The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-10-05
.RARKflTS-
 Your Children
By Olive Roberts Barton

There should be a special book or box for saving family documents in every house. The old Bible with its carefully written records was, for centuries, a regular bureau of vital statistics. To this day, half of us would know nothing about our fore bears. had not Great-grandfather John laboriously penned the date of every birth, wedding and death. I say centuries" advisedly, because I have an old Bible, several hum dred years of age, that tells about the Jameses and Elizabeths of an English family, and all their kin.
 Today, most parents depend on the recorders offlce or the bureau of vital statistics to keep official account of births, deaths and mar riages. They say complacently that any time they want information about certain event, all they have to do, or their children after them, is to write to the capital or county seat and get the desired facts.
 How Facts Go Astray
 But while this is true enough in 8 way, there are some things to keep in, mind. One is that parents may move to another state soon after a child's birth, not mention the town the child was born in and then die before the boy Cor girD becomes curious enough to inquire about his own history. Then in later years he won't know where to apply for the information. He may be able to follow 1t up easily from hear say and the information of friends. But suppose his birth has not been registered at all, as hap pens still in many places. He may never know his history then. And friends, in time, can forget.
 It is surprising how many times in later life. and especially now, with international lines tighten ing, birth certificate is required, or at least some authentic record of time and place. Particularly place. So I advise every mother and father to see that the baby is registered at birth and duplicate certificate given to them. Then, this copy should be either secured in an album or put away with other family papers in a metal box. labeled, and kept in a safe place.
 It is 8 splendid idea to write down the names of as many rela- tives, near and distant, as you can remember. Some day your children will be intensely interested, if not now. Put in marriages and relatives by marriage, and of course, all deaths with dates and places. Such matters are the child's right. More material for your private safety box.
 Saves Future Embarrassments
 All valuable papers, such as your wedding certificate, should be cherished. Also insurance pa- pers, army discharge papers, titles to property and leases. Indeed, any and all papers that you need to put your hand on at a moments notice. I could go on indefinitely, but every parent knows what he considers valuable. It never hurts to have duplicates of everything, no matter where else they are recorded. Wills, above everything, should have a place and stay there.
 You won't live forever. Even if you do live to be a hundred, you may move dozen times and it is better to take history right with you. Your children will thank you some day for leaving your house in order and saving them perhaps ein- barrassment and 8 great deal of trouble in years to come.
 Copyright. 1s36, NEA Service, Incl