Joyce (Bertram) Chapman

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• First-hand information. Entered by Joyce Bertram at registration.

Joyce Diane Bertram was born at home in Teepleville, PA to Helen and Frederick Bertram, the second of four children. The oldest sibling, Wendell Bruce Bertram was approximately 4 years older than Joyce. Helen was a part-time substitute teacher, and Frederick was a factory worker at the Meadville Talon plant in Meadville, PA. The family bought an old farm house near Little Cooley, right across from Muddy Creek, and proceeded to remodel and improve the farm. Freddie was a part time farmer, keeping a cow for milk, a couple pigs, and a few chickens. All this helped to supplement the family's food supply. When the third child, Judy was 3 1/2 years old, she drowned in nearby Muddy Creek in a tragic accident. It was to remain a tragic memory for the whole family for the rest of their lives. The family moved to Townville during the WWII, when Frederick was a soldier in the U.S. Army Infantry. After the war was over the family moved back to the farm at Little Cooley, which they had purchased prior to Frederick's draft in the service. After two years on the farm and sporadic employment with Talon, the family moved into Townville again, purchasing a large double house on Main St. and opened a Bertram's Restaurant in one-half of the house. It was quite a successful breakfast and lunch spot, but when Helen became a mother of Ray, it was more difficult to maintain the family restaurant. The restaurant was again closed, and Helen went to work at the local Rex Carpenter Packing Co. to supplement the family income. Frederick's work with the Talon Corp. was very sporadic and included many lay-offs. Finally the family was able to purchase another restaurant and small gas station at Navy's Corners, which later became known as Bertrams' Corners. They operated a very successful business there for about 23 years. Helen Bertram's home cooking and great homemade pies were well known around the whole area. To be cont.