GeneFrog Family Historyry
Collecting info
When you've talked to Grandpa over the years the chances are that you have mentally recorded his stories but
have never written them down. Of course if you have then they can serve as the basis of his Place in History. On the
other hand, if you haven't, now is the time to search your memory and start jotting them down. Make sure you include the funny
little anecdotes which happened, because they are sure to make him laugh when he reads the book. Briefly note the sad
bits too, because they are an important part of his life also. Search through old photos (yours and anybody else's - family and
friends), particularly in company with others, and you will find it surprising how many things you had forgotten about, or didn't even know
about, especially the antics he got up to in his youth.
You will find that other members of his family, particularly brothers and sisters, will be only too pleased (in fact
delighted!) to assist with mischievous tales. I didn't even know he smoked, let alone that he used to sneak out from the dances in the
church hall to sit on the gravestones and have a cigarette!
 Grandpa or other older relatives probably have the best selection of older photos. See if you can
borrow their albumns for a few days. Apart from the obvious photos such as school photos and wedding photos, try to find
something that is a little different. This photo caused considerable merriment within the family - not even Grandpa knew it
existed and was intrigued to see it seventy years later (and he did remember when it must have been taken). Just remember though that
this might not be the time to bring out that awful photo which he wishes had never been taken. After all this is his place in history,
not his place in infamy.
Include scans of important certificates also. This does not just mean something like a marriage certificate.
You'll find it surprising to see some of the certificates or letters that people have kept. For example,
how many people have seen a sixty-five year old fishing licence?
 Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to find some photos like these two. The little boy playing cricket with his grandfather in
the first picture is the grandfather playing cricket with his grandson 76 years later in the second photo. Photos like these could
lead to a list of his sporting interests or achievements. Even if he progressed no further than his
backyard cricket, it doesn't mean that he didn't become an avid Test Cricket follower later in life. He may still be a fanatical
football follower and somebody is sure to have some stories about his favourite team.
Maybe you can't get a comprehensive picture of his whole life, in particular his early days. Perhaps he is the last of his
generation and the information is simply not available. If that is the case then you can take a different but equally effective
approach.
Instead of doing a chronological presentation, collate his book as a series of portraits. Each friend or relative who
provides you with a story about Grandpa becomes part of that particular portrait. It doesn't matter if each portrait covers the
same topics, because each person will have their own particular memories. That way you present a series of portraits
which reflect on how their lives intertwine with Grandpa's and his with theirs.
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