Floyd and Lala Banister "daily diaries" from 1945 to 1980. Over the years, I have inherited 34 daily diaries kept by my great-grandparents, Floyd and Lala Banister, from 1945 to 1980. I met Floyd and Lala when I was a young child and have a few distinct memories of them. They lived in the house … Continue reading Floyd and Lala Banister: Daily Diaries
Author: brooksfamhist
Stories from WWII
Edward Hilden Today marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. Reflecting on the events of that day, I am humbly reminded of the service and sacrifice of the men who risked their lives to save nations. It also reminds me that several of my ancestors served in the military and how much I … Continue reading Stories from WWII
A Memorial Day Miracle
Burial site of Samuel Madison at Beaufort National Cemetery. In 2014, I had the opportunity to accompany my husband on a work trip to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina during the week before Memorial Day. The weather was great, the ocean was beautiful, and I had plenty of time to catch up on some … Continue reading A Memorial Day Miracle
Remembering Mother
Russell, Ellen, Eri, and Lala Tabor. As Mother's Day draws near, I have been thinking about my wonderful mother, my unforgettable grandmothers, and all the women that hold a place of honor in my family tree. This week, I want to recognize two of the women in my family: Lala Tabor Banister and Ellen Surbrook … Continue reading Remembering Mother
Grandma’s Tips: Citing Your Sources
Over the last month or so I have been sorting and organizing my Grandma Mona's family history research. Several times during the years before she passed away, she asked me to organize it and donate what I could to the library. Grandma did the majority of her research from about 1999-2011. During this time, records … Continue reading Grandma’s Tips: Citing Your Sources
Serendipity
Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana For months, I toyed with the idea of starting this blog to document my family history research, discoveries, and experiences. And for months, I postponed and procrastinated. What would I write about? How would I write it? Would anyone read it? Which blog platform would I use? … Continue reading Serendipity
Serendipity and Family History 