Winter-Spring 2005 Banks Newsletter

BANKS January, 2005 Charles Banks Surrenders his Gavel after a Decade of Banks Leadership Donna Dodd Charles passed the gavel at the October, 2003 reunion, and I accepted – It is truly an honor I hold deep in my heart.

Driven by his love of family and writing, Charles’ newsletters dazzled as he blew life into each and every page – brilliantly giving us fascinating glimpses into our Banks family heritage.

Charles, we all thank you for your energy, your time and your love – a special gift to many generations to come.

Ginger & Thomas Dixon (From the Banks Family data base.) Charles graduated from Spartanburg High School. He served in the U. S. Navy from January 1951 to July 1957, three of these years attached to destroyer USS McGowan serving in Korea as part of task force 95. After Military service, Charles graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B. S. in accounting. Following positions in industry as corporate controller, he ventured into hotel/motel management and into commercial real estate specializing in hotel/ motel sales and financing.

Charles and Delores are members of St. Stephen United Methodist Church.

Bob King He certainly has been devoted to the Banks clan and has done a terrific job of keeping the enthusiasm going. No telling how many hours he has spent working for us. We are all indebted to him. He is a skillful writer, and I look forward to getting a copy of his book.

Michael Banks Dad has a huge heart! He's the one that pulls over and gives someone a ride if they have a flat tire. He makes a mean Hamburger and bean casserole for the homeless once a month. Pop collects sweatshirts at this time of the year for the homeless.

Our family (Mom And Dad) decided this year to pick a family off the Angel tree and help them out instead of buying gifts for each other.

(Much more fun!) He's also a big hugger! A pretty tough dude also! Cancer survivor, couple of heart attacks; But he does take care of himself and others—that’s why the good Lord is keeping him here.

Susan Banbury During the holidays one of my favorite family memories always comes to mind.

It was the year my younger brother, Michael, figured out the secret of Santa Claus, which can make

Christmas less magical for such a little boy. Daddy came up with a way to still make the holidays fun for him. I was hoping for a new bicycle for Christmas. The game became "Can Susan guess the color of her new bicycle?"

Daddy whispered the secret color to Michael and during the weeks before Christmas they giggled while I guessed every color in the rainbow.

Finally on Christmas morning I found a gold-colored bicycle sparkling under the tree while Michael and Daddy laughed and laughed because I had never guessed the color.

Daddy with his love of Christmas and family fun had kept Christmas special for a little boy who had come to the end of a childhood fantasy.

Thank you Donna for making this newsletter in honor of Daddy. You are so right--he is very special!

Susan Volina & Earl Roper Thank you, Charles, for the work you did in keeping up with the Banks family, for sharing your stories and your recipes.

We have enjoyed each issue and thank you for your devotion to keeping these stories a part of our family.

Special Edition Banks Family Tribute Charles W. Banks

Inside this issue: Banks Survival p.3 Ed Banks More . . . Tributes to P.2 Charles 2004 P.3 Banks Family Reunion Let’s Cook! P.4 Recipes by Ginger & Becky Dixon Family P.3 Announcements Writings P.5 of Charles W. Banks P.6 Lisa Kimball My father has so many wonderful qualities that make him such a special person.

He will never realize just how many lives he touches.

When I hear the words humble, grateful, positive, supportive, committed, loving, tender, joyful, spiritual—I think of my dad. He has never complained, never boasted, never has a harsh word to say, and always puts others first. His deep faith in God has carried him through life. I am thankful every day to have such a wonderful person in my life that I can call Dad. I Love You, Lisa

January, 2005

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The Boys Submitted by Diane Banks Leonard

Setting:

Second Sunday in October; 11:00 A.M.

Telephone: Donna: Diane: Donna: Diane: Donna: Diane: Donna:

Ring…ring…ring…

Hello?

How close are you?

We just got off at the Lavonia exit. Is that the right one? - I always forget.

Remember, that’s where the antique store is that we usually stop by afterwards.

Oh, that’s right! Billy and Dawn are picking up Colleen, right?

I think Scooter is driving her there.

Wow! Looks like tons of people are here this year! Oops, sorry – that was the car lot. Hereeeeeeeeeeeee we are. Tommy, slow down. . . . Dee? We’re here.

We’re right behind you. See you in about ten minutes! Bye!

Diane:

. . . 30 minutes later . . .

It’s noon. Hopefully they haven’t started eating yet, and/or they aren’t in the middle of the blessing.

Oh, yay!!! Everybody’s still outside; and, as usual, The Boys are in their positions at the invisible gate entrance to greet each and every relative as they emerge from their cars and descend to the food-room.

Okay, so this was supposed to be something about Cousin Charles; but, for the life of me, I can’t set him apart from his brothers. George, John, and Charles, are (to me) The Boys! They’ve always been the first people I see when arriving at the reunion. They’re usually standing together, sporting their “I just won the lottery” smiles, cute clothes, polished shoes, and classy wives. Every year, they ask which twin we are. Every year, we point to each other and say that she’s the evil twin. Every year, they humor us by laughing hysterically and acting as though they had never heard that before. Then they tell us a story about Daddy and the time he stayed with them. To humor them, we laugh hysterically and act as though we’ve .) never heard that story before.

After the reunion is over, we head back to Colleen’s for coffee, and to share our various stories of the day. I always bring up The Boys, and ask how they’re related to us. Colleen explains, and Donna and I, once again, are amazed at how young they look - to be Daddy’s cousins. Billy usually throws in that he heard George is somewhere around 105 to 110 years old. I finish my coffee – then, excuse myself to go see Elaine. David follows me to make sure I don’t try to talk her into giving me any of her animals. She always has at least one dog that can’t be bred anymore that she needs to find a good home for. I’m always convinced that life isn’t worth living without that particular dog. David convinces me otherwise.

Okay, then…let’s talk about The Boys instead. Elaine has heard that Cousin Charles is actually the brother that’s between 105 to 110 years old; so now, we don’t know what to believe. We make a pact to (next year) hold Charles down, take his wallet, and check his driver’s license.

On a serious note, I want to say what a pleasure it’s been attending the Banks reunions as an adult. My whole perspective has changed. I went from “hope this outfit doesn’t make me look fat” to “I can’t wait to spend time with the wonderful people whose heritage I’m a part of.” This is the first year I’ve done the cemetery clean-up duty. Elaine always said she liked it even more than the actual reunion. She was right. Every living generation was represented that day, which brought about a true sense of family and unity. I was especially proud to have my husband there to share the experience as we gained a deeper understanding of our roots.

Some things I learned that day…  Rusty Terrell gives bad directions. (ha!)  If you’re a Banks and have “the shakes,” you can thank the Acree side of the family.  It’s “Oh, my Goodness,” NOT “oh, my God.” (Thank you, Joshua – Elaine Honea’s grandson)  Thomas Dixon doesn’t really need his walking cane. It’s just for show!  Donna’s rehearsing for the lead role in an upcoming movie called Revenge of the Weedeaters!  White girls CAN jump! (Becky and Diane throwing the leaves over the fence)

January, 2005

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Banks News/Announcements by Branch Aunt Martha’s Branch Ben & Shelby King are proud parents of son Reid Robert King, born January 13, 2004.

Marti & Mike Beukema welcome their new daughter, Calla Jane, born Sept. 13, 2004. That makes 8 grandchildren for Susan & Bob King!

Aunt Alice’s Branch Jeri Chasteen, daughter of Doris & Tom Crunkelton, announced her engagement to James Huff. We certainly welcome James to our big family!

.

Uncle Groves' Branch

By Ed Banks ―My grandson, Jacob Thomas, is an only son and only child for the third generation in my family. I was an only child, My son, Alan is our only child. Alan’s son, Jacob is an only child at this time. Of course we are hoping he has brothers and sisters. My Dad's line has survived by the narrowest margins. I was born one month after his death.

Jacob was given the middle name Thomas to honor Uncle Verner.

Alan admired him so much, and

was closer to Uncle Verner than anyone else. We sure miss him around here! ―

John Banks' Branch Excerpts from Cousin Charles’ Newsletters will soon be preserved as a hard-bound book. His stories will make up the majority of the book’s content, with an added section of genealogical history by Thomas Dixon. This will provide a little family history, and detailed genealogy from Thomas Marion Banks forward. We will keep you posted on the status of this project.

Banks Family Gathers For 69th Reunion Cemetery cleanup again followed Banks tradition on Saturday morning, October 9 — the day before the annual Banks Family Reunion. A generous number of family members from all living generations gathered at the New Hope Road cemetery to pay homage to our loved ones. After several hours of good ole hard work, Susan and Bob King served up homemade Cabbage Stew, cornbread muffins, pears, fruit salad, brownies, homegrown cherry tomatoes, and baked apples. Thomas Dixon said it best when he admit his curious fondness for picnicking among our deceased relatives! Thanks to Diane Leonard, those who participated in the clean up received special “I got the dirt on the Banks family!” stickers for added identification to their nametags the next day.

Sunday, October 10, 2004 marked the 69th reunion of the Thomas Marion Banks family. Facilitated by Donna Dodd, the meeting began with the usual singing of Blessed be the Ties that Bind, and was followed with an invocation by Bob King. We Becky Dixon looks on as Diane Leonard takes a roll in the observed a moment of silence, remembering the leaves—just couldn’t resist! young men and women overseas and our loved ones who are no longer with us - especially Aunt Irene, who had passed on since our last reunion. Never to be outdone by the previous year, food was piled high on the 2 mile buffet table inside the Line Community Women’s Club.

Insid e Story Hea dli ne

Following lunch, the business meeting was called to order. Rusty Terrell provided the treasurers report, and discussed the need for fence repairs at the cemetery. Our association’s savings account currently has a balance of $589.99, and is earning 2.25% interest. George Banks briefly reported on the Banks Association home front and the status of the sale of Coldwater Plantation. Thomas Dixon provided an entertaining (and much needed) historical overview of our Banks family heritage. He also reminded us that signed, limited-edition prints of Corfe Castle were still available for anyone interested.

Peter Banks, George Banks and Thomas Dixon after a delicious picnic in the cemetery!

Dixon looks of on as Diane Several hours of heartwarming fellowship culminated with Rev. Rebecca Dixon’sBecky special prayer thanksgiving— for Leonard takes a roll in the Donna Dodd yet another blessed Banks Family Reunion. leaves—just couldn’t resist!

January, 2005

Ginger's Broccoli Casserole Submitted by Ginger Dixon Three fresh stalks broccoli 1 Vidalia onion - chopped 1/4 cup margarine, pepper to taste, salt is not necessary 1 stack Town House or Ritz crackers 2 large eggs - beaten 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, refill can with skim milk 1 large package grated aged cheddar cheese for topping Cook chopped onion in boiling water until tender.

Cut off broccoli floweret's into

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uniform pieces. If stems are tender, peal and slice to add flavor and texture.

Add broccoli to boiling water and onion, return to boil for ten minutes or until just tender (do not overcook as broccoli will lose color and taste).

Drain well, add margarine and mash with potato masher. Let stand in cooking pot.

In mixing bowl, beat two eggs and add can of mushroom soup and equal amount of skim milk. Crush one stack of crackers and add to mixture. Add mixture to cooked broccoli and onion.

Spray large Corning aged cheddar cheese for topping Cook chopped onion in boiling water until tender.

Cut off broccoli floweret's into uniform pieces. If stems are tender, peal and slice to add flavor and texture.

Add broccoli to boiling Ware dish with Pam. Pour in mixture and cover with generous layer of grated cheese.

Cover with glass top.

Dish can be put together one day and cooked the next.

Cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until lightly brown around edge. Remove top to allow cheese to brown about five minutes.

Carry to family reunion or covered dish meal at church.

(Save broccoli and onion scraps for compost pile.)

Recipe for Creamy Fried Confetti Corn As adapted from Progressive Farmer, August 2003

Submitted by Rebecca Dixon Ingredients: 8 bacon slices, chopped (may use ready-to-serve bacon) 4 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (8 ears) 1 medium-size sweet onion, chopped 1/3 cup chopped red and/or orange and/or yellow bell pepper 1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed (can use fat free as well) ½ cup half-and-half (can use fat free as well) 1 teaspoon sugar (or sugar lite) 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp or simply warm ready-to-cook bacon; remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Sauté onion and when the onion is clear, add corn and bell peppers. Keep over medium heat for 6 minutes. Add cream cheese and half-and-half, stirring until cheese melts. Stir in sugar, salt and pepper. Place in casserole dish and top with bacon for decoration and flavor. Hint: the bell peppers are the ―confetti‖ so using more colorful peppers is the key.

January, 2005

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THE KALEIDOSCOPE Recollections and Events From the life of Charles W. Banks submitted by George Banks As written by Charles W. Banks

The loose bits of colored glass form a random and unique picture with each turn of the kaleidoscope and to the joy of the beholder. When one reflects upon their life, it is somewhat like a kaleidoscope. The pictures, or events, flash randomness, brought about by the stimulus of a particular moment. As I think of the events surrounding my life, these are some of the pictures I see.

I see a young boy of five as he sits on his tricycle watching his older brother play baseball with his friends. He hears his Aunt Gertrude as she steps onto the front porch and yells to her two nephews that they have a baby brother.

George is born.

I see a young man of eighteen with a broad smile on his face as his Mother returns home from work and receives a big surprise. Earlier, he had driven to Oakboro, collected his grandparents, and returned to Spartanburg, so that he could give his Mother a special present for her birthday.

I see a young boy of twelve, dressed in white shirt and white trousers, as he steps into the water and to the outstretched hand of Rev. Vermillion as an organist softly plays ―There Is a Fountain.‖ After a few words to the congregation, the Reverend says, ―I baptize you in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.‖ With one hand placed in the small of his back and the other over his face, the boy is gently lowered into the water.

I see a boy of eight being reprimanded by his father for taunting a neighbor and then being forced to walk to the neighbor’s house and apologize.

I see three eight-year-olds – Charles Johnson, John Lanford, and myself – laying on the terraced lawn of Calvary Church on a clear summer evening, hands under heads, looking up at the stars and discovering the wonders of space.

I see a twenty-three year old in quiet meditation as he waters the flowers his mother patiently planted. He listens to the laughter of his many uncles and cousins as they entertain themselves on the porch of his house and wonders why they don’t feel his deep pain. A short time later a caravan of automobiles will carry these mourners to Calvary Church for the last rites of a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend of many. It will be many years before he realizes those uncles and cousins shared his pain and the talking and laughter was their way of venting their grief. I see a boy of twelve staring at fields of corn as the giant stalks sway gently in the warm breeze. He hears the distant coo of a morning dove and glances upward as an eagle soars gracefully through the blue sky. He hears a cranking sound from the old Victrola as his grandmother prepares to listen to her favorite hymn, ―Rock of Ages.‖ I see a boy of seven opening the car door for his father as the father gently and lovingly lifts his oldest son and carries him into the hospital for surgery.

I see a boy of six, dressed in pajamas and bathrobe, sitting on his mother’s lap.

She opens her Bible and reads the Christmas Story from the book of Luke as part of the Advent service at Calvary Church.

I see a boy of twelve arguing with his older brother because the older brother wants him to wear a tie to church. The older brother won.

I see a young boy of five, dressed as an elf, playing a triangle, sitting next to his friend Rachel, at the graduation exercises of Mrs. Madden’s Kindergarten.

I see a boy of thirteen, dressed in a Boy Scout uniform, serving as usher, as he proudly watches his older brother play in the football game between Presbyterian College and the University of Havana.

I see an eight year old, who runs in the house to use the bathroom on a Sunday afternoon in autumn. Returning to play, he passes through the living room. He hears the mantle clock as it strikes the half-hour, notices his mother resting on the couch, and says to himself, ―Mother must be getting old. She has to take naps.‖ With a final turn of the kaleidoscope, I see a man who views his life and is thankful for his wife, his children, and his family. He is grateful for what he has, who thanks God for the privilege of being a part of His earth, and by some small measure, a root in the tree of life.

January, 2005

Recollections and Events—From the life of Charles W. Banks

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U. S .S. McGOWAN (DD-678) c/o Fleet Post Office San Francisco, California Christmas Day 25 December 1952 Dear Mother and Daddy, I hope you are having a very wonderful Christmas, and best wishes for the coming year.

We are having a very quiet day of it over here. Yesterday we had our services.

I am sending you one of the programs that we made. They look pretty nice considering the time we had and the material. But, getting back to the service, we had about 55 or 60 in the mess hall. The largest crowd since we have been having services. Our services aren’t too long, but they are nice. Today, of course, we had our Christmas dinner. I am enclosing a copy of the menu for you to read. I am so full right now I can hardly move. I passed around the fruitcake you made, but everyone is so full, guess we will save it for tonight after the movie. Boy that turkey sure was good. I know some other guys that were off the captured island here in Wonsan. They sure enjoyed themselves too, as they had been eating K-rations for over two weeks. Last Tuesday the cooks sent them over a great big pie. You see, there are only about 10 or 12 marines on the island, the rest are S. Korean military.

Oh yes, I can’t forget the Christmas tree. We have a huge tree down in the mess hall. It has several strings of lights on it and is a beautiful tree. Some of the guys bought it the last time we were in port, and also the decorations. Each of the compartments are also decorated. I must say, the whole ship has the Christmas spirit. Last night after services, the majority of the crew not on watches gathered around the Christmas tree and we sang carols. It was real colorful. We also had several albums of carols and they were played over all the ships radios. Of course, I had rather be home, but this is one Christmas I will never forget as long as I live. The only thing we didn’t have was some mail. Originally we were going to get some, but we are doing a little shooting instead. I think we will get some tomorrow as it has been over two weeks since our last mail.

Well, I really can’t think of anything else to write about so I will say good night. Again, I hope you had a very merry Christmas.

Love always, your son, Charles

I’d like to first say thank you to all who contributed to our Banks newsletter! Our next publication will be out in June. We welcome your news, announcements, recipes, stories, and story ideas!

You may send your information to me, Donna Dodd at: 134 N. Lakeside Drive Kennesaw, GA 30144 Or you may email me at donnabdodd@yahoo.com Or contact me by phone - 770-421-1122

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