A Family Tree Grows on Wall

ERMA – It gives a new spin on the term, “family dinner.” For John and Linda Brown of Carol Lane, sitting down to a family dinner in their dining room goes far beyond parents, children, and grandchildren. In their house sitting down to dinner means sitting down in a room filled with family that dates back to 1680.
“Her mother wouldn’t let her write on walls when she was a kid,” said John with a smile. Linda seems to have gotten that out of her system – there on the entire wall of their dining room is a hand-written family tree. And not just a regular family tree; this tree not only has names and dates, it also tells vocations, avocations, personality quirks and a myriad of other idiosyncrasies that make a family interesting.
“I wanted everyone to see what you could do with their genealogy,” said Linda. “I wanted to see what traits of theirs that I have.”
While the family tree continues to grow – John and Linda have three children and three grandchildren, the wall seems to offer the reader a snapshot into America’s history. Civil War heroes, bootleggers, railroaders seem to come to life as you read about them.
Also on the wall is an area that is devoted to family members who have passed away. Written in red is the late family member’s name, date of death, and cause of death. The Browns have made it a point to visit each of their departed family members. “We’ve been to every cemetery on the list,” said Linda.
In addition, there is a special section where veterans are listed. Beneath each name is handwritten their service, dates of service, and where they served.
Linda shared that she has been into genealogy since 1977, however her work on the wall started in 1997. “I started with the Geigers,” said Linda. “That was my maiden name.”
According to Linda she devotes a few hours a week to her hobby. Interestingly, she does most of her research the old fashioned way – by phone and by letter. While she uses a computer for the initial research, “You get more information if you write letters.”
Painting the dining room with the family tree wall has become an adventure for the couple. According to Linda the room has been painted several times and was last painted about three years ago – and the family tree had to be copied and put back on the freshly painted wall. “It took me about three days to put it back,” she said.
“I’d like to get a piece of Luan,” said John. And have her do it on that. Then we could just screw it to the wall and we could take it down when we have to paint.”
John, who retired from Burdette Tomlin Hospital, now works at the Woodbine Developmental Center. Linda is retired from the delicatessen at Shop Rite. The couple has been married 41 years.
And how long have they lived in their house? “I don’t know, 34 or 35 years,” said John. “No,” said Linda. “It was 1974. I’m good with dates.”