Remembering GranaDot

Viv with siblings and cousins on the sycamore branch

Dorothy and Archie Twogood

Today marks the birth of my paternal grandmother, Dorothy Twogood (GranaDot), who was born and raised in Los Angelos, CA 1898. She met my grandfather, Archie Twogood, while attending a church choir. He was 8 years older, and she was just 18 when they married in 1916. She played piano for silent films, and could also play organ. My first encounter with organ was her little two manual one with foot pedals in her home. Her talents, besides music, were gardening and baking. She could name any plant, and had many varieties at each of her homes. Of course, our favorite home was the mountain home in Mentone, with the sycamore tree limb that grew sideways. My first train ride was at age 11 from Fresno to Barstow, to meet her and Grandad and spend two weeks with them in the mountain home. I was able to spend quite a few summers with them, and enjoyed playing the organ, as well as hiking with Grandad, and playing with their old toys, dolls, and games.

GranaDot and Grandad had 5 children, two girls, Dad, then two boys. All grew up in Riverside, CA, were active in the YMCA, school and church music. The whole family sang, some played piano and organ, cornet and tuba. All of the children married and produced 20 grandchildren.

GranaDot and Grandad traveled all over the country to keep up with their posterity. They both attended my graduation from BYU, and were on the Logan Temple grounds when Von and I married. They also met many of their 32 great-grandchildren.

Both lived into their 90's, so there's a good chance I may, too!