Twenty some years ago, my Grandmother Amelia, presented me with some very vintage family photos which I'm posting tonight.
My Grandmother and Grandfather were of German - Russian heritage,
she landing in Canada and Grandfather settling on the prairie lands
of North Dakota. They met just once, at a dance - the intros arranged
by Amelia's brother. A few letters were sent back and forth, then came
the proposal and "yes" was the answer. So much for a long engagement.
Jack brought Amelia from Canada to a "little house on the prairie" so
to speak - it must have been lonely for her at first so far away from family.
Six children later, they moved to what was considered a nice home in
the 1930's. Here they are with their puppy dogs.
My Mother Alice, is the little girl in the back row with her hand
across her chest. She hated wearing dresses and shoes and told
me one time that she would crawl through the barbed wire fences
on purpose to tear them and always shed her shoes. My Mum is
what the British call a "ginger" - a redhead with lots of freckles.
The day this photo was taken, cousins and neighbour children
came to visit. Must be Sunday - all dressed up in their finest.
Back row: Helen, Alice, Ruby - the three sisters.
I love these old photo's of the 30's and 40's. Life without TV, iPods,
computers, mobiles and the only "blackberries" were the ones you
made into jam. Back then it was: marbles, kites and bicycles. To
think kids actually did chores without being told and played outside
instead of watching television or video games. I hear my Grandfather
was fairly strict and did not hesitate to get out the belt if needed. Ouch !!
Following, are several photos of Grandpa Jack with his horses.
He was so proud of those critters. For me - these photos evoke
such strong sensations, the scent of earth and horse flesh.
Throughout my teenage years - I would regularly visit my
Uncle's farm and watch with fascination as my cousins hand
milked the cows. Sometimes, the baby calves would wander
into the barn and bother the milkers, begging for milk. On a
generous night, they were given a few inches of milk in a silver
pail. While the calves were contently slurping dinner, I was
able to scratch their ears and smell their little cow heads.
My cousins always had that scent of cow on their clothes, hair
and skin. I liked that bouquet, it was fresh and clean. I'm certain
my Grandpa Jack smelled like a cow. Cow crazy - that's me !
I think this is my Uncle John and possibly my brother. I love the
way my Uncle is dressed like James dean - the white t-shirt and
rolled up blue jeans. The old car is great ! The next three photos
are my great Grandparents with various Grandkids. Times were
tough back then - and here I am, with my Apple Mac computer,
sitting in bed - blogging. A bit phantasmagorical isn't it, then
and now.
I think my great Grandfather looks like Teddy Roosevelt - yes ?
And strange how they both placed their hands on their laps.
My eye is drawn to those hands. My Great Grandmother's right
hand, the fingers are curled under. I can't help but wonder if she's
clutching a hanky.
I'm ending the post with my favourite image. My Mum is the
"little rascal" wearing the bibs and looking very naughty.
Did they get the "little rascals" TV programme in England,
I wonder. Besides photography and cows - I love vintage cars.
That old car in the background gives true meaning to this image.
I so love it !!