The other day I had an opportunity to go out on the river with my dad. We took a cruise down to a place with some historical significance to my family, someplace I haven't been in many years. It's a place that is only passable when the water is high enough that you can safely pass over the dike at the entrance to the Trudell Slough, a spillway from the Mississippi River which feeds into the Vermillion River.
My Dad has been navigating the Mississippi River, it's tributaries, and backwaters, since he was 8 years old -- he's 76 now.
I managed to capture video of the trip and edited together a little short which sums up the journey.
This is the place where on June 23rd, 1957, my Grandparents Francis (Ole) Lovejoy, and his wife Dorothy Lovejoy drowned, during their attempt to rescue 3 teenagers from a capsized boat which was trapped against the turbulence of the water rushing over the dike.
My dad, who was 15 years old at the time, managed to pull one of the teenagers to shore with a rope, but the rest, sadly, were lost to the river that day.
This video is in memory of my Grandfather Francis (Ole) Lovejoy and Grandmother Dorothy Lovejoy who gave their lives to rescue those in need; and in honor of my father, who rescued one, and endured the tragic loss of his parents at such a young age.
Music Credit:
The Encouragement Stick, by Doctor Turtle
Licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike License
I've included this newspaper clipping from June of 1957, without transcription, if you wish to read the whole account of that fateful day.
| Francis Lovejoy | Dorothy Lovejoy |
|---|---|
 |  |
I learned at a very young age, and even as a sailor I'm repeatedly learning:
Always respect the water.
My heartfelt condolences to all who have experienced the tragic loss of family members, and my deepest admiration for those who press on and make a life for themselves, and others, despite the tragedy. You are my heroes.
Music Credit:
The Encouragement Stick, by Doctor Turtle
Licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike License
