This was the family in 1948.

From the left: Jesse had just graduated from high school and was preparing to go away to college in September.

This picture was taken on Dale's wedding day; he too was leaving home.

Ray had been married for some time and was not living with us, but nearby. He soon escaped to parts unknown, and none of us ever heard from him again.*

Dad was up and about some; although pretty badly crippled up, he could get around.

Down in front is my little sister Beverly, about ten years old and the pride of the family, being the only girl and with all those big brothers.

Mom was not too happy that her family was growing up, but since the house was small, she was looking forward to having more room.

Herb was the youngest boy but the tallest of the group.

On the right is me.

This was the last time we were all together.

(In real life none us looked like Charlie Chaplin.)

*July 2001. Ray's children have just found out that Ray died in 1963, in Hollywood, California. A short time after Ray disappeared, in 1949 or 1950, his wife received notice that Ray's car was found abandoned in California. That is all any of us ever heard until now. Ray had always been the favorite one of the family, and to have him disappear with barely a trace was a very traumatic thing indeed. I would say we will all feel better now that we have some hard information.

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