A Smörgåsbord of Stories
For 10 years, I have volunteered with Wreaths Across America to place wreaths on veteran graves. Each December, wreaths decorate the final resting places of our nation’s servicemen and women. This is a great way to celebrate Christmas, honor veterans, and remember my family’s legacy … 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
No new blog post this week because I’m on vacation. Here’s a snapshot from a previous road trip. (This is the same trip as the Watson Lake Signpost Forest.) Whistler’s Mountain, Jasper, Alberta Canada, 1984 Takeaway When a stranger offers to take your … read more
During World War II, 39% of the soldiers volunteered; the rest were drafted. Edward “Ed” Blees (1923-2019) enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. During his service (over 2 years, 8 months), he received various qualifications, citations and awards. The National Personnel Records Center provided a … read more
A year ago, I wrote about Edward Blees (1923-2019) as a soldier in World War II. At the end of that blog post, I stated that I had requested Ed’s military file from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). National Personnel Records Center The … read more
Twenty years ago, family history research was different. I wrote a letters to libraries, placed phone calls to strangers, and read Sunday obituaries to find cousins. On Sunday, March 21, 2004 I read an obituary and decided to seize an opportunity. My father-in-law’s … read more
How can an event like the Saint Paul Winter Carnival be an answer to prayer? For our family, the 1988 Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition during the Winter Carnival provided more than just an artistic outlet. Friendly Competition Patrick remembers that the Minnesota Chapter … read more
In April of 2022, I secured a Research Appointment at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Even though it was not my first trip to the repository, it felt like Christmas. My “gifts” consisted of several original Homestead applications. Christmas at the Archives Fast … read more
Thomas Wentworth Higginson wrote: “How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!” When I think about winter, I remember the snow-filled wonder of younger days. I also embrace winter as a time for reflection. … read more
John Blees (1856-1916) was born in (what we now call) Germany. But where, exactly, was he born? Where did he live? For the last few weeks, I’ve walked through all of my attempts to find a document that points to the birth location of Johann … read more