Birthday
On December 24, 1927 Carol was born in Beloit Kansas to Lillian and William Gabel.
She has an older sister, Constance, that is one day from four years old. William is 31 and Lillian is 32 1/2 years old.
A family story, Carol was born around midnight on the 24th with one document showing the 24th and another document showed the 25th. Oh well, the time is clearly 8:50 P.M.
1929 New Home
Carol’s family relocates to Macon, Missouri. W. J. Gabel becomes the new manager of the newly acquired theater for the Dickinson chain.
1930 U.S. Census
Bill was 33 years old, Lill 32, Connie 6, Carol 2 and Bob at about 9 months. Also living with them was Louise Stropple. They owned a radio and paid $45 a month in rent. Their address was 1035 Jackson street, which was swallowed by the new highway through town.
Macon Chronicle Herald – November 7, 1930
Winning
Birthday Extravaganza!
Benefits of a family owned theatre.
EXCITEMENT…crackling like a prairie fire!
Polo player Brian stops in a Kansas town and finds a girl and her aunt needing money to keep their ranch. He also finds his new real estate partner is the crook trying to do the women out of their ranch.
1940 U. S. Census
Bill, Lill, Connie, Carol and Bob living in Beloit, Kansas
Carol is 12 years old.
Road Trip!
Off to California.
First 235 miles a flat tire, then another 240 to Raton.
Sante Fe, New Mexico July 1940
Gallup, New Mexico
You have to stop at the “world’s largest ranch house” and step into the “modernistic cocktail lounge”.
A now historic hotel built by R.E. “Griff” Griffith, the brother of film director D.W. Griffith. The pair encouraged early film production in the surrounding area. It is located on old U.S. Route 66 and became the temporary home for many Hollywood movie stars. It opened in 1937 as a base for movie productions. Employees were trained by the Fred Harvey Company.
Then go grab the best burger in America!
Petrified Forest, Arizona
Los Angeles, California
Perhaps the target of this little vacation is to visit with Uncle Francis Gabel and family. His wife Jeanette gave birth to their second daughter Paula on June 18th.
A stop at San Pedro Harbor and a must visit at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. The Hollywood Brown Derby is the purported birthplace of the Cobb salad, which was said to have been hastily arranged from leftovers by owner Bob Cobb for showman and theater owner Sid Grauman. According to Shirley Temple, the non-alcoholic drink bearing her name was invented at the Brown Derby in the mid-1930s. Of course, the place to be seen for famous movie stars and deal makers.
You gotta eat while in L.A.
Had lunch with Uncle Francis.
Utah
Las Vegas, Nevada
Salt Lake City, Utah
The Big Wreck
July 19, 1940
Award of Honor
May 16, 1941 at St. John’s School in Mitchell County, Kansas.
…but why the Will Rogers Memorial?
Girl Scouts
August, 1941
December 7, 1941
Not in Kansas Anymore
Carol’s dad joined the USO in 1941 and did a short stint in Lebanon, Missouri, then relocated to Joplin, Missouri in 1942. Carol and family joined him in time for a formal High School dance.
Freshman Year
1942
Really good at Religion and Desirable Attitudes. A little left of center on self control, but still good. Still trying to figure out what the codes S, M and G mean.
Bouncing On The Map
Joplin to Topeka to Waukegan
Holy Child High School
Waukegan, Illinois
1942 through December, 1943
Catholic Confirmation
On May 17, 1943 Carol Elizabeth Gabel received confirmation of Catholicism in Waukegan Illinois.
The document was completed on August 12, 1947. Perhaps this was a requirement for the upcoming marriage. Not sure about that middle name.
Carol with Cricket
Our House in Waukegan
June 1943
Friends Say Goodbye
Carol was 15 years 11 months 18 days old.
Visiting Chicago
A Short Stay
Just a couple of days with Aunt Edna and Uncle Ernest in Topeka.
Heading for California
The year is 1944, just a new year brain fog.
Looks like the Connie, Carol and Bob left on one train at 11:30, then Bill and Lill on the next train at 12:30.
First Step – Los Angeles for seven months!
Yes, she did attend high school here.
Step Two – Two weeks in San Francisco
Packed up and Shot
Hard to decipher, the third word on the third line? Dinner at Joe Meltons, a friend, restaurant, don’t know.
Step Three – One week on the ocean
Autographed Menu
Perhaps the meal was enjoyed after the first day.
Hawaii Arrival on Oahu
September 21, 1944
Connie, Lill and Carol strutting down the boulevard. The sailors seem to appreciate it.
Official Person of the Territory of Hawaii
A slight adjustment on the birthdate to keep up the family story.
Carol Has a New Friend
I wonder if George ever got that second meeting?
Hilo Bound
One more short trip from Honolulu to Hilo on the Big Island.
Kaukau is said to be a corruption of a Chinese word, and signifies to eat, to drink. It is used by foreigners in conversing with natives, and by natives conversing with foreigners. Wikiwiki means “fast” in the Hawaiian language.
S. S. Waialeale
The standard of travel between the islands.
USO Club
The club was sitting next to the St Josephs Catholic Church. The building is no longer there. Perhaps this is where Carol’s dad was assigned.
Carol Finds Another Friend
Perhaps Bill’s ploy to meet her again.
Friends are Springing Up Everywhere
A nice touch with the orchid. Perhaps a fellow student?
Just Another Day of Golf
Probably the first and only time picking up a golf club, but who can pass up a photo op!
Here’s Her Sport
Racing is one thing, but this could be her first Water Ballet performance.
Schools Out For Summer!
Goodbye Big Island
On To Kauai
Welcome To Kauai
The USO operated eight clubs on Kauai during World War II that provided canteens, regular dances, mobile shows, live entertainment and athletic programs for the more than 40,000 military personnel stationed on the Garden Isle during the war. Each of the clubs was operated by a director paid from USO funds and was staffed by volunteers from around the island.
At Hanalei, the historic Waioli Mission Hall was blacked out and made into a clubhouse featuring a canteen.
In Kapaa, an office and laundry building located across from the Roxy Theater — which was situated on the corner of Kukui and Ulu streets — was remodeled into an attractive USO club that would become the site of the Club Blue Lei after the war.
On the westside, the USO leased and housed its activities in the Waimea Community Hall, while Lihue’s USO was ensconced in the Isenberg Recreational Center.
A refurbished store building in Hanapepe, still standing at 3871 Hanapepe Road, was home to that town’s USO, and there was also a Waterfront USO at Nawiliwili, another USO in Kalaheo, and at Koloa, an old run down store was leased and renovated into still another USO club.
Bill, Carol, Lill and Bob
I’m guessing this is on Kauai in 1945.
And So It Begins
He’s Checking In
He’s Working It
Looks Like She Found Another Friend
Her Night Was Lousy – What Upset Her?
Attempt at an Apology
Looks like a great dinner, Lau Lau, Lomi Lomi and Opihi, yum. Looks like Carol preferred the chicken and desserts.
Swim and a Dance
That’s still a realy good movie.
Looks like Little Ed is up to bat.
Carol Had No Comment
Alfred Is Smitten
Gathering for Graduation
Not only that, but Ed borrowed money to purchase of an Obi.
Graduation!
After a short six months, Carol graduates from Kauai High School in Lihue. Her high school career started in Waukegan, Illinois, then Los Angeles, California, Hilo, Hawaii and finally Lihue.
A sad sign of the times, her year book pays tribute to one of their seniors dying and nine already serving in the military.
Big Party and the First Errr
A Stay in Hawaii Was Not to Be
Go Ichabods!
Time to Dance
More Errr’s
Friends, Friends and Friends
Perhaps kind of like collecting baseball cards!
Third Errr, Just What is Little Ed’s Intentions?
Minor Skirmish on Island of Kauai
Little Ed sparked an incident. Casualties unknown at this time. Stay tuned for any and all updates.
Major Escalations Avoided, Peace at Hand
Not to mention the possibility of the end of World War II
President Harry S. Truman announced on Aug. 14, 1945, that Japan had surrendered unconditionally, war-weary citizens around the world erupted in celebration.
George is trying to move in!
Is this the same George we met back in Honolulu?
On Board the USS Pargo
There’s Tex and Then There’s the Coast Guard
Anna Faye
I believe this is the “Anna” that Carol references through out her calendar diary.
She is the grand daughter of Hans Peter Faye, an early sugar plantation pioneer on Kauai and a Norwegian immigrant to the Kingdom of Hawaii.
The Obi
Apparently, Alfred Edwards asked Carol to send this obi to his mother.
Not sure what Myrtle did with the obi, but Carol eventually hung it up at 702.
Finally, Hula Lessons
Aunty Sarah Ke‘alamapuana Malina Kailikea
1911-2004
Auntie Sarah was a composer, chanter and a respected authority on Hawaiian history & culture. Born in Kīpū, Kauaʻi, Auntie Sarah & her husband took care of the Menehune Gardens in Nāwiliwili. She was regarded highly among hula scholars for her knowledge of the Menehune dances of Kauaʻi, which are among the oldest dances in the Hawaiian repertoire. She was best known as the feisty and articulate protector of the immense Chinese banyan tree, the largest in Hawaii, that grew in her back yard.
A quick flight from Kauai to Oahu, then back to the mainland.
An end to one of the most memorable periods of Carol’s life.
Aloha ‘Oe
Haʻaheo e ka ua i nā pali
Ke nihi aʻela i ka nahele
E hahai (uhai) ana paha i ka liko
Pua ʻāhihi lehua o uka The ʻāhihi lehua
Hui:
Aloha ʻoe, aloha ʻoe
E ke onaona noho i ka lipo
A hoʻi aʻe au Ere
ʻO ka haliʻa aloha i hiki mai
Ke hone aʻe nei i
Kuʻu manawa
ʻO ʻoe nō kuʻu ipo aloha
A loko e hana nei
Tomago:
Maopopo kuʻu ʻike i ka nani
Nā pua rose o Maunawili
I laila hiaʻai nā manu
Mikiʻala i ka nani o ka liko
Hui Chorus
Proudly swept the rain by the cliffs
As it glided through the trees
Still following ever the bud
of the vale
Chorus:
Farewell to thee, farewell to thee
The charming one who dwells in the shaded bowers
One fond embrace, One fond embrace,
I depart
Until we meet again Until we meet again
Sweet memories come back to me
Bringing fresh remembrances
Of the past
Dearest one, yes, you are mine own
From you, true love shall never depart
Refrain:
I have seen and watched your loveliness
The sweet rose of Maunawili
And ’tis there the birds of love dwell
And sip the honey from your lips
Chorus
Written by Princess Liliʻuokalani
Wedding Bells!
Marriage of Carol and Alfred
On September 2, 1947 a marriage license was issued for Carol Elizabeth Gabel and Alfred Fields Edwards and are authorized to join in marriage.
She was 19 years 8 months 9 days old and he was 23 years 5 months 20 days old.
In With The In-Laws
Alfred and Carol moved in with his mom and dad. This would let Alfred finish his schooling and they could figure out the next step.
Birth of Son One
On January 22, 1949 Carol gave birth to their first son Charles Gabel Edwards.
Alfred was 24 years 10 months 9 days old, Carol was 21 years 0 months 29 days old and they have been married for 1 year 4 months 20 days.
Early 1949 – Four Generations
William S Gabel, William J Gabel, Charles Gabel Edwards and Carol.
Carol and Alfred Lived on Glenfield
Prior to July 1950, Carol and Alfred moved into their brand new home on 2111 Glenfield in Dallas, Texas. The house was built in 1949. According to this photo, Glenfield still needs to be expanded towards Hampton for the house to be built.
Originally the Hampton Field, later renamed Clearview Airport was operational up to 1948.
March 1949 Barnes Aerial Surveys aerial photo (from the Dallas Department of Public Works Survey & Records Library, courtesy of Chris Walton). Photo with notations from www.airfields-freeman.com.
1950 U. S. Census
Alfred, Carol and newbie Charles living in their new house on Glenfield Street.
Birth of Son Two
On May 25, 1950 Carol gave birth to their second son Steven Fields Edwards.
Must Have Been Hard
On July 28, 1950 Alfred received a telegram ordering him to report by August 1, 1950.
Carol Goes Home
Carol takes Chuck and Steve to Topeka, Kansas.
Telegram From Alfred
On February 25, 1951 Carol received good news from Alfred Edwards.
Celebration at an Oak Cliff Icon
Carol returns to Dallas, but Alfred has a couple of months at Cherry Point, North Carolina to endure until release from the Marines.
Birth of Son Three
On November 8, 1954 Carol gave birth to their third son Howard Christopher Edwards.
Alfred was 30 years 7 months 26 days old, Carol was 26 years 10 months 15 days old and they have been married for 7 years 2 months 6 days.
Synchronized Swimming Competition
Time for a New House
Although this is a directory listing for 1957, I think Alfred and Carol moved into the new house in 1955/1956. The house is listed as being built in 1955 in the new Glenview subdivision.
Coral Plunge
Thursday, March 1st and Friday, March 2nd 1956
Performances at the Dallas Athletic Club, downtown Dallas.
Carol was 28 years 2 months 8 days old.
Aloha to the Magic Islands
Saturday night, May 16 1959 at the Lido Cabana Club
Hawaiian Mermaids featuring Carol Edwards
Birth of Son Four
On June 16, 1960 Carol gave birth to their third son William Alfred Edwards.
Alfred was 36 years 3 months 3 days old, Carol was 32 years 5 months 23 days old and they have been married for 12 years 9 months 14 days.
Heading to the Grand Canyon State
Alfred gets a new job.
A temporary stay in apartments until a more permanent arrangement can be made.
Leveling up, permanent residence attained.
Heading for the Beach
Alfred’s next new job.
20th Wedding Anniversary 1967
A return to their honeymoon locale. Nothing holds on to the memories like a matchbook cover!
A Return to the Homeland
Alfred returns to the Republic
Briar Gate Apartments
The family moved here for a one year living arrangement between Miami and 702.
1968 / 1969 I think.
Do not know the date of the ad, but looks appropriate.
Carol takes up ship building.
Carol was employed at the “Army Navy Exchange”
In With The In-Laws Again
Carol, Alfred and four sons move in with Charles and Myrtle.
Carol died on Sunday April 3, 2011
She was 83 years 4 months 10 days old.
