Preserving Your History

Henry Allingham, the world’s oldest man, died yesterday at the age of 113. He was the last surviving original member of the Royal Air Force and he fought – and survived – the First World War. When he was over 100 years ago, he started to talk to groups, the press about his generation and the huge losses they suffered in The Great War. He wanted to remind people about the true cost of war and to make sure that his “pals” were not forgotten.

A link to Henry’s autobiography

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My Words Are Gonna Linger

Do you have a story to tell? Have you thought about writing it down but talked yourself out of it? “No one would want to hear my story.” Not true! Maybe you just need some help to get started.

I would recommend you pick up a copy of “My Words Are Gonna Linger – The Art of Personal History” the anthology of life stories put together by the Association of Personal Historians (of which I’m a proud member). There are 49 stories gathered or written by the members of this organization. These tales range from lighthearted to deeply moving and personal. All show why it’s important to tell your story. (While you are at the website ordering your book, you can also pick up some practical tips for writing life stories. )

Your story is important. Get busy.

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Dear Ella,
You probably don’t remember much about your trip to Disneyland in April of 2009. 13 grueling hours of lines and concrete and brief, wild rides. The highlight of the day was your visit to the princesses. Your Aunt Pam waited in line for almost 90 minutes for you.  Just as you were about to go in the tent, you looked thoughtful and asked, “Do you think the princesses like spiders?”  I replied, “Good question! You should ask them. They’ve probably never been asked that before.”

You met Belle first. Clearly dazzled, you lobbed her a softball by asking if she liked butterflies. “Oh yes, I like butterflies.” Gathering steam (and encouraged by your aunts), you very seriously looked her in the eye and asked what was really on your mind. Do you like spiders? Belle stopped and then replied that she liked some spiders (a very diplomatic response) and you seemed satisfied with that.

Do you like spiders?

Ariel was next.  You were very troubled about Ariel’s daughter Melody. “Your daughter Melody became a mermaid. She left you.  Are you mad at her?  Do you still love Melody?”  I think Ariel was a little taken aback at how concerned you were.  “Melody is my daughter. I will always love her even if she’s far away.” Maybe you’re prepping for the day you become a mermaid and leave your castle for the big wide sea.

One more thing. When you rode the roller coaster at Space Mountain, you screamed throughout the ride for your mother (who was in the car in front of you and might as well have been on the moon).  As the car slowed at the end, you said in a trembling voice, “That was really scary.” After a tiny pause, you brightened. “Can we do it again?”

These memories are a treasure to your parents and aunties.  We hope they will be for you, too.

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I’d never seen a census form until last year. They are a snapshot of a household and they hold a tremendous amount of information about your history. These forms record names and relationships in the household, ages, occupations, education levels and veteran status. There is place of birth for the person recorded as well as the place of birth for that person’s parents. The 1930 census even asks if there is a radio in the home.

Rinne household in 1930

This is the form from 1930 which records a three-generation household consisting in part of my great-grandfather, my grandmother and grandfather and my mom and 2 aunts. My great-grandfather’s job is listed as ‘poultry man’ and my grandfather is recorded as a manager of a motor car company (a job that would soon end because of the depression).

Start the research on your own personal family history by logging on to Family Search and see what you might learn about your family in 1930.

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