Margaret Louise Conover (later Hamilton) was born on September 14, 1896 in Newark NJ. She had a twin sister named Marion and I enjoy looking at the pictures of the two of them growing up- they were practically identical!
I always remember my grandmother as being surrounded by family. Not only was the Conover family large, but Gramma (as I called her) and Pop had five children of their own (one was my dad!) and those five children went on to enlarge the family with 17 grandchildren!! The seventeen grandchildren made the family grow even larger with 33 great-grandchildren (who are now having children as well and I've completely lost count of how many great-great-grandchildren are running about now!).
As I was growing up I thought of Gramma as the "fun" grandmother. She liked things "proper" but had no problem climbing in the back of the old truck at the country house with a tussle of her grandchildren, riding through the fields with us while the caretaker drove the truck, singing and laughing over every bump.
When we had Christmas parties in the "Marshall Street" house, Mitch Miller records played in the background and delicious aromas would come out of the kitchen. After Pop passed away and the Marshall Street house was too big for her to manage, the little "Francisco Avenue" house was a cozy little place that was just right for all her special things and a great place to visit when I was home from college. I loved all the antique furniture, her large collection of Hummels and the window in the dining room filled with colored/cut glass that threw rainbows on the wall all day.
She knew I had a special love for family history and would often give me a picture or two with some hand written notes on the back as to who the people were and what the occasion was. Most of them included my dad. I knew she was a talented cook, an encyclopedia of knowledge on birds and antiques, and a master gardener.
I also knew that she had been quite musical but I didn't know in what way until the day when my father brought home a bell-shaped mandolin. Curious as to where it had come from I asked and found out it had been Gramma's! In fact, she had been in a Mandolin orchestra in high school (we have a copy of the program for her senior recital!) and after she graduated and married my grandfather, she gave lessons for extra income until they started a family.
She was never one for the limelight and so settling into motherhood was her greatest pleasure and heart's desire. The love her children showed her is a testament to her love for them. The ones who lived close-by took good care of her. And in spite of "old-age diabetes" which forced the amputation of one leg up to the knee, she never lost her love of life, family or God. She really was an inspiration to all of us.
I've always loved this shot (Gramma is seated on the right) because I can hear her laughing when I look at it. And her expression illustrates her spunk and spirit. I am most thankful for all the treasures I have that were hers- some which she gave to me personally and others from my aunt who knew "Gramma would have wanted you to have this". I think I have a little of her spunk. I know I have her love of family. And I hope I will face my twilight years with the grace, dignity and laughter with which she approached hers.
Fabulous picture and story. My grandfather played the mandolin also, as well as many other instruments. I have a fabulous picture of him taken by a traveling photographer during the Great Depression, as part of the stimulus package back them. I should do one of these. You've inspired me, Ann!
Thank you all- I'm glad you're enjoying these family stories. Sometimes I wonder if I'm rambling- I don't really think about them- I just start writing!!
Yes, I think you're right Maggie after taking a closer look when I'm more awake!
Thank you Lisa- I was inspired by Dixie!
Thank you Dixie!!
@paulam Thank you Paula! I was just experimenting with some different effects and I liked how this one kept the old feeling of the shot but gave it some life by putting color in the sky.
September 20th, 2014
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
@bkbinthecity They are- thanks Brian!
Thank you all- I'm glad you're enjoying these family stories. Sometimes I wonder if I'm rambling- I don't really think about them- I just start writing!!
Yes, I think you're right Maggie after taking a closer look when I'm more awake!
Thank you Lisa- I was inspired by Dixie!
Thank you Dixie!!
Welcome.