HELP- PLEASE! I need creative ideas from creative people...

[karebear1]

.....so I knew this was the place to come!! After all- I know of no more creative people than the DISERS here!

I have to put together a memory book of questions for a Senior Citizens home in our neighborhood. It will include places for pictures as well as questions about their childhood and fond memories. Here where you guys can help! If you were reading a book about your mom/grandma or dad/grandpa and wanted to know some interesting things about their lives, what kind of questions would you ask? I was thinking about things like- what was their first car and how much did it cost? How did they meet their spouse and so on. So, do you have any ideas for me??? I'd really appreciate your input.

THANKS- Karen

 

[beansmom]

Earliest memory?

What was their family like?

What did they want to be when they grew up and what did they become? Why?

I think this is an awesome idea! Good luck with it.

 

[yummy72]

I loved the stories my grandmother used to tell me about how they were the first family in town to have a car and washing machine, and how they had a big farm and would cook for all of the field workers. (it was like reading a Little House on the Prairie book!!) Also I loved to look at her photo albums and she would tell me all about the fashions of the times, her dates, how her dad treated her boyfriends when they came to pick her up...Music and movies that were popular. You might be able to incorporate some of those "time capsule" things from the dmarie time capsule

http://dmarie.com/timecap/

I know a couple of years ago I printed one of those out and put it with DH's grandfather's birthday gift. He and his wife had a blast singing some of the songs from the day, and reminiscing.

HTH,
Candi

 

[chi-mom]

How about Who they voted for in their first presidential election. They could then expand on that and tell the political climate of the time.

 

[karebear1]

I knew I could count on you guys! Those are all really good suggestions! Than you so much for taking the time out of your busy day to help me!

Any other suggestions out there?

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Karebear1,

I can't remember the specific questions and I'm at work or I'd look it up but instead I'll give you the reference. In the Brownie and Junior (probably Cadette/Sr too for that matter) there are badges focusing on learning about the history of family, women, and community (not all in one badge). The suggested questions were great.

If you don't have access to a GS leader or girl with a book you might try calling your local council and see if they might let you take a peak at what they have in their library.

Or let me know and I'll try to look these up over the weekend for you.

Deb

 

[Beanie]

Everyone has given you great suggestions, Karen!! I just wanted to say hi to my WISH Buddy!!

 

[PamCo88]

One of the things my grandmother told me was what she used to eat during the Depression and the creative meals they used to come up with.

 

[Cinders]

The kids have asked my parents what kind of toys and games they played as children. My lil sweettooth DS has asked what their favorite treat/candy was too. Older DS was looking at some old pics of my dad and 2 of his brothers in the military and asked about the states and countries dad has traveled to in the military. Questions about types of pets are interesting too. My mom once had a squirrel monkey and a descented skunk.

 

[firstmickey]

I would want to know:

What is the best present you ever received and why?

 

[karebear1]

These are GREAT ideas!! Please - keep them coming. I never would've thought of some of these on my own!! THANK YOU ALL!

 

[laurie31]

What a great idea! I have a book, "Reflections from a Mother's Heart" that has questions like these. It's intended to be a gift to my daughter someday

Some of the topics in there that haven't already been mentioned here include:
Who gave you your name and why
describe your childhood bedroom
where did your father work what did he do, how did he dress?
what did your mother do - did she have a job or do volunteer work, how did she dress?
describe your grandparents' homes - did you visit them often?
what scent or sound immediately takes you back to your childhood - what memory does it evoke?
what was the name of your favorite pet, why was it your favorite?
did you get an allowance as a child? what chores did you have to do?
tell me about your first job?
who was your favorite teacher?
what extracurricular activities were you involved in during high school and why?
what crazy fads do you remember from grade school or high school?
how did you celebrate birthdays in your family?
What kind of car did your family have?
What is the strangest thing you have ever seen?
Tell me about your first date - what did you do, etc.
As a teenager, did you do things your parents wouldn't have approved of? How do you feel about that now?
Did you ever participate in a rally or demonstartion?
describe the most fascinating places you've visited
did you collect anything as a child?
Who was your best childhood friend?
did you play a musical instrument?
What were the meals you cooked (or ate when you first married. How are those meals different from the ones you eat now?
When did you move away from home?
what would you like to see happen in the next ten years?
what is your most treasured possession and why?

Also, I don't know if questions about religion are appropriate for your project, but they are interesting, nevertheless

Did you attend church?
Who gave you your first Bible?
Were there any special prayers you prayed as a child?
DId you say a special prayer at bedtime?
Did you ever feel God had a calling for your life?
DId the pastor/priest/rabbi ever come to your house for dinner?
Did you attend church or community potluck dinners?
What is your favorite Bible verse? Which verse puzzles you the most?
What Bible character would you most like to meet?
Do you remember your first communion?

Well, you get the idea!
Have fun!!

Laurie