Autographs

Sometimes the fun with these pictures isn't so much the image itself but the back. Today we have what appears to be a school picture of Mary Cary Leutz-Rudes. This is confirmed by the back:

Too bad she didn't date it while she was at it. Anybody have a guess how old she is? How about this one?

And the back:

Timeframe: I am guessing that Mary Cary's was done in the 1920's which would make her anywhere from 3-13 and that De Ila's was done in the 1950's but I won't say how old that would have made her. ;-)

Where It Fits: De Ila is the daughter of Merrill Rudes & Mary Caroline Leutz. Mary Cary is the daughter and De Ila is the granddaughter of Leon Leutz & Merle Fritsche.

**UPDATE** Reversed negative & Reversed negative - revisited

UPDATE: I took this image to Uncle Bob and he says that he not only knows who Mich is but where the name came from and who labeled the back. He says this image was sent to him while he was in the military, he is the one that labeled the back. Furthermore, Mich is in fact A.J. It seems he got the nickname Mich after Mickey McGuire. According to Wikipedia, Mickey McGuire was a character in Toonerville Folks. There were several movies made based on the panel with Mickey McGuire, one with McGuire played by Mickey Rooney. In fact, Mickey Rooney acted as Mickey McGuire for a while before changing his last name to Rooney. I guess that means the mystery is solved, Mich is the one and only A.J.

[The original posts can be found here & here.]

Bird watching?

This is an undated picture of Grandma Mary Cary. Can anybody tell me about when this was taken or where?

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

We only have one birthday today so . . . Happy Birthday Eric Gregg! Eric was the son of John Gregg & Cora Rudes.

The Whole Rudes Gang

In the most recent batch of photographs I scanned there were a couple group pictures. Boy was I pleased to find these as I was rummaging through things. This is from the water damaged box so I apologize for the shabby copy and if anybody has a better copy or a way of fixing this one I would be much obliged. From what I can make out I believe this to be Della Meyer-Rudes in the back row on the far right side. I believe she has her arm around Diane Rudes. The next row is Merrill in the back, Mary Cary Leutz-Rudes and then Merrill the younger. Terrence is between Merrill & Randy. Behind Randy is his mother, Marian Bringe. Behind Marian is George. Marian appears to be holding on to Connie & De Ila who are the two girls standing on the pillars by the stairs.

Timeframe: I think De Ila and Connie look to be about the same size in this picture as they do in yesterdays so I am guessing it was taken in the 1960's, pre-1963. Correction: There is a date on the bottom of the image that says Sep. 59 so I guess that makes it closer to 1959 than yesterday's 1961. :-) Thanks for pointing that out De Ila.

Where It Fits: Randolph & Connie are the children of George Rudes & Marian Bringe. Diane, Merrill, Terrence & De Ila are the children of Merrill Rudes & Mary Cary Leutz. Merrill & George are the sons of Merrill Rudes & Della Meyer. Della is the daughter of George Harlow Meyer & Marguerite Schnackenberg.

Today's Birthdays are Elizabeth Johannsen, John Meyer, Malinda Disher-Rahm and Kathy Cash.

Recipes from the Past - Part VI

Today we have "Apple Dumplings" as found in the Oak Harbor, Ohio Personal Recipes by CIRCLE No. 1, Woman's Society Christian Service, Oak Harbor Methodist Church. It was submitted by Mary Carey Rudes. Enjoy!

APPLE DUMPLINGS

6 apples
1 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. butter
2 c. water
3 c. flour
1 c. lard
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
6-8 Tbsp. ice water

Sift flour and salt and baking powder. Cut in lard. Add water and press into ball. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into six squares. Pare and core the apples. Slice one apple in center of each square. Sprinkle with sugar. Fold corners to center and pinch edges together. Place in greased baking dish. Pour over syrup made by boiling sugar, water, cinnamon and butter together 5 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes.

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

Today In History: Laura Caldwell, Baby Christiansen, Rachel Ogden-Humphrey, Danielle Schoenfeld, Susan Bleher-Snider and Caroline Perry-Winnie all get a year older today.

Reversed negative - revisited

After talking to Grandpa today and reading the e-mail from De Ila I decided to stop trying and flip it in my brain. This is what the image should have looked like. That means you can't see Mary Cary's left hand at all so I don't know when it was taken, although Grandma does look rather slender so I am guessing it was before having children. The question still remains, does anybody know who Mich is?

Reversed negative

This is identified, yet a mystery. Amazing how that can happen but . . . I can recognize at least two people in this image. Playing the piano would be Mary Cary. The woman singing beside the piano would be her mother, Merle Fritsche. I am assuming the man in the bibs would be Leon but I can't see his face so I can't be positive. Then we have the young man off to the side. Who would he be? It looks like it could be one of Mary's brothers but is it Bob or A.J.? How about Mich?
That would be the back of the photograph. If you click on it you will see a bigger version in a new tab but if you still can't read it the text says:

P.S. - this is an idea for a new arrangement for the furniture - with the piano on the other side of the room & Mich as a left-handed flutist (negative got in backward)

Can anybody tell me who Mich is? Please and thank you! Can the same person or somebody else explain to me how having a reversed negative would make Mich a left handed flutist?

Timeframe: Since Mary Cary is wearing a ring on her left hand I am assuming this was taken after November, 1941. I don't have anything to narrow it down further. Sorry.

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

Today In History: Today is the birthday of Herman Carroll, Johan Eybsen, Alice Stevens-Kihlken & Richard Monnett.

Mother and Baby

Today we have a picture that was not only among the pictures found at Grandma Mary Cary's house but Uncle Bob also had a copy. This is a picture of Grandma Mary Cary with her mother, Merle Fritsche.

Timeframe: Grandma looks to be about a year or so about 1918 or thereabouts.

Where It Fits: Mary Caroline Leutz was the wife of Merrill Rudes and the mother of Diane, Merrill, Terrence & De Ila. Mary Cary is the daughter of Leon Leutz & Merle Fritche. Merle is the daughter of Robert John Fritsche & Caroline Hopfinger.

Today In History: Today is the birthday of Milford Floro & Marion Morse.

Recipes from the Past - Part IV

Today we have "Pear Pie" as found in the Oak Harbor, Ohio Personal Recipes by CIRCLE No. 1, Woman's Society Christian Service, Oak Harbor Methodist Church. It was submitted by Mrs. Leon Lentz. I am assuming Mrs. Leon Leutz & Mrs. Leon Lentz are one and the same. Enjoy!

PEAR PIE

1 crust, unbaked

Fill crust with finely sliced ripe pears. Mix through pears:
1 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. flour
1/8 tsp. cloves
pinch salt

Dot with butter, lemon juice and 3 Tbsp. cream. Cover while baking. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes; turn to 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until pears are tender. Remove cover last few minutes.

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

Today In History: Today Harold Johannsen turns 89 and Peter Madison turns 136.

Recipes from the Past - Part III

Today we have "Quick Beef Stroganoff" as found in the Oak Harbor, Ohio Personal Recipes by CIRCLE No. 1, Woman's Society Christian Service, Oak Harbor Methodist Church. It was submitted by Mary Carey Rudes. Enjoy!

QUICK BEEF STROGANOFF

1 lb. ground beef
2 c. chopped onions
1/3 c. Mazola salad oil
3 1/2 c. uncooked noodles
3 c. tomato juice
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. celery salt
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. sour cream

Saute beef and onions in hot Mazola oil. Place uncooked noodles on top of meat mixture. Mix remaining ingredients, pour over noodles, moistening noodles well. Do not stir. Bring to boil, then turn heat low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until noodles are tender. Use a 3 or 4 quart kettle. Makes 6 servings.

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

Mary Cary, Della, Diane & Merrill

This is another one of those water damaged pictures but I believe I can make everybody out. This appears to be Della Meyer-Rudes, Mary Cary Leutz-Rudes, Diane & baby Merrill.

Timeframe: Looks like the Spring/Summer of 1946 to me.

Where It Fits: Della Meyer married Merrill Rudes. They had Merrill Rudes & George Rudes. Their son Merrill married Mary Caroline Leutz and they had four children. The oldest two children are in this picture, Diane & Merrill.

Merle & the Graduate

Some of you might remember a post with A.J. from last month. For those of you that don't you can see it again here. This is another picture from the same set. I believe this is Mary Cary with her mother, Merle.

Timeframe: Mary Cary graduated from Ohio State University in 1939. I do believe these are some pictures from that event.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Live and In Color

Today we have what appears to be a hand colored print.

Timeframe: I am guessing this was taken in the late 30's or early 40's simply trying to guess at the age. There is really nothing to narrow the time frame on this down at all.

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

Mary Cary Leutz

This is a picture of Mary Caroline Leutz-Rudes.

Timeframe: A copy of this picture appears under High School faculty in the 1941 Limelight.

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

Leon, Merle & Mary Cary

This appears to have been taken at a graduation of Mary Cary's. Judging by the age I am guessing her college graduation. She is with her parents, Leon Leutz & Merle Fritsche.

Timeframe: Mary Caroline graduated from Ohio State University in 1939 so I assume this picture was taken in the summer of 1939.

Where It Fits: Mary Caroline Rudes is the mother of Merrill, Terrence, Diane and De Ila. She was the wife of Merrill Rudes. She is the daughter of Merle Fritsche & Leon Leutz and the granddaughter of Gustav & Mary Leutz and Robert & Caroline Fritsche.