Family Photos – 1961

I continue to go through photos, albums, and other family items in order to document things for future generations.  Next up, a family photo album that was stashed away in my parents’ home.  To start from the beginning, click here.

During 1961, it appears that Dad just took a few random photos.  I know he took more (because he took photos constantly) but these are the only ones that seem to have made it into the photo album.

Cary Cover Girl 1961

Nice hair, sis!  At least your bangs have finally grown out!

Deb now collects stamps

I have so many memories about stamp collecting.  The most important is that we were each given a “country” to collect and being the good Jewish girl that I was, I picked Israel.  I didn’t really care what country I collected but Israel seemed like the right thing to do at the time. 

After our parents had both died and we were cleaning out the house, the many books of stamps were still in the back store room where they’d resided, untouched, our entire lives.  What to do with them?  I know we could have done so many things but at that overwhelming time in our lives, it was just important to get rid of them.  No, we didn’t throw them out but we did leave most of them with the estate liquidator and I don’t think any of us want to know what happened to them.  But it’s nice to see this picture and remember the happy times of sitting with Dad putting our stamps in the appropriate books.

Cary and Debi 1961

Being that my parents never threw anything away, I can’t figure out if this was in our house (because none of it looks familiar) or somewhere else.  Either way, it’s a pretty cute photo and we are sure growing up!

Family Camp 1961

I’ve posted this photo of YMCA Family Camp before – it was crazy hat night!

The Jacksons Visit

Oh boy, this photo brings back so many memories.  The Jackson family (no, not THAT Jackson family) lived next door to us when I was born and although both families moved within a few years, they remained family friends throughout our lives.  They had three sons, the oldest of which was just a little older than me.  Of course Bob is the man in the photo and Joey, his wife, is on the right.  That’s my mom in the middle but I don’t know who the older woman is – perhaps Bob or Joey’s mother?  I also just noticed that the background is the same from the picture above so I’m guessing that to be our house.  And the card table and Bob’s chair looks familiar, too.

As I added this photo to the blog I began to wonder what happened to the family and started a quick search to see what I could find out.  I knew that Joey had died years ago (20?) but never knew what happened with Bob.  Sadly, I stumbled across Bob’s obituary and learned that he died at the age of 91 just over a year ago.  But included was a beautiful photo with his ever-present smile!  I’ve also sent an e-mail to Monterey Jazz Festival organization as I know that the oldest son has been involved with that organization for years.  I hope he gets in touch with me.

Yikes, what’s going on here?



I think my parents still had that bed in my old bedroom when we cleaned out the house!

Fluffy still with us

Yes, Fluffy is still around.  I remember that cat would go anywhere her heart desired – window sills, counter tops, wherever she wanted. 

This photo means a lot, even though I have no idea where it was taken.



That’s my mom with my sister and me.  You may not be able to tell but knowing that this is 1961 and little brother was born in November, Mom must be pregnant.  Debi, step aside just a little so we can get a better look at Mom’s tummy!

Only a few more pages left.