Dexter Ranch - 1929

The Dexter Ranch 1929

I've always thought of the Waning place in Dexter as the "Dexter Farm", but all the photos of it are notated as the "Dexter Ranch".  I suspect this was a carryover in thinking from Montana ranching.   

I think that 1929 must have been the year the Waning family moved from Wendling to Dexter based on Gramp's school work and report cards.

Billy Waning and Turkeys

Net Waning on the Back Porch

Jim and Billy Waning and unknown boy

The Connie J

On Thursday we went aboard the USCGC Mackinac, which is now a museum. Very cool. Quinten loved it and the weather was good while we toured it. Wind and rain came shortly after.

This is taken up by the pilothouse with the Mackinac Bridge in the background.

But on the way down the pier we saw the most amazing site. A boat named after Mom.

Another Michigan Camping Adventure

We camped at Wilderness State Park at the top of the Lower Pennisula. Despite a glowing review in Midwest Living Magazine, the campground was overpriced, lacking in privacy and the "modern" bathroom lacked any way to dry your hands.

That said, the beach was beautiful and Lake Michigan was warm to swim in.

The first night was a horrendous wind/thunderstorm. Kierstyn thought her tent with she and Q in would blow away. Q was the only one to sleep through it. He had gotten a new "mummy" sleeping bag and thinks that is why.

Wednesday we went to 40 Mile Point Lighthouse with it's shipwreck.

Mikaila in pilothouse of Calcite.

Quinten on trail to shipwreck. He wants to see as many shipwrecks and shipwreck museums as I do lighthouses.

Family at the shipwreck. Most of the wreck was off shore in about 12 feet of water and could be seen by kayak, etc. since the water is so clear.

More later...

A Muscial Interlude...

I am sometimes amazed at the depth and breadth of Margaret Upton Waning's interests and passions.  I think we do her a disservice sometimes when first and foremost we say "Grams and Oregon Sports".  

She was passionate about her Ducks yes, but also about social causes and reform, her church (Baptist and later Presbyterian), League of Women Voters, Girl Scouts, and theater and music.

Her interest in social reform and music went hand-in-hand.

And when I look at my own collection of CD's, Gram's musical influence is everywhere!

      

I remember house-sitting one summer and playing all her Harry Belafonte albums for Kristi and Lexa - I think they can sing every song in his Carnegie Hall album.

  

She loved Tom Jones and Elvis Presley...

and had a special affection for gospel and religious music and musicians...

Jester Hairston, Mahalia Jackson, Paul Robeson, and Odetta.

  

So lift your voice in song and "make a joyful noise".

Botanical Specimen - Myrtle - 1928

Botanical Specimen - Myrtle - May 1928

Plant Description - Myrtle

I've been looking at photos on the web, and the Oregon Myrtle has longer, narrower leaves than Gramp's specimen.  So it is a bit of a mystery plant.  Does anyone recognize it?

Sum-Sum-Summertime!

Cherry Grove, OR - 1924

Back row: June Gantenbein, Elsie Greenwell Upton, Ellen Upton (baby),

Front row: Margaret Upton, V'Ona Upton, Dwight Loomis, Mildred Loomis, Fred Gantenbein. 

July 1935

This photo is dated July 1935.  To the left is Harry Emert the husband of Mary Burnet McAdam (Janet McAdam Waning's eldest sister), and Marie Sorenson McAdam, the wife of Thomas McAdam.

This photo was taken in Minnesota on the McAdam farm near Blooming Prairie. 

Summertime in the Cornfield

Margaret Upton Waning and Barbara

Elsie Greenwell Upton and Barbara

Ellen Upton

This series of photos is not dated, but judging by Barbara's age /size, perhaps they were taken the summer of 1943.

Upton Grandparents and Grandchildren - June 1945

Otto Upton, Sandie, Barbara, and Elsie Greenwell Upton

We do not have many photos of Otto Upton, perhaps he did not like to have his photo taken.  For whatever reason, it makes the few we do have that much more precious.  This one was taken in June 1945.  The Uptons both look pretty pleased with their grand-daughters.

...and Upton Cousins 1944

Rachel and Janet Upton

This photo says "Taken Easter Sunday 1944".  I believe it to be Rachel and Janet Upton, the daughters of Ross and Cora Upton.  These girls are 1st cousins of Margaret Upton Waning, though they are of an age of Margaret's daughters.