As I write, it is early in the morning. I know that Papa is already awake, and that he more than likely was in bed right about 9:00pm last night. But I've always known that Papa is an "early to bed, early to rise" kind of guy. Now though, I know so much more. Prior to this project, I knew that Papa came from a large family, many of whom I've met at some point in my life. I knew that he was a strict father from stories my mom and my aunt have told. I knew that much of what he said, to an outsider, would be construed as highly racist and inappropriate - a product of his generation. I knew that he liked to hunt, but can't anymore because his Parkinson's Disease has made holding a gun unsafe. I knew that he loved me and all of my cousins. But there was so much to learn. 

 

I can't say that I will ever know all that there is to know about Papa. As he says, his life "ain't no different than anyone else's" and maybe not, but it's still unique.  While many people have stories of the Great Depression passed down in their families, not everyone has a story that begins with a family of 11. Our family's geneology book (A Miller-Emme Ancestry from Haydentown, PA and Surrounding Areas compiled by Kathryn Mercedes Cooley Miller)spans over 300 pages. A search in the old Uniontown newspaper archives for The Morning Herald  shows updates on Victor family reunions through the years such as this one, and this one. Many of the reunions were held at the Old Victor Furnace near Haydentown, PA. 

 

To me though, Papa has always been simply that, "Papa." When I was little, he would try to teach me to play the organ (I was not blessed with the family's musical gene), and he taught me how to play solitaire while sitting at his kitchen table. He loves to put together puzzles and can do it faster than anyone I've ever met. I hope that this has given you a closer look at his life and his family. I know that it sure has given that gift to me. 

 

 

-Emily