My latest project is assimilating the works of letters, poetry, and writings of my great grandfather.
In the early 1970’s, my grandmother in Bakersfield, California sent my father a box of papers. The contents were an amazing look thru the eye and pen of John Barrons Richards, my great grandfather.
His family took the arduous journey on the Steamer Palestine from Wales. They landed in Boston, Massachusetts, receiving the shocking news that President Garfield was shot.
He wrote his daughter religiously, across two thousand miles. He documents the miners in Wales, family, politics, and pens reminisces and reflections, during his golden years spent in San Francisco.
They were stored for decades in my father’s WW2 army footlocker. I remember as a teenager, taking a rare glimpse thru the acidic, hand typed pages. I had a dream to save these words and contemporaneous perspectives for those that come after us. I hope he, and my father are smiling down.
Love that you are sharing your great grandfather’s words with love.
I have learned so much about him. It has been a great journey.
What a great inspiration of words picturing another time! My hope is that this project continues to have your creative focus.
You are so lucky to have such a treasure. Can’t wait to see when it is all done.