My great-aunt Gwen and my grandma Jean up North at the family cabin.
When the frenzy of the planned part of Christmas has subsided and quiet sets in, one of my favorite things to do is look through old family albums and letters and knit together stories of old times.
This Christmas I was most thrilled to find a bunch of outdoorsy photos from throughout my grandmother's childhood. My heart is bursting to share the lot, but I've managed to select a few representative shots to evoke the spirit of the rest for now.
My grandma around 3 and 18 years old.
Growing up, I loved listening to my grandmother (b. 1912) recall tales from her childhood. She told stories as if she were reliving them, with color and laughter that transported me to the scene. The 20's and 30's were already a fascinating time to me, when the characters of the world seemed particularly full of, well, character. There is a brightness to the faces in these photographs that makes me yearn to time travel and experience one of their rambunctious gatherings- the energy is tactile (and the clothing alone makes me giddy).
My grandma's immediate family migrated everywhere from Winnipeg to Des Moines to Spokane to Racine, so adventures were captured in all those places. Think of how much time it might have taken to gather a crew from Canada to meet in Spokane, without the benefit of Priceline and Gmail. Hehe:
"Our gang picnicking at Shore Acres" (Lake Michigan methinks. Grandma is up front on the left).
"Sit still and we'll push" (Mr. & Mrs. Ellis, great-great-grandma Bears, great-great aunt Mona standing- the moxie!!!, great-aunt Gwen, grandma Jean and great-great grandma Witmer at the cabin up North).
"neath the old pine" at the cabin. What a great shot!
"One of our picnics." (Location uncertain)
Washington? My great-great grandfather Witmer always had a pipe!
"Up at the top of Mt. Spokane- tired but happy."
"The Winnipeg bunch at a picnic." Look at those shades!
Life moves so quickly and so much is easily forgotten. But in these pictures, it seems all are enjoying the moment in a way I shall eternally strive for and the lessons they send me from afar of relishing human connection and the great outdoors are lovely reminders indeed. :)
