Excerpt from a letter Dick sent to Aunt & Unc April 17, 1952
We have decided on names and have told only our folks – we decided on a boys name before we were even married, but didn’t decide on a girls until recently. If its a boy it will be David Lewis Votaw and if a girl, Carolyn Votaw. How do you like our choices?
The above announcement ran in the Plainfield, Indiana paper; the two above that were probably from the Whittier and Los Angeles papers.
My grandma Mildred Votaw wrote a poem to celebrate my birth.
Telegram announcing the future birth. The projected date was pretty close – but how did they know that it was going to be a boy?
This was the announcement of my birth that the family printed up. I don’t know who designed and wrote it, but I have a lot of talented ancestors and I’m sure it was one or more of them. The occasion was, of course, the presidential election of 1952 which took place less than a month later.
The Working Years, by Dick Votaw (part 2) (part 1)
Along came October 18, 1952, and the birth of our David Lewis. Doree’s doctor was in Pomona and we wanted to continue with him, so about two weeks before the birth we moved in with Doree’s parents. This was certainly not the ideal arrangement but it was the most practical. At least I didn’t have far to go to work. David was born about three o’clock in the morning and I think he arrived before the doctor got to the hospital. At least WE got to the hospital in time.
My parents wanted so much to see their first grandchild, so they drove over from Whittier in the middle of the night and the hospital staff would not let them see anyone but me. How disappointing to all concerned. Everything went well and Mother and baby were doing fine and this is what counts. I was a very proud Daddy and later on when I was able to take my family and move back home it was a very happy occasion.
Here’s a film clip of David’s first birthday, for which he was given a whole chocolate cake for himself. He had no trouble figuring out how to make use of it. The clips on this page, which have no sound, were shot with the Martins’ 16mm film camera which by this time was 25 years old.
In this clip David is playing in the back yard with his parents. The house was on Hornby Ave. in Whittier.
This clip shows off the Hornby house, our Buick, and Mom’s skills in driving and gardening.
Dear Dick –
…
We are still excited and feeling sorry for ourselves that we can’t see David when he gets out of the hosp. You’re sure one in a million. We are remembering Doree and know it’s wonderful to have it all over. Be thankful your son is alive – all three of ours died before birth. That is why I guess I’m always so fearful. We know your very thankful and it will make your home perfect. We will send David something when we get into the city. I’m sending mail to Pomona Box because I think you will get it maybe quicker there.
With lots of love
Aunt
The above letter was sent to Dick from his Aunt Tirzah (in Indiana) right after David was born. In the letter she reveals why this birth was such a big deal; she had lost all three of her sons before birth.
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