Fun Weekend
Woman in the Middle | October 24, 2012
In case you didn’t know, I love history. I especially love local history. I write history columns for two local papers and I have written or co-written four local history books. Before you get too excited, just as with most writing, there isn’t much money in this. Just ask my Hubby. Believe me, he knows! So I must do this for some other reason, right? Well yes, and last weekend was a good example of why I love writing about local history.
My most recent endeavor, Wicked Jurupa Valley – Murder and Misdeeds in Rural Southern California, included fourteen stories about various true crimes that happened back in the day in my neck of the woods. While researching the stories I stumbled across contact information for a distant descendent of one particular person from a story of murder-suicide. I sent off an email and before I knew it I was exchanging emails with Helene in Sweden, the great great niece of poor Anna Baldwin, who was shot and killed by her husband in 1918. Helene put me in contact with another cousin named Harry in Los Angeles and between the two of them I was really able to flesh out my story.
Happily, Helene came to the U.S. this month and after visiting a cousin in Chicago she came to Los Angeles to visit Harry. Since I live only about an hour away from Harry we made arrangements to actually meet in person. I had a delightful day with Helene and Harry last Sunday. I showed them around town and we went to the cemetery so they could see Anna’s grave for the first time. Harry sang a Swedish song and we took a few photos. Even though Anna’s murder happened 94 years ago, hopefully she knows she is not forgotten.
Afterwards we had dinner at my house with a few like-minded friends who have an interest in local history like I do. A fun time was (I think) had by all.
So, while I would love it if writing local history made me more money, the intangible rewards are pretty good, too! I have a new friend in Stockholm who promised to give me a tour anytime I happen to be there.
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