Heading Home – Connecticut, 1952
After their wedding and time in Cleveland, my parents made their way back to Connecticut—starting married life close to familiar ground.
The Farmhouse
My mother grew up on this working farm in Connecticut. Here are her parents—my maternal grandparents—standing in front of the family farmhouse.
Maternal grandfather and grandmother in front of farmhouse
The dairy barn
Maternal Grandfather
Back in Connecticut
After their return to Connecticut, life quickly shifted from newlywed adventure to family responsibility. Here’s how Dad remembered it:
John:
“Upon arrival in Guilford, I found that my grandmother, who lived alone in a large house in the country, was in poor health and could not continue living in her home. She lived in the country, and that made the situation more difficult. We divided our time between Guilford and Woodbridge while coming up with a solution.”
“Your mother had a job as a waitress at the Three Judges Restaurant not far from the house, and I secured employment with a friend of our family.”
It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real—young marriage in motion, shaped by duty, practicality, and wherever the next job or family need took them.
This is the house my father’s grandmother (Nannie) lived in out in the country in Woodbridge, CT. Dad spent many years living with his paternal grandparents after the early death of his father.
Nannie and John – note the camera case
Nannie and John
George Washington Bridge 1953
Central Park
Central Park Hansom cabs
John – “During the period from March 1953 to April 1954 we renovated and sold the Woodbridge house and 7 acres of land, Jeffrey appeared and I had chicken pox.
New Dad
New Mom
Heading back out West
By the spring of 1954, my parents were ready to head west once more. Alaska may not have been their official destination yet—but it was already tugging at Dad’s imagination.
John:
“We had also decided to return out West. Many years later I must confess Alaska was in the back of my mind. Shortly before we left Guilford, our car was totaled by an individual having a heart attack. We then purchased another new Plymouth and left for Dixon the first of May. On our way, we visited the Badlands in the Dakotas and Yellowstone Park.”
Even life-altering detours—like losing their car—didn’t slow them down for long. New car. New road. New chapter.
The Needles Black Hills, South Dakota
Ruthie – Black Hills, S.D.
John – Badlands, S.D.
Black Bear – Yellowstone, 1954
Yes, that’s a black bear with its paws on the front passenger window. And yes—that’s my brother’s baby head in the foreground. He survived.
It was the 1950s. Looks like the window was up.
The journey continues
