HOMETOWN (1/23): The beginning

In the summer of 1936, my parents moved into this house, one year after coming to Harvard, Illinois, where my father had found a teaching position. The weather in '36 set heat records that stood unbroken for years, and some of the time my parents lived in the basement to keep cool! I was born in August, so this was my only home until I left to become a university student. My parents continued to live in the house until my father (who outlived my mother) died in 1984.

The house was very compact; all the rooms were small and it included only one short hallway. There was no waste space! It had only two bedrooms plus a front porch that the builder turned into a finished room while the house was under construction: there was not only a door but also a window between the porch and the living room.

The large maple tree beside the house was a gift from a friend when it was just a sapling. During its first winters, rabbits would eat it down to snow level, and during the summer it would grow again. Then one autumn my father put up a protective fence and it survived the winter unharmed. The next years it grew vigorously; it had apparently developed a good, strong root system during the years it had little chance to gain height!

Though the concrete steps are deteriorating, it delights me to find the house looking so sprightly! The current owners are still using the windows from when the house built in the early 1930s, though they are not replacing them with screens in the summer.

This begins a photo essay on the town where I spent the first 18 years of my life, until I left to begin my university studies. Of course I returned often until my parents' deaths in the early 1980s; since then I have visited only infrequently. I took all of these photographs on the day of my 55 year high school class reunion. Some of the postings and commentary by Hank Waxman and Ian Stehbens gave me the idea of making the photos and assembling them in this way. I hope you enjoy these reflections on the past. Marilyn Fardig Whiteley

That's a neat story, Marilyn. Thanks for the introduction to your life, and the place where it all started.

I for one, am enjoying it immensely, Marilyn. Since its still August, may I add a Happy Birthday to you!

Great stuff,

Hank

I'm glad you've enjoyed my photo story, n1w and Hank. And, Hank, I'm still very happy to accept your birthday greetings. (After the reunion last weekend, I'm more aware of my age than ever!!)

Marilyn

A moving story of your pilgrimage back to your roots, Marilyn. It is a lovely meander down Memory Lane and it's so nice to share that little journey with you.

I love the house, the colour and the unique character it has developed, and of course the Maple Tree that goes with the house!

Happy birthday for xx - I hope it was/will be a super one. Many happy returns too.

Warm wishes, Hazel

Thank you, Hazel, for the very nice comment, and for the birthday greetings. I appreciate the fact that Panoramio gave me the chance to reflect a bit on my trip down Memory Lane, and it has been an extra pleasure to find that some good Panoramio friends have enjoyed sharing that.

Best wishes, Marilyn

I am sorry to have missed your birthday, Marilyn, but Happy recent Birthday, too.

Ian

Marilyn,

I love traveling back through time with you to the places it all started. Thank you for taking us along.

Best wishes, Leo

Hello Marilyn Whiteley,

I note that this old house, surroundings, bring you fond memories. Congratulations to share this ancient time not coming back, (very special thoughts for you and for us that now we are told) but that will be forever etched in your mind.

Congratulations for capture.

A big hug Gaucho from southern Brazil.

DE BORBA, Henrique

i used to live in this house! my dad bought it and he has sold it by now but i used to live there! i miss this house

Thank you, Ian and Leo, for your visits long ago. And you're right, Henrique, that this place brings fond memories that will remain.

So, scmunks, I'm delighted to have contact through you with the more recent past! Do you happen to know that the Harvard athletic teams were and I think still are the Hornets? They were named that to honor Dan Horne, long-time science teacher and football coach at Harvard High School. So what does that have to do with this house? Dan Horne and his wife were, I believe, the first people to live in this house. Then after a very few years, they moved into a house on the high school property, and my parents moved in. My parents lived there for almost 48 years. By many standards this isn't an "old" house, but it has history.

Marilyn

Marilyn I hope this comment catches you in good health since it has been 3 years almost. wow! so dan horne, and your father lived in this house, and worked for the high school, even though my grandfather didnt live in this house he worked at the high school too! he was the diversified occupations and metal shop teacher! he has passed a year ago but to reminisce is nice. Some changes were made while I lived in this house, but when we moved in, the basement was dry-walled and had a bathroom in the basement. the bathroom was relocated in the upstairs while we lived there. as you said, it was very compact. well, it was nice to finally comment back and I apologize for the long reply. Hope all is well.