The Autumn of My Life: June 2009

Sister Reunion 2009

This year my two sisters and I were able to travel and meet in Fargo, North Dakota (the home of out late father) for our yearly reunion. We often crossed the Red River into Moorhead, Minnesota and back again, as we visited family members and places important to our father. He was born on the family farm in 1916. The farm is near the former small town of Durbin and the Maple River. He was the first child of Selma Lebus Powers and Ralph Powers. After his brother was born, his mother died of influenza. His father later married her sister, Marie. Together they had six more children, making my father the oldest of eight children. So of course, we went to visit the family farm.

About all that is left of the town of Durbin.

The Maple River near the farm.

Approaching the farm, photo from car.

the farm house

the barn

Sisters, Clover and Pat in front of the chicken coop.

Heading toward the back door are Jim Powers,
Pat Powers/Ridgway and Clover Powers Edelman.

front of farm house

We also stopped to see the family church, where his mother, father and several relatives are buried. My father’s great grand-parents helped found and build the church, and contributed two stained glass windows brought over from Germany.

Canaan Moravian Church

Twin sister, Clover in front of the church.

doors to church

A lost, extremely friendly although, slimy and muddy, pig rapidly approached us.

I call this one: "Sausage Patty"

Photos of family members belong to the church.

cemetery behind the church

The nearby town of Casselton, is another place my father spent much of his time. While attending school, he lived with his aunt Esther and his grandmother ,she was his “mother “until she died when he was 15. Returning to work at the farm on weekends and vacations. photos here After high school he attended North Dakota State University. We found his fraternaty and drove around the campus.

Welcome to Casselton Flag

The former home great aunt Esther Lebus, though
now they have enclosed the amazing porch.

My late father, Charles Powers

Although my sisters have been back there more recently, I had not visited there since I was 13. So it was great to see and even (for the first time) meet family members. Did you know that FOOD is the middle name of Moorhead (FOOD) Minnesota? Believe me...we were well fed and often!

Incredible edibles!

Jane's wonderful brunch.

Delicious omelet made in a bag!

Have you ever tasted cinnamon swirl bread with cheese whiz?

We all visited Emily Thronson (my dad’s cousin) at her assisted living residence. There we shared a meal and I met her side of the family. It was fun to see some of the other residents having a “milking contest”. It was also good to see that the facility had a bird aviary similar to the one at the village where my parents spent their final years.

Sister Pat with father's cousin Emily Thronson (92)

Sister Clover speaks with Emily.

A resident plays a "cow" milking game.

A bird aviary at the facility, much like the one
where my parents spent their last years.

One evening our Uncle Earl took the whole family to dinner! What a treat! Great food and conversation. I reconnected with Uncle Earl, my cousin Brian and cousin Lori. I had met my cousin Jane, her husband and children a few days earlier. We really laughed when her young kids brought out “napkin man” and even the adults joined in. Good thing we were in a private room!

Adult "napkin people"

My father's sister, Marlys and her daughter Lori.

Cousin Lori and Uncle Jimmy (Dad's brother)

Mark Skunberg and son Erik

Aunt Marlys, sister Pat and cousin Lori.

Annika, Cousin Jane (mom) and Anders Skunberg

Aunt Dorothy Powers and sister Pat Powers-Ridgway

Cousin Brian Powers and Uncle Earl Powers (his dad)

Another family time was our visit to Marlys and Lori’s home, (my Dad’s sister and niece). We had a wonderful time seeing old photos and hearing stories about the past. They were extremely hospitable and generous, giving us many family photos to take home.

Cousin Lori, Aunt Marlys, Claudia and Clover

Marlys, Claudia, Clover and Lori

What a week we chose to come...cousin Jane had just had a birthday, her twins had their 4th birthday, on Father’s Day and we were there! Also, It was great to see everyone’s homes (especially the Swedish influence from Aunt Dorothy’s side of the family).