Grandpa’s Stuff, Part 2

With Grandpa moving to Maryland, I’m starting to get another look at some of the more interesting things in his collection. The funny thing is, my treasure is his self-professed junk. What I’m about to show almost got sold for scrap metal. Luckily my Dad saved it because he knows I’m hungry for these kinds of cool things.

North Caldwell Public Safety Center Plaque

The police chief that took over after Grandpa retired thought Grandpa might like this. I think it’s pretty cool, but boy does it weigh a lot. I have no idea how to hang something like this on the wall without it breaking whatever mount you put it on.

Here’s a note for you guys, if you have an antique seller in the family, make them aware of your interest in these things! Next time I show you some of his stuff, I’ll show you his baby blanket that his grandmother (Jennie Love-Thorward) made for him when he was born!

Slight Problem with Mapping Software

I love technology. I love learning new things. I love being frustrated with something only to conquer it after hours and hours of cursing it. I have a slight pet peeve of technology though. In this current technology boom, with as much as computers can do, they’re still slightly behind on one important fact. Sometimes “as the crow flies” isn’t exactly a great way to gage something that is “close” or “nearby”.

We start off innocently enough in the new iPhone app 1BGraves. However, I quickly realize that this app has the same problem for me that Find a Grave Volunteer Service does. Halfway down that list, you can see it gives a nearby cemetery of ‘Potomac Cemetery’ in Hague, Virginia. Oh. It says the cemetery is 17 and a half miles away.

Continue reading “Slight Problem with Mapping Software”

Diary of Llewellyn: May 30, 1923

League held sale of ice cream, peanuts, candy & soft drinks on lawn. Also had Tag Day for Fresh Air Fund. Verona & Cald. joined together for Tag Day. Geo got up team to play Prisoners in afternoon. Geo’s team won 16-17. He had Dwight – Jim Cozier – Joe Schiarone – Steph. Hall – Bill Hicken – Roy VD – Paul Sigler – Frank Craighead & himself on team. Ma, Pa & I took ride to Suffern. I took Margaret for a little ride around the block.

Next Entry: May 31, 1923

Decoration Day, 1923

Decoration Day, 1923. Caldwell, New Jersey

Did you know that Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day? I sure didn’t! Not until I came across a set of pictures that had Decoration Day 1923 written on the back. In fact, it wasn’t until 1967 when it was officially declared Memorial Day by federal law!

Diary of Llewellyn: May 27, 1923

Beautiful Day. Went to SS & church in morning. Layed down until about 3 o’clock. Pa, Ma & I then took ride up to Newfoundland & Stockholm. Got home about 7 o’clock. Ma & Pa took ride after they had supper but I went to bed. Geo – Donald – 2 Smiths & Holly went swimming. Got 2 bridge then went down to Verona Lake. Geo upset Dinl. Smith & Holly in the water canoe.

Next Entry: May 28, 1923

A Change of Plans

You may or may not be wondering where I have been lately. It just so happens I’m on active jury duty. I finished up a trial yesterday and I’m free today, after that, only the judge knows!

In the midst of all this, my grandfather moved to Southern Maryland. So to say my life has been hectic would be an understatement! It’s all going good though, I just have a busy few weeks ahead of me. I’m hoping to settle back into my routine in the next week or so, or at least finding a new one. I haven’t had much time for computer related things. I’ve been falling asleep much earlier then I used to! I guess that’s the results of a busy lifestyle!

The great thing is that I’m getting plenty of stories from Grandpa. Even some new pictures!

Thorward & Van Duyne
Thorward & Van Duyne