For just one day every September, the spoilers become the spoiled. National Grandparents Day has been observed in the U.S. on the first Sunday after Labor Day since President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation in 1979. But for one 6-year-old boy, long before that day was made official, every day was grandparents day.
On Aug. 29, 1955, the face of a red-haired, freckle-nosed boy named Billy Conner graced the cover of LIFE Magazine under the headline, “The Fun of Being a Grandson.” Billy lived four blocks away from his grandfather William James Conner, 63, a section foreman on the Missouri Pacific Railroad in Batesville, Ark. The photo essay by Leonard McCombe documented their afternoons reading the newspaper, eating ice cream, fishing for catfish and dealing with wiggly teeth.
Though Billy’s love for his grandfather is unmistakably genuine, his desire to spend time together stemmed, at least in part, from William’s willingness to indulge his grandson’s boyish behavior: Billy “revels in the company of granddad because he is no disciplinarian at all.”
August 29, 1955 cover of LIFE magazine.Leonard McCombe—LIFE Magazine
Liz Ronk, who edited this gallery, is the Photo Editor for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk.
Caption from LIFE. On the steps of the porch, dislodging a pair of glasses ends granddad's reading period.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. In a shop, choice between glove or ball.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. On a walk, an impatient tug toward a treat.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. At the ice cream stand, something for both of them.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesSix-year-old Billy Conner takes a wobbly first ride on a big bicycle as his grandfather gives him a steadying hand on the back of his seat. Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesSix-year-old Billy Conner cries as he hugs his grandfather William Conner, who pats his shoulder reassuringly in the backyard at home. Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. An uneasy approach to the operation.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Trophy on a string.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. One puff spoils a pleasant illusion: A big act with a prop.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. After an experimental puff, a disenchantment with an adult pleasure.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/GettyBilly Conner and his grandfather William climbing a tree. Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. An early-morning start on a catfish expedition in a car named Old Dilsie.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesBilly Conner and his grandfather William go fishing. Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesBilly Conner watches his grandfather William with a puppy. Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesBilly Conner talks to his grandfather William on the train tracks.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. One hand free, waving at an engineer friend, the other hand holding tight.Leonard McCombe—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images
