Curriculum & Instruction: NHS

Going Right to the Source. . . . . . .

by Susan Lofts

March 24, 2008

Students in the World History II are learning history right from the people who experienced it. They have been spending time with residents at the Arma Care Center and are working on an inter-generational project by recording oral histories and establishing friendships. First person accounts of historical events such as the Great Depression, World War II, the one room school house, women’s roles, being a first generation American and coal mining are just a few of the subjects they have touched on.

Students in the class include: McKenzie Stansbury, Nikki Shadden, Cynthia Redden, Pat Dickerson, Travis Dickerson, Todd Brennon, Derek Beam, Clint Johnson, Justin Neil, Kurtis Camp and Matt Castro.

Featured with this article is an interview written by Matt Castro based on the oral history of Mrs. Julia LaSota. We would like to thank the residents and the administration of the Arma Care Center for affording us this opportunity.

Julia LaSota

Matt Castro

The 2008 presidential race may be a first in Julia LaSota’s 97 years with the possibility of the first woman candidate. Julia, a lifelong Franklin, Kansas resident, believes Hillary Clinton could be a good president, but seeing a woman elected president may not be the most memorable day in LaSota’s life. She will celebrate her 98^th birthday in November, the same month as the presidential election

Julia lived most of her life without a mother; she passed away when she was only 3 years old. Her education came from Franklin, but she did not make it to high school because she had to work at home. Her father took her and her brothers and sister to the dance hall and to the movies for entertainment.

Julia’s husband worked in the coal mines and the couple lived on $3.00 per week; less than the cost of a gallon of gasoline today. Her husband was killed in a mining accident early in the marriage. Julia’s daughter was only four years old when World War II broke out.

Julia has had many memorable moments in her life, but none of them compare to May 4^th, 2003. On that day, 93 year old Julia was enjoying the safety of her Franklin home and watching T.V. Hearing noise outside she kept saying “be quiet” not knowing what was about to happen and that a tornado was about to hit. In a few seconds she was lifted approximately 100 feet in the air, and when the deadly tornado was finished with Julia it dropped her. Battered and broken Julia didn’t know where she was.

Luckily for Julia, her nephew found her and transported her to the hospital where she remained for six weeks. After all that Julia only had a couple gashes above her eye, a broken arm and leg. But her home was gone along with everything she owned and cherished. Her rosary was one of the only things found.

After Julia got out of the hospital she went to the Arma Care Center. Her sister resided there so that made it easier on her. Today as a resident Julia enjoys playing bingo, painting, soap operas, and American Idol.

Julia’s room is full of dolls that were bought for her from different countries. Every doll means a lot to her. Julia also enjoys traveling and has visited Rome and Niagra Falls.

We salute Julia LaSota, a brave and courageous woman who has weathered many storms in her life and remains strong.