[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 144 (Thursday, October 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO ALLENE MITCHELL PENROD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE LARGENT

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 25, 2001

  Mr. LARGENT. Mr. Speaker, Allene Mitchell Penrod was born September 
3, 1911, weighing in at a mere two pounds, and as she celebrates her 
90th year, continues to be active both mentally and physically. She has 
been a wife, is a mother, a career woman, and since 1985, a breast 
cancer survivor.
  Allene is a very talented seamstress who discovered her talent for 
sewing skills at an early age, making rag dolls, doll clothes, and toys 
with which to play. Later, she honed her skills by taking sewing 
classes in school. From that time on, she made her own clothes, clothes 
for her children, and even made her first bra at age 20. Perhaps her 
abilities can best be described by the following article that was 
published in The Daily Oklahoman, This article appeared in the Women's 
Section on July 15, 1984, when Allene was awarded the ``Oklahoma Golden 
Thimble Award'', an honor bestowed on expert seamstresses in the state.


              Grandma Teaches Kin to Love Stitch Projects

  ``Love what you are doing,'' is the advice Allene Penrod of Roosevelt 
gives beginning seamstresses. But this advice is not always necessary. 
Granddaughter Krystal Mahoney sews and learns from her. Allene see that 
Krystal studies patterns and follows instructions.
  ``Mother is a unique woman,'' Krystal's mother, Beth Mahoney, wrote 
as she nominated Allene for the Golden Thimble award. ``She has the 
ability to make that sewing machine create anything. ``Taking advantage 
of her skills, I never learned to sew. She has taken on the task of 
teaching my 11-year-old daughter to sew. Mother's patience has paid 
off. Krystal has won blue ribbons on her blouse, skirt, and other 4-H 
projects. For her grandchildren, Mother has designed and made costumes, 
doll clothes, and even sheep blankets for their show animals. For the 
community's haunted house, she made a gorilla suit and a werewolf 
costume and others.''
  ``I have three chairs in my living room that she upholstered for me. 
She also knits and crochets afghans, stocking caps, doll clothes, 
stuffed animals, and Christmas stockings. We are very proud of the 
handmade tablecloths and quilts she has made us. In addition to the fun 
things, she even does my patching, and when patches are not available, 
she reweaves wool garments. This 72-year-old is a quiet, sweet lady, 
and I love her dearly.''
  Allene remade countless sports uniforms so that her grandsons would 
look neat on the field and court. She continues to make prom dresses 
for her daughter, Beth, who is no longer a student, but attends school 
proms with her husband, who is a school board member. A Roosevelt 
Roughrider pillow, an afghan, and window shades personalize grandson 
Jeff's room. Other grandsons have received crocheted tablecloths, place 
mats, and afghans. Each of her three children, seven grandchildren, and 
two great-grandchildren has one or more treasures made by Allene. Her 
family treasures a flower garden quilt Allene made in 1934.
  Beth describes Allene as a perfectionist who usually has two projects 
going simultaneously--while she attends basketball and baseball games 
and sheep shows.
  Allene is a devout Christian who is much loved by her family. We wish 
her the best for her 90th birthday with many more to come.

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