The original Elf on the Shelf, circa 1964

This is the 50th year, that this little fellow has adorned the family Christmas tree. He brings back many childhood memories.

One holiday season, many years ago, Joe and Norma had a holiday party to attend. Because of the hustle and bustle of the season, a babysitter was difficult to find. Grandma Rose agreed to watch the children, but she did not drive. Joe went and picked her up to bring her to our house. We always enjoyed every minute with Grandma, so were looking forward to the evening. It was a cold December day and the snow laid thick on the ground.

Joe and Norma were off, and Grandma was left with my brother and I. While we sat and talked, she relayed how she wanted to buy us a gift for Christmas. So we bundled up in our winter clothes and walked in the cold and snow to U-tell. The store was warm, so we unzipped our jackets and walked the isles. We were both young, and money did not mean much to us. We would stop and say to Grandma, 'oh, I would really like this', but Grandma only had $2 and would say, I just don't have the money for that.

My brother and I finally settled for these elves, mine green, my brother's red. When we returned home, we hung them on the tree. Every Christmas they have returned to adorn the tree and bring back all those precious memories of Christmas past and Grandma Rose.

A day at the Rose Garden, part 2

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Al and Dawn Paskowicz

Joseph Forrai(back side) and Al Paskowicz(far right)

Subject: Top: Al and Dawn Paskowicz. Bottom: Joseph Forrai and Al Paskowicz.
Date: late 1940's.
Location: Boerner Botanical Gardens, Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: Margaret Paskowicz.
Relationship: Father, paternal uncle and cousin.

While going through boxes, I found these photographs in an envelope with Al Paskowicz’s name on it. They are small photographs approximately 1 x 2 inches. I am thinking they are of Al, Margaret and Dawn about 1947 or 1948?

I sent them to my Cousin Dawn and her response is below:

Those pictures for sure were from the Botanical Gardens at Whitnall Park. I was there just a few years ago with my mother. Even though I haven’t seen the picture of the man with his back facing us, I’m pretty sure it’s your dad. Since I look about four years old in those pictures, I’d guess them to be from 1947. I’ll check my photo album where I saw some of the same ones.

I welcome comments from friends and family members who can provide information about the photographs.   For more information on Boerner Botanical Gardens and Whitnall Park, click link below:     Boerner Botanical Gardens

A day in the Rose Garden

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Subject: Dawn Paskowicz.
Date: late 1940's.
Location: Boerner Botanical Gardens, Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: Al Paskowicz.
Relationship: Paternal cousin.

While going through boxes, I found these photographs in an envelope with Al Paskowicz’s name on it.  They are small photographs approximately 1 x 2 inches. I am thinking they are of Al, Margaret and Dawn about 1947 or 1948?

I sent them to my Cousin Dawn and her response is below:

Those pictures for sure were from the Botanical Gardens at Whitnall Park. I was there just a few years ago with my mother. Even though I haven’t seen the picture of the man with his back facing us, I’m pretty sure it’s your dad. Since I look about four years old in those pictures, I’d guess them to be from 1947. I’ll check my photo album where I saw some of the same ones.

I welcome comments from friends and family members who can provide information about the photographs.

For information on Boerner Botanical Gardens and Whitnall Park click the link below:

Boerner Botanical Gardens