Welcome to 2011. The Photo of the Week shows a different type of photo which reminds me that all of us, regardless of our situation, have something to be thankful for at the beginning of the new year.This photograph I call the “Gates of Home.”
The house behind these gates is the home where my mother was born in 1901 at Jablonna, Czechoslovakia. Her father, who was a farmer and a “poacher” because only the nobility could legally hunt in those years, became disillusioned with the government and came to this country in 1904. (There is another story involved with this, but you will not read it here.) Three months later my grandmother with 7 small children, the oldest being 11 (my mother was 3) along with her sister, her sister’s friend and her father-in-law also came to this country.
When people ask where your home is…I always respond, “Where your heart is.” I have been back to this home several times and know the family who owns it. It really takes you back to your roots.
The first time I saw the gates in 1975 they were a dark green, now they are a reddish color. This photograph was taken on a cloudy day and the detail of the gates and the stucco walls show up in the black & white photo. I have no idea how old the gates really are. Every New Year’s day I thank my grandfather for coming to America.
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Frank Brueske
Award winning photographer, Franklin (Frank) Brueske, is originally from Southeastern Minnesota. He became interested in photography while in elementary school and purchased his first camera from a rural community drug store when he was is the sixth grade. It took 127 film, was fixed focus, but had sun and cloud adjustments. He still has that camera today. More about Frank
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Now the actual picture itself. It’s a remarkable photo and especially dramatic in black and white. I loved reading about how much it meant to you personally. That must have been so thrilling the first time you saw it since your mother was born there. Was she with you when you first saw the gates? I imagine her telling you all about HER own childhood in that home is quite a story.
Franklin, It was great seeing the picture. It make my heart warm to think about all the wonderful stories other people must have like this one. Great picture……Great story……. Dottie