21 August, Quonochontaug, Rhode Island
The “This day” in the “This day in history” category is often a loose approximation. I can only guess at the actual date that my late grandfather took this picture of my father (left) and my late uncle. Posting it today would put it exactly a month before the massive and infamous hurricane of 1938 devastated the east coast of North America.
As the people of Rhode Island dug themselves out from under the wreckage, the world’s eyes were on Hitler, Chamberlain, and a certain little adventure in Czechoslavakia.
My grandfather was a keen photographer, and I can still remember many of his pictures. One in particular stands out, though I am not sure whether it was ever really taken or only exists as an image in my mind, a product of stories: a single length of rusty pipe sticking up out of a sand dune. After the hurricane it was all that remained of the house they had rented on this beach each summer.
Dear Isogloss person
My brother [...] lives in New Hampshire and we have been estranged for a few years and now are repairing a relationship. What does this have to do with me? you ask. Well being the random gatherer that you appear to be, you may understand why I am compelled to write to you.
I asked him for pictures of his house which I may visit on my way back from a residency in Maine (I am an artist) because I am a visual person and like to see where I am going. He responded with a long email that began with a fascinating letter from you… I was so interested in your story that I clicked on your web site and I have been exploring it for an hour. You and your wife Magda and your Baby are beautiful and interesting and the history and range of topics on your site is rich.
I hope you will not mind if I follow your site and comment from time to time.
With regards
[...]
PS I have a long story too atlthough colorful in significantly different ways than yours….
Comment by Carol LeBaron — Tuesday 13 September 05 @ 13.17 MDT+2.00