Celebrating 50 Years!

The Golden Lamb is recognized as Ohio's longest continuously-run business, opening its doors in 1803.  Over the years it has undergone a lot of renovation and additions. Twelve U.S. Presidents and other dignitaries have visited during the history of this inn and restaurant.  James Garfield was the first President to visit the inn and G.W. Bush was the most recent.  It is one of my brother Don's favorite places.

Don and his wife, Frani, invited his siblings, their spouses and any children still living at home to enjoy a birthday dinner in honor of the "BIG 5-0."  We were treated to not only wonderful food, but wonderful company, great stories and a sense of history.

When Don was born, the 7th of seven, my Dad did not participate in his birth.  He stayed at home taking care of the oldest six.  I was rooting for a girl, and admit to being initially disappointed when the phone call came that we had another boy -- Boys 5, Girls 2.  (In hindsight, that was the best possible outcome because what would a lone girl at the end of the line have done with no female siblings close in age).

We had a pattern of naming everyone with the same first initial.  The first three boys were Tom, Tim and Ted and the two girls were Kathleen and Karen.  Mom wasn't really in love with any more names that started with a "T", so when Dan came along, she switched to "D".  Don followed that pattern.  Our "common" names were somewhat intentional.  Mom always said that she wasn't going to give us "unusual" first names to balance out our "common" last name (Jones).  I can't say we followed that "rule" in the next generation.

Don asked me to tell the "potato" story. With Mom in the hospital giving birth, Dad asked me to ride my bike to the grocery store and buy some potatoes. He gave me a dollar. In 1961, 25 pounds of potatoes could be purchased for 99 cents -- and that's exactly what I bought. I struggled to balance this sack of potatoes on my bike, but I successfully got home with all 25 pounds of them. I don't think that's what Dad had in mind.

Just before we cut the cake, we asked our waitress to take a picture of those in attendance. We then had to sing the "Jones Version" of Happy Birthday, complete with harmony and a second song.  The verse of the second song has these lyrics:

Today is your birthday

That is what I've been told

On the day of your birthday 

You are one more year old

On the cake there'll be candles

All lighted for you

And the whole world is singing

Happy birthday to you.

We then sing, "Make a wish and blow out the candles, wishes for good boys and girls come true . . . "

It was beautiful.  You can hear both songs from an old 78 RPM on the post for Ted's birthday. (The youngest generation will have to "google" 78 RPM).  Don then blew out the candles -- each candle representing a decade!

Don, Haley and Frani

 Bill and I enjoyed "comparing notes" with Ted at dinner, so afterward, Bill took a picture of Ted and Sally.

Sally and Ted

A great time was held by all.  Happy birthday, Don, and thanks.