1950 – 1956

During the early 1950’s Dennis lived in Buellton and then Solvang. While in Solvang Charles ran the local Ford dealership, Sun Motors. In these years life in Solvang was simple. While each year Danish Days was a highlight, Solvang was not yet the tourist mecca that it is today.

Dennis would often spend Saturday afternoon at a matinee at the local theater that was in walking distance from his home.

Dennis was active at an early age. To keep him in from wandering away, our mom would strap him in a harness and attach it to a tree. Being the younger brother, and perhaps less prone to taking off, I was left un-tethered. I don’t remember for certain, but from the looks of some of the old photos, I stayed just out of arms reach from Dennis. Later in life, he would get even on numerous occasions.

Dennis tethered to a tree with Curtis just out of reach on his trike.

Dennis attended elementary school in Solvang, but his first days in school were in Buellton.

Solvang Elementary

Before living in Solvang, the family lived in nearby Buellton

Dennis playing in the wasteland near the home in Buellton