Swine Show Handlers and My Grandfather at the Fair

Lincoln Illinois Fair

My paternal grandfather Floyd M. Hendricks is the man in the middle with the microphone in hand. Perhaps he is congratulating the man with the prize winning pig. The men on either side have been showing their swine based upon the canes they hold.

If you want to brush up on how to Swine Showmanship click here

Steer your hog out of corners and away from crowds. A cane makes an excellent steering device.


Make all your moves slowly, smoothly and naturally.


Don’t turn the pig sharply; let it walk naturally. Be on the lookout for trouble from unruly hogs in the ring and try to avoid the area they are in.


A nervous, jumpy show person makes a nervous and jumpy hog.


Never put your hands on the animals back when in the ring. However, you may use your hand to help turn an uncooperative pig.


A soft push from your hand is more desirable and easier than another tap of the show cane.

My grandfather in the hat holding the microphone

Uncle Harold Played the Tuba

Uncle Harold “Butch” Hendricks, born in 1928, is shown here with a tuba. My father’s youngest brother, seventeen years apart.

No date on the photo – my guess is about 11 years old so approximately 1939? Illinois just heard from a music reacher friend and Pat says “I think Uncle Harold might have been 14 or 15. He is managing to hold that tuba up and they are heavy.”

A m

Class of 1906

My maternal grandmother Charlotte Rowley- Rockford High School, Rockford, Illinois. She married in 1908. Had children in 1910, 1912, 1914.

Rockford High School Rockford Illinois
The Football Team w coach

1919. My Mother was Seven

High button shoes. Durand Illinois.

Born in 1910

John Rowley Van Sickle. 1910-2004

My mother’s elder brother. My Uncle John.

Seated on my Grandmother Charlotte Rowley Van Sickle

John Rowley Van Sickle Durand, Illinois

School Days c. 1917

From my grandmother’s album . Durand Illinois.

I don’t see anyone I recognize

Family Album 1944

Family Picnic 1944 Durand, Illinois

Front row: Paul Van Sickle, Mary Hendricks on Roy Hendricks, Marian Van Sickle Hendricks, Elizabeth Van Sickle, Kathryn Van Sickle, Rhea Van Sickle holding Martha Van Sickle

Back row: John R. Van Sickle, John B. Van Sickle standing in front of Robert Van Sickle and Judd Van Sickle

My grandmother Charlotte must have taken the photo.

Uncle Harold Milks a Cow c.1936

My father’s brother Harold Paul Hendricks was called “Butch” Born in 1928 .
I estimate he is about 8 or 9 years old
In a different part of the old sticky album.
No chance to see if there’s any writing on the back.

Throwback to 1927 Boy Scout Camp

My mother Marian standing on wall on the the left and her brother Robert seated below her. Not sure who the other women are.

I tried to see if one was their mother, my grandmother. They must have taken their brother John to Boy Scout Camp.

I might discover I’ve posted this pic previously.

My Uncle John

My Mother and Her Family c.1926

She’s on the left in her ruffled dress, her brother Robert next to her, then their mother Charlotte in the cloche hat, her brother John and their father Judd. I’m guessing on the date .

Marian, Robert, Charlotte, John, Judd
Durand, Illinois