I, Elora Melton, was born 4-12-1922 to Erwin and Nellie Melton at Gerlane,
     where my Daddy was a welder, blacksmith and mechanic. Eilene and I walked to
     Round-Up and later Gerlane Schools where we graduated in 1936, and from MLHS
     in 1940.
       In 1938 we had moved to Medicine Lodge. I worked for Charley Hall at Street-
     way Cafe, and later for F.J. Wadsworth Abstract Co. I ;met Harold W. Skidmore
     (B. 1913-Roynton, Oklahoma), a nephew of Mary and Roy Hart. A romance blossomed
     with the young serviceman, and on 12-26-1943 we were married at the home of
     my parents. Harold was stationed at Camp Phillips, Salina; this was our first
     home. From Salina we went to Jackson, Mississippi, my first time so far from
     home. We had a room in a southern mansion.
       Almost on our first anniversary, Harold was sent to Hawaii and eventually
     Korea, and then home. He was M/Sgt. and was discharged after 9 years with the
     Army. Within 3 months we were back in the Military - this time the Air Force -
     stationed at Smokey Hill AFB, Salina. While there our beautiful baby girl,
     Pamela Jeanne, was born 4-20-1947.
       Harold spent 6 months in Alaska climate testing B-29's. By 1950 we were in
     Rapid City, South Dakota, where our son, Harold Melton was born (9-30). In
     1951 Harold asked for overseas duty. We spent three years in Germany, and
     saw much of Europe. The Alps peeking through the clouds was an indescribable 
     feeling for this country girl. We toured Dachau Concentration Camp, Hitler's
     Hideaway, Eagle's Nest at Berchestgarden, Holland's tulip festival, Belgium,
     Luxembourg, the American Cemetery at Aachen, Germany. The last year we toured
     Italy, Austria, Nice, France and Monaco. The children were with German friends
     in the country. Elsie spoke English but he did not, so he learned English and
     the children learned proper German. When we returned, we took the children to 
     beautiful Switzerland, and saw World Girl Scout Chalet at Adelboden.
       Enroute home, we went by tarin to Paris, toured there, then left LeHarve
     on USS United States - Oh Beautiful USA!!
       Harold was assigned to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City and in 1960 he retired
     with 24 years military service. After various jobs, he got on Civil Service.
     I was working as a waitress and Harold encouraged me to try Civil Service
     and I qualified in Key Punch. I worked at this 12 1/2 years to retirement!
       I lost Harold in 1971 and am thankful he insisted I try Civil Service. In
     1966, Pamela married Bill Davis. Their 12 year old son Gaylon and 6 year old
     daughter Kelli are Grandma's pride and joy! Bill has a counstruction company
     and Pam manages a convenience store. Harold M. married Donna Chaney in 1976.
     He attended OU and is assistant engineer to the city of Bethany. Donna is
     draftsman for Oklahoma City.
       Living so near Tinker, our home is in the landing pattern and at times its
     exciting - but frightening. I sell Fuller Products evenings. My brother,
     Sidney who is deaf, is retired and lives with me. When I mention going to
     Medicine Lodge, I say "I'm going Home!"
     
                
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas, pg. 421 
     Submitted by: Elora Skidmore