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(Also see another page about Arch Shreve)

Richard Milburn Shreve read this poem at Arch D. Shreve’s 80th birthday

 celebration in 1982. It gives a brief summation of many of the

 things he did, some of the jobs he held and the many places he lived. 

Maxene Mayenschein forwarded this poem. I also recall him telling about 

hauling tobacco near Stoughton, Wisconsin.  

________________________

This Is Your Life, Archie D.

It was just about 80 years ago,

A Shreve boy was born out near Debello,

in the town of Greenwood, I suppose I should add,

and Archie Delbert was the name of the lad,

a Badger, he was, born in old W-I-S,

and though he's been away, he still is, I guess.

Well Archie grew up on the farm of course,

and learned how to ride and break a horse.

In those days, horses were used a lot-

those automobiles, we hadn't yet got!

The Shreve house had rooms, but not one was a bath,

out back of the house, was a well-worn path.

Ah, those were the good old days, for sure,

but I reckon we're glad they're not here anymore.

Little Archie kept busy, so I've been told,

sometimes he was naughty, sometimes good as gold.

Sickness there was, some of it bad.

Home remedies were used, it was all they had.

But he survived, as we all know-

'cause he's right here to tell us so!

In winter, there was lots of snow,

and down the hills those hand sleds sure could go!

Once, going home from school, so I have heard,

the sled hit a bump, and Archie flew like a bird!

But he landed hard, banged up one eye.

I guess it probably made him cry.

But he grew up, as you can see,

and even added some to his family tree.

When he went courtin' with buggy and team,

he could sleep going home- the horses were "right on the beam."

A rolling stone, that was Archie boy

Roaming seemed to fill him with great joy.

Studied telegraphy in St, Paul,

washin' dishes in a restaurant, what a ball!

Broke some, too, when he let 'em fall!

Of course, he got married one October day,

got a traveling partner, and they were on their way.

He farmed at times, but there were other jobs to do-

ice man, milk route, selling cars, too.

In real estate deals he had a hand,

was quite a horse trader I understand.

He’s lived in so many town and places-

that, wherever he goes, there are familiar faces,

Viroqua, Chetek, Evansville, too,

Hillsboro and Valley to name a few

And I left out West Lima- that MUST NOT BE!

As the days and months and years rolled by,

the Abbott Labs finally hired this guy.

The "Land of Lincoln" was then his home-

15 years In Illinois, but he still liked to roam,

so the family went places like Vernon County Fair.

When the harness races started, he was there!

From Washington D.C. to the far, far west-

they toured the U.S. to see where they liked it best.

Three children there were in this family, you see-

Maxene, Jack and Joe- that does make three.

Thirteen grand-children, now I believe, is the score,

plus 15 great-grands, and there will probably be more

Arch always liked music, country style,

and played the harmonica, once in a white.

At parties and dances, he had a good time-

how, in heck will I make this rhyme?

He was good at the waltz, and the square dance, yes,

and liked games like 500 and euchre, I guess.

In later years, "Aggravation" was it-

his opponents got aggravated quite a bit!

I could spend the day telling ALL the places he's been-

but I really wouldn't know where to end or begin,

and, before I was through, I'm sure,

you'd be too tired to hear any more,

He likes to fish, and does catch SOME,

drives a fast car-likes to hear it hum.

He goes to Florida, when it gets too cold-

and has a good time with the young or the old.

At shuffleboard, he does his best,

to prove his skill can stand the test.

He likes a good joke, between me and you,

and when it comes to stories, he knows a few!

Now he's back where he lived many years ago-

right Viroqua, wouldn't you know?

Wisconsin called, and he came on the run,

likes it best, when all’s said and done.

At 80, is a guy "over the hill"?

Well, if that's true, at least he made the grade,

and, going down hill,

he can lead the parade,

So-"Happy Birthday", Archie D., we say,

May many more of 'em come your way.

Written and said by

R. M. ( Milburn) Shreve

August 6, 1972