Not Quite Wordless Wednesday

But really…. let’s get back to the beach.

These are the Shea sisters… My Great-Aunt June and Grandmother Ethel Shea at what looks like the base of Inner Lighthouse at Grand Haven, MI on Lake Michigan. These two instigated my search for Henry Massy and have cheered me on in my research for years.

And, as a side note on my lovely and spunky grandmother, I knew she had to be a little different when I realized none of my friends had ever seen their grandmother in a bikini. Well, there was that, the ruby red lipstick, and her exotic home decor… that’s my Gran!

Happy hunting and enjoy the sun!

Jess

 

Happy Father’s Day!

Ye gods… They’re all so young! 

 

Not Quite Wordless Wednesday

This may be my single favorite picture from my childhood and my brother—who was never camera shy—has a lot of great pics as a kid. We’re celebrating you today, Little Brother!

This was taken in 1980 at our home in Lansing, MI. That couch is one of my earliest memories and despite many attempts at getting rid of it… it kept coming back. I can’t even tell you how many family members and friends lived briefly with it at dorms, first apartments, etc. I think even Jay’s oldest kids played on it at one point.

Happy hunting!

Jess

 

Not Quite Wordless Wednesday

Sometimes it’s not about the beach… but the family outings are key.

My Uncle Mike and my Aunt Sandy on the left, my mother holding my brother, and Mike and Sandy’s middle child (and closest to me in age), Eric, on the right—all riding the train at Potter Park Zoo in 1981. This was a memorable outing that included members of both sides of my family converging on Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, MI.

Happy hunting!

Jess

 

Not Quite Wordless Wednesday

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer and I plan to celebrate the season on the blog.

So, my photo of the week goes back to a beach with my Great Great Grandmother, Flora Jane Packer, and her pseudo-older brother–George William Garbutt. I have yet to figure out if she was fostered, adopted, or mysteriously related to the Garbutts but there’s no ignoring the ties between her, the Garbutts and the Packer family.

I am not sure whether this one is taken in Ontario or Michigan… but don’t they look all comfy lounging on the beach?

Happy hunting,

Jess

P.s. I’m always looking to hear from relatives but if there are any Garbutt researchers in particular, drop me a line!

 

Memorial Day, In Memoriam

To all the many who didn’t make it back home and the families they left behind. We remember.

In my family that includes:

Two of my first cousins thrice removed…

Lt. Eugene Robert Baker, 370^th and 401^st Fighter Squadrons of the U.S. Air Corps, the son of Ethan Rex and Grace (Van Vyven) Baker—named for his grandfather (and my 3rd Great Grandfather), Eugene Smith Baker. He was killed in action 13 Aug 1944 in Chartres, France.

Sgt. Robert S. Baker, Co M 119^th Infantry 30^th Division, the son of Hollis Lapham and Nora (Beers) Baker, died 13 Sep 1944 also in France.

And my 3rd Great Grand Uncle, Americus G. Holden, Co H, 21^st Infantry Regiment of Michigan, the son of Charles and Sarah (Skiff) Holden. He was sent home sick from his post in Tennessee and died of his illness 30 Aug 1864.

All three have military headstones at Rockford Cemetery, Rockford, Michigan.

Happy hunting,

Jess

P.s. I made a large error at the end there… Americus Holden is buried in Courtland Cemetery. Thank you for the correction, Carole!

 

Not Quite Wordless Wednesday

It is time for picnics, parks, and playing outside.

This was at a gathering including both sides of my family (the Detroit side and the Kent Co, MI side) in Lansing, MI. Evidently their version of playing outside is backgammon. These are two of my Trotter uncles—Chris and Eric—and my Great Uncle Louis Johnson.

Happy hunting,

Jess