The lost art of...

Sending a postcard.   

Over 20 years ago, I took receipt of Grandma Irene's memorabilia.  It was a giant box that included a hodge podge of photos, invitations, announcements and postcards.    Lots of lots of postcards- as we all knew that Grandma loved to get mail- and hear of our adventures.   

Most of the items- got sorted and sent back to the original source.  With the exception of the items that Audrey had sent to Irene.   Even then, I knew  that sending them to Richard- would only land them in a box, drawer or possibly the trash.   I decided to keep them-not sure what I would do with them.  I only knew that  to me- they were a reflection of the mother-daughter exchange I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to.

Yesterday- after deconstructing the scrapbooks, I remembered the postcards and decided to pull them out.   Imagine my delight- when I could now align these assorted postcards with the epic family adventures Audrey had memorialized thru her scrapbooks.  And while the ink is fading- I think it is worth sharing here on the blog-  for the sending of postcards is indeed a lost art...

The earliest postcard in the collection that was saved- post marked August 24, 1966...

Twilight on the Dunes...Cape Cod

Audrey writes Hi- made it here today.  Rained buckets all day yesterday.  Laura really likes to watch the fishing boats unload.  Leave for Boston tomorrow.    A second postcard- dated one day later reads Dear Mom, arrived at Cape Cod today.   Am having a good trip.   Weather has been rather cloudy.   But no rain yet.  Laura is having a great time but getting lonesome for playmates.   The scenery is beautiful.

Editors note- I am curious what took this young family to the East Coast and where was I?   I suspect I was left with Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Royal- as I would have only been 13 months old.   Was it a conference?   Who knows- but I find it curious that as family stories go- I have no recall of the parents traveling to the East coast.

The next jump is to 1967- the year of the epic road trip I mentioned in yesterday's post.

Dated 6.19.1967 Audrey writes Dear mom, if you think you have had rain you should see the fields out here.  Made it to Cedar Rapids Saturday night.   The girls are being real good so far.  The weather has been fairly nice.  Only rains while we are driving.  Toured the Amana colonies yesterday but nothing was open.

US Highway No 30 and Green River, 

parallel the Palisades and Toll Rock west of Green River Wyoming

Dated 6.21.67 Audrey writes We spent a wonderful one day and 2 nights with Jimmy and Jack.  Had a heavy rain yesterday.   They wanted us to stay longer and made us promise we would stop on our way back.

Editor's Note- A little foreshadowing- for some 20 years later- Jack and Jimmy would become the closest family for Audrey and Richard...during a time when family was needed most...

Continuing westward...

LDS Tabernacle Salt Lake City, Utah

Dated 6.22.67. Audrey writes Arrived here after traveling through all sorts of weather.  Had a bad storm last night.  Had a good time in Boulder.  Saw much beautiful. scenery today.  Many mountains still have snow on them.

Editor's note- I have been to Salt Lake- many times...but I am not sure I've ever seen this angle of the Tabernacle.   The beauty of a postcard is it transports us back and invokes our own set of memories.   

More foreshadowing- Audrey and Richard would return to Temple Square...at least one more time as I took this picture- Easter weekend 1984

Zion National Park, Utah.  

View looking east towards Great Arch of Zion from Park Headquarters

Dated 6.26.67 The narration starts to shift in some of the postcards.  This one was sent by Laura and Martha.  We write (with prodigy like penmanship I might add!). Dear Grandma, we are having a great time.  Today we went swimming in a little brook near our campsite.  We talked to an Indian woman and went on a long hike.  Saw a deer and went thru a tunnel.  It is hot today- near 90 degrees.  Last night was 36.  No rain since Friday.  Hugs and Kisses- Laura and Martha

Editor's note- Another invoked memory- as we have been to Zion in recent years.   I even recall telling Richard how excited I was to "finally make it to Zion".   He either forgot about this trip-or chose not to burst my bubble that I had been there before.   Nobody expects a 2 year old to remember such a trip- but curious he didn't refresh my memory either...another reframing opportunity- he was giving me the opportunity to form my own memories of such a beautiful place as Zion.

Glitter Gulch, Las Vegas Nevada

Daylight finds peace but no quiet along Fremont street- 

the busiest and most exciting three blocks in the world.

Dated 6.29, we are back to Audrey's narrative Arrived here early this morning.  Decided to drive during the night.  Plan to do the same tomorrow.  Desert temp during the day is 116.  Laura pulled the handle on a slot machine and five nickels came out.  It sure has been hot and very windy in the desert.   Tomorrow to Zona's and a few days in California.  

Editor's note- Ah- there's the proof!   It had been a long held family story of how Little Laura played the slots when she was in Vegas.  Now we know the when and how much she walked away with.  Big win, sis- $0.25!   Slow down high roller!

Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument

The Assembly Room

I can't quite make out the date on this next one- but it is part of the same sequence.  Dear mom, we are on our way again.  We spent 3 days with Zona and family.  The wedding was very nice.  Am touring the coast now and will return to LA and then Disneyland.   This castle is truly beautiful.  All is well.   The rest at Zona's helped a lot!

Editor's note- The referenced wedding is that of Marty and Patty Volla.  I'd totally forgotten that Audrey's favorite cousin- Zona lived in California.  As a mom, I suspect it was wonderful to finally be off the road and out of the car with 2 little ones.  Still pretty impressive parenting to take on such a road trip.

Moving on from this trip- the next collection of postcards involves a time leap to 1969-

My Old Kentucky Home, State Shine

Bardstown, Kentucky

Dated 3.29.1969-  Audrey writes "We are on our way to South Carolina.  Richard tried to call last night, no answer.  Left home at 110m on 3.27.  Remind me to never complain about the traffic on Butte Mortes Bridge.  Spent the entire afternoon in one mass traffic jam.

Editor's Note- This one also struck a cord of nostalgia- as Dom and I camped at this place in 2021...although it's now been promoted to State Park status.  And- if she was complaining about traffic in 1969- can you imagine what she'd think about today's roads?   I feel like this adventure was related to the parents trying to decide between grad school in South Carolina vs. Arizona- but I could be mistaken.  

A second postcard from the girls was sent soon after- with Laura actually signing her own name...

Rhododendron in bloom near Newfound Gap

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Dated 6.30.69 The girls write Dear Big Grandma- saw a few pretty flowers like this today.  It is nice and warm in Columbia.  Mom toured the Baltimore House.  Big and fancy.  Had pancakes this morning, love Laura and Martha

Editor's notes-  A chatty pair are we I see?  

Another time jump...

Little Red School House

Knott's Berry Farm and Ghost Town, Buena Park CA

The girls are continuing to send the card- 

Dated 1.27.71. Dear Grandma, We really enjoyed Knott's Berry Farm.  Today to Disney Land.  Yesterday we were kissed by a monkey, rode down a waterfall in a log.  It's been so much fun! Love Laura and Martha

And well look here- that there is the monkey smooching on Martha!  

and Laura too!

The power of the postcard- records the story when the story tellers are now longer here to tell the story...

Fremont Street

A day view of "Glitter Gulch" looking east 

and towards the gambling center of Las Vegas

Looks like another trip happened a few months later. 

 This one is dated 4.6.1971. Audrey writes "Being on Fremont Streets made me right Fremont Wisconsin (she had addressed the card to Irene in Fremont, but scratched it out and wrote Weyauwega). The tests are over, no results but Richard felt he did his best.  We saw three shows, the best being Robert Goulet.  Man- what a voice.   The slots we lousy.  Love Audrey and Richard. 

Editor's Note- So- my guess is that it was in the Spring of 1971- that Richard completed his course work for his EdD.  Obviously- he would go on to earn said degree- so it's pretty safe to say- he passed the test.    

 Was this a trip to celebrate the completion of school or a birthday get away for Audrey- regardless the reason- it puts a smile on my heart to read of the parents taking some time to get away from the responsibilities of home and work.   

Pershing Square

Showing Biltmore Hotel

Los Angeles California

Dated 2.19.1972. Audrey writes "We arrived in LA yesterday.  The folks came with us.  Grandma decided they should fly, so they now have experienced their first plane ride.  She may never admit this, but I know she has decided it is the only way to travel.  Richard is at the convention so I am off on a tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills.  We are staying at the Biltmore.  Tomorrow we will be spent with the folks and Uncle Virgil.

Editor's Note- Seriously- the power of the postcard is blowing me away this afternoon...This card coupled with this old photo- could it be- the reason they took the picture was to celebrate the first time the grandparents flew?  

And that- yes- this photo was likely taken around the same time- I love the KFC buckets- as they remind me of Uncle Virgil- his doppelgänger. 

And the family is on the move yet again...

Deep In the Heart of Text- Six Flags and Famous Oil Wells

Dated 7.19 (most likely 1972) Audrey writes We left Tucson yesterday about 4 pm and are half way to Georgia.  Man- Texas is Big.

Editor's Note- You aren't kidding- Audrey.  Having made the drive myself a time or two.   Again- blown away by the mileage this pair would log in any given day!   Of course, I can also hear Richard chiming in with a "Hurry up, we're burning daylight!"  

The postcards taper off at this point.  Was there less traveling?  More phone calls? Letters exchanged?  Or maybe saving the postcards just didn't make the cut?  

The Hope Diamond- National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Institute

7.26.1973-  It would be my turn to send the postcard to Grandma (with some scribe support from Audrey- my handwriting has never been that crisp)..I wrote Dear Grandma- I'm sure having a great time, but my feet sure are very tired.  The diamond sure is pretty.  I also got to see the Shah of Iran and the President arrive in the helicopter.  Also went through the White House.  Love Martha

Editor's Note- We had unearthed the photos- but the postcard gives us a timeline for when we had visited DC- right around my 8th birthday.   

Another big jump...to 1985.

By this time- Audrey and Richard had moved yet again- to Wyoming and Audrey would be starting the decline of her health..

Superstition Mountain- 

Located east of Mesa at the gateway to the Valley of the Sun

Audrey writes "Weather is beautiful.  80 degrees.  Stayed with Craig last night.  Mostly just drove around yesterday.  Going down to Tucson today.  Return late Tuesday evening.

Editor's note- I recall seeing photos of Audrey and Craig- but didn't recall the context.  Now it seems like perhaps they took a trip down memory lane to the Arizona desert.  Ah, so many little details come into focus...

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Dated 10.23.87...Audrey writes "Connie and Shirley are having a great time.  Weather is cold but sunny.  Have seen many animals, buffalo, elk but so far no jackalopes.   Richard informed me tonight that we will be babysitting a parrot.  Should be home by Friday.  I'm doing well, pain in leg from too long of bus riding.

Last girl's trip...

Editor's note- This one tugs at the heart a little more than any of the others.  Putting the pieces in place- this was likely not just the last true vacation she would take with her besties- but the pain she mentioned is likely not from sitting but from the advancing cancer, as it had spread to her bones.   And yet here she was- traveling with her besties...showing them the beauty that is Wyoming. 

A few more postcards were found...noting that we had indeed "understood the assignment"...to connect with Grandma via a postcard- even after Audrey was no longer around to prompt us to do so..

Smile, Please

Mickey and his favorite pals pose for a group portrait 

in front of Disneyland's most picturesque location- Sleeping Beauty Castle

12.24.1990 Laura writes Dear Grandma, Miss Martha and I are having a great time.  We've been together for 9 days and no fights.  She did however threaten to remove the batteries from my camera.  Today is Christmas Eve, which we will spend with our friends and neighbors, the Wallers.  Miss you, Love Laura

It's a good thing I didn't make good on my threat- otherwise we wouldn't have this photo that confirms the facts within the post card!

Editor's summary- while I can certainly appreciate why postcards have fallen out of favor (have you seen the cost of postage?!)...there is indeed something special that is conveyed when you send a postcard.  

It reflects that you are making time during your travels, to  collect your thoughts  and summarize them to fit into that that tiny little square. You have to buy a stamp and find a mail box.  It's a gift that extends way beyond the simple card.

It's a way of saying...

  "Hi mom- I love you and I miss you...and wish you were here...!"

And that's a sentiment that will never be lost...

Road Trip Reflections

As we know- Richard spent a lot of his retirement years traveling.    I am not sure there was anywhere left on his travel wish list when his body began to fail and traveling was no longer as joyful as it once was.  

And while we enjoyed seeing him explore the world, at least for me- it was always a bittersweet memory.  Audrey didn't make it to the retirement era-where time is plentiful and you get to "go-go" if that's your choice.   At least in my mind- I felt she was cheated out of the thrill of travel.  

But what I discovered today- is that I need to change this narrative  

You see- I finally tackled the last box of "inherited memories"

It was a medium sized moving box that I brought back from WI nearly 2.5 years ago.  In it- were all of Audrey's travel scrapbooks.  Not the photo album types, but the good old fashioned 12x15 albums with tan paper.  Albums (4 in total I think) filled with faded maps, postcards, pamphlets, guidebooks, receipts, hotel napkins and restaurant menus.  You name it- she saved it as proof that she was there- like any proud scrapbooker is taught to do!

Now granted, there aren't many notes or reflections shared on the pages of these albums.   I think that just wasn't the "thing" back then.   But even in the absence of a narrative- I found that Audrey had experienced the gift of travel- in abundance!   

*editors note- the photos in this post do not necessarily directly correspond to the words I am writing.  Instead- they are a collection that reflect travel thru the years.  

There was the honeymoon in 1959- to Green Lake and Sheboygan, WI.

There was a road trip to Washington DC and New York City- with a playbill from Flower Drum Song (dang mom- I haven't  seen a play on Broadway!).

There was a visit to Seattle's World Fair in 1962- complete with pit stops at all the places Instagram now tells us are must see experiences.   

There were multiple camping trips- and we aren't talking just "up north" like most fellow Wisconsinites.  

Nope- Richard and Audrey camped their way across the plains, through the Rockies, to the coast and up to Canada- on multiple occasions.   

They took in the southern charm and history of the south with multiple trips to the Carolinas..

And what I found most admirable was that they took their two young daughters on an epic adventure in 1967.  

Do the math- unless I was a prodigy- they were traveling with a child not potty trained in an era before disposable diapers.

This woman

 was a warrior long before cancer challenged her to show us all what a feisty fighter she was- A road trip with young children takes serious commitment to the plan! But...I digress...

Let this be a reminder to us all- 

don't let the realities of life get in your way of taking a road trip.   

Pack the bags and hit the road-

it's what Richard AND Audrey would want you to do!  

T

Celebrating 65 years...

Later this week, Laura and I will be headed "home" to join in celebrating a milestone anniversary for some family friends.   

This happy couple will be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary!   

But you know who else would have celebrated their 65th this month? 

Yep- these two..

As Richard and Audrey were married 8.22.1959

So in honor of what would have been our parents 65th anniversary- I thought I'd do a little creative writing.   Neither Richard or Audrey shared with us a lot about their lives before becoming parents- and their courtship and subsequent wedding would be no different.   

It is what it is- it just means that we are left to our own devices for crafting a story based on the bits and pieces that were shared with us over the years.

Fear not for I am a voracious reader of all things chick-lit and have been known to spend some time in the company of the Hallmark Channel- so with a little help from google and some creative liberties...I hope I can do their story justice!

The Story of Us-The Granum edition..

Element #1- Two Lovable Characters

As we know- a good rom-com features two very lovable characters...

and for sure we have that...

Let's start with our female lead...Audrey

The second daughter of the second daughter...this girl had some spunk! 

And while  her childhood would be marked by the tragic loss of her father in 1943...

when Audrey was just 7 years old

She would show us all that she was going places..

and we don't mean just to the junior prom!

As for our leading man- well, Richard also was a man of many talents...

From adorable baby

to hard working farm lad...

this kid  also was going places...

and we don't mean just to  the county fair with his award winning gladiolas!

*well- he did that too...a couple times in fact if his stories are to be trusted

ELEMENT #2- The Meet cute

Essential to any good rom-com is the moment our characters meet, aka the meet cute.   

There was a wholesome camp counselor..

and the dashing new high school grad..

because yes, back in those days you could 

participate in 4H until your mid-20s.

When in the summer of 1951-on the sparkling shores of Green Lake...

there would be a barn dance marking the end of

a great adventure at 4H camp..

And at this dance- the boy would ask the girl to dance..

and voila-

You've got your meet-cute!

Editorial side bar- while it is unclear if this is the actual barn that they met-it is reported that this barn- the William Carey barn on Green Lake was used by the US Military to hold some 400+ German POWs in 1944.  It's the only barn that popped up on google images for Green Lake-so we'll just go with that.  

Element #3- A unique or troublesome situation

Now in a Hallmark classic-soon after the couple meets something epic would occur that would pose a problem for the new couple. 

 In the case of Richard and Audrey- nobody would be selling the family farm to a developer (that would have to wait for the next generation), nor was either one already promised to someone else (hmmm...define promise- as there were obligations to Uncle Sam that would need to be completed).

   Nope for these two- the troublesome situation was just basic arithmetic

with an age difference of 3 years...it meant that 

Audrey still had a few years of high school left..

and Richard was headed off to college at the newly renamed

Wisconsin State College-at River Falls..

With a 2 year stint in the US-Army following college graduation in 1955

Just for the curious- we are now approaching the six year mark- their story was clearly not going to make it onto the next episode of "90 Day Fiancé!" 

Element #4- At least one great side kick

Experts in this genre of story telling note that while the main characters have to be lovable (which while we are biased, can both agree that they are)- You also need to have at least one side kick that is absolutely unforgettable!

For this love story to take flight- the side kicks  would be Phyllis and Royal...

Let's see how they fit into the script- so it started with Richard and Royal meeting each other on the college debate team at River Falls.   

One weekend- Royal invited Richard to join him as he went "home" to visit his  high school sweetheart

A young Phyllis Bohren...

And well, wouldn't ya know it- in the true Hallmark way- 

Phyllis just happened to be the older sister 

Audrey, Phyllis and their "cousin" Zona

of that sweet young counselor he had danced with the summer before!  

 if  Hallmark classics have taught us anything...

 we know exactly where this love story is headed...

Straight to the altar...

Ah, but we're getting ahead of ourselves, aren't we? 

Element #5- A super fun montage

Now this is the part of the story- where all the wonderful photos of the young couple doing cool things together occurs.   However, I am sad to report- there are few photos from this era.

It's possible that the photos for the super fun montage are now in some landfill in Lacrosse County 

*if you know what I mean-boxes of slides tossed in the great purge of 2022

But it's more than likely that there weren't any photos.  After all-we're talking about a man who never got around to tossing his wife's chemo wigs-and moved the bag containing said wigs several times in the 34 years that followed her passing.

*those wigs we made sure were sent to the landfill

   

More than likely-the absence of photos is a reflection of the times.   A college kid and a working girl-didn't have a lot of discretionary income to spend on photos.   

Instead- we shall go with what artifacts we do have..

A card was saved...

with a signature

and a note..

Element #6- Relationship in jeopardy

There comes that time in every classic rom-com that the relationship is put to the test.  Somebody gets called away-back to the big city or home to help save the family Christmas tree farm.   

For these two- the call came from Uncle Sam- and Richard found himself headed out to complete a two year assignment in South Carolina

What exactly he did while in the service remains somewhat of a mystery

...the stories always changed-depending on the volume of cocktails and their potency!

Element #7- The Lightbulb moment

Element #8- The Grand gesture

It's that moment in the story- where the couple realizes hey we belong together....and while we have no idea what occurred to spark that realization...we do know what the grand gesture was...

Do you recall in Sleepless in Seattle when Annie notes that "you make a million decisions that mean nothing and then one day, you order take out and it changes your life?"

Well for Audrey- she didn't order take out- but with a little prompting from her big sis- she sent Richard a valentine. 

Make that  she sent him THIS valentine..

A rather simple in design and sentiment, right? 

But it was this simple card that sent a powerful message...I'm still single and interested.

Knowing just how reserved Audrey could be- well- you go girl!

I told ya she had spunk!  

Element #9- Happy Ending

A staple of every romantic comedy is the "happily ever after"...and guess what- with this part- no creative energy is required on my part- as their nuptials were featured in the local newspaper-  Instead- all that's left to be done is add the photos to the text featured in the paper!   Easy peasy!

Hope Evangelical and Reform Church in Fremont was the scene of the nuptials that took place at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.  Two large bouquets of white and yellow gladioli and small arrangement of the same combination on the alter were the decor.

The Rev. Gale Wolf of Madison read the service uniting

the daughter of Mrs. Clarence Bohren, Weyauwega, and the late Clarence Bohren and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Granum of Holmen, WI. (also in this photo is Richard's grandmother-Lena Volla)

Bridal attire was a floor length gown of white organza fashioned with scoop neckline, short, gathered sleeves and a skirt with appliqués that had sequins and pearl trim.  The same adornment was used on the crown head piece.   Sweet-heart roses and stephanotis were the flowers comprising the bride's bouquets.

Mrs. Royal Fraedrich, sister of the bride appeared in wood hue blue organza over lighter blue taffeta as did the others in the wedding part, Miss Constance Bassuener, Sheboygan and Mrs. Robert Granum, Chippewa Falls, sisterin-in-law of the bridegroom.   Their dresses were designed with bateaus neckline, light blue cummerbunds and full skirt.   They complemented them with light blue picture hats.

Flowers were crescent sprays of white glameilia with gladioli buds.

Another participant  was Lynn Fraedrich, the brides niece from Milwaukee, who was the flower girl.

 

*Family legend is that Little Lynn may have run down the aisle a tad too fast- and took a slight tumble-announcing to all that "oops I ran too fast!"   Cool Uncle Boo (aka Clair- the youngest of the Bohren siblings) would not let his niece ever forget that story-much to her great dismay!

Konvald Bergum of Hinkley, MN had the duties of best man and there were two groomsemen- Robert Granum, brother of the groom, and brother-in-law of the bride, Royal Fraedrich.  

     Two hundred guests were entertained

*I love how the photographer captured Audrey-mid laugh..

reflecting just how happy she was on her wedding day! 

 at a buffet supper and reception 

that was held in the church parlors.   

Mr. Granum has a bachelor's degree from Wisconsin State College, River Falls and a Masters degree was received in June from the University of Wisconsin.  Cudahy will be the future home of the couple- they will be residing there after Labor Day. 

Roll the credits... 

And as I wrap up this entry- I am reminded that love is not necessarily about how many days, months or years you've been together (or for that matter- how many days, months, or years it took to get to the altar), it is about how much you love each other every single day.

Richard and Audrey would not reach the milestone number we will celebrate this weekend...but I know without a doubt- that when these two exchanged their vows and declared their love before God and their family...they truly meant it!   

Happy Heavenly Anniversary- Mom and Dad..