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."

Wordless Wednesday - Aunt Pittypat...Is That You?

That's what I think each time I see this picture.  Aunt Pittypat Hamilton from Gone With the Wind.  No clue who she is though.

Tombstone Tuesday - Maurice Leib Blum

Civilian tombstone - Beth Israel Cemetery

I've been sharing about Maurice Blum recently.  As I try to discover more about the lady I grew up calling "Nana" I need to find out more about the people in her life and Maurice was her husband.  Maurice was born on April 10, 1895 in Warsaw, Poland.  He came to America around 1911.  Married Hazel Hill in the early 1940s and died on May 20, 1971 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.  As you can read from my recent posts, Maurice did an awful lot in his life.  He really impresses the heck out of me and I wish I had known him.

Maurice was a veteran of World War I so he has a military stone with his regular tombstone.  I love that.  It not only lets you know someone was a vet, but tells you a little about their service.  Particularly good since getting military records can be a pain in the butt...especially since so many have been destroyed.  At least you might be able to find out more about the person's unit if you can't get their file.  This information can also help you get the right file if your veteran has a fairly common name.

Maurice's Military Marker

"Maurice L Blum
Pennsylvania
PVT Co C 30 Infantry
World War I
April 10, 1895    May 20, 1971"

I haven't had much luck finding information on this unit...for WWII, sure...not so much for WWI, but it'll be something that I check out for sure.  I'm a veteran and as silly as it sounds, I don't know the best places to look for this information.

Where do you look for unit histories?