Abstract
This thesis examines the legends that surround the Blakelock family, starting with their journey from England in 1828 to the current generation. By exploring specific stories and members of the family, I have been able to find my sense of self and place within our family dynamics. I studied four Blakelock generations and also individuals including Ralph Blakelock, the doctor; Ralph Albert Blakelock, the painter; Cora and her daughter, Maria; Doug and Sally, my grandparents; Loie, my mother, and me. I have collected data from family stories, books, newspapers, photographs and paintings, as well as my own memories. I have discovered that I have every generation of the Blakelock family living in me. This thesis has allowed me both to capture our family stories for my grandparents whose memories are failing them in dementia and to find my place.