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Fritz Would Love to Hear From You

Well, and Me Too

From the lens Arrowsmith Printing: Entreprenuership in Small Town Iowa in Mid /Century.

I share all messages with him. He is amazed by this internet thing, but also excited that he is now part of it. And truly touched that his dear wife is remembered here.

  • Joie Aug 20, 2011 @ 6:00 pm | delete
    What a heart-warming tribute! I've got millions of memories of my parents, but haven't yet been able to put them down in a coherent form. And I don't want to lose the memories. You have done a beautiful job!
  • Dan Cooley Aug 15, 2011 @ 6:23 pm | delete
    Hi Margo - In your picture "What It Looked Like Before Computers!" what we're seeing is not galleys but FORMs being built for a flatbed press. See the lowest part of the picture...that is the left-most column of the front page. To its right is the masthead of the paper (which I can't make out). In that left-most column you see about 5-6" of SLUGs from a Linotype. The slugs were taken from a galley of slugs, a galley being an imprecise number of slugs but about 22 or more inches. You build the form from the top down so have to learn to read and visualize upside down thus I say the leftmost column but you have to turn the page over in your mind.
  • Graceonline Jul 30, 2011 @ 11:05 am | delete
    Thoroughly enjoyed reading your family history and of your childhood. It is all the best of what we can be as a nation, should we choose to return to the good parts and let go the greed and corruption.
  • TamaraKajari Jun 6, 2011 @ 8:19 am | delete
    Now I see where your writing talent came from :) This is a beautiful story, although it describes a hard working lives of your parents. I'm so glad I came across this lens and learned it was your very first lens. Thanks for sharing.
  • blackspanielgallery Apr 30, 2011 @ 7:21 pm | delete
    Nice lens
  • tomwfox Apr 23, 2011 @ 10:57 pm | delete
    This is a charming story, Margo, and I especially liked reading about the printing technology of the day. For what it's worth, I recently read that Cisco Systems bought the Flip video camera business about two years ago, but now Cisco has decided to end the Flip camera because that business does not mesh well with Cisco's core business. It makes no sense to me.
  • gottaloveit Apr 21, 2011 @ 2:56 am | delete
    Love this lens! Can't believe I'm just getting around to viewing it. Great pics and Fritz looked like a fabulous man. Sorry I missed him! But, I have Gert, my own national treasure.

    My folks own a liquor store/bar in College Park, MD. Their story is not so unlike your folks - they were freaking out about having a $230 mortgage - how were they going to pay it every month! Like your folks, they were successful through hard work, intuition, and just a bit of luck.
  • theprintcenter Apr 20, 2011 @ 4:30 pm | delete
    Wow, what a great lens! I also run a printing company, as you can probably tell from my username and picture. Its great to read about the amazing history of printing and about your family. Thanks for this amazing lens!
  • MaxReily Apr 18, 2011 @ 3:23 pm | delete
    Margo--beautiful, beautiful lens! I see by some of your other writing, that your father has passed on, too, now. I'm so glad that he was able to see how touched people were by the story of Fritz and Marjorie. I was sure I'd read this lens before, you had recommended it to me once in a comment, but somehow, I hadn't. However, today I can rectify that by giving a thumbs up, favoriting, and bookmarking a lens that's such a wonderful tribute to a way of life that's almost gone now. I grew up in the 50s in the Midwest, too. I lived in a small town, somewhat larger than Solon, Iowa, but just as friendly, and secure. It was a wonderful time and place to grow up. Thanks for a wonderful lens!
  • hlkljgk Apr 14, 2011 @ 9:09 am | delete
    what a terrific personal lens!
  • Rob3 Apr 2, 2011 @ 7:05 am | delete
    What a interesting read and a lovely tribute to your parents. I greatly enjoyed listening to the videos as well.
  • JoanneOtt Mar 26, 2011 @ 1:53 am | delete
    Wow, what a wonderful tribute to your parents! You certainly have happy memories of growing up. Great lens.
  • vallain Mar 1, 2011 @ 7:05 pm | delete
    I heartily applaud your gathering of memories from your parent's lives and video taping your dad talking about various topics.
    After self-publishing the book of my mother's memories, I'm on a campaign to get everyone to save family memories. The project not only saved family history for the next generation, but it brought us closer together.
  • RobGrawberger Feb 24, 2011 @ 10:25 pm | delete
    A Incredible lens of life's journey. Very interesting reading your correspondence back and forth with Mike Amidon. Kind of made me think of things when I was growing up. Great Job
  • makingamark Feb 6, 2011 @ 5:57 am | delete
    What a truly wonderful lens. It's so informative in so very many ways. I can well understand how it won LOTD but it seems to me it's got a whole lot better since then!
  • poddys Feb 2, 2011 @ 1:15 pm | delete
    This is an absolutely brilliant lens, one of the best kind, it's a personal story, and wonderfully told in a way that almost makes you feel you are there. Lensrolled to my One Hundred Years Ago lens, thanks for lensrolling to mine.
  • Rafick Feb 2, 2011 @ 6:58 am | delete
    Great lens.
  • sousababy Jan 27, 2011 @ 4:44 am | delete
    Just featured this lens in the right sidebar widget of my good-heart lens. Take Care, Rose
  • sousababy Jan 27, 2011 @ 4:34 am | delete
    Lensrolled to: Squidoo people with a good heart
    Stay Well, Rose
  • sousababy Jan 27, 2011 @ 4:31 am | delete
    Oh Margo, I started to cry when I viewed the first interview you showed here of your father at 91 (he looked like 70). What wonderful parents. . .I see where you get your drive to do some good in this world.
    BTW, on my lens (you liked before I added 25 yes / no polls), there are already 5 lovely comments from other lensmasters about you. (http://www.squidoo.com/good-heart).
    Fondly,
    Rose
  • Jack2205 Jan 26, 2011 @ 6:51 pm | delete
    Lovely tribute. Blessed by a Squid Angel.
  • Rajays Jan 26, 2011 @ 6:05 am | delete
    What an amazing and inspiring story. Your parents are people we could all learn from - taking risk and finding bliss.
  • 7Suze7 Jan 25, 2011 @ 4:59 am | delete
    Lovely story. Thanks
  • grandmamarilyn Jan 3, 2011 @ 5:46 pm | delete
    I was only halfway done with this when I re-tweeted your tweet about this blog. This lens was a great tribute to your parents. Thanks to people like your parents, the news continues to come to the little rural communities.
  • hotbrain Dec 14, 2010 @ 7:25 pm | delete
    An excellent story and wonderful tribute to your parents. Angel blessed :)
  • TheyCallMeVarmit Dec 4, 2010 @ 5:25 pm | delete
    This is an amazing lens. So personal, and educational...just completely stellar. Thanks for making this lens, it is truly one of a kind.
  • stargazer00 Dec 1, 2010 @ 3:20 pm | delete
    Blessings from a fellow Iowan!
  • arncyn Dec 1, 2010 @ 6:09 am | delete
    Wow, this is such a wonderful tribute to your amazing and inspiring parents. You are lucky to have them and they are lucky to have a supportive and appreciative daughter like you. It is truly amazing that your family's printing legacy lives on through the Solon Economist! Btw that exchange with Mike Amidon is particularly entertaining. ~Blessed~
  • lizziebeth Nov 21, 2010 @ 5:31 pm | delete
    I really liked this lens! I worked in the printing trade for many years, so some of the pictures brought back good memories. Congratulations on winning Lens of the Day for this great lens. It's a great tribute!
  • sousababy Nov 9, 2010 @ 8:26 am | delete
    An amazing story...your parents had great faith and your father was (and is) a very enlightened man (evidenced by him sharing the housework in the 50's). It truly does take a village to raise a child and thankfully, you and your brother were surrounded by guardians all the time. Your mother really inspired me, she was a woman before her time. For she knew that maintaining equality (even in sports) was key to raising the bar for women and (I am sure) her wonderful daughter, Margo (you) were the inspiration behind that. I absolutely LOVE this lens (thanks too, for visiting, liking and commenting on mine). You have been able to touch other souls and you have learned much from your mother's strengths. Take Good Care, Rose
  • ViolinStudent Nov 9, 2010 @ 7:16 am | delete
    Small business is the life's blood of the economy, no matter what folks like GM and their ilk believe. And entrepreneurs are the backbone of the country.
    -Art Haule
  • RinchenChodron Nov 2, 2010 @ 5:13 pm | delete
    Great story about your family and their business. You deserved the LOTD - congrats.
  • RinchenChodron Nov 2, 2010 @ 5:12 pm | delete
    Great story about your family and its business. You deserved LOTD! Great job!
  • Lisa-Marie-Mary Nov 2, 2010 @ 4:06 pm | delete
    What a beautiful and wonderful and precious lens about your parents. It really is touching. And very interesting, as well, to learn about the ways of the paper back then and the girls' sports issues, too!
  • jgelien Oct 26, 2010 @ 12:20 am | delete
    What a lovely story about a special family. I enjoyed reading your lens very much.
  • mukunda22 Oct 25, 2010 @ 5:07 pm | delete
    A wonderful tribute to everything family and family business. Your dad was so lucky (and happy) to have you in his life. And a belated congrats on LOTD!
  • partybuzz Aug 4, 2010 @ 6:29 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing this story!
  • AndyPo Jun 10, 2010 @ 10:44 am | delete
    Excellent lens and a very interesting story.
  • Tipi Nov 27, 2009 @ 7:51 pm | delete
    Margo, this is a piece of history. What a great family to belong to.
    Blessed by an angel! ~ Love to you...
    Susie
  • KimGiancaterino Nov 24, 2009 @ 11:56 pm | delete
    Re-blessing this wonderful lens. I too have a background in journalism and enjoy learning more about pioneers of the news industry.
  • mysticmama Nov 24, 2009 @ 6:55 pm | delete
    A wonderful story, thanks for sharing it...Blessed.
  • SaraMu Oct 19, 2009 @ 8:31 am | delete
    What a wonderful lens. I am originally from Iowa with family who lived in Solon. I also have a background in journalism so this was quite a treat!
  • blue22d Jul 15, 2009 @ 10:07 am | delete
    Margo, this is such a wonderful lens and it has been fun reading it. What a history. Thanks for sharing. Five stars and a favor.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Jun 6, 2009 @ 6:47 am | in reply to Mike Amidon | delete
    Mike, please send the pictures and I will post them here. You can send me a message here by clicking on my profile or through facebook. I will send you my email.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Jun 6, 2009 @ 6:39 am | in reply to Mike Amidon | delete
    Later today I am going to make a separate module for your comments, and anything you choose to ad.

    I was 5 when we left (1953, not '52) so I don't remember the cigars, and while I remember the band concerts, I don't remember the specifics.

    I do remember the grocery store. I would go in by myself, under five, and the owner would let me take what I wanted. Mom and Dad went over and asked them to teach me that that wasn't right. They just thought I was cute and wanted to give, Mom and Dad wanted to teach me.
  • Mike Amidon Jun 5, 2009 @ 7:35 pm | delete
    Margo-

    Don't recall the drapes. Of course, I was only 6. Things I do remember about Solon:

    Listening to the loud talking coming from the American Legion at night in the summers when we had our bedroom windows open.

    Wednesday night band concerts across the street. My brother Phil played the trombone. The ladies sold kolaches and they kept glass bottles of pop in large round metal animal feed bins, filled with ice to keep the pop cold. All the cars would honk whenever the band finished a song. Enjoyed watching drunks leave Kessler's tavern and stagger down the street.

    Riding my bike out to Lake McBride to go swimming. In the winter, we'd go ice skating on the lake and take some of the Solon kids with us.

    Shopping for school supplies at the Shop Rite store (owned by George Florshinger (sp?)).

    Finding half-smoked cigars behind the American Legion and sneaking down to the creek to north of town to finish 'em off.

    I have some photos I could send as well via email.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Jun 5, 2009 @ 7:20 am | in reply to Mike Amidon | delete
    I remember Father Clems also, he was great friends with Mom and Dad and I used to sit on his lap and play with his Irish Setter, Calancy! The Catholics in town were a little offended, but Mom and Dad, who were very respectful of the clergy, thought they he liked the fact that they talked with him like he was a regular person. They were the only ones in town who did that. He must have been very lonely there and appreciated them.

    So we lived in the same apartment, you and I. Were Mom's green picture drapes still there? She made them in between putting the paper to bed and taking care of kids!

    Thanks for taking me back and reminding me of more! I can't wait to share this with Dad.
  • Mike Amidon Jun 4, 2009 @ 9:37 pm | delete
    Margo-

    My family purchased the Solon Economist from your parents in about 1952. I think my dad was as passionate about running a small town weekly as Fritz was. So I grew up in Solon too and went to school there with my 2 brothers.

    I remember having to help print the Economist every Wednesday night. My mom fed the big sheets of paper into the printer. Dad created the stories on the linotype machine. My brothers and I ran the machine that folded the papers.

    My older brother Phil wrote a goofy column that described life in Solon from the perspective of our cat Durwood. I still have a few old copies of the Economist stored away.

    Father Carl Clems, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church, would stop by every Thursday morning to read his copy in the office. We lived in the apartment upstairs. We sold the Economist in 1961 and moved to Iowa City.
  • wyrm11268 May 28, 2009 @ 12:31 pm | delete
    Great family story - well done a most enjoyable read.
  • KarateKatGraphics Feb 25, 2009 @ 8:38 pm | delete
    Fantastic lens! Beautiful job telling your parents' story. 5***** and a favorite
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Feb 8, 2009 @ 5:53 pm | in reply to Beckybyrdburkhart | delete
    [in reply to Beckybyrdburkhart] Becky, wow, I just got friended by Bobette on FaceBook and now this. Go into my profile and contact me to tell me how to reach you. If you want to read more about Dad, here is another lens.

    My Dad The Gold Standard I was just thinking about the humungous Raggedy Ann doll you made for Sarah, who is almost 38! Times flies.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Feb 8, 2009 @ 5:53 pm | in reply to Beckybyrdburkhart | delete
    [in reply to Beckybyrdburkhart] Becky, wow, I just got friended by Bobette on FaceBook and now this. Go into my profile and contact me to tell me how to reach you. If you want to read more about Dad, here is another lens.

    My Dad The Gold Standard I was just thinking about the humungous Raggedy Ann doll you made for Sarah, who is almost 38! Times flies.
  • Beckybyrdburkhart Feb 8, 2009 @ 5:24 pm | delete
    Too convoluted to explain how, but I came across this accidentally and it is great to have somewhere to read about part of my family I never knew enough (my dad's sister and brother in law). Haven't watched everything yet, but be sure I will. So best to all the family. Still remember visiting them in the camper in Flanders, NJ many years ago.
  • mbrownauthor Feb 1, 2009 @ 8:03 pm | delete
    Margo...another very touching lens. I loved this story of your parents' lives! You and your brother are very cute!!! 5*'s.
  • AdrienneJenkins Feb 1, 2009 @ 12:55 pm | delete
    Too awesomely awesome. Love the story, the content, the You Tube videos.
  • MattTaylor Jan 21, 2009 @ 1:11 pm | delete
    Your Mom and Pop are truly and inspiration to me! I too am an entrepreneur and love to read about how other beat the odds to become successful. Thank you so much for telling this story...

    Matt
  • kathysart Jan 17, 2009 @ 9:44 am | delete
    Lens of the day.. wow, I can see why! Wonderful story of the human heart and small business.
    FIVE GLORIOUS STARS!
    Aloha, Kathy
  • Aquavel Jan 3, 2009 @ 8:57 pm | delete
    Excellent and inspiring lens! I can definitely see why it was LOTD!!!! 5*s, favorited and lensrolled!
  • julcal Dec 30, 2008 @ 9:22 pm | delete
    Margo, this is a great lens! Very deserving ***** I still have a LOT to learn!
    ~ Julie
  • LaraineRose Dec 29, 2008 @ 4:12 am | delete
    I truly appreciated this lens. Obviously you had a wonderful upbringing and appreciated your family. I'll be back to see your other lenses. 5*s, favorite, fan and lensrolled.
  • ElizabethJeanAllen Dec 23, 2008 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    Merry Christmas from the Totally Awesome Lenses Group.
    Lizzy
  • PattB Dec 3, 2008 @ 1:49 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing your family's story, Margot! I especially enjoyed the videos, and am so glad your dad got to participate, I bet that meant a lot to him. Well-deserved LOTD! 5*****
  • AndyPo Nov 25, 2008 @ 7:43 am | delete
    Excellent lens and congratulations on the LOTD
  • jpetals Nov 22, 2008 @ 2:14 pm | delete
    I agree with WhitneyWells, very deserving of LOTD! Enough information to fill 20 lenses! What a wonderful way to honour your parents.
  • Family-Legacy-Mom Nov 20, 2008 @ 4:30 pm | delete
    What a great Family Legacy you have! I'm impressed. You did a great job.
  • EverythingMouse Nov 11, 2008 @ 10:07 am | delete
    What a wonderful story. Angel Blessings to you!
  • sandyspider Oct 21, 2008 @ 5:20 pm | delete
    I read this before, but this is an awesome lens. Love the old photos. What a great tribute to your parents.
  • real_estate_hawaii Oct 20, 2008 @ 12:47 am | delete
    Nice old photos! great lens.. thanks for sharing.
  • WhitneyWells Oct 15, 2008 @ 3:30 pm | delete
    Awesome lens, very deserving of LOTD and all the kudo's and squiglets that come with it! Beautifully done!
  • kickthe9to5 Oct 15, 2008 @ 12:47 pm | delete
    It is nice to hear that a newspaper is still owned locally. It is heartwarming to hear your story. I know why you dedicated this to your parents. Awesome lense!

    Tina
    kickthe9to5.com
  • Oct 15, 2008 @ 2:29 am | delete
    The lens is quiet interesting and the story is well explained. The photos are natural to look at. A big 5stars for your lens.
    Checkout my blog
    http://printerssearch.net/
  • dc64 Oct 14, 2008 @ 11:39 am | delete
    I love looking at old photographs, so that immediately attracted me to your lens. To be inspired by the story of your parents was icing on the cake. What lovely parents you have, full of gusto! 5 stars
  • posheak Oct 13, 2008 @ 10:58 pm | delete
    you are correct! I agree with what you said in your profile
  • Becky Oct 13, 2008 @ 1:28 pm | delete
    What a marvelous tribute. It says so much about your entire family - your sense of ethics and depth of love. You shine through as such a wonder, yourself! Thank you so much for sharing this. A warm handshake to your dad. Reminds me of "it was the best of times; it was the worst of times." Life truly is what you make it...by your perspective.
  • CleanerLife Oct 13, 2008 @ 12:40 pm | delete
    Great to hear of a paper that is still locally owned. As papers that "serve" my community, and neighboring communities have been taken over by big national companies, their coverage of the smaller towns have decreased.

    I used to be able to get regular news about my town in the big dailies, but not any more. They don't totally ignore us, but they fail to keep up with a lot that happens that may only be of interest to readers who live in the small towns.
  • nancydodds1 Oct 12, 2008 @ 11:35 pm | delete
    My 5 stars for you. Its very interesting lens and wonderful information you had presented. You can visit my profile.
  • unsinkablewoman Oct 12, 2008 @ 7:23 am | delete
    Congrats Margo
    Your A Hit
  • Roxana-Castillo Oct 11, 2008 @ 4:01 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing this information. 5 stars for you.
    Marketing-YTB
  • J_ben Oct 9, 2008 @ 3:52 pm | delete
    very inspiring story.. a motivation to move forward..:)
  • papawu Oct 4, 2008 @ 6:10 pm | delete
    What a wonderful story and Inspirational.5 stars.
  • chefkeem Oct 4, 2008 @ 3:08 pm | delete
    A hearty SquidAngel Blessing for this great page!
  • nancydodds1 Oct 3, 2008 @ 11:45 pm | delete
    Its very nice lens and interesting thanks for providing this lens. Recently i posted lens on Mortgage in UK This lens will be very useful for your home.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Oct 2, 2008 @ 8:25 am | delete
    I will tell Dad about your movie suggestion. He will love it. The only problem is that there isn't anyone now who is handsome enough to play him!

    Thanks!
  • DianiaLee Oct 2, 2008 @ 7:25 am | delete
    Truly a GREAT lense, This tribute would make a really good movie!
  • Homeguide Sep 28, 2008 @ 10:00 pm | delete
    From one Iowan to another, within this lens you hit the nail on the head when it comes to living in Iowa
  • ClaudetteKeith Sep 28, 2008 @ 9:26 am | delete
    Congrats on lense of the day!

    Great work!

    Claudette
  • BethErickson Sep 25, 2008 @ 11:50 pm | delete
    You have a very wonderful lens, Margo. You helped inspired a lot. 5 stars for a great lens. :)
  • Tiddledeewinks Sep 25, 2008 @ 12:13 pm | delete
    I love the tribute to parents lenses! My dad was blind and lived to be 100!
  • TrueFX Sep 25, 2008 @ 5:20 am | delete
    Absolutely support everything said here. Fantastic lens with a soul!
  • sdccpro Sep 24, 2008 @ 11:30 pm | delete
    Congratulations on your success
  • merilyn Sep 23, 2008 @ 1:13 am | delete
    Margo, Thanks for writing this - it gives us courage when we read stories like this.
    My Dad's 93 and can't get over this internet thing either. If his vision was up to it he'd have lots of great yarns to write.
    Congrats on being lens of the day.
    You lens was a great example of how to do it. Thanks
  • roysumit Sep 23, 2008 @ 12:40 am | delete
    Congrats on LOTD. Fantastic lens. You poured your heart out in it.
  • Portable_eBay Sep 23, 2008 @ 12:08 am | delete
    I find the title very sentimental and nostalgic. Excellent lens you've got here.
  • poddys Sep 22, 2008 @ 8:56 pm | delete
    Very nice lens and congratulations on earning Lens Of The Day. Not only is this a great tribute lens, it's about something which is so close to your heart - your family. Really nice job.
  • ZBT Sep 22, 2008 @ 8:39 pm | delete
    A true testament to a real American family... Bravo! You were awarded Lens of the Day!
    Good for you, you deserve it.
  • debnet Sep 22, 2008 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD!!! Very interesting read it is too ;)
  • GreenRevolution Sep 22, 2008 @ 7:00 pm | delete
    Great lens and a wonderful story! This is a perfect example of how the American entrepreneurial spirit built our country. 5 STARS for this terrific lens! Excellent job and congrats on achieving LOTD!
  • lakeerieartists Sep 22, 2008 @ 6:57 pm | delete
    What a great lens and story. Loved it!
  • charlino Sep 22, 2008 @ 5:01 pm | delete
    BRAVO! Standing Ovation! Mom & Pop Shop - Small Town Proud 5*
  • realitycalls Sep 22, 2008 @ 4:34 pm | delete
    extra especial it's a 1O!!! I WISH YOU THE BEST
    GREAT JOB
  • alteredkat Sep 22, 2008 @ 4:07 pm | delete
    congrats on LOTD :D ...very sweet lens!
  • Frankster Sep 22, 2008 @ 3:53 pm | delete
    What an absolutely fabulous story, lens and tribute. The photos added to the storytelling. Thank you for sharing. 5 stars, a favorite and I'm a FAN! Bear hugs, Frankster
  • Frankster Sep 22, 2008 @ 3:53 pm | delete
    What an absolutely fabulous story, lens and tribute. The photos added to the storytelling. Thank you for sharing. 5 stars, a favorite and I'm a FAN! Bear hugs, Frankster
  • gods_grace_notes Sep 22, 2008 @ 2:25 pm | delete
    You've Been Peeped By a Giant Squid, and you have warmed my heart with your story. I love your passion and pride for the accomplishments of your family, and rightfully so!
    You're a shining example of love in action, my heartfelt congratulations to your Father and Mother; for I am sure that she is peeping too!
    Congratulations, and blessings to your entire family,
    Connie
    : )
  • BeautifulDreamer Sep 22, 2008 @ 1:48 pm | delete
    Congratulations.
  • BeautifulDreamer Sep 22, 2008 @ 1:48 pm | delete
    Congratulations.
  • 0ctavias0fferings Sep 22, 2008 @ 1:16 pm | delete
    What a wonderful piece of family history and so well documented here. 5*
  • Billco Sep 22, 2008 @ 12:39 pm | delete
    Very nice lens. Great way to document part of your family history.
  • flowergardener Sep 22, 2008 @ 11:42 am | delete
    Both my father and mother were born and raised in Iowa; giving birth to 5 children, and raising them also in Iowa. I left Iowa at 20, which I think was good, because it gave me perspective. I came back to Iowa at 32 after divorcing to raise my little boy, as I felt Iowa and it's social/work ethics are perfect for raising a wholesome, well rounded child. I wasn't wrong. From a veteran Iowan Squidoo-er, welcome! (and congrats on LOTD) :)
  • KimGiancaterino Sep 22, 2008 @ 11:25 am | delete
    What a beautiful story... Squid Angel Blessings to you, and congratulations on your LOTD honor.
  • danskapia Sep 22, 2008 @ 11:23 am | delete
    I think this bio is a great thing for anyone to do whether it's on squidoo or not. It's a nice gift for other family members to be able to know about other family members.
  • ShortSaleRealtor Sep 22, 2008 @ 11:07 am | delete
    great lens hi 5 and congrats on lot d
  • site-builder Sep 22, 2008 @ 11:00 am | delete
    Great Job Margo. Looks like you've learned alot from your Dad and Mom.You have picked up where they left off using the internet/squidoo. Bravo!
    One more five star rating for you.
  • serendipityrose Sep 22, 2008 @ 10:54 am | delete
    Fascinating lens! I look forward to reading more of your lenses!
  • texasshutterbug Sep 22, 2008 @ 10:11 am | delete
    Thanks for the inspirational story. Its stories like these that keep the american dream alive. Iowa is a nice place to live. My only complain it gets to too cold but then again im a Texan where snow is rare
  • andrewsquidoo Sep 22, 2008 @ 9:58 am | delete
    What an inspiration! We need to hear more about how people beat the odds and make it. I am in love with this lens. Thank you very much!
  • StephanieManning Sep 22, 2008 @ 9:44 am | delete
    Nice lens! 5* Congrats on LOTD!
  • AdriennePetersen Sep 22, 2008 @ 9:31 am | delete
    Great lens, 5 stars and congrats on LOTD!
  • d-artist Sep 22, 2008 @ 8:07 am | delete
    CONGRATULATIONS on LOTD!!! well deserved...
  • JaguarJulie Sep 22, 2008 @ 8:06 am | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD! Well deserved honors for such a remarkably special lens.
  • aj2008 Sep 22, 2008 @ 8:03 am | delete
    What a fantastic tribute. You have inspired me to make a lens about my parents one of these days. Well done on getting Lens of the Day!
  • ebay-grandma Sep 22, 2008 @ 7:57 am | delete
    Beautiful tribute. 5's
  • CosmeticSurgeryIreland Sep 22, 2008 @ 7:36 am | delete
    Lovely warm and affectionate and interesting.
  • Christopher_Scott Sep 22, 2008 @ 7:25 am | delete
    Great lens and congrats on Lens of the Day!
  • bdkz Sep 22, 2008 @ 7:13 am | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD!
  • triathlontraining Sep 22, 2008 @ 7:00 am | delete
    I love inspirational stories such as this. Great job and congratulations on LotD! :)
  • Joan4 Sep 22, 2008 @ 6:56 am | delete
    Congratulations on Lens of the Day! How exciting! This is a beautiful lens and a great story!
  • blossom123 Sep 22, 2008 @ 6:55 am | delete
    Really intersting lens. Yes no doubt this become the lens of the day. Thank you for the lens

    Free articles
  • Spook Sep 22, 2008 @ 6:53 am | delete
    Wondeful lens with an important theme and congratulations on LOTD, richly deserved. We owe alot to people of that generation and sadly there are so few of them left, what I call straight up people. Best of luck.
  • BevsPaper Sep 22, 2008 @ 6:49 am | delete
    Congrats on Lens of the Day! Thank you so much for sharing the story of your parents!
  • Spook Sep 22, 2008 @ 6:48 am | delete
    Wonderfull lens with a most important theme and congratulations on LOTD. We owe a lot to people of that generation and sadly there are so few of them left, what I call straight up people. Best of luck.
  • William Sep 22, 2008 @ 6:39 am | delete
    The world of the 1950s was a kinder gentler time where much could be done if great effort was put into a dream, those of us living in 21 first century do not find that to now be true. Today business is no longer conducted with a handshake and start up loans are at a rate that makes starting a business very risky. I loved reading your lens because it shows me clearly what is wrong with today.
  • spirituality Sep 22, 2008 @ 4:01 am | delete
    Congrats on making lens of the day :)
  • clouda9 Sep 22, 2008 @ 3:33 am | delete
    How fitting that I am listening to Songbird sung by Eva Cassidy as I read this Most Beautiful lens. Your heart shines to mine, thank you!
  • hesika Sep 22, 2008 @ 3:10 am | delete
    Thank you for your story. What you show is what I saw in my life too and what always is true: If there are two people (wife and husband), who work together, who complement each other, who belief each other, who do what they love to do, those people always will be successful.

    Give a greating and thank to your father.

    And for your business the greatest success - and enjoy it!
  • TeaLady Sep 22, 2008 @ 3:08 am | delete
    Congratulations on Lens of the Day! Great story.
  • a_willow Sep 22, 2008 @ 2:08 am | delete
    Hi dear! Congrats on making LOTD! :)
  • GypsyOwl Sep 22, 2008 @ 1:23 am | delete
    Congratulations on Lens of The Day!! WEll Deserved!
  • eccles1 Sep 21, 2008 @ 7:29 pm | delete
    great story and pictures!!
  • nack4greatness Sep 20, 2008 @ 1:18 pm | delete
    Great page and good story!!!
  • rms Sep 20, 2008 @ 7:41 am | delete
    This is a fabulous tribute! Please tell Fritz I said hello and am inspired by both of your parent's story.

    My father was also very successful as a printer for the trade. I lost him 2 years ago and miss him terribly.

    ***** from one printer's daughter to another!
  • Desiree_Richardson Sep 14, 2008 @ 4:05 pm | delete
    Thank you for your comments. I lensrolled your lens to start up biz network and favorited it for reference.

    Desiree Richardson
  • Jesi Sep 14, 2008 @ 2:00 pm | delete
    Oh Really Fabolous
    Interesting lense, passing on to my friends too
    Room AC
  • JaguarJulie Sep 14, 2008 @ 7:19 am | delete
    Ah, the old linotype. Our company supplies products to the printing industry, so I feel a special affinity to your parent's business. Delightful lens -- love the OLD pictures. 5*****
  • Webcodes Sep 14, 2008 @ 12:57 am | delete
    Fantastic tribute to your parents. 5 well deserved stars. Thank you for visiting my Lisbon lens.
  • sbucciarel Sep 12, 2008 @ 12:35 pm | delete
    Great lense. The Firestorm Forum is great for promoting your lenses and blogs. There's a very active Squidoo community there. firestormforum.com Hope you check it out. I also have a lense about it at http://www.squidoo.com/firestorm
  • Joan4 Sep 1, 2008 @ 7:48 am | delete
    Beautifully written tribute! Great story! I enjoyed every sentence!
  • OhMe Sep 1, 2008 @ 7:22 am | delete
    OMG. This is wonderful! I just loved reading your story about your family's business. You should write a book. Great Lens. 5*
  • d-artist Aug 9, 2008 @ 8:43 am | delete
    wonderful lens! so well written... 5*s
  • Barkely Aug 2, 2008 @ 9:19 pm | delete
    What a fantastic tribute. Squid Angel thumbs up to you:) Looks like a wonderful testimony to your parent's life.
  • BFuniv.com Aug 1, 2008 @ 9:44 am | delete
    Ben Franklin, as I'm sure you know, was also a printer. He would have been excited to know of your parents lives, and of yours. You, too, live your own life - congratulations. "Where liberty dwells, there is my country." - Benjamin Franklin
  • poutine Jul 26, 2008 @ 9:48 am | delete
    This is so far the best lens I have read on Squidoo.

    What an pleasure to be able to read about your parent's lifestory.

    I give it a 10, never mind 5.

    Poutine
  • ElizabethJeanAllen Jul 25, 2008 @ 7:44 pm | delete
    What a wonderful tribute.
    5*
    Lizzy
  • Monteath Jul 25, 2008 @ 3:58 pm | delete
    This is absolutely fantastic! One of my favorite lenses to date, and thank you so much for sharing. I was from Eastern Iowa before I moved to Alaska, then Texas, so I even know where Solon is! Great lens :)
  • Dolly Jul 25, 2008 @ 12:35 pm | delete
    I enjoyed so much reading about your family. Thank you for sharing this with us.
  • rsmith17 Jul 25, 2008 @ 9:25 am | delete
    What a wonderful lens! 5*'s to you. I love the old photos.
  • chefkeem Jul 24, 2008 @ 8:24 pm | delete
    This is a very sweet lens. What a great way to honor your parents. 5*s
  • amba Jul 24, 2008 @ 8:18 am | delete
    This really is a little cross-section of America at its best, and it's wonderful that it's a collaboration between your dad and you. Thank you.
  • EverythingMouse Jul 21, 2008 @ 7:42 pm | delete
    A very inspirational lens. Thanks for sharing your family story.
  • Sarah Jul 20, 2008 @ 8:39 pm | delete
    This is a great way to encounter this story--I really enjoyed looking at the photos and traveling that route with your parents those many years ago. Thanks!
  • unsinkablewoman Jul 3, 2008 @ 6:56 pm | delete
    hello
    I just wanted to say first that I wish they still made men like your dad, and woman like your mother
    its not often you find people that would stay together in this day and age,through all of that.
    So your a lucky woman to have had a set like them.
    good luck in all you do your friend,D
  • Mike Jun 27, 2008 @ 2:47 pm | delete
    What a good lookin guy

by

Margo_Arrowsmith

I was born into a small business, I believe that small business and entrepreneurs are the backbone of America and what has made us great. They are wha... more »

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