For as long as I can remember I’ve had the most nostalgic of hearts. Keeping memory boxes full of old birthday cards, notes passed between best friends, ticket stubs and lots of old trinkets. I’m pretty sure I have a Dear Diary and slammer in one of those, too. #90sKid
But let’s dig deeper. Past childhood memories and into those of our parents and grandparents. What were their lives like? What was going on in their world? What were they feeling the moment these photos were taken?
Like little windows into our family history, I displayed these vintage photos in an assortment of rustic and metallic picture frames collected from rummage sales, home decor stores and discount racks. To break it up, Hubs mounted my Great-Grandfather’s banjo. Honestly, how cool is that.
When gathering photos from both sides of our family, I had two rules: the photo must be in black and white or sepia; and, the age of the photo must be from our parents’ childhood or older.
The wedding photos are my favorite. Gorgeous white dresses with delicate lace cascading to the floor. In that moment not having a clue to the large families they’re going to create.
Or, the military photos. Our brave, young and naive grandfathers posing proudly for the camera. A personal favorite is my grandfather standing in formation as President Truman walks through (top right of banjo).
My winter goal is to expand this collage to be twice its size. I’m thinking I’ll expand the photos to present-time, weaving the old with the new (all b&w or sepia, of course!). And what do you know, I have a vintage ukulele to display as well! Let the frame shopping begin.
OH, that looks great!
Thank you!