A Cherished Family Photo
Unveiling Memories from 1930
This weeks 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks prompt is ‘favourite photo’.
You know how some photos just stop you in your tracks? That’s what happened when I came across this one of my mother, Dulcie Patricia Herbert—or Patsy, as everyone called her. She’s about 18 months old, perched on a pillow in her christening gown, with her two much older brothers, Jim and Newt, standing proudly beside her.
It’s not just a photo—it’s a moment frozen in time, full of stories waiting to be told.
Was it a chilly June day in 1930 here in Western Australia? Did my grandmother fuss over getting everyone dressed just right? And what about my uncles? With a 15 and 17 year age gap between them and Mum, they were more like young men than boys. I imagine they felt both protective and a bit awkward, trying to strike the right pose while keeping their baby sister steady.
This photo tells more than one story. It’s about family bonds, improvisation (a wooden box to prop up the pillow, really?), and how, even during the tough years of the Great Depression, moments like a baptism were celebrated with pride and love.
I’ve shared more reflections on this cherished photo over on my blog. If you’re curious, you can read the full story here:
This isn’t just a photo it’s a doorway to my family’s history. Let me know if you have a favourite photo that connects you to your past. I’d love to hear your story!