Wild Rice Hotdish

Wild Rice Hotdish

Today, I’m celebrating my 3rd anniversary of Family History Hotdish!     What is hotdish? Hotdish is a traditional, one-dish, main course meal. If you are from Minnesota, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Hotdish has everything: ground meat, vegetables, and a cream soup … read more

Roy Family Reunion

Roy Family Reunion

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

It Began with a Wanigan

It Began with a Wanigan

My great Uncle Clint Lydick (1931-2022) recalled that his parents,  Horace and Susan (Roy), hosted their first paying guests in 1932. That was the start of the Pike Hole Resort.   The Beginning Three men from Illinois ventured to the north woods of Minnesota in … read more

Who is the Man in the Photo?

Who is the Man in the Photo?

Family History is a hobby that encompasses many different aspects: research, writing, familial relationships and detective work.  With the advent of the Internet, we can quickly connect to so many cousins. We can share information and photos so easily.   Today I present to you, … read more

Boat for Sale – Secret Found Out

Boat for Sale – Secret Found Out

Because I’ve been researching my family for over 30 years, I have most of the names and dates added to my charts. So, now I focus my attention on discovering more stories about my ancestors. Years ago, newspapers were the social media of choice. The … read more

Lydick Legend: Truth or Tale?

Lydick Legend: Truth or Tale?

  Tales of the Old Home Town   Cass Lake Times R. “Grant” Utley (1897-1985), editor of the Times wrote a weekly column called “Tales of the Old Home Town.” Using his newspaper, Mr. Utley jabbed at politicians and reminisced about days gone by. Fortunately for … read more

Crocheted Christmas Snowflakes

Crocheted Christmas Snowflakes

Christmas memories and traditions are different for each of us. For me, my favorite part of Christmas is decorating the tree with my grandmother’s crocheted snowflakes.   Mary Mae Lydick Norenberg My Grandma Mae was born May 1, 1910 to Susan Roy and Horace “H.S” … read more

Quarantine and Commutation

Quarantine and Commutation

Patrick and I entertained several couples for a backyard barbeque last week. We had a wonderful evening: good food, great friends, lots of laughs and plenty of yard games. The next day, one of our guests tested positive for COVID-19. According to the current Centers … read more

Lydick Homestead: Less Than 2 Acres

Lydick Homestead: Less Than 2 Acres

Horace S. “H.S.” Lydick (1880-1956) claimed a homestead in 1911, commuted it and lost it in a Sheriff Sale. Finding an opportunity, he filed a second homestead claim for land in Beltrami County, Minnesota under the provisions of the 1862 Homestead Act. The Act granted … read more

Lydick Homestead Lost

Lydick Homestead Lost

Horace S. “H.S.” Lydick, his wife Susan (Roy) and their growing family settled on 159 acres in Beltrami County in May of 1911. At the Cass Lake Land Office, he filed a communtation claim to obtain the title to the property in 1913. Commuting a … read more