Posted on by Michelle Anderson

The Reunion That ALWAYS Meant More

This is one of my favorite photos of my brother and I. We stand together, as we were a unified front for all of my childhood. I don’t remember a time when it was just me. It’s always been Mark and Michelle, Michelle and Mark. And aren’t we cute? Here we are standing outside of Aunt Alice’s house, with I think Lynne Haren in the background. Barns to me have always been landmarks that I look for. They could tell me where I was or if I was close to my grandma’s house. Aunt Alice’s barns were a grouping that was familiar to me and seeing them we would know instantly that we were finally there.

Each summer, the Kramer family reunion has brought everyone back together. We all know that the last Sunday in June, there were plans. Plans to get together and celebrate being a family. I wasn’t alive yet when the first celebration took place, to celebrate Aunt Alice’s birthday. To me, it just always was. If we were near Cullom, Illinois, on the last Sunday in June, we were at the Kramer Reunion. For many years, we were not close as we were in Kansas or Ohio. But on those years that we could get there, it was a treat indeed.

This is a sight that I was also very familiar with. My dad and uncle grouped with their cousins, sharing the easy conversation that only comes with relatives who’ve known one another their whole lives. Leaning against a car that matches his shirt, we have Galen Haren, holding me is my uncle Wayne Miller, with cousin Bob Fager next to Wayne and my dad Raymond Miller. One the end is Bob’s brother Milton Fager holding a child I couldn’t tell who they were. The photos were developed in March of 1971, so that meant that these photos were taken in June of 1970. All of the men were sporting their Sunday summer best for this day.

Together, these photos remind me of the day we gathered to honor Aunt Alice and the Kramer siblings — a day when every branch of the family came together as one, celebrating the bonds that have always held the Kramer family close. And today, as those able to travel arrive in Cullom, Illinois to celebrate them once more, may those who cannot be there still feel connected to our Kramer kin and to all the times we stood together at this family celebration that has always felt deeper, richer, and more meaningful than an ordinary reunion.

Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Hand In Hand, Beside Their Dad

I love black and white photography. The different shades of gray have a way of connecting a photo and making subjects stand clear. Every expression, shadow, and gesture feels timeless and more visible. No elaborate background is necessary. Just a family posed outside in their Sunday best with nature and natural light around them.

Kermit is taking a protective stance behind his children. Steady. Grounded. There, if they should need him, but showing gentleness and pride too. From left to right, we have the Miller children, Wayne, Raymond, and Wava. I love the way that Wayne is holding Raymond’s hand by the fingertips. While he looks to be independent, he’s safe in knowing that his brother is ready to stand wherever Wayne would need him to be. Behind him, supporting him, or in front of him, protecting him. For me, it’s Raymond in the middle that becomes the visual and emotional center of the group. He shows that he’s already looked upon to be responsible and that he’s expected to look after his siblings when needed. His placement between his siblings connects them all to his father. Wava brings a softness and balance to the group. Her expression and stance add a gentle contrast to her brothers’ more formal posture. I believe that this photo was taken on the walk outside of Kermit and Eunice’s farm. Taken about 1950, give or take a year or two.

This photograph remains unchanged — a simple, steady reminder of a father and his children standing together on an ordinary day, hand in hand, a small piece of the Miller family story that is still speaking long after the shutter clicked.

Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Florida!

I love to go to Florida. The ocean, the warm breezes and sunshine, lots and lots of sunshine. During the winter Kermit and Eunice liked to go to Florida too. They started to go to Florida with their friends George and Lorraine McDonald. When they would go, usually Don and Ruby would stay with the kids. But one year, they all went for a wonderful week spent in the sunny shores of Florida.

Their trip started in Oregon, Illinois where they took the train to downtown Chicago. Once in Chicago they made their way to Midway From Midway, they flew on a DC7 aircraft which could carry 90 people to Miami. Then from Miami they rode on a Greyhound Bus to a place called The Greyhound Keys. This key is located half way between Miami and the Florida Keys. I found an aerial photo which I found interesting. It looks like a wonderful place to rest, relax and enjoy the sunshine that one so desperately seeks in the winter months.

The Greyhound Bus Company received permission from the interstate commerce commission to purchchase all of the Florida Motor Lines and changed the name to the Florida Greyhound Lines in 1945. Sometime in 1947 they began construction on the terminal and restaurant/rest stop facility. In 1955 the US Postal Service authorized a station post office with the name Greyhound Key. The postmaster was the restaurant manager.

In 1966 Kampgrounds of America purchased the island from the Greyhound Company and gave the island a new name, Fiesta Key. This island has been known as such ever since.

There were more photos then I usually work with for a posting so I took them and turned them into a movie. The year that the whole family went, George and Lorraine’s daughter went with them to Greyhound Key, she is in a photo with Wava. Even though spring is right aound the corner, I sure would like to be in Sunny Florida right now.

Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Tent Fun

This weekend many of us or our friends will take to the wilderness to celebrate the Fourth of July. There’s something about sleeping out under the stars with no other light pollution that is exciting and relaxing. To get away from our normal settings and feel like we are “roughing it” has been a favorite pastime of many. I’m all for being in the wilderness I just want to camp with my bed and comforts of home.

Several years ago, I brought you a photo of Raymond, Wava and Wayne outside a tent looking every bit camping enthusiasts. While I was scanning negatives, I found these precursors to that camping fun. I just love this tiny tent. I am very entranced with the tent door. There’s not bug netting or even floor, but this tent would be great cover when needed. I bet it was Kermits as I have found many photos of him fishing.

In the first photo we have Eunice holding Wava and Wayne with Raymond next to them. Then we have a great photo of big brother Raymond and little sister Wava. You can really see the door to the tent and even a little inside the tent. How exciting for the kids to see the tent and get to play in it. Imagining that they too were camping or perhaps traveling to distant shores. Learning that a tent is really a portable house and with a roof over your head one can go anywhere. If you have chosen to rough it this weekend may your travels be safe and your bug bites few.