August 6, 2005

 

Cousin Coincidence

Arrived in Millstone today. As we went through town, we pulled over at a carwash to talk over what we were going to do. There was a guy washing his car. As he left, we said hi, he said hi, and he was on his way. On the way back into town we stopped at a little gun shop (go figure) to check it out and this guy shows up there. When we get outside and get to talking and introduce our selves, He tells us his name is Dana Starcher. And after throwing out a few names it turns out, He is our cousin. We talked with him for a while and got a couple of pictures together. Told him about our web site and he is going to have his girlfriend pull it up to what we’re up to. Then we had lunch at the café, and she waited on us. We all joked back and forth then headed for the homestead. As we pulled up to the house a guy was working on his car and a lady standing next to him. We parked introduced ourselves and it seemed like things just flowed from there. They offered a great deal of information, let us hang around as long as we wanted. We talked and had a cigar and only wonder what his childhood must have been like. As impoverished as it might have been, there was a richness which no one could deny. My heart breaks for him even more after seeing where he came from, as to what evil could befall him to never want to go back or even share his family with us. He had to have his reasons; I will have to trust that it was just the way it had to be.

-Jim, August 6, 2005

This was funny; we were riding around Millstone trying to find Dad’s homestead no luck. When we stop to get something to eat, we were talking, and someone overheard us.

We let him know where we were looking for and he said it was his grandmother’s house.

I asked his name he said Dana Starcher, then I introduced myself as his cousin.

His mom and our dad were brother and sister.

We dad something to eat then went up there.

After spending some time up there it is apparent why Dad settled in Bellingham.

The house was not much but the area is just beautiful we all could not get over this. It was overwhelming at times.

One of the things we decided to do is spread some of Mom’s ashes there at the homestead.

After doing that we had a cigar and a toast to Dad then it was time to head out.

We found the neatest road these things Conner like there on rails, what fun.

I still do not know what will drag first: foot pegs or saddlebags.

-Ken, August 6, 2005

Weston to Millstone. Spent the night in Charleston, WV. Long Branch Steak House.

-Doug, August 6, 2005

Off to the homestead, down to the corner diner, stopping and asking directions but we made it. We talked about what Dad’s life must have been like around here. We dumped some of Mom’s ashes in the creek that is alongside Daniels Run. What a depressed area. We then headed for Charleston, WV. Doug wanted the GPS named so I have dubbed her L.I.B. or Lady In the Bag. So here we went off to get to the hotel and Lib took us on some new and very exciting roads. Will not tell you what some of the boys wanted to do to me for that. 

-Dan, August 6, 2005