In the summer of 1928 my grandmother Fannie, identified as “Mother” in the photograph above, was pregnant with her 4th child, Howard. He was born on September 6 and lived only 3 years before dying of Scarlet Fever. Older son, Mershell had died the year before after being struck by a truck on the way to school. But in this picture, she’s looking forward to the new child they believed had been sent to take his place. My mother Doris isn’t smiling but is giving the dog a pat.
To learn more about the members of the Graham family pictured, follow these links:
- Mershell Cunningham Graham 1921 – 1927
- Howard Alexander Graham 1928 – 1932
- Growing Up – In Her Own Words Doris Graham Cleage
- Mary Virginia Graham Colorized – 1938
- Fannie Mae Turner Graham 1888 – 1974 – part 1
- Jennie Virginia Allen Turner 1871 – 195
Is that Mershel in the second picture in 1927 with his sisters and the dog?
Yes, that is Mershell. I’m sorry, I thought I had a caption. Happy to see you here!
Howard and Mershell — what a sad connection. Toodles looks too big for his/her name but it’s cute.
(PS, You need to fix your link at SS.)
Thanks Wendy, I fixed it. Toodles started out a lot smaller 🙂
Very sad for your grandmother to lose both boys so young. What does MV stand for?
MV stands for Mary Virginia. She was named for both of her grandmothers.
You can see Toodles has grown between the photographs.
Your grandmother must have been a very strong woman to deal with the loss of two children in the space of 4 years. How heartbreaking. I had Scarlet Fever when I was five, but survived without much after effects. Treatment for the illness must have improved by then.
I believe scarlet fever is related to strep throat and is now treated by antibiotics, which were not available in the 1930s.
A poignant post, but lovely photographs of your family with Toodles.
Your poor grandmother – I would think losing a child in an accident would be the worst.
Even worse than sickness. Toodles looks like he’s posing with the kids in the final photo.
A fine looking pooch.
Such losses are so heartbreaking to think about. My female ancestors seem to have lost no children or multiple children, never just one.
I just love the 1920s hairdos. They act as a symbol for the whole era. See those hairdos and you know exactly the time you are in.
All those big dogs start out small, Toodles is no exception.
Toodles is an adorable name! So very sorry for your grandmother, it’s a loss you never ever get over.
Beautiful pictures and can feel the spirit and essence of family! I always feel like your memories come alive when I read them. Thank you so much for sharing your Ancestral journey with all of us and continue to honor the Ancestors!
I get a very real sense of your Grandmother’s strength from the top photo.
By the way, the quality of the camera & the person behind it is first rate.
Clear & True.