Izzy's Kids

Through the eyes of one of Izzy's kids    By Betty Manis

       Growing up in New Orleans a half century ago was a unique experience.  Growing up in a large family made the experience even more special.

       Izzy and Sarah Cornman had ten children.  My brother Abraham died at birth long before I was born.  I have no memories of my sister Fay Helen, who died suddenly as a toddler when I was an infant.

       I do have special memories of the long days of summertime play.  We spent all day and part of the evening outdoors, coming in only for meals.  Porches were for rainy days and night time storytelling.

       There are pluses and minuses with growing up in a large family.  On the downside, we didn't know whose picture was on a five dollar bill.  On the upside, most neighborhood playtime activity had to involve Issy's kids since there were so many.

       Toys were not needed for our outdoor activities.  We played "Hop-scotch" with sticks, "Step-class" with promotions up and sown steps, "Kick the Can", "Packing Sardines", Paper dolls cut from catalogs.  We converted orange crates into doll houses.  We had Penny- parties with talent shows (remember Midget-Mike?), grab bags, fudge, and colored sand for sale for a penny (or for pins and buttons).  We created stories to entertain each other.

       My big sister Rhea oversaw much of the younger kid's activities.  She was very creative.  One evening Rhea entertained us with her sketch of the "Ideal Cornman Girl".  The drawing was a composite of the best feature of each one of us.  I seem to remember that it included:  Girl's golden curls, my eyes, Claire's smile.

       As I think about my large family, I am aware of the influences we have on each other in growing up together.  In a sense, we are each a composite of the traits we admire in each other, and we try to incorporate them into the fiber of our individual growth.  The special traits of my family that I wished to incorporate into my composite picture might be the following:

Tillye - Intelligence

The brightest of Izzy's kids know how to set her goals.  It was my admiration for her that led me on to college.

Miriam - Talent

The best cook in the family.  She was my inspiration in the kitchen.  Her needlework is really a work of art.  I'm one of her biggest fans - always wanting to see her newest projects.

Rhea - Dreamer

As a child, she always loved singing and drawing. Rhea knew how to keep her dreams alive until the right time to experience them.  In her retirement, she brought forth her dream to sing and paint.  Dreams are to hold and nurture.

Leon - "Joie de vivre"

He loved fun so much that he developed a successful career of a party - planning corporation.  Every night was party - nite.  His enthusiasm was always high - I could count on him for an upbeat view.  Leon died eight years ago.

Claire - Easy smile, Easy conversation

As the younger and very timid sister that I was, I always admired Claire's easy conversation and many friendships.  She still uses this talent as the family Poet Laureate, putting her easy flow of words into rhyme and rhythm.

Fay Rose - Courage

Fay was born with a heart defect. She was my younger sister - a bright and pretty child.  Because of her poor health, her activities were limited.  She always showed such poise and bravery during her short life.  Fay died at the age of fourteen.

Gail - Sensitivity

Gail, even as a child, showed great care and sensitivity with everyone.  She has the ability to grasp an "overview" or the "big picture" of things.  Gail is the cohesive force that holds the family together.

And of Course, traits of our parents are an influence in our lives.  Special abilities or traits I think of are:

Izzy - Focus

He was an avid reader - three newspapers a day, many periodicals, books being read simultaneously.  One area of his expertise was world history and geography.  He always had the right answers for me in these areas.  His ability to focus to the point of expertise was always there.

Sarah - Ability to Change

Sarah made many changes in her life and never looked back.  Izzy was an excellent provider in the early years of marriage.  When the depression hit Izzy's losses were heavy.  With so many children to care for, he never regained his financial strength.  While most mothers were homemakers, Sarah became a working wife  She taught us to do what must be done.  She worked for many years.  All of my sisters had careers after marriage.  I think that we had our mother as a model of the changing roles a woman might pursue.

The reunion has encouraged me to look back to the "Good Ole Days" to reflect on what was good, and to take the time to say thanks to my sisters for all I have gotten from them.  Growing up in New Orleans is a very special experience.