One of the things that struck me when I went through the slides the first time was how much our house changed over the years.
Dad touched on this in the opening paragraph of his letter
John – “I endeavor to walk downtown at least twice per week. A regular route – 12th to P, Left on “P” to 9th. 9th along the Park Strip to “G” to 5th. East on “5” to Cook Inlet Book Company. Cross 5th Avenue to the Penney Mall. Walk up two flights and then one flight via escalator to the Food Court. Have a cup of coffee while perusing the New York Times I have picked up at the Book Company. I take the same general route home.”
“This time coming home when I arrived at “P” and 12th I realized this was starting the 51st year, minus England, that I have turned this corner and seen “R” Street. Other than the house being longer and the masonry chimney it has changed very little.”
I loved this block by block description of Dad’s walk downtown. He walked to work most every day while I was growing up, stopping at the Woolworth counter while it was still open. Following is “time lapse” photography showing the house through the years, you can decide for yourself how much it has changed.
First summer
First winter
Almost a lawn
The picket fence
Siding the new addition
Under construction – was a continual process growing up
Added two bedrooms upstairs and a bedroom, bathroom and workroom downstairs.
Back yard
Starting to look like the burbs
Grandparents visiting and the neighborhood gang
Ruthie showing off her flora and fauna
She loved her flowers and garden
Our house was a neighborhood gathering spot – my mother was the draw – she welcomed everyone
Another addition – new kitchen/dining area
Changing the location of the front door
Added the front porch
Bumping out the living room 5′ and adding a fireplace
House becomes a home
New coat of paint
1968
1956
