| Welcome to "Parks Place," a website which chronicles the Parks-Winter family names from the early 1600's to the present. Whether you are a member of the Parks-Winter clan, another all American family or new immigrant, we hope you enjoy your visit and find inspiration. This website is designed to honor those who came before and their far reaching contributions which have brought us to where we are today. Our story is long, eventful and enduring, we have cause to be proud. Some of us were "Americans" before there was an "America." We were both on and met the ships exploring and colonizing the New World. We came seeking new and freer opportunities, a better life. We brought with us a sense of value and code of honor, honed by hundrends of years of European subjugation from religious persecution to monarchical domination. The New World became a new dawn, the Parks-Winter time to shine, and shine we have! Our ancestors could not have known what they had begun. Having bundled their few possessions and walked the gangplanks of many ships, heading into the unknown and toward lives as yet to unfold. We imagine they are pleased to find that same spirit alive and well today. From first hand accounts outlining daily colonial life to today one may clearly see that pioneer spirit, our timeless bond. Today we are found from "sea to shining sea" in diverse walks of life, and into our generations great unknown, but learning, cyberspace! We have been a part of every major and minute event which has shaped the history of "the land of the free and home of the brave." We have remained true to ourselves and the values which brought us originally. We have stood by America as she has done for us. We will persevere and continue one step, one generation at a time these ever expanding "footprints of the future," wherever they may take us. Someone will always be there to tell our story. We must take this moment in time to acknowledge family matriarch Noble Parks Wells. Without her, whose interest, ideas and research many years ago this website would not be what it is today. We thank you, history thanks you, and are certain the future will as well! This website is dedicated to the most recent "keeper of the flame," David Leroy Parks, Feb. 11, 1925 - Oct. 26, 2001. A man of wisdom, diligence, foresight and unshakable integrity who sought out information and documentation for many long years. We now inherit his labor of love and deep appreciation of family ties. With his passing, the torch is also passed to yet another generation. We are proud and pleased to continue his legacy. We ask only that you take a moment to reflect upon the gift he has given, the long and laborious task he set for himself in order that we might know and appreciate our heritage, ancestry and our place in history. May his powerful spirit, strong sense of justice, truth, courage and profound aura of patriotism find its way into the hearts and minds of those who visit "Parks Place!" Respectfully, Judith Parks Shannon July 31, 2002 |