Comment

Comment by Lyn Ennis on September 22, 2012 at 12:42pm

This is a moving piece of work, Chef, and the story that goes with it is very interesting. Great job capturing a mood so somber.

Comment by Chef Lisa on July 31, 2012 at 11:59am

It is a very interesting story: My mother told this story in bits and pieces. He was not a very nice guy. He molested his own kids, drunk, and a thief. I guess that is why he was in prison. When you hear that he was imprisoned for Cattle Rustling in the 40's, you would think it was impossible.

My brothers and I have researched him, but since all of his off springs last names were different, there is no way of knowing what his real name is - "Alias Grandfather". We all know he is American Indian but not sure actually if he is Black Foot or Cherokee. We have searched through the Tabernacle Mormon Church in Salt Lake City, Idaho that carries an extensive paper trail recorded onto computers of the Black Foot Trail from the Dakotas through Canada. Since there is no record of the names on the birth records and no relative names, we have hit a brick wall. My mother says now that she wish she knew something about him for us kids, but she hated him for his abuse and lack of being a parent.

My mother says she remembers visiting her dad in a prison with large concrete walls. She grew up in German Town, Wisc. The only prison near that has hugh concrete walls was the Waupun prison. My fathers step-dad was the warden for Waupun prison in the 70's, so he archived the names and there was no such person. There was a prisoner who was imprisoned for Cattle Rustling. This is the reason for the Waupun prison date and it also works with my mothers age. My mother said her family did not share conversations about life.

Ann Flagerty from California did a traveling exhibit of small quilt works that traveled for a year or two on different types of people with interesting stories about their Culture. You can visit her at http://annflaherty.wordpress.com/ or Cultural Cloth

Comment by Cait Payne on July 31, 2012 at 6:06am

This has to have a compelling story to go with this amazingly poignant work, I see the date of 1943, please are you able to share, as it is so very moving.

My own grandfather was imprisoned during the Irish Land Wars from 1881 and was politically active for the cause of Ireland right up through the Rising of 1916 etc., have always been fascinated by him although never met him, he passed away long before I was born.

You must have a story.