My husbands Aunts sent him a family heirloom photo album dating 1869-1943. Wow.
It is amazing! There are hundreds of original photos of his father and grandparents. His grandad (John Long) built homes and there are several photos of homes he built in North Spokane. ( late 1890's and early 1900's)
It really got me thinking how one day we will all be gone. I will be gone. I was looking at a baby picture of his father who has been dead several years, and really feeling sentimental. Look at that baby, I was thinking. His soul was staring at me from the page. It made me ponder how fast time goes by. How life is precious, and fleeting.
It made me feel sad, but also fascinated about how people are so valuable. Knowing a little more about my kids genealogy is amazing. I look forward to studying both sides of my family when time permits. It is quite amazing to know where you come from, and see the pictures of those who are long gone, but not forgotten.
We have identified 3 homes for sure that her built here in Spokane and plan to write the owners letters.
I will share a few photos once we have them scanned and preserved.
BethAnn Long ~ Spokane Realtor- Coldwell Banker Tomlinson South Inc.
509-362-4607
...there's no place like your home!
Love the fact that you have that now in your family. It is important for kids (and you!) to see what went before and how you honor that in your family will be a treasure forever.
Hi BethAnn,
Wow, what a spectacular treasure you have. Fortunately for many of us today we've got lots of information at our fingertips. I've been up to EllisIsland.com many times looking for family members.
BethAnn, What a treasure! That has to be a lot of fun digging through the photos. Good for you! Have A Great Week!
It is fascinating to read or see the history of our family. For my Grandma's 90th birthday my uncle helped her write her life story and published a book. We all received copies and got to read about our grandma's life. From her childhood and 10 siblings to how she raised her kids (including my daddy who is the oldest of 4) it was a fascinating story. A beautiful, sentimental story of my family.
Life and family are precious. I try to be thankful everyday for the amazing gifts I am blessed with!
BethAnn, Great Post! I love looking at old pictures...kind of like looking at vintage homes. You almost get caught up in the era wondering who lived there, what they did, etc. What a gift to you and your family. I look forward to seeing the pictures of the homes when you share them.
Family history is fascinating! What a gift to have that family album to share now and pass on. Too often in this hurried world, we dont' take the time to talk with older generations to find out more about family history and once they're gone, it's gone. Enjoy!
I agree that family history can be very enlightening. Life is only a blink in time and every moment is worth savoring. I would like to know more about my family history too.