Remembering Grandma

December 2 is the birthday of my maternal grandmother, Ida Mae Morgan.

Born in 1907, Grandma was one of nine children.  With two sisters and six brothers, she grew up as part of a large, loving and close-knit family.  Those qualities, along with her caring and generous spirit stayed with her forever. 

I could fill a calendar day by day, for decades, with all the wonderful memories of time spent with Grandma and Uncle Earle, my step-grandfather. 

Grandma would be an amazing 104 this year!  Sadly, of course, she is no longer with us.  That does not mean, however, that we will not honor her memory.

I recently acquired this photograph.  My grandmother is on the left, a large bow in her hair.  I think she’s about 12 years old here.  That looks about right, and that also coincides with the era when those over-sized bows were in vogue.  Also in the photo are her two sisters: toddler Bonnie and older sister Annie, who is holding her son. 

My mom has the original of this photo, which is 8 x 10 inches.  I found it unusual to have an original from this era, in this size, and said so to my mother.  That’s when she told me a family member had owned a photo studio!  What?!!  How could something like this have slipped past my attention?!!  I’m checking my city directories and other resources to learn more about this potential gold mine.

Thinking of you with love today, Grandma.

Matrilineal Monday - Three Generations

Three Generations

Left to right,

Me, about ten years old

My sister Sharon

My sister Diane

My mother Dorothy

My grandmother, Mae (Jordan) Morgan

 

 

 

Sunday Supper - Gather Round the Table



c. 1944



This group looks like they're having a nice Sunday dinner around the table, sharing food and love.

My mom is at front left, smiling for the camera.  I hate to brag but isn't she gorgeous!  I love the way my Dad is smiling at her.

To her left sits her step-brother Jimmy,

stepdad Earle,

her baby daughter (my sister) Diane in highchair,

stepbrother Pat,

her Mom (Mae) and

husband (my dad) Ed.

How I'd love to go back in time and join this smiling group, even for just a little while. 



Happy Halloween - 10/31/2011

Don’t be scared, she’s not as tough as she looks!

Meet maternal grandmother Ida Mae (Jordan) Morgan, dressed for the annual Halloween party at the American Legion.  I'm not sure if she's meant to be a gangster, or a 1920s Hollywood mogul.  Regardless, this 1960 photo gave me an insight into Grandma that I'd not seen previously... 

My grandmother and her husband Earle (my step-grandfather) were members of their local American Legion Post (Dundalk, MD; Post 38).  And they were active, in a big way.  Over the years, both held several offices, including president—he of the Post and she of the Women’s Auxiliary.

Like so many of their generation, times were tough growing up.  And both were single parents, divorced from their first spouses, something not usually done in the 30s.  By the time they found one another, life was easing up, and they were free to enjoy their time together.  So they did, by joining friends for activities at the Legion and other social organizations where they were members. 

As a child, grandparents seem ancient people whose lives revolve only around their family, with no social life to speak of.  In looking through family albums, I am finding photos from many dances, dinners, Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and nights on the town.  It’s giving me a bigger window into their social lives, and I love it!

Shopping Saturday – Grandma's Spree

This motley crew is basking in the glory of their new souvenir t-shirts, hats and beach balls.  That’s right, Grandma Morgan went to Ocean City (MD) and we all got new kit!

Photo is undated, but judging by the size of the thumb-sucker on the left (me), I say it’s Summer of 1959.