The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less
By Ryan, Terry

Author Terry Ryan takes a nostalgic, touching look at her 10 children family growing up in northwest Ohio in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and in particular she focuses on her mother, Evelyn Ryan. It seems Evelyn had a unique knack for entering-and winning-many of the old “tell us why you love our product in 25 words or less” contests that companies used to run back then. In fact, such was her talent that she single-handedly saved the family from losing their home at least once, and twice she won a car and also a trip to Europe. Her winnings were made necessary because of an alcoholic husband who drank away much of his weekly paycheck.

Interspersed throughout the book are family life vignettes, some humorous, including a tale about a pet rooster that had its own way of keeping visiitors-and family-at bay when they wanted to enter or leave the house. The author gives many examples of Evelyn’s contest entries, and while some seem rather trite, they also demonstrate the determination of a woman dedicated to help provide for her family the best she could under trying circumstances. Two such examples are:

(The italics are what she wrote to complete an already existing start of an ad)

Dial Soap
“Dial is wonderful, colorful stuff
For amplest protection, Dial’s always enough”

Dr. Pepper
“The time of your life you can win
With Dr. Pepper, the flavor that’s in
It’s distinctive and bright, It’s lively and light
There’s no time like NOW to begin”

All in all, an entertaining read.

- Ric