Episode Details

Episode 25: Voices from the Past
Host: Mike Ruhl
Guests: Jane Shultz, Lana, and Randy

This heartfelt and laughter-filled episode of Outdoor Ruhls is a family treasure trove, capturing memories, stories, and recipes passed down through generations. Mike is joined by cousins Jane and Lana—daughters of Sarah and Bobby—and Randy, who shares travel stories and fond memories of their time with Sarah and Bobby.

🧬 Highlights from the Episode:

The Ruhl Family Legacy
Jane and Lana reflect on their parents, Sarah and Bobby, their lifelong home in Quentin, PA, and their deep family roots. They recall growing up in a duplex shared with extended family and how connected the Ruhl clan was to Quentin and the local church.

Life During WWII
Lana shares how her father was drafted before her birth and spent four years away in the Pacific with the Signal Corps. The emotional impact of those years on their family is palpable.

The House, the Garden, and the Canning Tradition
Vivid recollections of the enormous backyard garden, canning corn and peaches, and pickling everything from red beets to chow chow. We hear how Sarah and Bobby gave produce to neighbors and kept an entire town fed.

Special Recipes & Family Dishes

Chow Chow – the Pennsylvania Dutch way

Opera Fudge & Caramels – staples of church bake sales

Lime Pickles and Stuffed Peppers – long-sought family recipes

Cherry Crumb Pies and 25+ pies at a time for picnics

Jane’s Famous Rice Krispie Treats – the gold standard

Stories from the Past
Mike and the guests discuss a rediscovered audio tape from a 1989 family reunion where the nine Ruhl siblings—except Wilmer—recorded themselves telling stories. Jane digitized it, and the family has been deeply moved hearing their voices again. Excerpts from this tape are played throughout the episode.

Travel Adventures with Sarah and Bobby
Randy recounts two family trips: a hilarious journey through Florida—complete with an accidental visit to a nude beach—and a New England fall foliage trip where they ended up scraping ice off windows in Vermont.

Woodworking, Sewing & Industrious Spirits
Bobby’s intricate wooden creations and Sarah’s knitting, sewing, and baking show the pride and talent woven through Ruhl family life.

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