Ghost of Christmas Memories

The Merriest of Christmases to you and yours!

Ghost of Christmas at Rocky Grove

Well, it has been quite a jouney, from Grandma Redmond's house on Grandview Road; Grandma Redmond's silver Christmas Tree on Park Avenue; opening presents at Grandma Reese's house in Seneca; the family gathering in 1979 at Bobbie's in Seneca which began the tradition of the neighborhood open house on Christmas Day. But that is not where is ended. Our family Christmas gatherings continued when Bobbie moved to Rocky Grove and it was there that we ushered in the next generation of our family. And while the 4th picture was not technically taken on Christmas Day--it was Christmas time as evidenced by the tree in the background.

Our family has come along way and while many are no longer with us, those memories remain, and we now have the hope of a new generation. So Merry Christmas Eve to all of you!

Ghost of Christmas at Bobbie's Open House

After the family Christmas gathering at Bobbie's in 1979, a new tradition started with the annual open house at Bobbie's on Christmas Day. In addition to family, the Seneca neighbors and friends were added to the mix--Kennemuths, Conns, Keefers, and the wide variety of friends that came into our lives over the years. The food was amazing; the fellowship unsurpassed; and how can we take about those open houses without giving a nod to the live entertainment from Denny. So what song do you think those guys are singing? Note the picture of Grandma Reese and my Grandma Melat who were serving up a very runny blackberry pie.

Ghost of Christmas at Bobbie's in Seneca

In 1979, the family Christmas celebration transitioned to Bobbie's house. That Christmas, the three Redmond sisters and their husband were together, possibly for the last time. We started the day opening presents at Grandma Reese's house and then later in the day reconvened at Bobbie's for a meal and a great time together. In the first picture, back, left to right, Ethel, Bob, Lois, and Dick; front, Hazel and Paul.

The other three pictures are snap shots of the family throughout the day. Note that Grandpa Green was there.

Ghost of Christmas in Seneca

Bob and Ethel moved to Main Street, Seneca in 1942. A lot of Christmas' where celebrated in that house over the years. So many memories. One of my favorite Christmas pictures is the one of Bob, Betsy, Todd, Bobbie, and Terry at the Christmas Tree, taken around 1956.

Jumping to a Christmas which I guess was in 1973 with Grandpa and Grandma Redmond. Around the table from left to right, Bob, Dick, Lois, Ethel, Betsy, Todd, Grandma Redmond (Grandpa Redmond must have taken the picture). The second picture is of Grandpa Redmond, Todd, Ethel and Grandma Redmond.

Next we move ahead to about 1977 (based on how old Kory was); it was the advent of the artificial Christmas tree with the gold silk ornaments; remember the silver velour couch and love seat (although it looks gold in the picture); the "cherry picker" picker lamps that Grandma Reese made; and the fire place which had the changing season's picture above it--although it looks like Grandpa didn't change to the winter scene that year; and Betsy's dog Buffy and Todd's dog--what was his name? Was it Dusty--not to be confused with Dukie, that black dog of Todd's which as I remember it only snared at us kids...

Ah, memories...

Ghost of Christmas on Park Avenue

In the 1950's Al and Myrtle built a new house on Park Avenue in Oil City. That house always held a great deal of interest for me, from the pink flamengos in the bathroom; the lake scene with the girl in the bikini in Grandpa's bedroom; the great basement with the pine paneling, and the ping pong table; the satin pillows on the back of the gold sofa in the living room; and at Christmas the amazing silver Christmas Tree with the rotating multi-color spot light! It is funny that I have seen those silver trees for sale in stores this year. Like bell-bottoms, I never thought I would see those come back into style! But the sight of them brought back very fond memories of Grandpa and Grandma Redmond!

The pictures of the Christmas meal at Grandpa and Grandma Redmond's house probably took place in the early 60s after Terry and Bobbie were married. Going around the table from left to right, Grandma Redmond, Ethel, Todd, Sharyn, Betsy, Dale, Lois, Dick, Grandpa Redmond or Bob.

This wouldn't be complete without pictures of Grandma and Grandpa Redmond's silver Christmas Tree.

Ghost of Christmas Past

You will be visited by the spirits of Christmas Past over the next several days (he said for dramatic affect). For some, these will bring back memories of Christmas' past; and for others, these pictures will give us snapshots back in time of how our family has celebrated Christmas' over the years. From Christmas' at Grandma and Grandpa Redmond's houses in Oil City; to Bob and Ethel's in Seneca; to the Open Houses at Bobbie's, it is truly a journey through time. So touch the hem on my sleeve (ok, enough with the Dickens references), and we go to Grandma and Grandpa Redmond's house behind the shop on Grandview Road in Oil City, well, at least I think that is where these pictures were taken (some may have been taken at Bob and Ethel's house in Seneca). The first picture (one of my favorites) is of Al and Bob, perhaps playing with the kid's toys--note the Sno-Master sled and the television in the background; the second picture a very smiley Grandma Redmond in from of the Christmas tree--wonder who the present was for; and the third picture is of Bobbie and Todd decorating the Christmas tree with Grandpa Redmond.

Enjoy!