Oak Harbor native Leutz's path to prosperity

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Oak Harbor’s John Leutz is historic as one of the first three people employed by the Ohio Senate in a non-clerical role. Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Department of Administrative Services Director Robert Blair were the other two Republicans hired along with Leutz to help formulate policy for GOP senate leaders. Leutz spent his formative political years at the elbow of Old Fort’s legendary Paul Gillmor, the Senate president leading the only Republican-controlled body with just a one-vote majority, for much of the 1980s.

In a caucus with a one-vote margin, any senator can scuttle the agenda so every senator has status as the key to every accomplishment — or failure. John Leutz learned a lot simply watching Paul Gillmor get things done with high ego colleagues such as John Kasich, who went from staffer to senator in 1978, former U.S. Senator and current Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul Pfeifer, to name just a few of the players still on the scene.

John Leutz took his Gillmorian gift for seeing the big picture and moving relentlessly toward his objective in low key fashion to the Columbus suburb of Grandview Heights. Leutz spent six years on city council before being elected mayor in 1992 and it is clear in the nearly 20 years since he left office just how much enduring value Leutz created.

Now, Grandview is a destination, one of the hottest spots in red-hot Columbus. But truth be told, when John Leutz started in local leadership Grandview was a downscale little hamlet between Columbus and Upper Arlington. “We had to build some buzz with business people, we had to create some momentum and get noticed,” Leutz recalled over a recent breakfast reunion. “Grandview was like a closed community that didn’t attract anyone from the outside and the local businesses were just getting by, they weren’t thinking big.”

John Leutz, as was Paul Gillmor, is a very easy person to get along with. Leutz made sure Grandview was an easy place to do business, taking care to make sure the hassles of dealing with Columbus or Upper Arlington were mostly avoided by bringing a project to Grandview.

Soon the commercial districts of the Leutz-led town had new, one-of-a-kind bistros and businesses started by owners who had bet all they had on the little community. “When we had one new hot restaurant it was dangerous, because one spot alone can go cold. But pretty soon we had six or eight in a cluster and we became a destination, making each one of the new restaurants more prosperous,” Leutz said.

To really make Grandview pop, Leutz moved to secure a large chunk of developable land where the community could once offer only small parcels and only prospect small projects. “Every time I go by Grandview Yard I am gratified by the results of that effort,” Leutz said with a smile. Today the 125-acre site is home to more than 3,000 office jobs, two hotels and an event center, apartments and condos and a huge increase in revenue for Grandview.

Leutz is a frequent visitor to both Ottawa and Sandusky counties and has great confidence that the raw elements of revival exist in both downtown Port Clinton and downtown Fremont. “It’s no different than Grandview was, they need to build the buzz and create a cluster that brings people to them. I would make sure the upper floors of the buildings downtown were easy for apartment conversions. People living within walking distance will make things happen for the commercial space on the street.”

Free advice from a quiet guy with a record that shouts "success!" Grandview before John Leutz was nothing like Grandview after John Leutz. Because of Leutz, the big problem now is real estate values that have skyrocketed, leaving the school system underpopulated because young families can no longer afford to live in Grandview.

The day is rapidly approaching when Leutz will retire from his position as a lobbyist for the Ohio County Commissioners Association and very likely return to our region. The ability to tap the expertise of the architect of an economic development program that would be a stunning change of fortune for any Northwest Ohio community able to replicate the Grandview story is a resource that must be utilized.

John Damschroder, a Fremont native who worked in Gov. George Voinovich’s administration, writes about business and economic development in Sandusky County.
http://www.thenews-messenger.com/story/news/local/2017/01/03/damschroder-oak-harbor-native-leutzs-path-prosperity/96101566/

200th Post

Somehow I thought my 200th post would be closer to my 199th post but sadly there has been a huge gap in postings.  A lot has happened between then and now.  In the coming days I hope to do some tributes or at least post some obituaries but in the meantime I have something I'd like to share with you.  While checking something else out entirely unrelated to the Rudes family I found a picture shared on the Harris-Elmore website by Mr. Luther Miller.  If you would be so kind as to click here you will see a picture of Carlos & Lillie (Hatch) Rudes and their sons Harry, Merrill, Raymond and Gail.

Source:  Harris-Elmore Library's Local History Room website.

Date:  Abt. 1916 according to the label.

Where it fits:  Carlos Rudes is the father of Ercell, Cecil, Merrill, Gail, Raymond & Dewey.  He is the grandfather of Merrill & George Rudes.

Port Clinton lawyer, NRA instructor tells seniors how not to be victimized

DANBURY TOWNSHIP -- About two dozen people learned how to "Refuse to be a Victim" Monday night at the Danbury Senior Center.

Port Clinton attorney and National Rifle Association instructor Terry Rudes conducted the NRA crime prevention program, which was sponsored by the Danbury Township Police Department.

Rudes said someone who wants to commit a crime usually will, but people can make it much harder for them.

"Our best defense against criminal activity is mental preparedness," Rudes said.

He told program participants to be careful with their personal information, and be aware of the times and places they are the most vulnerable.

Rudes covered several topics, including different points of entry into a home, and the different sorts of locks.

"They're not going to keep anybody out unless you use it," he said.

He also discussed having a "safe room" in the house in case of intrusion.

"If you've got youngsters in the home, it changes your plan considerably," he said.

"Everybody should know what the plan is, what they're supposed to do, and you've got to practice to be sure everybody is gong to do it."

The safe room should have a flashlight and batteries, a set of home and car keys and protection devices.

"Have your cell phone charger on your night stand."

Rudes also talked about different types of personal protection devices.

"Whether it's pepper spray or it's a firearm, you've got to practice with it to see how it works," he said.

Home security systems can help, but only if law enforcement personnel respond in time.

"These burglars do not take long. They know their craft," Rudes said.

Noisy dogs can also be a good deterrent.

The instructor also discussed safety while traveling and driving, as well as personal safety.

He recommended the participants follow their intuition, and not give up if their safety is threatened.

"You never, ever, ever give up. Until you give up, you can win any fight."

He also discussed how to keep from falling victim to scams, and to protect one's identity while online.

Several times, the instructor reminded the participants to keep from assuming that crimes only happen to "the other guy."

Rudes said he will give another "Refuse to be a Victim" program in Elmore in the early fall.

"There were a number of different police departments that want the program, so we'll be doing it from one end of the county to the other," he said.

Danbury Township Police Department Police Chief Michael Meisler said he was happy with the turnout. Officer Josh Young, who is in charge of training for the department, said he wants to provide a seminar on self-defense for women in the future.

Although not mentioned in the article, Richard is also a NRA certified instructor and was helping with the class. :-) The article can be found here. The article includes a picture of dad teaching and was printed on the front page of todays paper (below the fold).

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.

Jean

From the comments it seems that Jean occasionally sees the posts here and I know this is a day late but I would like to say . . .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEAN!

**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.]

Oops

Well, after saying I was going to try and do better about posting regularly somebody decided to "help" me by "organizing" my pictures, without my knowledge, consent or permission. :-) I am trying to remind myself it is the thought that counts and I really shouldn't hold it against him. I might be rather angry but I haven't called the hit man yet so I think I am controlling myself remarkably well. I haven't even had somebody break his fingers yet. All of that to say I am slowly re-sorting the pictures and figuring out what I have and have not posted and who I have labeled and who I don't and even what I have and have not scanned so . . . without further ado the first post of 2011.

P.S. -- I still love you, Daddy.

**UPDATE** Myrtle?!?!

**UPDATE** After this was posted Aunt Diane called and said that she had always been told that her name was Mertha/Murtha not Myrtle. On further review she seems to be the woman of a dozen names, or at least several. As you can see below (click on the image to enlarge) it clearly says 'Martha Rebecca'. In the 1900 census she is listed as 'Martha', in the 1910 census she is listed as 'Murth', in the 1920 census her name is 'Murtha' and in the 1930 census she is 'Myrtle'. I will have to see if I can track down an official birth certificate of some sort.

The original post (found here) has a poster with this comment:

Are you aware there are 2 St. Paul churches in the Oak Harbor area. Both are old churches. The one in town was, for a short time, was called a Lutheran Church. Rev August Langhorst was there from 1880-1885. The other St. Paul Lutheran Church is about 4-5 miles SE of town. Hope you went to the one in town and looked at its records. If you did, it is strange that the baptism was not recorded.

I haven't made it to either St. Paul's church in Oak Harbor as of yet but I looked it up in a book at the library and didn't see her. I am not even sure which St. Paul's it was from since I didn't know there were two. Thank you for the tip, I will be sure to investigate both and let ya'll know what I can find.

This is a baptism certificate for the daughter of Gustav Leutz & Maria "Warsha". Let's review for a moment here. Gustav Leutz and Mary Theresa Washa were married June 11, 1881 in Ottawa County, Ohio. They had five children:

• Oscar N. Leutz, born March 22, 1882.
• Myrtle R., born November 18, 1883.
• Lorenz, born December 18, 1887.
• Leon, born November 6, 1890.
• Berlin L., born December 1, 1893.

Just to be sure, I double checked and in the 1900 & 1910 census Mary is listed as the mother of five children with four of them living. (Lorenz died in 1889.) Therefore it would stand to reason that all of the children are listed. So, who is this baptism record for? Well, they only had one daughter and so this baptism record is for . . . . Martha Rebecca? According to the record Martha Rebecca was born on November 18, 1883 in Oak Harbor to the spouses Gustav Leutz and Maria Warsha and was baptized at the Evangelical St. Paul's Church in Oak Harbor on June 8, 1884. (Although when I looked through the records of the Evangelical St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Oak Harbor there is no record of this baptism.) My guess is Myrtle is actually a nickname for Martha but I had never even heard it implied that Myrtle wasn't her given name, have you?

Timeframe: Since it is dated I am going to go out on a limb and say 1884.

Where It Fits: Martha Rebecca is the daughter of Gustav Leutz & Mary Theresa Washa. Obviously she is the sister of Oscar, Lorenz, Leon & Berlin. Martha is the wife of Peter Madison and the mother of Bethel. I believe the sponsors, Carl & Louise Leutz, are the siblings of Gustav Leutz. Gustav has a brother Charles that was in the area and Carl was a very common nickname/translation of Charles. Gustav and Charles also had a sister, Louise. Louise was born in Oak Harbor and I don't believe she was married until late 1884 - early 1885 making her still a Leutz.

**UPDATE** We're goin' to the chapel . . . or house

**UPDATE** Florence Windisch married William Michel in Ashtabula County, Ohio on 10 October 1912. She is the daughter of Friedrich Windisch (born in Carroll Township, Ottawa County, Ohio) and Lura Brodock (born in New York). She had a brother Leo and a sister Effie.

This picture is labeled as "Flossie Windisch & William Michle Wedding" with "Merle Fritsche bridesmaid" and "Edward Michel bestman". I am assuming the rest of the people in this photograph are probably family, I just need to figure out who is who.

Timeframe: Sadly I don't have the marriage date for William & Flossie but the large hairbow that Merle seemed to be so fond of was popular in the mid-1910's. Think between 1913-1917 or so. Since Merle is listed as a bridesMAID I assume it was taken before October, 1913. After October, 1913 and it would be Merle Leutz, matron of honor. :-) I knew it was before October, 1913 I just didn't know it was one year almost exactly. I assume this picture was taken on the wedding day so, October, 1912.

Where It Fits: Christian Fritsche & Dorothea Langschwanger had ten children; two of which were Robert & Emilie. Robert married Caroline Hopfinger and they had Merle, the bridesmaid. Emilie married Frank Michel and they are the parents of William & Edward Michel.

Myrtle?!?!

This is a baptism certificate for the daughter of Gustav Leutz & Maria "Warsha". Let's review for a moment here. Gustav Leutz and Mary Theresa Washa were married June 11, 1881 in Ottawa County, Ohio. They had five children:

• Oscar N. Leutz, born March 22, 1882.
• Myrtle R., born November 18, 1883.
• Lorenz, born December 18, 1887.
• Leon, born November 6, 1890.
• Berlin L., born December 1, 1893.

Just to be sure, I double checked and in the 1900 & 1910 census Mary is listed as the mother of five children with four of them living. (Lorenz died in 1889.) Therefore it would stand to reason that all of the children are listed. So, who is this baptism record for? Well, they only had one daughter and so this baptism record is for . . . . Martha Rebecca? According to the record Martha Rebecca was born on November 18, 1883 in Oak Harbor to the spouses Gustav Leutz and Maria Warsha and was baptized at the Evangelical St. Paul's Church in Oak Harbor on June 8, 1884. (Although when I looked through the records of the Evangelical St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Oak Harbor there is no record of this baptism.) My guess is Myrtle is actually a nickname for Martha but I had never even heard it implied that Myrtle wasn't her given name, have you?

Timeframe: Since it is dated I am going to go out on a limb and say 1884.

Where It Fits: Martha Rebecca is the daughter of Gustav Leutz & Mary Theresa Washa. Obviously she is the sister of Oscar, Lorenz, Leon & Berlin. Martha is the wife of Peter Madison and the mother of Bethel. I believe the sponsors, Carl & Louise Leutz, are the siblings of Gustav Leutz. Gustav has a brother Charles that was in the area and Carl was a very common nickname/translation of Charles. Gustav and Charles also had a sister, Louise. Louise was born in Oak Harbor and I don't believe she was married until late 1884 - early 1885 making her still a Leutz.

Scholar program to honor surgeon

I know it has been a long time since I have posted so I am hoping to get back into the routine. Please feel free to "nag" me a little if I start slacking off again.

My aunt was lovely enough to give me a copy of this article in Indiana back in August at Woody & Brenda's wedding. Sadly I have just now gotten around to sharing it but better late than never so without further ado and with a giant thank you to De Ila . . .

Scholar program to honor surgeon

Scientist will study skeletal disorders

By Liv Osby

STAFF WRITER

The Greenwood Genetic Center is launching a new scholar program to honor the late Dr. Leslis C. Meyer, a Greenville orthopedic surgeon and founder of the Meyer Center for Special Children.

The program was kicked off by the center's board of directors at the Poinsett Club on Thursday with $150,000 in gifts from Meyer's friends.

"Through his many scientific publications and training of several generations of orthopedic scientists, Les Meyer's devotion to scholarship was evident," said Dr. Roger Stevenson, director of the center.

"The Leslie C. Meyer Senior Genetics Scholar position is created as an extension of Dr. Meyer's scholarly pursuits as an international authority on the genetics of skeletal disorders," he said. "The major focus of the scholar's work will be to develop strategies to prevent and cure disabling genetic disorders of the skeleton."

Meyer, who joined the genetic center's Board of Directors in 1995, died in October.

The Meyer Scholar will be a scientist with broad experience in skeletal genetics and will be in residence at the center for a portion of each year offering consultations, teaching and research into skeletal disorders with a focus on treatment. He also will participate in clinics at the Shriner's Hospital, where Meyer was chief of staff.

The Greenwood Genetic Center that provides clinical genetic services and testing, develops education programs and materials, and conducts research in medical genetics.

This was taken from page 2B of The Greenville News; Friday, July 30, 2010.

Where It Fits: Dr. Leslie Meyer was the husband of De Ila Rudes.

**UPDATE** Mr. & Mrs. Hopfinger & Miss Alta

UPDATE: Attention all Christiansen/Johannsen relatives. This update is for you. As you can tell by the post below this image was found among the belongings of Mary Caroline Leutz-Rudes and has been identified as a relative of the same. Upon further research and some e-mails back and forth with Diane Bennett we have confirmed that the girl in this picture is Alta Hopfinger, the Alta Hopfinger that married Neils Christiansen Schmidt a.k.a. Nelson Smith. Neils/Nelson is the son of Carl Schmidt & Augusta Johanna Ketelsen. Augusta is the daughter of Johann Ketelsen & Anna Marie Christiansen. Anna Marie Christiansen is the sister of Marie, therefore Anna is the aunt of Julius & August Johannsen. Augusta & Julius would have been cousins so Alta married the 1st cousin once removed of Julius Johannsen. Obviously mom and dad are not the first branches of the Hopfinger's & Christiansen's to cross paths.

This picture is labeled as "Mr & Mrs Mike Hopfinger" "Mrs. Rose Tilton" "Mrs Caroline Fritsches brother" and last but not least "Miss Alta -Mrs Nelson Smith". While there are a lot of names they are all for the same people. They just made sure there was no mistaking the family.

Timeframe: C.P. Haas a.k.a. Charles P. Haas operated a studio in Fremont, Ohio between 1886 & 1913. 1888 to 1899 he operated on Front Street but there is no address on this card so we have to stick with 1886 - 1913. Alta was born December, 1880 or there abouts and they added another child to the family in November of 1891. Since the youngest child isn't in the picture we can assume it was taken between 1886 & 1891. If you look at Rose her bodice extends below the waist; she has a high with low stand collar; tight sleeves & a draped overskirt that is apron like in shape. That narrows the field to 1883-1889. That would make Alta somewhere between 3 & 9. I am guessing closer to the nine then the three.

Where It Fits: Michael Hopfinger is the brother of Caroline Hopfinger-Fritsche. Caroline & Michael are two of the nine children born to Charles Hopfinger & Friederika Richardson. Michael married Rosella Tilton, the daughter of Levi Tilton. Michael and Rosella had two daughters, Elta/Alta & Laura. Elta/Alta married Nelson Smith. Nelson Smith a.k.a. Neils Schmidt is the son of Carl Schmidt & Augusta Ketelsen. Augusta is the daughter of John Ketelsen & Anna Christiansen.

Ottawa County gun experts mostly happy with concealed carry

For those of you that are not local or just didn't see it, Richard & Terrence Rudes were recently interviewed for the Port Clinton News Herald. Sadly Richard wasn't mentioned but Terry made the front page.

Ottawa County gun experts mostly happy with concealed carry

By James Proffitt

PORT CLINTON --Attorney Terrence Rudes sometimes defends people who commit crimes with guns. Other times, he teaches people how to use and conceal them.

"I've taught concealed-carry classes since 2006," Rudes said. Although he's glad Ohio passed the law that allows citizens to carry guns, he does have issues with it.

"It's the only constitutional right that requires a permit," he said. "It would be like telling someone they have to get a permit to write newspaper articles."

Ottawa County Sheriff Bob Bratton said he had issues about the law when the Ohio legislature passed it in 2004.

"I had concerns at first," Bratton said, "but since then we've had no issues."

According to Bratton, the state's sheriffs, who are responsible for issuing permits, were ill-prepared for the onslaught of paperwork the new law required them to complete.

In 2004, Ottawa County issued 391 permits. Sandusky County issued 187.

But seven years later, Bratton said the process has gone well and he supports the law.

"I've always been big on the second amendment," he said. "I think you should have the right to have guns."

In 2009 Ottawa and Sandusky counties issued 333 and 473 permits, respectively. The counties also renewed a total of 136 permits.

Although many Ohio law enforcement officials made their reservations about Ohioans carrying concealed guns known, most concerns never panned out.

"We've had no problems that I can speak of," Bratton said. "We've never had to go after a card."

Bratton said if a concealed-carry permit holder is arrested for domestic violence or certain other qualifying offenses, they must turn in their permit and weapons.

"They always come in," he said.

In 2009 Ottawa County denied, revoked or suspended a total of 23 permits, and Sandusky County seven.

But retired Ottawa County Common Pleas Court Judge Paul Moon said he thought in 2004 and still thinks it's a terrible idea.

"People shouldn't be carrying around weapons on their person or in their cars," he said.

Moon said during his time on the bench, he didn't have any concealed-carry permit-related cases in his courtroom. Bruce Winters, current common pleas court judge, said he's had just one, and that involved a man who obtained a permit without taking the required 12 hours training.

Dale Ottney, owner of Ottney's Guns in Fremont, said he thinks everyone should carry a weapon.

"A lot of people worry about being broken into and not being able to defend themselves," he said. "And when Obama was elected a whole lot of people came in."

Ottney said many Americans fear that government will curtail second amendment rights.

Both men and women come in, said Ottney.

"A lot of guys come in and buy for their women," he said. "I think I've had three or four couples come in together."

Ottney said 9-mm and .40 caliber are the most popular choices for customers buying guns for concealed carry.

According to Rudes, of the 142 people who have completed his concealed carry courses, 31 were female.

"We get a lot of women that come through," Bratton said. "Not that they're going to carry, but they always have the option."

Since 2004, Ohio sheriff's have issued more than 200,000 concealed-carry permits to its citizens, with more than 56,700 in 2009.

He even managed to have a picture and everything. The original can be found at: http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20101012/NEWS01/10120305

Five Mystery Men

Okay, I have mentioned before that men are rather hard to date but with five this should be easy. Right? lol I wish! I think the problem with this one is overload of information. According to the 1850's fashion for men the wider, looser fashions were introduced in 1854. Since these men look like they were playing dress-up rather than wearing their everyday clothes I would assume this was after the looser fashions were introduced. Shawl collared vests are evident for the time frame (see the man on the left in the back, the man in the middle of the front row and the man on the right in the front row, POSSIBLY on the back right but I can't tell). Most of the vests of the time were black wool and matched the coats, which looks like a fit to me. The man on the front right is wearing a lighter colored pant which might mean it is starting to get warmer so they would switch from wool pants to a cotton or linen blend. The ties that all the men are wearing, except the man in the middle in the front row, dates from 1857. The softer silk ties (guessing that is what the man in the middle is wearing) are seen through-out the time period. A wide variety of hats were popular in the 1850's BUT the Bowler hat was introduced in the 1850's and that is what appears to be on the knee of the man in the front row, right and on the lap of the man in the middle. The hair is parted at the side and combed back away from the face in a wave. Earlier in this period the wave was HUGE but after about 1855 it started to get smaller. Since they all appear to have a wave I am assuming this was taken closer to the 1857's date of the ties.

I am not sure when or where this was taken but since you can see a wooden floor and drapes in the background I am guessing it was taken by a traveling photographer that had set up a temporary studio or in the subject home (or friend's home). The bench is rather plain and backless, nothing like the fancy furnishing of a photographer's studio. I would also like to point out that all three men in the front row have a cigar or cigarette of some sort. I am not sure that has any effect on identifying this image but it is a piece of trivia I find interesting. Somebody also had painted the cheeks on all the men so there is a nice pink tint on the original image. Does anybody recognize this group? Anybody in this group?

Today's Birthdays are Ada McRitchie-Snitzer, Alissa Fearing, Andrew Hopfinger, Bonnie Schoenfeld-Fearing, Gertrude Zehner-Rohda and Johann Brodehoft.

Leutz Family

This picture was identified for me by Uncle Bob. On the far left we have Myrtle Leutz-Madison. Next one is Leon Leutz, beside him is Berlin, then Oscar, Mary Washa-Leutz and Gustav.

Timeframe: Berlin died in 1919 so obviously it was taken before then since he seems rather lively looking to me. My guess is closer to 1913.

How It Fits: Gustav is the son of Johann Frederick Luetz & Louise Frederica Zink. Mary Leutz is the daughter of John Joseph Washa & Mary Moeureau. Gustav & Mary are the parents of Oscar, Myrtle, Lorenz, Leon & Berlin. Oscar married Myrtle Long, Clara Newton, Bertha Woods and Louise Witt. He is the father of Ivan (with Myrtle) and Grace (with Louise). Myrtle married Peter Madison and is the mother of Bethel Leutz/Madison. Lorenz died in 1889 leaving no spouse or children. Leon married Merle Fritsche and he is the father of Mary Caroline, Robert Leon & A.J. Berlin married Lilly Scholt and he is the father of Beetrice & Monabell.

Todays birthdays are Sadie Stevens-Bay, Mildred Boger, William Kalk and Mary Washa-Leutz would have turned 148 today.

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.

Isaac M. Floro

ISAAC M. FLORO is numbered among the native sons of Ottawa county, his birth having occurred in Erie township, April 28, 1848, a son of John and Lydia Floro, well known and esteemed people of the community. In the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared, obtaining his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and aiding in the labors of the farm as soon as he had reached a sufficient age. The occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work, and to-day he is ranked among the progressive and prominent farmers of the township. He is thorough and painstaking in all his work, and his home place, with its neat appearance and good improvements, indicates the sagacious supervision of a careful owner.

On June 6, 1873, at Locust Point, Ohio, was celebrated the marriage of Isaac M. Floro and Miss Mary Finkin, who was born in Erie township, March 16, 1854, and is a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Sinclair) Finkin. Her father has now departed this life, but her mother is still living in Carroll township, Ottawa county. Mr. and Mrs. Floro are the parents of children, as follows: Martin, born April 12, 1874; Henry, born June 8, 1876; Nana, born September 25, 1878, now the wife of William Dewitt, a resident of Carroll township, Ottawa county; Hattie, born June 12, 1881; George W., born December 27, 1886; and Calvin L., born July 8, 1892, died August 21, 1893.

Mr. Floro is a justice of the peace in Ottawa county, and has efficiently filled various township offices, discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. His political support is given to the Democracy, and he is an enterprising citizen, deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the community. He was deputy master of the Ohio State Grange fro Ottawa county for twelve years, having been appointed by Col. J. H. Brigham, then master of the Ohio State Grange.

Source: Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS, AND OF MANY OF THE EARLY SETTLED FAMILIES printed by J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1896. Taken from page 665

Where It Fits: Isaac M. Floro is the son of John Floro and Lydia Dear/Deer. Isaac's sister, Anna, married Daniel St. Clair. Daniel & Anna St. Clair and the parents of Jacob, grandparents of Clayton and great-grandparents of Beverly. Beverly married James Johannsen and they are the parents of Cynda, Lynda & Kyle.

Todays birthdays are Anna Danklefsen-Johannsen, Julianer Christiansen, Isaac M. Floro, Franz Godeman, Pauline Neff, Dale Potter & Dorothea Tadsen.

Merle, Florence, Caroline and Who?

I took this picture to Uncle Bob and between the two of us we think we know who three of the five women are. According to Uncle Bob the woman on the left side of the image, first in the row of four, is Florence Hopfinger-Thierwechter. The woman on the complete right of the image is Merle Fritsche-Leutz. Assuming the woman on the porch is the same as this woman her name is Caroline Hopfinger-Fritsche.

Timeframe: Assuming that the oldest woman is in fact Caroline, this picture must have been taken before December, 1910. Looking at the girls dresses you will notice the skirts are smooth at the hips, their belts are moderately wide and the hair is puffed out at the sides dating this image to 1904-1907. Keeping that in mind can anybody ID the other women?

Where It Fits: Caroline Hopfinger-Fritsche is the daughter of Charles Hopfinger and Friedericka Richardson. Caroline is the mother of Merle Fritsche-Leutz. Caroline is the aunt of Florence Hopfinger-Thierwechter. Florence is the daughter of August Charles Hopfinger, a son of Charles Hopfinger & Friedericka Richardson.

Todays birthdays are Carl Leutz, Edward Reif, Justin Rofker and Justina Rofker-Lafer.

Mystery Monday: Graduation or confirmation?

This picture comes from about 1908-1914. If you enlarge the picture you will see a dickey like effect, her skirt is straight with no gathers and her feet show (which started about this time period), her hair is puffed and as I mentioned before the big bow in her hair really narrows the date down a lot. It has been brought to my attention that with the corsage and the white dress it was probably taken for a special event such as a confirmation or a graduation. This was taken at Andrews Studio in Port Clinton, Ohio. Can anybody name this girl?

Todays birthdays are Oscar Bice, Ahrend Kihlken, George Rice, George Taylor, Sarah Short-Golden, Mary Wolf-Riese, Kyle Johannsen & Michelle Fearing-Bannworth. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLE & MICHELLE!

Martha McMurray-Taylor

UPDATE:  Lisa Taylor was awesome enough to identify the location of this for us.  In a comment on the original post, she identifies the location as Church Hill, Tennessee in what is now Ruth King's driveway.  Martha was her father's grandmother, her fathers dad was Norman Taylor.  Thank you Lisa!!  

This is a picture of Martha Matilda Alemedia McMurray, the wife of Walter Taylor.

Timeframe: All I know is this was taken before January, 1987. Can anybody else narrow this down a little?

Where It Fits: Martha is the daughter of James McMurray & Mary Blair. She married Walter Taylor and they are the parents of Virgie, William, Lloyd, George, Gladys, Mary, Charles, Edward, Engle, Lawrence, Ruth, Norman & Marjorie.

Todays birthdays are George Avers, Lavina Easterday-Brown, Edward Gates, Mary Lou McRitchie and . . . Martha McMurray-Taylor. Today Martha would have turned 123, she was three months shy of her 100th birthday at the time of her death.

Harold & Gladys Schoenfeld and George & Mildred Taylor

This picture was supplied by Joyce Johannsen-Allen. This is a picture of the wedding of George Taylor & Mildred Beggs, they are the couple on the right. The couple on the left is Harold Schoenfeld & Gladys Taylor. Gladys & George Taylor are sister and brother.

Timeframe: George & Mildred were married on November 11, 1944.

Where It Fits: Mildred Beggs is the daughter of Leo Beggs & Lydia Ohlinger. George & Gladys are the fourth and fifth children of George Taylor & Martha Matilda Alemedia McMurray. Harold Schoenfeld is the son of Charles Schoenfeld & Clara Swanitz.

Todays birthdays are Charles Fritsche, Jack Hardesty, Nelle Meyer, Eveline Kihlken-Nielsen & Roy Rounds.

Scarlett O'Hara?

This image is labeled but still leaves some questions. The back says "Me and Scarlet had a good time that day". Does anybody know who Scarlet is? How about me?

Timeframe: That looks like some rather modern farm machinery so I am guessing it isn't that old.

Where It Fits: GOOD QUESTION!

Todays Birthdays are Caroline Japsen-Johannsen & Clara Robel.

DON'T FREAK!

Today we have a rather odd picture. This is Julius Johannsen, in Lakeview Cemetery, Port Clinton, Ohio. Behind him you see a very cool car and Mathew's Boat Company. Julius is at the headstone of his wife, Caroline Japsen.

Timeframe: Caroline died April 19, 1933 at her home on Sixth Street. She was buried April 22nd so I assume it was right around that time.

Where It Fits: Julius & Caroline are the children of Wilhelm Johannsen & Marie Christiansen and Niels Carsten Japsen & Maria Lorenzen. Julius & Caroline are the parents of William, Marie, Adele, August, John, Nelson, Lilly, Paul and Lawrence.

Today In History: Frieda Christiansen-Deal turns 90, Margaret Kleinhans-Bailey turns 161, John Block turns 145, Amalie Bredbeck turns 152, Perinthia Floro turns 116, Victoria Hopfinger-Quisno turns 141 and Norman Taylor turns 80!

Recipes from the Past - Part VII

Today we have "Lemon Sponge Custard" 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 Esther St. Clair. Enjoy!

LEMON SPONGE CUSTARD

3/4 c. sugar
3 Tbsp. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
3 egg yolks
1 1/2 c. milk
4 Tbsp. lemon juice
3 egg whites

Mix dry ingredients. Beat egg yolks lightly, add milk, and lemon juice. Beat egg whites stiff and fold into mixture. Pour into casserole and bake in shallow pan of water at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Add whipped cream when serves. Serves six.

Where It Fits: Esther St. Clair is the daughter of Walter Rice & Alpha Humphrey. Esther married Clayton St. Clair and they had four children; Jean, Beverly, Dennis & Karen. Beverly married James Johannsen. James & Beverly are the parents of Kyle, Cynda & Lynda.

Today In History: Julius Jessen and Otto Witt both have birthdays today.

Peter Japsen & Ottiellie Laurens/Lawrence/Lorenz

This is the wedding picture of Peter Japsen & Ottiellie Lawrence.

Timeframe: I do not have the exact date of marriage for Peter & Ottielle but according to the 1900 census they have been marred five years so I assume the wedding took place sometime in 1895 or close there to.

Where It Fits: Peter is the son of Niels Carsten Japsen & Maria Lorenzen. He is the brother of Adele Kadow, Boy, Caroline Johannsen, Christina Olofthausen (or she is the wife of Oloft Hansen, I have seen it both ways) and Louise Christiansen. Ottiellie is the daughter of Ferdinand & Caroline Laurens although their last name can be found as Lorenz, Lawrence and Laurens. She is the sister of Richard & Amelia Steffenhager. Together Peter and Ottiellie are the parents of ten children; including Alma Joss, Laura Wineland, Caroline Weseloh, Mary Weis, Norman, Edward, Arthur, Ruth Burckle & Dorothy.

Todays Birthdays are Mary Van Eman-Allen, Kelly Beggs-Boreman, Gladys Carter-Millard & Mikell Nelson.

Mystery Familie

This is one of those pictures that while not labeled can supply a wealth of information. If we look at the oldest children the girls sleeves and the boys tie date this image to 1893-1896. Specifically the girls sleeves as they were progressively getting bigger and bigger at the top until they were bloused all the way down to their elbows. As you can see from the right hand side of the image it was taken by Bernh. Lassen, Nordseebad, Westerland, a/Sylt. Does anybody recognize this family?

Todays birthday are Marilyn Below-Jennings, Wilhelmina Eybsen & Burton Schwochow.

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.

A Lieutenant, a Private & Me

This picture is labeled as "Lt. Rise, Pfc. Mardel, Me". I believe the me to be Merrill Rudes. Does anybody know any more information on Lt Rise or Pfc Mardel?

Timeframe: I am guessing pretty much anytime after February 25, 1942, his enlistment date. Especially since this doesn't give a location so I can't narrow it down by that.

Where It Fits: Merrill Rudes is the son of Merrill Rudes & Della Meyer. He is the father of Diane, De Ila, Terrence & Merrill.

Todays birthdays are Mary Davis-Dutton, Henry Finken, Sarah Roberts and Edna Schmidt/Smith-Rullison.

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.

Happy Birthday Connie!

Today we have a picture that I can tell you A LOT about. In this picture is Merrill Rudes, his daughter (De Ila), his niece (Connie Rudes) and Walt Waggoner. This is at the swearing in of Merrill Rudes as the Municipal Court Judge of Ottawa County, Ohio.

Timeframe: According to the date on the back this was taken November 27, 1961. That makes Connie Rudes 6.5 and De Ila 9 years old.

Where It Fits: Connie is the daughter of George Rudes. De Ila is the daughter of Merrill Rudes. Merrill & George were the sons of Merrill Rudes & Della Meyer.

Today's Birthdays: Herman Ohlinger, Floyd Stoner, Lillian Ohlinger-Nielsen, Angeline Thompson-Caldwell & Connie Rudes. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNIE!

Congratulations Woody & Brenda

The surprise went well. Now I am engaged man. Changes lie ahead. - A Wedding in my Future haiku

Facebook status message, April 6th

Look at life's changes. Could August 1st be the day? Only time will tell... - A haiku of wondering

Facebook status message, April 6th

About 8 hours later a response was posted by Brenda:

Wedding date is set. August first we'll say "I do". Much excitement waits! - A confirmation haiku.

Over the Easter holiday weekend, I proposed to my girlfriend, Brenda, while we were on a nature walk. Essentially, I set it up so that on our walk we would be seeking out the nesting site of the very rare "Ruby-hearted gleamcatcher." It turned out that the "gleamcatcher" was actually a ruby and diamond pendant, and the "nest" was its box, which I had previously nestled in a tree.

After I gave it to her, I figured she would be a little disappointed, since we had been discussing the idea of marriage for a while. So, I mentioned that the reason I chose that particular pendant was that it went along so nicely with the ring I had in my pocket (pictured at the start of this article). I took it out and placed it on her finger, asking her to join me forever on that great nature walk of life (OK, those weren't quite the words I used, but they should have been).

To make a long story short, she said "Yes!", so on August 1st...

We're Getting Married!

Taken from the blog of Woodrow Windischman, April 13

CONGRATULATIONS WOODY & BRENDA!

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.