She was born Alda Lene Keener on August 12,1914 in Lincolnton, NC.Her parents Louie and Emma were both mill workers.She had one brother named Blair AKA Uncle Dick.Growing up very poor she was determine to make a name for herself,and better her life.As a gift ,her Father gave her a second hand sewing machine.With allot of practice she taught herself how to make dresses out of flour sacks,without patterns.This seemed to be a God given talent to be able to sew from a vision in her mind.Eventually she was ask to custom make gowns for certain galas, such as weddings, debutantes, and inaugural balls.With such popularity she designed gowns for Sacks Fifth Ave,and later opened her own store.
Mama Alda with Great Granddaughter 1990
As children we spent many long Summer hours in Alda Crowe’s dress shop.The store was huge! 10,000 square feet.Siser and I would spend our days at the store going through the lost and found box.Looking at all the lipsticks,buttons,eye glasses,gloves,dried up breath mints ;anything to pass the time.We drew many pictures on carbon copy receipt books.The highlight of the day was going to the bank and later getting a hot dog for lunch.
As we grew up we learned the different responsibilities of the business,such as waiting on customers,making deposits,steaming gowns,and doing daily reports.The most fun of all would be attending the Charlotte and Atlanta Market.At the market we would see high end fashion shows,eat decadent lunches,and everyone knew who Mama Alda was.
As she got older she developed the love for baking sweets.She had a cookbook library as big as Barnes and Nobles.On her 50 acre farm where she and Granddaddy lived there were,grapes,blueberries,pears,pecans,walnuts,and apples.The pecans and the apples were her favorite to cook with.She loved apple strudel,apple pie,apple cobbler,and apple butter.She even liked decorating with apples.Red was her favorite.
In Lincolnton NC in early Fall, for years there has been a Apple Festival downtown.There you will find lots of mountain folk,good food,good music,crafts,and anything to do with a apple.In this Fall tradition and in loving memory of our talented Grandmother, we have a soap designed for her love of apples.It is a warm blend of sweet apples,vanilla,and spicy cinnamon and clove.Tied in a ribbon with one red apple.The soap is on our web site under the name Apple Jack .It is known and loved by many costumers especially the MEN.We always hear about how much the men love “that” smell.We have made many special request with this fragrance.Candles,lotion bars and even perfume!This soap is available now until Christmas or while supplies last.
Pictures (top to bottom - left to right):
Mama Alda with great granddaughter Rebecca, Mama Alda with Siser and I,and brothers Lee,and Ken. Applejack Soap