Man Discovers Great-Grandfather's 1920s Art Scrapbook, Revealing Hidden Family History

What's Happening?

William Prud’homme, a 34-year-old from Québec, Canada, made a surprising discovery while sorting through boxes in his father's basement. He found a scrapbook belonging to his great-grandfather, Jean Jules Derome, who was a railway ticket clerk and later worked for Hydro-Quebec. The scrapbook, which dates back to 1917, contains portraits, landscapes, and sketches that Derome created, starting when he was just 11 years old. Prud’homme shared his find on Reddit, where it quickly gained attention, amassing nearly 8,000 upvotes. The scrapbook includes a variety of art pieces, such as a lifelike sketch of an elderly woman, which Prud’homme described as feeling like a time capsule. The discovery has inspired Prud’homme to preserve the artwork by ordering an archival binder and considering creating a preface to contextualize Derome's life and work.

Why It's Important?

This discovery highlights the personal and historical value of family artifacts, offering a tangible connection to past generations. For Prud’homme, the scrapbook not only provides insight into his great-grandfather's artistic talents but also enriches his understanding of his family's history. The public's interest, as evidenced by the Reddit response, underscores a broader appreciation for personal histories and the stories they tell. Such artifacts can serve as educational tools, offering glimpses into the cultural and social contexts of the time. The preservation efforts initiated by Prud’homme ensure that this piece of family history can be shared with future generations, potentially inspiring others to explore and preserve their own family legacies.

What's Next?

Prud’homme plans to preserve the scrapbook by placing it in an archival binder and possibly adding a preface to provide context about Derome's life and work. He intends to pass it down to future generations of his family, or alternatively, donate it to an institution that can maintain and display it. This decision reflects a growing trend of individuals taking active roles in preserving personal and family histories, which may encourage others to do the same. The public interest generated by the Reddit post could also lead to further exploration and sharing of similar family artifacts, contributing to a richer understanding of personal and collective histories.