A Smörgåsbord of Stories
In 1996, I traveled to Oakland, California to visit my Great Aunt M. Virginia Rector Cunningham (1919-2004). During that visit she told lots of stories. Many of her tales centered around her uncle (my 2x great uncle) Ralph Rector (1898-1985), son of Charlottie Senate and … read more
Summertime brings memories of my time spent in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Both sets of my grandparents lived “up north” in this small community. Otto and Mae [Lydick] Norenberg had a house on the west shore of Cass Lake, technically in Pike Bay Township. Frank and … read more
One of my American immigrant ancestors, George Edward Gentzkow (aka Julius August Emil von Gentzkow), was born of the noblewoman Julie von Gentzkow. She demanded that his baptism record be amended and his lineal decent be properly acknowledged by the church. By this documentation process, … read more
Twenty-seven years ago, I visited my Great-Uncle Don, my grandfather’s youngest brother. Besides reminiscing, I wanted to view his collection of family photos. Using a tripod, I made photographic copies of his photos. There was one that was very difficult photograph because it was encased … read more
The Boat Store in Minneiska, Minnesota did not sell boats; it was a grocery and a meat market located on the bank of the Mississippi River. J.C. Gentzkow and unidentified man, 1913 J.C., Rodney and Mary Gentzkow, undated Boat Store in the … read more
Gillison “Gee” Rector and May “Pettris” Garnett were the parents of Florence Gertrude “Gert” Rector Gentzkow. What is known about Gee and Pettris? Gert’s Father Gillison G. Rector was the 4th of 8 children born to Milton A. Rector (1855-1951) and Charlotte “Lottie” … read more
There is no blog post this week – I’m taking a little vacation. When traveling, one should heed local advice. Beware! Falling Coconuts No coconuts fell on me that day (or any other day). Sometimes my vacations are more unusual … read more
The Pike Hole Resort was the gathering place for a family reunion on June 15, 1941. Susan (Roy) Lydick had siblings from her mother’s first and second marriages. On that sunny day, they gathered together. 1941 Newspaper Clip Roy – Gamache Clan Gathered … read more
Over the last several weeks, we’ve been looking at the parents of Konstantin Nörenberg. His father, Michael, was first married to Louise Ziemer. Konstantin’s mother, Louise Schröder, was married first to Gottfried Richert. Gottfried Richert To date, not much is known about Gottfried … read more
Michael Nörenberg (c. 1840-1895) and Louise Schröder (c. 1845-1909) were the parents of Konstantin Nörenberg. Michael/Michał was first married to Louise/Ludwika Ziemer. Perhaps Michael’s marriage to Louise Ziemer will lead to a greater understanding of his early life. Michael’s First Marriage The first place … read more