Saturday, July 4, 2009

We've Lost our way

My mother's grandfather was from Denmark. His mother was a Russian Jew who left Russia with her family because of one of the purges. My Great Granddad arrived in the US just before the turn of the century. He was a sculptor. Living in Perth Amboy NJ, he worked for a terra cotta factory, sculpted statues, ornate tiles, and headmarkers. Here is one of his works and info from a book:


In 1895 the Danish and Scandinavian population of Perth Amboy commissioned Nels Nielsen Alling (1861-1955), a Danish sculptor, to create the statue of George Washington. It was to express pride and love for their adopted country. The funds were raised within the Scandinavian community and the statue was dedicated on 2 September 1895. Alling worked on the statue at the the NJ Terra Cotta Co in Perth Amboy


I have always been proud to be an American. My northern granny would continue with the oral tradition of telling each of her grands their family heritage - who was who and etc. We used to think she was nuts when she told us we were related to the Pilgrims and George Washington. Come to find out when one of my Uncles and Cousin did the genelogy, we ARE. Of course, George Washington had no children. But his brother did. Naturally, my relation was a servant, so we were born on the wrong side of the sheets as my granny would say.

I was raised to believe that right was might. That two wrongs didn't make a right. To always help out those with need. Never pick on the little guy. I still believe that way. Somewhere, we have lost our way. Everyone feels entitled. This country didn't start out helping everyone. The idea was that freedom meant being able to be able to help yourself! Not to have a big government do everything for you. And certainly to have freedom from taxation without representation. Of the people for the people, by the people. Somehow we have lost our way.

I wonder what my grandparents and the rest of my family would think if they were alive today and could read the papers, internet, hear the news. Would they even recognize The United States of America?

12 comments:

sewprimitive karen said...

How interesting about your ancestor! and I totally agree with you on America.

Snugglebug Blessings said...

My father was a true blue red blooded God fearing man. He believed in this country and fought for its freedom. He would tear up at the sound of the song "Star Spangled Banner" as he held his hand proudly over his heart. How many of our children even know any of that song or care what it means. So when you say we have lost our way, nothing could be more true. Where did intitlement even come from??? Oh yeah, those darn lawyers. Thanks for sharing. Cathy

Cookie said...

I'm standing right beside you on this Blonde-One!

You are right on the money.

Anonymous said...

You might be interested in part of the post I just did showing what the boat conditions were like for people going to America.

Sarah said...

It's scary when you think about it.

Donna said...

Nothing wrong with the "wrong" side of the sheets...LOL...Good post sweetie!hughugs

twinkle teaches said...

Love this post! :)
tina

Doreen Frost said...

They probably wouldn't recognize it.

How great to find out your are related to George Washington...that is fantastic.

Thanks for sharing your history :)

Hugs,
Doreen

JennaLouiseCreates said...

Hi Blondie I often wonder what my Grandparents would think of the world also. Sending you many, many blessings:) Jenna Louise

twinkle teaches said...

Stopping by to say hi Blondie. :)

Anonymous said...

My wife is a great granddaughter of Nels Nielsen Alling. Her father Lawrence Alling fought in the Pacific in WW2, was wounded twice at Saipan and lost his right arm at Okinawa. He moved to western PA in the 1960's

Blondie ~ Vintage Primitives said...

Dear Anonymous -
Please have your dear wife send me an email; we are cousins ~ her father and my mother are first cousins. My Grandfather and her Grandfather (Benjamin) were brothers. Would be fun to share our family facts.
Blondie