AUNT PEARL – U.S. CITIZENSHIP REGAINED, 1940s

Myrtle Dobson & Pearl Sanders (sisters) at the Gilbert Homestead, 1942*

In 1935, Albert Sanders lost his bid for a fourth term in the Alberta Legislative Assembly. Since he had apparently become unhappy with this service, I’m surprised he even ran, but perhaps his motivation was financial. As distressed as they were in the ‘30s with all the hardships on the farm, they still didn’t see their way clear to move until the ‘40s. Well, Uncle Al and Stanley (now in his early 20s) would need employment if they moved.

Pearl & Aunt Ida Patchen

Also – in moving back to the States, Pearl, Al, and Stan had to petition to become U.S. citizens. She probably began the process by getting a birth certificate, and she was lucky because her parents were alive and able to sign for her. By the way, the certificate states that Pearl’s birth was attended by Mrs. John Brock, now deceased.

Ina & her daughters, 1947

You know, it was a trial when people were suddenly required to have documentation of birth, and the battle to get everyone registered went on for some time. I remember a childhood friend of my mother’s asked my grandfather to verify the facts of her birth by signing her certificate, and he wouldn’t do it. “I wasn’t there when she was born,” argued Grandpa. “But Pop,” Mother countered, “she just needs someone to verify her information, and there isn’t anyone left but you!” I’m not sure she convinced him.  

Grandma Ina & Aunt Pearl

Documents show that Aunt Pearl came into the U.S. at Blaine, WA, by stage on February 2, 1942. She lists her present address as Seattle. She declares that she is a British citizen and not a citizen of the U.S. She says she has one son, and that he lives in Dallas, OR, so apparently Stan had already settled in the U.S.

Aunt Shirley, Grandma Ina, & Aunt Pearl, Seattle

Anyway, Pearl, who was born a U.S. citizen and lived in the U.S. until she was 24, had to make application for U.S. citizenship and take a test. She was relieved when she passed it. I’m sure she was just relieved to have it behind her.

In 1945 or '46, Jack and Ina both spent several months in Seattle. Jack was in failing health, and the family was worried. Pearl wanted them to stay with her so that she could care for them. However, they returned to the farm. KW

[*This is one of the few pictures I have looking to the south toward the canyon. Note the tree on the right side of the photo, and behind the gate you can make out a building.]