There are few photos of my grandfather smiling. He worked as a farmer and delivered mail in the mountain community of Doogan. Now, the area is in the National Forest. There is little evidence of the once thriving farms and vineyards. Jim Phillips and his young son, Edd, pose with their animals. Both smile for the camera, and both stand with their hands in the pockets.
My Uncle Edd was always laughing and joking as an adult. Perhaps, the same can be said for his younger self. He contracted influenza and was very ill for a long time.
circa 1920