For the first 47 years of my life I was under the impression that I was ½ German and ½ English.
Mom's side was German and Dad's side was English.
Then when I was cleaning out my mother's house we found a written history of my mother's side of the family.
And I found out that her father's side of the family was 100% Irish with my Great-Great-Great-Grandfather immigrating from Ireland in the mid 1800's.
Weird thing is that when I was younger I always participated in traditional St Patrick's Day activities. You know, wearing a green t-shirt with a big old shamrock on it and drinking way too much green beer. Those kind of Irish activities.
But I always thought how much more fun St. Patrick's Day would be if I were actually Irish. Those Irish people knew how to partay! I could have worn a leprechaun outfit! Been dancing a jig!
Oh, and the funny thing is that when I mention what my Mom's maiden name is, NO ONE is surprised that I am Irish. No one, because my Mom's maiden name is extremely Irish sounding.
Now, due to this being the internet and you are advised about not ever giving out your Mom's maiden name online (how many times is that a security question for online passwords), just suffice it to say that my Mom's maiden name is along the lines of Murphy, Kelly, or O'Brian.
As a matter of fact, my Mom and Dad had 8 children and none of us ever put two and two together and thought "Hey, with a name like that, we might be Irish". I guess we were a little clueless!
Kim K.
What a fabulous bit of family history. Those pictures are pretty fantastic too. Happy St. Patty's!
Sandy
I was always told I had a "bit " Scotch -Irish" in me...well my great grandparnets on my Dad's side, one was a Dibble ( Irish) and the other a Densmore( Scotch)...more than just a bit! Your photos are incredible!!!! I hope you know who is who and you have written it on the back with an appropriate pencil! It is so important to let furutre generation know who is who! Obviously they loved good horses! 🙂
Tete
Well, girl, we might be related then, somewhere way, way back. Isn't that funny how some things are just not talked about in families.
And I just love your old photos. Some good looking people and horses there.
Hugs- Tete
PS- enjoy your holiday...
Olive Cooper
"Those kinds of Irish activities" haha, I can picture you at the Irish pub. Me too for that matter as my Mom comes from Irish folk. Love these old photos Pam.
Debby
Our son was born on St. Patrick's Day and we named him Shane Patrick. My Mother's Maiden name was McA.....Happy St. Patrick's Day.
NanaDiana
LOL- My grandmother was an Owen -came from Ireland as a bride. I had an Uncle Paddy and at least 3 alcoholics in the family...couldn't get much more Irish than that! xxoo Diana
Tricia - A Rosy Note
How great to find your written family history, I love stuff like that. Your old photos are wonderful Pam.
La
Happy St. Patrick's Day, Pam!
Those women all have teeny tiny waists.
Wanda @ Just Vintage
Those are some fabulous photos! Look at the teensy waist on the first one. Ugh. I don't think my waist has ever been that small. You are so lucky to have the hand written history. I'd check what's said in there for accuracy, but oh my. What the rest of us doing our own family histories would give for something like that. Family pictures, too.
[email protected] Sentimental Life
how fun to learn new things about your family! Love the pictures
LizlovesVintage
Happy St. Patrick's Day!! Kisses!
xx Liz
Judi
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Isn't that something that none of you realized your true heritage to include Irish. I enjoyed looking at your wonderful pictures and reading your story and about your family history. That is all very special.
I hope you have a great rest of the evening
Judi
Karen
What a fun posting!! I am really into genealogy so I appreciate your "new-found" heritage. So cool! Enjoy it and have a great time on St. Patrick's Day.
Karen
Ladybug Creek
Vicki
Pam I love the picture of the couple in the horse drawn carriage! What a funny story. I"m Irish and German too. My mom had flaming red hair when she was a kid and my maiden name(Dad's side) ended in -benz. lol
Pamela
Happy St. Patty's Day Pam!!
That is so wild that your mom never told you all that she was Irish!!!
Great story and I love the photos! How lucky you are to have such a big family!!!
I named our dog Pilot because my son has had a love for aviation since he was 2yrs old!!! He used to tell everyone at 3yrs of age that he was going to be a Pilot! Pilot is a working breed...as you know...so the name just seemed to fit! We always just add the "girl" as a term of endearment when referring to her.
Carol Bender
Happy St. Patrick's day!
I'm not Irish (that I know of) but my Dad's family kept quiet that we were part Native American because of prejudices. I'm so glad that things are improving - not perfect yet, but improving. I love your blog, and Thanks for visiting mine. 🙂
Pam of Eastlake Victorian
Happy St. Paddy's Day lassie!
What a funny story! I know the Irish were looked down upon years ago, but not in recent years that I know of. Who knows why it was never mentioned! I love genealogy and have researched my family, so I know more than my parents or grandparents ever knew about themselves! Ha ha! LOVE your old family photos. The girl in the top photo sure looks Irish to me!
-Pam
Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack
Great old family photos, Pam! I love family history.
I'd say you have a lot of catching up to do, now that you're Irish! 🙂
I loved this post and looking at your family.
xo
Michelle
Marigene
What wonderful old photos, Pam! I love the clothing the women wore, but couldn't imagine wearing them all the time.
Gloria (The Little Red House with the White Porch)
I've enjoyed catching up with your blog and when I saw this "Irish" post, I had to read it. (I'm part Irish!) So congrats on finding out that you are Irish! Slainte! And what wonderful old photos you have of your family. They are wonderful!
Best,
Gloria
P.S. Slainte is a Gaelic "toast" -- along the lines of: Cheers/Good Luck/Good Health 🙂
(There's an accent over the 'a' or 'i' - I forget!!)