A Smörgåsbord of Stories
We have not had an all-family reunion since Gerry and Pat Blees hosted at their house in the 1990s. The descendants of John Blees and Victoria Prosser will gather Saturday, August 9, 2025 11 am -6 pm Casey Lake Park 2101 17th Ave E; North … read more
In 1902, when James E. Garnett homesteaded in Oklahoma, he named his property Old Kentucky Home Farm. Why did he choose that name? 1910 Map of Harper County, Oklahoma Stephen Foster’s Song The sentimental ballad, My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night! is frequently shortened … read more
Last week’s blog post featured the threshing rig owned by Frank Hesse (1861-1935). When looking at my other Hesse family photos, I came upon this one: Hesse Family, undated My Great Uncle Ed identified all the people in the photo. The adults in … read more
When I began collecting family stories, I also collected family photos. Before each visit to an older relative, I asked them to make ready all of their “old photos.” My grandfather’s brother, Ed Gentzkow (1914-1992), showed me boxes full of photographs and told me who-was-who. … read more
This is a fish story, an extravagant and incredible story. The stories about my great grandfather were (and are) legendary. Horace Lydick Horace Sawyer Lydick (1880-1956) was the son of Mary Jane Wheaton (1839-1929) and Michael Lydick (1835-1919). Leaving his his native state of … read more
Last week’s blog post highlighted wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, specifically at the grave of Col. Cleon Gentzkow, MD (1891-1961). Today, we’ll look at the life of this fascinating man. Cleon’s Youth Three sons were born to the union of Clara Schneider and William … read more
For 10 years, I have volunteered with Wreaths Across America to place wreaths on veteran graves. Each December, wreaths decorate the final resting places of our nation’s servicemen and women. This is a great way to celebrate Christmas, honor veterans, and remember my family’s legacy … read more
Today, I’m celebrating my 3rd anniversary of Family History Hotdish! What is hotdish? Hotdish is a traditional, one-dish, main course meal. If you are from Minnesota, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Hotdish has everything: ground meat, vegetables, and a cream soup … read more
When David and Kayla got married on November 19, 2022, I started a November Nuptials tradition with my blog writing. That first year, I wrote about Lottie and Milton Rector. Last year, I wrote about Carrie and Ed Hesse. This year, I highlight the marriage … read more
For my very first blog post, I wrote about the Russian documents that propelled me into my interest (obsession) with family history. One of these papers was the marriage certificate for Gottfried Arndt and Paulina Kot. Petrowski Region For the conscription (to the army) … read more