What does Crockett's Island represent for each generation of Miltons? In what ways can a place both bind and define us? Does your family have a place with a similar kind of significance?
Created: 07/02/19
Replies: 14
Join Date: 10/15/10
Posts: 3442
What does Crockett's Island represent for each generation of Miltons? In what ways can a place both bind and define us? Does your family have a place with a similar kind of significance?
Join Date: 08/19/11
Posts: 214
It would be nice to have a refuge from the world that can give you comfort, where you can control (for the most part) who comes and goes, where family is welcome and guests are only guests. This would be rare, my family did not have such a place.
Join Date: 02/03/14
Posts: 271
We have a family lakehouse in an area where our family has been summering for 3 generations. For us it is our true home. We have lived in other countries, States, Provinces etc, but we all return every summer to spend time as a family and to create memories. All of this was true for the Miltons, however for them the fact that the Island was also a representation of their wealth and status was as important as the family memories. Making sure the place was never too comfortable, too fancy, was typical reverse snobbism - a hallmark of certain families such as the Kennedys, the Bushes etc. As the younger generations have to share the property and the responsibilities cracks begin to show - and often it becomes a place of discord rather than peace. The memories are still there, but it becomes harder to enjoy the experience of being on the Island.
Join Date: 07/16/14
Posts: 374
Yes, we had such a place--it was where we gathered in summer and for holiday meals. It represented the unity of the family and our connection to generations past. Unfortunately, we sold it when our Mother died. No one could afford to buy out the others and none felt they could or wanted to spend money for its upkeep. The saddest thing is that the new owner tore down the house and built something else. Maybe that is better--strangers aren't walking among our ghosts--though they are looking out over the same view.
Join Date: 04/02/13
Posts: 91
Crockett's Island is their family seat. It is integral to their family over the many generations and an important part of their history. Keeping it was important in my opinion.
Join Date: 12/02/15
Posts: 48
Crockett's Island was the Milton's refuge. The island held memories of good times and unity for the family. Our family had no such place but I think if we had had a lake house, cabin or cottage that we could have gathered at and experienced family unity, we would have been closer to one another.
Join Date: 07/08/19
Posts: 3
For Ogden and Kitty this island was a place to get away from the thoughts related to the accidental death of their son. A way to forget the hustle-bustle of the busy workday world. The island is symbolic of affluence and the aristocratic level of society. For Ogden and Kitty's children (Evelyn, Joan, and Moss) the island is probably also symbolic in the same way as for Ogden and Kitty -- upper crust, elitism, isolation from the masses, etc. For the next generation composed of Evie and the other cousins, there is a much diminished desire to own the island. Evie is the only cousin who desires to own the island. The majority just want the money out of it. The trust money has run out. Does that mean there is less racism and tribalism? Maybe to a certain degree but there is no evidence that racism does not still exist.
Join Date: 06/19/12
Posts: 408
For Kitty and Ogden, the island was a refuge from grief and a place to start anew. For their children, it was a second home and a special place to escape the tensions of the city. For the third generation (Evie, especially) it was a strong tie to family and the past and something of a protection for the future.
Join Date: 04/05/19
Posts: 34
Join Date: 08/29/18
Posts: 10
Join Date: 02/21/19
Posts: 44
For Ogden and Kitty the island represented sanctuary and healing. It also became a symbol they could use to show off their elevated social status. For their children, the island represented wonderful summers throughout their childhoods and into adulthood. While it seemed the grandchildren enjoyed their summers there, they were not so attached to the property (except Evie) that they couldn't let it go when money became an issue.
Join Date: 04/09/17
Posts: 13
I agree with the above comments, what the Crockett's Island represented changed with each generation. I enjoyed the nature and island descriptions through the generations.
Join Date: 05/29/15
Posts: 460
Crockett's Island was the gathering place for the Milton family. It held their memories and dreams as well as their sadness and loss. For my family it was an old country house in rural Texas. We don't have it anymore but it is always in our hearts and in old pictures.
Join Date: 05/06/12
Posts: 33
I felt like Crockett's Island was a place for the generations to become their true selves. A place where they can say and do anything without being judged by the rest of the world. Yes, the Miltons had parties, yet every one was choreographed by Kitty and Ogden and on one specific occasion when both Len and Reg showed up unexpectedly, it showed exactly how catty and unfriendly this family could be.
No, I did not grow up with any type of summer house to visit every summer.
Join Date: 08/11/11
Posts: 11
It’s a place of their own, for the family to share times together. Different generations are relaxed to confide in each other, with the younger ones bonding in a place away from the city. A large family like the Miltons had the financial wherewithal to have this island opportunity.
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