Caretaker of the Past

There's usually one in every family. The person who ends up with all of the family's old photos.

Probably the same person, like me, who is interested in geneology. I was given this box when my Grandmother moved into a nursing home. It contained a lot of family photos from my Great Grandmother's estate. My Grandmother had acquired it and it remained in her care until I received it. The box itself is amazing... but there is a name on the lid of a person not in our family tree.

And just like the box, some of the pictures have intrigued me. Must have been people either related to my Great Grandmother (the mystery becomes stronger as she was related to us by marriage only) Who were they? Why are they together? Where did they go?

In this photo was it Easter time and they were about ready to go to church? I think this photo is actually of my Grandmother's neighbor but it is so cute I just adore it.

Another favorite of mine in the box is of this elegant, classy chic. Who was she and where was she going? It looks like they were in the city as this side of the family came from the Brooklyn, NY area. But I just love the pose. Her dress. The car. I love everything about it.

This is my Grandfather. He was in the National Guard. Look how torn and tattered this photo is. I'm glad I have it. He passed away when I was 7 so photos like this are all I have left to remember him by.

Here is another mystery. I know who a few of the people are in the photo. But who are the rest?

I wrestle with the fact I will probably never know. Those who knew have passed on and taken the secret with them. It is so important to label your photos. Take the time and do it now. Your future generations will appreciate it.

This one is also sweet. My Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother on the boardwalk, probably in Atlantic City. From what I've heard, he loved her very much. And she loved him right back.

This trio of photos I've received in the past couple of years. I really love them. Copies of photos taken of my parents. They were standing on a bridge along a lake where they first met. (The younger teen is my Aunt who ran and told my Father my Mother liked him.)

I'll hang onto these pictures and the box until it is time to pass them on and teach someone else about the mysteries, the family, who they were, who we are and where we came from.

It's my job. It's my responsibility.

I'm a caretaker of the past.