"What pictures could help you tell a story today?...
Stories from pictures.
Maybe that's how the best things we say tend to happen anyway."
Stories from pictures.
Maybe that's how the best things we say tend to happen anyway."
As soon as I read the question, the above picture popped into my mind. This is a photo taken by my mother of my dad, my brother, my three sisters and myself. I am to my Dad's right. Our family has often referred to this treasured photo as our family's "Grapes of Wrath" shot. As I begin to study this photo, I am filled with memories, thoughts, feelings, aromas and questions about so many things evoked by the photo . I will share some of my pondering but I'm hoping my siblings will also share from their unique perspectives which I'll post if they give their permission.
The next generation has been prompting me to record in writing some family stories. I have written a few LEGACY LETTERS but want to compose more. This photo is a prompt for some sharing today.
ABOUT THE PHOTO:
Where: On our 200 acre farm; on a bluff near the Mississippi River;
5 miles from Fountain City, WI.;
In a field near the literal Back 40; close to the "old orchard"
When: Probably 1953
Questions: Spring or Fall? What crop had been planted there? There aren't leaves on the trees so it couldn't have been summer but we're in short sleeves so it must have been quite warm that day. I think my brother will have those answers.
Who: Dad, James Burton, age 39 or 40
James Steven, Jim, age 11
Linda Louise, Lee, age 8
Kathleen Virginia, Kathy, Kak, age 7
Barbara Jean, Barb, age 6
Margelyn Amanda, Marge, age 2 1/2
Mom (not shown), Edna Virginia, age 33 or 34
What is the occasion:
Maybe taking a drink of water to Dad and Jim; maybe checking to see if plowing can begin; maybe taking an important message to Dad; maybe...
I haven't ever really analyzed this photo until today. Now I'm noticing some interesting elements. I am on my Dad's right. As I got a little older, I would join my brother in working "outside" with Dad in all aspects of farm work. Besides helping in the barn with our dairy herd, I drove a tractor to plow, disc, drag, mow and rake hay, cultivate corn as well as help load and unload bales of hay, shock grain, etc. etc. Dad considered me one of his best farmhands. This was not something that pleased me but I knew it was helpful to him and our family. My position here is somewhat symbolic - Dad's right hand "man". I certainly didn't embrace that distinction while growing up but I've come to view this position as a treasured spot because it allowed Dad to communicate his love and affirmation for me.
I also notice that I'm wearing saddle shoes. I wish I could recall more about how I came to have these shoes. We were so poor in those days that most everything we wore had been given to us by other families who attended church with us. At Christmas time, we were able to get new shoes through an organization which provided funds to needy families. But I think this photo was taken before that practice started. Probably these shoes had belonged to Becky Pickert who was an only daughter and gave us her outgrown clothing. I loved saddle shoes. I probably hated to outgrow them as I thought they were so cool.
My childhood - loved, protected, valued, disciplined, safe, materially poor, spiritually nurtured, hard work, a little fun, sister competition...
I'll be thinking about the memories this photo calls forth for quite some time. I'll add thoughts about my Dad in the future. He is now in heaven but still fondly remembered and dearly missed.
8 comments:
Marvelous photo! And I love these beginning thoughts. Maybe you could take just one thought and unwrap it, turn it in the light, shake it, hold it...
that'd be so wonderful.
Thanks for trying out the idea. :)
Wow, what a wonderful post. You've inspired me. I need to dig through some old family photos while we're in the States and try to post about them regularly.
I absolutely love the picture; I am attracted to "old" things - things without modern intervention like delapitating barns with chipped paint and broken doors.
That photo is definitely worth cherishing! Thanks for sharing (and for being brave and trying out the suggestion).
Awesome pic & thanks for the history behind it!
Bryan Groves
Dear Lee,
I have always loved this 'priceless picture' too.I know I've never expressed my graditude to mom for taking it that particular day, but my assumption is, that she orchestrated that happening.(seems like moms/wives usually think about those types of things)
Due to my age at that time, I don't recall that picture being taken. I'm wondering if any of us really does? Jim would remember, if anyone does, since he has such a detailed memory of his childhood.
I appreciate your insights and discovered some things I wasn't aware of. For some reason, I always imagined that picture being taken in a field near 'Heitman's Corner'. I don't know why. Now when I really study it, I can tell it's taken on somewhat of a hillside. (which, I guess, would be hard to avoid on our farm!)
I hadn't given much thought to your saddleshoes before, but now as I review everyone's apparel, I wonder why Kak is wearing a dress when all the rest of us have our work clothes on?!
I'm so glad you've come to fully recognize just how much dad loved and valued you. He had his unique way of conveying that to each one of us. I love my position in this picture. I would like to imagine that he had reached out and drawn me close to him, as it looks like he is still holding my right hand. Yes, I miss him too and treasure these warm memories. Thanks for sharing. Love, Marge
Thanks for responding, Marge. I love your thoughts. Dad loved each of us but he specially loved you. I used to be jealous because he let you sit on his lap at the end of each meal and I secretly wanted a turn there myself. But I'm glad you have wonderful memories of his love and protection in your life. I don't remember the picture being taken either. I, too, wondered why Kak was in a dress while the rest of us were in "work" clothes.
Lovely photo ... lovely post.
I love the saddle shoes. An old newspaper friend of mine, Chuck Offenburger, still wears them as an adult. The Bass shoe company stopped making them, but he got them to make more with a "Back in the Saddle" campaign.
Can't wait to see what photo you will draw from the vault next time. ... I think I may do the same.
Linda, I gave you a little invitation in my current post. How I'd love to see you try it out! (In fact, I see the beginnings of it here in your comment, where you talk about your father.)
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