The Ruby Gene

My paternal grandmother Ruby Elizabeth Newton Oaks and her twin, Gertrude Newton were born 127 years ago today in Meadeville, PA.

We all have characters in our family. Ruby's name was certainly appropriate, as she was a true jewel in a family treasure chest of characters. When I was a little girl, time spent with her was unlike any other. She lived in a magical home with a secret garden in Alhambra, California. When I stayed with her, one day of my visit was always dedicated to putting on our white gloves and hats and taking the bus to downtown LA for a bit of girl time. We shopped and the day ended with tea at the May Company Tearoom.  Her sense of style and design were amazing. She could take something as simple as a ho hum arm chair, recover it in purple velvet and it looked like it was out of a magazine. She made amazing pie- her specialty "Creme d'-Menthe" a la the 1950's cooking trend. She created Christmas trees that were works of art complete with color themes. So very ahead of her time!

The May Company, Los Angeles, 1955

She was a tad on the eccentric side. She used to drive my father crazy with her scattered ways. He always said she'd drop everything to go to a dog fight. (Not true- she was an avid animal lover- but you get the gist.)  Truth was, she'd drop everything for an adventure- and to Ruby, everything was an adventure.

Ruby and her twin were separated during their childhood. They each had to go live with relatives when their mother contracted tuberculosis.

At parties Ruby "smoked" using a cigarette holder. But it was just for show.  (No inhaling- she just thought it was cool.) She imbibed a bit. She played bridge, loved classical music and her family. She lost things, she forgot things, and she was so much fun.

In our family when someone does something crazy, loses car keys, forgets where they parked; we call it "The Ruby Gene". I have it. Other family members have it. In today's scientific world with acronyms and meds for everything, we now know it as ADD. Ruby was the ADD poster child.

But I prefer to think of it with love and fondnace as simply "The Ruby Gene". My Grandma Ruby was a strong and competent woman. I am very proud to be blessed to carry any of her genes!

Gertrude Newton (left); Ruby Newton Oaks (right).