Some of us still live in the area where we have lived since we were children. Last fall, I drove past several of the places where I lived as both a child and as an adult. I was showing my oldest granddaughter these places and telling her some stories. I really enjoyed pointing out which rooms had been her Dad’s and telling her stories about him. It was so nice to hear her asking questions, including a surprising one: "Grandma, how did you become interested in genealogy?" I think she is really becoming a convert.
Visiting Houses of Yesteryear As we drove I was reminded that we shouldn’t overlook the memories of younger family members. It was amazing to hear what my granddaughter remembers about the places she has lived and the house where I lived for many years of her young life. I jotted down a few notes based on her memories. We spent some time with my own parents on one occasion. That got her thinking about their former home, which we had driven by. They had moved from there for many years prior to when she was born. I was able to tell her stories, and now I plan to dig out the picture from 1952 that shows that home as one of the first in the area.
When my grandmother was still living I often surprised her by driving past the home where she lived as a child. It was always a special treat for her--and even better, I got to hear stories about the house and the family. I often wish I had taken a tape recorder along with me. You might be able to do the same things with your own family members.
If You Can't Go In Person I realize it’s not possible for all of us to make it back to the places of yesteryear, but there are ways to see what it looks like today. Unfortunately, if it no longer exists I can’t rebuild it for you, but if you can’t get there in person, begin a memory visit. Try telling someone else about the places and the meaningful memories. Haul out the old pictures or ask your sister or brother or aunt or uncle to share the old pictures he or she has saved. Be sure to ask if you can make copies of them before you return them. I know you will be writing down all the memories.
Here are some other alternatives for when you can’t get there in person...
[ Next Page ] - Click Here