The five generations of first daughters

My granddaughter Margaret Ellen Harrison was born on February 13 in 1980.  Her mother, Anne, worked in my shop until the day before the birth.  Margaret was a very sweet baby and I called her
"my Valentine baby."

My grandmother Ruth Ricketts was still around, and when Margaret was about 2 weeks old we family women (who are all first daughters) got together for a 5 generations photo.

Holiday dinner at the Atwoods' 1978

This is in the Atwood kitchen in Mineral Wells.  That is Patsy with the long braids.  Anne Flavia next to me, and Bill on the right.  In the background are Margaret and Mother, Ann Atwood.  I think the year was 1977 or 1978.  Look at the splendid turkey dinner!!!  It was either Thanksgiving or Christmas.

a letter from Thurston to Patsy Atwood Reese April 1958

Band Hall
April 2, 1958

Well spring has come; and I don't guess I have to mention that this is my favorite time of year.  My fancy is turned in different directions than it used to be….but it still turns, which is something.

The fishing bug  is really about to get the best of me,,,,Bob, Bill and I went out last Sunday…but too much wind kept us from fishing very long.

Thanks for the socks…I guess that you are about the only one who ha ever knitted me anything.  I am going to save them and wear them next football season.  I tried them out the other day..and I like the way my feet feel..I know they will be warm.

I think of you kids a lot…and wish I could share some of the happiness being around you.  But I know that it is re a l fine for you both to be so far away from the influences of parents.

…I will enclose a check for five for just being an expectant grandpa.  My gosh..it better be a girl.  So get something colored that will suit a girl.

Thanks for the pictures you're gonna take. …

73's and 88's  (that's ham talk for hugs and kisses)

Doc.

(Doc was Thurston's amateur radio "handle."  Amateur radio operators call themselves "hams."  Daddy and Uncle Ed both spent a lot of time with their "ham rigs" in  the late 1950's.)

when I find the photo of TR with his ham rig I will add it to this post.

Baby Bill Reese in the woods by a stream

The baby in my arms is Bill Reese.  Anne and Hayne are in the other pictures made that day; when I find them I will add them to this post.

We were in upstate New York at a state park.  We spent many of our weekends on outings like this.

response to Mama's letter from Patsy Reese

208 Winspear Ave.
Buffalo, NY
May 30, 1962

Dear Mama,

I can't tell you how glad we were to get your letter about Margaret. We think she has a fine name and are proud of it..and of her.  We wouldn't think of calling her "Mag"  just Margaret, or "Marget" as the other children say it.

We plan to have her christened in Dallas.  Mrs. Reese is making the arrangements; it will be in early June.

It is wonderful to hear that you are feeling good and strong…and that you think of us. We will be sure to bring all 3 of the children to see you while we are in Texas.

Much love,

Patsy

Along came Bill Reese

Bill was named William Hayne Waring Reese after my brother and Hayne his dad.  He was born on June 28, 1960 in Buffalo, New York.  We lived at that time in an upstairs apartment near the park and the Buffalo Zoo.

Early pictures of Anne Flavia, our first baby

Here are some pictures from Anne Flavia's first year.  The one at top was made on Mother and Daddy's front porch at their house in Hillsboro. It includes my brothers Bill and Bob.

Below left is from the reunion of Mother's family in Austin in May of 1959.

Below is me, Mother, holding Anne, Hayne in back and Daddy on the right.