A Piece of Americana
Photos give us a wonderful glimpse into the lives of people as well as the culture of the times. “Favorite photo” is a misnomer of course; there are so many special ones that it’s really “favorite photo of the moment.” (Unfortunately, photos from the past were often not readily available so much of our past is not visually documented. Today, many people have “picture overload” and sometimes become so overwhelmed that they lose the specialness of the photos.)
Photos have the ability to capture a moment in time and preserve important life moments. They can connect us to our history and can sustain memories.
A Favorite Picture of my Mother
My mother, Geraldine “Jerrie” Ann McLeod, was born on May 20, 1938 in Vallejo, California to Malcolm McLeod and Anna Anthony. According to the 1940 US Census, the family was living in Benicia, California which is in the San Francisco Bay Area where her father was a welder at Mare Naval Base on Mare Island. They were still living there in 1942. (By 1950, Malcolm and Annie were separated and had moved back to Southern California; Malcolm lived in San Bernardino and Anna, Will, and Jerrie lived in Beaumont.)
The family often traveled to San Bernardino where both sides of the family resided. I think this picture was taken on one of these visits. Malcolm’s father was a farmer so this picture may have been taken at the farm. I love the background of this photo. Also, notice the boots Jerrie is wearing.
Jerrie with her Family, Still Wearing the Boots
No to be outdone, the current generation has a fondness for the rustic life and the fun boots. These pictures are of my niece who was born in 2010.
I love seeing the similarities of the generations. Enjoy the special events and memories captured by your family photos.