Eastlake Celebrates Its Seniors--Doris Crick, April 2010

Doris Mary Graham was born Oct 8, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio. She is affectionately called, “Dorie” by her friends. Her parents were Hugh E. and Alby Agnes (Bartek) Graham. Dorie was one of five children born to this couple.

She graduated from John Adams High School in 1942 and went to work for Ohio Bell as a phone operator. She was in charge of a huge switchboard and would help to connect people’s phone calls. Back then they would give her the “RX” identifier, such as White Hall, Garfield, or Michigan, then a number, and this would help her to find the party to which they wanted to speak. She later went to work for General Electric in the payroll department.

Her sister Anne, whom they affectionately called “Mickey” (yes, after the mouse) was instrumental in introducing Dorie to her future husband, John Crick. Mickey had been dating his brother.

John was a Welshman who immigrated to America when he was about 21 years old. He and Dorie were married Setember 8, 1951, at Holy Name Church in Cleveland. Just a few days later the Army sent him to Korea to fight in the war.

Dorie’s cousin Bernice had checked out the Eastlake area and suggested the couple move there. In January, 1956, they bought a house on a dead-end street named Jakse. Mabel Johnson was the mayor at that time. It saddened Dorie to learn that a phone call to Cleveland, from where they lived, was a long distance call. Because of the conditions of the streets her father would tease her and say that they had moved to the Dust Bowl.

John was an excellent plumber and the family soon could afford to build a new home on Eastlake Drive. John operated a plumbing and heating business for almost 20 years out of their house and Dorie was the bookkeeper.

Mr. and Mrs. Crick had two children: Thomas, who still resides in Eastlake, and Nancy. Nancy was one of the first girls allowed by the league to play Little League Baseball. The family spent many summer hours at the Little League fields which were at that time located off Erie Road. This would often be followed by a trip to the neighborhood ice cream store named Coopers.

When Memorial Day approached the family knew that they would be attending a parade. John would always march as part of the color guard.

When they first moved to the area the family attended St. Mary Magdalene Church. They soon became charter members of the church named St. Justin Martyr. It first met at North High School, and later the parishioners built their church on Stevens Boulevard. Latter the Cricks would attend Immaculate Conception in Willoughby. Dorie did all of the washing and ironing for the church. This would include alter linens, priests garments, etc. Back then she would use a dry iron to achieve this process. She heavily starched the fabrics, then would roll them up and store them in the refrigerator until it was time to iron them.

The thing that Dorie misses most about her youth is her mother’s cooking. She loved to eat her pork dumplings and sauerkraut. On Mother’s Day her family would gather around Mrs. Graham and celebrate their love for her. There were never enough nice words to tell her what a wonderful woman and mother she was and how much they appreciated all that she had done for them. It was an honor to take this time to show her how much she was loved and respected.

As an older woman and mother herself, Dorie understand the sentiment of being gathered around your family. It is one of her favorite times. She has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
After the passing of her husband, Dorie’s mother and sister Mickey moved into her home. The layout of the home made it much easier for her mother to get around. He sister still remains as a companion to her.

For many years Dorie enjoyed collecting Hummel figurines. Her collection numbers close to 70.

This article is brought to you by the Eastlake Historical Society. If you are 80 years old or more and have lived in the City of Eastlake for at least 50 years, please contact us through Eastlake City Hall.

EASTLAKE CELEBRATES ITS SENIORS