Ever thought about returning to your childhood home, knocking on the door and asking if you could come in for a taste of nostalgia?
A week ago, Sept. 9, 2014, Norman and Debbie Wilson stopped by my house in Easton, a bit sheepishly, to visit Norman’s home for his first 18 years of life. It was special for me, and I suspect the same was particularly true of Norman.
In 38 years in Easton, I’ve come to realize that some homes have names based either on the original residents or those who lived there the longest. So, ever since Liz and I moved into our Brookletts Avenue home on Sept. 11, 2001 (that’s right; that was the date), we quickly learned we were living in the Wilson House.
I learned from Norman, who lives and practices law in Elkton, that his two sisters and brother were raised in our house. Their father, Harry, was register of wills and well known in Easton.
Norman left the house in 1960 to attend the University of Maryland in College Park and law school. The 72-year-old Norman, a tall, affable man, played lacrosse at the University of Maryland.
I also learned that Norman attended high school with Tom Hill and David Hill, both of whom are successful businessmen and civic leaders in Easton. When I saw and spoke with Tom the day after the Wilsons’ visit, he too appreciated the nostalgic look at history.
Absolutely pleased that Norman and Debbie (who was raised in Rising Sun) got out of their car to say hello, I happily showed them the house, changed a bit due to our renovation. I even took Norman and Debbie up to the second floor to enable Norman to find his old bedroom and share some memories.
I took a picture on my Iphone of the Wilsons sitting in the living room for Norman to email it to his siblings. They seemed only a little embarrassed at my hospitality. I finally met members of the Wilson family. I felt a warm link to the house that Liz and I gladly call home.
After the Wilsons had left to return to Elkton, I wondered if I would have the gumption to knock on the door of my childhood home in Baltimore and ask if I could look around. I would just like a peek into my personal history, to imagine my deceased parents as young, busy people and my brother and me growing up more than 55 years ago.
I guess you can go home and experience the emotional ties to another time in your life. You just have to muster your nerve—and then ring the doorbell. I’m thinking about it.
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Kristen says
Excellent story, Howard–thank you. I sometimes wonder about revisiting my family home, a weatherboard house my father built after returning from WWII, that I lived in til 18. I’ve driven past it once or twice over the past 34 years since then; it’s changed quite extensively from the outside, thus I suspect also inside. I have decided not to ask to see inside, as I am afraid of replacing the warm memories of old by someone else’s.
Jacques Bakera says
Thanks again, Howard, for another side trip down Memory Lane. The elder Wilsons and Bakers were good friends way back when, and annual Christmas Eve gatherings, mostly in the Wilson kitchen, are warmly remembered. Also, if I remember correctly, not only was Harry Wilson a U of Maryland lacrosse player – he was an All-American lacrosse player.
Bobbie Brittingham says
My parents were very close friends with the Wilsons. Mr. Wilson was even a godfather for my brother Jack Austin. We spent many, many happy fun and laughter filled hours in their house/home. I wish I had known Norman was in town. I would have loved to see him . I know Howdy and Liz and very I am happy they are in the Wilson House now. I pass it often and the memories of the Wilson’s always stirs my emotions. Thank you Howdy for being such a good neighbor.