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Some folks are just lucky when it comes to serendipity. I am not one of those people but am married to someone who is. Too bad he isn’t into genealogy!
It happened a few months ago on a visit to Salt Lake City. We had a few hours to kill prior to meeting up with some folks. While wandering around downtown we ended up near the Family History Library and after some cajoling, I managed to convince Husband into a quick tour.
We took a fast look at the first floor, then up the stairs to the second floor where the microfilm is. There is something about the rows and rows of film drawers that cause me to swoon! Not so for him. So it was up to the third floor to see the books.
Photo courtesy of Michelle Goodrum. All rights reserved.
For some odd reason Husband decided to step down one of the book aisles. Then it happened. He spotted the name of a town near where he spent part of his childhood. So he reached up and randomly grabbed a book off one of the top shelves and opened it up. Here’s where things get weird. The page the book opened to was describing the community facilities in his hometown – the pool, ice rink and golf course, which had just been completed. On this page, was a photo of the pool where he used to swim. He told me he carved his initials into the side of the pool!
I couldn’t get him out of the building! All he wanted to do was flip through that book and explain everything about his hometown to me. It was great. I learned almost as much about that portion of his life in the few minutes we poured through the book as I learned in all the time I’ve known him.
The name of the book? The Gavel and the Book. Not exactly a title that would have clued him into the fact it was about his hometown.
Have you had any serendipitous moments?
© 2013 Michelle Goodrum
That is an amazing story. It almost could make one believe in extra-sensory perception. Or it’s like having a “divining rod.” I’ve had really good finds with obituaries, but that was a deliberate act, not this happy chance of stumbling upon a photo of a pool where you’ve carved your initials!
Mariann Regan recently posted..Ancestors, Land, the British Empire, and Slaves. Part 1.
I like the “divining rod” theory. My husband must be a divining rod.
A great story Michelle. Like your husband mine has absolutely no interest in genealogy, or books for that matter (unless it is about fish!), but every now and again I find I am surprised by his interest in something. Even more amazing is that recently whilst trying to explain to him something he commented with an ancestor’s name. Just how he remembered that name is anyone’s guess!
Julie @ Anglers Rest recently posted..Sepia Saturday – 160
Julie, He is probably more interested than you think. Or at least he pays attention!
I ahve a sister in law that I go to our genealogy library with, she can pick a book up off the shelf and open it to a page about her ancestor. Though it aggravates me, I am happy that she always seems to have such luck. I just wish she could send a little my way.
Terri, Perhaps you should get her to pick up the books on YOUR ancestors. LOL