The McPherren Cousins
As children we always enjoyed getting together with the McPherren Cousins. Of course the Ely and Glen families lived in Auburn. The Howe family lived in Ashland, Nebraska bout 1.5 hours from Auburn in those days. In the summer, a few times we "exchanged kids" by meeting in Union Nebraska so that some kids went to Ashland and some to Auburn. The older girls played together, the boys, and the three younger girls. This way no one had a sibling, only fun with cousins!
In descending birth order: Mary Janet Howe, Margene Ely, Ginny Howe, John Glen, Karen Ely, Richard Howe, Deanne Glen and in the later photos, Barbara and Bill Banks.
An important part of the Christmas gatherings was singing. With Marjorie Ely at the piano and photographer Jack Glen clicking away, we have these wonderful photos. The first is from Christmas 1946 in Ashland.
And now a bit older and outside in 1948 in Ashland
Ginny is holding the Howe cat, named Blackey, who was part of their family for 25 years!
When the Ely Family moved to a bigger house in Auburn, we hosted the McPherren Family for Christmas at least twice. Here we are in 1951.
In July 1953, the Hippman family, Maxine, Herb, Susan and John, came from New Jersey so we had a wonderful summer reunion. This photo was taken in the Glen house. Marjorie was pregnant with Joe at the time.
Middle Row: Susan Hippman, Ginny Howe, Karen Ely, Dee Glen, John Glen Richard Howe
Front Row: Barbara Banks, Margene Ely, Gertrude McPherren, Field McPherren, Mary Janet Howe, Johnny Hippman.
Unfortunately, after Grandpa McPherren's death in 1956, and the Howe family's move to Colorado (1957?), logistics prevented these kinds of gatherings. I do feel badly that Joe, Anne, and Mary Lee were not able to experience the kind of fun the older McPherren cousins had together.
