Back to the USSR

Travel posters from Soviet, government-run travel agency.

We've planted the flower garden.

Kėdainiai, Lithuania, probably early 1930s. My friend V sent along another image of her paternal Grandmother, her Dad, and her paternal Uncle.

Thanks, V!

A Friend's Family

Kėdainiai, Lithuania, probably early 1930s. My friend V sent this image of her Dad (front), her paternal Grandfather, her paternal Uncle, and her paternal Grandmother.

Thanks, V!

Undated Reunion

Near Kaunas, Lithuania, probably mid-1930s. It stopped snowing, and the flakes settled.

Fashionable

Probably near Vilnius, Lithuania, about 1930. This is a relative of Suzanne—the wife of my Dad's cousin Henry. The woman may even by Suzanne's older sister, Valerie.

Thanks to Suzanne's Granddaughter—my Kaunas Cousin—for making this photo available to us.

Warm-Weather Memory

Kaunas, Lithuania, early 1930s. A friend of Henry and Suzanne delights in the summer.

Thanks to Henry and Suzanne's Granddaughter—my Kaunas Cousin—for making this photo available to us.

Sunday Tea

Kaunas, Lithuania, early 1930s. My favorite photos are the ones in which people naturally show expressions of love. These are friends of my Dad's older cousin, Henry, and his wife, Suzanne.

Thanks to my Kaunas Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Summer approaches.

Near Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1930. Boating along the Nemunas River was a popular family activity in the 1930s. Here, relatives of Suzanne—the wife of my Dad's older cousin, Henry—set off for an afternoon ride.
 
Thanks to my Kaunas Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Before the War

Kaunas, Lithuania, late 1930s. This is my Dad's older cousin, Vytas. The Soviets deported Vytas to Siberia, where he lived in exile for about seventeen years.

Thanks to my Kaunas Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Deanna Durbin has died.

Durbin was my Mom's second favorite* movie star. Mom saw subtitled Durbin movies in Lithuania. Many thought the popularity of the jazzier Judy Garland diminished Durbin's appeal.

*The favorite? Jeanette McDonald. Mom's favorite movie is Maytime.

When old becomes cool.

Mr. Irene's old neighborhood draws some attention.