A few weeks ago, I sent an email inquiry to the Grand Encampment Museum to inquire whether they had any photos or information about Dick and Lydia Parr. The museum director said they did, so you know what that means…Field Trip!

A search of some newspaper archives sheds new light on the years immediately before and after Lydia’s marriage to Dick Parr.

Aunt Lydie found herself widowed at age 24 after just two years of marriage. It seems as though Joe’s family handled all the funeral arrangements. Certainly Lydie couldn’t have managed the elaborate tombstone on her own.

Evidence suggests that Aunt Lydie eloped with a young man from Weston. What may have started out as a romantic adventure ended in tragedy.

Aunt Agda Alida “Lydie” Pearson Novak Parr lived a life of love, loss and adventure. She had no children, so I don’t believe there is anyone left living who knew her personally.  This is the first in series of posts examining her life.