We meet some of the most interesting people working at campgrounds. This season at Granite Hill Campground in Gettysburg is coming to an end, but we take with us the memories of friends we made during our stay here.
One of the most interesting people we have ever worked with is Fred Brantlinger. He is one of those people who is smiling every time you see him. He always has something nice to say, no matter what is going on around him. I had many occasions to talk with Fred over the summer, as I work in the office and any time he needed something he came to me at the front desk.
During his working career, Fred was an art teacher in the public schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He taught mostly the middle school age kids. While he was a teacher, he wrote some art curriculum books that are still for sale even today on Amazon.com.
What To Do For Bulletin Boards;: A collection of creative art ideas for the school bulletin board,
And, because he was an art teacher, and was in acquaintance with Fred Rogers, he made some appearances on “The Children’s Corner”, which aired on WQED in Pittsburg beginning in 1954. WQED was the first public television station in the nation. And, “The Children’s Corner was the beginnings of the famous “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” that aired for more than 30 years.
Fred’s last day to work with us was last Sunday. That afternoon he came over to our trailer and invited Jim and me to his house for dinner. So, on Tuesday night we drove over and had the most delightful visit with Fred and Marian, his wife. I wish I had taken my camera. (I did think about it but I thought it would be rude to take my camera to their house and start snapping away)
Marian was a very gracious hostess, and just as interesting to talk with as Fred has been. She worked in the medical field in a doctor’s office. She collects bone china tea cups, and many of the patients would bring her cups and saucers from their travels. She showed me many of them, and they are really beautiful and fragile. One had been lovingly glued back together after it had fallen off a shelf when their son in law slammed a door. She had cups from England, Ireland, Japan, China, Israel, Denmark, France, as well as all over the United States.
Fred and Marian lived in the Pittsburgh area before coming to Gettysburg twenty two years ago. They live in a real house, not an RV like Jim and I do. They share their home with Marian’s brother, Ralph and a little white dog named Abbie, who had more energy than all five of the humans who were present.
For dinner Marian served Ham Loaf, which I have never had before, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, and Pickled Beets, all of which were home made. Dessert was a home made Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream, and served with coffee, mmmmm. And of course I ate the pie, crust and all, as I did not want to offend my hostess. I only wish we had had time to go and visit with them earlier in the year, so we could have spent more time with them. We will really miss Fred.
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