Grandma Johannsen

This is a picture of Velma.

Timeframe: Taken after 1975 or so as Kymberly Allen's graduation picture is in the background.

Where It Fits: Velma is the daughter of Martha Matilda Alemedia McMurray & Walter Taylor. She married Lorenz/Lawrence Johannsen and they had James & Joyce. After the death of Lorenz/Lawrence she married Alvin Short.

Todays birthdays are Eliza Good-Carter, Myrtle Allen-Jarrett & George McMurray.

Velma Taylor Johannsen Short

This is a picture of Velma Johannsen/Short taken in about September, 1983.

Timeframe: September, 1983?

Where It Fits: Velma is the daughter of Martha Matilda Alemedia McMurray & Walter Taylor. She married Lorenz/Lawrence Johannsen and they had James & Joyce. After the death of Lorenz/Lawrence she married Alvin Short.

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.

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.