John and Ella McCormick

Letter to Nena from Ben, October 21, 1947

Ben Haskins Construction

Of all things Ben Haskins was called, hard working was one of them. His spirit for labor and progress was impressive. He paved the way (literally) for his children to become successful and independent. He was a great man.

Haskins Clan

Ben Haskins, Leon Haskins, John McCormick, Casey Haskins, Fred Haskins and family.

I'm not positive where everyone is in the picture. I think Fred is on the right, John is in the middle holding the child, and it looks like Nena is standing next to Fred. I could certainly use a little help identifying people.

I think this photo is fantastic. I love the setting and also how cheery everyone seems.

My guess is that this was taken in the late 40's or early 50's.

Letter to Nena from Ben (1947)

Young Nena and Ben

I'm not sure who the other individuals are in the photo but Nena and Ben are in the center.

Ben and Nena Together

Taken soon after they were married.

I think this photo is fantastic. It's the only photo I have of Nena and Ben showing affection in a picture. What makes this photo so great is how it captures the moment. It's Christmas morning, the shoes have been taken off and tossed aside. One of the girls is having fun with her new gift and the couple is happy.

I'm not sure what event they are at in this photo but Nena looks fabulous.

This is the most recent photo I have of the couple together. It was taken in the 1970's

Nena Jewel (Casper) Haskins

She really is beautiful isn't she? The colors in this photo are so classic, they really make her personality shine.

I am unsure how old Nena is in this picture.

This is Nena in her early twenties. She has such a great smile.

This photo was taken in Oklahoma some time between 1944-1945

September 1967, I believe this was taken at Ben's construction site.

I am not sure when this photo was taken, my guess is the late 1970's to mid 1980's

Taken in 1991, this is the Grandma Nena I remember so clear. A great joy in her soul and love for everyone. With a smile so bright she kept it her entire life.

Ben Haskins' Army Battalion

My guess is that this photo was taken in the mid-forties. Ben's draft notice was in 1944 so it would have been sometime after that.

This next part is like finding Waldo, which one is Ben?

You can click on the photo to enlarge it.

Ben Fred Haskins

I saw this photo for the first time just a few days ago. I feel like this young kid tells so much about himself and who he will be by his appearance.

This is Ben at around 18 years old. The pin he is wearing is a FFA. This is my favorite picture of Ben. I can't help but wonder what was going on in his mind at this time? If only I could have leaped into his thoughts.

This photo came from an article about Ben where he is quoted

"If it's not worth sayin' like a gentlemen, it's not worth saying"

This photo is framed at my parents home and I believed it was the only picture of my Grandpa Ben. Growing up, whenever he was mentioned my mind went directly to this picture. I remember starring at it for hours trying to figure out what kind of man he would have been today.

He would have been great .

1940 Gotebo Football Team

Love Letter

The biggest treasure I found, besides some of these great photographs, in my dad's basement were three letters. This letter in particular is very touching. It was written by Ben to Nena before they were married. My Dad mentioned that others might have letters that were dispersed after Nena's funeral. It would be an absolute joy if I could either see them or read them transcribed online.

There is no post-mark so the date of this letter is unknown.

If you click on the letter it will enlarge so you can read it.

Fred and Selma

Fred and Selma's Wedding Day

October 6, 1916

Casper Family

Back Row: Matilda, Ethel, Alma, Nancy, Nettie

Middle Row: Ezra, Louella, Duncan Alanzo, Elizabeth, William, Leatha

Front Row: Harold, Floyd

I love this photo. It's a small mirror into the deep past of the family. I like getting really close to the faces and seeing if there is any resemblence to family members now. I hope I got the names placed with the correct individuals.

February 1961

Diana, Donald McCormick, Darrell

Diana
Vicki, Diana, Marshall, Darrell, Donald McCormick
Please correct me if I've mislabled someone. Also, If you know who where these pictures took place I would love to know!

April 1958

unknown, diana, vicki, unknown

This photo was taken in 1958. I'm not sure who the boy is but I'm assuming the girls are Diana, Vicki and the girl on the end I'm unsure of. I don't know whose house this is but it looks like a great time.
Also taken in April 1958, possibly at the same house we have Anita, Diana, and Vicki. I would love to know this story.

Haskins Men 1947

Fred, Ben, JR. Jake

I am assuming this was taken the same time the family reunion photo was taken in 1947. Anymore information on these men would be wonderful.

First Haskins Family Reunion

This photo was taken in 1947, it is the first Haskins family reunion. I am not certain who is in this photo. I believe that Fred Haskins is the second from the left.