Why the need to save old history? Why start Facebook pages for old history? For one thing, it’s fun. And it’s a place to share old photos and stories with people who have connections to them.
One Friday in 2018, the Historic Guthrie County, Iowa, Facebook page became a place of grace and redemption.
One man I’ll call *Phil recognized another’s name, giving feedback to something I’d written about an ancestor. He wrote a note right on that Facebook feed:
“Dear *John, I am now at an age and distance where somethings I’ve always wanted to say to you I can and will. Admired you year by year. . . You were always friendly to me at school . . . letting me inside the conversations now and then. . . you were kind to me, I was so lonely, etc.”
*Charles joined the conversation, saying that he didn’t know Phil had been through so much. Another healing connection.
Then *Dave wrote that he admired Phil’s courage for his note.
Four men of a certain age, reconnecting on a Facebook page, because of a story I wrote about an old ancestor in rural Iowa.
How amazing, and humbling.
*Names changed
Sorry, but I’m not a FB person.
When my fibromyalgia was at its worst, FB was my “ticket out of the house.” I hate the phone, so was also an easy way to communicate. I actually started out keeping an eye on Bosnian teens, whose parents didn’t realize the pitfalls of bullying and other inappropriatenesses. It was the best way to communicate with those teens, too! Then I discovered how easy it was to share those old pictures. . . . well, the rest is history. I’m still having fun with it, administer several history and family sites, enjoying the feedback. In ten years, who knows?
Always something amazing and wonderful around each corner…I follow so many family FB and genealogy pages too. Its a great connecting place for that 🙂
I think these men must have gone to school together, maybe over 50 years ago.
My mother used it to just share pictures and messages with our extended family. FB worked great for that.
What an interesting story. Even though I am not on FB, I can see the benefit of it for many people.
What a heartwarming story! I always appreciate (and need!) stories that restore my faith in human nature.
Great story! I need to rekindle an interest in FB and particularly participating on history and genealogy pages.
I love history groups on Facebook, but haven’t seen a remarkable interaction like this. Next month, I’m talking to our genealogy club about the wonderful genealogy resources on Facebook and suggest that they start some cousin or surname groups there.
I deleted FB on learning it accepts $$$ for publishing lies. The site is poison. Sorry to say this. You have a great blog, Joy.
Thank you for your comment about my blog, Michael. When my fibromyalgia was at its worst, FB was about my only “ticket out of the house.” Now I administer several sites and am still enjoying them, so at least for the time being. . . .
Impressed by your blog🤩
People don’t usually think that they are living two lives; one that is real and the other is on social media.
I also wrote about it in my latest blog, so lemme know your thoughts on that.