Family Recipe Friday - Fish and Chips

From Parade (date unknown)

OK...my mom didn't make the chips...at least not as far as I can remember.  While I was home this summer I was looking through mom's recipe books and we talked food.  She made her beer batter dipped fish and showed me the clipping that she had originally gotten the recipe from.  I hated fish when I was a kid.  Always afraid of finding a bone and just all-around not enjoying it much.  The only fish I would eat was this recipe and tuna.  My mom would always use her fingers to feel for bones so I knew eating her fish would be a bone-free experience...thanks, mom!

I've posted about this recipe before, but now that I have a copy of the clipping I wanted to share the whole thing (including its origins).

"From London With Love
by Beth Merriman
Parade Food Editor

Our British cousins have discovered the joys of hot dogs and hamburgers.  American tourists have returned from London with equal enthusiasm for fish and chips.  We think a kitchen party featuring this fare would be a hit with everyone.

To make the 'cornets,' as the English call the newspaper cornucopias in which they serve the fish and chips, we found it amusing to use comic strip pages.  Line them with aluminum foil, roll into cones and secure with transparent tape or staples.  With a little practice you'll discover the right size for individual portions.  Stuff a little paper toweling into the bottom of each before putting in the hot fish and chips.

Serve hot malt vinegar from a sprinkle bottle, salt and - to please American palates - catchup.  Beer for adults, root beer for the younger crowd, fun for everyone.

2 packages (about 12 ounces each) frozen fish fillets
or
1-1/2 pounds fresh fish fillets*
2 eggs, separated
1/2 cup beer
1/4 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper
1 bag (2 pounds) frozen french fried potatoes

*Any firm white fish, such as sole, flounder, haddock, cod, whiting, etc

Partially defrost fillets so they can be separated.  Cut into pieces about 3" x 1-1/2".  Place on paper towels to dry.  Beat egg yolks until thick and light.  Blend in beer, milk, flour and seasonings.  Mix until smooth.  Beat egg whites stiff but not dry; fold in.  Pat fillets dry.  Dip into batter, a few pieces at a time; lift out and drain slightly with fork or slotted spoon.

Fry in deep fat heated to 375 degrees for two to three minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.  Drain on absorbent paper.  Meanwhile heat french fried potatoes as directed on package.  Serve fish and french fries together in 'cornets,' as described above.

Makes six servings.

From Parade' test kitchen"

Hmmm...I don't think I'd use staples to secure anything that my food was going in.  Perhaps that's just me.  I don't remember mom making the "cornets" either, but it's not too surprising because such a detail would have gone completely unappreciated by my dad and us kids.  I'm familiar with seasoned salt (I use Lawry's all the time, but I think mom just used regular salt), but I'm not so much familiar with seasoned pepper.  Not really a crisis or anything.  Use what you prefer and they'll be just as yummy!

I found the references to food sharing between Americans and the Brits insulting amusing.  Seriously, if the only thing we get from such an ancient culture is fish and chips, and the only thing we have to offer are hot dogs and hamburgers we're definitely missing out!  And using the funnies for the "cornets"?  Puh-leez.  Cute idea?  Yes, but hardly a requirement.

I've matured since then and really enjoy fish.  I can only hope that my kids learn to enjoy things that they don't appreciate now.

And I hope the next time you get a craving for some good fish, you'll give this recipe a try.

Wedding Wednesday - 50 Years for Eli and Florence

Gosh I really need to find the original clipping and get a better scan...or fix this one, but that's not going to happen tonight.  Two days with little to no sleep.  I hoped that that turning in early last night without a post would result in sleep, but it didn't.  Not wanting to skip another evening I thought I'd share this clipping of Eli and Florence Cayemberg nee Villers.

Published in the Green Bay Press Gazette (date unknown, but would have been around April 1936)

"Flintville Couple Wed 50 Years

(Special to Press-Gazette)

FLINTVILLE, Wis. - Large wedding cakes were presented to Mr. and Mrse. (sic) Eli Cayemberg at their home here Sunday, where they celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary.  The couple who were married in St. Hubert church, Rosiere, April 24, 1886, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the marriage Sunday with a family reunion. (Unk) children and their families were present."

Eli and Florence Cayemberg is the couple that is celebrated annually at the Cayemberg family reunion held in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  All the descendants of these two are invited to attend.  When I first started genealogy I thought that the reason this couple was celebrated was perhaps because they were the first Cayembergs to arrive in America.  This was not the case though.  Eli was born in Wisconsin.  The son of Philippe and Catherine Cayemberg nee Doneux (so many various surname spellings that I won't even touch on here!) and sibling to Regine, Joseph, Gustav Joseph, Cedonie, and Geferson.  They were the couple celebrated at the annual family reunion merely because it was their children that wanted to celebrate them.  Silly amateur me reading more into it early on.  Ya live, ya learn!

Now having written that, I'm about to get inundated with comments and emails telling me that the names for Philippe and Catherine's children are wrong, or someone was missed, or...or...or...

So let me just head all that off at the pass and say, "Don't."  Unless you're willing to share your research (and it's proper research, not guesswork and/or something divined from the most recent communique with the dead), then please just don't.  You see the Cayemberg family tree that is celebrated annually is only the descendants of Eli and Florence.  Eli's siblings, parents, grandparents, etc are MIA...and those are the people I want to discover.  Those are the unknowns and isn't that what we need to do?  Go back (and sideways) and figure these things out!

My research certainly needs tweaking.  I'm still looking to confirm all of the children of Philippe and Catherine (Eli is already confirmed), but it's a goal.  I've had people tell me that these children are wrong, or need to be combined (is Joseph and Gustav Joseph the same person?), but until there is some proof a genealogist has to go with where the available document are pointing.  I may find something that will change this part of my family tree.  I may find something that confirms it.  I may find nothing.  But it takes more than just taking someone's "word for it" to amend the research I've begun.  Documents please!

Gosh.  I get bitchy when I'm tired.  Night all!

Amanuensis Monday - Patrons of the Church, Part 2

Lobby of Saint Gabriel's Church, Hazleton, PA

Last Monday I transcribed the names off of the plaque on the left in this picture at Saint Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church (now Holy Annunciation Parish).  This week I'm transcribing the plaque on the right.  There were many familiar names on both, but I was excited to see the names of 2 family members this week.  My 2nd great aunt Ella Quirk was a donor to the Organ Fund and my 2nd great uncle William Quirk was a pew donor.  Neither Ella nor William married so it's always nice to see them remembered.

Right plaque remembering the 1931 patrons

"This plaque is erected in memory of Rt. Rev. Monsignor J.S. Fagan and in honor of the following donors

Donations to organ fund

Miss Annie Mulherin

Mrs. E.J. McKernan

Miss Winifred Brown

Mrs. Thomas Burkhart

Mrs. Stephen Curry

Mrs. John Baker

Mrs. Charles Barnes

Miss B.T. Boyle

Mrs. John J. Boyle

Mrs. P.A. Boyle

Mrs. Thomas Bonner

Mrs. Thomas Brennan

Miss Annie Brislin

Mrs. John P. Burns

Mrs. Mary Byrne

Mrs. H.L. Campbell

Miss Laurette Cannon

Miss Nellie Cannon

Miss Nora D. Carr

Commercial Class St. G. 1927

Mrs. John J. Corrigan

Mrs. Lawrence Corrigan

Mrs. Norbert Corrigan

Council of Catholic Women

Mrs. James Crossin

Miss Mary Dever

Mrs. Catherine Dougherty, deceased

Mrs. James Durkin

Miss Marie Feeley

Misses Agnes and Mary Fitzpatrick

Miss Margaret Flynn

Mrs. August Gabrielis

Miss Mary Gallagher

Miss Rose Gallagher

Miss Jane Gorman

Mrs. James P. Gorman

Miss Margaret Gormley

Mrs. Mary Halsey

P.J. Heaney Family

Mrs. William Joyce, deceased

Mrs. George Kellner

Mrs. Charles Kelly

Mrs. Andrew Kennedy

Miss Theresa Kennedy

Miss Catherine Martin

Mrs. Frank Mooney

Mrs. P.J. Murphy

Mrs. John McBride

Mrs. Cormac McGee

Mrs. Edward McGee

Miss Sarah McGee

Mrs. D.J. McGeehin

Mrs. J.C. McGrory

Mrs. E.t. McHale

Mrs. Andrew McKelvey

Mrs. Patrick McKelvey

Mrs. Patrick McKenna

Miss Bridget McKiernan

Mrs. James J. O'Donnell

Miss Kate A. O'Donnell

Mrs. John Quinn

Miss Ella Quirk

Mrs. P.J. Reilly

Mrs. M.A. Ryan

Mrs. E.J. Sweetland

Miss Veronica Thompson

Miss Bridget Walsh, deceased

Mrs. Susan Uthe

Mrs. W.J. Ward

Mrs. T.J. Whittaker

Miss Mary Lynch

Donors of Pews

Charles Cannon

Mr. and Mrs. James Boney

John Bonner

P.J. Bonner, deceased

Edward Boyle

James Boyle

P.A. Boyle

Fr. J. Brennan

James Brennan

Thomas Brennan

P.J. Breslin

Thomas Brislin

John Burns

John and Elizabeth Burke

Patrick Burke, Chestnut St

Patrick Burke, S. Wyoming

James Calder

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Campanell

H.L. Campbell

H.J. Campbell

James Carpenter

John J. Carr

John Cawley

James A. Collins

Michael Conahan

James Connors

Dr. James A Corrigan

Dr. John J. Corrigan

Dr. Lawrence Corrigan

Norbert Corrigan

Dr. W.V. Coyle

John Dailey Family

Dr. A.J. Dougherty

F.J. Dougherty

J.C. Dougherty

Michael and Rosanna Dougherty

Zoltan Drosdick

E.J. Duffy, deceased

Dr. P.E. Fagan

Paul Ferry

Michael Flynn

James Fox

Charles J. Gallagher

E. Joseph Gallagher

Mrs. Mary Gallagher

John C. Gallagher

Att'y Fr. Gaughan

Dr. Robert Gaughan

D. Genetti Family

Patrick Givens

Paul Glubshinsky

James A. Gorman

James P. Gorman, deceased

 Thomas Gormley

P.J. Heaney

Charles Helferty

John Helferty, Sr.

John Helferty, Jr.

Thomas Jacobs

P.D. Kelley

James Kennedy

Patrick Kennedy

John Lannon

Joseph A. Lannon

Matthew Leib

Patrick Maloney

Peter Matthews

Joseph Meiers

John J. Monahan

Frank Mooney

James J. Moran

John Moran, Jr.

Patrick Mulherin

Thomas mcAndrews

John McBride

Michael McCall

Peter MacDermott

J.B. McGeady

L.V. McGee

P.J. McGeehin

John J. McGill

James McGinley

William McGlynn

Luke McGraw

John J. McGroarty

Austin McHale

John C. McHugh

D.T. McKelvery

Patrick McKelvey

Patrick McKenna

James McKenna

E.J. McKernan

John McNally

E.J. McNelis

James P. McNelis

P.J. McNelis, deceased

B.C. North

Charles O'Donnell

John J. O'Donnell

William O'Donnell, N. Laurel

William O'Donnell, Locust

William Quirk

James Reilly

Peter Reilly

P.J. Reilly

James J. Ryan

Ma. A. Ryan

Clarence Sasso

John Sergeant

Howard Slattery

Daniel J. Stone

Patrick Sweeney

L.J. Sweetland

Joseph Trently

Michael Welsh

William J. Ward

William J. Weber

Thomas J. Whittake

Joseph A. Zogby

John P. Burns

1931"

Sunday's Obituary - Catherine Quirk

Mary and Catherine "Kay" Quirk

I posted Aunt Kay's Funeral Card this past Friday and realized that I had never posted her obituary.  Strange, but true.  I seem to get sidetracked by so many other lines and neat things I find that far too often I find that I've neglected those members of my family tree that should have been blogged about earlier on.  So today, I'm going to share her passing.

Standard Sentinel 24JAN1961, pg 6

"Miss Catherine Quirk

Miss Catherine Quirk, 572 West Green street, this city, died yesterday morning at 10 o'clock at her home following an illness of two months.

Born in Jeanesville, she was a daughter of the late William and Mary Ann (Lee) Quirk.  She had resided in this city for the past 19 years.

She was a member of St. Gabriel's Church and the Altar and Rosary Society of the parish.

Surviving are a sister, Mary Quirk, and a niece, Mrs. Edward Brown, both of this city.

The funeral will be held from the Boyle Funeral Home at a time to be announced.  Friends may call Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 10 p.m."

Standard Sentinel 26JAN1961, pg10

"QUIRK - At Hazleton, January 23rd Miss Catherine Quirk, of 572 W. Green street.  Funeral from the Boyle Funeral Home, 100 S. Wyoming street, Friday at 9 a.m. Solemn high mass of requiem in St. Gabriel's Church at 9:30.  Interment in St. Gabriel's Cemetery.  Friends may call today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 10.  John J. Boyle Sons, funeral directors."

Standard Sentinel 28JAN1961, pg12

"Miss Catherine Quirk, 572 West Green street, who died Monday, was buried yesterday from the Boyle Funeral Home.

Rev. Joseph Akulonis was celebrant of the solemn high mass of requiem in St. Gabriel's Church.  Rev. Edward Haggerty was deason, and Rev. Paul Purcell, sub-deacon.  Interment was in the parish cemetery, where Rev. Haggerty gave the blessing at the grave.

Pallbearers were Edward Brown Jr., James Moran, Thomas Sacco, John Boyle; James Flynn and Edward O'Donnell."

Funeral Card Friday - Catherine Quirk

I've posted about Catherine Quirk a little before...or Aunt Kay as family called her.  My mom, aunt and uncle always spoke fondly of Aunt Kay.  Sadly, Catherine died 11 years before I was born.

Catherine (Katherine) was born on 24JUL1878 to William and Mary Quirk nee Lee.  She was the sixth of nine children, three of which died before reaching adulthood.  She never married, but lived most of her life with her parents and siblings.  She helped to raise my grandmother Mary A. Brown nee Quirk after her mother, Alice Quirk nee Blanchfield, died in 1915.

Even though my grandmother lost her mom when she was only 2 years old (was she really old enough to remember her?), it's heartening to know that her life was filled with love from her mother's Blanchfield side as well as from her father's Quirk side.  Catherine may not have had children of her own, but I'm sure she looked at her niece with the love and affection of a mother.

Rest in peace, Aunt Kay.

Amanuensis Monday - Patrons of the Church

When you walk through the front doors of Saint Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church (now Holy Annunciation Parish) in Hazleton, Pennsylvania there is a small lobby before entering the main portion of the church itself.  On either side of the doors to the entry to the main area hang these beautiful brass, engraved placards.

It was incredibly difficult to get decent pictures of them because with the lights on or off the glare from the outside sun was ever present.  Not having anything with me to block out the sun, I did the best I could.  These are the names of the people and families that donated to Saint Gabriel's in 1931 (the placard to the left).

"This plaque is erected in memory of Rt. Rev. Monsignor J.S. Fagan and in honor of the following donors

Main Altar, Mrs. Sarah McHugh, deceased
Altar Railing, St. Gabriel's School Children
Blessed Mother's Altar and Statue, Catholic Women's Club
Saint Joseph's Altar, Mrs. R.E. Walsh
Pulpit, Mrs. J.H. Garrahan
Priedieux and Vestment Press, Mrs. C. Gallagher, N.Y.
Statue of Saint Joseph, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Ryan
Statue and Pedestal of Little Flower, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Coll
Baptismal Font, Dr. John J. Corrigan
Sanctuary Chairs and Stools, John J. Gough
Statue of Scared Heart, Dr. James A. Corrigan
Candlesticks for Funerals, John J. Boyle
Sanctuary Lamp, May Boyle
Chimes, Thomas Bonner Family
Holy Water Font, Mrs. John Kennedy
Holy Water Font, Miss Theresa Kennedy
Holy Water Font, Joseph O'Donnell
Paintings, Nativity and Annunciation, Mrs. John J. Kelly
Painting, Crucifixion, Miss Theresa Kennedy
Gold Crosses on Steeple, Miss Jane Gorman

Front Windows
Rose Window, Mrs. M.A. Gallagher
Lower Windows, Timothy McCarthy, deceased

Large Windows
Rt. Rev. Monsignor J.S. Fagan
Rev. P.J. Brennan
Peter B. Sheridan
P.J. Smith
Frank McHugh
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh L. Campbell
In Memory of Mrs. Ellen Gorman
Gaughan Family
Mrs. Mary Boney
Dennis O'Donnell
D.T. Gallagher Family
Patrick McKenna Family

Lower and Small Windows
John Collins
Mrs. Elizabeth Brehm
In Memory of James A. Gorman
John Burns
Mrs. Eliza Clabby
Mr. Leonard
Rev. William Slattery
Luke McGraw
Rev. D.A. Boyle
Charles Cannon

Stations of the Cross
In Memory of Mr. D.T. Gallagher
Mary Reilly
Mary Brady
Regina Burns
Frank Gallagher
Mrs. Patrick O'Donnell
In Memory of Mrs. D.T. Gallagher
Margaret and Mary Ryan
Mary McKelvey
Hugh Scott Family
Thomas Ryan
Mrs. Thomas Dunleavy
Mrs. Kate Doud
Margaret Long

Accessories of the Main Altar
Candlesticks, Council of Catholic Women
Chalice, Miss Jane Gordan
Ciborium, In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. D.T. Gallagher
Crucifix, Annie and Patrick Breslin
Candlesticks, B.T. Boyle
Paschal Candle, Mrs. Thomas Martin
Altar Cards, P.F. Herron
Candlesticks, Mrs. P. Cullinan
Vases, Rev. J.W. Gilpatrick
Vases, Rev. James A. Walsh
Vases, Rev. John E. Walsh
Altar Linens, Theresa Kennedy
Altar Linens, Mrs. John McBride, Sr.
Missal Stand, John McBride, Jr.
Vases, Mr. and Mrs. M. Flynn
Altar Cards, John and Joseph McGee
Gold Lace, Mrs. Edward McGee
Mass Book, Mrs. James Conahan
Cruets, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Crossin

Accessories for Side Altars
Candlesticks, Agnes Byrne
Candlesticks, Margaret Byrne
Candlesticks, Mary Dugan
Candlesticks, Mrs. Bridget Hayes
Candlesticks, Mrs. M.A. Ryan
Vases, Mrs. James Fox
Vases, Mrs. Philip Reilly
Gold Lace, Mrs. Francis English
Gold Lace. Mrs. Dennis Brogan

Rugs for Sanctuary, Altar and Rosary Society
Lace, Albs, Mrs. Margaret Burke
Censer, Mrs. C.J. McGee
Holy Water Font, Mrs. Joseph Campbell
Sacristy Cabinet, Mary Gallagher
Crucifix, Daniel Gallagher
Extinguishers, Altar and Rosary Society
Altar Bread Box, Mr. Reed
Ablution Cup, Miss B. McKiernan
Cabinet, Table and Baskets, Altar and Rosary Society

Communion Plates, Mrs. J.B. Garrahan and Mrs. Andrew Kennedy

1931"

Sunday's Obituary - Edward Lee

Image has been adjusted to remove yellowing

"Edward Lee Passes Away.

Rope Breaks, Car Comes Down - St. Patrick's Day Parade.

(Handwritten - Jan. 19 - 1904)

Edward Lee, aged 81 years, one of the oldest and best known citizens on this side, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. William Quirk, at Jeanesville last night about 7 o'clock.  The deceased was in perfect health up to Monday.  He partook of his Monday dinner as usual, but shortly after while lying on a couch he was stricken suddenly ill with what looked like paralysis and he was unable to utter a word from the time he was taken ill until he died.  Mr.  Lee was born in county Cabin (sic), Ireland, and emigrated to America about fifty-seven years ago.  He resided in New York and Nesquehoning previous to locating in Jeanesville.  His wife preceded him in death about sixteen years ago.  He was a man who was well liked by every person.  He was very active notwithstanding his advanced age and was a great lover of base ball.  During all of last season he witnessed every game that was played at Park View and was first among the spectators on the ground.  He was a great favorite of the children and often he could be seen with a crowd of little ones about him as they listened to the tales he used to relate.  He enjoyed a large circle of friends and all will be sorry to hear of his death.  He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. William Quirk, with whom he resided for the past number of years."

For those of you that have done Irish genealogy research or are familiar with Ireland, you'll know that there is no County Cabin, but County Cavan.  In Irish Cavan is spelled Cabhán.  You don't really hear the "b" in the pronunciation, but perhaps there was some miscommunication when relaying the information for the obit.  Edward, given the time of his birth in Ireland, would have most likely known Irish.  Spelling wasn't necessarily as important as it became over time and who knows how well Edward was educated.  I could hypothesize for hours, but the bottom line is they got that bit wrong in the obit.  I have no proof that Edward was from County Cavan, but this does give me a starting point when trying to continue his line.

The obituary also gives me an approximation for when he came to America, although still trying to find an immigrant by the name of Edward Lee is no small task.  Knowing that he lived in New York and Nesquehoning before Jeanesville will help as well.  A bit disappointing that no mention of his parents were made or any other brothers and sisters in America or Ireland.  Disappointing, but not surprising.  Almost as equally disappointing is that his grandchildren were not mentioned in his obituary.  They were adults and many were living together.  I blogged about the individual children of William and Mary Quirk nee Lee here.

Image has been adjusted to remove yellowing

This clipping was regarding Edward's burial in Saint Gabriel's cemetery.  It was in a scrapbook (see note below) and was obviously torn.  Not too surprising since it was clipped in 1904.    Not much information here except where he was buried and a bit about the funeral.  Still, it would be nice to have an untorn copy.  Sadly, the local newspapers from this period are gone.  At least in microfilm.  The local library has an enormous gap...which covers almost 2 decades of family members that I really want to know more about.  Next step is to contact the local newspaper and see if they have copies.  Sadly the local paper was bought out a few years ago by a larger non-local company.  Hopefully, they will be as helpful as they had in previous years. Fingers crossed there.

Edward Lee.  One of the first people that I learned about when starting out on my genealogy research over a decade ago, and I never posted his obit.  Shame, shame on me, but better late than never.  Rest in peace to my 3rd great grandpa.

NOTE:  Attached to the inside cover of an old family photo album that was passed on to me were newspaper clippings.  None of the clippings had the name of the paper that they were taken from, but it's safe to say that they most likely came from the local Hazleton area papers (The Standard Sentinel, The Plain Speaker, or the Standard-Speaker).

Follow Friday - Renewal Gone Bad Ruined Jewels of Hazleton's Past

Hazleton was the city I grew up in.  It's far from a city in its prime and many would consider it a city in decay.  A friend of mine, Charles McElwee, wrote a brilliant piece that appeared both in the local newspaper (The Standard Speaker) as well as on the The Greater Hazleton Historical Society and Museum's website.

I like to refer to Charles as my cousin, but we actually aren't.  We share a common relative, but aren't related. Still he's a wonderful person and, as you can get a glimpse of in this article, a very talented man.  It's a brilliant look back into Hazleton's past and where it's future could lie.  Please head on over a check out his piece called "Renewal Gone Bad Ruined Jewels of Hazleton's Past."

You don't need to have family in the Hazleton area to really find interest in this article.  Charles addresses what happened in many cities on the decline...urban renewal.  Urban renewal wasn't confined to northeastern Pennsylvania.  It happened in so many cities and some of what was done I was completely ignorant of (and shocked by).

Charles specifically references the Duplan Silk Mill and how it came to be in Hazleton.  I had ancestors that worked at Duplan so the piece had special meaning to me because it filled in a bit of family history.

Always a fountain of information, Charles McElwee has once again educated me in local history. Seriously...why did I learn none of this in school!?!?

Head on over.  You will not be disappointed!

Tombstone Tuesday - Nancy Finally Got Her Tombstone

Michael and Nancy O'Donoghue nee Brown - St Gabriel's Cemetery, Hazleton, PA

I've blogged about my cousin, Nancy O'Donoghue nee Brown, before.  She was one of those dear cousins you meet online when researching your genealogy.  You correspond, compare notes, and help each other as best as you can.  We even met once.  I still remember it fondly.

Shortly before I started blogging (almost 3 years ago now) Nancy died.  She was killed by her husband and we were all shocked beyond belief.  This doesn't happen to people you know.  It's something you read about in other people's families.  Her husband, Michael, was apparently seriously ill.  He died almost exactly a year after Nancy and before his trial could begin.

This is one of those pieces of family history that I would love to know what happened...why it happened, but I would never seek to ask anyone in Nancy and Michael's family just to confirm or alter my own theories.  Their children and grandchildren have got to be completely devastated and heart-broken.  I'm sure they would prefer to remember Michael and Nancy with fond, loving memories.  I'm sure they do.  They deserve to.

I was upset when I visited Nancy's gravesite nearly a year after she passed and discovered that there was only a marker from the funeral home.  No tombstone.  I had spoken with the caretaker at Saint Gabriel's Cemetery in Hazleton, PA and he had told me that many people stopped by to visit Nancy and asked the same question.

I didn't make it home in 2012 so perhaps the tombstone was there then.  I can only guess that perhaps the family knew in 2011 that Michael's end was near and they held off on placing the stone until after his passing.  Either way I'm just glad it's there.

Rest in peace, Nancy and Michael.

Military Monday - Remembering a Female WWI Veteran

I saw this obituary as I was looking through microfilm.  Upon glancing at it I decided to print off a copy because it was for a World War I veteran and that veteran was 95 years old.  I didn't really read the obituary...until last night.  That's when I noticed that this WWI veteran was a woman!

Standard Speaker, 22SEP1986, pg2

"Mrs. William C. Beltz
World War I veteran

Mrs. Elsie L. Beltz, RN, age 95, formerly of Freeland, who resided the past six years with her niece, Mrs. Ruth (Boyle) Priestley of Grand Blanc, Mich., died early Sunday morning at the McLaren Hospital, Flint, Mich.

Born in Quakake, she was the daughter of the late Peter J. and Mary (Eveland) Shoemaker.

She was a resident of Freeland for 85 years before moving to Michigan.

She graduated from the Pottsville Hospital Training School of Nursing, in 1914, and prior to her retirement, she was employed by the Hazleton State General Hospital.

She was an Army veteran of World War I, and served with the Army Nurse Corp.

She was a member of St. Luke's Evangelical Church, Freeland; the Hazleton Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, the American Legion Post No. 473, Freeland, and the Lady Jeremiah Rebekah Lodge No. 93.

Preceding her in death was her husband, William C. Beltz, who died in 1965.

Surviving are three step sons, William, John and Wilbur Beltz, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. from the Cotterall Funeral Home, Freeland, with the Rev. Richard H. Summy, officiating.  Interment will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua.

Relatives and friends will be received by the family on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Memorial donations to St. Luke's Evangelical Church, Freeland, will be appreciated."

Elsie was born on June 21, 1891.  She enlisted in the military on January 16, 1918 and was discharged on November 5, 1919.  She passed away on September 21, 1986 (US Department of Veteran Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010). Elsie didn't marry until she was about 35 years old and guessing from this obituary she and William had no biological children together.

Women served during WWI, especially in the Army Nurse Corp.  The influenza pandemic that hit during the time created a desperate need for nurses everywhere, and many were funneled into the military.  It's good to see this veteran remembered.  Thank you for your service, Elsie.

Sunday's Obituary - An Obituary That Broke My Heart

My sisters and me with "Nana" (I'm the ham-bone on the right).  We loved her hugs.

I was excited to get home to Pennsylvania and dive into the local newspapers so I could find the obituary for Hazel Blum nee Hill...the next door neighbor we called "Nana".  I wanted more details on her life.  I knew some basics about who she was, but hoped for more in her obituary.  I was to be greatly disappointed.

Hazleton Standard Speaker 01AUG1996, pg2

"Hazel Blum

Hazel Hill Blum, 97, of Hazleton, the oldest member of Trinity Lutheran Church, died Tuesday at Hazleton General Hospital.

Born March 17, 1899, she was the daughter of the late Conrad and Olive Aubrey Hill, and was a life-long resident of Hazleton.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Dr. Maurice L.; brother, Harry; and a sister, Rebecca Hill Kramer.

Surviving are two nieces and a nephew.

Funeral arrangements will be announced."

I know I shouldn't have been disappointed with this obituary.  There is some good stuff in there (believe it or not).  It gives me the name of the church she belonged to (which I did not know).  With this I can help rectify something that was missing from this obituary...where she's buried.  I saw that statement "Funeral arrangements will be announced" and with two kids getting bored in a library I only searched through the rest of the roll of microfilm in hopes of finding her burial announcement, but there was nothing.  A call to Trinity Lutheran will hopefully tell me where "nana" is buried.  I have a feeling it's Vine Street Cemetery in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.  Why?  Proximity.  It's the closest cemetery to the church. That's not conclusive, but it's a start.  Perhaps the church will be able to help me out more.

My parents always would talk about how old "nana" was.  I frankly thought that it was a bit of an exaggeration.  Little did I know that "nana" was already 73 years old when I was born!  The obituary (while not a primary source) helps to confirm how old she really was.  There's a little part of the Irish in me that giggles knowing "nana" was born on Saint Patrick's Day.  Warm and fuzzy feelings (nothing truly of genealogical significance there...just smiles).

Knowing that "nana's" parents were Conrad and Olive Hill was no surprise.  I was able to find this information out in the US Federal Censuses.  Hill may indeed be a very common last name, but I had one bit of information going for me..."nana" was my neighbor and I knew that the house she lived in with her husband, Maurice, was the house she grew up in.  Finding her in the census records while knowing that tid-bit was easy.  What I didn't know was her mom's maiden name.  The way the obituary was written we can tell it's Aubrey.  I'll be able to do some research there.  Why?  She's not my family. I just want to know more about hers.  It's not something that I can really explain.  Perhaps other genealogists can empathize with me here...perhaps I'm just a bit kooky.

Michele, "Nana" and me (I know I'm cute)

I knew the names of her brother and sister because they were in the census records too.  Now I'll be able to look for Rebecca in later census records under her married name. Perhaps I'll be able to find out the names of both Harry and Rebecca's Hill descendants.

So there is information gleaned out of a rather brief obituary, so why am I so sad?  I loved "nana".  Still do and always will, but I have the memories of a child of her and we know that children don't always remember the most significant bits of information, nor do they ask the questions we as adults want to know.  My "nana" died when I was a trainee in the Army.  I didn't know until over a year later that she was gone.  My father never told me.  I just felt hollow.  I was now an adult and would never be able to hug that tiny little lady again.  I'm 5'5"...or at least I was before the Army shrank about 3/4-inch from me over 10 years.  "Nana" was maybe 5'0" tall.  There wasn't a time I saw nana outside or visited with her that I did not hug her.  She never had children and rarely had family visit her.  Who is there to remember her?  This obituary doesn't encourage me.

I hope that I will find the burial information for her in the newspaper next year.  I hope it was put in there. I hope that she was memorialized properly.  "Nana" lived to be 97 years old, but did she out-live everyone that truly knew her?  Does anyone have fond memories of "nana" apart from my sisters and I?  I hope so.  I hope this post lets them find me so that we can always remember one of the most loving people I have ever met...Hazel Blum nee Hill.

Funeral Card Friday - Adelbert W. Boegel

I was looking through funeral cards while waiting for a friend to arrive to brain-storm events for our Cub Scout Wolf Den and came across this card for Adelbert W. Boegel.  What struck me about this card and why I decided to share it today was because it had a piece of information on it that I rarely see on funeral cards.  It actually had which plot Adelbert was buried in!

"In Loving Memory Of

Adelbert W. Boegel

Born To Life

March 22, 1911

Born To Eternal Life

May 27, 1986

Services Sat. May 31, 1986

St. Boniface Church

Goldendale

Interment Holy Cross Cemetery

Blk. 18 Sec. 3 Lot 325 No. East

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; they will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen."

According to the family tree my mother-in-law gave me, Adelbert was the son of Raymond Boegel and Catherine Schrauth and the grandson of William Boegel Sr and Katherine Melzer.

With just a quick search the family tree that was given to me can be verified through US Census records that show Adelbert with his parents, Raymond and Catherine, at the right age and in the right location.  I'm still working on verifying all the information in the handwritten tree they gave me, but for now I have no reason to believe that they would be wrong.

As to the burial information I did some checking online and St. Boniface Church is on Glendale Road in Washington County, Wisconsin, but their cemetery isn't Holy Cross.  It would appear that Holy Cross Cemetery is in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.  I began thinking that maybe the cemetery name had changed, but 1986 wasn't that long ago.  Then I had another thought...you know...the obvious kind...maybe he really was buried in a different cemetery.  So I checked directions on Google Maps and found that the church and this cemetery are only about 15 minutes apart.  Very feasible although I still don't know why he wouldn't be buried in the church cemetery unless Holy Cross was where the rest of his family was buried.

The fun of genealogy...there's always something else to look into!

Those Places Thursday - A Historic Moment at the Supreme Court

At the Supreme Court as the ruling striking down Proposition 8 occurred - June 26, 2013

My mom, two sons and I took a trip to Washington D.C. this summer.  We arrived on June 25th and walked around the National Mall and Arlington National Cemetery.  That was the day that the Supreme Court decided that the Voting Rights Act was out-dated.  So glad we didn't visit the courthouse that day.  It's a day I'd like to forget.

At the FDR memorial

On the roster for day two was the far side of the National Mall with the MLK and FDR memorials, the White House (no tours due to the sequester so pictures of the outside only), Congress, and the Supreme Court.  Sounds like a busy day, but we weren't taking any tours and we hoped to get out before rush hour.  As we were entering the National Mall portion of D.C. we turned the news on the radio.  We knew that Proposition 8 and D.O.M.A. (the Defense of Marriage Act) were going to be ruled on that day.  As we entered the Capitol we heard it...D.O.M.A. was struck down.  The boys were playing with their electronics in the back of the van. They were oblivious about what just happened until we started talking about it minutes later.  My mom was thrilled.  I was in tears.  So happy I could cry...I certainly understood that phrase that morning.

It took awhile to get to the parking garage, but we decided that the Supreme Court was the place to be.  Prop 8 still needed to be ruled on and the demonstrations should be quite the experience so we started walking to the Supreme Court.  We did have to pass Congress on our way (they're right across the street from each other, if you didn't know) and as we passed I pointed out to my children "the building where no work gets done" and took some photos for posterity.  We then crossed the street and dove into the crowds in front of the Supreme Court.

We heard cheers as we crossed and I felt certain that it was more good news.  I approached someone wearing a pro-LGBT shirt and asked what the outcome of Prop 8 was.  We were told that it had been upheld.  I was stunned.  Was all that cheering really because it had been upheld.  I comforted with the words that the fight wasn't over and we'd get there someday, and my family and I entered the crowds to try to get closer to the stairs.

The wall at the Martin Luther King Jr memorial

We couldn't.  We got through much of the media that was set up along the walkway and then couldn't go any further.  What was the hold up?  I was frustrated until I realized that I had come within 2 people deep of a statement that Representative John Lewis (D-5th District, Georgia) was giving...thus the congestion.  I recognized the man standing there from TV, but I couldn't remember if he was friend or foe to the LGBT community so I did what any other clueless bystander would do.  I whipped out my iPhone held it up over the heads of the few people that separated me and the congressman and took a picture.  I saw a young woman smiling at me when I did that and asked her, "I'm sorry, but who is this man and what district does he represent?"  She told me and I knew he was a friend.  He was a very active figure in the Civil Rights Movement and had marched with Martin Luther King Jr.  A supporter of equality for all.

I'm sorry your eyes were closed Rep Lewis, but thank you for your service!

I asked this woman what the ruling was.  That we had been told that Prop 8 had been upheld, but that everyone looked far too happy for that.  She told me that indeed it had not been upheld, but struck down.  The person I had spoken to upon crossing the street was mistaken.  I was elated.

I've talked to my children, ages 12 and 7, about topics like racism, sexism, and equality before.  This was a moment for them to experience too.  I don't know that Daniel completely understood its significance being only 7, but I know that my oldest son got it.  I know that both of them will be able to tell their children and grandchildren that they were there on this momentous day and that they stood near the stairs to the Supreme Court with their mom and grandmother when one of the fundamental tenants of our country was reaffirmed...

"All men* are created equal"

The wall at the Martin Luther King Jr memorial

*Just a little linguistic reminder that the term "man" and "men" can actually be used as gender neutral words.  A point often lost among many.  Today we would say "everyone" but language needs to be viewed in the context of the era in which it was written and "man" was the appropriate term when the Constitution was written.

Very busy in front of the Supreme Court on June 26, 2013

This post is dedicated to all the friends I have that are members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.
To see my fellow Americans discriminated against for basic rights that everyone should have tears at my heart. These rulings are of historic significance for our country.  There are states that still deny these rights to members of the LGBT community and while we have not finished the fight, we took two giant steps forward...and I want my descendants to know that I was there.

Tombstone Tuesday - A New Tabor Tombstone

Mountain View Cemetery, West Hazleton, PA

I've shared (or at least I think I have...hmmm I'll have to check on that!) the tombstones for my paternal grandmother, Florence Tabor nee Bronsavage, and my paternal grandfather, Clarence Tabor, before.  Sadly, on November 12th of last year my uncle, Leonard Tabor, passed away.

I remember years ago talking with my father and uncle about where they wanted to be buried (grim conversation, but not to a genealogist).  My father wanted to be buried with his dad, and my uncle wanted to be buried with his mom.

My uncle had made plans.  He knew he was dying.  The funeral and the tombstone had been planned and paid for before his death.  When I went back to Pennsylvania this summer, I visited the cemetery where they were buried.  The separate tombstones for my grandparents were gone and there was one tombstone set in its place.

It was weird seeing the old tombstones gone.  It was painful to see my uncle's name on the tombstone and know that I wouldn't get to see him again, but it was made a little easier knowing that he was buried with family as he wanted.

Amanuensis Monday - So Memorable He Got an Editorial

Hazleton Standard Speaker 24MAY1971, pg 12

I've said before the Maurice Blum's obituary was impressive.  I've never (in my limited experience) seen an editorial written on a local person that had died.  Granted, most of the information in the editorial is almost verbatim from the obituary (who knows...perhaps the gentleman that wrote the editorial also had a hand in the obit), but it was still surprising to see.  I came across the editorial purely by accident as I was searching the newspaper for his burial notice.  No author was attributed to the editorial.

Here it is:

"Dr. Maurice L. Blum

'One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.'

This quotation by the late Dr. Albert Schweitzer, famed jungle missionary and physician, is applicable to the subject of this editorial - Dr. Maurice L. Blum.

Dr. Blum sought and found how to serve his fellow man.  His death last Thursday terminated a life of dedication to the service of others.

He was a benefactor to his country, community and profession, serving with distinction as soldier, leader, counselor and worker.

When the need arose for leadership or active membership in a worthy cause Dr. Blum was always available and, once involved, never faltered in his efforts to attain the objectives.

A veteran of World War 1, he was always considerate of those who were about to or had served their country.  This fact was evidenced by his participation in the preinduction programs for draftees, his hospital projects for veterans and his participation in veterans affairs.  He was a past commander of the Hazleton American Legion Post, served in many other capacities with that organization and was very active in the Greater Hazleton Veterans Association.

His compassion for the less fortunate was manifested in the programs of cheer he organized for th patients at the White Haven Sanitorium and the White Haven State School and Hospital, in his work with the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the United Fund and other welfare agencies.

He made great contributions of service as president and member of the Hazleton Lions Club, devoted much time and effort to the Boy Scouts, Heart Association, Unico Club and the Hazleton Tuberculosis and Health Society.

The Greater Hazleton Jaycees cited Dr. Blum as the 'Outstanding Citizen' in 1957.

In his profession of optometry he was awarded life memberships in the national, state and regional association for his service as an officer.  He aided int he organization of the anthracite optometry group.

Dr. Blum sought and found how to serve, gained happiness from his unselfish endeavors and will never be forgotten by those he served and those with whom he served."

Sunday's Obituary - Finishing Maurice

Hazleton Standard Speaker, 22MAY1971, pg2

Last Sunday I transcribed Maurice Blum's obituary.  It was rather long (and impressive) so I didn't post the Death and Funeral notices with it.  Tonight I'll finish that up and share them both.

"BLUM - At Hazleton, Thursday, May 20th, Dr. Maurice L. Blum, beloved husband of Mrs. Hazel (Hill) Blum, reposing at the Fierro Funeral Home.  Viewing from 7 to 9 Saturday evening.  Services at the Beth Israel Temple at 10:30 Sunday morning with Rabbi Abraham Ruderman officiating.  Interment in the Beth Israel Temple Cemetery.  Arrangements by Fierro Funeral Service."

Hazleton Standard Speaker, 24MAY1971, pg28

"Dr. Maurice L. Blum, 701 W. Diamond Ave., who died Thursday at the Hazleton State General Hospital, was buried Sunday from the Fierro Funeral Home.  Rabbi Abraham Ruderman, spiritual leader of the Temple Beth Israel, conducted services at the temple.  Interment was in the Beth Israel Cemetery.

Military honors were accorded by members of Hazleton American Legion Post 76.  Flagbearers were Patrick McDwyer and V.J. McGeehan.  Max Pancheri Jr. was the bugler.

Members of the firing squad, under the command of Harry Kenvin, were Paul Evancho, Dennis Boyle, Donald Hill, Edward McGeehan, Thomas Kennedy, and post commander, Raymond Marusak.

Active pallbearers, all members of the Hazleton Lions, were past presidents Peter Forliano, Angelo Sist, Carl Ambrosia, and Edward Scarp, President David Schwartz; and Louis J. Fierro, third vice president."

As I transcribed the funeral notice a thought crossed my mind...Boyle is a family name for my tree.  I wonder if this Dennis that served as a member of the firing squad for Maurice's funeral was related to me.  Boyle is certainly a common name, but I'm 1/2 Irish...they're pretty much all common names.

Then there was the mention in the firing squad of Donald Hill.  Again, another common name, but Maurice's wife was a Hill.  Her brother's name was Harry according to Hazel's obituary (that'll be next week), but thought that perhaps this was a nephew or a cousin.  As far as nephews go that would have the Hill surname...none.  As far as I can tell, Hazel's brother had 2 daughters, Doris and Marian.

Either way the thought of a Hill family member taking part in remembering Maurice makes me smile.  The thought of a distant cousin of my own taking part is beautiful indeed.  Even if I can't verify who they are right now the thought makes my heart light.

Funeral Card Friday - While I'm Talking Blums...

I wanted to throw up a blog post tonight of something from my husband's side of the family tonight because I haven't in awhile and because I've spent quite a bit of time this week on Hazel and Maurice Blum (and I still have so much to do with that tangent I'm on).

So as I was looking through the stacks of memorial cards that were given to me from my Wisconsin family I came across this one for Rev. Leonard Blum.

Not the same family.  Different faiths as well (Maurice's Blums are Jewish), but the name caught me and I knew I wanted to share this one tonight.  So often Catholic clergy are forgotten.  After all they have no descendants so unless a nephew or niece remembers them, they risk being forgotten.

The memorial cards I have had meaning to my Wisconsin family and many times that can mean a possible link.  For this card I don't believe that's the case.  As a Catholic I know that if a priest (particularly one that had been in my parish a long time) died, I would keep the card.  So it is most likely that Rev. Blum was a family priest and/or friend.  Either way, the family wanted him remembered.

"Jesus!  Mary!  Joseph!
'Be you then also ready:  for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come.' Luke 12, 40
In Memory of Rev. Leonard Blum,
Born September 5, 1845, at Treves, Archdiocese Cologne, Germany,
Ordained to the Priesthood December 27, 1872,
Died November 8, 1913, at Milwaukee, Wis.
Prayer.
O GOD, who among apostolle priests hast adorned Thy servant LEONARD with sacerdotal dignity, grant, we beseech Thee, that he may be associated with them in everlasting fellowship.  Through Christ, our Lord. Amen."