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.

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!

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.

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

A Love Story For Christmas

A Love Story For Christmas

I planned for months to write a mini-feature about a very special man. I waited too long and death claimed him just a short time ago. He was an interesting man and a very specially gifted man. He was Lawrence Johannsen born and raised in Port Clinton. His parents were Julius and Caroline Johannsen and they owned a lot of property in the Sixth and Seventh Street areas. They owned a greenhouse and a trucking farm raising and selling every kind of produce.

Lawrence Johannsen worked 42 years his entire career at the Matthews Boat Co. where he was a millwright, ship's carpenter, made patterns needed and then made the part himself. He was a genius with wood and had a love and knowledge about wood. His family said he could copy anything.

He built his own boat "The Baby Blue" and the Johannsen home on Sixth Street is brimming with beautiful things this man made for his beloved wife Velma. One of the outstanding results is their custom built-in bedroom set in walnut. He constantly remodeled or built lovely things for their home.

Following some small strokes a year ago Lawrence had to keep occupied even more so he turned to making small pieces for his wife and family and a few friends. They included candelabra, fruit bowls and nut bowls, flower bowls and Spanish type with intricate design.

In past months, Lawrence Johannsen worked hard but joyfully on his Christmas gifts for his family. A special item was marked for each person and wrapped with love. A few weeks ago his wife went to call him to supper and found him in his favorite place, in his boat in the back yard. He had met his appointment with his Maker. He left his gift of Love.

I thought this was such a sweet Christmas story nothing further need be said. From our house to your house a very Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season.

Love,
Jane

Timeframe: Lorenz/Lawrence died October 30, 1978.

Where It Fits: As stated above Lorenz was the son of Julius Johannsen & Caroline Japsen. He was the father of James & Joyce. 'The Baby Blue' was also known as 'The Kliney Dame' (or however you would spell that).

Lorenz Johannsen & Velma Taylor

This is the wedding picture of Velma Taylor and Lorenz Johannsen. Tony & Nellie Patz went with the couple out of state to get married. I have been unable to find any marriage license so I am unsure of where they were married although today is their anniversary.

Timeframe: December 4th sometime in the 1920's.

Where It Fits: Lorenz and Velma are the parents of James & Joyce.