Eagle Creek Resident Bio: Paula Conrad

Interview conducted March 26, 1910, by Emily Clementine

(George Watson is the father of Sarah's rival, Lynn Watson.)
1. Name: George Albert Watson, Jr.

2. Date of Birth: August 9, 1867

3. Place of Birth: just outside of Madison, South Dakota

4. Parents: George, Sr. and Justine Enola Watson

5. Siblings: Brother: Ross Martin (1863-) / Sister: Patsy Purity (1866-)

6. Describe your childhood. I grew up on a potato farm. My father opened a general store through Ross' urgings while Ross was yet in high school. Because of him, I was able to attend college.

7. What did you enjoy doing as a child? Collecting butterflies.

8. What is your earliest memory? Being tied to a tree by my older brother. He then threw peebles at me. Still not sure why, but, I've long since forgiven him.

9. How old were you when you went on your first date and where did you go? 18. Punting on Lake Herman with Peggy Garrett.

10. Married? Peggy Sue Watson, September 11, 1887.

11. How did you meet your spouse? I was directing Shakespeare's "The Tempest" at the local theatre in Vermillion. Peggy was to be Miranda. I did not remember her audition, my friend and producer Hank said, "She seemed pretty so I cast her." When she walked through the doors of that little theater, I knew that she was the only girl for me.

12. Children: Mary Kate (1889-), Triplets: Gordon, Charles and Samuel(1891-), Lynn (1893-)

13. Grandchildren: Gardenia Evelyn Hines; Mary Kate and Edwin Hines' daughter.

14. Pets? I kept a squirrel when I was a child. Today we have a few birds that we keep outside in cages. My wife wants a cat.

15. Education: Certificate in Engineering from the University of South Dakota.

16. What brought you to Eagle Creek? Peggy and I traveled here a few years back to meet Crystal and Sam Hines. My daughter married their eldest son, Edwin. We were overwhelmed by the kindness and prosperity of this town. The next time we visited I paid for a house on Elm Street.

17. Current friends: Augustus Grossman, Will Clementine, Sam Hines.

18. Occupation: Sheridan County Structual Engineer and Inspector, here and in Plentywood on Monday and Tuesday.

19. What was your first job? Bell ringer, Harper Presbyterian Church in Madison.

20. How much did you make? 15 cents per Sunday.

21. What did you like to do in your free time? Read novels, play my oboe, horseshoes, bicycle riding.

22. What are you doing now? Writing a report on population divisions in Sheridan County.

23. Do you admire a famous person? Andrew Carnegie.

24. What makes them admirable? His business accumen and concern for education.

25. What is your favorite food? Apple pie.

26. What is your favorite color? Periwinkle.

27. What is your favorite song? The Goldberg Variations by Bach.

28. Hobbies: Shooting grouse, bird calls.

29. Name of the last book you read? The Gospel of Wealth by Andrew Carnegie.

30. Tell me about a memorable moment in your life; a time you will never forget. When I was 11 I ran away from home. I snuck aboard a train looking for adventure. 8 hours later, when the train stopped, I had no idea where I was. I cried and cried all night in that empty depot. In the morning, a policeman found me sleeping on a bench in the park. The next day, a local minister took me back home.

31. What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do? Pulling a mischevious prank with Will Clementine.

32. What are the goals you are still working toward? I would like to improve the drainage in Eagle Creek. When it rains too much we have a river running through downtown.

33. When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered? Agreeable and sincere.

34. What is your favorite outdoor activity? Gardening.

35. Do you attend church or religious services? Eagle Creek Memorial Church.

36. What is your favorite Bible verse? 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

37. What makes you happy? Order.

38. What makes you sad? Chaos.

39. What frightens you? Disrespectful children.

40. What is there about you that would surprise people if they found out? I was on the Bocce Ball team in college.