A Smörgåsbord of Stories
My great, great grandmother was Matilda “Tillie” Dittrich. She was the youngest child of Susanna Richter and August Dittrich, homesteaders in Winona County, Minnesota. Just across the county border lived Julius Gentzkow, whom she married on October 18, 1879. Tillie’s Birthdate Tillie was … read more
Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Anniversary! My genealogy database contains over 8000 family members and lots of interesting history. Thanksgiving Day combines two of my favorite things: gratitude and storytelling. One of my favorite stories is about my great, great, great grandparents, who married on Thanksgiving Day, … read more
Since my visit with my cousin Chuck last month, I’ve been looking at old photo postcards. In the vintage collecting realm, these glimpses into the past are known as real photo postcards, PRRCs. Kodak first offered postcard printing in 1907. It was an economical way … read more
Filling out a family tree is more enjoyable with photographs to bring the names and dates to life. Ancestors are more than an entry on a chart; their lives have stories to tell. Photos help us to know more about those by-gone days. … read more
Last Sunday, I took the opportunity to drive from Salt Lake City to Pocatello, Idaho to visit my (first) cousin (once removed) Charles “Chuck” Humphrey. Karrie and Chuck We had a great time chatting AND he showed me his collection of old family photographs. … 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
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
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