Bill and Lillian - a 70-year Love Story

My maternal grandparents, Bill and Lillian Knutz.

Raymond - Project Comlete

     For some time (~ 10 years), I have been trying to learn more about my maternal grandmother's brother, Raymond Christensen, who dropped everything after the Pearl Harbor attacks and enlisted in the Army.  He went from a non-traditional agriculture college student to a radar observer in a night fighter crew - one of the most dangerous jobs a soldier could have.  Thanks to a number of people who have helped a long the way, I felt my research was complete enough to begin writing his story.  And I recently completed that mission.

     If you are interested in Ray's story, let me know and I'll send you a copy.  It's a short book (~62 pages) with photos.  Again, thanks to all who helped in any way during the last 10 years.

Bill's New Tractor

Bill Knutz's new tractor, 1937.  No heated/air-conditioned cab, no CD player, etc.  Just Bill and the elements.  I remember watching the news back in the 1970s with Bill, and hearing any story about farmers going broke would elicit a tirade on all their fancy equipment, no wonder they were going broke, and back in *his* day, etc.  It took a special breed of man to be a farmer in South Dakota in that era.

Old People Used to Party Too

     For those of us growing up in or around Huron, South Dakota, partying at Stony Run is nothing new.  We all went out there on a summer Saturday night for some fun from time to time.

     And, those of us who knew dear old Aunt Lulu Graves, remember her as  a quiet old lady who had a Christmas party every year and gave unusual gifts.

     Now, put those two concepts together, and watch your head spin.

     Yes, that's Aunt Lulu running around in her underwear early one Sunday morning having a swim in Pearl Creek.  I won't ask what those articles of clothing were on the ground, or exactly what transpired the night before.

     But I do know that Aunt Lulu could have told some stories...