It’s been a while. . .but then, it sometimes is with me, right? ;-) My apologies. . .that’s for sure. So after, five tons of papers later, a happy couple is reunited.

    Ping is home and all is well. So that’s great news! I don’t know the words to say for such joy – and I believe in the happiness our future holds. Confidant, friend and teacher. . .these things my Ping brings into my life.

    Thank you all for your support and kindness during our time of patience.

The Sad News

As joyous as the days will be, a certain sadness will linger in the recent passing of family.

Robert John McOrmond, my ‘cuz and friend who sadly passed 23 May 2009.

Mina Manson McOrmond, who’s passing occurred peacefully at the Prince County Hospital, Summerside, P.E.I., June 17, 2009.

Let our thoughts and prayers be with all who knew them. . .

Answers About Ellis Island?

    Every now and then, I get asked about our family and Ellis Island. Were we there? Is our family recognized? Well, the answers to both these questions are: “Yes” and “No”

    Ellis Island, at the mouth of the Hudson River in New York Harbor, is the location of what was from January 1, 1892, until November 12, 1954 the main entry facility for immigrants entering the United States; the facility replaced the state-run Castle Garden Immigration Depot (1855-1890) in Manhattan. It is owned by the Federal government and is now part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, under the jurisdiction of the US National Park Service. It is situated predominantly in Jersey City, New Jersey, although a small portion of its territory falls within neighboring New York City.

Some details can here at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellis_island

    The American Immigrant Wall of Honor is a permanent exhibit of individual or family names featured at Ellis Island in New York Harbor. It is the only place in the United States where an individual can honor his or her family heritage at a National Monument.

    Thanks to Penny McOrmond DeBisschop (and husband, Howard), our family has been memorialized on the Wall of Honor for many years now! Many folks have visited the Wall and have seen the dedication there. It's quite a nice thing to see, even on a windy day, as Ping points out:

    Although no records have been found of our immediate ancestors making their initial stop there, we have had a number of family members pass through Ellis Island. Quite a few folks in our related lines have, though. More recently, folks have stopped to see the recent restorations. So, in a sense, we can share other histories mingled with our own.

    A visit to Ellis Island gives a wonderful perspective on what folks experienced on their arrival to America. And they came from all over the world to do it. This is the real meaning and magic of genealogy: Folks who gave up everything to make for themselves (and their children) a better life. This sacrifice commands nothing less than respect and honor to those who gave up so much.

The Facebook Pages

    A while back, (June ’07) Russell McOrmond got the family started on Facebook. As time moved on, more and more family have joined. For those of you who are not very familiar with Facebook, it’s a great way to keep in touch. It’s also a great place to share with friends, as well.

    We have a Family Page there. It can be found by clicking here.

Closing Some Gaps

    Over the course of time, many of the gaps for folks here, have been closed. You may, in your own personal experiences, have found that vitals records only go so far. Yes, nice details about a birth, marriage or death – yet, we always want a little more. Well, ok – so, perhaps you make a trip the local cemetery. You can get a little more info there. . . however, learning about folks goes a lot further.

     I’ve mentioned the many newspapers articles accumulated over time. Recently, I came across an article I found to be of great interest. It was centered around the Derby High School graduating class of 1923. Particularly my grandmother, Evelyn Hubbell (she married Alexander Henry McOrmond in 1928).

    Back in the day, it was customary to transcribe the speeches given by those in the ceremony. In the case of my grandmother, she was one of the speakers. I found it neat to learn she had such a passion for music. Sure, many of us knew she played the organ at St. Mary’s in Derby. Yet, her writing gives us wonderful insights for more of her many gifts. Click here for full transcription. (Click here for image).

    The speech was given at the Sterling Opera House. During a recent local celebration of Derby Day, I was privileged to get inside of the Sterling Opera House. It’s currently closed for many needed renovations. But, I was able to get inside and take a lot of pictures. Yes, it was a very cool experience!

    Although my grandma gave her speech long before we were around, there was a certain bit of familiarity at the Opera House. I could almost see the people sitting in their seats attentively listening to the graduation speeches. It was like stepping in a time portal. The acoustics there are impressive!

    One day down the road – Sterling Opera House will again open. Although it may never see the glories of yester-year in the likes of Harry Houdini, Drew Barrymore, and many others – it is yet another fine example of someplace to go and learn about the folks in the family.

Wrapping it all up. . .

    Well, I guess, that's, that. For old news, click here - for anything else, click here.

    Enjoy your days, as there is so much joy to be found with family. Take a moment and maybe a few cents to call someone and tell them you're thinking of them. Or even better, that you love them! Spend quality time with clan and enjoy our family!

Stay well!
Blessings from above and blue skies yours!

...the 'cuz