Life in the Pickrel household in the Roaring 20s was a madhouse of activity. Imagine having 11 children under one roof, from Mary, the oldest, just about ready to move out into the world, to baby Howard, just learning to walk and talk.
Fortunately, Pickrel Plumbing Supply was thriving so there was enough money to feed and dress everyone and give them dance or music lessons and go to church on Sunday all decked out.
Dorothy attended Steele High School in Dayton, pictured above, along with her sister Betty, 11 months older, and Carol, who was about 4 years younger. Few women expected to go on to college after high school, although Mary, a talented musician and artist, did get some post-secondary education.
After she graduated, Dodie took classes at Miami-Jacob Business College, learning shorthand and typing and other office skills. The training came in handy when the Great Depression undermined their life of comfort. David L. Gravett refused to file bankruptcy when the plumbing firm got into financial trouble.
"He eventually paid back all of his debts," said his daughter, Dorothy, with justifiable pride. She got an office job and was one of the children who pitched in, some living at home and most turning in earnings from jobs to help sustain the family through those difficult years. Dodie recalled that period as one of great family unity and supportiveness, fueled by the lively Pickrel humor.
DL went to work as a plumber but later was able to get the supply business up and running. It survives today as Pickrel Brothers Plumbing.
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