Sepia Saturday: My Daddy Made All of That!
My dad was a master of many trades. Though a CPA, he was also a farmer, auto-mechanic, carpenter, welder, blacksmith, roofer, plumber,mason, painter, backyard griller, and a list of another dozen trades. He couldn't carry a tune and had two left feet, but that's beside the point.
That's the house I grew up in, and he built every bit of it, including the flagstone chimney and fireplace. He also built the playhouse for my sister out of the remains of an airplane engine box he brought home from Douglas Aircraft when he worked there and he felt it was a waste to discard it. It later served as my tree house where I held court with my secret club and stored my personal childhood library.
That's my sister Nanette in the middle, cousin Glen on the right, me in the sock cap and glasses, and my grandfather's dog Buddy, probably around 1959 or 1960.
Learn more about Sepia Saturday here.
posted by Ladrón de Basura (a.k.a. Junk Thief) @ 5:46 PM
14 comments
14 Comments:
What a wonderful photo, your are very cute! Your father certainly was a very talented man. It's so good that you have this photo of the house he built plus the playhouse - they hold so many memories.
What an amazing chimney! I mean, you're incredibly cut in the wee hat, but that chimney is stunning!
Marilyn - My dad's talents still amaze me, and he was mainly self taught. I'm much the same way, and it was rare that he'd actually take time to pass down skills. However, he taught me how to install moulding and tile which I've done all over my current house.
Tattered - In addition to the chimney and fireplace, there was the amazing black walnut paneling (from our farm) that he installed in the living room. I still have warm, glorious memories of nothing but a warm fire reflecting off the varnished wood in that room.
It's a great achievement, to build your own house. Is it still standing, today?
I doubt it. The farm was condemned and bought by the city to build a lake nearly 40 years ago and the lake has yet to be built. It went into gradual decay after we left.
I'm always amazed at men who have all those talents. I've always thought a man who could fix leaking faucets and toilets was sexy. My ex didn't dabble in things like that -- he said that's what handymen and plumbers are for.
If plumbing skills are the guide, I am probably the most unsexy man alive. I do know how to pour Draino and work a plunger but not much else.
ah so said to learn that the house went to ruin after you left.
amazing accomplishment building the family home - you come by your talents and gifts quite naturally ....sometimes watching is enough instruction.
always nice to see pics of nanette too! hi nanette!
happy new year junk!!
Nanette is lovely today as well, but I am always struck by what a beauty she was as a kid too.
Happy New Year to you as well, mouse.
Great photograph : one of those that just seems to convey the feel of the time, the essence of the decade. And by the look of it - great house as well.
What a wonderful photo. You were all so cute
I'm always amazed when I learn about non-carpenters who build houses. Your dad's looks quite wonderful. As Tattered and Lost said, the chimney is stunning. And of course, you're adorable!
i love flagstone chimneys and this one looks like it was well done. they never go out of style as far as i'm concerned. and what a great family shot, capturing the moment.
thanx 4 sharing!!
HUGZ
I'm sorry to hear that the house was condemned for no real reason and went to ruin. That room with the fireplace sounds wonderful. It's nice that you and your sister were far enough apart that you could use the same house for different purposes in turn.
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