Saturday, December 3, 2016

My Hometown - When Daughters Ask - Part 3 of 3


My Hometown
When Daughters Ask
Part 3 of 3

Silver Dollar City, Thanksgiving 2016
Allison King, Annette Lamb, Arrion Rathsack


As my wife, Nancy, our daughter, Annette, and I discussed the ‘eighth-grade yearbook’ that featured Nancy’s mother, Ruth, as a seventh-grader, and my father, Pete, as an eighth grader (the only one, actually), our discussion also involved the younger brothers and sisters of each as we looked at the photos and pages about the other classes in the one-room country school. This brought up another important aspect of talking about your family history with your grown children.

Each child will have different memories about relationships with older members of the extended family as well as different cousins, perhaps. Annette pointed out, for example, that she had memories of interacting with aunts and uncles in our hometown that her younger sisters didn’t. We only visited the hometown a few times a year, perhaps monthly, in her early years, of course, but by the time the two younger sisters were old enough to remember, we had moved out of state and hometown visits were no more than once or twice a year, if at all in any given year. Conversely, on those later years trips, Annette was out on her own, not with us, so the younger sisters knew many cousins that Annette never really got to know well.

So, my point here is to remember that each child will have different interests, and disinterests, based on their own experiences with various portions of the extended family - in addition to there natural interests in one aspect or another of family history study… at the point in there life when they become interested at all… if they even do. As for our girls, I’ve already mentioned Annette’s interests. The youngest, Arrion, and her husband, travel to Europe regularly, so she has become interested in the ‘way back’ parts of our family history. In contrast, Allison, the middle one, is really the most connected to the living relatives, keeps in touch with many of them, and likes to visit them, when possible. Different strokes for different folks, so to speak.

I would enjoy hearing your comments about how your next generation has reacted to and become involved with your family history studies and research.


Families are Forever! ;-)

Friday, December 2, 2016

My Hometown - When Daughters Ask - Part 2 of 3


My Hometown
When Daughters Ask
 Part 2 of 3

Silver Dollar City, Thanksgiving 2016
Allison King, Annette Lamb, Arrion Rathsack


In Part 1, my wife Nancy was showing the first of two family history research projects on which she had been working to our oldest daughter, Annette. We looked at her reaction.

Then, Nancy handed her a folder with the second project, barely begun.

The key artifact in that folder was a multi-page ‘eighth-grade yearbook’ hand made at a one-room country school, using mimeographed sheets, and containing many little black and white photo images taped onto various pages. Each photo was of one or more of the students. This book was created in 1928!

Having been a Media Specialist in a local School, as well as a Professor of Instructional Technology and Library Science for many years, such a historical document ‘caught her fancy” immediately.

However, it was the content of the booklet that really caught her attention. She quickly realized she was looking at content written about both her maternal grandmother, in seventh grade, and her paternal grandfather, in eighth grade, chronicled in the yearbook!! At the same one-room country Star School, Union No. 1, where her own mother had attended in later years (the 1940s)!! Annette said something to the effect: “This is part of my family history, both sides of the family, in one document!”

This led to extensive discussion, of course, from both of our perspectives. Many memories invoked, shared, and discussed.

For this post, one particular aspect piqued her interest. Grandmother Ruth, the seventh grader, had written the ‘future’ stories of other students, and in particular, regarding Grandfather Pete, the eighth grader. It went something like this: At some future date, I (Ruth) was returning from an ocean liner cruise from Europe, and read a sports news article that featured Pete Smith. He was a star baseball player with the Des Moines Giants team and had hit 50 homers that year…. and went on like that.

Another page in the yearbook had noted that Pete was the leader of the local baseball team and it was his favorite sport - in addition to wanting to be a great farmer.

Annette immediately wanted to know if the “Des Moines Giants” had been a real baseball team of the era, and began an extensive computer search on the subject - she is very skilled at this. Jumping ahead just a bit, she got into the archives of our hometown newspaper, a weekly which is now available on line from 1882. She came across news articles, from the 1920s, of a local farm baseball team named the Willow Creek Giants, that features the Hilgenberg brothers. Willow Creek runs right past our home Smith farm… which Pete had purchased in 1941 from William Hilgenberg. Needless to say, this led to much more research and discussion. And, many, many maps trying to locate exactly where all this occurred, exactly, where and when and by whom. I did a full census-based family tree of the Hilgenberg family to add to the discussion. I knew many of them, growing up. One was an uncle, married Pete’s sister, and others were neighbors and friends. What fun!

This wasn’t perhaps the outcome that Nancy had expected in sharing her second project, but we all created new memories, learned new information about our family, and learned more about the neighborhood in the process of just a few hours. This occurred because we listed to “what our daughter asked” and followed her interests, not just our own.

In Part 3, tomorrow, we’ll look at some of the relationships we discussed related to the above and more…


Families are Forever! ;-)

Thursday, December 1, 2016

My Hometown - When Daughters Ask - Part 1 of 3


My Hometown
When Daughters Ask
Part 1 of 3
My wife, Nancy, and I are very fortunate that each of our three grown daughters have developed a serious interest in their family history. Nancy and I are more than pleased, and proud, to encourage that interest and share our extensive research, datebases, and writings, of course, to kick-start their own research… which they are doing, each in their own ways.
Silver Dollar City, Thanksgiving 2016
Allison King, Annette Lamb, Arrion Rathsack

Holiday interchanges are always critical since two of the three live in different states, so we are only face to face a few times each year. This post was kicked off, a few days after the Thanksgiving Day holiday, a few days before our oldest daughter, Annette, was ready to leave. Her interests include timelines and places (maps, places to visit, etc.) she says. Annette and Nancy have already published two family history books together, so it is always interesting to see where these discussions lead.

Shameless promotional plugs:



Nancy brought out two projects she had worked on lately, to share with Annette, to see if either caught her eye. For the first one, Nancy had built folders of information on the decades of her paternal grandfather, who was sort of a ‘black sheep’ in the family. It has taken years to build a decent history of him, since her family didn’t want to talk about him. There are still a few holes to fill in, but there is a story to be told one day. Annette showed interest, of course, but no new sparks seemed to fly… until she came across a photo from about 1914 of her three-year-old grandfather standing beside a pond/lake with “Longfellow Gardens, Minneapolis” written on the back. The ‘place name’ caught her attention. She immediately wondered if this “place” still existed and got to work on her computer.

She soon located “Longfellow Gardens” as a current part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board [https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/gardens__bird_sanctuaries/longfellow_gardens/] and started to muse about a possible visit next summer as part of a previously planned trip in the vicinity. Wouldn't it be neat to have a similar photo, now, with her standing where her three-year-old grandfather had stood, over a hundred of years ago.

She also mentioned she knew someone who had worked with the parks there at one time. Was he still there? The pondering and planning continued, along with further discussion of Nancy's project research.

My point in posting this is how important it is to let the next generation pick and choose their own topics/subjects of interest in our family history studies. When they pick something that excites them, then perhaps the work we have done will become real to them, not just boring vital records and cute stories. They will move ahead with their own research that will add depth, detail, and context to what we have begun… that we would likely never have done, ourselves.

Part 2, tomorrow, will continue with another example… that second project...




Families are Forever! ;-)





Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Sharing Memories - Eaton Plant in Spencer, Iowa, closes


Sharing Memories - Eaton Plant in Spencer, Iowa, closes




Easton Plant in Spencer, Iowa

In 1974, I was working as one of five personal assistants to the Governor of Iowa at the time, Governor Robert D. Ray. One of my areas of responsibilities was employment.

When the above plant opened, I was privileged to accompany Governor Ray, in the state plane, on a visit to this plant opening (because of other assignments, I believe this was the only plant opening I attended). Because of that, I've always noted the name Eaton. Here is a news story of the recent plant closing announcement:


We always hate to see plants close, of course, but this one seemed to have a very good, long run. Hard to believe how long it has been since we visited in 1974.

 

Monday, October 24, 2016

October is Family History Month


October is Family History Month

Have you identified each of your eight great-grandparents, with photos. It is a great place to start on your Family History Adventure... best wishes, and, have fun!!


I just scanned through many of the hundreds of family photos posted on this site. Oh, my, what an experience... down memory lane. Hope you've had the chance to do that, as well.

Families are Forever! ;-)

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Sunday Obituary - Leo Millard Kinnick


Sunday Obituary
Leo Millard Kinnick





I was very pleased to be able to attend the Celebration of Life of my Uncle Leo, my Mom's older brother, last weekend, in Pella, Iowa. He had a very full life. He and Ida were married for 77 years. Today is our 57th Anniversary... just 20 years to go to match their outstanding experience!

Leo Kinnick


Leo Millard Kinnick, age 99, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Monday, July 25, 2016, at Jefferson Place in Pella, Iowa. He was born in Coon Rapids, Iowa, to parents Paul and Dorothy (Sorensen) Kinnick on March 21, 1917, as the oldest of their 3 children: Leo, Eileen, and August Edward (Buzz).
As a high school student in Coon Rapids, he was an avid football player and sang in many vocal ensembles, activities that he continued to enjoy throughout his life. During these high school years, he would just happen to leave his house after lunch, at the same time Ida Marie Bell was walking back from her lunch with friends, conveniently offering to carry her books.  And thus a lifelong love story began which lasted 77 years. Even with these distractions, he still managed to graduate as salutatorian of his class.
After high school, Leo attended and graduated from Capital City Commercial College in Des Moines. When first married, Leo worked on the 80 acre family farm in Coon Rapids (no electricity, no running water, a hand crank phone, and field work done with horses and mules), but shortly thereafter he and Ida Marie moved to Rolfe, Iowa, where they helped Ida Marie’s father run his dairy farm of 45-50 milk cows. Their first daughter Karen was born on the Rolfe farm. A year and a half later they moved back to Coon Rapids where they opened a small café and lived on the floor above it. They sold hamburgers for 5 cents, and Karen entertained customers with song and dance, standing on the counter top. A short time later, Leo’s dad Paul, a banker in Coon Rapids, told Leo about a bank job opening in Lohrville, Iowa, and encouraged Leo to apply.  In 1940, Leo moved his young family to Lohrville, to be paid $80.00 a month in the new job. He became active in the community, and was the cashier of the bank for roughly 30 years. Daughter Kathleen, son Kelton, and daughter Karla were all born in nearby Lake City. When all the children were on their own, Leo took a job in a Fort Dodge bank for a short time, and then moved to Lenox, Iowa, serving in their bank until he retired in 1983. After “snow-birding” in Tucson, Arizona, a couple years, they moved to Tucson where they cherished the warm weather for about 20 years, and could watch their two youngest granddaughters grow up. In 2007 they moved back to Pella, Iowa, to be closer to more members on both sides of the family.
Music, sports and dance were always Leo’s biggest interests, and he saw that his children took part in those as much as they could. Gifted with a fine natural tenor voice himself, he sang in church choirs for many years, soloed for many special occasions, but he also sang in the Calhoun County Chorus, the Fort Dodge Glee Club, the Creston Glee Club, the Tucson Barbershop Chorus, and numerous barbershop quartets along the way. He loved Guy Lombardo, Lawrence Welk, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as well as many university choral groups, and even opera as sung by his youngest granddaughter. Leo attended dozens, if not hundreds, of dance recitals through the years, and one of his most recent TV favorites was “Dancing with the Stars”. He enjoyed seeing his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren experiencing the same joy in music, sports and dance that he did.
It was Leo’s love of football that made him the “neighborhood dad” throughout the 1950s. There were many summer and fall evenings when the neighborhood kids would gather to have Leo tell them to “go long” and he would hit them with nice soft passes. And the faces would be so attentive when he explained “how he did it when he played for the Chicago Bears”. It took many years before both family and friends realized that the Chicago Bears were just a passion, and that he really hadn’t played for them. But nevertheless, the story has flourished and been passed through several generations.
Leo served as a school board member of the Lohrville Community School, was a Boy Scouts leader, treasurer of the city of Lohrville for 25 years, a member of the Iowa Bankers Association and treasurer of the Salvation Army.
Besides his parents, Leo was preceded in death by the love of his life, Ida Marie (Bell) Kinnick, his sister Eileen Smith (Olson), and son-in-law Richard Henak. He is survived by his children Karen Henak, Kathleen (Kathi) Lucas, Kelton, and Karla, son-in-law Ken Lucas, brother Buzz, sister-in-law June Patrick, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. 


Saturday, July 16, 2016

100 Years Ago - Great-Grandparents 25th Anniversary


100 Years Ago
Great-Grandparents 25th Anniversary

Photo courtesy of cousin Ellen DeVilbis

100 Years Ago, Coon Rapids Enterprise, July 14, 2016 -
From July 14, 1916:

Mr. and Mrs. A.P. Kinnick celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Wednesday, July 6. They
issued invitations to many friends to enjoy the occasion with them and it was an enjoyable occasion.
Mr. and Mrs. Kinnick are very sociable people. They enjoy their friends and their friends enjoy
them. The party was comprised of about 50 guests, many being relatives, and the good eats served
fairly made the tables groan. The happy couple now as then were married at Coon Rapids, and their
first home was in a small dwelling which occupied the lot now occupied by the home of The Enterprise family. They have prospered well and are to be congratulated upon their long and happy wedded life and excellent family of children.


Thursday, June 23, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - Dec 20 - School Program


From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - Dec 20
School Program
Mrs. Phelps and 14 students at Willow # 3 - final year
Next fall, half went to Scranton, half went to Coon Rapids to school


Thursday, Dec 20:

… Made burnt sugar cake to take to school. Got coffee maker from the church. Real blizzardy.
Finished bath room at 1:00. Pete wasn’t here for dinner. Gave Tom a nap. Gave boys baths, ate, went to school program. Pete had to put on chains, to get there. Terribly cold & snowy. Cute program.
Tom kept saying he was hungry. Bill was Santa. Tom knew him. Jim said, “Do Not Open Until Christmas.” Bill was dressed like a lady in one play. Wilson was good as a lady. Nice lunch. All kids went together & got housecoat & gloves for teacher.

My comments:

Always interesting what was important to Mom as she wrote her diary entry each day.

Note: This concludes this series of posts from Mom’s diaries. Have a great summer! ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)


Wednesday, June 22, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - Dec 17 - Got Lionel


From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - Dec 17
Got Lionel
 
My daughter, Annette, in 1965, with the Lionel… just part of it...


Monday, Dec 17:

Got up at 6:30. Boys up early too. Went to Des Moines at 9:30. Snowing. Hard to drive against at times. Ate at Bishop’s. Got Bill red hat & gloves & Jim gloves. Got Lionel, flex. flyer, music box, Christmas gifts. Picked out rubber tile at Chader’s. Really snowy & cold. Lots of traffic when we left. Got groc. at big super market. Jim slept till we got to Mom’s. Roads were fine. Got Tom & came home & made hamburgers. Did dishes, went to bed early.

My comments:

Big day in my life, for sure. Mom and Dad really went to pick out the rubber tile, of course, for the Porch. They were VERY nice… but the train set was my big Christmas gift. At 12 1/2 years old, that was pretty big deal. After Christmas, a half dozen families around the neighborhood came to see the train, per later diary entries!! Big deal for them, as well, it seemed.
P.S. I still have the complete train, of course, get it out every few years! Still works well! ;-)

Eating at Bishop’s Cafeteria at Merle Hay Mall was part of the “going to Des Moines” ritual. Liked the “big super market” comment!


Families are Forever! ;-)


Saturday, June 18, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - Oct 18 - School Reorg mention


From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - Oct 18
School Reorg mention
 
My 7th grade school pic - Fall 1951

Thursday, Oct 18:

Cloudy and a little rain. Got boys off to school. Jimmy play “Old Gray Mare” and Billy play “Melody in F.” Cleaned back porch & kitchen cupboards. Pete up to Hachmeisters re: school reorganization. Ate fish & salad & then he went to see Honald & Smith. Put Tom to bed & listened to T.V. Kate Smith.
Called Mom to have them come & stay with boy - S.S. party. Made scalloped potatoes. Jack Bow came to have Pete pick corn but he was gone. Toots called to see about going to D.M. tomorrow.


My comments:

First specific note regarding School Reorganization - would cause country schools to close and all go to Coon Rapids to all school grades. A year away.

Think the tunes mentioned were what Jim and I had learned at our piano lessons.

Noticed how she still says ‘listened’ to T.V. - not watched television. Carry over from radio!! But, after this date… started saying ‘watched’ - fun to read diary! ;-)
Also, earlier note of watching football game on Sunday. Then, I later watching “Ames Football Game” on a Saturday afternoon.

Also, a mention of “looking at things for porch” suggests they were thinking about the new “Porch” - family room to replace old porch. Major addition to the house!! ;-)
P.S. November 15 - Henry Johnson came to start foundation of porch! ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)


Thursday, June 16, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - Aug 10-19 - First Family Vacation Colorado


From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - Aug 10-19
First Family Vacation Colorado
 
Family photo at Continental Divide


Drove across Nebraska, stayed at Wahoo the first night in a motel. New experience for family.
Then, into Wyoming and spent time with Mom’s great uncle Ira and family a couple of days. Then into Colorado, to Estes Park and stayed in nice cabin.


Wednesday, August 15:

Got up early & drove to Y.M.C. A. camp, made reserve. at Idaho Sprgs for tonight thru Chamber of Commerce. Tommy & Jim rode on little train again. Up trail ridge road. Really a never to be forgotten thrill. Looked down for thousands of feet. Climbed up to snow - nearly wore us out. Altitude really leaves you short winded. Picked wild flowers & got snow balls. Really chilly but sun hot. Seemed so funny. Didn’t realize it would take so long. Good road, but you don’t make much time. Down Bertroud Pass just as rugged or more so as Trail Ridge Road. Saw Bear Lake & Grand Lake. Pretty. Finally got to Idaho Sprigs. at 5:15. She had kept our cottage. Long narrow town between mtns.


My comments:

Mom did write this kind of detail for every day of the trip. Quite an experience. I clearly remember bits and pieces. Wondered when it was… now we know!

At end of trip: “Really wonderful to be home. Thats the best part of the trip. … Nice to see T.V. again. Hadn’t seen ir for a week and a day.” And, the next day… “Drove out to see the crops. Really looked good. Small  corn tasseling. Even weeds look good.”

She had not been impressed with barren grounds and no crops, in western Nebr and Wyo.!
Very interesting to relive the trip with her words!!! ;-)a


Families are Forever! ;-)


Wednesday, June 15, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - July 1 - Bill’s 12th Birthday and farm work


From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - July 1 - 
Bill’s 12th Birthday and farm work
 

Thurs. June 28:

… Bill & Pete put up hay at Toot’s. …

Friday, June 29:

… Pete & Bill plowing thru’ pons for late corn. …

Saturday, June 30:

… Made angel food cake for Bill.
Bill & Pete mowing & finished planting corn at 7:00 PM in ponds. I went down to Buss’ to get another bu. corn for him. Surely glad he’s through with that.

Sunday, July 1:

Fine day. Bill 12 years old. We got him a guitar & a badminton set. He was awake at 4:00 & said he didn’t go back to sleep. I tuned his guitar for him. Fried 2 chickens, baked beans, did sep, gave boys baths, cleaned up & went to Lils. Mom & Dad stopped so I could comb out her hair. Ger’s were fine. John & Jeannette really grown up. Really a crowd. Little Judy H. there - sang “It is no secret.”
Kids played ball. Ila Jean expecting in Dec. on my birth day. She & Colleen his year. Aunt Josephine is at Charlotte’s. Jack going to Denver. Mid Continent Co. Pilot. Leo’s, folks, Buzz’s here for supper.
Had Billy’s birthday cake. Toots, Mary stopped to invite us over for 4th. Mom & Dad did dishes. I put Tom to bed. Put car away -


My comments:

Interesting that during this time she called me Bill most of the time, but still Billy sometimes.

I remember the badminton set. Had forgotten about the guitar. I could not play it worth a darn. My fingers just didn’t have the size or dexterity… or something. Perhaps, lack of interest!?!?! ;-)

I was obviously working in the fields with Dad on a regular basis. Wonder if this was the summer we argued over me wanting to stop and watch Captain Video on the television at 5:00 p.m., followed by Tom Corbett, Space Cadet, at 5:15??? ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)


Saturday, June 11, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - May 15 - Bill cut finger on fence


From Mom’s Diary… 1951 - May 15
Bill cut finger on fence

Tuesday, May 15:

Did up usual work. Washed & set hair. Marg. came & said to get gift.
At 10:30 Bill & Inez came. Bill had cut finger bad on barb wire. Tom & I took him to Carroll.
Dr. Pascoe took 4 stitches. Had to wait 1/2 hr for tetanus because he was allergic to it.
Left Carroll at 1:00 - played for Mrs. Ben Hobbs funeral at 2:00. Down Town. Stopped at Beth’s.
Home & got supper, practiced piano a little.
Went in to Eastern Star. I had to play & serve lunch. Filled angel food. Millicent, Wayne Miller, Bertha Keister, Colleen & me.


My comments:

A very memorable day, for me. I still have the scar, 65 years later, on my left ring finger, just below the knuckle, inside. It was very prominent for many, many years. Is now somewhat less pronounced. I had tried to go through a barbed wire fence into nearby farm field to retrieve a baseball. Actually, it as I tried to return to the school yard that I snagged the finger on the barbs. Ouch!!

Notice how busy Mom was. This had become typical, … reading these months. She was playing the piano for many events, by now, and active in several clubs as well as still being involved with administration of the local rural school as well as Star church. We are approaching the times that I do remember clearly…

The first three months of 1951 appear to have been very bad snow storms, one after another. Notes of school on several Saturdays through the spring trying to make up all the days missed.



Families are Forever! ;-)


Thursday, June 9, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1950 - Dec 19 - TV set at home


From Mom’s Diary… 1950 - Dec 19
TV set at home

Tuesday, Dec 19:

Mom came  & I set her hair. Cooley here in P.M. to collect for Advocate. Watched T.V.
Dad came, at nite wore Max’s square dance dress & went to Lohrville. Leo’s have T.V. Bendix.
To square dance. Really a lot of fun. Home at 2:00. Made a batch of penuchi for school.

Wednesday, Dec 20:

Made 2 cherry pies, white nut cake, got gifts ready & went to boys school play. They all three have colds & coughs. Bill was Santa, Robert Hunter - Mrs. Santa - Real good. Ate - they exchanged gifts & came home.

Thursday, Dec 21:

… Got supper & watched T.V.


My comments:

What fun to see when T.V. set first arrived.
Speedy Shirbroun had brought a T.V. out to the school house (on hill) some evenings, over prior year.
This Christmas of 1950 seemed to be the pivot point. We got ours, then found out Leo’s had gotten one also!! I do recall the thrill. Ours was a Motorola. Looked like this 19” - I have actual photos in later years.


Doors were rarely, if ever, closed!! ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1950 - Nov 5 - Roy Rogers at KRNT Theater


From Mom’s Diary… 1950 - Nov 5
Roy Rogers at KRNT Theater
 
As they looked then... ;-)


Sunday, November 5:

Made chicken, noodles, salad. Mom & Dad came, ate, got ready to go to D. Moines to Roy Rogers at K.R.N.T. Really good. Better than I tho’t. Trigger right out on stage. Dale cute, Roy handsome, fine orchestra. Cute square dancers & dresses. Acrobats, dancers & everything. Ate at Hotel Fort Des Moines. Fancy supper. Kids got gifts.
Daryle’s wash house burned at 12:00 just as Pete came to bed. He helped fight it.


My comments:

We had been to several Roy Rogers movie over past months, so seeing them all live, in-person, on stage, and outside, really made an impression that has lasted through the years!! I was a big fan!! ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)


Saturday, June 4, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1950 - Summers - Birthdays


From Mom’s Diary… 1950 - Summers - Birthdays
Wanted to get this photo in; probably from spring, when landscaping done.
Also a hedge, off to the left in photo, dividing front yard from garden area behind.
No diary entry on my birthday this year.


Thursday, August 3:

Did a washing. In town & had pickup fixed. Got cowboy doll for Nancy. Ate at D & D.
Home & got Bill cleaned up & he went to Nancy’s 11th Birthday Party. I went after them & had lunch. Folded clothes. Thought Ace would come after school books but he didn’t. Mom & Dad came. I fixed her hair. Drove in town & got cones. Got new jeans & sweater so I could go to cafe for dinner.

Wednesday, August 9:

Did up usual work. Made Pete an angel food. He’s 35 today. Left for Jeff. at nine. Got his driver’s license and hair cut. Talked to Irene Jacobsens. Did a little shopping, came home, cleaned a chicken, did dishes, went to Swimming Aquacade. It was good. Watermelon race, candle race, clowns. Had pop & ice cream & came home.
Bill to Helping Hands at LVene’s in P.M. She sent home roasting ears.


My comments:

Potpourri of items for this entry…


Families are Forever! ;-)


Thursday, June 2, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1950 - Mar 30 - Allergic to Penicillin


From Mom’s Diary… 1950 - Mar 30
Allergic to Penicillin
Florey (pictured), Fleming and Chain shared a Nobel Prize in 1945 for their work on penicillin. 
Source: Wikipedia

Thursday, March 30:

…Billy’s hip was sore - is where he got penicillin shot. … Bill to Dr.
Temp is 99 1/2 degrees. Gave him allergy pill & sulfa. Allergic to penicillin, I guess.

Friday, March 31:

Billy’s hip all swelled hard & red. Didn’t send Jimmy to school either because he had a spot on his leg & 2 on his forehead. …

Saturday, April 1:

… Billy’s hip so sore he can hardly walk. …

Monday, April 3:

… Billy’s hip was better so he went to school. …


My comments:

I had just gone through a week or so of chicken pox… then, they (Dr. Johnson???) gave me a penicillin shot! Not the thing to do. I am allergic to penicillin! First experience recorded here! ;-)

Jim was getting chicken pox, but was real slow coming on… took several days…

P.S. In Louisville, in 1964, I'd apparently forgotten I was allergic to penicillin, and let them give me a shot... very same reaction!!! I've had big red letters 'Allergic to Penicillin' on all medical charts since! ;-)
Ah, Ha! April 21: Had penicillin from Doc Johnson for Tom. TOLD YOU SO!! 'Penicillin Pete' struck again... but, Tom was not allergic...  ;-)

Oh, and on March 17 - Mom and Dad celebrated 12 years of marriage; on April 20, Jim was 6. ;-)

Families are Forever! ;-)

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1950 - Mar 5 - Bayard house


From Mom’s Diary… 1950 - Mar 5
Bayard house
 
Grandpa and Grandma Kinnick on front porch of Bayard house, about 10 years later.

They apparently moved about March 1 to the little house in Bayard, from the farm, west of Bayard.

Sunday, March 5:

Really a spring day. Boys & Pete to S.S. & church. I fixed ham loaf, salad, carrots, cake, jello & we went to Mom’s to dinner. Leo’s there too. House is nice. It just needs water, furnace, paint, paper.
Kids played out doors & on porch & in school yard.
Real muddy in places.
Home & put kids to bed & did dishes. Paul & Helen, Morris came, stayed till 12:00.


My comments:

House just needed a ‘few things!’ ;-)

Was right adjacent to the Bayard school, to the east of the house.


Families are Forever! ;-)

Saturday, May 28, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1949 - In the fall - Kinnick family


From Mom’s Diary… 1949
In the fall - Kinnick family
Back row: Paul, Eileen, Colleen, Leo, Buzz, Delbert
Next row: Dennis, Bill, Dorothy, Ida Marie, Lillian
Next row: Jim, Kathleen holding Karla, Kelton, Karen
Tom in car, Marcia in scooter

Based on age of kids, this photo of the Kinnick family is in the fall - place unknown. There are lots of gaps in Mom’s 1949 diary entries, so did not find any matching entries, but wanted to get the photo it.

Also, as the school year began, there are mentions that Inez Shirbroun was our teacher. Jim had started Kindergarten and I was in 5th grade.

As the fall moved on, Grandpa and Grandma Kinnick moved down to “the farm.” I’m fairly certain this was the farm between Coon and Bayard where Buzz and Colleen now live. Grandma Dorothy had had her 61st birthday. (Appears Buzz and Colleen moved down there, from Harvey place, after the first of the year.)

My comments:

This appeared to also be the year that Dad built the granary up on hill south of the house, up the hill from the Cattle Shed.

Jim and I were taking piano lessons in town every Saturday afternoon. One day said that I was driving tractor for Don Shultz.


Families are Forever! ;-)

Thursday, May 26, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1949 - June 9 to 11 - Tommy walked; Bill cultivated


From Mom’s Diary… 1949 - June 9 to 11
Tommy walked; Bill cultivated
Not ours, but looked like this!

Thursday, June 9:

Tommy took first steps alone out doors from Dad to me. …

Friday, June 10:

… Bill ran Buzz’s cultivator alone on fall plowing. I kept driving out in car to watch. …

Saturday, June 11:

Tommy walked across kitchen floor. …
Bill cultivated with M with Buzz & Pete ate. He’s really growing up. …

My comments:

I would be ten years old in a couple of weeks, on July 1. What fun to read!

Note: On birthday, got "a bike horn & light, & film developer & printer." How about that? ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1949 - May 14 and 19 - Tom’s Birthday and School Picnic


From Mom’s Diary… 1949 - May 14 and 19
Tom’s Birthday and School Picnic
 
Spring at Willow #3 school
(I'm at right end of back row...)


Saturday, May 14: (1st birthday Tom, 12 teeth)

Cleaned the whole house. Made angel food for Tommy. Got 2 chickens from Elsie. Scrubbed kitchen, porch, bath room. Washed, set my hair. Men planting at Buzz. Got all except 6 A. beans. I took boys to Roy Rogers “Grand Canyon Trail.” Silver Mine. Pretty good. Got groceries & came home.

Thursday, May 19:

… Went to school picnic at Noon. …

My comments:

First mention of going to a Roy Rogers movie with “the boys.”

Assume the photo was from the picnic day. Works well here, in any event! ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1947 - Summers - Bikes


From Mom’s Diary… 1947 - Summers - Bikes
 
Wilson, Pat Thomas, Jim, Bill


This is out of order, but I wanted to get it recorded here.


My comments:

Note not only the kids, most important, but also the background.
As I’ve said before, looking at photos from years past, the backgrounds become very important.
Note that the driveway goes straight back, around the garage. At some point, the drive began to turn to the right on this side of the garage.
Note especially the pickup and the car!! The Barn and Garage. The white wood fence?!??
The house with old porch and chimney…
What fun! ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)


Saturday, May 21, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1949 - Apr 17 - The “dork” for “hork” incident!


From Mom’s Diary… 1949 - Apr 17 
The “dork” for “hork” incident!



This was one of my more “memorable” events from my younger years - have told the story for years.
Truly fascinating to see it in Mom’s words, in her diary, just as I’ve told the story. Wow! What fun!

Sunday, April 17:

To church on time. Had Tom baptized. Got along O.K. Dad had to hold him of course. To Leo’s to dinner. Ham & yams in basement. Stayed for lunch. Karen played horn & piano. Home & straightened up & went to bed.

Kelton said Jimmy says “dork” for “hork.” (fork)


My comments:

This was Easter, I’m sure, with Tom being baptized. The “in basement” notation was significant because they (Leo’s) had remodeled their lower level with a second kitchen, including a breakfast nook, as I recall. The formal dining room was still on the ‘main’ floor.

I also remember this as the day Leo noted that he got a ‘diamond stickpin’ for Easter which he was wearing in his tie. Seemed to denote success in his bank clerk life.

But the big ‘take-away’ was young nearly 4 year Kelton saying that 5 year old Jimmy was saying the word for ‘fork’ wrong, saying it wrong as well, himself.

Ah, the memories… ;-)



Families are Forever! ;-)

Thursday, May 19, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1948 - Dec 14 - Mom was 30


From Mom’s Diary… 1948
Dec 14 - Mom was 30
 
This was our 1948 Christmas Card photo

Sunday, December 14:

30 years old today. Buss came & bro’t blue silk nitie. Really pretty. He & Pete went to Barr’s to finish picking. Worked on aprons, got a lot of birthday cards in mail. $1 from folks, hair brush, holder from Ida. Sidewalk & roads real slippery. Had fresh liver from Buss’ for supper. Did dishes, got boys to bed.

 
My comments:

Just chose her birthday as a marker to use the Photo. They bought ‘a big Console Bendix at Furn. Store’ on Dec 21. Said ‘Bill sat by it all night.’ Radio/phonograph combination. They had been to Leo’s the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so had been looking to get one for us, since! ;-)
Also a note that this was the year Dad got a ‘jig saw’ for Christmas and made the stand (welded) himself… I do remember the arrival of the jig saw, for sure… We had a great life!! ;-)
Mom made and gifted many aprons over the years... ;-)



Families are Forever! ;-)

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1948 - July 23 - Bill drove tractor


From Mom’s Diary… 1948
July 23 - Bill drove tractor
 


I believe the Avery tractor we had looked something like this… shared with Buzz and Grandpa Kinnick a lot.

Friday, July 23:

Got up early and washed. Colleen drove Avery over  & Buzz the M. Started combing here. … Kids married a month. … Bill ran tractor on oats wagon & he & Dad went in to ball game at night. …


My comments:

First mention of me driving the tractor as farm work. Neat. Nine years old.
Also, first mention of going to Coon Rapids to watch baseball games… did that a lot…



Families are Forever! ;-)

Saturday, May 14, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1948 - June 23/July 1 - Wedding and Birthday


From Mom’s Diary… 1948
June 23/July 1 - Wedding and Birthday
Waiting outside the old Methodist Church in Coon Rapids for Buzz and Colleen to emerge.
Her Dad, Wes Davis, is tall gentleman in the middle, holding his hat. Do you recognize others?

Buzz and Colleen’s wedding dominated the ‘news’ in the diary for many days, before and after.
Here is the "Wedding Day”

Wednesday, June 23:


Really busy getting clothes ready. Folks & Buzz came to bathe & dress here. Ate early, bathed, took Tommy to Norma & Jimmy. Bill in Bible S. To rehearsal in church at 3:00. Leo’s bro’t us home at 5:00 & got Bill, Jim, Pete & went to Bride’s Dinner at Library at 5:30. Really nice. Bridal party, close relatives & friends. Cute rolling pin favors. Changed to Colleen’s pink formal at Winona’s. Helped unwrap gifts at church till nearly ate. Jo, Colleen’s roommate & I. Wedding was perfectly beautiful by candlelights. Sammy sang Lord’s Prayer as the knelt. At reception I cut cake & Winona handed the plates. Big crowd. Nice time. Frances, Roger, John, Pearl & Barbara there. Changed at WInona’s again. To Norma’s at 11:00.

Didn’t seem to find a 9th Birthday photo… but,

Thursday, July 1:

…I made Billy an angel food, did sep & milkers. Worked on school books, Bill building model airplane. Baby good. … School board at night.


My comments:

First notation of “School board at night” on my birthday… one change, from my memory, it was because Mom was Secretary to the board, not that Dad was on the board, at this time.

Have a few other photos from wedding reception… cannot put my fingers on them, at the moment!!



Families are Forever! ;-)

Thursday, May 12, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1948 - May 14/30 - Tommy made 5


From Mom’s Diary… 1948
May 14/30 - Tommy made 5

Tommy was born on May 14…that made 5 of us in the family, now. This photo may from a little later in the year, but it fits my needs, here, how. ;-)

Sunday, March 30:

Baby awake several times in night. Fixed breakfast, fried 3 chickens, made a jello salad, gal. ice cream. Pete took Billy to S.S. & then went in town and got ice. Leo’s & folks came for dinner. Baby was fine all day & all evening. Men looked at Carricks, Irv Brown & Jeklles farms in P. M. Leo, Ida, Kelton in town a minutes. Fixed deviled eggs & another freezer ice cream for supper. Mom & Ida did dishes & I played piano & they sang. At 9:30 all listened to Horace Heidt 1/4 finals. Really good. They left & Buss came on way home from Iowa City. To bed 11:00.


My comments:


Buzz had taken Colleen back to Iowa City on Saturday…



Families are Forever! ;-)

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1948 - March 14 - Smith gathering


From Mom’s Diary… 1948
March 14 - Smith gathering
David, Jim, Judy, John, Bill


Sunday, March 14:

Really nice day. Get up at 6:30 & put chicken on. Made rolls, scalloped corn, fresh veg. salad, apple salad, mashed potatoes, ice cream, angel food cake. Pete & Billy went to church & then in & got Betty. She bro’t her record player. Irene had to work income tax. Toots, Mary, Margaret, LVene, Verle, David, John, Orrin, Max, Gary, Judy. Boys played cards. Kids really had a time. Judy, Gary, Betty stayed for supper. Then we took them home. Pete had to walk up lane with Gary & Judy. We didn’t have on chains. Home to bed at 10:00. Listened to Horace Heidt on way home.


My comments:

Hope and assume this photo matches with this story. Photo may have been on a hotter day, but all the actors are the same… When photos are not dated, you just do the best you can!! ;-)

March 17 was Mom and Dad's 10th Wedding Anniversary! ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)

Saturday, May 7, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1948 - March 5 - Buzz and Tom Spoke


From Mom’s Diary… 1948
March 5 - Buzz and Tom Spoke

Buzz and High School Friend Tom Rees in Army in Japan
Both graduated from Coon Rapids High School



Friday, March 5:

Did up work. Fixed pork roast. Mom & Buzz came for dinner. Stayed with Jimmy & Buzzy & I went to Workers Conference at Rhoda Wilson’s. He & Tom gave talk on Japan. Showed pictures. Rhoda’s house nice. Didn’t get home till 5:00. Mom didn’t feel any too good. Ate, listened to girls B.B. games at night. Karma, Wilton Junction beat Hartley-Slater.


My comments:

The next day, they listened to Girl’s B.B. State finals - Kamrar won by a big score, she said; adding, “Van Lagen set scoring record.”

Very muddy spring. On March 10, an event I have remembered vividly (I thought it was Easter to church, but this makes more sense, for the memories): “Pete took Billy to school on tractor.” I remember standing on the draw bar, holding onto the seat where dad set… Age is about right, as well!!

Mom was quite pregnant with Tom by this time. She never mentions it, except for ‘tired’ and ‘rested’ kinds of references… and quite a few days entries missing in the diary!! ;-)

One other thing on Mom: Along the way, she was elected/appointed Secretary to the School Board for Willow Township, it appears. Had meetings, took checks to bank, etc., from time to time. I had not remembered her in that role. Nice to learn about it! ;-)

P.S. Just realized I failed to post this clipping of Buzz arriving back from his military service. Good clip, fascinating experiences...




Families are Forever! ;-)

Thursday, May 5, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1948 - February 8 - Buzz and Diamond


From Mom’s Diary… 1948
February 8 - Buzz and Diamond
 
Colleen and Buzz the Spring of 1948

Sunday, February 8:

Billy went to church. Leo’s came & he went after Bill. Had creamed chicken, noodles, ice cream for dinner. Pinned drapes up in P.M. Buzz & Colleen stopped on way to Perry to meet train. Took Leo’s car. Plymouth froze up last night really cold. Some diamond Bussy gave her. He got back early. Played cards after supper & then they left.


My comments:

Buzzy had been discharged from the Army in Seattle on January 7, the news article says.

Colleen was going back to Iowa City to school, I assume. They got married in June of 1948.



Families are Forever! ;-)

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1947 - Sept 30 - A day at random


From Mom’s Diary… 1947
Sept 30 - A day at random

Been watching for a day that said… Nice day… Jim played outside… lots of days missing… never happened, so chose this one, to go with photo of Jim, Car, and House

Tuesday, September 30:

Did up usual work. Made 2 apple pies. Had beefsteak. Don W. here for dinner. Cutting fodder. Listened to Yanks beat Dodgers in Series. Did dishes. Did my ironing. Mom & Dad here.
Toots & Mary’s baby girl born at 1:30 A.M. Margaret Ann. …


My comments:

Got in Margaret Ann birth and world series info… a good day! ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - Great-great-grandparents lifespans


Saturday Night Genealogy Fun
Great-great-grandparents lifespans


The Randy Seaver challenge this week:

We each have 16 great-great grandparents.  How did their birth and death years vary?  How long were their lifespans? 



My 16 great-great-grandparents are, by ahnentafel number:


16 Joseph Schmitt. (1802 - 1874) he was 72.

17 Beatrix (Elsie) Fad. (1805 - 1886); she was 81.

18 Per Andersson (Pehr)(Peter) Soderstrom. (1819  - 1901) he was 82.

19 Johanna Margreta Rolin.  (1817 - ?).

20 William Charles IV Preston. (1780 - 1837) he was 56.

21 Asenath Butler. (1803  - 1888) she was 85.

22 John Miller.  (1806  - 1888) he was 81.

23 Rebecca Firestone Carle.  (1808  - 1892) she was 84.

24 Walter Watson Kinnick. (1840  - 1919) he was 78.

25 Mary Estelle Simmons.  (1843  - 1909) she was 65.

26 Elias Williams.  (1838 - 1920) he was 82.

27 Ann Eliza Duncan.  (1842  - 1879) she was 37.

28 Anders Christian Sorensen. (1807 - 1886) he was 79.

29 Dorthea Krag. (1808 - ?).

30 Niels Christensen (Kudsk).  (1817 - 1867) he was 49.

31 Maren Kristine Mortensdatter.  (1823 - 1915) she was 92.

The birth years range from 1780 to 1843.

The death years range from 1837 to 1919.

The lifespan range is 37 to 92, with 2 unknown, but likely within that span.

What fun!


Families are Forever! ;-)

From Mom’s Diary… 1947 - August 18 - At the Coon Rapids Pool


From Mom’s Diary… 1947
August 18 - At the Coon Rapids Pool


Karen, Jim, Kay, Kathleen, Bill, Wilson


On August 3rd, Leo’s left off Karen and Kathleen to stay a few weeks while they traveled to Wyoming to see Ira and Delta Kinnick… several reference to two girls and two boys in the house…

Monday, August 18:

Did a big washing. Went in swimming in P.M. Kay, Patty, Wilson went too. At night came home & chored & ate & went to “Ramrod” Veronica Lake, Gary Cooper. Ate at ice cr. parlor & came home.

My comments:

The photo likely from this day, but certainly from the time. Leo’s arrived back the next day at 6:30.


Families are Forever! ;-)

Thursday, April 28, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1947 - April 25 - Helping Hands


From Mom’s Diary… 1947
April 25 - Helping Hands
Dennis, Wayne, Wilson, Bill, ?
Charlotte, Kay, Nancy, Donna, ?
Curious coincidence than I'm standing behind Nancy in photo... ;-)


Friday, April 25:

Went to Jefferson with Pete to get two 14 foot maple trees for side front of yard. Got Jim’s hair cut, ate dinner there. Picked up Ramona Magee & Cretsinger girl. Left Pete at home & I went in town to see Jimmie’s proofs. One was pretty good. Home & Pat, Wilson here. Billy rode around square with them. Had lunch here. Bill & I went to Helping H at nite after I set out tomato, cabbage, flower plants & cleaned pantry. At Nancy Bol.


My comments:

Since late December had been very cold, snowy and blizzards. Roads closed many days. At one stretch, Mom said it had been three weeks between seeing her mother!! At one point, she said “that said” worst winter and snows in four years. I January had been subzero for days on end… she had daily temperatures.

I had this photo Helping Hands children’s group from Church. First mentioned last December. This is first mention when seemed to be decent weather. Was apparently a monthly gathering. Many days missing in diary, so I latched on this meeting to share the photo. Meeting was at Nancy Bolger house.

AND, On Wednesday, May 28:

Had snow. Imagine. An awful night for club. Only 4 here. Arlene, Edith, Elaine, Orville.

This was an event I did recall all my life… the May 28th Snow, in Iowa, and Mom hosted club meeting. Was she upset! Nice to see the year confirmed, again.

AND, one more, on my 8th birthday, Tuesday, July 1: 

Had a birthday party for Billy. 21 kids here. They really had a time. ...

Don't remember that, at all. Not aware of any photos. Nice, tho' !!! ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1946 - Nov 28 - Thanksgiving and Buzzy


From Mom’s Diary… 1946
Nov 28 - Thanksgiving and Buzzy
Buzz in Army uniform, on furlough for holiday


Sat, Nov 23: “Buzzy called at 5:00 from home. Surely good to hear him again.”
Sun, Nov 24: “Made 3 cherry pies & went to Leo’s for duck dinner. Really good. Bussy telling us all about the Army. Doing steps etc.”

Thursday, November 28:

Really a nice day. Ironed couch cover, roasted chickens, dressing, cleaned up, made salad - celery pickles, olives, cranberries - set table. Mom bro’t spuds, Lil - chicken. Gertrude - scalloped oysters. Colleen got to come late last nite. She was here for dinner. 17 of us. Took pictures. Had a nice time. All of em stayed for supper. Paul did chores & then came back & ate. To bed at 9:00. Ger’s were last to leave.

Sun, Dec 1: “Buzz & Colleen came & took Billy & me to church. Then they went to Davis’ to dinner.”
Mon, Dec 2: “Cleaned up & Pete & I took Buzzy to Omaha. Nice trip. 1 flat tire just outside Co. Bluffs. … Saw Buzz off at airport at 1:00.”


My comments:


Colleen had gone to college at the University of Iowa, so she was home from school, as well.

Cousin Paul Nielsen was essentially a hired man, with Buzzy off to the Army. Paul had returned from his Army Service in the Pacific, during the war.

Pretty exciting time.

AND, on Dec 1, went to Dennis' 8th Birthday Party... here is photo:
 Donna, Nancy, Kay, ?, ?, Bill, Dennis, Wayne, David; I think! ;-)



Families are Forever! ;-)

Saturday, April 23, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1946 - Nov 11 - New School Teacher


From Mom’s Diary… 1946
Nov 11 - New School Teacher
Jessie Shirbroun was new teacher at Willow #3, for my second grade year.

Monday, November 11:

Kinda cloudy in A.M. Did dishes, sep. cleaned up. Pete picked load of corn & then we went to Ger. & Ev. for dinner. Ira, Delda, Uncle Will, Roberts, Lucille, Lil’s, folks & us there. Had such a nice time. Men went to Bayard (26), Coon (0) F. B. game at Coon. Had nice visit. Home at 4:30. Bill had been at Petersons all P.M. Miss Shirbroun sick & let them out. Made pies, put Jim to be at 6:00.


My comments:

First mention of Miss Shirbroun. Busy day. Ira and Delda were Grandpa Paul Kinnick’s uncle and aunt who lived in Cheyenne, Wyo. Uncle Will was from Illinois (brother-in-law of Ira. Robert was Paul’s brother, Lucille his sister, along with Lillian and Gertrude. That was all five siblings!

I had walked a little over half a mile from school to Petersons who lived just north of our farm. They would feed my an apple and a piece of bread with peanut butter on it, for a snack. Memories. They rarely left the farm, for any reason, so were a pretty safe haven for me! ;-)

P.S. on Wednesday, Nov 6: "Bought the Book of Knowledge." I sure remember that. Lots of good reading. I especially like each year when we got the Annual. Practically read it front to back... ;-)

AND, came across this photo of Ira and Delta... same visit, I'm pretty sure... [Actually this may be earlier, but that is them on the left...]


Families are Forever! ;-)

Thursday, April 21, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1946 - September 15 - Buzz leaves for Army


From Mom’s Diary… 1946
September 15 - Buzz leaves for Army
 
Edward (Buzz) Kinnick - Coon Rapids High Grad, 1946

 
Wednesday, Sept 15:

Cleaned the house. Over to the folks awhile. Pete there putting up hay. At nite Buss came over & took a bath. Told him goodbye. He leaves for Army tonite at 11:00. …


My comments:

In previous days, he said goodbye at Leo’s. “Buss had a nice farewell letter for Leo.”

Also, of note, prior day: “Toots & Mary came to say goodbye to Buzz. They just got hame from big trip out west, south & North to Canada.”

[Note: Mom used Buzz there, instead of Buss.]

Buzz went through Military Intelligence training for several months, then served in Osaka, Japan. He was in the Army for eighteen months as part of occupation forces.



Families are Forever! ;-)

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1946 - July 1 - 7th Birthday


From Mom’s Diary… 1946
July 1 - 7th Birthday


Diary was blank for June 28 through July 23, so it missed my birthday. I think this may be a birthday photo, with a tent and angel food cake. We’ll say it is, anyway, until proven otherwise!! ;-)

My comments:

Ego requires me to record my annual birthday.

Few weeks later there is a reference: "Billy playing with bow & arrow." Must have been a Indian themed birthday, perhaps!! ;-)

P.S. Just realized this posted on April 20, with is brother Jim's 72nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Jim! ;-)


Families are Forever! ;-)

Saturday, April 16, 2016

From Mom’s Diary… 1946 - June 21 - Bible School Photos


From Mom’s Diary… 1946
June 21 - Bible School Photos
 
Group Bible School Photo - Star Methodist Church
Nancy and Bill - first side by side photo

Friday, June 21:

Warm & sunny. Made a malted milk cake, noodles, did dishes, separator, went to church to Bible School Picnic. Jimmy fussy. Took pictures. Put food away. Home & gave Jim a nap. Did dishes, swept, Took Jim to Mom’s & went to church. Swept & dusted it. Got Jim. Home & cleaned up & went up to Bible S. program. Billy was a Toad in a play. Nice music & all. Home at 10:00.

My comments:

This was first Bible School, following first grade. Went all week. This was on Friday, a picnic concluding... a program was later at night.

In the upper photo, I believe that is brother Jim, sitting on someone's shoulders, above all others!


Families are Forever! ;-)