There's This Box I Inherited

 ... and it's full of photos and memories and memorial announcements. Divorce papers and U.S. Navy records from the 1920's. 

My grandfather's passport photos, my grandmother, my grandfather posing near a hotel mirror, a black and white photo of my grandfather on the far right with my grandmother next to him and friends.

I didn't know this side of my family due to the divorce that took place when I was a baby. I knew my grandmother and was able to spend time with her when I was in college as we were living in the same state at the time. My grandfather died in his late 50's(?) so I never knew him and only remember him slightly from when I was little and would visit when we happened to be in the same state. It's always made me a bit sad, like I never learned what half of me is - where did this half of me come from? 

When my grandmother left this world shortly before I became pregnant, I flew down to attend her funeral. I was the only grandchild. My father was an only child. And my grandfather was an only child. What I'm trying to say: There was only one person left on this earth to inherit these photos and papers and trinkets. My father's relationship with his (step) mother (I just refer to her as my "grandmother") and father was irreparable, damaged, beyond any type of repair. So, there was only me. My mom tells me stories of how my grandparents adored me and would spoil me when we'd visit. I remember their house looking grand and opulent. 

My grandmother. She was always put-together, poised, and graceful.

The final box was recently shipped to me from my mom who has been storing it since that funeral. Going through the box there's so much history, it amazes me that it's all lasted for decades - over a hundred years with some of the papers and items.

My grandfather on far right with my grandmother next to him. The omnipresent
cigarettes and cocktails. What a time! 

I wish I had dates for all the photos, but many of them I can only guess by the type of film used (peel-apart) and the style of dress. Please print your photos, date them, write the place it was taken, and the names of the people in the frame. With all of our media being online and living in clouds, it's just too easy for photos and memories to be lost. 

My grandfather.

My grandmother lived another 20 years or so after my grandfather died. She always said he was the love of her life and she never remarried or even dated (to my knowledge). I hope their somewhere beautiful having their evening cocktails and laughing.