an interview with Grandpa Neal

a note from Grandma: I told you on my last blog that I would copy Alysia’s interview with Grandpa. I thought I would send that for you to put on my blog before I answer the last question you sent. Galen must have been about 79 when she interviewed him. This was a project she did in school when she was in 5th Grade. I thought everyone would be interested in what she wrote about Grandpa: (Have you ever met someone who seems to be so intelligent they seem to know the answer to everything? Well, I know one person for sure! This person is my grandpa, Galen Neal. Now, does this seem like a person you’d be interested in getting to know? If so, join me now as we journey through the life of Galen Neal. Grandpa Neal had an ordinary life for a boy growing up in his time. Galen was born on November 11, 1918 (our birthdays are only two days apart) 7:30 p.m. at Waverly Hospital by Dr. Kern. Grandpa was a well-behaved kid that only got into trouble when he teased his brother, Don. This is common in almost every household with more than one child. When Grandpa did get in trouble his Mom would use a narrow board to punish him. During Galen’s school years, he attended Shell Rock Elementary. My Mother went to this same school too. The way to school for Grandpa was two miles, luckily he had the privilege to ride the bus.Grandpa Neal’s first grade teacher was Miss Van Vlack. She later married Lloyd Gibson. She was a memorable teacher along with Miss Sperry and Miss Bowen. Every day Galen would carry his lunch to school and it would it would consist of a sandwich, an orange, soup and cake. For fun a game Grandpa liked to play was a good game of marbles and ride his bike. Not only did Grandpa like playing marbles, he made a hobby of collecting them. Grandpa’s best friend was, and still is Bob Hickle. In the Summer months when Grandpa got a little bit older, he liked to play his cornet in the band. During the Winter, Grandpa enjoyed going bob sledding. During Grandpa’s Neal’s teenage years he thought the best thing was to be able to drive and have more freedom. One of the “not so good”things was that his girl friend moved away. While we are on the subject of girl friends, Galen’s first date was when he was 16 years old. They went to the Junior Senior banquet together. For sports Grandpa enjoyed playing baseball and basket ball.)