The Inez Burns Story, Part IX

inez51.jpg(Photo: Posting with unidentified relatives, Inez Burns, third from left, her husband, ex-San Francisco Assemblyman Joe F. Burns at far right, wearing the hat).

…When the money was rolling in, Caroline Carlisle recalls, her middle-aged grandmother Inez Burns was “happy and jolly”–but Inez never eased upon on her inspection of the house in Atheron., “looking for dust,” often demanding that everything be done her way.

Despite the “inspection,” a visit from grandmother Inez turned into a festive event as she brought armloads of gifts: a black cocker spaniel, a white rabbit fur coat and matching hat, a chestnut horse.

Another great treat for Caroline ws a shopping spree to the Emporium in San Francisco, accompanied by one of Inez’s employees.

After one of these “surprise visits” to the La Honda ranch in the early 1940s, then 8-year-old Caroline Carlisle accompanied Inez and Joe Burns in the shiny, black limousine. As Joe Burns drove, inez sang songs form the 1920s, most often “Stella By Starlight” and “In her Sweet Little Alice Blue Gown.” Caroline hated the singing, especially when she was asked to join in–perhaps it reminded the little girl of the dreaded piano lessons grandmother paid for.

…To Be Continued…