Clara Redmond Lutz

ACTIVE-MOVED

Posts
493
Last visited
August 23, 2022
Player
Wayfarer

About Clara Redmond Lutz

Farmer's Daughter/Freshly Married

Custom Fields

Playby
Hailee Steinfeld
Goes By
Clara
Birth Date
5/8/1860
Height
5'5"
Hair Color
Dark Brown
Eye Color
Brown

Role

Main Character
Playby

Hailee Steinfeld
Full Name

Clara Anne Redmond
Aliases / Nicknames

N/A
Goes By

Clara
Profession

Caregiver
Position

Part time helper at Lick Skillet Diner
Birth Date

5/8/1860
Status

Single
Height

5'5"
Hair Color

Dark Brown
Eye Color

Brown
Physical Description
Character Traits
Character Traits
- Highly intelligent, sharp as a needle.
- Driven, a hard worker.
- Very opinionated, blunt at times.
- Solemn, serious.
- Family is everything to her.
General Personality

Clara showed her smarts at an early age, she was reading already at five, everything scholastic comes easy to her. Her father depends on her for so much around the farm, she has had to grow up quickly. Her work ethic is amazing and be it cooking or laundry or watching over her kid brother, she is diligent and competent about it.

She has her weak points, like any other person. Her tongue is sharp and she is way too eager to give anyone and everyone her opinion on things and people. She doesn’t seem to like a whole lot of people. She is still scarred both emotionally and physically by the Indian attack which wounded her and killed her mother. She could certainly use a sense of humor.
Employment

Employer

Lost Lake Ranch (August 1875 - September 1875)

Clara recently accepted the position of part-time nanny to Cody and Nettie Thornton at Lost Lake Ranch. She only works two or three days per week.

After resigning from that position Clara found new employment working at the Lickskillet, a local cafe in Kalispell. She helps with the cooking and baking plus can also wait on tables if necessary.

Redmond Homestead

She handles her share of the chores and work involved in keeping the family's homestead running.

Professional Skills

Reads and writes, excellent with arithmetic. Good with chores,
Cooking, laundry, and farm animals. Can ride a horse.
Expertise
Self Defense

Her father has taught her to load and fire both pistol and rifle.

Hobbies & Interests
- Voracious reader when she can get her hands on books and has the time given all the work she does at home.
- Swimming when time and weather permits.
Residence(s)

Current Residence

Redmond Homestead

Kalispell, Montana Territory

Place of Birth

Scranton, Pennsylvania
Kith & Kin
| FAMILY |

Father: Aurelian Redmond (see Timeline for details)

Mother: Kathleen Redmond (deceased)

Brother(s): Wyatt Redmond (a. 12)

Sister(s): Catherine Redmond (deceased, a. 3 months)

| ADVERSARIES & ALLIES |

Friends

To be determined in game play.

Foes
- Indians, any Indians, she hates Indians with a fury.
Timeline

| 1860 |

Born to Kathleen and Aurelian Redmond in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

| 1861-1865 |

Basically brought up by her mother as her father was off in service during the war. A precocious child, fast learner, with seemingly endless curiosity. In late 1863 she got herself a little baby brother, Wyatt.

| 1867-1872 |

Her family lived on a farm where she had a happy enough childhood all the while learning about all that entailed being a woman on a farm. She was a big help to her mother. Kathleen used to remark Clara was a better cook than she was.

Sadly there was another baby, Catherine, which was born in poor health and passed a few months later. They had to move also and their situation became increasingly harder. Finally her father decided they would move out west. Clara was excited, it sounded like a grand adventure.

| 1873 |

The train ride from the east out to Chicago was amazing to the girl, she usually kept her face at the window watching all the sights they went passed. For a time they stopped in Minnesota but her father said more and better land could be found further west.

| 1874 |

Finally her father pulled the trigger, as it were, taking up a homestead property for a very low price in Montana. This was to be their home from here on in. Work commenced on a cabin but they hadn’t been there long when Indians attacked them without warning. Clara was with her mother helping her wash laundry at the creek. It all happened so fast. The two ran for it at first sight of a grim looking warrior. Clara didn’t get far before she screamed in pain as an arrow sunk into her torso. Down she went. Her mother could have kept going but that was not going to happen. Kathleen saw the Indian raising his bow for another shot and the mother threw herself over the girl to shield her, taking the shaft right in her back.

By the time Clara recovered consciousness, she was in the nearest town in a doctors office, her father and brother at her side. Aurelian had to tell her that her mother was gone. That probably hurt more than the wound, which was misery enough. For awhile it was touch and go when she developed infection but stubborn as always, Clara pulled thru.

Their homestead had been burnt to the ground, everything left behind destroyed or stolen. Aurelian moved on as soon as Clara was cleared to travel. Finally he had a bit of good fortune. He met another homesteader who was leaving for the east as his wife didn’t like it out west. This man already had a property just outside the small town of Kalispell and there was also a cabin up too. Aurelian bought it and was determined to try again to make a home, a permanent home. Clara, who worshipped her father, was ready too. This time they would succeed if she had say so about it.
Character Notes

To be added as needed
Player Notes

To be added as needed

Topics I Participated In

Kalispell, A New Start

Started by Tyrell Garret Thornton · May 27, 2022

Mature Content: Doubt it
With: Tyrell Garret Thornton
Location: More than one
When: Late-July, Early August 1876
Time of Day: Encompasses a few days

Like any good cattleman, he mounted his horse to ride to the newspaper office, not all that far away. As they would say, 'if it can't be done from a horse, it can't be done.' A misnomer, as many of the things that wranglers did were not done from horseback, but with both feet on the ground.

It had been interesting in the saloon, even though he had expected some doubt as to his legitimacy as a Thornton relative. They didn't know him from Adam, no more than he knew this Sarah Carlton-Thornton, but here was his first opportunity to meet a relative. He welcomed it, and hoped that she would accept the telegram as proof that he was in fact related.

Stepping down in front of the office with Kalispell Union emblazoned on the window. Flipping his reins over the hitch rail, he stepped up on the boardwalk and stepped to the door, spurs jingling. He then opened the door and went inside.

"What can I do for you, Mister?" Phin asked.

"Names Thornton, Tyrell Thornton. Lookin' for a Sara Thornton." Ty explained.

"Well Mister Thornton, Sarah's out of the office as you can see, but I do expect her back at any time. I take it yu're related?"

"I am, well, I believe I am. Shade Thornton is my cousin, and he asked me to come up and lend a hand with a Quentin Cantrell."

Phin smiled. "Well sir, I suppose folks around here would like to see Shade Thornton again, when did you see him?" Was Phin's question.

"Didn't. He sent this here telegram." Ty replied taking out the missive and handing it to the newspaper man. "Haven't seen him in years, since we was boys."

Phin took the paper and read it, then looked up at Ty. "Well, I guess maybe Sarah, Misses Thornton- Carlton, will vouch for you. Doubt you'd know Cantrell."

"No sir, wouldn't know either of 'em, but I'm here now and I plan to meet up with this Cantrell fella and see what's what." Ty admitted. Now in the west a man was who he said he was unless it could be proved he wasn't. Phin knew this, and the man was making no claims to the Lost Lake Ranch, in fact he said he was in Kalispell to lend a hand.

"Well, I'm sure Sarah will be along shortly." Phin said.

@JulieS
The End of the Trail

Started by Scrappy Craddock · May 26, 2022

Rating: PG-14 Content: N/A ABANDONED THREAD - MOVE TO CORRECT FORUM AFTER MOVING TO NEW SITE. GOES IN ABANDONED THREADS FORUM.

Mature Content: Probably not, some bad language.
With: Jess Matthews
Location: The Long Branch Saloon, Dodge City, Kansas
When: Late August, 1876
Time of Day: Afternoon

"That's it, Jess, I'm gettin' tired of cowography! I'm gonna find a nice little girl, get a nice steady job and settle down someplace... nice!"

Clem Craddock, known to his friends as 'Scrappy' (more from the amount of fights he seemed to get into, than his ability to win them), could hardly be blamed: this had been the toughest cattle drive of his life: the Boss had been nearly as surly as the herd, and as likely to stampede at the slightest provocation. Rivers had been swollen beyond crossing (they'd lost one man that way) or creeks they relied upon to water the doggies were completely dried up. Rustlers, Indians, rival cowboys whose herds had mixed with theirs, touchy townsfolk, farmers with their confounded barbwire fences, outlaws: they'd had falling outs with all of them. And one particular ornery muley - well that hornless steer just about had it in for Scrappy - from the minute the Mexican 'Corporal ' had delivered the herd to them over the border to the time the Boss had paid them off in Dodge, about fifteen minutes ago.

Dodge City, Kansas - the latest and greatest cattle entrepot. Jess and Scrappy's crew had always delivered to Wichita before now, but the growth of farm lands around that railhead made the place unviable now. Dodge was the place to be, and the place to be in Dodge was the Long Branch Bar.

As Scrappy slammed down his cash on the bar and ordered two fingers of red-eye each for himself and his pard, he sighed somewhat wistfully. "Boy, just think of it, a feller like me that never had no family to speak of, settling down, and getting a nice family started, just like yours. You've sure painted a nice picture of family life for me, Jess: I can picture them now, just back from church: the dear old father, proudly beaming down on his happy brood: his noble upright sons, his pretty little daughter, and there in the background, the idol of them all, the sweet mother of the family, serving up their Sunday roast..."

"Hey, you!" a female voice broke Clem from his reverie.

"Jesus Christ, Wichita Lou?! What in the name of hell are you doing here?!!" he gaped.

"I go where the cowboys go" the brassy looking blonde replied. "Crappy Craddock isn't it?" she asked, and looked at Jess "Your friend's called Matthews isn't he?"

"Scrappy, actually and yes, this here's Jess Matthews." the short cowpoke replied, frowning quizzically at his partner while the woman disappeared someplace and came back. "They left this telegram here for you, couple weeks ago now." she said and handed it to Jess.

It was from an old Kalispell school friend of the taller man and read:

Jess, Yr Mother very ill. Outlook bad. Come soon if you can. Yrs Hector W.

"Good news?" asked Wichita Lou, adjusting her cleavage - maybe the feller had come into money! - while his friend looked on with a concerned look on his face.

Wichita Lou

@MD
New In Town

Started by The Old Ranger · April 13, 2022

Mature Content: No
With: Walt Shannon, Wally Oldham, Injun Charlie
Location: Lickskillet, Stardust Saloon, Around Town.
When: Mid-July 1876
Time of Day: Mid-day

They came into town slow and easy, looking the town over as most travelers would do. They rode past the Municipal Building, the Town Marshal was seated at his desk oblivious to the riders. Across the street several businesses and a hotel, but the saloon, the Stardust, and next to it, the Lickskillet Cafe. They pulled up and stepped down at the cafe, tying their horses.

Drinks might be good, but food they didn't have to cook, that took precedence to men who'd been on the trail for sometime, even though they ate cafe food in Rollins, but that was a while ago. There were no words of caution or care to be taken, they knew what they were about. First a meal, then a couple of drinks and some information on mining in the area and then, ride on. The word was, leave the bank alone. Case had been firm on that. So it would be.

They went to the door, opened it and stepped inside, removing their hats as they found a table and took seats to wait on the waitress, or whoever.
@Wayfarer(Clara)

Moved From: From Big Flat To Kalispell
Two At Breakfast

Started by Henry S. Guyer II · September 25, 2021

The morning air was not quite crisp, not quite warm, one of those mornings when a hint of the coming fall was in the air, not too odd for July, though the day would mature into a normal mid-eighties from the high fifties. But the day promised the normal sunshine drenched afternoon. For the present, the two men walking up the boardwalk to the Lickskillet Diner were enjoying the morning cool.

"Life will take a different turn for the Town Council, as well as the Post Office. Looks like Nolan Ashworth takes over again." Speed observed.

"He might seek to take Orr's spot on the Council." Phinn pointed out. A direct line out to the Evergreen, you're aware of that connection. Either him, or maybe Cole Latham, the other Steelgrave man in town. Well, that we know of."

"I can see that, for sure. Give the old man a voice on the Council, and the knowledge of what's going on." Speed agreed, adding, "I expect maybe Elias might hold sway with some we're unaware of."

"You know, you've a point, Speed. To be real honest about it, I have no idea who might be in old Elias' camp. Well, he ain't that old, but mean as he can be, I agree, he's the old man alright."

They had reached the door of the cafe, Speed a step ahead stepped up and opened the door, both men stepping inside, hit with the smells of fresh cooked bacon, beefsteaks, and sausage frying. The heady aroma of boiling coffee, all the things that entice the appetite. As they moved into the room they both saw Ben Simmons and Lorenzo Crabbe at a table together. Speed smiled.

"So Simmons, I hear there's to not only be a prize fight, but some talk of a stage play? Interesting." Then, "Mister Crabbe, you involved in all of this? doesn't seem to be in your bailiwick. Well, maybe the fight."

Phinn stood looking at Crabbe a long moment. "Crabbe, Simmons. You let me know the dates, be in the Union. We do posters and hand bills as well, if printed adverts strikes your fancy for either event."

@Javia@JulieS
Woman at Work (Open to any)

Started by Clara Redmond Lutz · August 26, 2021

Rating: PG-14 Content: N/A Mature Content: Highly doubt it
With: Clara, not sure who else
Location: Lickskittle Diner
When: 6 July 1876
Time of Day: Morning

Clara opened the door of the diner right on the crack of 8:00 AM, the usual opening time of the popular diner on Main Street. Now she herself had been hard at work a good two hours earlier baking and doing other food prep. Normally she and Emeline, the real owner of the place, did such things together but now today she was on her own for the first time. Yesterday Em and her brand new husband, Pike, left on a long trip ...somewhere, she wasn't even sure where just that it was to celebrate their very recent wedding. Em deserved it, Clara was so happy for her.

Clara knew there would be some who would question whether a girl of sixteen could manage a business like this on her own but she herself was beaming with confidence. It was a matter of being willing to put in the long hours of hard work and also know what one was doing. On that second category, Emeline had prepared her well. As for the first, Clara had always been a nose to the grindstone hard worker especially since the death of her mother when she had had to assume the mantle of cook, laundress, and housekeeper.

It didn't take long for the first customers to walk on in, a married couple, Tom and Victoria Weaver.

"Morning, Mr. and Mrs. Weaver," Clara greeted them.

"Good morning, child, we are here for the usual breakfast," Mr. Weaver smiled as he escorted his wife to the far corner table, their usual spot.

"Coming right up then," Clara nodded and sprang into action. Another day, another dollar!

TAG: Anyone
A New Broom Sweeps Clean or The Littered House on the Prairie

Started by Jemima Wigfall · July 10, 2021

Rating: PG-14 Content: N/A Mature Content: No, but unpleasant scenes of domestic cleaning activities.
Author: Jemima Wigfall.
With: Clara Lutz; Miriam Kaufmann; Arabella Mudd.
Location: Shack on the Miggins Homestead.
When: Later June 1876 (after Clara and Jacob's wedding)
Time of Day: Around 11am.

How did she do it? How DID she do it?

As she pulled Bridget Monahan's little pony and trap up to the doorway of the Shack that Granny Miggins had pointed out to them, a good mile away from the main house and half hidden by bushes and trees, Jemima twisted around and looked at Miriam and Arabella lolling around in the rear of the small vehicle with their legs dangling over the back ("We've gotta sit in the back while you drive the pony cause Miriam gets sick otherwise"). All the cleaning equipment and the nice food they'd brought with them, and Jemima's gun, were piled up on the front seat next to her.

How did she do it?

One) Arabella had persuaded her own employers and Mr. Pettigrew that it was URGENT that they, all three, be given the day off so they could go and help out a young newly married girl who was 'on the point of nervous collapse' trying to turn a wreck of a shack into a family home.

Two) Arabella had persuaded that big soppy scardy-cat Miriam to leave the safe confines of Kalispell and risk the 'Injun Infested' journey to the Miggins place to help. "Don't worry, 'Mima'll protect us, and if there's too many Injuns to kill, she said she'll save the last three bullets for us so as we can blow our brains out: and don't worry you won't be brave enough, cause I don't mind blowin' yours out for ya, 'fore I do mine!"

Three) Arabella had persuaded Miriam's parents, whom, after one visit she now familiarly referred to as Papa and Mama, to allow her to go ('Such a pretty, clever girl our Miriam has now for a friend yet! And this crack-shot Jemima? Such a wonder!")

Four) Arabella had convinced Bridget to lend them her pony and trap despite wanting desperately to go along on the jaunt herself. "But Bridget, there ain't no room fer you, and 'sides, you bein' a cripple, you wouldn't be any help at all!" she had explained sensitively.

Five) Somehow Arabella had persuaded HER to waste a day helping out the woman who had stolen her man... sorta.

She was woken from her reverie by the sound of the mouthy Southerner banging on the shack's front door (only door actually) somewhat gingerly: it looked like it might splinter if she knocked too hard. "Clara? Clara? ... CLARA!!!"

She made up vocally for the quietness of the knocks.

@Wayfarer
Are We Ready To Go?

Started by Barnabas Pike · July 4, 2021

Rating: PG-14 Content: N/A Timeline: July 5, 1876

It was early, just past six in the morning, which had dawned cool, but that would change as the day wore on, he and Em would be on their way for the honeymoon that had been unavoidably delayed by the time that happened. Though the heat of the July sun would follow them. He and the hammerhead roan climbed to top of the trail to the house. The crew was already working to complete the place. He really didn't want anything, or leave any message with the job foreman, he just wanted a solitary look at the place.

He sat taking a breath and letting it out as he gazed on the homestead they would call theirs, but all in due time, of which the crew was aware. They had plenty of time to get it done, and done right. That was what was important. Satisfied, he wheeled the roan and down the trail they went. A trail cut wide enough for a wagon and a horse along side. Once at the bottom and the trail to Kalispell he laid spur by a mere touch and the roan bolted into a full gallop.

Having both of their horse stabled, Pike walked around the corner to the Marshals office and stepped inside. Speed looked up, "On your way?" He asked.

"Jest about. thought I'd leave my badge here, collect it when I get back, well, near as I can figger." He responded, unsure of his future, except that of being with Em on their ranch. The tin badge clattered on the desk top, a hollow sound. "See ya on the way back, Speed."

Speed got to his feet offering his hand. "Have yourself a grand time of it, Pronto."

"That's the plan my friend. Be seein' ya. Good luck gettin' a temporary Deputy." Both laughed, but that was a concern, not that the town was in any eminent danger of anything, and certainly not the Indians. Speed watched him exit and start up the street to the Lickskillet where a surrey waited. His thought turned to Alice, but there was a pang as if something was ending.

@Bongo
Married, Yes.... So Now What?

Started by Clara Redmond Lutz · July 1, 2021

Mature Content: No
With: List characters and NPCs in the thread.
Location: Clara and Jacob Lutz
When: June 1876
Time of Day: Late night, early morning right after the wedding

The bed wasn't large but there had been enough room for the newly married couple to enjoy their first married night together. And they took full advantage of it too. It had been heaven, while it lasted, even though a part of her worried their wildness might actually pave the way later not to heaven but the hot place. She had enjoyed it all so much, well it probably couldn't be proper. Still, if anyone would have asked her if she had regrets or even better, would she have chosen differently if my some miracle the pair of them were back next to the lake that first time and just about to make love. No, she would not have changed a thing.

Now as they lay entwined in each other arms, cleaned up but still naked, it was just peaceful and she felt so contented. They didn't even talk for a bit, Jacob probably felt the same. However, tomorrow they would have to wake up to a completely different life than before. And there was so much to deal with and it had to start sometime with a good (and probably difficult) discussion . Ever the realist, Clara decided to begin now.

"Jacob, now what? I hate to bring this up but.............well, my father and brother will want their home back and we need to come up with living quarters for...well...tomorrow night. We have so much we need to do, plan....I think we should talk about it...now. Do you not agree?"
Ding Dong! The Bells Are Gonna Chime...

Started by Emeline Pike · June 5, 2021

Mature Content: No
With: Barnabas Pike, Clara Redmond, all are invited!
Location: Church
When: May / 12 / 1876
Time of Day: Afternoon

Funny, but Emeline didn't have any butterflies flitting in her stomach like she'd had for her first wedding, but then, she was older now, had grown out of necessity, and knew some of what to expect.

Even so, this was different, she had never had this feeling of bursting inside, there was nothing she wanted more in this world right now than to become Mrs. Barnabas Pike, to bind her soul to his for the rest of their days, and even though it had only been a few months, it felt to her as if it had been an eternity since he'd proposed to her on Christmas.

"Thank you for your help," she said to Clara, giving the girl a big hug, keeping it brief, though, since she knew Clara didn't like the contact. "I can't believe it's time!"

With Clara's help, as well as that of a few of the other ladies in town, she had finished her dress just the day before, Clara had helped with her hair, although the style only vaguely resembled the plate from Godey's Lady's Book that they were trying to replicate...not that it mattered much, for even now, as she prepared to walk down the aisle, Emeline pulled a organza veil that was trimmed in lace and hung nearly to her waist.

"Someday, I'll return this favor." She smiled at Clara, still amused that her 'Maid of Honor' was so young, and figuring it would be a few years before the roles were reversed, but she owed the young woman a great deal.

"Well, let's do this!" Taking up the bouquet of pink and white wildflowers, she waited for Clara to open the door for her, then smiled and nodded to Judge Peabody, slipping her arm through his, then walking into the chapel. Her eyes were on the floor ahead of them as they made their way to the alter, she didn't want to see Barnabas until that moment...

@Flip; @Wayfarer; @boshmi; @Javia; @JulieS
The Reception

Started by Clara Redmond Lutz · May 28, 2021

Rating: PG-14 Content: N/A Mature Content: No
With: Same cast as the wedding one.
Location: Redmond Farm
When: Same day as the wedding (June 1876)
Time of Day: Late afternoon

Well, she was a married woman, Clara let that sink in yet again even as she changed out of that lovely blue dress she had been married in, Emeline's gift to her, something she would always treasure too. But ever the practical one, she now changed into a more appropriate work dress because it was on her to feed the arriving guests as they pulled up to the Redmond property in buggies or riding horses. She was going to have to feed a good dozen folks and was a bit apprehensive at the responsibility too. Not that she didn't know how to cook, she had been doing that regularly since her mother died. No, she worried if she would have enough for all the guests.

In the oven was a ham, her father had bought it just the day before, he called it a 'large ham', it was a HUGE one but that was a good thing what with this many mouths to feed. Last night she had baked two full baskets of corn bread dodgers to provide the bread. While she did not dare ask Emeline for such (what with all the woman did for her) she hoped her employer might just bring a baked loaf or two of bread. Emeline was already providing the wedding cake and Clara was excited to see what she had done with it, Emeline was such a good baker.

As side dishes she had made a large batch of beans with molasses and flavored with some bacon tossed it too then some cooked carrots with honey, opened a jar of pickles, also a plate of pickled eggs she had gotten from the general store. Dessert would have to be the wedding cake, god, she hoped it was large enough to allow everyone a slice at least. She would make it a point to tell Jacob to cut the slices thin if necessary.

Last night she had brought out all the plates and dishware the family owned and washed them, ditto with the silverware. Another issue she could not fix was the fact their dining table in the farm was a small square thing, big enough of course for her father, Wyatt, and her but not going to seat this many guests. Her father came to the rescue by setting up two saw horses and placing a wide plank between them. Even using some barrels they just did not have enough chairs to seat everybody though. Some would have to stand or eat in shifts. Too late Clara realized it would have been smarter to have the dinner at the Lick Skillet! Live and learn.

Now suitably garbed (more for a work day than a party) the young brunette proceeded to the kitchen to do the last minute tasks which awaited her culinary event.

***

Wyatt had convinced his father to let him pound a few stakes into the ground and hopefully he could entice some of the guests to play some horseshoes. At least they could have a little fun at this boring affair.

***
Aurelian was not much of a drinker, well he had been as a young man but gave it up for assuming the reponsiblity of being a proper family man. But there had to be some sort of alcoholic beverage to do up toasts for the bridge and groom, to drink to their future so right after the wedding he had duly marched over to the saloon to try for a purchase of a bottle of some sort of wine. The bartender mentioned they had champagne in the back, the cost proved prohibitive though so Aurelian had to decline. That's when the man realized this was the wedding Arabella Mudd was attending, she had been given the day and evening off for it. As a goodwill gesture, he simply handed over a bottle of the champagne and said it was a wedding gift for the young couple. Aurelian gratefully accepted.

There would be coffee and tea provided too for the dinner, with fresh cream if anyone so desired.

Chased out of the kitchen by a harried Clara, Aurelian now stood outside to greet the attendees as they arrived. He had even resolved to tolerate Granny Miggins and hope for the very best.