That denim binder kills! Because I had the same and it was everywhere in the seventies. When I read this I thought more about your name and how to changed it at my from my pov from Vicky to Victoria to write this, but the binder shows it! Also, wondering about your feelings about the records you kept as a born genealogist and the ones your father kept as someone who resisted being recounted as himself. Was it like being at odds or in league? How did it lead to this moment?
My dad had zero interest in genealogy. He wa all about cutting ties with his family and not looking back. My mom has always been my partner in genealogy-- for her side of the family. So that’s an interesting diagonal line.
Yes, denim everywhere in the 70s! It was new and fresh--
My father has kept a day planner for decades. He notes the days temperature, any appts, what he watched on television. I always tell him it must be fascinating to have that history but he says it’s mundane. I know one day it’ll be an amazing source. Until then, I stockpile all the tidbits of stories he recalls. As you’ve said, once all pieces together, it’ll be a beautiful portrait.
Yes! I love the idea of a history of tv watching too--
I just read your post about wanting to be a librarian when you grew up. I cut a paragraph from this piece about me and my sisters creating an Olsen Memorial Library for ourselves, with book plates we taped into our books. 😁 There’s definitely a personality profile here! I’m glad to find your work.
Thanks for the shout out! I too first got interested at the age of 12, when Roots was on tv. How lucky you were to have grandparents to share so much information and history! And yes, I always read newspapers from the towns my ancestors came from to soak up their lived experience. They are invaluable!
Of course I wish I had asked my grandfather more at the time. I was too focused on the facts then, and not enough on the stories. Luckily, in the 1990s I heard more stories from a great aunt. Then a few years ago I reconnected with a second cousin through Ancestry and we pooled our stories. I’ve been enjoying yours!
Speaking of humble sources--that denim-blue notebook is a tantalizing hint about you, the biographer...
Yes see below I think there should be more about it!
I had forgotten all about it, but then it was so familiar--
That denim binder kills! Because I had the same and it was everywhere in the seventies. When I read this I thought more about your name and how to changed it at my from my pov from Vicky to Victoria to write this, but the binder shows it! Also, wondering about your feelings about the records you kept as a born genealogist and the ones your father kept as someone who resisted being recounted as himself. Was it like being at odds or in league? How did it lead to this moment?
My dad had zero interest in genealogy. He wa all about cutting ties with his family and not looking back. My mom has always been my partner in genealogy-- for her side of the family. So that’s an interesting diagonal line.
Yes, denim everywhere in the 70s! It was new and fresh--
(reply moved from general thread)
My father has kept a day planner for decades. He notes the days temperature, any appts, what he watched on television. I always tell him it must be fascinating to have that history but he says it’s mundane. I know one day it’ll be an amazing source. Until then, I stockpile all the tidbits of stories he recalls. As you’ve said, once all pieces together, it’ll be a beautiful portrait.
Yes! I love the idea of a history of tv watching too--
I just read your post about wanting to be a librarian when you grew up. I cut a paragraph from this piece about me and my sisters creating an Olsen Memorial Library for ourselves, with book plates we taped into our books. 😁 There’s definitely a personality profile here! I’m glad to find your work.
Thanks for the shout out! I too first got interested at the age of 12, when Roots was on tv. How lucky you were to have grandparents to share so much information and history! And yes, I always read newspapers from the towns my ancestors came from to soak up their lived experience. They are invaluable!
Of course I wish I had asked my grandfather more at the time. I was too focused on the facts then, and not enough on the stories. Luckily, in the 1990s I heard more stories from a great aunt. Then a few years ago I reconnected with a second cousin through Ancestry and we pooled our stories. I’ve been enjoying yours!