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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Readability Statistics

Posted by Pam Treme of Technology Tamers

My presentation partner Pattie used to be my boss. When I worked for Pattie, she always wanted me to write on a sixth grade level. Try as I might, the best I could dial it back to was eighth grade.

Dealing with the situation was a problem of my own making because Pattie and I had a conversation one day about the readability of a piece of text. I ran the stats. Pattie asked, “How did you do that?” I showed her. Now Pattie uses this bit of knowledge to benchmark everyone who writes anything for her. You have to be careful what you show Pattie. It can come back to haunt you!

The grade level you write at is important for getting information across to your reader. With a little practice, anyone can write compound sentences with high flown words that send readers scurrying to a dictionary. However, if your objective is a pleasant read that is readily understood, trooping out your high-end English skills may not be the best way to go.

Knowing the grade level that you’re writing at can help you make adjustments. For example, I learned that long paragraphs that include more than one idea quickly pumped up the grade level. If a paragraph reaches somewhere in the neighborhood of five or six lines, I start looking at it to make sure that I haven’t let a new idea creep in. Besides, if a paragraph goes over nine lines, Pattie won’t read it, and I think Pattie is typical of many modern readers.

In addition, compound sentences that require your reader to slow down and dissect the sentence to ensure that they understand it is, in my opinion, counterproductive too. These types of sentences also pump up the readability stats on your document.

To gauge your normal writing level—and eighth grade in my opinion is just fine—you can set up Word to run readability statistics routinely. Here’s how you do it.

Word 2003
1. From the main menu, select Tools and then Options. The Options dialog appeared.
2. Click the Spelling & Grammar tab.
3. Look in the Grammar group for the option Show readability statistics, and click it to add a check mark.
4. Click OK. The next time you run a spelling and grammar check on a document, the statistics display automatically when you finish the check.

Word 2007 and 2010
1. In Word 2007, click the Office button (big button in upper left of screen). A pop-up menu appears. In Word 2010, click the File tab.
2. In Word 2007, click the Word Options button at the bottom of the pop-up menu. In Word 2010, click Options. The Word Options dialog appears.
3. Select Proofing. The Proofing dialog appears.
4. Look for When correcting spelling and grammar in Word.
5. In the group, look for Show readability statistics, and click it to add a check mark.
5. Click OK to save your change and close the dialog. The next time you run a spelling and grammar check on a document, the statistics display automatically when you finish the check.

To stop displaying statistics, repeat the steps and remove the check mark.


Posted by Pam

Monday, March 28, 2011

Photos - Find Them and Share Them

One of the best ways to lure close or distant family members into your genealogy research is to pull out the photos you have collected.

As folks go through your photos it brings back their memories of family events, the relatives in the pictures and possibly similar photos they may have and forgotten. Old pictures are the easiest way to break the ice, get people talking and identify new resources.

Find Them

It is never too soon or too late to start gathering family photos. Start with your own family. I was lucky to have an uncle who took pictures at all family events. The photos of me and my cousins seated in front of the Christmas tree are invaluable.


Talk to your aunts, uncles, grandparents and parents to see what pictures they may have stashed away in closests. When corresponding with relatives (close and distant) I always ask if they have photos to share. The majority of people have sent photos of their family and sometimes photos they cannot identify.

Share Them


Once the pictures are collected and scanned you can share them. There are numerous sites on the Internet that you can share/post pictures. I use Google Photos (Picasa Web Albums) to share my pictures with friends and family.


You might also consider creating a 'scrapbook' to take to family events. I print pictures on regular 8x10 paper and put them in a 3-ring notebook I can take anywhere. This allows me and others to make notes on the back of the pictures for later reference.

Summer is just a few months away so be prepared for those family picnics, reunions and gatherings. They say "a picture is worth a thousand words', if that is true, just think of the stories you may uncover.

Take Care,
Pattie
Everyday Genealogy Desk Calendar

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Arthur Pahlke

Born - Dec 8, 1891 - Palatine, Cook County, IL

Father - Gustav Pahlke
Mother - Johanna Wehmeier

Died - Nov 1942 - Arizona



Arthur and Edna Wilkey Pahlke


Barrington Courier Review - December 3, 1942

Funeral services for Arthur A. Pahlke, a native of Barrington and a son of Mrs. August Pahlke of Barrington, were held Wednesday afternoon from the Wolff Funeral home in Elgin. The Rev. Alexander Milmine of Elgin Congregational church officiated with burial in Evergreen cemetery in Barrington.

Mr. Pahlke, 50 years old, died Saturday in a Phoeniz, AZ rest home. He had been in poor health since suffering severe injuries when knocked from an Elgin power pole in 1936. He had gone to the southwest two weeks ago, hoping that the warmer climate would benefit his health.

He had been employed by the Public Service Company until 15 years ago, when he entered the employ of Western United Gas and Electic Company.

He is survived by his widow, Edna; a son Arthur Pahlke Jr., of California; a stepson Robert Wilkey of Elgin, his mother, Mrs. August Pahlke of Barrington; a sister Mrs. Anna Nordmeyer of Barrington and two brothers, William and Alvin Pahlke, both of Barrington.

Background of Arthur's Injuries

Former Resident Escapes Death as Lightning Strikes

Barrington Courier Review - 8/27/36

Arthur Pahlke, 379 Raymond Street, Elgin, a former resident of Barrington,
narrowly escaped death when he was knocked off an electric pole at Liberty and Lilie streets in Elgin on Sunday morning.

Mr. Pahlke, who is employed as a lineman by the Western United Gas and Electric company, and was repairing a power line. He was up on the pole when the bolt struck near the intersection and follwed the line to the pole.

Pahlke was thrown 35 feet to the ground and was rendered unconscious by the lightning strike. He landed between other linemen on the ground who were not injured when the accident occurred and they removed him to the Sherman Hospital, Elgin, where he soon regained consciousness.


An examination revealed a fractured shoulder, spinal injury and numerous bruises. His condition was reported to be improving.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Take a Break with The Genealogy Guys

Sometimes genealogy research can be overwhelming. There are so many websites to visit, sources to cite and county histories to read you just need to take a break.

Meet the 'Guys'

My favorite genealogy break is The Genealogy Guys Podcast. George G. Morgan and Drew Smith are nationally recognized genealogists who speak at conventions and seminars around the country. The have authored many genealogy books and have served on boards of local, state and national societies.

But none of these are the reasons I listen to the podcasts. Why do I listen to the podcasts? I listen because they take complicated genealogy topics and explain them without talking down to their audience. And they make me smile.

George and Drew make me feel like I am sitting in their living room having a leisurely visit while they talk about the latest genealogy news, answer questions from listeners/friends and try to keep their cats at bay. The best part is I always learn something new.

I like to download the podcasts onto cds so I can listen to them during my hour drive to work. Others subscribe via RSS feed or iTunes. Some new listeners download ALL the podcasts and listen to them in order. That is dedication since the first podcast was September 25, 2005!

The best thing is that they are just as personable and friendly in person as they are on the podcast. Take a break and enjoys a visit with The Genealogy Guys.

Take Care,
Pattie

Books from Amazon by George G. Morgan and Drew Smith

Social Networking for Genealogists

How to Do Everything Genealogy

Your Family Reunion: How to Plan It, Organize It, and Enjoy It

The Official Guide to Ancestry.com

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Newspaper Research and Your Female Ancestors

Researching your grandmothers, aunts and other female relatives can drive a person to drink, or in my case chocolate. First you have to be aware of 'the prevailing social customs' and if she was married multiple times it can be daunting.




Was Grandma's Name Emma or Fred?

Depending on the time period your grandmother may have appeared under her husband’s name. Emma Rethmeier Schwemm may be referenced as Mrs. Fred Schwemm not Mrs. Emma Schwemm. I find this to be common when the woman's husband is alive.

So, when using NewspaperArchive.com or other newspaper databases be sure to try a variety of searches. When looking for my great grandmother I would search for:

Emma Schwemm
Mrs. Schwemm
Fred Schwemm

I would then perform all of the above searches with one 'm' and then again without the 'c' as these are the most common mispellings.

Maiden Name vs Married Name

I would also do searches under her maiden name. While newspapers can be great for finding obituaries, marriages and social events the people reporting probably did not verify each name. If there was a party at the Rethmeier home, it might be reported that their daughter Emma was present not their daughter Mrs. Emma Schwemm. By searching on her maiden name I would find the party and then find the people attending.

The names I would search under would be as follows:

Mrs. Rethmeier
Rethmeier
Emma Rethmeier
Mrs. Rethmeyer
Rethmeyer
Emma Rethmeyer

I am currently researching a lady who was divorced two or three times. I cannot find any newspapers articles about her after she leaves her third husband. When I track down and document the last three years of her life I'll update this post!

In the meantime my favorite part of newspaper research is finding items that I did not know I was looking for!


Take Care,
Pattie

From Amazon.com

Everyday Genealogy Desk Calendar

A Genealogist's Guide to Discovering Your Female Ancestors : Special Strategies for Uncovering Hard-To-Find Information About Your Female Lineage

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Catching Up - Maine, Vermont and Wisconsin's Historic Barns

1st Day of Spring

Spring is here and so it's time to start thinking of gardening, cleaning and long rides(bike or car).

For those of you in Wisconsin, did you know there is a Century Home and Farm Award? To learn more visit the Wisconsin Historical Society and read about state’s historic barns.


Maine

Maine became a state on March 15, 1820. If you are researching an ancestor who fought in the Revolutinary War you are in luck. The State Archives has the Revolutionary Land Grants and Pension Applications Index Online! Visit the State Archives and if your search is successful the record can be obtained for $7.00.

Vermont

Vermont became a state on March 4 1791. It was the first state to grant voting rights to men of all races. The website "Vermont Genealogy" has an impressive amount of information about the state, its history and links to helpful sites.

If you have a subscription to Ancestry or access through a library they have "Vermont Death Records, 1909-2008 (index and digitized images)".

Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Beldeva Maish Webster

Beldeva Maish - Daughter of Edward and Daisy Farnum Maish

Obituary
Former C.R. Pair Are Found Slain In Salinas, Calif.
Cedar Rapids Gazette - October 25, 1952


A former Cedar Rapids couple were found shot to death in their apartment at Salinas, Calif., Friday and police termed, it. an apparent murder arid suicide, ac-
ording to an Associated Press report.

They were identifed as Jack Webster, 48 and his wife Beldeva, 38. Police said that an investigation will be made but a deputy coroner said that Webster apparently shot himself after shooting his wife apparently.

The bodies were found by the couple's landlady who said she hadn't seen the Websters for a few days. Police said the deaths occurred either Monday or Tuesday. No notes were left.

Mrs. Webster is survived by her father, Edward Maish of Cedar Rapids; by three Cedar Rapds brothers, Lloyd, Francis and Cleo Maish, and by three sisters Mrs. Walter Knoebel of Cedar Hapids, Mrs. Joe Kephart of Cedar Rapids and Mrs. Earl Owens of LeRoy, Minn.

Relatives, of Mrs. Webster said hat Mr. Webster is survived by two sisters, one in Cedar Rapids and one Dubuque. Their names could not be determined.

The Websters have lived California for about 12 years, relatives of Mrs. Webster said. They said that Mr. Webster had formerly worked at the Penick and Ford plant in Cedar Rapids. He was reported to have had both legs amputated about eight years ago after suffering Buerger's disease.


Cedar Rapids Gazette - January 15, 1953
Wills Probated - Excerpt


Three wills were admitted probate Thursday. They are the wills of Thomas Fontana, who died Jan. 3; Joseph A. Nejdl, who died Dec. 27, and Jack A. Web;ter, who died Oct. 21.

Mr. Webster left his estate to iis niece, Maureen K. Maish. Francis E. Maish was appointee administrator by the court with 3,000 bond.

Cedar Rapids Gazette
Saturday, September 5 1953


Another Will Involves Almost Entire Family

A strange, mixed-up legal battle began in Linn county district court Saturday over the estates of a former Cedar Rapids couple found dead in a Salinas, California apartment last October.

They were Jack Alexander Webster and Beldeva Neva Webster, who had lived at 504 Second street SW until they moved to California.

The court action started Saturday is based on the allegation that Webster murdered his wife on October 20 and then took his own life.

News reports at the time stated that the bodies were not found until several days after the tragedy. At the time authorities were quoted as saying that it appeared Webster shot his wife with a revolver;then took his own life with the same weapon.

The action Saturday was brought by Edward Maish, father of the late Mrs. Webster and administrator of her estate.

He is suing Francis E. Maish. Francis E. Maish is Edward Maish's son.

He is Mrs. Webster's brother and the brother-in-law of Jack Alexander Webster, the man who allegedly slew his (Francis E. Maish's) sister.

And he is the administrator of Jack Alexander Webster's estate.

In other words, Francis E. Maish is the administrator of the estate of his sister's alleged murderer.

Jack Alexander Webster's will is filed for probate in the Linn county clerk of courts's office.

It lists the daughter of Francis E. Maish as the sole heir.

There is no will on file in the Linn Clerk's office for Beldeva Neva Webster.

The suit seeks $25,000 for the estate of Beldeva Neva Webster from the estate of Jack Alexander Webster. The grounds stated are that Mrs. Webster's estate was damaged to that amount because of her wrongful death, allegedly at the hands of Mr. Webster.

Webster, according to California authorities, had lost both legs as a result of Buerger's disease.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Corned Beef, A Green River and Irish Research

Corned Beef, Parades, Green Beer - how could someone not love St. Patrick's Day? Growing up outside of Chicago St. Patrick's Day was a big deal. I was never sure if they really used green dye to turn the Chicago River green or if it was a cover story..... just kidding Mayor!

If you are researching your Irish roots, here are some hints and links that might help.

* The majority of the census returns for 1821, 1831, 1841 and 1851 were destroyed in the 1922 fire at the Public Record Office at the beginning of the Civil War.

* Need professional help with your Irish research? Eneclann: Irish Family History Research Visit: eneclann.ie/Research/research_genealogy.html

* The census records for 1881 and 1891 were pulped during World War I due to a paper shortage.

* Genealogy Books: Authors: Diane Haberstroh and Laura DeGrazia
Irish Relatives and Friends From "Information Wanted" Ads in the Irish-American, 1850-1871

* The National Archives of Ireland has an online searchable database of the 1910/1911 census. Visit: www.census.nationalarchives.ie

* The original census returns for 1861 and 1871 were destroyed shortly after the censuses were taken.


Take Care,
Pattie
Everyday Genealogy Desk Calendar

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Creating a Genealogy Blog - Is It For You?

It is hard to believe that within the last year I went from reading other people's blogs to writing two blogs and contributing to two others.

Writing a blog is very similar to keeping a journal. The blog can be private (maybe a place to track your research notes),public or for people you invite. This allows you to decide if you will share your research with everyone,just a a select group or keep it completely private.

Benefits of Blogging

Sometimes it feels good to share your successes with others even if you do not know them. Likewise when you hit a brickwall or receive disappointing news on a surname it can be cathartic to write it down. It may even help you figure out where you went wrong!

Another benefit of a blog is that you can allow (or not) others to comment on your blog entries. This way other members of your family or researchers tracing collateral lines can share their research. You may even lure members of the family who are not interested in genealogy, but love to share family stories, into posting comments.

To Blog or Not to Blog.....

Blogging is another tool in your genealogy toolkit that can be used to record research and if desired share it. While blogging may not be for everyone, do not dismiss it because you have never done it. It's as easy as going to http://www.blogger.com/home, choosing a name and creating the blog. You can become as technical as you want or not at all. Just do not let 'technology' stop you from trying to blog - just do it.



Here is a list of the blogs that my friend Pam and I are writing. Pay special attention to Pam's McKee Family Tree.

My McKee Family Tree: http://alexandermckee.blogspot.com
This blog was created by Pam to share her in depth research of the McKee family. Her goal is to document all the McKee's that migrated to Southern Illinois.

Everyday Genealogy: http://everydaygenealogycalendar.blogspot.com
A blog supporting the Everyday Genealogy Desk Calendar offering hints, tips and advice on genealogy research. Everyday Genealogy Desk Calendar

Technology Tamers: http://technology-tamers.blogspot.com
Pam and I speak at genealogy societies in Florida and we use this blog to promote our lectures. Our goal is to make genealogists aware of how technology can assist in their research and encourage them to publish their results.

Pack Peddler's Place: http://packpeddler.blogspot.com
My grandmother nicknamed me Pack Peddler when I was a child and this blog reflects my collection of ideas, family stories and genealogy journeys. And my love/hate relationship with my eReader!

Take Care,
Pattie

Monday, March 14, 2011

Genlighten and Obituaries

Posted by Pam Treme - My McKee Family Tree

As the editor of Florida Lines (FSGS newsletter), I try to keep abreast of anything new that develops so that I can alert users. So it was with Genlighten, which is a service that matches an info seeker and a local researcher.

In most cases, researchers charge a minimal fee to look up info for you. I haven't been to Genlighten much lately. Mostly because they didn't have many researchers in geographic areas that were of interest to me.

While I've been away, the list of researchers have grown. So I've booked the following obituary searches:

Earl C. Crain, d. 13 Aug 1999, Baldwin, MO
John William Knierim, d. 12 Jun 1940 Kirkwood, MO
Roy O. Mangano, d. 26 Jan 1996 Saint Louis, MO
Olive (McClure) McGuire, d. 14 Dec 1919 Colorado Springs, CO
Mamie Alice (Boyd) McGuire, d. 10 Jan 1974 Colorado Springs, CO
Ellen Ida (Jones) McKee, d. 7 Jan 1949 Firman Desloge Hospital, St. Louis, MO


We'll see how good the Genlighten researchers are!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Ellen (Ella) Booth

Ellen Harmon

Born: December 4 1849
Married: Josiah Marsh - April 29, 1869 (widowed)
Married: Wm Dickerson - March 18, 1887 (divorced)
Married: Addison Booth - October 20, 1891
Died: December 19, 1933

The Blackduck American - September 20, 1933
Veteran Passes Away
Mrs. Ella Booth, Pioneer Resident of Beltrami County Died at Home of Daughter Tuesday

Mrs. Ella Booth died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Martha Maish, at Blackduck on Tuesday afternoon of this week at the age of 82 years. Deceased was the widow of the late Addison Booth who resided on a farm north of this village for many years. Deceased came with her family to this county over thirty-six year ago.

Mrs. Booth was born in 1851 at Lebanon, Indiana. She was a member of the G.A.R. auxiliary of Bemidji. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Martha Maish and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mrs. Maish spent Tuesday in Bemidji to make arrangements for the funeral which will probably take place there with burial beside her husband at Lakewood Cemetery.


Take Care,
Pattie

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Just Say 'Yes' to Joining a Genealogy Society!

One of the great things about joining a Genealogy Society is that none of the members will groan or ask the question "Why are you so interested in dead people"? Just being able to spend a couple of hours each month with others that love to read obituaries and spend vacations transcribing cemeteries is such a relief.

Why Join a Society?

Joining a society allows you to attend monthly meetings, participate in educational programs, share your research knowledge and volunteer in a variety of projects. While joining is not a requirement the membership dues can help the society defray many costs including: speakers, educational programs, meeting place, books, etc.

Depending on the size and makeup of the society there may be a Special Interest Group (SIG group) for specific areas of interest (eg German Research, the Presbyterian Migration, etc.)that you may be interested in attending. If there is not one - start one!

The great thing about joining a local society is that they are always looking for ideas and volunteers. If the society does not have a newsletter and you have experience with writing or publishing offer to be the publisher! Maybe you have done extensive research on Civil War pension files - offer to do a presentation at the next meeting!

Participating in a local society will expose you to research topics and techniques you had never considered. You will meet people who use different methodologies, filing systems and software applications. And believe it or not there are folks out there that still do not use the Internet!

Genealogy Societies offer the chance to mingle with folks that understand the joy of finding a lost obituary, a civil war pension file or that black sheep that no one in the family talks about.

The Federation of Genealogical Societies offers a list of societies .

Take Care,
Pattie
Everyday Genealogy Desk Calendar


Sunday, March 6, 2011

Celebrate Your Louisiana Heritage - It's Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras is Tuesday and a time for celebrating.

Mardi Gras is such a part of Louisiana that it was declared a state holiday in 1875. Were members of your family part of the Mardi Gras? Did they help build the floats, were they musicians or krewe members? Did they attend?

While you are working on your Louisana research do not miss the chance to explore stories or memories your ancestors might have about Mardi Gras and how it may have affected their lives.

Quick Louisana Facts:

*In 1804 the territories of New Orleans and Louisiana were formed. To avoid confusion with the state of Louisiana, the Territory of Louisiana was renamed the Missouri Territory in 1812.

*The first Louisiana federal census was in 1810 when it was the Orleans Territory

*Louisiana had 20 parishes at the time of the 1810 census, today there are 64.

Helpful Links:

Louisana State Museum: Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in New Orleans

Confederate Pension Applications - Online Database

Vital Records - Louisiana & Orleans Parish - Online

Louisiana Genealogy Blog

Arcadian-Cajun Genealogy and History


From Amazon:

Mimi's First Mardi Gras
Haunted New Orleans (LA): History & Hauntings of the Crescent City
The Battle of New Orleans: Andrew Jackson and America's First Military Victory

Take Care,
Pattie

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Sunday's Obituary - William David Schwemm

William David Schwemm


Born - Dec 27 1866 - Barrington, Illinois
Died - Mar 4 1963 - Crystal Lake, Illinois


Crystal Lake Herald - 3/12/1953

William D. Schwemm, 86, a resident and farm operator in the Crystal
Lake vicinity for 32 years died March 4, at his home on a farm northeast of Crystal Lake near Rte 176 and Barrefille Road. He was born at Barrington December 27, 1866. After his marriage December 1893 to Sophie Dehmlow at Algonquin, they farmed in that vicinity and in Cary before moving to Crystal Lake. Mr and Mrs. Schwemm celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary nine years ago.

In addition to his widow, he is survived by seven sons and a daughter; Emil of Cary and Edwin, Alvin, Raymond, Gordon and Howard, all of Crystal Lake, Miss Esther Schwemm and Leslie Schwemm, residing on the farm; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Schnetlage of Barrington and Mrs. Ida Lyons of Chicago and five grandchildren. A daughter, Loida Schwemm and a son, LeRoy, and four brothers preceded him in death.

Mr. Schwemm was taken ill three months ago, and although apparently greatly improved in health three weeks ago suffered a fatal relapse.

Services were conducted 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Warner Funeral Home
and at 2:00 p.m. in Immanuel Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Schwemm was an active member for the 32 years of his residence here. The Rev. Arnold Wessler officiated. Burial was at Algonquin.

Mr. Schwemm was known as a genuinely 'good neighbor' always ready to extend a helping hand. As a farmer, he had the reputation of being unusually fond of his horses many of which he raised himself and all of which he kept for long years. One of his favorite sayings was, "No one is kinder to man than a horse and no one does more work for man than a horse".



William and Sophie Dehmlow

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Tips on Living and Researching in Florida!

If you live in Florida you know that most people MOVED to Florida they were not BORN in Florida. But, after you fall in love with the weather, Cuban sandwiches and Gasparilla you feel like you are a native.

Florida became a state on March 3, 1845. If you are researching your Florida roots here are some tips:

* Spanish Land Grant records (1764-1844) are available on microfilm from the Family History Libray.

* Researching in Florida? Check out the University of South Florida’s Special and Digital Collection.

* Florida Confederate Pension Application Files - ONLINE

* HIghlights of Florida History

* Best Chocolate Cake EVER - Wright's Gourmet Deli

Take Care,

Pattie

From Amazon:
Florida History Projects: 30 Cool, Activities, Crafts, Experiments & More for Kids to Do (Florida Experience)

The Immigrant World of Ybor City: Italians and Their Latin Neighbors in Tampa, 1885-1985 (Florida Sand Dollar Books)

St. Augustine and St. Johns County: A Historical Guide

The Gasparilla Cookbook

The Pirate Invasion - Gasparilla in Tampa Florida!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Family Reunions Then and Now Using FindaGrave.com

Grandma's Family Picnics

If my grandmother, Florence Schwemm Pahlke, was alive she would be the family genealogist. Grandma was the center of our family. All family dinners, holidays and birthdays were coordinated and hosted by her.

Every summer there was a Schwemm Family Picnic. I do not know if Grandma organized it on her own, but she definitely seemed in charge. It was the one time of the year when her children's families and her brothers' families would get to together. I was surprised, later in life, to find out that Uncle Emil and Aunt Mae were not my uncle and aunt, but Grandma's cousins!

The only evidence I have of these picnics are six poloroid photos my mom and dad took at one picnic. The first picture is of Aunt Mabel, Grandma, cousin Eddie and cousin Butch. In the second picture we have Grandpa in the middle and I'm leaning against Uncle Emil.




Schwemm Family Reunion - www.findagrave.com


Remembering how much Grandma loved family gatherings I wanted to honor her memory, but how?

Using FindaGrave I was able to bring grandma's family together even though they are buried all around the state of Illinois. I have created memorials for her parents, grandparents and siblings. Once done I was able to 'connect' them so they are all accessible from their father Fred Schwemm's memorial.


Fred Schwemm


Fred Schwemm's parents were Joseph and Julia Emme Schwemm. He was married twice, first to Alice Pierce then after her death to Emma Rethmeier (my great grandmother) and had a total of seven children. I now have a family tree created on Fred's memorial page that other relatives and researchers can access.

What is nice is that these are live links that will take the user to their memorials. If I click on Fred's father Joseph Schwemm I bring up his memorial page and all of Fred's siblings!


While it may not be a family reunion or picnic like grandma had, it is a way to connect her family and remember those summer days at Langendorf Park in Barrington.


Take Care,
Pattie
Everyday Genealogy Desk Calendar

Visit our other blogs!
Pack Peddler's Place

Technology Tamers