Our Williamson Thanksgiving. 2011

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
It was a very Williamson Thanksgiving. Kinsfolk arrived from all parts of the big woods to celebrate the gathered harvest, meet the new offspring, compare aches and pains, enjoy Grandma's newest remedies from the still down by the draw, shoot up the neighbor's fence posts, reminisce about loved ones who've gone to Jesus and pray for those whom we are mighty sure haven't.


I had my secretary type formal invitations to Autumn and Derek's "A Thanksgiving With All the Trimmins" for those in the family who could read and who had access to the mail. Sometimes the mailman can't get to the dark side of the woods on account of treacherous mountain roads this time of year. Others in our extended family who find reading a challenge got a simple postcard (shown below) with Autumn's telephone number (Filmore 3-4710) written on the back. A picture of someone dialing a phone printed on the back of the post card was their clue to call the family Hot Line Answering Machine the next time they could get to a phone.



The day before Thanksgiving Uncle Brandon and Aunt Monica's oldest boy sharpened an axe and went out searching for the Tom Turkey. Cameron had been learned well by Brandon on the proper method of killin a Tom Turkey. He hid the weapon of Tom's demise behind his back until he was close enough to grab the bird and administer the fatal blows.

"The boy made us proud," Brandon said. "He done well."

"That boy is a credit to his upbringing and he's got book smarts. You should see him do his ciphers," Monica added as she plucked the bird and admired her son as he stood near the pantry counting cans.


Some members of the family arrived by train. Forrest learned to drive a few years back and got to use the pick up and go down to the station to fetch them to Autumn and Derek's. We passed the hat during the meal and collected enough money to help cover the gas. Forrest was appreciative.


Autumn was a bit ruffled tryin to get the cabin ready for company and all. Derek pondered her problem and wouldn't you know, conjured up a solution within half an hour. He went and fetched the neighbor's two eldest and paid them both a nickel to help get the washing and iron done. Autumn was appreciative.

"If a man can't spare a dime to lighten his wife's load then he ain't much of a man," Derek boasted during the meal when Grandma Luella landed on the fact that the table clothes were so nicely pressed.

Knowing the Clan would be gathering at their home, Derek and Autumn decided to upgrade their facilities. The days of running outside to take care of your business were over.

The former Turley facilities before the upgrade.

The new facilities

"Gettin use to the smell is the hardest thing about having yer facilities inside the house," Derek confessed. Autumn makes me hang a red sock on a nail she drove into the bathroom door whenever I use the facilities. I'm suppose to take it down in 30 minutes but keep forgettin."

Derek pulled me aside before everyone arrived.

"You've had one of these for awhile, right?" he asked.

"Nearly twenty years," I answered.

"Ya think this plummin will be up to the load?" He looked worried.

"Our kin don't know about yer new facilities," I reminded him. "They know that if they have to go they'll be usin the outhouse. They'll be sure to go before they leave."

"Yer right. I rarely use someone else's. My ma says I'm bladder shy," Derek confessed.

"Yer ma is a smart woman."

"That she is. That she is."

Uncle Steve and Aunt Janice were the first to arrive at Autumn and Derek's. There is one thing you can be sure of - Steve and Janice are always the first to arrive when a meal is in the offering.

Their eldest Nicole and her husband stayed with Autumn and Derek. Janice and Steve have seven daughters. A few are married off. The others are either too young or ain't interested at the moment.

"We keep makin matches but them girls ain't bitin," Steve said while bouncing his new baby grandson on his knee. We're pondering offering a dowry to move the older ones along. Anything that will take a few plates off the dinner table will help Janice. She's been feelin mighty poorly lately." Janice looked confused, pulled on Steve's sleeve and pointed to the room we sat in.

"I done told you we are at Autumn and Derek's house, now don't make me have ta tell ya again. It's an embarrassment," he said as he checked to see if the boy's diaper was soiled.


"I done got me a sword," Ammon showed off his glow in the dark sword. I realized at once it was no sword at all. I could tell by the shape of the handle. It was one of them Tridents you see the Greek Gods carrin around.

"Ammon, don't you know you ain't got no sword. That there is a Tri-dent. I'm figuring ya kill fish with it." I demonstrated by stabbing he boy with it in the shoulder. He still looked confused.

I noticed his ma was standing nearby. "Ashley, ain't you learned this boy of your's nothin?" Ashley shrugged her shoulders wondering what I was on about.

"What don't he know?" she asked.

"He don't know what a Tri-dent is."

"Oh Lord give me strength, I don't even know what a Tri-dent is," she answered. "How is knowin that gonna put food on the table?"


Little London was so proud of her new Calico dress and was showing it off to everyone as they arrived. She was also happy because her Uncle Steve had just bought her a bag of Starbusts.


Later in the afternoon London nearly got a wippin with a willow switch for messin around in the dirt in her new Calico dress. Autumn explained to her that Calico wasn't cheap.

"My momma would have locked me in the root cellar for a week If I had gone and done what you did when I was little," Autumn explained. London wasn't bothered. She knew they didn't have a root cellar. Autumn thought for a moment. In the corner of the yard sat the two maiden aunts Dorkis and Della Williamson. They despise children, finding them a burden on patience and entirely untrustworthy in the bathroom.


"Look yonder," Autumn said pointing to Aunts Dorkis and Della. "You get your nice Sunday Meetin' dress dirty again and I'm sending you to live with Aunt Dorkis and Della!"

London sobbed uncontrollably.

"Can't you quiet that child?" Dorkis demanded with a scowl while pulling her scented handkerchief up to her nose as if the very sound of London's crying soured the air.

Della nodded. "Monstrous children. Oh and when you're finished with her, come and get this one." Della pointed to the animal pen in the far corner of the yard.


Autumn looked over and saw young Enoch peering out through the bars.

"He used my dress as a depository for his nasal drippings," Della explained. The crow squawked. "No No Abner. Leave the boy be."

"Squawk!"

"How many more of the young ins' have you got locked up?" Autumn asked.


"Well, there's that one over there," Dorkis pointed toward the clothes line to the side of the cabin. "There is no redemption for the parents that produced that monstrosity."

"Yes sister, the spawn of Satan."

Autumn unpinned young cousin Ned, took him to the well and washed both he and London from head to toe. Dorkis and Della watched with satisfaction as young Foxton emerged from the cabin on the hunt for adventure.

"Squawk," questioned Abner.

"Yes, Abner. This one, but remember, spare the eyes."


The Fortesque Family live Next door to Autumn and Derek. Notice their curtains are drawn. This is the side of their home facing the Turley's. The children are forbidden to play on that side of the house.


Both the Fortesques and the The Williamson's (in all their variations) enjoyed a well cooked meal at 3:30 P.M. While the adults sat in the great room......


........the children had their own room. Wait, where are the children?


Little Martha was upstairs in London's room. She and London disagree over who can play with who's dolls every time the family gathers. Martha was determined to put an end to it once and for all.


Cousin Hank was released from county supervised care to enjoy Thanksgiving with the family. He quietly escaped the child's room and was found in the garage looking for spiders. It's good to see his eyebrows are growing back from his last altercation with a Daddy Long Leg.

Little Enoch was still in the pen. Out of sight and out of mind. He wasn't too bothered. He knew there would be sweet potatoes lurking on his plate and he hated sweet potatoes.

Young cousin Wilbur was found having a conversation with a new friend he'd just met at the end of the bedroom hallway.

"That boy is rude," he explained to his mother. "He won't let me get a word in edgewise."

London and Cannon escaped from the meal when no one was watching. London, fearful she would be adopted out to her two Great Aunts for messing up her new Calico dress, convinced cousin Cannon to take her far away. They jumped into the backyard "Imaginary All In One".

"Garbble, bubble Jibberish," Cannon said (Translation. "Fasten your seat belt. This get away might be a bit bumpy")


Cousin Eugenia, not one to miss a great meal, left the child's table to save a few of London's dolls from the clutches of Cousin Martha. Once the dolls were hidden, she returned to the table to enjoy what was left on her plate, and her cousin's plates as well. She is definitely a Williamson.

The rest of the cousins, nieces and nephews were outside watching Abner the crow have his way with young Foxton. It was a gruesome spectacle and a great diversion for Aunt's Dorkis and Della. It gave the adults extra time to visit in piece and quiet.

Grandma Kim enjoyed her meal, making sure not to leave a thing on her plate. Grandma Kim is the oldest child of Luella and Charles and the one with the most Grandchildren.

"Why they keep comin and comin," she replied when asked how many she had. "How's a Grandma suppose to keep up. My these candy yams are a true delight."


Between helpings, Grandma Kim let the food digest by doing Grandbaby lifts. Up goes one then up goes the other.

"Grandbaby lifting is an excellent way to burn off those stuffing calories," she said breathlessly.

"Are they both yours?" I asked.

"J.D. Darling. Are these two ours?" Grandpa J.D. shrugged his shoulders, hesitant to step away from the serving table and have a look, having been given strict instructions by Grandma Kim to be seen and not heard.


Not to be outdone. Grandma Janice kept looking over at the serving table to see how often Kim returned for second and third helpings. She matched every helping and then some. Occasionally she leaned over to her husband to whisper. And every time he responded the same way, "Autumn and Derek's."


Grandpa J.D. was allowed to eat in the serving area. Normally Kim makes him take his meals outside when the family gets together. J.D. didn't abuse the privilege. In fact, Kim was so impressed with his behavior she told him he might get to eat indoors at Christmas for the first time since 1988.

J.D. is awesome and the perfect companion for Grandma Kim.



Grandpa Steve wasn't a stranger in the kitchen. He jumped right in without being asked to contribute to the combined effort of feeding the 5000.


Great Aunt Esmeralda wasn't allowed anywhere near the table. Kim insisted she eat outdoors. She stood near the window and watched the festivities from outside. She is use to having her tea and smokes outside as is evident by her worn appearance. We all wish Aunt Lisa was there to keep her company. Lisa and Esmeralda are two peas in a pod and get along quite nicely.


Great Grandmother Luella was in excellent spirits. Crowds aren't a bother to this mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother as long as you turn a blind eye to the Pepsi can she keeps nearby.

"Grandma, What you got in that can of yours?" asked one of the sons in law. "You always got a can of something where ever you go."

"Just something to keep me regular." Her speech was slurred as she tapped her forefinger to the side of her nose.


Later in the evening we gathered all the grandkids together in the front room and arranged them in order of height.


"Grandma Luella. it's time honey," Grandma Kim escorted her mother to a nice comfortable chair in the front room. "Its time to name all your grandkids by memory. Start at the top and work your way down."

Every year at Thanksgiving, Luella's two eldest have Power of Attorney papers drawn up. T he papers are put away if she passes the Grandchild test. If not, we step in and start thinking for her. Luckily she passed giving us pause to celebrate. Great Grandmother is certified functional and aware of her surroundings.

"I thought for sure this was the year we had her," Grandma Kim confided to me. "Did you hear what she said to everyone that passed the serving table?" I nodded.

"Did you get a slice of that Honey Baked Ham? What do you think of that Honey baked ham? Wasn't that ham delicious? Did you know what I had to spend on that Honey Baked Ham? It was $60.00. Imagine that!"

I agreed. Luella was a bit 'over the top' about the ham.

"I didn't year you bragging about the brand name cranberries you brought." Kim remembered.

"I'm not one to boast about sacrifice," I said humbly.

Pictures were mandatory before everyone left for home.

Kai, Aspen and Cannon

Enoch, Jace and Foxton

Alivia and Stevie

Jordan and Baby #623-67-7706. The baby had yet to be churched blessed and given a name so we knew it only by its number. The baby blessing was conducted later in the evening in the Turley living room where the name of Kellen Scott Tolley was given to the joy of all gathered.

Amber with new niece Naomi

Brock sees his wife googling over her new infant neice. Yes, that is a worried look on his face.

And finally brothers (yes they are brothers so don't read anything else into this picture) Brock and Chaz Bodily with cousin Lydia.


At the end of the day, we had a nice neighborhood send off as our families left Autumn and Derek's for home. It was a great Thanksgiving. Here's hoping yours was as as forgiving.

Simply,
Victor

A Pause Before the Feast

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
The Fortress is nearly quiet. The only sounds I hear are the aging refrigerator struggling through its cooling cycle and my stocking feet rubbing against each other as I type. Janice, Steve and the girls left for Autumn's home to prepare things for the Clan Williamson gathering. I'll be leaving soon with the cranberries, cups and soda all tucked away nicely in the Battlestar's trunk. I plan on bartering these Thanksgiving staples for a nice traditional meal of turkey with all the trimmings. I may get a second helping if I mind my manners and not bring up anything controversial. The Clan is very conservative and I usually pitch my tent slightly to the Christian left, not too far mind you, but far enough to stir the pot from time to time.

I scanned several new pictures for today's gathering and put them into another slide show for ease in viewing. Please enjoy them as you think about family and friends on this Thanksgiving Day.

Simply,
Victor

Family Additions to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving Eve

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove,

Hello All,
Members or our American Dynasty are gathering from all parts of the nation to celebrate Thanksgiving. Many members of our extended family will be feasting at the home of Autumn and Derek Turley in American Fork. There are rumors 50 will be in attendance. Some think Autumn and Derek fools for surrendering their home to this Clan gathering. Others think them brave. I'm told Derek is on the phone right now as I type this post increasing the value of his home owners insurance to cover damaged sheet rock, furniture, windows, tile and paintwork. Derek is a wise man indeed.

Earlier today anyone shopping at Winco would have seen me artfully navigating the isles in search of cranberries, soda and cups. I faced a serious moral dilemma when faced with two different brands of cranberries. On my left were the Wyinco generic cranberries. On my right cans of Ocean Spray cranberries. The generic cranberries were 0.65 cents a can. The Ocean Spray cranberries were $1.15 a can. What was I to do? Normally I wouldn't give it a second thought - generic it would be.

My conscious got the best of me as I reached for the 'cheap' cans. I wondered what the crowd of 50 at our Thanksgiving feast would think of my decision. I pondered my choices for a few minutes and settled on a plan of action. Instead of bringing the unopened cans - evidence of my thriftiness (a good character trait but easily misunderstood for stinginess), I could open the cans at home, empty the contents into bowls, and take them that way to Autumn's home. Who would be the wiser? On the other hand, the extra effort at decanning and preparing would be suspected by those who know me best.

"What are you hiding?" would be Jilane's question.

"Why would you go to the effort of opening the cans and bringing them in bowls," Janice would chime in.

"You, didn't...... did you?" would be Luella's shocking revelation.

A quiet would fall over the 50 gathered guests. Gasps of horror and contempt at my attempt to pass generic cranberries as brand named Ocean Spray would echo through the great room. It would be as if I was trying to pass dog food as pâté. My punishment would be a plate at the child's table. Never again would I be allowed to shop for family gatherings unchaperoned.

I put the generic cans down, swallowed at the price difference, and picked up 8 cans of Ocean Spray Cranberries. I hope they are all proud of my sacrifice. I will not be quietly bringing my contributions to the table unannounced. I will wait for all the quests to arrive and a lull in the conversation before pulling the Wynco bag out from under my chair.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Here are the CRANBERRIES," I'll say with much bravado, expecting applause and well deserved credit for not going cheap.

Thanksgiving Eve find our families grateful for new additions to our family tree. Our American Dynasty continues to grow and expand.

Welcome Kellen Scott Tolley to your extended family

Kellen is the newborn son of Nicole Burrows and Brady Tolley. Baby and mother are doing fine. The Tolley family live in Colorado.

Welcome Naomi Costa to your extended family

Naomi is the newborn daughter of Ashley Delgrosso and Mike Costa. They live in Utah.

Welcome Jessica Bare to our extended family

Brayden Bodily, son of Jilane Williamson and Kevin Bodily married Jessica Bare. They are both students at Utah Valley University and live in Eagle Mountain, Utah.

The First Results of the Williamson DNA Analysis

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello Williamsons,
The test results are in on the Y Williamson chromosome. The Y chromosome is passed from father to son virtually unchanged over time, therefore the test results of my Y chromosome will apply to all male Williamsons who are descendants of our common grandfathers George Matthew Williamson and then on to his father, Matthew Williamson and then further up the ancestral tree back to a common male ancestor 30,000 years ago (mind boggling isn't it?).


The test results are given above. The map shows the distant history of our common Y chromosome, stretching back to the middle east. We are classified in the R1b haplogroup (more on our haplogroup in another post).

Armed with this information, Ancestry.com compared my Y chromosome to all others in its data bank. A portion of the results are listed below:


And now the mystery deepens. According to the test results, my DNA matches within 1 to 3 generations with someone named Aaron Williamson (the dark orange represents the closest matches possible).

I found Aaron's email and made inquiries thinking I was on the verge of solving one of our family's greatest mysteries - who were the parents of Matthew Williamson? I have a theory based on all available evidence outlined in the following post from the family history blog. (click to read and review).

Today I heard from Aaron Williamson. Portions of his email are below:

Victor,

Sorry for the delayed response, but do see where it looks like we're a close DNA match, but don't have a Matthew Williamson or Selina Dandrige in my line.

I haven't had a lot of family information passed down to me, but from what I've found on Ancestry.com, think I've traced my line back to a Thomas Williamson 1720-1774 who died in Brumsfield Parish, Virginia.

Regards,

Aaron Williamson

I looked at Aaron's public family tree.



And the mystery deepens. According to the DNA results there should be a common ancestor within 1 to 3 generations. You're looking at Aaron Williamson's family tree out to where our 'common' ancestor should be. I can't find one, even after spend all morning and most of this afternoon searching.

And so, this DNA test, meant to answer this genealogy query, has opened even more questions and mysteries than it solved.

The Fortress has one very unhappy occupant today.

Simply,
Victor

Annette and Lisa. The Last Two Paragraphs in a Family's Story

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
The Great Room's window is dripping with a late Autumn rain. The hillside and valley below lie under a blanket of gray. Is it winter's way of sending an early greeting? If so, I'm inclined not to accept. My issue with Winter is the snow. I loved the snow once. An approbation that has disappeared over the years. My feelings toward snow changed when the Fortress was built with a driveway so steep mountain climbing gear was needed to get to the sidewalk. Try shoveling that.

Today we enjoy more pictures from our early days in Rapid City as we labor our way through one of my earlier photo albums. Last week the spotlight rested on Kevin. This week, the camera finds a darling in Annette. Oh, Lisa worms her way into several of the photographs, along with one of Luella. It is expected. Lisa and 'Nettie' were closer in age than the original six siblings.

I chose to put the pictures in a slideshow.

Enjoy a few wistful moments on 38th Street......

Simply,
Victor

Kevin Williamson, A Few Pictures Over Five Decades

Kevin Williamson Today

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
A theme for this Sunday's post emerged from my afternoon rummage through the dusty yellowed pages of another old family photo album. I call this, Kevin Williamson through the ages, a celebration of his 50th birthday celebrated last June. I invite you to enjoy a few old pictures of my younger brother taken over the last five decades.

Kevin's Fifth Grade Picture at Canyon Lake Elementary School, Rapid City.
Color photography hadn't quite reached the backwoods of South Dakota in 1973. We made do with black and white tin types. Notice the turtle neck.......

Kevin Williamson's 6th Grade picture. Canyon Lake Elementary. 1974.
Yes, we have color! And again I ask you to notice the turtle neck. If memory serves me correctly all seven of us had our 'picture takin / church clothes' brought out on Sundays and school picture days. Once we got home the clothes were promptly taken off our backs and put away for the Sunday Meeting.

Kevin with his new bike. Kevin was one to be mindful of style, so if his unusual shirt seems dated to you, it wasn't back then. Boys wore more color in the 70's than they do now. Shirts were tucked in, shorts were tight and white knee socks were expected if one wanted to be socially secure.

This is our Junior High Kevin. Kevin was a student at West Junior High, Rapid City. The pictures location is a mystery to me.

This is what happens to Polaroid pictures as they age. Again, a Junior High Kevin with friend.

Kevin was brought up on stage during some kind of talent show I believe held in the Rapid City Ward House's Gym. Its the old, get down on all fours then the cup of water is placed on your back. Yep, you're stuck. The water will end up on you no matter what you do to get out of the situation.

Kevin with Brad Hougan, one of his best high school buddies. We were out and about in the Black Hills that day.

Kevin and Kim. Christmas 1977. Kim was 20. Kevin was 16. I was on an LDS mission in England at the time. Notice the Santa atop the tree. That ornament stayed with us all through our childhood. We still used it long after we had the money to buy a new one. It made the tree a Christmas Tree.

Kevin's High School Senior Picture. 1979.

Kevin. Unknown age. Unknown place. Unknown reason for the smile. The cupboard looks bare. This may be from his starving, struggling time in Los Angeles.

Finally, the Kevin of today with Kristin, his best friend and partner.

Our Life on Signal Heights, Rapid City. 1959-1965

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
Sitting atop a small range of hills in the center of Rapid City is a neighborhood called Signal Heights. Charles and Luella purchase a two bedroom, one bath duplex at 39 East Signal Drive on Signal Heights. Our small family of four had outgrown their trailer parked outside of town near Black Hawk. Charles had a stable job with the South Dakota Dept. of Transportation so renting in Rapid City seemed like a good move for our growing family.

Today for our digital gathering, I've posted pictures from the time we spent on Signal Heights. My first memories come from this small home on a dusty hill.

Victor, June 1959

Here are two pictures from my first birthday. Luella says I wasn't much of a cuddlier. I'd push her away whenever she solicited an unwanted hug and kiss. There was only so much of that kind of thing I could stomach. I guess you could say my tolerance with familiarity was set at a very low threshold.


A learning moment captured on film for all time. See flame, think flame is pretty, put finger in flame to touch, get burned, cry buckets of tears, first birthday ruined...... all captured on film

Kim and Victor. June 1959

Kim and I are playing in our driveway at 39 East Signal Drive. Kim appears confused; she had every reason to be. Even at her young age, she knew the proper way to hold a baby bottle. I was a trial to her patience as seen in the photo above.

Have bottle, hold upside down, attempt to drink. I'm wondering if my mother thought I was a bit slow. Was that the nagging thought that kept her up at night?

I pleased to see I mastered the technique of riding a late 1950's model baby scooter. I needed it to get away from my sister. She could walk and run far better than me.

Charles, Kim, Luella, Victor and Grandma Elda. 1959

A family portrait taken in 1959. Charles was 23. Luella was 20. I'm sure Grandpa wanted me to look at the camera but my grandmother's whimsical faces were more interesting. Charles was her only child. We were her only grandchildren so we were the recipients of her undivided attention when she visited from New Mexico.

This picture was taken in the summer of 1960. We were on vacation in Bismarck, North Dakota.
This picture was taken outside the home of Grandpa Liessman's sister. Kim and I are the two younglings on the front row sitting with our parents and grandparents.

Bismarck, North Dakota. Summer 1960

I'm two years old. Kim is three. We're sitting with our mother and grandmother. I loved those zip up pajamas. I wonder if they come in my size today? Step in, pull up, put your arms through and zip up - instant comfort and security. The soles of the pajama feet are an added benefit for the older person. They have little plastic grips to prevent slipping? I'm told it's nearly impossible to buy me gifts - well there you have it. Take me back to 1960, get me a pair of yellow zip up pajamas with plastic anti slip grips.

August 13, 1963. A day that will live in Infamy. Janice and Jonathan Williamson joined our family. In one birthing our family grew from five to seven! Luella was only 24 years old. Janice is on the left (the elongated tongue gave her away).

I still remember that reddish leaf patterned carpet. It had zero plush so God help you if you ever fell out of your high chair. It was adequate to keep your feet from freezing on a cold South Dakota winter day.

You're looking down our duplex's one hallway. Charles and Luella had the first bedroom to the right. Kim, Kevin and I had the second bedroom on the right. The only door on the left was the bathroom. The accordion doors opened to a closet.

It's a wonder any of us survived to adulthood given the lack of scientific design in our early 1960's child car carriers. We'd strap the twins in the carriers, take them to the car and dump them onto the back seat. There was no need to buckle them in. Our 1958 blue Rambler Station wagon didn't have seatbelts. In those days we put our trust in God and hoped for the best. A plastic St. Christopher statue glued to the dashboard was an added amulet meant to garner additional heavenly protection for the road. Such a display of idolatry wouldn't bod well for our young family, having converted to Mormonism in 1958. Faith, prayer and a well placed trust in our mother's quick reactions and eye to hand coordination kept us safe until we bought our first car with belts and workable locks!

Jon and Janice. Summer 1963.

Is it just me or do these two look like an old elderly couple? Picture them out of their child restraints and in rocking chairs on a front porch on a late summer afternoon. Grandpa fell asleep with the newspaper. Knitting sent grandma to dozing. Their old yellow dog will wake them soon. Its out in the woods looking for raccoons. After supper it will be a bit of TV then bedtime.

Janice and Jon, 1964 / 65.

It's out of the bath just in time for a photograph. The Williamson's had company. Luella's brother was visiting from Spearfish. Uncle Jon was 22 years old.

Victor 7 years old. Kim 8 years old. Janice and Jon were 2. Kevin was 5.

I'm liking the fact that I had a bit of hair in this photo. Gone was the Russian Gulag hair cut accompanied by prison pallor. And wouldn't you know, Miss Picture Perfect Kim is just that, picture perfect. What's up with me with my hand stuck in my mouth?
This picture was taken shortly before our Uncle John left for his LDS mission to California.

Take a moment and enjoy our family's extensive art collection above the sofa. That's a paint by number Jesus (and I'm not kidding). And take a moment to stare at Kevin's shirt. Psychedelic man, real groovy. Today's kids got nothing on us. You want style? Look no further than the mid 1960's.


Another picture of the Williamson's shortly before moving from Signal Heights to our new rental home at 210 North 42nd Street, Rapid City. We needed a bigger home. Charles and Luella sold our duplex on Signal Heights to a lady for $1.00. The lady took over the bank payments. The move was hard on me. I had lovingly adopted a young struggling tree in our front yard and didn't want to leave it. In reality, our moving saved the tree. I was over zealous in my watering. It was also sad leaving my two best friends. Marty Gerber , Chucky Spears and I made the perfect Trio of Terror in our Signal Heights neighborhood.

Charles Williamson with his step father, Emerson Liessman. 1964.

A Family Outing with Friends to Rapid City's Story Book Island. 1964/65.
Luella took the picture.

And once again, get an eyeful of Little Miss Rapid City in perfect pose. Kim was such a camera hog. Nothing like the shy, diminutive, soft spoken and camera shy person she is today.

I look like cousin Dufus from Whitewood, come to visit his city cousins. I needed a pair of shorts that actually fit? Can you imagine my struggle going to the bathroom? Getting to the zipper through those multiple fold overs cinched up around my waist must have been the cause for many an accident.

Good Grief......

Running Through the Sprinkler. 1964/65.
Victor, Kim and Kevin with an unknown lad of a Family Friend.

The sprinkler was the height of summer fun for us in the mid 1960's. The nearest public swimming pool was miles away so we made do with what we had. Kevin is proudly showing off his muscles. He was hyper. You got use to it. What you didn't get use to were his tantrums. I'm convinced Kevin was an undiagnosed manic depressive. He ran circles around everyone when he was on top of the mood curve. When he'd hit bottom you ran for your life. He ran after you with anything, and I mean anything he could find that would cause death or severe injury if you crossed him. I grew up with bruises caused by Tonka Trucks travelling thrown across the room at fifty miles per hour. He knew he had one chance and one chance only to get Kim and I down crying. If he missed or didn't throw with everything he had, he knew we would beat the devil out of him.

Uncle Marvin and Aunt Pam. 1964/65.

Luella's youngest brother Marvin was visiting us the day our sprinkler picture was taken. I thought I'd finish this post with their picture. Aunt Pam sure turned a lot of heads - beautiful inside and out.

Simply,
Victor