Two and a half years ago (how can it be that long ago?!) I posted a series of 12 “episodes” called “My Grandfather’s Story,” which was the results of an interview of Grandpa conducted by a social worker when my grandparents were living in a senior apartment complex. If you want to check the story out, just type My Grandfather’s Story into the search bar of this blog and you will be taken to links to all the posts.
But my own family interviewed Grandpa (and Grandma, too) about life in “the old days,” as well!
I thought I would share a very brief clip where Grandpa is being interviewed about where he was born, and a bit about the neighborhood he was family was living in. It relates to a post where I wondered about a house the Leeuwenhoeks may have lived in. This would have been Grandpa’s Aunt Jen and Uncle Lou and their daughter Alice. You can find it here: Did the Leeuwenhoeks Live Here? After getting information from a reader, I posted Library Research on That Little House in the Woods.
Now we hear in Grandpa’s own words what he has to say about the neighborhood. When my mother asks about “the brick house,” she means Richard DeKorn’s (Grandpa’s grandfather) house. See it and read about it here: The Richard DeKorn House. My aunt Alice is seated on our left, and she begins the questions. Uncle Don is in the middle, and that is Mom on his other side.
One of the interesting points Grandpa mentions is that his grandfather, Richard DeKorn, owned three houses in the first block of Balch. By first block, I believe he means from the corner of Balch and Burdick. One would be the “brick house” he built himself. One of the others might be the Leeuwenhoek house.
Grandpa liked to tell stories about the past, so I think he would have liked these blog posts.
Grandpa and his father
The Family Kalamazoo 
I loved that. What a treasure for your family!
It is! He’s kind of adorable!
That so great! What a treasure!
I am so happy to have this video. Lots of cute parts to it, too.
How sweet! When was this recorded? I should do this with my parents, but they’d probably refuse…
Amy, this was recorded on December 25, 1986. Can it really be 30 years ago. My son and I are in some of the footage and my son was only two. Please ask your parents to do this. My MIL allowed herself to be interviewed, and I treasure the footage of that, too.
I know that I should, but my mother hates having her picture taken so she would definitely say no. My father might be willing, but he can be hard to predict!
Would she do an audio recording?
She hates her voice also! She’s just weird that way.
Hmm would you find it disrespectful to surreptitiously record her so your kids have her voice when they are old?
Well, I will ask them when I see them. Maybe I am mistaken. They do surprise me now that they are older.
You are very lucky to have these videos to add to your blogs!
Yes, there are other parts I would like to share. They compliment some posts I’ve written, too.
What a treasure!
Yes, it is!!!
I loved this interview with your grandfather!! Imagine being able to see them like that actually talking about his memories!! Wonderful, Luanne…
I also remember the series of the social worker’s interviews. I cannot believe that was 2 1/2 years ago!! We’ve been following each other for a very long time. I feel like I know your family now. Hard-working. Resilient. Courageous…a wonderful heritage.
Thanks for your kind words, Sheila. I’m so glad we are friends.
You are so fortunate to have this wonderful video clip of your grandfather.
A fantastic idea and a treasure!
I’m so glad they recorded this!