1955 Summer.  We had just moved out from the City.  This was the new house at 20 Chestnut Rd.  This is my Aunt Catherine, Butch (Hugh), me, and a neighbor kid.  On the right is my Aunt Stella and my Mom with her perpetual smile.  Moving out of the City was a big deal.  Northbrook offered better schools, a more rural setting, and the greater expectations of the Middle-Class.  There is a dream-like quality to this photo that has always mesmerized me.

Left to right, Jim's Wife (Terry?), unknown, Aunt Regina, Mom, Me, Aunt Catherine. 1957.  Aunt Catherine was my favorite Aunt.  She used to take me to Downtown Chicago for New Year's Eve.  We'd eat at a steak place and see a movie.  Erinn has the video tape interviews I did with her before her death.  Many Family historical facts in that interview.

I'm not quite sure what this is.  It has the feel of a promotional shot (7-up labels turned toward camera).  I think I remember Mom telling me something about it being local.  At any, rate that's me on the poster.  Check out the bow-tie on that guy.  It's hard to believe, but that's the way people dressed back then. 1953.

This is Camp Macajawan.    August 1963.  A one week Boy Scout camp in Wisconsin.  My Dad volunteered a couple of days to help out.  All I remember was the mile swim, and the eclipse.  There was a close to total solar eclipse while I was there.  It was very cool seeing it in the woods.  I'm not in this picture because I am taking it.  There should have been merit badges in smoking and skipping church, those are the two main  things I learned in Boy Scouts.

So, living in the Midwest, in the late 60"s, sports was a huge thing.  I was always good enough to make the team, but never good enough to star.  This is 1968 discus, 1965 football (I am #74).  I quit football in 65.  It just seemed a waste of time.  I stayed with discus so I could "letter" in a varsity sport.  Wearing a Letter Sweater was a prerequisite for dating a certain group of girls.

What a hoot!  Shot put was not my thing, but, I had to do it to throw discus.  Notice the young lady, clearly, approving of my form.  Nice facial expression!  I look like I'm passing a stone......

My Dad was always game for this stuff.  Two flatlanders mesmerized by the views.