During the month of June, we took our family on a cross-country road trip. 1 RV. 9 people. 17 days. We included many family history activities along the way. To catch up on our trip so far:
Preparing for Our ‘Relative Race’
Our ‘Relative Race’: Treasures Untold
Our ‘Relative Race’: An Unexpected Gift
Our ‘Relative Race’: Cherokee Heritage
Several generations of my father’s side of the family resided in Oklahoma City. During our road trip stop in Oklahoma City, I wanted to explore the places where my ancestors lived. Before our trip, I made a Google map marking all the family locations known to me through letters and documents. I included residences, work places, schools, churches, cemeteries. I colored coded the map to indicate which branch of the family that location pertained to.
To make it an interesting family activity, I included photos and stories. I selected photos that could be identified as taken at a particular place (usually the house number appeared in the photo, or there was an identifiable landmark in the background). I brainstormed the stories and facts I knew about these individuals and locations that I could share with my family on our drive. After I printed copies of the photos, I wrote the address and number order for our scavenger hunt on the back, as well as a sentence or phrase reminding me of the facts and stories I wanted to share.
On the day of our family history drive, we started at the Sunnylane Cemetery, where many family members are buried. After stopping at the office for a map and directions, we drove to the correct section. We paid our respects at my grandparents’ gravesite, and at several extended family members gravesites.

At the gravesite of Walter and Billee Corn, Sunnyland Cemetery

Holding the wedding photos of Walter and Billee Corn in the same spot they were taken

We pose in front of Shields Heights School with a photo of the school from long ago and a photo of Grandma Billee and her sister when they attended the school

Walter Corn and infant daughter Judy, house then and now

Stevens’ Grocery and Gas, then and now
In fact, I was ecstatic with our drive through history. I felt so much closer to my ancestors who lived in this small area of Oklahoma City. I felt closer to my children as I shared these stories with them. The stories seemed so much more tangible and real when we heard them in the places they happened. The children enjoyed holding up the pictures and comparing them with the location as it stands (or not) today. Overall, it was a huge, fun, memorable success!
Linda Stufflebean
July 30, 2016 — 2:14 am
How great that your family was able to enjoy a walk back in time. We’ve taken a couple of vacations like this and they are my favorite.
Melissa Finlay
July 30, 2016 — 4:31 pm
Thanks, Linda! Our family history experiences added so much to our whole vacation!