On sunny weather, Easter bonnets, Sesqui plans – and The Master’s
What a wonderful weather week.

Throw in some sand and surf, and spring break in mid-Michigan almost seemed like Florida – almost.

The warm sunshine and blue skies were particularly welcome after the multitude of cruel, cold, dark days we were forced to endure this winter. Even some gray skies here on Thursday morning failed to dampen my spirit. In fact, I was hopeful that spring thundershowers might appear – the tulip and daffodil bulbs that were planted last fall could certainly use a boost of natural nitrogen.

Sunny skies that prevailed for most of the week also helped to provide some relief on the health front. The nasty cold-flu bug that has been floating around the area moved in here two weeks ago and has pretty much taken up permanent residency. That seems to be the case for lots of folks – misery loves company.

Raking the lawn, uncovering rose bushes (not too early, I hope) and cleaning out flowerbeds helps to take your mind off physical discomforts, for a little while anyway.

* * *

My improved mental state actually began on Easter Sunday. A very appropriate time to "get your mind right." The lovely cantata performed by the choir at the First Congregational Church created a sense of calm and peace, and a "pre-service" visit with a "farmer" acquaintance added to the sense of goodwill.

My first visit with Wilbur and Leola Thurston took place a number of years ago when Wilbur was honored by the Clinton County Soil Conservation District as the Farmer of the Year. It was well deserved. I left that interview with the feeling that the Bengal Township farmer was ahead of his time in terms of soil conservation practices – and probably in lots of other areas of life as well.

That initial perception has not changed.

In subsequent years when our paths have crossed from time to time, I’ve always enjoyed listening to Wilbur’s sage commentary on any number of topics – plus, he always has a fun story to share.

That was the case on Easter Sunday. A conversation about changing styles led to a comment about the ‘Easter bonnets’ that ladies wore years ago. Actually, as Wilbur pointed out, hats – both for men and women – were pretty much a requirement for church attendance, or any social event for that matter.

Wilbur recalled serving as an usher at the church along with other young men of the congregation – some of whom, it seems, had interesting comments on the size and shape of the hats that adorned the heads of the ladies they were seating.

"Most of those hats probably came from right across the street – the Durkee sisters were just fine, fine ladies and good businesswomen," Wilbur recollected.

As usual, Wilbur was correct.

The two sisters, Susan and Mabelle, operated Durkee’s Hat Shop for more than half a century. Susan opened the store that was located on the corner of State Street and Clinton Avenue in 1893 when she was just 18 years old. It was still in operation when she died on Sept. 11, 1965 at the age of 90.

That’s a lot of hats.

Who knows – maybe another set of siblings will sell hats at 103 N. Clinton Avenue again someday.

Like Wilbur said, "Everything comes back around."

* * *

Changing times and a sense of history will be more and more in the forefront of people’s minds in the coming months as the St. Johns Sesquicentennial approaches. Preliminary planning continues for the events that will take place during much of 2006.

Sesquicentennial chairpersons, Ruth Nihart and Paul McNamara, welcome all comments and suggestions from area residents for special events and programs that might be incorporated into the year-long celebration. A number of committees are already in place and will make initial reports at a planning meeting set for 7 p.m., April 13, at Clinton County RESA.

Come and see what’s happening – it’s going to be a great birthday party.

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Last, but certainly not least, is one more thing that’s helped improve my mental state of mind this week – The Master’s.

Lush, green fairways edged by banks of pink and rose-colored azaleas – Augusta looks gorgeous on the television screen, and absolutely magnificent in person. Readers may recall that I had the good fortune of walking those hallowed grounds several years ago, if only for the opening day practice round. What an experience.

Who will wear the green jacket when play ends on Sunday afternoon? It doesn’t really matter.