Contagious Genealogy: A Pandemic

Whenever I try to think of some interesting living situations in the family tree, my mind always jumps to this photo of my great grandaunt, Grace Helen (Hinman) Boodleman. She moved in with Charles Boodleman on his homestead in Faith, South Dakota. This is them in front of their sod house with their two dogs in 1910. It truly looks as if the house was constructed to utilize as much of the shape of the land as possible, expending as little energy as needed to support the structure over their head. The patent was awarded to Charles in 1912, meaning he made all necessary improvements on the land to satisfy the Homestead Act requirements. It's as if they were living in their only little cave of sorts, and I love the plank walkway that curves and winds its way up to, what I imagine, was their front door. They also all look like they're enjoying their time lounging out front and posing for the photo -- even the pups! Grace (as well as her sister Fanny!) also obtained her very own hom...

  JUNE 19, 2021 Back in the 1940s, my paternal grandparents rented a home in Sierra Madre, California located at 838 Woodland Drive. Week 23: Bridges While this residence holds little to no ancestral value to our family, it interests me because it’s seated in a very unique location. For one, it’s the second to last home on a private lane leading up into the mountains, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the California highways and cities, giving it a quiet and serene feeling. Its street name of Woodland Drive makes perfect sense, as it feels as though you’ve stepped into the woodlands. For another, it’s at the crest of the Angeles National Forest. Considering this side of the mountain burns up nearly every fire season, it’s amazing to me that this house has stood the test of time. And most relevant to this week’s topic, it’s positioned in such a way that one needs to cross a bridge over a reservoir ditch in order to access the front door. It’s definitely unique to have your d...