head home. Grandma wanted to look at several artists, not just one. Once we were home, Grandma took her album from the paper bag and looked at the jacket; front to back. Meanwhile, Grandpa and I waited to listen to the song. A song she liked very much. One that made her purchase the entire album for it. We thought she wanted to listen to the song a.s.a.p. She liked Jackie Wilson's version, but she "very pleased" with the "new folks" remake. After reading the back, Grandma ran her thumbnail along the side of the jacket. She reached in and pulled out the album with the inner sleeve still intact. Another road block -- Grandma wanted to read the lyrics. No point in rushing her. She would not and could not be rushed. Grandpa said, "Vel, are you gonna play the record or keep holding it?" As only Grandma could do, she gave a roll of her eyes and an intense stare. She didn't say a word, but the understanding was there, "I'll play it when I'm damned good and ready." She took her time. Grandma removed the album from the sleeve and placed it on the spindle of the Philco Radio/Record and Eight Track Player. After moving the arm over, she pressed play. The record dropped, the needle gently landed and soon Howard Huntsberry could be heard singing, "You'd better stop, girl... doggin me around..." Grandma sat next to the record player and kept beat on her leg with her hand. She listened to the song a few more times and decided to play her Wes Montgomery eight track tapes. It's years later and much has changed. That old Philco Radio/Record/Eight Track Tape Player is long gone. I can spend hours in a store looking at music and never grow tired. One of those things I inherited from Grandma.