Sunday, July 5, 2009

Beneath the Oaks

803 Main St, Buchanan, MI Year unknown

My great-grandfather, Ashley Carlisle, celebrated his birthday every July 5th by having a picnic under the oak trees on his front lawn. Invited were any and all veterans from the area that wished to attend. People came from Chicago and perhaps even further away. Large tables were lined up end to end and covered with food. Often over 100 people attended. I am guessing that the last picnic was about 90 years ago. I can only imagine what a huge undertaking this was for Ashley and Anna and yet very little about it is found in the letters.

803 Main St, Buchanan, MI. April 2008

Some of the old oak trees may remain but the house is long gone and I assume a new one has been built on the site.

Our 4th of July celebration will take place this afternoon. A picnic will be held under the pines and there will only be 20 or so. Not quite the picnic of years ago but we'll be talking of those long ago days.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Ashley!

1 comment:

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Happy Birthday to your Grandpa! He sounds like he was one popular man and knew how to throw a bash!