Record: 225
Name: Sharon Dotson
Referred By: Yahoo
From: Elmhurst, Illinois Dupage County
Time: February 5, 2005 at 22:35:42
Comments:I have very found and warm wounderful memories of The House of David, the singers, the rides, and the most favorite of mine the TRAIN. I have several pieces of art work from The House of David. The one I love the most is a bust of a woman it is in mint condition and my mother passed it down to me along with some other pieces. I still come up to michigan but I have not been back to Benton Harbor area. I will have to come thru there again with my children. Thanks for the site and all the great feelings I thought I had lost.
Record: 224
Name: Dennis Leto
Referred By: Other
From: Tucson, Arizona
Time: January 23, 2005 at 01:23:55
Comments:I remember as kids our parents would take us to the park on Saturday nights to ride the train, eat ice cream, and listen to music.
Record: 223
Name: Rebecca Smythe
Referred By: Other
From: Charleston, SC
Time: January 20, 2005 at 17:18:44
Comments:Looked this up on purpose. I still have family there. Can't remember their names. My Grandma Eva Barnard, Aunt Maxine, and Mom Mary Lou Honicutt lived there coming up from Missouri during the depression. Would love to hear from someone that I may be related to. I am fascinated by the history and want to know more about my family and family history of which now I know nothing. Thank you.
Record: 222
Name: Anita (Payne) Hauch
Referred By: Other
From: Coloma MI Berrien County USA
Time: December 27, 2004 at 14:09:06
Comments:I have always been fascinated by the House of David pictures I have seen. I can remember faintly a building. My parents had taken me there as a child. I would love to see the grounds brought back to the beauty they once were, so that I may bring my children to the area. I feel this is an important part of our areas history and we must try to save it. I look forward to taking a tour this next summer. I would love to bring my mother who had told me stories of going to the area when she was a child. I would love to help by volunteering in the following spring. Please contact me.
I enjoyed the web sites and have two books I am currently reading. I look forward to seeing the documentary as well.
Respectfully,
The Hauch Family
Record: 221
Name: Wesley Hannaford
Referred By: Just Surfed In
From: Melbourne, Australia
Time: December 22, 2004 at 22:55:28
Comments:I am a direct descendent of Joseph Hannaford and many of the Hannaford's who left the Christian Isrealite Church in Melbourne in 1905 and began the House of David.
Interested in hearing of anyone who has knowledge of Hannaford descendents and family history information, in particular Horace Hannaford and Ezra "Cookie" Hannaford.
Record: 220
Name: Marcus La Roux
Referred By: Other
From: Saint Joseph, MI
Time: December 3, 2004 at 03:51:33
Comments:GREAT SITE! Unfortunaly, I missed an era my grandfather and father enjoyed.
Record: 219
Name: Bob Jackson
Referred By: Other
From: Benton Harbor MI
Time: November 17, 2004 at 17:38:24
Comments:My family tree had deep roots planted firmly in the Colony. I grew up listening to Sister Mary preach, with Cora Mooney. My Great Grand Mother; Martha Holman, Grand Mother; Claudia Flake, Father; Luther Jackson, Mother; Pearl Flake-Jackson, Uncle; Art Jackson were all members at one time. Claudia decided to follow Mary during the split, and lived at the City of David for over 50 years. She was the cashier at Marys Hotel and Restaurant for many years. I have many fond memories of my growing up years playing and exploring every nook and cranny of both the park and colony. Luther and Art drove the trains when young men. So long ago.
Record: 218
Name: Dr Michael Scully
Referred By: Just Surfed In
From: Chicago Illinois
Time: November 13, 2004 at 13:55:12
Comments:Knew about the House of David as a child. Tried to find exactly what it was and if it still existed. I remember their Bearded Baseball Team and jelly. Odd, yet fascinating childhood remembrances.
Record: 217
Name: Sheila (Smith) Rutledge
Referred By: Just Surfed In
From: Benton Harbor, MI. USA
Time: November 7, 2004 at 15:12:16
Comments:So glad I "stumbled" onto this site! The House of David brings back a lot of memories for me.
My Grandfather, Jack Sweeney, worked repairing the Midget Cars there. My father, Duane Smith, washed bottles for the bottling of spring water. My mothers best friend was married to a Purnell at one time. My mother also had our wash done at the House of David.
I visited the House of David quite often. I have so many fond memories from there. I enjoyed "Blue Moon" ice cream in a waffle cone. I always rode the train and loved walking around taking in the the buildings, gold fish and beautiful gardens.
As a child I danced in the Ametuer Contests in the beer garden several times. Even won first place a few times! I had fun exploring the arcade behind the stage. And, oh, the beautiful music from the orchestra filling the summer air! I could go on and on.......
I have saved every news paper clipping and memorabilia I could. I still have the Cross with Jesus I bought so many years ago. My sons graced me with the book "Mary's City of David one Christmas. I've told them often of my adventures there as a child.
I would like to hear from any other people who participated in the Ametuer Contests or want to share memories. Please Email me.
Thank you for wonderful memories!
Sheila Rutledge
Record: 216
Name: Bobbi Barnett Nosse
Referred By: Yahoo
From: Benton Harbor, Mi. USA
Time: October 3, 2004 at 03:12:08
Comments:What wonderful childhood memories. Seemed we could hear the trains whistle wherever we were as children. What a treat is was to go there.
A few years ago when I was visiting I took in the park. I was saddened at the condition of the park.
It is really difficult to explain to outsiders what the House of David was.
Record: 215
Name: Lynnora Smith
Referred By: Just Surfed In
From: Benton Harbor, MI now Louisville, KY
Time: September 11, 2004 at 13:09:41
Comments:I was so excited to see this website and look forward to learning more as I was born in Benton Harbor and have many fond memories of the HOD.
Record: 214
Name: John O. Wentling
Referred By: Yahoo
From: Lebanon, PA
Time: August 26, 2004 at 10:31:50
Comments:Great site! I will visit next summer.
Record: 213
Name: Greg Kozlik
Referred By: Friend
From: Chesterton, IN
Time: October 12, 2003 at 07:33:27
Comments:Ron,
Fantastic website.
I have your book - bought in St. Joe. I am very interested in the City and House of David. What a rich history.
Thanks,
Greg
Record: 212
Name: Jack Blankfeld
Referred By: Just Surfed In
From: Indian Wells CA
Time: August 19, 2003 at 20:11:37
Comments:Was a pitcher for the HOD in 1951 and would very much like a copy of the team picture or any other memorabilia from that era -- George Anderson was our manager.
What a memorable summer -- I think I went under another name to protect my college eligibility. (Feldman)
Thanks for the memories
Record: 211
Name: Jan Radesky (nee Calderwood)
Referred By: Banner
From: Benicia, CA
Time: July 21, 2003 at 19:49:01
Comments:I remember being taken to the House of David on Sunday afternoons for a walk, a ride on the 'motor-driven' cars for children, a sit and listen to the bands and entertainment in the 'beer garden.' I liked being there and eating the ice cream and playing billards in the dark room.
My mother, who collected antiques, broke a beautiful and very tall vase with a handle. She brought the vase to the House of David and it was repaired beautifully.
I had no idea, as a child, that this park had anything to do with religion! Now, I've read some things and am catching up on this very good web site.
Since the 1950's I have collected postcards and other memorabilia of the House of David. My father-in-law played pick-up baseball games with many of the HOD team members.
I hope to visit again one day soon. Thanks, Jan
Record: 210
Name: Keith Howard
Referred By: Other
From: Kalamazoo, MI, USA
Time: July 2, 2003 at 11:33:56
Comments:Hello...
I’m currently researching and writing about the House of David bands, and am eagerly searching for additional information. My interests include (but are not limited to) the jazz bands and orchestras of the teens and 20’s, including the Syncopep Serenaders, the House of David Symphonic Jazz Orchestra, and "Cookie" Hannaford’s Original House of David Orchestra, as led by Ezra "Cookie" Hannaford, Horace Hannaford, Manna Woodworth, and others.
I’m also very interested in learning more about Ephraim "Eph" Hannaford, including his performance and recording activities in New York between 1919 and 1927, and his connections and relationships with the House of David bands, family and colony members.
If you or anyone else you know has information, photos, correspondence, etc., that you’d like to share, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Thank you!
Record: 209
Name: June Smith
Referred By: Yahoo
From: Denver, Colorado
Time: June 20, 2003 at 18:55:38
Comments:When I was a young girl the House of David was a magical place. We use to go their for ball games, musical entertainment and great food.
I remember it being something to do with religious experience, but my parents always told me stories that are obviously not true.
It was a very good memory for me. It was a new world!
Record: 208
Name: Jerry Morton
Referred By: Just Surfed In
From: East Lansing, Mich.
Time: June 17, 2003 at 19:09:39
Comments:I grew up in Benton Harbor and graduated from BHHS in 1961.
I remember many plesant day's at Mary's City of David and am pleased that the colony continues to "spread the Word."
Record: 207
Name: Eric Gifford
Referred By: Just Surfed In
From: Kalamazoo, MI
Time: June 16, 2003 at 17:36:17
Comments:Dutch Faust was married to Vivian Faust, (my Dad's mother). He was killed when I was a young boy in the mid 1960's. I rememeber him showing me and my older brother some of the "Pepper Game" moves he did when he was playing for the HOD. I was impressed then at his skill.
Dutch was a step-Grandfather to me in blood, but he was really my "real" Grandfather as I never saw my blood grandfather. He was Grandpa to all us 10 grandchildren (eight while he was alive).
Dutch was a kind, intellegent and good man. He was very religious! He is loved by Dad, and all his grandchildren!
Record: 206
Name: Gloria Neve
Referred By: Other
From: Ypsilanti, MI
Time: May 27, 2003 at 20:52:51
Comments:If only our father (Page Neve Sr.) were alive to visit this site! He was a man of few words; however, he would talk at lengths about pitching for the House of David, barnstorming the country - doubleheaders miles apart, wool uniforms (no showers) and traveling in "the" autobus. Thanks for a great site, it brings back many great memories.
Record: 205
Name: Margaret Gettigyork
Referred By: Just Surfed In
From: Benton Harbor, MI now North Carolina
Time: May 22, 2003 at 09:10:08
Comments:I remember going there years ago to eat and listen to Don Jobe play.
A very informitive site. Thanks!
Record: 204
Name: Jim Gavril
Referred By: Just Surfed In
From: Lansing, Mi
Time: May 18, 2003 at 23:52:20
Comments:Impressive web-site!
Thanks for memories rekindled.
Will see you soon.
Record: 203
Name: Francine Neve Sherman
Referred By: Other
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Time: May 15, 2003 at 14:11:52
Comments:My father, Page Neve was a member of the baseball team in the 20's and 30's. I have fond memories of visiting with Tucker, Joby ouch and many other members. Also memories of the wonder fruits and vegetables grown there that "Uncle Joby" brought to us when he visited.
I would love to have notices, etc. I just read about a movie being made. Don't remember dates, title, etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
We have many pictures of the team at many many different locations throughout the US
Record: 202
Name: Eunice Payne
Referred By: Just Surfed In
From: Corbin, KY USA
Time: May 10, 2003 at 16:11:09
Comments:Mary Stallard Purnell was 1st cousin to my grandmother, Caroline Stallard. I heard lots of stories about Mary and Ben when I was a child. Would love to contact thier decendants,and learn more about them.
Record: 201
Name: Joyce Frank Francisco
Referred By: Other
From: Austin, TX USA
Time: May 07, 2003 9:22 PM
Comments:As a child 1949 to 1953 my family spent summers at Mary's resort. We stayed at a cottage near the temple. I remember sitting on the porch near the restaurant listening to "Firecracker" play the fiddle. I remember playing the pinball machine for hours and having vegetarian food for lunch. For dinner we sometimes went to the Kosher hotdog restaurant nearby. I also remember delicious cinammon rolls at the bakery. Of course I remember enjoying the train ride at the house of David.
I would love to hear from other folks who stayed at Mary's resort from 1949-1953. Please email me.
Previous Page | Sign Guestbook | Next Page