Pauline (Bryan) SCHLICK

SCHLICK, BRYAN, CRAMER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 8/23/2009 at 09:44:57

St. Paul Pioneer Press, Minnesota-copyright
December 5, 1992

PAULINE BRYAN SCHLICK, 92, CIVIC-MINDED MEMBER OF FIELD SCHLICK STORE FAMILY, DIES

Pauline Bryan Schlick said little to her son and four grandchildren about the period from the 1920s to the 1940s when she was active in the League of Women Voters and other civic causes.

She was "modest" and "private," they said of the 92-year-old woman, a member of the Field Schlick Inc. department store family, who died at her St. Paul home Wednesday.

But they peer into Schlick's soul each time they pull out an old scrapbook and turn to a blue typewritten letter she wrote to her son, Lawrence, for his 16th birthday. She seemed to want to sum up life for Larry, whose father, Paul, had just died.

"I hope you will always know that I am here to help you with any problems which may come to you and together we can understand and meet them," Schlick wrote in the 1948 letter.

"It is only normal for human beings to make mistakes. We all do it and you will not be different. Just remember to admit them, do everything possible to rectify them, and your future path will be simpler.

"... And you will find your own good place in the world - where you will have sad moments, glad moments and moments of utter despair. But always remember that the compensations of life will more than make up for the heartaches, and be prepared to meet things as they come.

"It is important to have a love of people. They are an integral part of our lives and we must live with them and work with them. Their love, respect and affection is a vital part of all of our lives. You will inevitably come in contact with individuals whom you cannot understand but always be tolerant of them.

"... As you find your place in the world - and I know it will be a good place - I hope you will understand the importance of work, and the importance of doing well whatever job you are doing.

"... Always be true to your religion. There are many churches and many religions all of which should be treated with tolerance and respect. ... Be sincere in what your church teaches you, and lend a wary ear to those who scoff at Religion. They are always the first ones to call on the Lord for help in times of real trouble!

"One last thing. There are parents, I am sorry to say, who do not feel this way, but Daddy and I always felt that no sacrifice was too great to make for you. ... ''

Schlick, a native of Eagle Grove, Iowa, was the oldest member of the Summit School's first graduating class in 1918. She was a charter member of the St. Paul Women's City Club and an officer with the League of Women Voters, working on voter registration drives. She was active in the Children's Hospital of St. Paul Association, Community Chest and other civic groups.

Schlick was the daughter-in-law of Frank Schlick, board chairman of St. Paul-based Field Schlick Inc. and one of St. Paul's pioneer merchants. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Patricia Cramer Schlick of St. Paul. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Clement's Episcopal Church, 901 Portland Ave., St. Paul.