We’re greeted with a surprise guest for local Mulberry resident, Julius’s birthday party.

If you haven’t read Issue #1 yet, please check it out here:

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May 5th, 1995

Schoomaker’s Lumber Celebrates 100 Years

It was just last year when the Mulberry Tribune wrote about one of our local businesses reaching its century milestone. We now celebrate Schoomaker’s Lumber reaching the century mark, joining the legacy of the finest Mulberry businesses.

Founded on May 3rd, 1895, Schoomaker’s Lumber was your one-stop shop for all your lumber, tools, and carpentry services. Founded by Eugene and Abigail Schoomaker, they’ve turned their one-acre business into an over 100-acre business with two locations. Mulberry has grown their businesses and homes thanks to the Schoomakers. It’s no wonder they stayed in business through the worst of the early 1900s.

Now, with their granddaughters, Alise and Susan, co-running the business, Schoomaker’s Lumber is celebrating 100 years with their biggest sale on supplies and services. And don’t forget about the free cake to celebrate, thanks to Snyder’s Bakery on Bakers Street!

So, for your home projects, come down to Speaker Road and shop the sales. And while you’re at it, grab a slice of cake on the way out. The sale is only till Sunday, so come celebrate another century-old Mulberry business this weekend!

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May 9th, 1995

Clowning Around at a Birthday Party

Last Saturday, May 6th, the Tucker family had a surprise visitor who went by the name Bo-Bo the Clown. And to answer everyone’s question – no, it wasn’t anyone we’d recognize.

Our visitor was a stranger to Mulberry, dressing up in his work attire of jumbo pants held on by suspenders, ready to perform for Julius Tucker’s birthday. It was not common for us to get visitors from outside of town who became the highlight of the day, but this was a first: our visitor was none other than a professional circus clown.

Kids gathered around as their performer mesmerized with magic tricks, balloon animals, and slapstick comedy that even made the adults burst out laughing. It was a stroke of luck when Bo-Bo bounced his big red shoes right into Julius’s 8th birthday party – especially for his parents, Jonathan and Patti Tucker, who had been searching for their last-minute entertainment days before.

“We were devastated to hear that Dennis, from the Hooplas, was sick with the stomach bug,” said Jonathan when asked about their previous guest. “Patti and I both lost sleep the last few days, wondering how we were going to give our son the best birthday ever. We were so worried about having no one to perform that we felt guilty bothering our mayor to help find someone. And luckily we did, because hours before the party, this…” Jonathan gestured towards Bo-Bo, who at the time was crafting balloon animals with various colored balloons, “clown came at our doorstep, dressed in his clown costume, told us about our situation, and that he wanted to help. We could not thank him enough for that.”

Jonathan and I discussed further about the morning, what was going through their minds at the time, and how the conversation came about, including who reached out to Bo-Bo. “You have to ask Hank on that one,” he answered, “He was the one who sent him [Bo-Bo] over.”

I got the chance to ask Patti Tucker about their surprise guest, who was ecstatic to give praise on the performance. “He did such an amazing job!” You could hear the excitement coming from her when the topic of Bo-Bo was brought up. “I was in tears when I saw Julius march right over to Hank and give him the biggest hug ever, thanking him for bringing Bo-Bo to his birthday party.”

I caught up with Hank shortly after Julius hugged him, as I had witnessed a very special moment between the two.

“He just brought a big smile upon my face,” Hank Ingram recounts his embrace from Julius. “I know Jonathan and Patti were relieved to see him so happy today, and doing this is what makes this all the worth running for again.”

Hank’s term is coming up soon, and he plans to re-run as Mayor for another four years against Alise Schoomaker, who had lost against him back in 1991.

When the topic of the children here in Mulberry and his priority for them and their future came up, he got teary-eyed and replied, “I’m doing this as if my son were still here with us.”

It’s been six years since Hank and his wife, Susan, lost their son, Gabriel. The passing of their son was what led Hank to run for mayor a year later. “He would’ve been here with the kids, laughing and enjoying what we all have been blessed with today,” he continued. “I know those two years Susan and I gave him were the best years he had, and it just felt like a calling for me to run and do something for these children. Give them the same treatment our son had.”

I didn’t ask Hank any more questions and let him enjoy the rest of his time at the birthday party. I, for one, did.
Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to interview the last-minute guest, Bo-Bo. When everything was over, he had left shortly after. Next time, I’ll find a chance to speak with the guest of honor and ask how it felt to be Mulberry’s hero for the day.

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May 15th, 1995

Plans for Mulberry Day

A small snippet from the discussion at Town Hall regarding Mulberry Day to be held on June 17th, 1995.

It wasn’t until the discussion switched over to the entertainment that everyone had collectively reached an agreement on.

Hank Ingram had suggested the brothers, Dennis and Ian Ryeman, lead singer of the Hoopla’s and Bo-Bo the Clown, as Mulberry Day’s entertainment. “If no one has any qualms with that,” Hank concluded his statement.

Not that anyone would have any issue with the Ryeman brothers, as the room filled with nods and agreements, Hank finished off with, “I can reach out tomorrow morning.”

I did catch up with Ian after his surprise at Julius Tucker’s birthday party and welcomed him to Mulberry. He gushed on how great it’s been for the last week he’s stayed. “Everyone has been so kind and generous here.”

Ian continued about his plans here: once he feels established and ready to move out of his brother’s home, he’ll find one right here in Mulberry. “I can’t wait to experience more that this town has to offer. It’s been great.”

The meeting concluded, and everyone who had tasks was ready to get to work. Mulberry Day is a long-running tradition to celebrate its over 100 years since its founding. “It’s been my family’s home since my great-grandparents moved here,” Alise Schoomaker commented. “And I don’t see anything changing here anytime soon.”