What prompted us to put the story of Orville and Edith together was the discovery of a green Samsonite suitcase in our mother’s home filled with our grandfather’s notes about his life and that of his wife and children.

It became clear that a few years before his death, age and severe arthritis in his hands halted any dream he had of completing his written story. As you will see on the following page, we just picked up where he left off.

Peggy initiated this project by meticulously putting the pieces of paper together; multiple pages of notes he had compiled over decades from Orville and Edith’s families, numerous documents and photographs.

The initial volumes were completed in time for our mother, Edith May, to enjoy during the final years of her life. The sheer delight and pleasure she had reading through the pages, seeing old photographs and letters was a precious gift.

After our mother’s passing, Diana continued this family history. She added photographs, archival materials, transcribed letters and articles, editing and enriching the book with supplementary details. In the end, our lives are enhanced by getting to know our grandparents from their earliest days onward to discover the rich tapestry of their lives.

You, too, will gain a unique perspective on your own life by exploring our family history. As you uncover these stories of your ancestors, you will come across tales of resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity. You will appreciate the struggles and triumphs of your ancestors which can inspire gratitude and resilience in your own life as you realize that the challenges and achievements you face are part of a larger narrative built upon the foundations laid by your forebears.

And remember, once the people we love are gone, so are their stories, unless they leave behind a treasure trove like our grandfather did. What a gift!

January 2025