Life magazine photos McCauslin family 1950

Life magazine photos McCauslin family 1950

Dad and Mom standing in front of our home on Walsh St. with their Studebaker are from photos taken by Life magazine (photos by Francis Miller) in 1950 for a story on how the American working class man was making it, earning enough money to buy a house and car and have four children with one more on the way.  The story never ran.  My memory is that a Mafia Don was assassinated in a restaurant in New York City and that story pushed us out of the magazine the week this story was to run.  I have search for the death of the Mafia Don and have not been able to find it, so far.

Dad in ND Pipe Shop

As supervisor of the University of Notre Dame Pipe Shop, Dad earned $102 a week when this photos was taken in March, 1950.

On the back of the proof sheet, it reads:

"- - - - - - South Bend...1950 census... Mr. John McCauslin, supervisor of pipe shop at Notre Dame, father of a South growing family.  He is 39."

Gathered in the living room for a casual portrait!

Dad, Mary, and Mom on the couch, Danny and Helen looking at the funnies in the South Bend Tribune and Johnny staring off into space (at the lamp!? at 2 1/2 years old). 

There are reporter notes on the back of proof shot that read (in red pencil):

"John, 37 & June 34 McCauslin

married 13 yrs

1940 -- He constr. correr $60 wk

1st child: 1941, Jan.

Another due this aug.

Bought & just fin. paying house

1941

He -- $102 a week, new Study"

Family Supper

This is the last proof with a typed note on the back.  I am assuming all with typed notes might have been used if the story was published.

It reads:

"- - - - South Bend...3/31/50... 1950 Census... Mr. John McCauslin, John Francis in high chair, Helen, Danny, Mrs. June McCauslin and Mary, a growing family in South Bend.  He is supervisor of the Pipe shop at Notre Dame."