Spirits of the Dead - Edgar Allen Poe

Today, I am reminded of Edgar Allen Poe and his poem, Spirits of the Dead. I truly hope that Poe was right.

Vintage Photo of Alfred Decker, Civil War Soldier - Circa 1800s

This photo is of Alfred Decker in his Civil War uniform. He was born in 1842 and died in 1914. His wife was Alvina Canfield.

At age 22, Alfred Decker mustered into the Union Army as a Private.

Alfred Decker’s obituary read as follows:

Alfred Decker, a veteran of the Civil War, who was injured in the Battle of Wilderness in Virginia, died at his home at Huguenot at 9:30 o’clock Monday night, after a long illness of old age and general debility. He was aged 72 years. The deceased was born in the town of Deerpark about 72 years ago and had always lived at Huguenot.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Decker. On September 4th, 1864, he enlisted in Company M, 15th Regiment, New York State Heavy Artillery. He was wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness on May 12th, 1864, and lost his right arm below the elbow and a thumb and a little finger on the left hand. He was discharged on September 29, 1864.

His funeral notice read as follows:

The late Alfred Decker married Elvina Campbell, who died thirteen years ago. He is survived by two sons: Charles and John Decker, and a daughter, Bella DeGraw of Huguenot, NY; three sisters, Mrs. Senia Jackson, Mrs. John Smith, and Mrs. Emma Naples of Port Jervis, and one brother, Abraham Decker of Philadelphia.

Vintage Photos of Europe - Circa WW II - Part 3 of 3

The following are photos that were taken during World War II. They were once the property of the late H.A. Decker:

Vintage Photos of Europe - Circa World War II - Part 2 of 3

The following are photos that were taken during World War II. They were once the property of the late H.A. Decker:

Vintage Photos of Europe - Circa World War II - Part 1 of 3

The following are photos that were taken during World War II. They were once the property of the late H.A. Decker:

Vintage Photo - World War II Veterans and Military Paperwork - Circa 1940s - Howard A. Decker

Vintage Newspaper Clippings - I.O.R.M. Morris Kent and Lyel Akin - Circa 1900s

Several relatives of the late Howard A. Decker were members of the Improved Order of Red Men. Proof may be found in the death notices of Morris Kent and Lyel Akin. The death notices for Morris Kent and Lyel Akin are provided below:

The history of the fraternal organization is an interesting one. It dates back to well before the Revolutionary War and has changed names over the years. A great deal of information about the organization’s roots may be found on The Improved Order of Red Men’s website. There is also a book available online titled, Official History of the Improved Order of Red Men, that may shed some light on the group’s origins for those that are interested in learning more.

Vintage Newspaper Clipping - Krause Murder - Coykendall - Cellino - Circa 1900s

Vintage Newspaper Clippings - John Charles Smith Killed - Circa 1900s

John Charles Smith (AKA Jack) ties into the late Howard A. Decker's family.

Arthur Golden - Memorable Quotes - Spring 2015

"Never give up; for even rivers someday wash dams away." - Arthur Golden

Vintage Newspaper Clippings - Police Report - Circa 1900s - William Decker

William Decker was born on January 27, 1896 and died on January 13, 1967. His parents were John Decker (1872-1934) and Almeda Sarine (1877-1927).

John Decker and Almeda Sarine had several children, including William, Amos and Helen. At one time, they lived in Orange County, New York.

John Decker's parents were Alfred Decker (1842-1914) and Alvina Canfield (1844-1902). Almeda Sarine's parents were John Sarine (b. 1853) and Mary Lavina Conkling (b.1860).

Edward Abbey - Memorable Quotes - Spring 2015

"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds."
- Edward Abbey

Vintage Photo of Father and Son - Dennis and Alfred Decker - Circa 1800s

This photo is of Alfred Decker and his father, Dennis. They once lived in Orange County, New York.

Dennis was born circa 1815 and married Mary Jane Ferguson circa 1845.

According to available U.S. Census records, they had several children, including Alfred, George, Abraham, Mary Catharine, John D., William H., Emily, Amanda and Aseneth J.

Dennis Decker died somewhere between 1880 and 1900. His son Alfred was born in 1842 and died in 1914.

Buddha - Memorable Quotes - Spring 2015

"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting." - Buddha

Vintage Photo with Francis Bacon Quote - Circa 1800s and 1900s

"The best part of beauty is that no picture can express." - Francis Bacon

Vintage Photos - Henion - Hinckley - Mason Family #ThrowbackThursday

This photo features several generations of the Henion – Hinckley – Mason family. Starting on the left, the little boy squatting down next to the cat is Robert Babcock. The little girl next to him on the porch is Carol Phillips –Tufano.

The woman holding the toddler in her arms is Mary Phillips. The woman behind her is Mary Olive Hinckley – Henion. The older woman standing next to the young woman with the baby in her arms is Bertha Elizabeth Henion – Mason. The young woman with the baby is Doris Babcock and the baby is Doris Ayers.

Mary Olive Hinkley - Henion (1854-1927) was the daughter of Benjamin Hinkley (1817-1879) and Sarah Felton (1818-1906). They are tied to Governor Thomas H. Hinckley (1618-1705). They sometimes spelled their surname, Hinckley. Other times it was recorded as Hinkley. The family patriarch was Robert Hinckley (1537-1606). His wife was Katherine Leese and they lived in Kent, England.

Mary married Civil War solider, William Henry Henion (1840-1904), circa 1888 and her sister married William’s brother. Mary and William had several children, including Bertha Elizabeth Henion – Mason (1870-1931).

Bertha married Rufus Scott “Scotty” Mason circa 1886. Throughout their lives they resided in several areas, including New York and Pennsylvania. The photo located below features Bertha, Rufus and some of their children.

J.R.R. Tolkien - Memorable Quotes - Spring 2015

"Still Round the Corner There May Wait, A New Road or a Secret Gate."

- J.R.R. Tolkien

Vintage Photo with Quote from Elisabeth Kubler-Ross --Circa 1800s and 1900s

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Vintage Photo with Kevin Systrom Quote - Circa 1800s and 1900s

"Every photo you take communicates something about a moment in time, a brief slice of time, where you were, who you were with, and what you were doing." - Kevin Systrom

Vintage Family Photos - Erie Railroad Men - Circa 1900s - Howard A. Decker

Vintage Family Photos - Clarence D. and Madeline Canfield with Paul Majocchi #ThrowbackThursday

The following vintage photo features Paul Majocchi (Left), Clarence David Canfield (Middle) and Eva Mae Canfield -Majocchi (Right). Clarence and Eva Mae are siblings. Paul is Eva Mae's husband.

The following newspaper clipping contains Clarence David Canfield's obituary:

Vintage Photo with Deb Caletti Quote - Circa 1800s and 1900s

"That's what people do who love you. They put thier arms around you and love you when you're not so lovable." - Deb Caletti

National Pet Week Photo with Emily Dickinson Quote

"Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell." - Emily Dickinson

Vintage Family Photos - Emmett, Herbert, Dora and Myrten Canfield - #ThrowbackThursday

To the left is a photo of Emmett Canfield (1905-1969).


















The following photo is of Herbert Canfield (Born 1901):

To the right is a photo of Dora Canfield (1895-1993):

Listed below is a photo of Myrten Canfield (Born 1894):

Emmett, Herbert, Dora and Myrten were the children of Charles W. Canfield (Born 1869) and Julia Canfield. They had at least seven children, including the ones in the photos. Their other children were Flora (Born 1897), Walter (Born 1903) and Harry (Born 1908). Their grandparents were David Canfield and Hannah Kent-Canfield.

National Pet Week Photo with Roger Caras Quote

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." - Roger Caras

Interview with Apollo Theater Bassist, Alex Evans - (Yahoo! Entertainment Reprint) #ThrowbackThursday

Most of us have to imagine what it would be like to work and perform with such musical greatness as Usher, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, Boys to Men and the venerable legend Patti Labelle. But for St. Louis, Missouri native and long-time musician Alex Evans, what is fantasy to most is his everyday reality.

Having started his musical career decades ago as part of a family venture, Evans is currently the house band Bassist at the historic Apollo Theater located in Harlem, New York. The Apollo Theater has been an integral part of music heritage for 77 amazing years, launching the careers of many iconic entertainers. Evans has been blessed to be a part of that rich heritage and I was favored with the opportunity to interview him about it all.

Here’s a look at what was said:

Gonzalez: I’ve heard that you started working in the music industry when you were 8 years old playing Bass and singing backup vocals as part of your family’s group The Evans Gospel Singers. What was that experience like?

Evans: It was a greatly defining moment for me and, now that I’m older, I truly appreciate the impact it has had on my career. Starting out as early as I did enabled me to establish certain characteristics that are necessary in this business – like discipline and work ethic.

Gonzalez: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the music industry?

Evans: Stop, look, listen, and then apply yourself whole heartily to your gift.

Gonzalez: How often to you practice?

Evans: Well, it varies. Sometimes, I will find myself in a period where I’m everyday and all day!

Gonzalez: How has the music industry changed since you first started?

Evans: Music and the world of technology are always changing and they are becoming far more integrated in terms of distribution and even in the process of creating music. Music now is heavily dependent upon technology.

Gonzalez: The Apollo Theater is such an iconic piece of New York City’s heritage that it just exudes music history. What does it feel like to go to work every day in such a historic and venerable venue?

Evans: Wow. This is such a big deal for me. I grew up watching Showtime at Apollo and the Apollo was always this larger than life place. Now I get to be a part of the Apollo experience.

Gonzalez: I’ve read that over the years you have played and recorded with an impressive array of musical artists including Patti Labelle, Usher, Mariah Cary, Whitney Houston and Boys to Men. Is there one particular artist or musical group that you hit if off really well with and if so please elaborate?

Evans: Well I have to say MS.PATTI LABELLE. She has always been so nice to me. She was a consummate professional and just the nicest lady.

Gonzalez: What artists do you especially look forward to in the future?

Evans: Elton John and Paul McCartney

Gonzalez: What has been your most memorable music industry experience thus far and why?

Evans: During the 2011 BET awards, they honored Patti with the life time achievement award and in her acceptance speech she said," I would like to say thank you to my band. I would like to thank ALEX EVANS." I just felt so overwhelmed like man, this is her moment and she included me. Just WOW!

Gonzalez: What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

Evans: The fact that I have been able to make a career doing something I truly love to do.

Gonzalez: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

Evans: Hopefully being the best father who ever played bass.

Gonzalez: If you could only be remembered for one thing what would it be and why?

Evans: Being the best father who ever played bass.

Author's Note: This interview originally appeared on Yahoo! Entertainment several years ago. The publishing rights have since reverted back to me.

Personal Reflections of a Wild West City Honorary Deputy Turned Social Worker

When I was the Director of Social Services in a small, southern nursing home it was part of my job to interview all of the incoming residents. One particular day I was interviewing an elderly man from New Jersey. He was a tall man with snow white hair and a sturdy frame.

As he sat in my office he unconsciously flipped a little Sheriff’s badge repetitively between his weathered fingers. Of course I asked him about the badge and to my surprise he revealed to me that “back in the day” he was one of the Sheriffs at Wild West City in Netcong, New Jersey.

His revelation was a watershed moment. It caused the conversation to turn more animated when together we realized that I had been one of his many “Honorary Deputies” so long ago. I remember, after the interview, reflecting on how odd it was that certain moments in our life can bring us full circle.

As a child visiting Wild West City, I remember him as the brave Sheriff that held our hands and helped us catch the bad guys. He was the one who told his entire posse of pint-sized deputies to “Eat our vegetables”, “Mind our Ma and Pa” and “Obey the law.”

Now, thirty some years and thousands of miles later, the tables were turned and the cowgirl turned social worker had the opportunity to hold his hand and help him face something much bigger than a few dirty desperadoes.

Although he knew he was dying, it did not dampen his enthusiasm for life. Right before he passed away, in true Wild West City fashion, he presented his “Honorary Deputy” with one final gift. It was a small cross he had fashioned out of reindeer antler adorned with a small, silver nugget; items he had saved from his time as Wild West City Sheriff.

And as he had done when I was but a child, the Sheriff reminded me to “Eat my vegetables” and “Obey the law” before he left this mortal coil for parts unknown. It was to be my final, and perhaps most poignant, Wild West City memory.

Today there is a new Sheriff in town and the Wild West City shows in Netcong go on. I will always cherish my experiences as one of the city’s “Honorary Deputies” and hope that others will have the opportunity to do the same for many generations to come.

Vintage Family Photos - Circa 1800s and 1900s- Emma Mae Smith

Above you will find a photo and obituary for Emma Mae Smith (1877-1939), daughter of simeon Smith and Mary Brooks. She married at least twice in her lifetime and gave birth to at minimum of 9 children. Eight of them belonged to her first husband, Benjamin Franklin Canfield. Her last child was fathered by Charles Alfred Decker (1875-1935). His name was Howard Alfred Decker (1914-1991).

The photo shown below was taken at the Canfield-Decker homestead in Orange County, New York, during the 1900s. It features Howard A. Decker and some of his siblings. Howard is the one with both hands on top of his head.