And now you know why I treasure the stories and the photos left behind by people who were fascinated by the dimensions photography added to their storytelling! I have recently restored a scene from Centralia area about 1900 of my Grandmother, age ten or thereabouts (she was eight when they left Peoria, Ill)possibly her mother, one of her aunts (2 possibilities of name), and her younger brother picking hops. Now if I'd only known about this when she was alive, I'd have the story with it. And so I can't resist picking up the neglected photo albums, lonely instant ancestors who took time to pose for the camera and leave behind an untold story for me. Most precious of these is one from the Ott family of the CastleRock area. A young girl posed on the porch of a cabin/shack/HOME surrounded by forest---next to her is her doll buggy and china doll; on the other side is her dog. In her arms she has a badger on her shoulder and a kitten trying to get away. Exasperation at having to sit for the photo shows in her face. How I'd love to have known the story on this one. -------------- Wilma Bland wpb52@olynet.com