I look at my grandmother’s photo and wonder what she’s reading 


On Sunday, my family drive through Durand IL (pop. 1500). It’s the place my family drive me every summer of childhood. 

My son took a photo of his four kids in front of my grandparents house. He asked for an old photo of the house to compare. I rediscovered this picture of my maternal grandmother. 

I wonder what she’s reading.


Grandmother whose China went to Laura post 

Then I went and googled her and a her name comes up. The people I want to call and ask, are passed.  

Charlotte Baker Rowley 1888-1980

Born Jun 1888 in Winnebago, Illinois, USAmap

Daughter of Eugene Baker Rowley and Mary S Smith

Sister of Clair S Rowley, May Rowley, Edna Rowley and Cecile Rowley

Wife of Judd DeWitt Vansickle — married 16 Nov 1908 in Winnebago, Illinois, USAmap

[children unknown]

Died Jun 1980 in Rockford, Winnebago, Illinois, United States of Americamap. But her children are known. My mother was Marian.And no mention of Charlotte’s middle  name Elizabeth.  

I must ask my older cousin, John.  Maybe he’ll know 

I’ll list their children 

John Rowley Van Sickle b 1910

Marian Van Sickle  b 1912 

Robert Eugene b 1914

17 thoughts on “I look at my grandmother’s photo and wonder what she’s reading 

  1. Your grandmother was beautiful! Good to have these photos, and at least some information. It would be fun to know what she is reading!

  2. I love these photos of your grandmother. They are precious heirlooms from your family’s past. I wonder what your grandmother would have thought if she had known her photos would be displayed (and admired) so many years in the future?

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