Before they were grandparents, they were crossing the country. I don’t think I can say my great-grandfather crossed the entire country, but he definitely made it through a good portion of Manitoba. At least, that’s what my grandmother tells me. My great-grandfather was really the only one in the family who was into dogsleds, but we always have huskies - so we at least keep some of his tradition alive. -Melanie H.

Before they were grandparents, they were crossing the country.

I don’t think I can say my great-grandfather crossed the entire country, but he definitely made it through a good portion of Manitoba. At least, that’s what my grandmother tells me. My great-grandfather was really the only one in the family who was into dogsleds, but we always have huskies - so we at least keep some of his tradition alive.

-Melanie H.

Before they were grandparents, they would just grin and bear it. I’m not sure why everyone back in the early 1900s thought it was safe to own a bear. Several military battalions had a bear as a mascot, A.A. Milne based ‘Winnie the Pooh’ off a domesticated bear, and my great grandfather apparently walked one around on a leash. Don’t get me wrong, I love bears and think they’re great - but it seems odd to keep one as a pet. I suppose that’s why I love this photo - he just did it. Didn’t think too much about the consequences. You have to admire that. -Aiden T.

Before they were grandparents, they would just grin and bear it.

I’m not sure why everyone back in the early 1900s thought it was safe to own a bear. Several military battalions had a bear as a mascot, A.A. Milne based ‘Winnie the Pooh’ off a domesticated bear, and my great grandfather apparently walked one around on a leash. Don’t get me wrong, I love bears and think they’re great - but it seems odd to keep one as a pet. I suppose that’s why I love this photo - he just did it. Didn’t think too much about the consequences. You have to admire that.

-Aiden T.

Before they were grandparents, they were horsing around. My grandmother was always owned horses. And it’s clear, from this photo at least, that she was a typical little girl who loved those animals. This photo is from, I believe, a summer parade that my grandmother rode in with her cousin. A local fireman is holding the reins as they pose. 

Before they were grandparents, they were horsing around.

My grandmother was always owned horses. And it’s clear, from this photo at least, that she was a typical little girl who loved those animals. This photo is from, I believe, a summer parade that my grandmother rode in with her cousin. A local fireman is holding the reins as they pose. 

Before they were grandparents, they were lovebirds. One compliment we receive on a regular basis for our Tumblr is the display of love in these photos. Whether it’s a large family photo, or a one-on-one portrait, we don’t mind saying there is a certain excitement and joy felt when we post those submissions. Today’s photo is no exception, coming to us from Pat K., a fan who wanted to share this beautiful photo of his grandparents on Valentine’s Day. Many of our submission are sent through email, but when we receive submission through Tumblr, we like to link and give credit to the source. Thank you to everyone who has submitted photos to this project - we couldn’t do this without you! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Before they were grandparents, they were lovebirds.

One compliment we receive on a regular basis for our Tumblr is the display of love in these photos. Whether it’s a large family photo, or a one-on-one portrait, we don’t mind saying there is a certain excitement and joy felt when we post those submissions. Today’s photo is no exception, coming to us from Pat K., a fan who wanted to share this beautiful photo of his grandparents on Valentine’s Day.

Many of our submission are sent through email, but when we receive submission through Tumblr, we like to link and give credit to the source. Thank you to everyone who has submitted photos to this project - we couldn’t do this without you!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Before she was a Grandmother, she was one of the gals. This is a photo from the early 1960’s of my Gram (Top Right), her mother (Center Right), her best friend (Bottom Left), and just a few of her sisters. I’ve been told that this was supposed to be a serious picture, until someone laughed, which set off a chain reaction. Out of 21 brothers and sisters, there are only 5 who are still living. She was all about family. Family matters, and family comes first. My Gram will forever be my favourite person, and my favourite Skip-Bo opponent. Love you, Gram.  (submitted by dawnndarling)

Before she was a Grandmother, she was one of the gals.

This is a photo from the early 1960’s of my Gram (Top Right), her mother (Center Right), her best friend (Bottom Left), and just a few of her sisters. I’ve been told that this was supposed to be a serious picture, until someone laughed, which set off a chain reaction. Out of 21 brothers and sisters, there are only 5 who are still living. She was all about family. Family matters, and family comes first. My Gram will forever be my favourite person, and my favourite Skip-Bo opponent. Love you, Gram. 

(submitted by dawnndarling)

Before they were grandparents, they were casting a line. My grandfather, Alan, was a simple man who cared for the simple things in life. He raised his family in a rural setting, teaching my father what he felt were basic life skills. This included fishing, but my father always told me that fishing, above all others “chores”, was my grandfather’s favourite. I inherited a love for this sport from my dad, and have since passed it on to my children. -Everett M.

Before they were grandparents, they were casting a line.

My grandfather, Alan, was a simple man who cared for the simple things in life. He raised his family in a rural setting, teaching my father what he felt were basic life skills. This included fishing, but my father always told me that fishing, above all others “chores”, was my grandfather’s favourite. I inherited a love for this sport from my dad, and have since passed it on to my children.

-Everett M.