Ear: Turkey

A can’t-resist rerun: “Every so often here at the Reference Desk of the Oregon State Archives we receive requests that include odd bits of family lore for background … “ a Facebook post noted. “Occasionally we receive one that appears to be confirmed by the original record.”

The “original record” is that of housewife Laura Ann Barker, 52, of Portland, who met an untimely end the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 30, 1947. It was rumored that family members were told at the time that the cause of her demise was “too much Thanksgiving.”

Her death certificate, part of which is shown, backs up the story. It seems it was no coincidence that Thanksgiving Day was three days earlier, although her husband, Dell D. Barker, lived to tell the tale.

Mrs. Barker’s physician, who attended her at her home during her final 48 hours, listed the immediate cause of death as “coronary heart disease,” which lasted only half an hour. What’s notable is the contributory cause, “acute indigestion,” which lasted two long, miserable days. (Images: Oregon State Archives/Find a Grave)