What to pick from?

Sat., March 1, 2003 - Talked to Greta. Lydia Witte died last week.  Ruby Ritze's granddaughter had triplets -- a boy and identical girl twins.  On TV watched "Milestones and Memories" of Lawrence Welk shows.  Very very interesting.

Sun., March 2, 2003 - Nancy came at noon and brought pizza. The same Sunday routine.  We played several games of Rummikub.

Mon., March 3, 2003 - Played cards in the evening.  Delores served pumpkin pie.

For only three, somewhat short entries, I have several things to talk about.

I don't know which Ritze granddaughter that is, but regardless, I wonder what the medical odds are of triplets that include identical twins.

I could comment on memories of my own of watching Lawrence Welk.  For instance I, or Grandma, recorded on a tape recorder (nothing so much as a VCR then) an episode or two and I remember listening and re-listening to one of them.  I'm not sure what the theme of the show was but two of the songs were Edelweiss and Loch Lomond.  Which then leads me to remember how when tape recorders were new, we'd turn one on and secretly record family conversations, usually over a meal.  I suppose people nowadays would consider that low-tech and likely not fun, but I recall we did get a bang out of listening to some of those afterwards. And there is still the classic, and long lost, recording of, at a minimum Aunt Irene and Aunt Helen, in the car somewhere and lost.  I can't recall a single word of it but do remember it was hysterical to listen to as they tried to figure out where they were.

And on a slow day, I could also research and/or comment on pumpkin pie, a real favorite of mine and of Mitch's.  I tell people we can't leave him alone in a room with one.  Perhaps not so much now that he's grown, but definitely when he was growing up.

Lastly, and unrelated to Grandma's entries, I'd like to mention that yesterday was my 60th birthday.  Rather a non-event given the current Covid restrictions. I had hoped to rent out the Joyo Theatre on Sunday and have a showing of a movie, open to family that wanted to come.  I thought having the theater to ourselves would be okay since we could all spread out. But since I had been exposed recently and new cases are through the roof, I thought it wise not to do it at all.  And normally I would bring treats to work, but out of 20 or so of us, I think 6 were here.  I didn't know that the night before but I was strangely unmotivated to make anything.  Kinda glad I didn't since I would have had extras to bring home and no one wants to be tempted with that.  It was such a non-event that around 10 p.m. I finally reminded John what day it was since he had not yet mentioned it.  But, the highlight of the day was Anna dropping by my office with a gift from her and Dakota and Mitch -- a Cricut machine.  Something I had been secretly interested in but had not thought to buy for myself.  So, good call on the kids' part.  The gift was really nice, of course, but the best part was having a little unexpected visit with Anna.

I'm back, finally

Wed., February 5, 2003 - Nancy came right after work -- she brought me some goulash -- she had made a big batch. She didn't stay long.  Went to Book Club meeting.

Thurs., February 6, 2003 - Lois Bowers called instead of sending a birthday card.  Tom came in evening for laundry & my showering.  He put up the shelves in the hall.  He & Nancy gave them to me for my birthday present.

Fri., February 7, 2003 - Baked a pecan pie.  Had Grace & Ethel come in p.m. for pie & to see the quilt.  Went to library in  evening to see a movie - "The Maltese Falcon."

How timely that Lois Bowers popped up in Grandma's journal.  Lois and Denny's 60th anniversary is June 10.  I still remember Grandma and Grandpa's 60th anniversary shindig.

"The Maltese Falcon" . . . I saw it long ago, liked it, but can't right now say much about it at all.  It's well-known, of course.  Years ago I got Dale a replica of the Falcon.  Some guy was making them based on his watching the movie over and over to get as many good looks at it as he could.  I'm sure it isn't around anymore, but it was rather cool-looking and perhaps a bit of a conversation piece.

Here's the plot ala Wikipedia:

"In San Francisco in 1941, private investigators Sam Spade and Miles Archer meet prospective client Ruth Wonderly. She claims to be looking for her missing sister, who is involved with a man named Floyd Thursby. Archer agrees to follow her that night and help get her sister back.

Spade is awakened by a phone call early in the morning and the police inform him that Archer has been killed. He meets his friend, Police Detective Tom Polhaus, at the murder scene and then tries calling his client at her hotel, but she has checked out. Back at his apartment, he is grilled by Polhaus and Lieutenant Dundy, who tell him that Thursby was also murdered the same evening. Dundy suggests that Spade had the opportunity and motive to kill Thursby, who likely killed Archer. Archer's widow Iva later visits him in his office, believing that Spade shot his partner so he could have her.

Later that morning, Spade meets his client, now calling herself Brigid O'Shaughnessy. She explains that Thursby was her partner and probably killed Archer, but claims to have no idea who killed Thursby. Spade distrusts her, but agrees to investigate the murders.

At his office, Spade meets Joel Cairo, who first offers him $5,000 to find a "black figure of a bird", then pulls a gun on him in order to search the room for it. Spade knocks Cairo out and goes through his belongings. When Cairo comes round, he hires Spade. Later that evening, Spade tells O'Shaughnessy about Cairo. When Cairo shows up, it becomes clear that Spade's acquaintances know each other. Cairo becomes agitated when O'Shaughnessy reveals that the "Fat Man" is in San Francisco.

In the morning, Spade goes to Cairo's hotel, where he spots Wilmer, a young man who had been following him earlier, and gives Wilmer a message for his boss, Kasper Gutman. When Spade goes to meet Gutman, alias the "Fat Man", in his hotel suite, Gutman will only talk about the Black Falcon evasively, so Spade pretends to throw a temper tantrum and storms out. Later, Wilmer takes Spade at gunpoint to see Gutman. Spade overpowers him, but meets Gutman anyway. Gutman relates the history of the Maltese Falcon, then offers Spade his pick of $25,000 for the bird and another $25,000 after its sale, or a quarter of the proceeds from its sale. After Spade passes out because his drink is spiked, Wilmer and Cairo come in from another room and leave with Gutman.

On coming round, Spade searches the suite and finds a newspaper with the arrival time of the freighter La Paloma circled. He goes to the dock, only to find the ship on fire. Later, the ship's captain, Jacobi, shot several times, staggers into Spade's office before dying. The bundle he was clutching contains the Maltese Falcon.

O'Shaughnessy calls the office, gives an address, then screams before the line goes dead. Spade stashes the package at the bus terminal, then goes to the address, which turns out to be an empty lot. Spade returns home and finds O'Shaughnessy hiding in a doorway. He takes her inside and finds Gutman, Cairo, and Wilmer waiting for him, guns drawn. Gutman gives Spade $10,000 for the Falcon, but Spade tells them that part of his price is someone he can turn over to the police for the murders of Thursby and Captain Jacobi, suggesting Wilmer, who, Gutman confirms, actually did shoot both. After some intense negotiation, Gutman and Cairo agree and Wilmer is knocked out and disarmed.

Just after dawn, Spade calls his secretary, Effie Perine, to bring him the bundle. However, when Gutman inspects the statuette, he finds it is a fake and Wilmer escapes during the tumult. Recovering his composure, Gutman invites Cairo to return with him to Istanbul to continue their quest. After they leave, Spade calls the police and tells them where to pick up the pair. Spade then angrily confronts O'Shaughnessy, telling her he knows she killed Archer to implicate Thursby, her unwanted accomplice. She confesses, but begs Spade not to turn her over to the police. Despite his feelings for her, Spade gives O'Shaughnessy up."

Ah, 1940s crime movies -- hard to beat with all the backstabbing and turns and twists , plus the great clothes.  I may have to watch this one again.

Pound shower?

Sun., February 28, 1937 - We went to church.  Stayed after church for the pound shower & dinner for Rev. Knaub, the new minister.  Over to Graef's tonite for Raymond G.'s birthday with the kids.
Mon., March 1, 1937 - Baked 2 cakes but neither was very good.  We went to installation with the folks.  Wayne installed for both Reb. & Odd Fellows.
Tues., March 2, 1937 - We went over home to butcher.  I expected Myrtle to be there but she stayed home to bake bread.  They butchered 3 hogs.  We get a half & a quarter.

I had to do a search and am not sure, but I think a pound shower is where you bring a pound of something.  Perhaps this was a welcoming gift for Rev. Knaub?  I had not heard of such a thing before but it's a neat idea, I think.

Here's me today for the photo.  I got a new haircut just an hour ago.  Don't count on it looking like this again, though.

A birthday slipped by

Thurs., February 25, 1937 - Nicer today.  This is Irene's birthday.  I should write because she sent me a card and a letter for mine.  Too tired today to do much.
Fri., February 26, 1937 - We went to lodge tonite -- ran out of gas near Oscar Mann's.  Howard had to go up there to get some.
Sat., February 27, 1937 - Took our first eggs to sell to town today.  Also some cream, the washing, and bread to bake.  I was invited to a shower in Wayne today for Gertie Most but couldn't go.

Why did Grandma take bread to town to bake, I wonder.

I can't believe she hadn't already written a letter to Aunt Irene in anticipation of her birthday.  Maybe Grandma was really busy.

Look at those gams!!

We kids?

Sat., February 6, 1937 - I baked a cake and fried a chicken to take to Clara's tomorrow.
Sun., February 7, 1937 - We went to Jensen's this morning.  From there Mike, Jo, Helen, Raymond & we kids went in the bobsled to Clara's for her birthday.
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Fri., February 12, 1937 - Baked cakes today to serve at lodge tonite.  Helen, Raymond, & we kids went to lodge with Mike & Jo in their car.

Is Grandma referring to her and Grandpa as "we kids"?  If so, I'm loving it.

Birthday celebration, and what I hope was a lovely bobsled ride aside, I must share the "fun" I had this morning.

I should have been soundly sleeping at 4:00 a.m. but that was not the case because the one dog was barking incessantly starting at about that same time.  Normally I would go out and see what the problem was, but the smell of skunk spray was already in the house, so I knew what was making the hound bark.  Our closest neighbors are far enough away that the barking wouldn't be bothering them so I wasn't being inconsiderate.  I figured I would not have to go out and deal with the skunk at all as it certainly would soon tire of the noise and wander off.  Wrong. 

I opted to pass on my second hitting of the snooze button around 5:40 a.m. and instead wandered out in the dark with my headlamp for light.  Turns out the poor skunk got itself into the dog's pen and could not get itself out.  So, Roscoe had it in a corner of the pen, barking in its face.  Thankfully it was in a corner with a gate.  Unfortunately, the gate is rarely used and the grass has grown up around the bottom a bit, making it unclear to me if I can even get it open with the speed I am hoping for.

Here's a mental picture --- me, in my nightgown, light strapped to my forehead, at the corner of the fence.  I am trying to get the dog to stop being so excited about its treasure to let me grab his collar on one side of the corner while I'm stretched against the fence trying to keep myself as far from the skunk as possible while reaching for the latch just around the corner on the adjoining side of the pen so the stinky thing can find its way out. 

Remarkably, luck was on my side and the dog let me hold him, the gate did open somewhat, and the confused and likely tired skunk pushed itself right out and wandered off.  Instant silence, but the fog of skunk perfume was still in the air so I have no idea if the dog got himself sprayed or not. 

Don't let anyone tell you I don't live a fascinating life.  I should also mention the female dog was wisely hid inside the garage, as far away as she could get from the noise and smell.  Smart dog. 

Photo from abcwildlife.com

The winter that won't let up

Wed., February 3, 1937 - Snowing & windy today.  It's impossible to go after the car.
Thurs., February 4, 1937 - Jo & Mike brought our mail tonite.  About half on hour after they came Raymond, Helen & Bess came.  The girls had walked all the way from Rews.  The weather was too bad yesterday on my birthday so they came tonite.  Mike & Jo didn't know they (the girls) were going to come tonite.  So we were all surprised.
Fri., February 5, 1937 - Howard went over home to see about taking the tractor to get our car but decided it was too cold.

While it's not fun to swelter in summer heat, it surely doesn't sound like the extreme opposite in 1937 was any better.  Nice, though, that Grandma got a bit of a surprise, well two maybe, for her birthday.

And here's a photo of a birthday 68 years later, Grandma's last as it turned out.  Gosh, but I still miss her so much.

Look at me, posting on a Saturday

Tues., December 22, 1936 - Baked cookies & stirred up peppernuts.  Tonite Howard & I made out our lodge reports.
Wed., December 23, 1936 - Sent my lodge report this p.m.  Howard took me to town while he went to McClary sale.  Went with kids to Elmer & Myrtle's.  The rest of the bunch came later & surprised Howard & Elmer for their birthdays which were a week ago.  I believe they here surprised.
Thurs., December 24, 1936 - Worked on Xmas presents.  Tried to make some candy but it wasn't so good.  We went into town tonite.  Mom was pleased & surprised with her quilt.  Home at 12:00.

So, it all was a surprise -- how nice.  And Grandma Anna got a surprise, too.  I wonder what the quilt pattern was.  Photo borrowed from ahhhquilting.blogspot.com.  Look at the neat quilting there -- I think I may need to check out that blog.

Poor Grandpa

Wed., December 16, 1936 - Howard kept pestering me all day as to whether they were going to have a party for him.  The kids didn't -- they're waiting until next week when Iny is home.
Thurs., December 17, 1936 - Helen, Raymond,  Howard & I went to Elmer's for his birthday.  Myrtle had gotten some tickets to a free show in Pilger, so we went -- "36 Hours to Kill".  A gangster picture -- not so much shooting.
Fri., December 18, 1936 - I baked 7 kinds of cookies today.  We took some into town tonite & Mom & I packed a box for Ray.

I can't tell really if Grandma was putting Grandpa off -- if the later party was a surprise -- or not.  Or if the poor man just thought there was not going to be a party for him at all.  Oh, to be a fly on the wall.

Here's the movie plot summary, courtesy of wikipedia.  I got a bit lost, but it seems like it might be enjoyable to watch:

Duke and Jeanie Benson, an outlaw couple hiding out under assumed names in a calm, suburban community, read a newspaper article about a sweepstakes winner who has not yet claimed his prize. Duke realizes that he has the winning ticket and will win $150,000 if he can cash it in without getting apprehended. Fed up with suburban life, Duke decides to board a train to Kansas City, where he bought the ticket, while Jeanie plans to fly there and get a "stooge" to cash in the ticket. At the train station, reporter Frank Evers boards the train and starts a conversation with Duke, who calls himself "Downey." At San Bernadino, Anne Marvis boards the train, followed by Doyle, a process server. Finding the door to Duke's room open, Anne hides in his bed, and when Duke sees Doyle enter in pursuit, he pulls a gun on Doyle, who says that he mistook Duke's "wife" for the woman he was after. Duke is attracted to Anne, as is Frank. When Jeanie gets on the train because her plane was grounded, she suspects that Duke and Anne are having an affair and pulls a gun on them; however, Duke calms her fears by introducing Frank as Anne's husband. Anne and Frank go along with the ruse. Sometime later, Frank accompanies the conductor to a room next to Duke's, where they listen through a surveillance device to Duke and Jeanie bicker about their plans to have the "boys" meet him in Kansas City. Frank, in reality a G-man, hopes to nab the whole gang and decides to hold off arresting Duke. After Jeanie gets off the train at Albuquerque to board a plane to Kansas City, Duke tries to flirt with Anne, but she rejects his advances. That night, Frank and Anne agree to be honest with each other, and Anne reveals that she is really a Los Angeles reporter and has been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury concerning a political scandal which she had unearthed. She says that she felt it would be "healthier" to go out-of-state for awhile. When Frank continues to claim that he is a reporter for The Telegraph , Anne indignantly reveals that she works for the paper and knows that he does not. In Topeka, after Flash, a porter, inadvertently finds the listening device in Duke's room, Duke knocks out the conductor. Anne receives a wire that it is all right for her to return to Los Angeles and gets off the train. When Duke sees Frank pursuing him, he gets into Anne's cab. They go to Borden's Sanitarium, where Duke meets Jeanie, who is unhappy to see him with Anne. When Duke reads in a newspaper that another man has surfaced to claim the lottery prize, he sends his shyster lawyer Rickert to dispute the claim to the insurance company that handles the contest. While Rickert is away, Duke kisses Anne and asks her to leave with him after he collects the money. Anne agrees, but he locks her in her room anyway. Jeanie then unbolts the shutters of Anne's room to help her escape, and Anne hitches a ride on a truck, but the driver works for Duke's gang and brings her back to the sanitarium. Upon deducing that Jeanie let Anne out, Duke slugs Jeanie. Frank, impersonating an insurance agent, accompanies Rickert to the sanitarium. Duke shoots Frank as a carload of G-men arrive and then unlocks Anne's door to take her with him, but Jeanie shoots him and then cries over his body. The gang is captured, and Anne is pleased to see that Frank is only wounded. On the train to Los Angeles, Flash comments that Frank and Anne have not come out of their cabin in two days. They kiss and it is revealed that they have recently married.

What I want to know is what happened to the $150,000?

Poster credit:  By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48538771

I still need to find a Bunco group

Thurs., April 2, 1936 - Mr. Nieman took us to school this morning and started a fire.  Quilting at the church again today, so we had a ride home tonite.
Fri., April 3, 1936 - Had a ride to school again and Mr. N. also started the fire.  Raymond came after me and took me to town about 6:00.  Howard couldn't come tonite because his folks were going to Chris & Clara's.
Sat., April 4, 1936 - Warm today instead of the usual wind and snow of the past week. Annie and kids came in this p.m.  Annie helped us tie the wool quilt Mom pieced for me out of old dresses of mine.  Went to Wagners' to a birthday party for Kenneth.  Howard won high prize.  We played Bunco.

I have been dreadful about mentioning any, as had been my plan, but I notice I missed both Grandma Anna's and Uncle Raymond's recent birthdays.  I was not able to post on Uncle Raymond's actual day anyway because of being away from the computer to go to Marvie's funeral, but I should have/could have noted Grandma Anna's big day.  Grandma Anna's namesake started her new "big girl" job today.  So, I can note that, at least.

Birthday blizzard

Sat., February 1, 1936 - Went to Norfolk on the train.  Saw Niemans and came home with them.  The oxfords I got at Buck's before Xmas were breaking out at the side.  I took them back and they gave me a new pair.  Tonite Mom and I went to Gormley.  Mom had four teeth pulled, and I had one wisdom tooth pulled.
Sun., February 2, 1936 - Frank Fleer & Edwin scooped out our street this morning.  I typed parts for the program.  Raymond brought Irene's typewriter in yesterday.  We had oyster soup tonite.  Howard was here, too.  He took me out to Nieman's tonite.
Mon., February 3, 1936 - Treated the kids to candy bars today.  Jean & Marjorie brought me a cream puff.  Pete C. & Temmes came at 3:00 for their kids.  A regular blizzard had started.  At times we could hardly see south to Nieman's.  The rest got rides home at 4:00.  Went to bed early.

Ah, cream puffs.  Such a wonderful food invention.  I know Mom has said she wonders why she doesn't make them more often, easy and so good.

Photo from cookieactress.com

Outing and abouting

Sun., December 15, 1935 - Ray didn't have to work today.  Howard came in tonite.  We went to Wayne and saw James Cagney in "Frisco Kid".  Ray went along with us.
Mon., December 16, 1935 - To Leffler's party tonite.  Rews, Iversens, Gladys R., Ethel, Lydia Kant and myself were there.  We had an exchange of gifts.  Howard's 28th birthday.
Tues., December 17, 1935 - The kids were going to Elmer's tonite for his birthday but I stayed home to get some much needed sleep.

Grandma doesn't say if she liked the movie.  From the summary (taken from wikipedia), I have to say I do not think it would be one of my favorites -- way too much going on to keep straight.  Great movie poster, however.

     "In San Francisco in the 1850s, a city where gold fever has left shipowners short-handed, Bat Morgan, a sailor come ashore is robbed and nearly shanghaied aboard another ship. Managing to escape, he sticks around town to pay back those responsible and then to take a cut in the action in the vice district. Organizing the various gambling houses (and other forms of vice implied but, for Code reasons, not explicitly stated) into a consolidated enterprise in alliance with a corrupt city boss, Jim Dailey, he comes into conflict with a crusading newspaper, run by Jean Barrat, the daughter of the late murdered publisher, and Charles Ford, the idealistic editor.

     Loyal to his friends, even when they are on the other side, Bat Morgan protects the editor, when Jim Dailey orders him eliminated. He also falls in love with Jean, but his way of life and lack of any morality beyond looking out for number one make a permanent relationship all but impossible.

     Riled at a judge's snub, he determines to bring his Barbary Coast crowd to the opening night at the Opera House, which the Judge has opened as an alternative place of amusement to the gambling dens. A gambler, Paul Morra, shoulders his way into the judge's box and on a flimsy excuse, murders him. The outrage provokes a public outcry, and when Morra is arrested and jailed and a lynch mob gathers, crying for his blood, Bat arranges his release, not so much because he likes him as because he owes him a debt of gratitude for having started him on the upward rise.

     Soon after, Ford is murdered by Jim Dailey in a bar-room fight. Jean blames Bat, holding him responsible for all the evil done by those who work with him. A vigilance movement sets out to clean up the town, rounding up Morra and Dailey, and hanging them both. When the lowlife of the Barbary Coast determine to pay it back by wrecking the press and burning the city, Bat Morgan convinces them to do otherwise. Trying to keep them from fighting back as the vigilantes come to destroy the Coast, he is shot in the back by one of the underworld forces and captured by the vigilantes. Jean Barrat saves him from hanging, and he is permitted to go free, on her parole."

A birthday party

Wed., October 9, 1935 - Handed out parts and practiced today.  Typed parts tonite.  Howard stopped at the school house awhile this evening.
Thurs., October 10, 1935 - Was going to type tonite, but today is Mrs. Goodling's birthday.  Lettmans, Holtgrews, and the Kochs surprised her tonite.  So no studying for me.  To bed at 1:00.
Fri., October 11, 1935 - Felt pretty tired today.  Howard came after me tonite.  We went to lodge.

I know she was a grown-up woman with a grown-up job and all, but I still get a kick out of finding out the crazy hours Grandma kept sometimes, especially this during her work week.  It would have been fun to hang out with her at this age.

Happy birthday little guy

Tues., July 23, 1935 - Ironed clothes.  Lena Nieman from Omaha and Midge Witte were here this afternoon to see Mom. 
Wed., July 24, 1935 - Embroidered on the sampler.  Lillie, Martha and baby, and Uncle Hans were here this p.m.  Today is Martha's baby's first birthday.  Mom and I went down town tonite.  Was to have been a free movie but the guy forgot part of the machine.
Thurs., July 25, 1935 - Mom went quilting this p.m. and I worked on my star quilt.  Tonite Bess, Irene, Dorathea, Helen, and I took the present to Verna at Stanton.

My limited, but sometimes successful, investigative skills have revealed the baby in question is Ronald Maas.  Grandma doesn't mention his name, but it is my understanding that back in the day, children were sometimes not named at birth but later instead.  But who knows what the case was here.

I hope the movie guy that forgot the part wasn't booed too loudly.

Happy Birthday to Nancy!

Thurs., June 20, 1935 - Rained during the nite. I came into town with Edwin in the morning.  Went down town to Mrs. Wolfe's with Mom about 5:00.
Fri., June 21, 1935 - Edwin brought Annabelle and Haroldean into our place this morning.  Mom went to Carl. W.'s funeral this afternoon.  Edwin took the kids and me out to Ola's tonite.
Sat., June 22, 1935 - I washed my hair and baked a cake for tonite.  When I got into town I made the sandwiches.  Howard took me to the dance.  I got to bed about 4:00 p.m.

I believe Grandma meant she got to bed about 4:00 a.m.  Maybe she was too tired to think straight.

Happy birthday in 2017 to the cutie in the picture.  I am loving that blouse and necklace -- seriously, very pretty.  And great curls, too.

Happy 50th birthday to Grandma Anna

Thurs., April 18, 1935 - Helen went today to spend several days at Lindsey [sic].  Warm today.  Irene came after me and we went to Ethel's party.  Rews, Nuss, Lefler, Gladys Reichert were the other guests.  Played Hearts - had a good time and good lunch.
Fri., April 19, 1935 - Mom's fiftieth birthday.  Donald and Allen brought cars and took us to Dist. 40.  Warm today, had a good time.  Into town at 4:30, fixed dessert for club tomorrow nite.  Went to church tonite -- took Holy Communion.  After church Ray, Willie, Lillie, Louis, Martha and baby, Harry and Mary Kahler and Grandma Ruschmann came up to our place.  We had a midnight lunch.
Sat., April 20, 1935 - Worked like the dickens getting ready for card club tonite.  Only 8 members were there and they didn't come until 10:00!  Brr!  Nuss, Ethel, Rews were here by 8:30.

I am finding it difficult to imagine Grandma Anna at 50 years old.  I just realized that on this particular birthday, Grandma Anna had a 23-year-old daughter and when I was 50, my baby boy was 21-years-old.  I never did the math before to realize Grandma Anna had her firstborn at around the same age I did.  I found that the median age of brides when Grandma Anna got married was 21.6, whereas she was 25.  So, she had children a little later than others in her time, I am thinking.  All this doesn't mean anything really, just a bit of rambling on my part.  Here she is with Grandma and Uncle Ray, probably shy of 50, but I love the attitude:

I am guessing Grandma meant Aunt Helen went to Lindsay, a town in Nebraska, although I am confused as to why she would spend several days there.  So far as I know, we do not have family in that area.  This is what wikipedia says about Lindsay:

     In 1862, subject to the provisions of the Homestead Act, families began settling in the fertile land near Shell Creek. Lindsay was platted in 1886.  A large share of the early settlers being natives of Lindsay, Ontario, Canada caused the name to be selected. Lindsay was incorporated as a village on March 7, 1888.  By the early 20th century, Lindsay had an electric utility and water system comprising a 100-ft well and a 60,000-gallon tank.  The Chicago and North Western Railroad's Albion Line consisted of 115 miles of tracks through Lindsay, on which were operated four freight trains and two passenger trains daily. By 1917, the population of Lindsay had grown to almost 500 people.  What is now the Lindsay Corporation was founded in the village in 1955 by Paul Zimmerer as the Lindsay Manufacturing Company to be a maker of irrigation and farm automation equipment. The company has retained a manufacturing facility in Lindsay, but is now headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska and its stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange with a ticker symbol of LNN.  In 2005, the company accounted for 80% of employment in Lindsay, employing about 460 persons of the village's total employment of 577.  As of the census of 2010, there were 255 people, 111 households, and 77 families residing in the village.

Two things . . . Canadians?  And a business started in a little Nebraska village is now traded on the NYSE.  Nicely done, Lindsay.  (That's a photo of Lindsay above.)

Belated Happy Birthday to Dorothy Jo!

Sun., March 31, 1935 - After dinner Andrew, Trina, Mildred and I went over to Jimmie's and Adolph's.  Mildred is going to be married this summer, she showed me her dishes, etc.  Kids here and we left at 6:00.  Home at 9:00.  Had supper and here.
Mon., April 1, 1935 - Cold and cloudy.  I didn't happen to be fooled today for a wonder.
Tues., April 2, 1935 - Snowed a very little.  Still cold.  Studied for a change tonite.

More new names.

I neglected yesterday to note that it was Dorothy Jo's 91st birthday.  And thinking of that on the way to work, I realized I could use one of my favorite pictures (seems I have a lot of favorites) for today's post.  As cute as the babies are (Mom and Ronnie), it is Wilma and Dorothy Jo that really make this photo special.  They are just adorable.  The photo was taken in 1938, so Dorothy Jo was 12 and Wilma was 9 years old.

Another birthday

Tues., February 26, 1935 - Warmer today, thawed some.  To practice at South school with Walkers and Howard.  Put up stage.  Howard went back to Pete's again tonite.
Wed., February 27, 1935 - Warm and thawing today.  Marjorie C. treated with homemade candy for her birthday.  Practice again.  Vaudeville entertainers there tonite.  Howard went to Pete's again.
Thurs., February 28, 1935 - We had mashed potatoes and macaroni for hot lunch.  Dress rehearsal tonite.  Went to practice with Walkers and Howard.

I looked it up and little Marjorie was 7 years old in 1935.  I thought I had a photo of when she was a young girl, but after several days of thinking and looking and finding nothing suitable, I am going with the above photo of the Christensen family; Marjorie, Jean, Pete, Margaret and Allen.  A fine looking bunch.

Happy Birthday to Aunt Helen!

Wed., February 20, 1935 - Practiced or rather went through all three acts tonite.
Thurs., February 21, 1935 - Practiced again tonite.  Today is Helen's birthday.  She made coffee on the oil stove and served cupcakes to us.
Fri., February 22, 1935 - Kids gave a Washington & Lincoln program this p.m. during drawing period.  Practiced at N. School.  Went to Ferne and Arnold Eckert's charvari dance at Hoskins afterward.  Iversen kids and I went with Ray.

I wanted to post this last week, but the new-to-me stash of photographs from Mom was where I was not and I couldn't scan these wonderful pics of the lovely Aunt Helen.  And I did not want to post without them.  I am glad she was identified as the little girl.  I certainly recognize her in the photo on the right, but would not have known who the little girl was without Grandma's notation on the back.

Questions, questions

Sun., February 3, 1935 - To S.S. and church.  Taught Mrs. W.'s class.  Slept all p.m.  We had oyster soup for supper.  Howard and I saw Will Rogers in "The County Chairman" at Wayne tonite.  Irene & Helen gave me an apron and Ray gave me hankies for my birthday.
Mon., February 4, 1935 - Very tired today.  The kids are glad to have the question books which came Fri.  Went to bed early tonite.
Tues., February 5, 1935 - Somewhat colder today.  Had rice for hot lunch.  The eighth grade started tonite to review history after school.

Did Grandpa not get Grandma a birthday gift?  Was it not appropriate for him to do so?  If he did get her something, what was it and why didn't she mention it?  So many questions -- including the plot of the movie.  This is the extent of what I found:

Based on George Ade's play which, in part, was based on an incident in a 1902 election in Wyoming, with women's-right-to-vote playing a large role. Here, Jim Hackler, local party-boss in a Wyoming county, has to decide to do what's right and lose the election, or what's wrong and win it. [from IMDB]

And that's it for now.

Happy birthday to Grandmother?

Sat., January 19, 1935 - Went up to the schoolhouse about 9:30.  Took about 2 hours to get the room warmed.  Howard didn't come, it's 8 degrees below zero tonite.  We played 500 Rummy until 11:30.
Sun., January 20, 1935 - Didn't get up until 10:30.  Embroidered all p.m.  About 14 degrees below zero this afternoon.  Had ice cream this evening -- just set the pan with mixture outside and let it freeze.  Tasted very good.
Mon., January 21, 1935 - Everybody except Ruby and Robert in school.  Still very cold.  About 16 degrees below zero tonite.  Grandmother is 82 years old today.

Usually Dorothea is Grussmother, right?  Oh, well.  It's all good.  I hope she had a good birthday.

The lady on the right in the photo is Dorothea's sister, Martha.  While I remember hearing about family in Holyrood, Kansas on occasion, I do not recall learning much about her or her clan.  A quick trip over to ancestry.com provides good information.

I have found her husband's name was Peter Hermann (Henry) Siemsen, born on Fehmarn Island, like all of Dorothea's and Martha's ancestors.  I need to read up some more, but one thing that jumps out about Peter/Henry is that his brother Johann Heinrich Siemsen, died at sea.  Both Holland and Indonesia are mentioned, which could mean someone is mistaken or perhaps he was living in Holland and was traveling and died in the waters off Indonesia.  I may have to research some more.

In sorting through the oodles of information available, I am not sure of the right name for Dorothea's sister.  Her tombstone should be the best guide, I would think and it reads "Dorathea Magdalena Siemsen -- nee Kahler".  But other family trees and records include the following names in various orders, one had three of the four:  Martha, Magdalena, Dorathea, Dora.  I also found the name of the ship she and her family traversed the ocean on in order to arrive at New York in 1899.

Here are some details:

     The GRAF WALDERSEE was built by Blohm & Voss, Hamburg in 1898 for the Hamburg America Line and was one of four sister ships. This was a 12,830 gross ton ship, length 561.2ft x beam 62.2ft, one funnel, four masts, twin screw and a speed of 14 knots.

     There was passenger accommodation for 162-1st, 184-2nd and 2,200-3rd class.

     Laid down as the PAVIA she was actually launched on Dec. 10, 1898 as the GRAF WALDERSEE and commenced her maiden voyage from Hamburg to Boulogne and New York on April 2, 1899.

     In Autumn 1910 she was rebuilt to 13,193 gross tons and with accommodation for 408-2nd and 2,310-3rd class passengers.

     She started her first Hamburg - Philadelphia crossing on Oct. 28, 1910 and her last Hamburg - New York - Hamburg voyage started on June 27, 1914.

     On March 23, 1919 she was surrendered to the US government under the war reparations scheme and was used to repatriate American troops from Europe and later as a naval transport.

     In 1920 she was ceded to Britain and managed by P&O Line until 1922 when she was sold to Kohlbrand Werft, Hamburg and broken up. -- [North Atlantic Seaway by N.R.P.Bonsor, vol.1,p.405] [Merchant Fleets by Duncan Haws, vol.4, Hamburg America Line]

The family arrived in September 1899, so the ship was still fairly new then.