July 1956. Waiting our turn to board the ferry to cross the Straits of Mackinac. At this point on our family vacation, we have traveled nearly 1,500 miles. I remember the ear-splitting cacophony -- though I surely didn't use that word then -- of the seagulls, but not much else. For the most part, I have to re-enter this trip with the assistance of these photos in order to excavate any memories still inside my head. (From Great Falls, Montana.)
We still had nearly 1,000 miles to reach our next destination, Springfield, Massachusetts, Mom's hometown. That's about a 5,000-mile round trip, with a 6, 4, and 2 year old -- in the days before the interstate highway system, which President set in motion on June 29, 1956, with the signing of the Federal Aid Highway Act.
Construction started in 1954, and the bridge opened on November 1, 1957.
Barb and her brothers get their first look at an ocean.
Grandpa and Grandma Luthgren meet their granddaughter for the first time. (The other couple is my mom's younger sister's in-laws.)
Grandma reminds me a bit of Ethel Barrymore, without the imperiousness, and Grandpa of Tip O'Neill, without the Irishness. I come a long line of Swedes.)
Cooling off in Rockford, Illinois, Dad's hometown, before the long trip home. (It makes a nice caption, right? I have no idea on which of the 10 days in Rockford this photo was taken.)
All photos by Retiring Guy's dad
Related post:
Barb's summer vacation at Whitefish Lake, Montana. (2/1/2017)
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