School Days - Part II

This might seem rather cut and dry but it isn't as easy as it looks. The back of this image identifies the teacher as Burton Opper. The sign the child in the front row identifies this image as taken at the "Dist. No. 4, May 14, 1908". Now, who are the children? From other images I can identify the Michel boy on the far right, the second one with the light colored shirt and jacket on. He has his hand on the little girl in front of him. See him? I didn't recognize anybody else BUT I did find a "Souvenir 1908". It appears to be something akin to a graduation bulletin. According to this B. R. Opper was the teacher at the public school in Port Clinton, Ohio. The school board is James Snider and W. F. Kirk, clerk. (Ugh, can you imagine being addressed as Clerk Kirk.) Now, for the pupils we have:

• Viola Snider (7th grade)
• Lucy McRitchie (7th grade)
• Mable Floro (7th grade)
• Merle Fritsche (7th grade)
• Edward Michel (6th grade)
• Orin Ohm (6th grade)
• Gladys Minier (6th grade)
• Viola Short (6th grade)
• Elsie Juntsch (4th grade)
• Clifton Kirk (4th grade)
• Bertrice Snider (4th grade)
  
• Rosella Gentsch (4th grade)
• Hanna Pauls (4th grade)
  
• Lester Short (4th grade)
  
• Henrietta Whiting (4th grade)
• Elmer Guntsche (3rd grade)
• Carl Minier (3rd grade)
• Emery Short (3rd grade)
  
• George Floro (3rd grade)
  
• John Minier (3rd grade)
• Emma Short (3rd grade)
  
• Thelma Bronkhorst (2nd grade)
• Chester Floro (2nd grade)
• Watson Minier (2nd grade)
  
• Hazel Bronkhorst (2nd grade)
• Elmer Floro (2nd grade)
  
• Eva Short (2nd grade)
• Orilla Whiting (2nd grade)
  
• Stella Cluckey (1st grade)
  
• Wilson Kirk (1st grade)
  
• Emery Whiting (1st gade)
• Luella Guntsche (chart class)
  
• Fay Ohm (chart class)
  
• Sophia Short (chart class)
  
• John Floro (chart class)
  
• Eva McRitchie (chart class)
  
• Ernie Short (chart class)

There are 32 children, 1 adult and 1 dog in the image. There are 37 children listed as students in 1908 so who happens to be missing? I can identify Edward Michel so that leaves 31 other children to identify. I talked to Chuck Whiting at lunch one day and he spotted all three of the Whiting children so that means we have a total of four children identified. (Chuck is the son and nephew of the Whiting children in this image.) Can you spot any other people on the list?

Timeframe: May 14, 1908.

Where It Fits: Lucy & Eva McRitchie are the daughters of John McRitchie & Mary Ransom. Their brother, Burton, married Ada Bisch. Ada Bisch is the daughter of Louisa Leutz Bisch. Louisa is the daughter of Gustav Leutz.

Merle Fritsche is the daughter of Robert Fritsche & Caroline Hopfinger. She is the mother of Mary Cary, Robert & A.J. Leutz.

Edward Michel is the son of Frank Michel & Emilie Fritsche. Emilie Fritsche is the sister of Robert Fritsche, that makes Edward and Merle cousins.

Viola, Lester, Eva & Ernie Short are the children of Chalion Short & Mary DeWitz. Their youngest brother, Alvin, is the second husband of Velma Taylor a.k.a. Velma Johannsen.

Wilson Kirk is the son of Arthur Kirk & Amy Broekley.

McRudes?!

This is a picture of the beautiful Irish lass identified only as McRudes. Oh wait, my bad. This would be Mary Cary Rudes, in no way Irish.

Timeframe: About 1966 would be my guess. No clue what could possibly give me that idea. :-)

Where It Fits: Mary Caroline is the daughter of Leon Leutz & Merle Fritsche. She is the mother of Diane, De Ila, Merrill & Terrence.

Mom & Her Boys

This is one of the pictures from the basement and is in very pitiful shape. If anybody has any ideas on how I could repair some of the damage I would be very grateful. As far as I can make out you have George Rudes, Della Meyer Rudes & Merrill Rudes.

Timeframe: Since Merrill is in uniform that would make it during World War II or later.

Where It Fits: Della is the daughter of George H. Meyer & Marguerite Schnackenberg. Della married Merrill Rudes and is the mother of both George & Merrill. Merrill married Mary Cary Leutz and they had Diane, Merrill, Terry and De Ila. George married Marion Bringe and they had Randolph, Jacquelyn, Connie & Amy.

Richard Johannsen

Since his birthday was earlier this week I figured this would be a good time to post a picture of Richard Johannsen.

Timeframe: This was taken about the time of his high school graduation so 1946 or so.

Where It Fits: Richard Johannsen is the son of John Cornelius Johannsen & Marie Margaret Steffens. He is the grandson of Julius Johannsen & Caroline Japsen and Otto Steffens & Theresa Shilling. Richard married Jennie Lou Heflinger and they had three children, Sara, Denise and Brian Johannsen.

In History: Today would be the 114th birthday of Emilie Fritsche Michel.

**UPDATE**Military Men

UPDATE: Ernie Isaac was kind enough to look at this picture for me and identify the man in the second row, fourth from the right as his father, Ernie Isaac. He also confirmed the identity of Curt Brough & Merrill Rudes. Thank you Ernie!

This is another picture I took when dad and I went to visit Uncle Bob. According to Uncle Bob this is the C. Company, 467th Chemical Mortar Battalion. Uncle Bob started rattling off names so fast this whippersnapper could barely keep up and I had to ask him to repeat a name or two. Please pardon any misspellings but starting on the left, front row we have Allen Dykeman, Joe Cleary, Raleigh Qualman, Paul Lockwood, Merrill B. Rudes, Carl Alamo, Robert Leutz, Bill Richie and Kurt Brough. In the second row, fourth from the left stands Roy Cooley. Do any of the other faces look familiar?

Timeframe: World War II

How It Fits: Merrill B. Rudes is the son of Merrill Rudes & Della Meyer. Robert Leutz is the son of Leon Leutz & Merle Rose Fritsche.

Ivan

Still going strong at 100
Childhood sweethearts celebrate Century birthdays together
By KRISTINA SMITH
Staff writer

PORT CLINTON - When Ivan Leutz blew out the candles on his 100th birthday cake Friday, he was celebrating more than a milestone age few people reach.

The day meant there were only five more days until his girlfriend of 17 years, who sat beside him in a wheelchair as he cut his cake, turns 100 as well.

Leutz, a resident at Edgewood Manor Care Center in Port Clinton, shared his party with constant-companion and high-school sweetheart Irene Sheerer of Catawba Island.

"We've known each other since we were six years old." Sheerer said. "It's been good."

The pair were classmates at Catawba Elementary School and became a couple year later, Sheerer said.

"We double-dated," she said. "I was dating a boy from Oak Harbor, and my girlfriend was with Ivan. The twist was I'd rather have been with Ivan."

Their relationship ended when Leutz, an Oak Harbor native, went to Toledo to become an electrician, said Leutz's nephew, Tim Scheel, 50, of Medina. Leutz married Scheel's aunt and lived on Put-in-Bay and in Elyria before retiring in Florida.

When his wife died, Leutz moved home and re-connected with Sheerer, Scheel said. The fiercely independent pair lived together in Sheerer's Catawba home without assistance until Scheel realized his uncle needed outside care.

Leutz moved into the nursing home in May. Despite having the typical ailments that come with advanced age, the couple is very healthy, Scheel said.

"He's got all his own teeth and his hair," Scheel said.

Sheerer is grateful she and Leutz aren't bed-ridden and dependent on medication.

"I keep saying to Ivan, 'We're so lucky,'" she said. "I look at all these Alzheimer's patients, and they don't know what they're doing."

Sheerer's talkative personality compliments Leutz, who speaks little. She visits Leutz almost every day, making his adjustment to the nursing home somewhat easier, Scheel said.

"It's been great that he has somebody like Irene." Scheel said. "She is faithful to the last."

Scheel, the closest relative to Leutz, lives 90 minutes from Port Clinton and can't drive up every time his uncle falls or needs medical attention. Having Sheerer always near to Leutz for support is invaluable, Scheel said.

During Sheerer's daily visits, the couple have lunch and talk, said Vickie Ireland, nursing home activities assistant. Leutz, a financial guru, is most interested in the stock market, and Sheerer shares stories about her great-grandfather building the first frame house on Catawba Island.

"If she doesn't come every day, he's really upset." Ireland said. "If she misses a day, she'll call him so he knows."

Sheerer arrives by 10 a.m., and Ireland often takes her home by 4:30 p.m., although Sheerer usually has Ireland stop Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner.

"Every day they touch their heads together and say good0bye," Ireland said.

The couple also shared some special moments during the party Friday.

The manager of Key Bank gave Leutz a piggy bank and a card with a fake $1 million bill in it. Instead of pocketing the treasure, Leutz gave it to Sheerer.

Meanwhile, nursing home residents, staff and friends wished each a happy birthday. Sheel's wife, Diane, 51, said she enjoyed seeing so many people wish Leutz and Sheerer well.

"At least they have each other," she said. "They're not growing old alone. That's romantic."

Originally published on February 25, 2006 in the Port Clinton News Herald.

Where It Fits: Ivan Leutz is the son of Oscar Leutz & Myrtle Long. Today Ivan would been 104.

Earl, Leo & Cecil Carsten

This picture is labeled as Earl, Leo & Cecil Carsten. That is all fine and dandy but who are Earl, Leo & Cecil?

Timeframe: Of the three boys Cecil is the youngest. He was born in May of 1901. Leo is the oldest, born in August, 1897. I am guessing this was taken about 1910 making the boys 12, 11 and 9.

Where It Fits: After a little looking I discovered the boys are the sons of Lewis Carsten & Elnora May Kleinhans. Okay, so who are Lewis & Elnora? Elnora is the daughter of Jeremiah Kleinhans & Mary Fritsche. Mary Fritsche is the daughter of Christian Fritsche & Dorothea Langschwager. Mary is the sister of Robert Fritsche. That makes Elnora Kleinhans & Merle Fritsche cousins.

Leo is the husband of Gertrude Parman and the father of Betty Ann & Donna. Earl married Laura Nichoson and they are the parents of Lewis & Victor. He also married Audrey Turley. Cecil married Ruth and had at least one child, Vaughn.

The lineage of the kitten is unknown.

In History: Today Ernst Fritsche would be 142.

Who's That Lady?

This picture comes from the collection of Velma Taylor-Johannsen & her husband, Lorenz. It is a little dark and was printed on metal. I fiddled with it a little in Picasa and this was the result:

Let's start with what we know. Judging by the clothes this picture was taken between 1883 & 1889. The bodice is tight and extends just below the waist, she has a low stand collar and tie and the sleeves are tight with trim at the bottom, all of which was in style between 1883 & 1889.

I also believe this photograph was taken by William Newton in Port Clinton, Ohio. Why? Let's look at some of the pictures I have that I know were taken by Mr. Newton. We have this picture from February 15th:
The picture I posted on December 3rd:
And this one from Saturday:All those pictures were taken by Wm. Newton and they all have basically the same pose with the same exact table. It's not every day I see a table with beads and dear heads carved into the side. It strikes me as rather unique. That would narrow down the time frame from 1883 - 1889 to 1885 - 1889. While the backgrounds are different I am sure photographers of the day had different backgrounds as they are painted and obviously not on the wall because if you look there is a slight gap between the background and the floor. That could mean he had multiple backgrounds or over the course of 5 years he switched them out every now and then. Whatever the case the table and book appear to be his favorite props.

Where It Fits: This is the part of the blog where you come out and share your ideas. Call, text, e-mail or post your observations, opinions, guesses and comments to me and we'll see if together we can name this lady.

In History: Today Richard Johannsen would have turned 82.

A.J.

This is a picture that is really very small, probably only about an inch or so tall. Thankfully it scans clear enough that when I get it to a normal size you can make out who it is. This was identified for me as A.J. Leutz.

Timeframe: The other pictures of this size and attached were of a graduation of Mary Cary's but I can't make out where. She graduated from Ohio State University in 1939 and that would make A.J. about 14. I believe that is a very reasonable age for this young man.

Where It Fits: A.J. is the brother of Mary Cary Rudes & Robert Leutz. He is the son of Merle Fritsche & Leon Leutz. A.J. is the father of Gary & Sandra.

My Marie?!

I believe this is Marie Christiansen Johannsen. I have posted about her before but this is an unidentified picture so I am not 100% sure it is her. Let's start with a quick review. Last month I posted a picture of her that was taken in the late 1860's or very early 1870's. Earlier this month I posted one from the early 1900's, probably 1906. I believe this woman looks a great deal like Marie and would fall comfortably between the other two photographs. What do you think? Do I have another picture of Marie?

Timeframe: The tight sleeves, the flounce on the bottom of the skirt and the length of the bodice date this picture to the 1880's. I would guess late 1880's since the mid 1880's has a much larger bustle. A "Newton, William H." operated a studio in Port Clinton from 1885 to 1889. Assuming William H & William M are one and the same it would narrow it to between 1885 & 1889. In the spring of 1885, Marie would have been 62.

Where It Fits: Assuming this is Marie Christiansen, she married Wilhelm Johannsen in 1851 and they are the parents of Julius & August Johannsen. That would make Marie the grandmother of William, Marie, Adele, August, John, Nelson, Lilly, Paul, Lorenz, William E., Nettie & Emma.

School Days

This photograph was taken by Andrews in Port Clinton and it actually labeled. According to the back of the photograph the teacher is Laura Heidel. For some reason it says "Put-in-Bay teacher". The students in the first row are Elva Short, Lester Short, Hannah Pauls, Watson Minier, Beatrice Snider & John Minier. In the second row we have Edward Michel, Carl Minier, John Minier, Viola Short, Beatrice von Rensselear, Rozella Guntch, Merle Fritsche & Viola Snider. Third row has Elsie Guntch, Evelyn van Rensselear & Lucy Jane McRitchie. The last row has Earl McRitchie, Chester Smith, Bartelle Moore & Clifford Smith. As far as I know none of these children ever lived in Put-in-Bay so I assume she is from Put-in-Bay or was a substitute teacher from the Put-in-Bay school.

Timeframe: Lester Short, the little guy in the front row, was born in September, 1896. Edward Michel (2nd row) was born in November, 1895. Viola Short (2nd row) was born in March 1894. Merle Fritsche was born September, 1894. Lucy Jane McRitchie was born November, 1894 and Earl McRitchie was born in February, 1892. Judging by the length of the dress on Merle she is about eight years of age. As a rule the dress was a couple inches past the knee and got progressively longer as the girls got older, reaching the ankle by age 12. Since they are still wearing shorter skirts that would put this picture taken about 1902 or 1903.

Where It Fits: Hold on to your hats for this one. Taking it from the top we have Lester & Viola Short, children of Chalion Short & Mary DeWitz. Their youngest brother, Alvin, is my step great-grandfather.

Edward Michel, son of Frank Michel & Emilie Fritsche. Emilie is the sister of Robert Fritsche, that makes Edward Michel & Merle Fritsche cousins.

Merle Fritsche, daughter of Robert Fritsche & Caroline Hopfinger. She is the mother of Mary Cary, Robert & A.J. Leutz. She is the cousin of Edward Michel.

Lucy Jane & Earl McRitchie, children of John McRitchie & Mary Ransom. Their older brother, Burton, married Ada Bisch. Ada Bisch is the daughter of George Bisch & Louisa Leutz. Ada Bisch is the cousin of Leon Leutz, the future husband of Merle Fritsche.

In History: Today is the 146th birthday of Johann Fritsche.

Sources: Dressed for the Photographer, Ordinary Americans and Fashion by Joan Severa

It was all started by a mouse

I have just recently returned from my 14th trip to Disney. Some of you might know that, some of you might have been there with me and some of you might not have even noticed I was gone. I didn't even miss a single day of posting. :-) How about that for skill/dedication/insanity? Anywho, it got me thinking. How about a nice, warm weather post? (No, I didn't have any warm weather on my trip, hence the idea of getting some digitally.) From the photograph album of Velma Taylor & Lorenz/Lawrence Johannsen we have some nice Disney pictures.

Goofy, I am 100% sure he is more related then most people let on. In the background you can see Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Chip & Dale.
"It was all started by a mouse." -- Walt Disney


The Magic Kingdom castle

Apparently I not only get my Disney blood from my mom's side of the family but dad has his fair share of Disney fans too. Grandma Mary Cary, Aunt Diane, Uncle Merrill and Aunt De Ila have all been to Disney World also.

Mary Cary with Tigger at the Crystal Palace

Not only do I have a bunch of nuts in my family tree but I have Disney nuts too! It wasn't just the mouse that called various family members south. Velma, Lorenz, Gladys and Shoney not only went to Disney World but Busch Gardens. Joyce & Rich Allen have even made the haul a couple times but haven't been talked into Disney yet. (We are still trying.) There is a letter from Della Meyer Rudes enjoying a trip to Florida but it doesn't mention where she visited. I am sure Grandma Mary Cary went to Florida several times, if not for Disney for cruises and other various trips. My family has also hit Fort Clinch (Amelia Island), WonderWorks, Disney World, etc.

Timeframe: Velma & Lawrence/Lorenz Johannsen and Gladys & Harold Schoenfeld went to Florida and Disney World in 1973, give or take. Mary Cary went to Disney World several times. The image above was taken in February, 2008.

Where It Fits: Velma & Lorenz are the parents of Joyce Johannsen Allen & James Johannsen. Velma is the daughter of Walter Taylor and Martha McMurray. Lorenz is the son of Julius Johannsen and Caroline Japsen. Mary Cary is the daughter of Leon Leutz & Merle Fritsche. Mary Cary is the mother of Diane, Merrill, Terry & De Ila Rudes.

Augusta R. Meyer

MEYER - AUGUSTA R., of 331 Kenilworth, on Tuesday, age 81. Survived by her sisters, Mrs. Charles E. Fox, Miss Anna and Miss Lena Riese, all of Toledo. Friends may call Herman Birkenkamp & Son Funeral Home, Monroe at Robinwood. Services Friday, 2 p.m. Interment Woodlawn. PLEASE OMIT FLOWERS.

Originally published June, 1949.

This obituary was found in a little brown box. The same little brown box I mentioned back in December. I was curious as to who this woman was and why somebody had considered her obituary of such importance. I ran a search for Augusta Riese Meyer and discovered the death certificate for Augusta Rieze Meyer. She died June 14, 1949 at 331 Kenilworth, Toledo, Ohio. She was born December 15, 1867 in Europe to Henry Rieze & Mary Wolff. She is one of ten children including but not limited to Adolphina, Josephine Davis, Wilhelmina, Mary, Bertha, Anna & Lena. I am unsure of the first name of the sister, Mrs. Charles E. Fox. She married John Henry Emanuel Meyer and he preceded her in death on March 6, 1942. As far as I know she had no children. She did seem to take over a lot of the family duties as she signed the death certificates for her mother and her sister, Josephine. At the time of her death, Josephine was living with Augusta. On further research I discovered that Emanuel is the son of John Simon Meyer & Mary Elizabeth Rolfes. Emanuel is the brother of George, Henry, John, Josephine, Wilhelmina, Edward and Oscar. That makes Augusta the aunt of Della Meyer Rudes. Della Meyer is the mother of Merrill & George Rudes.

Speaking of the little brown box . . . I do believe today is Marian's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT MARIAN!

Paul & Lawrence

Today we have a picture of the two youngest Johannsen children. On the left we have Paul Johannsen and on the right we have Lawrence/Lorenz. I haven't a clue where this was taken so if anybody can offer any clues, I would be much obliged.

Timeframe: Roughtly between 1917 & late 1920. Sadly, that doesn't come from any information in this photograph but information from other pictures that were obviously taken at the same time and place. That would make Paul between 17 & 20 and Lorenz between 15 & 18.

Where It Fits: Lawrence/Lorenz & Paul are the two youngest children of Julius Johannsen & Caroline Japsen. Lorenz is the father of James Johannsen & Joyce Allen. Paul never married and has no children.

In History: Today Paul would have turned 110. Today is also the 18th birthday of James Laing. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!

Mystery Monday Man

This photograph was taken by Wm. M. Newton in Port Clinton, Ohio. There is a William H. Newton listed as a photographer from 1885 to 1889 in Port Clinton, Ohio.

Timeframe: Since the subject is a lone male it is very hard to date this image. The facial hair prevents me from seeing if the collar is turned down over the tie or if it is a stand collar. The trousers have no crease which implies 1880-1890 but the sleeves of the coat are not high on the shoulder which is in style for the same time period. The coat is long and appears to be overlarge which makes the coat popular in the 1860 - 1870's. The tie appears to be tied in a wide loose knot which dates it to 1870-1880. The chin whiskers are popular between 1860 & 1870. Basically all that to say anytime between 1860 & 1890 this man is in fashion. *mutters typical male* Assuming William H & William M are the same photographer, this image dates from 1885 to 1889.

Where It Fits: Mystery Monday, this is the part where you tell me. I'd like to know who he is, where he was born, when he was born, when & where he died, the names of his parents (maiden names too please), names of his grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great grandparents. If that isn't to much to ask I would also like to know when he got married and to who and how many children they had, names included. Any other descendants would also be nice. Little too much to ask? Okay, how about a name and I'll take it from there?

Sources: Ohio Photographers: 1839-1900 by Diane VanSkiver Gagel
Uncovering Your Ancestry Through Family Photographs by MAureen A. Taylor

Rev. A. O. Gallenkamp

This is a picture of the Rev. A. Oscar Gallenkamp. How do I know? I was reading a local history book at the library and low and behold there was this same image in print, identified and complete with a biography. Reverend Gallenkamp served St. John's Lutheran Church from 1895 to 1898. During the leadership of Rev. Gallenkamp the church grew to such a size that they had to move into a larger building. The church was sold and the building was moved to the corner of West Third Street & Harrison Street. It later served as the West End Grocery. In 1897 they developed the plans for the current church on Adams Street. It included a full basement, steeple and pipe organ. The new church was dedicated in February, 1898. The cornerstone is inscribed with "1897 Deutsche Evangelische St. John Kirche." During the time Rev. Gallenkamp was serving St. John's there were several controversies over pastor selection procedures and membership in social orders. The controversies caused a split in the church and the creation of Peace Lutheran Church. Rev. Gallenkamp accepted a new call in late 1898 and the new pastor started having services once a month in English, which is note worthy because to that point services were still in German.

Timeframe: I am unsure. There is nothing you can date the clothing by. While he was a pastor in Port Clinton from 1895 to 1898 this photograph was taken in Utica, New York. I can find nothing on him from New York so I don't know why or when he was in Utica.

Where It Fits: I haven't a clue. Since a number of the Johannsen & Japsen families attended St. John's I can only assume it is a picture of their friend and/or pastor and he isn't related. This just adds to some of the mystery of these pictures. Not only do I need to research family members but there is always the possibility that the subject isn't related at all and is simply a friend or neighbor. If I ever make it all the way back to Noah I will be sure to inform you on the relationship between the families. :-)

Lilly Johannsen-Madison & Caroline

Here is another one of the lovely pictures Richard Budd shared with me. This is Lilly Madison and her daughter, Caroline.

Timeframe: Caroline was born in November, 1923. She looks to be about four to me so I am guessing this was taken in the summer of 1927 or there about.

Where It Fits: Lilly is the daughter of Julius Johannsen & Caroline Japsen. Lilly married Frank Madison and they are the parents of Caroline Carter.

In History: Today Lilly turns 113, Earl Carsten turns 111 & Leonard Hopfinger turns 141.

The Leutz Children

Today we have a picture that almost needs no identification. One the left we have A.J. In the middle is Mary Cary and on the right we have Robert.

Timeframe: There is another picture that was taken the same day in the same location that also has Merrill Rudes in it. That leads me to believe this was taken in the late 1930's or very, very early 1940's. In the other picture I see a wedding band on Mary Cary so I assume it was taken after 1941.

Where It Fits: Mary Caroline, Robert & A.J. are the children of Leon Leutz and Merle Fritsche. Mary Caroline married Merrill Rudes and is the mother of Diane, Merrill, Terrence & De Ila. Robert married Olelia Rohda and is the father of John. A.J. married Jeanette Henry and is the father of Sandra & Gary.

Mary Cary

This is Mary Caroline Leutz Rudes.

Timeframe: Good question. I am guessing 1930's or 1940's but it is very hard to tell.

Where It Fits: Mary Cary is the daughter of Merle Fritsche & Leon Leutz. She married Merrill Rudes and is the mother of Terrence, Merrill, De Ila & Diane.

Charlie & Dorothy Taylor

This was identified by Gladys Schoenfeld as her brother, Charlie. The woman on his arm is his wife, Dorothy. The child is unidentified and the man in the background is Lorenz/Lawrence Johannsen.

Timeframe: Good question. I am guessing in the 1960's.

Where It Fits: Charles and Gladys are two of the children of Walter Taylor and Martha McMurray. Lorenz/Lawrence is the son of Julius Johannsen & Caroline Japsen.

In History: Charles would have turned 87 today.

William & Clara Tettau

Today we have a fully labeled picture. According to the back this is "Clara & Wm Tettau, LaCarne". There is also a date. "Feb. 9=1889". They were added to the photograph at two separate times. The date is the much older label as it looks like it was written with a dip or fountain pen. The names were added with a ballpoint pen. According to "Ohio Photographers: 1839-1900" there was a Jacob Hoover that took photographs in Oak Harbor, Ohio in 1881 & 1882. If this couple was married in Feb. 1889 there would be no way that Jacob Hoover took the picture in 1881 or 1882. I am assuming it is a wedding picture since they are both wearing flowers and are dressed to the nines. The clothing does seem to fit better with the late 1880's then the early 1880's. According to a search on Rootsweb there was a William Tettau that married Clara T Hartenfeld "abt 1888". They were living in Erie Township, Ottawa County in the 1900 & 1910 census records. I hereby assume that the information in the photographers book is incomplete and there was either another Hoover in Oak Harbor or he operated much longer then originally assumed.

Timeframe: February, 1889.

Where It Fits: I haven't a clue. William Tettau is the son of Freidrich and Dorothea Tettau, no known relation. Clara is the daughter of John & Mary Hartenfeld, no known relation.

Mystery Monday: Put-In-Bay?!?!

Back in December I had a visit from Kent Floro. We looked through the old pictures to see if there was anybody he could recognize. He did manage to identify some of the images for me and offer clues on some others. While we were going through the pictures he was paying great attention to any little detail in hopes of being able to help in some fashion. When we came to this picture we were trying to narrow down information by looking at the car. Sadly we were unable to identify the car or find any information on it. However, Kent did point out something in the background. I had thought that wide bar behind the men was a flaw in the photograph. Kent asked if I had been able to narrow down the building in the back. Building?! If you look at the bottom you can see a small platform and a fence around it. On a hunch I looked up the Perry's Monument.

Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial was under construction from 1912 to 1915. Although mostly completed in 1915 the builders ran out of funds. In 1919 the federal government assumed control of the building, supplied the funding required and completed the project. If you run a quick Google image search for the monument/memorial you will see that it is centered on a round platform with the fence around it. Is this possibly taken on the island?

As far as the car goes we have a hand crank in the front, center. In 1903 a patent was issued for an electric starter, although the Ford Model-T's used a hand crank through 1919. If you look closely you will see a bulb horn mounted on the steering wheel, they became popular in the United States in the early 1900's. It appears to have electric lanterns since automobiles either had oil lanterns, acetylene flame and "electric". I see something in the lanterns that appears to be much bigger than a wick, I don't see any acetylene tanks around the lanterns which leaves "electric". The electric headlamps were first added to cars in 1898. There is no convertible top fan in the back so I assume this model was an "open car". The body type is referred to as "touring" and was very popular until the 1920's.

Timeframe: Judging by the information regarding the car and the mens clothing I believe this was taken in the mid or late 1910's. If any of you car buffs can narrow down the vehicle I would be very grateful but between 1900 & 1930 there were over 1800 car manufacturers in the United States alone.

Where It Fits: I haven't the foggiest. Can anybody narrow down who the four gentlemen are? Has anybody heard any stories about a relative with a fancy or nifty car? Do we have relatives that helped build Perry's Monument/Memorial? On a side note I have to brag a little. This is the 100th post!!!

Angus, Alma & Mildred

This picture was identified by Katherine Capizzi as her mother, father and sister. That makes this picture Alma Japsen-Joss, Angus Joss and Mildred.

Timeframe: Mildred was born in 1918. She appears to be two or three so I believe this picture to be taken in the early 1920's, probably 1920 or 1921.

Where It Fits: Alma Japsen is the daughter of Peter Japsen & Ottiellie Laurens/Lorenz. Angus is the son of John Joss & Anna Wakley. Angus was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. Angus & Alma are the parents of Mildred, Gordon, Anna, Katherine & Robert.

In History: Alma would be 114 this month.

Marguerite Schnackenberg Meyer

Clay Center's Early Days Are Recalled By Mrs. Maggie Meyer

Mrs. Maggie Meyer, who will celebrate her 90th birthday next Feb. 6, has been a resident of Clay Center ever since she was about nine and a half years old.

Born in Germany, she came to America when she was three. Memories of the early days are still vivid for the well known western Ottawa-co. woman.

Her first recollections, when she was about two and a half, were of being vaccinated in a small village church. Then she remembers going up a hill to feed porcupine which would eat from her hand.

With her parents and a sister, she boarded a boat for America.

"I remember a passenger had passed away and they placed her in what seemed to be a large canvas. Two men took hold of the ends and gently tossed her overboard. I would not have seen this, but Mother was very sick, and being the curious type, I wandered all over the boat," recalls Mrs. Meyer. She remembers seeing seahorses following the boat.

One time she climbed the stairs to the upper deck and fell all the way down to a large basin of water. The trip took about three or four months. There was a terrible storm that frightened all the passengers.

"The boat rocked and rolled. Tables and chairs, pots and pans moved all over," remembers Mrs. Meyer. "Many of the people were very sick. Mother was very ill all the way over."

The first thing she noticed when she arrived in New York was the trains "which seemed to be running on the house tops."

In two days they left New York coming directly to Oak Harbor to stay with people by the name of Gates. Two years later the family moved to Toussaint, where a sister and later a brother was born.

"On the day of my sister's birth," recollects Mrs. Meter, "I fell in the Toussaint River and nearly drowned. We lived in Toussaint four or five years, buying a farm there. Then we moved to Graytown for about two years, and then to Clay Center where I have lived ever since."

On August 21, 1890, she was married to George H. Meyer of Woodville. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1940. Mr. Meyer died in 1946 at the age of 78 years.

Originally published on April 17, 1957.

Timeframe: April, 1957. Maggie would have been 89.

Where It Fits: Marguerite Schnackenberg is the daughter of Johann Hinrich Schnackenberg & Christena Koster. Marguerite married George Meyer and they are the parents of Della Meyer-Rudes. Marguerite is the grandmother of Merrill & George Rudes and the great-grandmother of Diane, Harlow, Merrill, Terrence, Jacquelyn, De Ila, Connie and Amy Rudes.

In History: Today Marguerite "Maggie" Meyer would have turned 142

Gustav & Mary Leutz

I received a copy of this picture from both Katie Martin & Uncle Bob Leutz. This is a copy of the one Uncle Bob loaned me. This is Gustav Leutz & Mary Washa Leutz.

Timeframe: Since you can not see much detail in either of their clothing and judging by their ages I assume this picture was taken in the 1930's.

Where It Fits: Gustav is the son of Johann Frederick Leutz & Louisa Fredericka Zink. Mary is the daughter of Joseph Washa & Mary Moeureau. Together Gustav and Mary are the parents of Oscar, Myrtle Madison, Lorenz, Leon and Berlin.

In History: Today Gustav would have turned 152.

Marie & Lorenz

This picture is actually from the collection of my grandmother, not my great grandmother. This picture was identified by her as her father, Lorenz/Lawrence Johannsen. The woman is his grandmother, Marie Christiansen Johannsen.

Timeframe: The photographers imprint on the bottom says it was taken by Andrews in Port Clinton, Ohio. According to the obituary of C. E. Andrews, he operated between 1896 & 1920. Lorenz was born in September of 1902. He looks to be about four so I assume this was taken about 1906 or so. It was no doubt taken before 1911 as Marie died that summer in one of the worst heat waves known at the time.

Where It Fits: Marie is the oldest daughter of Redlef Christiansen & Gude Boysen. Marie married Wilhelm Johannsen and together they had two sons, Julius & August. Julius is the father of Lorenz/Lawrence. Lorenz in turn married Velma Taylor and has two children, James & Joyce.

Sources: The obituary of C. E. Andrews

Postcard: Oh Pickles

Today I have a lovely postcard that was "sent" to Merle Fritsche, Oak Harbor, O.


Whoever the writer is wanted to know what Merle thought of "Butch". She also seemed to live a little ways from where she worked since she was taking public transportation and it was a big deal that she almost missed the last car the night before. I share the sentiment of the writer. "Oh pickles!" If only she would have signed it we would know who she was. Any clues?

Timeframe: It is dated October 16, 1910. With the vertical trim effects on the bodice, the dickey effects around the high collar, tight & plain sleeves, the slim, straight skirt and the hair with a center part and wide a the sides suggest between 1908 & 1914 so the 1910 date is very possible.

Where It Fits: Merle Fritsche is the daughter of Robert John Fritsche and Caroline Hopfinger. She married Leon Leutz in 1913 and was the mother of Mary Caroline, Robert & A.J. As far as who the woman in the picture is or how she is related I haven't the slightest. Any suggestions?

Thierwechter's and Leutz

This picture was identified for me by Uncle Bob. From left to right we have Mary Caroline Leutz, she is wearing the black shoes and striped socks. Behind Mary Cary, with her legs crossed and her hands folded on her knees is Mary Thierwechter. Directly on Mary's left is Jean Thierwechter and the girl in the very front with her legs all askew is Lois Thierwechter.

Timeframe: Mary Cary was born in November, 1917. Mary was born in January, 1917. Jean is a year older than the Mary's and Lois is about four years younger than the Mary's. That puts this picture taken in the 1920's since Lois was born around 1921. I would guess around 1927 or 1928. Judging by the length of the bob's it was late 1920's or early 1930's since it looks like Jean is letting her bob grow a little longer than was popular in the early/mid 1920's.

Where It Fits: August & Caroline Hopfinger were brother and sister. August married Marie Godemann and they had two children, one of which was Florence. Florence married George Thierwechter and they are the parents of Jean, Mary & Lois. Caroline Hopfinger married Robert Fritsche and they are the parents of Merle Fritsche. Merle is the mother of Mary Cary Leutz-Rudes, the girl on the very far left. That would make the girls second cousins and Florence & Merle cousins.

In History: Today Jean turns 94.

Mystery Monday

This young lady was photographed by M. L. Wetherell in Sandusky, Ohio.

Timeframe: M. L. Wetherell (a.k.a. Martin L. Wetherell) was operating in Sanduksy from 1883 to 1886. Her tight bodice & sleeves, high low stand collar and jewelry were popular for the time frame as was the curls around the face.

Where It Fits: Wouldn't we all love to know? Any ideas, clues, thoughts, questions or comments post away.