My uncle Ernest Julius Erickson (on the left) with a friend sit for a portrait at his older brother Helmer's 'Erickson Studio' in Wilton, North Dakota in 1915. Ciggies blazing, these two dandies out for the day are surely styling. Ernest Julius's face in many of the photographs I have is compelling and handsome. He has a look of adventure and knowing.

Here at 26 years old he looks years older and wiser than most and from all I have heard about Ernest Julius, always looked forward for what may come next. That era of the early 20th Century where folk often appeared to me to be more seasoned and mature. You grew up faster then, work called sooner and on the farm a child was working in some fashion by the time they were 6 years old.

I so wish I could have known Ernest Julius. I am fortunate I can relive his life through the many letters, diaries, photographs and the stories told by my father, grandfather and others. I feel in some mystical way I do know him well.