Smith Lowry Crowl
Smith Crowl was a large man when I knew him but there is a picture of him as a tall, skinny young man. He was always, after I knew him, 200 Ibs. or a little over, 6 ft. 2 in. tall - but never fat, no bulging stomach - with a large frame. He had hair that curled but was kept cut short, blue eyes, fair skin and always close shaved.
He was nick-named "The Boss" by employees and "Maje" - don't ask me why - by family members. He was named Smith Lowery.
He was a quiet, gentle, slow-moving man. He never spanked any of us or even raised his voice unless he said an emphatic "no" if it was something serious. As I remember we accepted his "no" as the final word but not always happily, I'm sure. Poor Mama had to do all the punishing. He thought his children were perfect.
Papa took only the first three degrees - Blue Lodge Work - in the Masonic Order. He didn't belong to any clubs, he didn't play cards but did play -with little enthusiasm -dominoes, checkers, Old Maid and such games. He belonged to the State and National Hardware Dealers Association and he and Mama went to conventions.
Mama and Papa belonged to a "Rook" Club. It was like bridge but played with "Rook" cards. Church friends composed the club member-ship. They had many close friends. Family picnics were wonderful. He didn't really enjoy eating on a picnic. He like to eat at the dining room table, being waited on. Sunday School picnics were special. A "Katy" train would be used to take everyone to "Reynold's Lake" -south of town. Papa was Sunday School Superintendent for years and managed the annual picnic. He took new wash tubs and rope from the store and lemonade and swings were ready in a hurry. Everyone went from our Church and lots of people from other Churches. I have pictures of some of them.
We also had picnics at "Dow Lake". We went there on the street car, which went clear to Hartshorne, and later by our own cars. There was a swimming pool there made by building a dam across a nearby stream. It was a glamorous place with a large open air pavilion for dances and parties on the hill above the lake. There also was a park named "San Sousi" across from the Public Service plant on Electric Avenue. We could go there on the street car or by horse and buggy in early days. There was a mere-go-round there.
There was no thought of liquor in our life -social or at home. Plenty was around, I now know, but at the time we gave no thought to it. This was Indian Territory and the Government banned liquor. In 1907 we became part of the State of Oklahoma. It, too, was dry.
Papa smoked cigars until I was born. Then he quit because he couldn't kiss me smelling like that -I heard later. In later years he smoked a pipe for awhile, then quit again and in late life chewed on a cigar.
Money was hard earned and respected. He was very conservative - even tight, I’ve heard. I remember we didn't buy much just because we wanted it but if we needed it, the money was there. Times were different then. I've heard Mama say that Papa made $75.00 a month managing the lumber yard when they were married and saved money! He was always interested in the growth of the town. A bed factory, furniture factory and I don't know what all were helped financially as the town grew. None of them were successful but he was always willing to help.
He was a Republican and interested in politics but his one time on the Council was all his office seeking.
He was a lover of good music. There was a town band in the early days and he played in it - a horn I think. It didn't last too long. The piano was a first purchase, a Victrola -"Morning Glory" - then later models and radio and TV as they came along.
He also liked and bought books. They were biographies, religious books and encyclopedias mostly. Books were often Christmas presents and they would be the popular kinds - Horatio Alger and such. We always had magazines, and were encouraged to read. The National Geographic. the Saturday Evening Post, Delineator, Ladies Home Journal, Boy's Life I remember well.
In later life his interest was his home and yard. He planted a large orchard but the birds liked it too. Tin can lids tied to branches and mosquito netting on cherry trees did no good in scaring them away so as trees died they not re-planted. It was fine while it lasted. All fruit trees grow well here. He didn't like working in the yard and never did but he loved watching it being done, planning and seeing things grow. He was a great "planner". His family, home, Church, and business were the great loves of his life. Work was his fun and pleasure, but not yard work.
None of us were sick much and. he was the Doctor. All the children were born at home and of course, ,the real Doctor was on hand. We were born in the time of Dr. Griffeth - Katherine Johnson Ervin's grand father. But when Papa was the Doctor his remedy was “Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Purgative Pellets” - little white pill of pure dynamite and you took it for what ailed you. Maybe it was better just not to get sick. I don't remember him ever being sick until quite late in life. The last year or so he developed diabetes and prostate trouble. A trip, by ambulance, was made to Baylor Hospital in Dallas for the prostate operation as it was not done here then. He went to St. Mary’s Hospital, just a few blocks from home, every day at noon for an insulin injection for the diabetes. He was up and dressed but at home for some time. The last three weeks he was in bed. We had a young black man nurse he was fond of.
He died peacefully at home at midnight June 10, 1946 with all the family present, Joe leaned down and; kissed him Mama said the loveliest prayer. Our Minister, Dr. Johnson, was upset the next morning that he had not been called but Mama didn't think e should be disturbed that time of night. It was right the way it was.