Week #10 – Genealogy Road Trip

Grave of Dr Calvin S. Bingham, Sr

No two genealogy road trips are the same but they’re always fun and meaningful. Describe a memorable trip in your past. Where did you go? What did you find (or not find)? Did you meet any new cousins? What did the trip mean to you and your family?This challenge runs from Sunday, March 4, 2012 through Saturday, March 10, 2012.

In September 2010, my mom and I journeyed from Houston to Victoria, Texas. This day trip led us to the town where my grandfather, a chiropractor, lived and thrived. After eating at the Fossati’s Deli (the oldest in Texas), Mom and I drove over to the house where she was born. Not only did her family live in this pretty two story, my grandfather’s practice was on the side of the house. I took pictures and we climbed back into the car.

Next, we visited Memorial Cemetery, to visit my grandfather’s grave. We also saw the graves of aunts and uncles. Again, I took pictures and have since uploaded them to Find A Grave. 🙂

Lastly, we stopped at  Victoria Public Library and used their Genealogy and Local History collections to see where my grandfather’s first office and home had been. We also found a picture of my late uncle.

Week 8 – Genealogy Libraries

Clayton House | Houston Public Library

Genealogy libraries (and dedicated departments in regular libraries) are true treasures in the family history community.  Tell us about your favorite genealogy library. What or who makes it special?

This challenge runs from Sunday, February 19, 2012 through Saturday, February 25, 2012.

I am fortunate enough to live in Houston which has the Clayton Genealogical Library. Here, I’ve been able to trace numerous lines on both sides of my family tree.

Also, I’d like to give a shout out to the Victoria Public Library of Victoria, Texas. Not only did this place offer free WiFi and friendly, helpful staff, they also had local history and genealogical resources. I even saw a picture of a late relative.