Building on a Cul-De-Sac – I had to add it up on my fingers, to be sure I was correct and to believe that 17 years ago this summer we were building our home…The first pic shows our floor when it was just a stack of wood….White Oak.
Next comes the stairs in the foyer, where many of the building memories were created.
The day the stair railing parts came together…
There were some tense moments to be sure this crucial cut was measured correctly.
So much more happen than just building with materials. All of this made me think about the people that worked with us on the house. As I was photographing the progress for our memories, I realized that everyday several hours and every week several days the builders work and most of them admitted that they had no photos of themselves at work, doing what they spend so much time doing. When I offered printed copies of my photos that documented their labor they were delighted to have them.
From that time forward I have made a personal project of trying to photograph our extended family as they pursue their professions. That has been an amazing journey.
The time came when the stairs were done, so glad I was there with the camera when they told our 4 year old son he could be the first one to go up the stairs, and I caught that on “film.” He was the first one to go up the stairs and first to hold the railing to steady himself, as he has done for 17 years since this moment.
Actually Andy loved going with me to organize the work and gather building supplies, mostly that spring and fall, when the weather was pleasant. I’m sure he remembers some parts more than others, but the fascinating part is that when each new phase would begin he was determined to become the profession “when he grew up” of the contractors who were there for the day or week…If electricians arrived he was going to be an electrician “when he grew up.”
He is pictured above, practicing to become a carpenter…almost everyday.
Soon cabinets were in place, paint was brushed on and the shutters were placed at the windows…
Another fascinating thing occurred. I became intrigued with photographing the occupied craftsmen with their backs facing me. I found it adds an element of intrigue and interest as I always wonder what they’re doing, how they became so skilled, etc. Sound familiar?… The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Soon the house was finished, with all the plumbing fixtures installed, and everything done. Then came moving day.
I think Andy was a little worried they were going to let him hold his own with his end of the “Baby Grand.” Before long friends were coming to the “New House,” homework goals and other projects began as we made the house “our home.”
But in the midst of it all, we can’t forget about something that is really important to us…the people we love….
In the middle of this labor of love we lost one of my favorites: Great-Aunt Edie. We had already modified the Powder Room to reflect the good taste found in the Powder Room in her 3 floor antique home, one of my most loved spots in the whole world. To this day I try keep up, imitating her good taste. But, the two rooms really are nothing alike except that her’s was filled with memories and in ours you’ll find the walls are covered with our memories. Today July 25, 2016, she would be 99 years old.
She was born the same summer as President Kennedy.