Back in Time - Saying Good-bye
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| Dad (Art), Grandpa Eberle, Uncle Albert, and Evelyn probably taken in the late 40s |
Obviously, Grandpa Eberle developed his aversion to cameras as he aged: I remember him running whenever a camera was visible.
Dad looks pretty dapper in that hat; however, by the time I joined the family, he wore a fedora when visiting or going to town and a ball cap when working.
Uncle Albert served in the Air Force during World War II, and he was stationed in England and worked in supply. For years, he worked at Ellsworth Air Force base near Rapid City, SD and lived with Grandpa Eberle until Grandpa died. Albert married a divorcee (Helen) in the mid 1960s. My brothers called Albert "the preacher" because he gave unsolicited advice about nearly everything. Two of Albert's brothers also served during World War II; Buddie (Oscar), in the Air Force as a tail gunner and Jake (Jacob), in the Army in a tank unit. The oldest brother, Otto stayed home and worked on the ranch/farm.
I can't begin to imagine how long the trip from South Dakota to central Wyoming took in the 1940s. I wonder what the roads were like and how fast they could drive.
Do you remember taking photos of relatives when they said "Good-bye"? Do you still take photos of visitors before they leave?
We try to take a posed group shot when all the kids are home for a visit. It's not usually a "good-bye" photo, but is taken when everyone is dressed nicely enough to agree to have their picture taken--like when we're going to church or going out to dinner.
ReplyDeleteMy parents were very into photos (slides), but so very few of them survived. I don't know it another family member has them or they just disappeared. I think I have maybe, 3 or 4 pictures of me and only 2 of my sister. It's sad really.
ReplyDeleteI do remember my folks doing that now that you mention it but I never have. Interesting how things change.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post - I just love family stories, even when it's not my own family. Maybe it's that reason I pursued that history degree in college.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of old photos like this too - and some "not so old" ones. They are definitely treasures that I've been scanning and sharing with other relatives as we find them. My favorite one is the only photo we have of my maternal grandparents in the same picture. They are lined up kind of like this with the 4 oldest kids - taken some time in the early 1930s.
That probably was a very long trip back and forth in those days, especially through the Black Hills area. I know the trip from Minnesota to Kansas to see my grandparents in the 1950s was sure a long dusty trip in our old Chevy. So I can only imagine what it would have been like 10, 20 or 30 years earlier.
I remember those posed shots my folks took of relatives who visited. I try to get pictures of visitors, and it's not necessarily a line-up when they leave, but sometimes it's the only opportunity. I sure like that picture, as it shows the dress trends of the time and the automobile. Great stuff from the 40's.
ReplyDeleteGreat memories!!! It was such a tradition - but it was how we stayed connected!!
ReplyDeleteLove the photo!!
Blessings and hugs!
That's a cute custom. We never did that. IT took us too long to say good bye as it was….those IRish goodbyes...
ReplyDeleteYes my parents and grandparents did and usually included the car in the photo. After Church was a great time everyone was dressed up! I try to take photos of the grands everytime they come..I will have to take more:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful way to preserve memories! I wish I could say we have done the same, but it is never too late to start! Thanks for a great idea Nancy.
ReplyDeleteI have seen many picture like that!, it really must, of been the thing to do!!
ReplyDeleteI love that photo and the memories it brings back for you. I remember those photos too and sometimes we still find ourselves taking them.
ReplyDeletePS: Your dad DOES look dapper!
I love this photo. There's nothing look a cool black and white photo.
ReplyDeleteNeat. No, we didn't get photos of visitors, but maybe I'll start.
ReplyDeleteWhat struck me is my maternal grandfather was called Art. That whole family is on my mind; we had maple syrup on our french toast from their farm. Ahhhh...