Chapter 8: Barbara Christine Nelson, a New Member of the Nelson Family

As far as naming her children, Mom said she always wanted a "Paul" and a "Barbara".  Neither of them had a connection to a family member; she just like the sound of the names.

Barbara was born on April 20, 1954, at Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls, Montana, which at this time was located at 1106 6th Avenue North.

In the first picture of this series, Mom catches a happy group posing at the table in the parsonage kitchen.   One of the hallmarks of our kitchens in both Great Falls and Warren were the copper-bottomed pots and pans hanging from hooks within an arm's reach of the stove..  The small door just above the stovetop is a laundry chute, which extended from the basement laundry room to the second floor hallway.

I tried without success to remove the black marks in the photo.  Unfortunately, they seem to be embedded in the film.

A beautiful portrait of mother and daughter.

The picture below was probably taken during a summer vacation visit to ......Rockford, Illinois?  In the pre-Interstate highway era, Mom and Dad never hesitated to travel long distances by car to visit with the Nelson and Luthgren families.  Even with very young children in tow.  We Nelson kids were very good travellers.  I have no idea who's on the bike behind Barb and me, but looking at the saddle shoes and bobby socks, I'd guess it's one of my older girl cousins.

Is Dad attempting an "arty" shot here, with Barb in direct sunlight and Mom in the shadows?   This picture was taken in front of the parsonage.  Looks as though Bonnie and Clyde are still in town.