Twelve Kids, One Bathroom, and a Milk Bottle

About the Book

Tough Times! Changing World! Unacceptable Catholic and Lutheran marriage – WWII – Tight Money – Labor Strikes for Unions – Nuclear Weapons – Korean War – Milk Strikes – Birth of Rock & Roll – Illegal Drugs – Computerization – Vietnam War – Assassinations – and twelve children to feed, clothe, house, and educate!

My mother would call out the front window, “Georgie, Dolores, Patty, Reenie, Jeri, Lorraine, Raymond, Eddie, Dennis, Robert, Tommy, Adrianne, come on up—dinner is on the table!”

Yes, Pat Upton Stamm’s family was poor. Yes, they struggled to survive tough times - and they did! Her parents, George and Elvira Upton, instilled in all of their children the value of a penny, nickel, and dime. They made them work hard to attain their goals; and made education a top priority. It was not cheaper by the dozen! Nothing was handed to them unless they earned it. Against all odds, they overcame many difficult challenges, while surrounding their children with unending love, faith, and sacrifice.

As the third born, the author’s memoir details – with humor – the struggles, adventures, accomplishments, and good and bad times as a family. Others who lived through these challenging years will be stirred, recalling memories of the nostalgic times, places, and events.

About the Author

Pat Upton Stamm was born the third of twelve children raised in Richmond Hill, New York City. Her dream is to tell everyone about her sacrificing parents who raised them to be hardworking, responsible adults, despite tough times. She and her husband live on Long Island; they have two children and five grandchildren.