The Early Years Begin

In order to make a background snapshot of our family I want to start at the beginning which was quite a while before me. This picture represents the core of our clan and is delightful to use as a time machine into our past. I am un-noticeably absent which would date this photo to about 1967 since I joined the picture in 1968. 

Photo L-R 

Back Row - 
Sharon, Marvin, Arlin, Baby Bryon, Faith, Paul, Jeanne, Johnny and Patty

Front Row - 
Gorman, Evelyn, Mark (out of frame) Debbie and Melody

This photo is of my grandparents, their five children and first four grandchildren.  

  -UPDATE -

I have asked everyone in the photo to share their memories if they recall any. 

• Uncle Johnny said that he remember every one in that picture "...but sheweee. can't remember standing ther and taking the picture"
• My mother, Jeanne, replied that she has the original and it is dated on the back with 1967. She said it was taken in front of our house in Oakhurst. She thinks that my Dad must have taken it because he is absent from the picture. She thought it must have been taken at Thanksgiving because that was when Grandpa Paul and Grandma H. came and they used his camera. She wrote, "I'm so very sorry that Mark got cut out of it. Actually Debbie and Melody are except for the tops of their heads. And I'll tell you why...... Back in those days, you had to pretty much guess what would end up in the picture, because all you could do was look thru a little peep hole and shoot.The film didn't always line up with what you saw, squinting thru the peep hole,depending on the distance etc.... "
• Uncle Arlin shared with me some more photos that were taken about the same time... 

~ July 1966 

~ September 1966

We all know what an amazing seamstress Aunt Faith was. She made so many amazing things and created numerous designs for Baldwin Industries, Inc. Did anyone notice that the shirts that Uncle Arlin and and Bryon are wearing match? 

Mom pointed this out to me today. I hadn't noticed. 

 "Auntie Faith made so many cute little hand made clothes for Bryon. This little shirt she made to match his daddy's shirt. She also knitted and crocheted adorable little sweaters & bootie sets and blankets and sewed little flannel nighties,.... before he was even born." - Jeanne  

"...I remember that she did this! Faith was so creative! I still have some of the shirts she made for me, beautiful creations!" -Arlin

I think that I have solved the mystery of the date! In my photo file search I found this photo dated Thanksgiving 1967. The young ladies are all wearing the same clothes. I think it must have been taken the same day. Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thanksgiving 1967 - Debbie 8 - Melody 5