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Here, gathered in our beloved South Dakota, are a few members of our Williamson / Mattson Clan. Charles and Luella are to be blamed (be kind, they didn't know what they were doing). We're generally a happy bunch and somewhat intelligent (notwithstanding our tenuous grasp on reality). I'm also proud to say that most of us still have our teeth.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Charles Williamson's Home Movies 1959.

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
We have a special treat for our digital family reunion this cold January day. Over the Christmas Holiday I found a few old Super 8 home movies Charles Williamson (my dad) shot in 1959 in the bottom of a box in the back of a closet. Dad was very happy when I showed him my discovery. That next day we braved heavy snow to take the movies to Allen's Camera in Orem to be converted from film to DVD. Today I'm posting them to this family history blog for all to enjoy.

A few things to remember while you watch:
  1. The motion is jerky. It is the best I could do at the moment. I'm looking for a way to improve the picture quality. Please remember, these movies have been sitting in a box in the garage for over 50 years. It is a miracle they are even watchable.
  2. You can pause the movie at any time to get a better look at the people in the shot. I know everyone in all the shots except for the family Williamson family reunion clips. All you Williamsons out there may recognize these folks. If so, it would be nice to know.
  3. I've taken stills from the movie and put them below explaining who is in the shots and where the shots were taken. Please look at the pictures before watching the video. You'll enjoy it much better if you do.



Victor and Kim 1959. Kim was the cute one of course and made sure if there was attention to be given she had to have it. It's OK. I was content as long as I had something to put in my mouth. I wonder if there was lead in that doll hair. Could explain a lot.

Grandma Elda (Charles Williamson's mother), Victor,
Grandpa Emerson (Charles Williamson's step dad), and Kim. And once again Kim understands what to do whenever a camera is pointed in her direction.

The Williamson Reunion, 1959 in Spearfish Park. There are several minutes of footage from the Williamson family reunion of 1959. Charles and Luella remember some of the people but not all. Perhaps you do.

My Grandpa Charlie (Charles Williamson's Dad) pitching horseshoes. Charles explained that horseshoes played an important role at the family reunions. Everyone had to have a go and the loser bought the beer :) (I'm kidding. See the smiley face....)

Luella Williamson pitching a horseshoe at the reunion. If we ever have another large Williamson Family Reunion I think horseshoes must be mandatory.

Grandma Elsie (Charles Williamson's step mom). Grandma Elsie was my Grandpa Charlie's second wife. She was an awesome grandma to all of us. She never forgot a birthday. Kim and I used to spend the night with them in Deadwood when we were small.

Luella Williamson giving horseshoes another go.

Uncle Walt Willamson. Uncle Walt was awesome. We made it a point to stop and visit Walt and Francis whenever we were in Deadwood. I loved running through their grocery store.

Aunt Jo. Who didn't love Aunt Jo?

Charles Williamson. The movie is very dark here. I had to do some photoshopping to try to capture the face.

Charles and Luella Williamson. Charles had his shirt off. Those were the days when he had something to show :)

Uncle Morris Williamson playing a monkey.

A rainbow over our neighborhood on East Signal Drive, Rapid City. 1959. We lived in a duplex on the top of Signal Heights. Ahh, fond memories. It was a magical time, but that is how most people remember their childhoods.

I believe this is me. Luella thinks so. I'm not sure though.

Uncle Billy Williamson, Charles Williamson's brother.

Victor. I'm about to lose my diaper.

Victor and Kim. You'll see in this movie how she loved to torture me. It's a wonder I'm alive today.

Kim and Luella Williamson at our home at 39 East Signal Drive, Rapid City. Luella is 19 years old in this picture with two children.

Grandma Elda holding Kim. Christmas 1959

Uncle John (Luella's brother) at the Mattson home in Spearfish. In this scene you'll see Uncle John with Luella. The last shot of the movie will show baby Kim navigating the steps to the house.


This movie is priceless. We didn't have money in those days, so spending money for home movies was a real luxury. I'm so happy they did. Preserving your family memories may seem a hassle now, but years down the road, your children and grandchildren will be happy you did.

There are a few more movies at the photo store being converted. I'll post them once they are ready.

So, enjoy these scenes from over a half century ago.

Simply,
Victor