The Dictionary of Growing up Rabideau

A Glossary of Terms for Growing Up Rabideau (In West Plattsburgh, New York, USA)

In alphabetical Order:

All I Want to See is Asses and Elbows-A gentle phrase utilized on rare occasion by Mom to kindly prod her offspring into physical activity about the home, usually voiced in a high-decibel register.

Basement Construction Technique-A building methodology whereby one invites all male siblings and workplace friends, regardless of ability, to assist in the pouring of a concrete foundation during a severe weekend-long rainstorm while serving copious amounts of beverages, mainly derived by the fermentation of barley and hops, while said participants are knee deep in mud.

Barn, The-Gambrel-roofed storage building to rear of Second House, in which Bobby Collins (See: Collins) lost his eyeglasses in the hayloft during a game of hide and seek, thereby prompting verbal consternation from Mr. Collins and an 18-hour sift of handfuls of hay by 8 children and four adults until eventual finding the next day.

Bing and Blue-Two canine successors to the title of “Uncle Alan’s Dog,” (See: Soapie.) also, fertilizers of “Second House” lawn.

Bologna, Fried-Delicacy served in the shape of an Iron Cross, usually just before Dad’s payday. Crispy on the edges.

Bologna, Sandwiches-Another eatable, two slices of bologna between one slice of white bread slathered with butter, the other slice smeared with yellow mustard, two of each wrapped in waxed paper and tucked into a brown paper bag; prepared by Mom and served as Dad’s lunch for 30 years. No substitutes.

Bottling-A family-bonding activity whereby Mom and Dad put four kids in the backseat of a ’62 Chevy and drove along backloads throughout the county in search of empty soda bottles on the side of the road. If a little Rabideau spotted a bottle in a ditch or a clump of grass, he or she would, yell, “There’s one!” Dad would instantly stop the car; the spotter would climb over the other kids and retrieve the bottle from its hiding place. Regular-sized bottles fetched 3 cents apiece and the bigger ones got a nickel.

Camel-Animal known to inhabit desert environments and Grandpa Beau’s unfiltered cigarette. Chicken Coop-Haven and domicile for domesticated feathered birds, located next to The Barn, known to be attacked by weasels near end of maturation process, just before Mel and Mitch brought them for 4-H judging and/or before said birds “lost” their heads in an effort to nourish Rabideau family.

Collins-Next door family of six children: Gail, Bobby, Kathy, Bruce, Jane and Dickie. The oldest females of which graciously assisted the oldest Rabideaus in perfecting their kissing techniques between rounds of “Kick the Can” held in the early and darkening evenings, while the latter participants were in junior high school and aspiring to heightened executions of said function at Mead Pond and other various venues throughout the continent (See: Mead Pond; Parking; Plattsburgh Drive-In.) The first Mrs. Collins, a sweet lady, died within minutes of suffering a brain aneurysm whilst the first five Collins children where very young. Mr. Collins, a New York State Correction Officer whose professed passion was make money by cooking and selling “Michigan’s,” (See: Ronnie’s) married the second Mrs. Collins soon afterward. She smoked many cigarettes and begat the youngest Collins child, Dickie. Mr. and Mrs. Collins later launched a “Michigan Stand” on the shores of Chazy Lake after the retirement of Mr. Collins from the NYS Department of Corrections. It was next door to Uncle Roy, and operated for about eight years.

Couch-A piece of living room furniture over which everyone in the Rabideau family fought, excepting Dad, who claimed—and invariably received—supreme reign over same.

Dehumidifier-A mechanical device, which withdraws moisture from the ambient air, used by Rabideau Family in Third House to do same in the basement, in which Rabideau Family lived for almost two years whilst house was under construction and family was dislocated by the advent of Expressway. Regretfully, the device did not take moisture out of the basement flooring as it was covered by an inch of water during much of the day (See: Basement Construction Technique.)

Delorme’s-Local grocery store on the corner with large display of “penny- candy” behind the counter and a spool of white butcher’s string hanging above, owned by the Delorme family for two or three generations. Also, the last chance stop to catch bus number 36 to Saranac Central.

Doris Gill-Saranac Central School Femme Fatale, older than Mel or Mitch, asked on a date by Mitch on a dare from Mel. Date was accepted to the astonishment of all concerned. Results unverifiable.

Edwin-Second cousin, weapons expert and marksman, who once demonstrated his prowess at age 12, by pointing a 4-10 shotgun at Mitch in a side room of Second House and, thinking it empty, fired said weapon, blowing hole through wall, four inches from Mitch’s head. Edwin was not known to visit family ever after.

Expressway-A two-lane highway, with lots of shoulder space, built in the late 1960’s, emanating from Cadyville, NY, and terminating in the City of Plattsburgh, some 6 miles away, constructed to facilitate the speedier travel of motorists from the western environs of Clinton County into the metropolis of Plattsburgh. Also, the road, which required the taking of the First House and the Second House.

Father-respectful appellation given to Catholic Priests at St. Alexander’s Parish, those being, in order of succession during West Plattsburgh tenure: Father Taylor-Old-School Priest now sitting near Pope John Paul II in heaven and close to God Almighty; Father Hart-Assistant to Father Taylor for many years and then the Parish Priest (transferred shortly thereafter); Father Aubin-Old-School- New-School Priest (Changed his name to Father “Joe” after a few years) good guy, still kicking around since the church no longer retires priests; Father Guy Fenger-New-School Priest with a street named after him in Ogdensburg (former site of seminary) upon which was situated a tavern oft frequented by the then clerical aspirant, rumored to have left priesthood after taking some alter boys camping and, if he has passed, does not sit near Father Taylor.

First House: Second house on the right going up Rand Hill Road; first house inhabited by Rabideaus on said street and first house owned by Mom and Dad.

Flyswatter-A metal wire wand with a plastic mesh flap on one end, used to exterminate flies, usually within the home, and a tool used to inflict corporal punishment upon the backsides of children by Mom whilst attempting behavior modification, either in the home or out.

Fritzie-First Dog of Rabideau Family, officially belonging to Mitch, given to him at a birthday by Danny Rock in a shoebox. Said canine poked his head out of said box as Danny approached Second house with box in his hands.

Fund Raiser-A charitable fundraising event often orchestrated by Mel and Mitch to create funds for college education whereby one would purchase a container of beer (See: Keg) for $32 (plus a $10 deposit,) while using a fraudulent identification indicating the purchaser to be 18 years of age (the legal age for the consumption of alcoholic beverages during this time frame) and invite two or three hundred of their closest friends from Saranac Central, at a per head price of $1. Also known to be one of the defining moments of the 1973 Saranac Central Football team, whence all but 4 of the team were declared ineligible to play in game following said fundraiser as a consequence of participation. Two members of the foursome were Mel and Mitch, who did not “imbibe.” As four football players were not enough to field a team, the coach, one Harry Canning, rescinded earlier declaration, fielded the full team, but making all of the attendants to said fundraiser “run an extra lap” and giving each “such a look.”

Great Awakening: This is the day Dad decided that he could then eat onions; foods made with garlic, cheeses, barbeque sauces and most other eatable items normal Americans eat today. This event occurred in the subject’s 42nd year and remains an astonishment to his progeny to this day, well after the anguish caused by said abhorrence of said foods.

Harrigan’s-West Plattsburgh family that owned a Tastee-Freeze Ice Cream stand near Ronnie’s, site of after-game grasshopper and pee-wee baseball celebrations.

Jay-The youngest of the Rabideau siblings, brought to the family by the grace of God, known for his even, gentle temperament and good will.

Keg-a container of beverage of choice at festive Mead Pond events (malted barley and hops, fermented,) (See: fundraiser)

Kitty, The-Monetary fund containing mostly dimes and quarters for everyday expenses (See: Lunch Money) and kept in the first drawer on the right in the kitchen, used by everyone in family, especially the day before Dad’s payday.

Kreidler Florette-German made motorcycle, sized a powerful 100cc, purchased by Dad in the late 60’s for riding pleasure, precursor to a few highway accidents, two major, the last of which prompted a visit from Town Supervisor Arthur LeFevre, who advised family of Dad’s likely demise, later proved inaccurate.

Las Vegas- A city in southern Nevada, known for conservative lifestyles (as compared to West Plattsburgh,) where Aunt Sally, sister of Mom, Grandpa and Grandma Beau, Jimmy Beaubriand and Jay Rabideau found a temporary respite whilst attempting to find a proper substitute for West Plattsburgh.

LaGoys-Family living next door to First House and across street from Second House. Eldest son, Greg, was a fanatical football player, often orchestrating local younger youth into ad-hoc football games where he would be the football star. Regretfully, he was a second string football player for St. John’s High School, but did become a medical doctor thence last known to live in New Zealand. Sole sibling, Jan, owned the only pony in West Plattsburgh.

Legion-Post 1619 of The American Legion; a fraternal organization, with a tavern used for fraternal bonding purposes, located in the southern portion of the West Plattsburgh hamlet, having within its confines many softball fields and the home football field of the 1973 Saranac Central football season (the only season for said team,) under the lights for nighttime play.

Legion Pond-A glorious place of warm summer excitement (lasting for 5 summer weeks,) within bottle-pitching distance of the Legion, it was a dammed-up piece of mead brook (See: Mead Pond,) and was one of the summer bathing places—financed by the Town of Plattsburgh.

Liver, Chopped-Trout nourishment scientifically developed by Dad and administered at various times of the day (See: Trout Pond) by the throw of the hand upon the waters, causing a roiling of said waters, the likes of which were often compared to piranha smelling fresh meat in the Amazon.

Lucky Strike-A fortunate discovery or find, and the unfiltered cigarettes smoked by Dad for 40 years.

Lunch Money-30 cents, the cost of lunch at Saranac Central. An extra container of milk required an extra 5 cents.

Marine Corps. –A unit of the United States Military, the membership of which is the ultimate honor any Rabideau or Beaubriand could or can secure. Members include: Uncle Jean, Uncle Alan, Jimmy Beaubriand, Dad and Mitch. Mel was just a wannabe, having attended West Point.

Marine Corps Hymn-Only song with lyrics fully known by Dad, who taught/sung same to his children, often as a bedtime lullaby, but not in key; (“From the Halls of Montezuma…”)

Mead Pond-A freshwater potable water reservoir owned by the City of Plattsburgh, located just off Rand Hill Road, and site of camp outings by Rabideau children, amorous liaisons, the parking of cars and fundraising events (See Fundraiser; Parking.)

Michelle-Only sister in Rabideau Family, a precarious position well handled by said sibling, amidst much testosterone and bluster of her brothers. Now a nurse, caring for others with great empathy, a natural attribute given her earlier experiences.

Michigan-State of the Union located on the shores of the Great Lakes and a local delicousey here a cooked frankfurter is tucked into in a steaming breaded roll and slathered with a meaty/tomatoey sauce and topped with a strip of mustard and, if order as “with,” is doused with chopped onion. “Without” means the frankfurter has no onion topping (See: Ronnie’s.) Mike-Un-classic middle child, AKA Guy, now an attorney in Palm Beach Florida who publishes annual family chronicles for St. Jean Baptiste Day (AKA, Fete,) the records of which are a family treasure and will maintain a place of great satisfaction to generations of Rabideau family members to come.

Mitch-Second oldest Rabideau sibling and expert craftsman. He was voted the King of his High School Prom because of his affability. He later became a Marine (See: Marines,) and after doing so, had nothing else to prove to anyone.

MMMMMMJ-License Plate denotation on one of Dad’s vehicles, an acronym for the beginning letters of each of the family member names, those being: Mom, Meaney (AKA, Dad), Mel, Mitch, Michelle, Mike (later known as Guy) and Jay.

Mom’s Coffee, The Bottom of-A very sweet, milky concoction, mixed with instant coffee and hot water, covertly slurped by an infantile Mel as a prelude to more stimulating beverage consumption.

Moon, Seen Through a Shirt Sleeve. Educational experience whereby Uncle Alan would have a young nephew lie on his back, while on the front lawn of Second House, and attempt to see the moon at midday through the sleeve of a shirt outstretch by accomplice (See: Pepper.) The view of the moon is obscured, however, by a glass of water poured down sleeve by said uncle.

Myers Garage-Near the corner of Route 3 and Rand Hill Road, this was an automobile repair establishment that also sold rubber inner tire tube tires that provided buoyancy to you West Plattsburghgians youth on Mead Pond. One John Myers owned the business, a long time council member of the board of Trustees of the Town of Plattsburgh, always dressed in a pair of navy blue pants and shirt with his name embroidered on the left beast. He plowed snow from local’s driveways in the winter and fixed their cars year-round, while selling Chevron gasoline at 29 cents a gallon between oil changes. Honest as the day was long, John cared for his ill wife for many decades, ironically and surprisingly passing on well before her, but with the love and admiration of the West Plattsburgh.

Onions-Root vegetable grown in abundance throughout New York State and detested by Dad for the first 40 years of life (See: Great Awakening) and snuck into the cooking of many dishes (See: Spare Ribs) by Mom, and promptly removed before discovery and certain verbal rebuke and regurgitation by Dad.

Parking-the art and science of positioning one’s car in a remote area so that one’s companion of the opposite sex is inclined to show gratitude and affection for said maneuver. Paper Route-A group of customers subscribing to the Press-Republican, a local newspaper daily, providing monetary sustenance to every Rabideau youth who trudged the snow drifts of the hamlet at 5 AM.

Peasleeville-An even smaller hamlet straddling the banks of the Salmon River west of Schuyler Falls, where Grandma and Grandpa Beau found a decrepit old farmhouse they though worth saving and, after years of retrofitting, eventually inhabited (See; Expressway and The Trade.)

Pepper-AKA, Jack Myers, son of John Myers (See Myer’s Garage,) Side Kick of Uncle Alan and accessory to many joint activities with same (See: Moon…) Later, Science Teacher at Saranac Lake Jr. High School who gave to Rabideau children good grades in deference to all the information the latter had on same.

Plattsburgh Drive-In-Local amusement area five miles down from West Plattsburgh on Route 3, built for motion picture viewing whilst in one’s automobile; and a place of various liaisons and the practice of parking one’s car (See: parking.) Also scene of a vehicular mishap, whence Mel attempted to enter said amusement area though darkened Exit so as to avoid paying for the entrance and missed said regress by five feet, plunging a 1963 Chevelle, owned by Mom and Dad, into a ditch, precipitating the cracking of the car’s windshield by the forehead on one Mark Allen, a friend. Mel later blamed incident on a rock thrown by a disgruntled fellow classmate at a Saranac Central Dance. Incident was fessed-up to some three decades later to Mom and Dad without retribution, as they could not, at that time, catch Mel running quickly away.

Pop Corn-Evening snack of choice, made with a big dollop of vegetable oil in a well-seasoned and covered sauce pot and the sprinkling of popcorn kernels into the hot oil, followed by vigorous shaking whilst on high heat, the product of which closely resembles that of the current microwave variety.

Quit Your Whine-Assing-Another gentle remark often voiced by Mom as a retort toward her progeny, the latter of which may have found disfavor with a parental directive or duty.

Rand Hill Road-A north-south street in West Plattsburgh intersecting NYS Route 3, upon which the Rabideau family lived in three different houses in an effort to avoid moving (See: Trade, The.)

Red Man-Pejorative term once given to indigenous Native Americans and the tobacco chew of choice of Grandpa Rabideau, able to mix the contents thereof with own saliva and exterminate a mosquito at 20 paces or fend off a charging black bear with same. Ronnie’s-A local Michigan Stand (See; Michigans) at which every West Plattsburghgian ordered and ate copious amounts of Michigans, crinkle-cut French Fries, Coca-Cola, sold in 6 oz. Bottles, or chocolate milk in 8 oz. cartons.

Salem-A community in Massachusetts infamously known for executing females considered witches via a bond fire and the filtered cigarettes smoked by Grandma Beau.

Scrambled Eggs-Two eggs, broken into a bowl, and whisked about; then poured into a hot frying pan and swished around by a spatula as the contents coagulate, breakfast of choice and tradition of most Rabideaus, unhindered by progress or availability of other foods.

Second House-The “Farm House,” and first “home” on the left, after the Town Garage on the Rand Hill Road, originally owned by Grandma and Grandpa Beau, and then inhabited by Rabideau Family (See: The Trade.)

Soapie-One of Uncle Alan’s dogs, white with brown spots, trained to use tongue to clean faces of Uncle Alan’s nephews, favorite of the latter two—in comparison to successors (See: Bing/Blue.)

Stewart-A family of 9 children one mile north of the Rabideau family, at the corner of the Rand Hill Road and Town Line road. Their presence on the school bus, along with the 5 Rabideau kids, 7 Sequin kids, 6 Collins kids, three Smith Kids, eight Pelletier kids, not to mention the other families on the street, comprised a nearly-full load of students for Saranac Central Bus numbered 36.

Third House: The third and last domicile of the Rabideau Family on the Rand Hill Road, a quarter mile north of the intersection of The Expressway (See: Basement Construction Technique.)

Trade, The- A carefully researched and orchestrated financial and domicile maneuver, whereby Mom and Dad (parties of the first part) conspired with Grandpa and Grandma Beaubriand (parties of the second part) to avoid unwanted dislocation and moving caused by the anticipated construction of a highway (See Expressway.) The plan called for a trade of houses between the parties of the first part, located on the east side of Rand Hill Road on the opposite side of the road and just south of the parties of the second part. The parties executed the trade and moved into each other’s homes only to have the State of New York take both homes as it constructed said highway. This promulgated a third domicile on the Rand Hill Road for the Rabideaus and the relocation of the Beaubriands to other parts of the world (See: Peasleeville and Las Vegas.) Trout Pond-Local outside-the-second-house tourist attraction; a 10’ x 18’ x 3’ concrete form, filled with water and fed by an artesian well with a constant outflow, stocked with miscellaneous trout caught on various outings by Dad and his siblings, and fed at various times of the day by Rabideau Family (See: Chopped Liver.)

Tweetie-AKA Lawrence Rabideau, Jr., West Plattsburgh resident, but no relation to subject Rabideaus, until Dad became a genealogist and found favorable anyone with the last name Rabideau (or any imaginable spelling derivation thereof); now Tweetie is a cousin.

Uncle Alan-Only brother to Mom, scientist (See: Moon…); lover of dogs (See: Bing/Blue; Soapie); and pen pal with Uncle Sam (See below.)

Uncle Sam–Mail correspondent to Uncle Alan, once requesting the latter’s participation in a national defensive exercise in the southeastern portion of the Asian continent. Letter found by Mel and Mitch in Uncle Alan‘s bedroom (of Second Rand Hill House) after it caused intense emotional reaction from said Uncle (See: Marines.)

Whoopee Pies-Confection baked by Mom; two chocolate cakes with white frosting between. A yummy delight to this day.

4:15 PM-Supper Time, as declared by Dad, as he walked into the house from work. Snacks were served later, provided said participants ate everything off their plates.