Blanche Marie Reynolds Harper

It was a great day in May, and bets were placed at the local barbershop. On May 7, 1930, when Blanche
Marie arrived, he proceeds were pooled and a complete layette was delivered to the ranch. She surely
couldn’t be expected to use the hand-me-downs from seven boys!
Blanche Marie Reynolds Harper was born 95 years ago to pioneer parents. Charles Clifford and Tina Lee
Reynolds. Her father, Charles Clifford arrived in Crook County in 1908 where he drove freight wagon
between Shanilo and Prineville, and homesteaded in the Barnes area southeast of Prineville. His
Brothers were Harry Reynolds, Prineville pioneer physician, and Sam Reynolds, rancher. They were
originally from Kansas. Words from his mother which he frequently passed on were “Never take the first
drink or cigarette and you’ll never want a second.”
Tina Lee McDaniel arrived from Missouri 1902 with her mother; Julia, and five sisters. She and Charles
Clifford – or C.C. as he was known – married in 1914.
Ranch life was remembered as enjoyable and exciting – hard but never bad. It was necessary to be self-
sufficient, and several hundred quarts of fruit and vegetables were canned every year. Up to forty-two
head of cows were milked by hand. Especially during threshing season when framers exchanged labor,
it was not unusual to prepare food 20-30 people.
Entertainment was also home-made. Town kids were frequent visitors for hay rides, food and general
ranch fun. The main attraction seemed to be he seven brothers and all the horses! Her brothers – all
deceased – were Robert Carl, Norman Leland, Albert Dale, James Warren Percy McDaniel, William Ray
(Bill) and Francis L. (Bud).
A Reynolds was involved with 4-H ever since its inception in Crook County in 1928. Blanche was a local
for over 50 years, and past president of the Oregon 4-H Leaders’ Association.
Romance was even part of 4-H when Blanche and Sidney William Harper had their first date at Summer
School in 1947. They have been married for 59 years and have three children and three granddaughters.
Their children are Cynthia Ann Harper of Prineville; Charles (Chuck) William, deceased; and Sharon
Marie Harper Petroccione, Prineville, Chuck and Carol Zosel are parent of Therese and Ashleigh. Nicole is
the daughter of Sharon. Her father, George Petroccione, is deceased. Kelly Carlin has united with
Threse and presented the family with Audrey and Miriam. Serge Zeqiseks has unied with Ashleigh and
added a happy Willa Rose to the mix
Over the years church activities were important and a regular part of family life. Blanche worked at
Swain’ Poultry Ranch; was head cook at Ochocco Elementary School, cook and potatoes warehouse
worker for Wampler Worth Farms
Blanche attended Oregon State collage and had brief stays in Brooks and Madras. Except for these three
years she has lived on or near McKay Creek all her life. Her present hme borders the original C. C.
Reynolds ranch where she grew up – and finally a few chickens have replaced 75years of livestock
chores!

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