Portfolio - Tribute
My grandparents, Leonard and Jane Rose, were my subjects as I documented life, and death, in a small South Dakota town. I shot this project in 1995 with film. I processed the film and printed the photos to give them a deliberate grainy look. These images are scans from either the negatives or the prints. Because the photos were originally displayed in a theater setting, the gallery of Theatre in Round during their run of "King Lear," quotes from plays and playwrights were included to enhance the photos and their story. These photographs are a tribute not only to my grandparents' final days together, but also to their life together and to the small town dear to my heart.
This is my father’s father, Leonard Rose. Grandpa died February 15, 1995, five days short of his 87th birthday. Even though his health had declined in recent years, he was on oxygen for emphysema and he didn’t hear very well, Grandpa’s death was sudden. For much of his life, Grandpa was a farmer. His doctors believed his emphysema was a result of the farm chemicals he inhaled over the years. Grandpa was an involved citizen and a caring grandparent.
Jane became my grandmother when I was six years old. Grandpa married her after his wife, Helen, died of cancer at age 51. Jane remembers being 16 and admiring Grandpa from afar. “I saw him at a Lawrence Welk dance and I thought that he was such a good dancer, and so handsome!” Approximately 40 years later they met and married.
Grandpa and Jane shared 26 years together.
Grandpa and Jane shared 26 years together.
Castlewood, South Dakota, is a thriving town of about 600 people. At the time of this project in 1995, the Castlewood mayor was the youngest mayor in the country. He was an 18-year-old high school senior when elected.
The sign says it all.
Ida married Jud when she was 17, they ran the cafe and variety store for more than 60 years.
A bustling place. Ida visiting with Jane. Oftentimes, whoever ran out of coffee first would grab the coffee pot and refill their own cup, then refill everyone else's too!