The Sunny Hours Story
Image courtesy of The Seattle Municipal Archives ID: 39626
Catherine's Story
We first meet Catherine as an enthusiastic high schooler planning her future.
As Catherine’s story unfolds, we see how her spirited and resilient approach to life always allows her to make the best of things, and find joy in whatever she does, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Catherine's Dream
Yes, Catherine dreams of finding love, perhaps beginning with this waltz, but her aspirations go beyond.
Her dream - to go to college.
No easy path in Catherine's era -- especially for a woman.
Sunny Hours Abound
Catherine's determination - and getting a job to pay her own way - prevails; things couldn't be better.
Settling into college life, she quickly makes friends, relishes her studies, the spectacular scenery and fresh air on hikes with the college hiking club.
Things get even more interesting one day as she hurries to class and hears a hubbub on the stairs. She looks up and knows, that's him, he's the one!
Then, Fate Deals Dark Times
Personal and world events take a very dark turn.
The pall of tragedy, emotional turmoil and fear hangs over everything, every day.
And, Catherine faces deeply unsettling uncertainty about her future, as young men leave for war.
Approaching her century birthday, Catherine still sparkles with life, reads voraciously, stays up on current events and frequently entertains visitors. She’s also sharing these memories of her life story and inspirations with Ella, her youngest child.
As Catherine's memories go beyond her college years, we learn about her experiences living through the worlds and nation’s most cataclysmic events – from the Great Depression, to the Polio Pandemic, WWII, COVID and everything in between, including raising 12 children.
We see how she coped through it all - her traumas, sunny days, dark times, joys.
Reflecting on Catherine’s life story, Ella recognizes that her mother has been that same enthusiastic, spirited, determined girl her whole life - in her childhood, as a student, mother, wife and even now, close on a century of life.
As for Catherine's unusual, but powerful, inspiration...
It's what the sundial taught her about sunny hours.
Opening the Door
Catherine's Story
Catherine discovers a Jesuit college that's eager to grow, and the Priests are energetically recruiting new students -- including women.
One battle down. The next two are much tougher -- overcoming her family's resistance, and an empty pocketbook.
A Century of Shared Memories
Courtesy of The National Archives & Records NAID 195617
