Joe and Myrtle

JOSEPH ARLIE HELLE, 15g (George A. 14, Frederick 13)

b.Smithfield, IL;  Jan. 1906

m.1st - Carthage, IL;  Aug. 1930

MYRTLE MURIEL BOLON, daughter of Perry and

Alta (McCance) Bolon

b.Smithfield, IL; Oct. 1905

d.Canton, IL;  Mar. 1965

br. Smithfield, IL; Baughman Cemetery

m.2nd - 6 Oct. 1965

HENRIETFA (STEVENSON) JACKSON

b.Fiatt, IL;  Nov. 1920

JOSEPH "JOE" ARLIE HELLE was the third son of

leorge Adam and Ida (Kaler) Helle. He writes: "How to

ondense seventy - seven active years into a short article

xvering the many activities of a large family during the

eriod 1906, when I came to Smithfield barefooted and

,arebottomed, up to the present 1983? One of thirteen

:hildren, ten boys and three girls. When five sons overflowed

he village of Smithfield in a few short years, Dad took his

~rowing family to the country for more space. I never knew if

he move was by request or by choice.

"I had the usual experiences of going to a country school, a

ittle high school and then a dropout. Then a much larger

~hool; the school of hard work and hard knocks. We grew up

vith steam threshing machines and sawmills trying to keep up

vith the many problems that are a part of life.

"I married a country girl, MYRTLE MURIEL BOLON, in

L930. I continued in sawmill and lumber business, bought a

~ouple of farms along the way which were mostly timbered.

Nith ill health in the family and no children, I quit the lumber

usiness and devoted my time to farming which was my first

love."

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Joe and Henrietta

"After the death of Myrtle, I married HENRIETTA

(STEVENSON) JACKSON, a widow with two sons. Even-

tually I sold one farm, rented the other and retired to Cuba. I

question retirement being a time of leisure."

On 14 July 1966 Joe deeded to Smithfield eight lots as a

playground at the south side of the village in memory of his

deceased wife,Myrtle. The land was developed into a ballfield

for the young people of the Smithfield area. To show their

appreciation for the gift, the citizens of Smithfield named the

playground Helle Park and dedicated it 4 October 1985. The

dedication was a complete surprise to Joe as all involved kept

the secret from him prior to the day of dedication. On that day

he was asked to check on "problems" along the Spoon River

Scenic Drive route and kept away until just minutes before

the dedication ceremony. It was a fitting tribute to a deserving

man.

"I Remember ...

Gail Helle, brother

Joe was the Rock of Gibralter, the responsible guy, a good

second father; always looked after us. One time Gene, as a

small boy, climbed the silo. As he reached the top, Joe was

coming in with a load of hay. Gene slipped and by the time he

hit the ground, Joe had made it across the barnyard and was

waiting for him. (Gene stood up at the supper table that

night!)

In the dark days of the depression Joe would come on Sun-

day and have new overalls for us boys and dresses for Char-

lotte and June. I can merely say, "Thank you, Big Brother."

You always stood tall in the saddle to all your kid brothers.

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Photo taken Jan 2000

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