[S.D. Kelsey--home movies] Reel 2

2507.0002
Kelsey, S.D. Collection
This item may be available for reuse, please contact Northeast Historic Film for more information
1947 – 1948
Can notes: " Reel #2 1947-1948. Marj's party 47, Popolopen 47, Snow 48, Gene (Boston) 48" "Stevie's second Xmas 1944, Boston in Spring of 1946 Mari's first birthday 1946, West Point 1946 not good for public showing"
REEL TWO 1943-1946 Stevie's first Christmas, is the opening scene. Daddy is at war. Mother and Stevie are still living in Brooklyn and laughing and hugging each other under the Christmas tree. Grandma and Grandpa Fee are shown with Stevie, the eldest of what would be six grandchildren; three by Mother and three by Aunt Marj. Aunt Marj's children are named Jack, Bobby, and Steve. They all live in the surrounding areas of Cheshire, Connecticut. Included in the scene footage, pictured in the background, is a framed photo of Daddy with Stevie kissing it; a tradition that is carried on today amongst military families with a spouse or parent away at war. Time travels to November, 1945 and Marianne Kelsey (Orestis) makes her first appearance. I am six months old, having been born on May 22, 1945. I am seen wearing a pink ruffled hat. Mother was always so fashionable. The film shifts to Boston Commons and the duck pond that is still located there and used by Bostonians and tourists alike. The pond is famous for its swan boats. And, then, it is on to Brookline, Massachusetts, where Stevie and I are sharing a stroller on the sidewalks of the city. The time, 1946; Daddy is home from the War and it has proved to be great victory for the Allies. Mother is so pleased that her man has returned home safe and sound. The first of many Buicks is seen. This car is one of the best and most reliable built but is no longer made. Daddy always purchased a Buick or a Chevy. The location is West Point, New York, where Daddy had graduated from the military academy in 1941. He had been on the football team in 1939 and rode the mule during half-time pageantry at later games. He was very agile and athletic. I am one and Steve is three and we are seen walking hand-in-hand. He always showered me with love and protection. Mother is seen reading to Stevie and myself, with me crawling up on her lap. Stevie and I shared a lifelong love affair with books and reading. This love was passed on to Lisa Bart Kelsey (Enstrom) when she was born in 1952. It is my first birthday party, and I prove to be a sloppy eater, which I still am to this day. The date, May 22, 1946. Stevie is three. We are in officers quarters at West Point Military Academy. Stevie leading the way with me in tow at West Point; he did this all his life. Mother is carrying me and Stevie is walking along beside her. The scene is one of a very loving and happy family. Stevie is carrying a toy gun; he always was drawn to things military. As he was growing up he especially liked playing cowboys and Indians and shooting a bow and arrow. The West Point Military Academy parade grounds in 1946 for the graduation of the class of 1946.

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