Inside the IGGP Conference: A Weekend of German Genealogy Inspiration

Michigan Germanic Genealogical Society (MiGGS) board members in attendance: Mich, Pr äsidentin Julie Hanneman-Schoenbach, and Schatzmeister Ed Redmer. (Me, President, and Treasurer)

I had planned to write while attending the recent IGGP Conference at the Nationwide Convention Center, near Columbus, Ohio, but time got away from me. It had been a while since I attended an in-person conference, and I forgot how busy it can be. Catching up with people, attending sessions, and enjoying the evening activities was both exciting and exhausting. By the end of each day, my mind was on overdrive. Now that I'm back home, I'm ready to share the highlights of my wonderful, all-German genealogy weekend.

The entrance to the convention center.

A Little Background

The International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) Conference was held at the Nationwide Convention Center near Columbus, Ohio. This biennial event brings together German genealogy enthusiasts from around the world, and it was my first time participating. I was eager to connect with fellow researchers, learn from experts, and explore new strategies for uncovering my family’s German roots.

First Impressions

Arriving at the Nationwide Convention Center, I was immediately impressed by how beautiful the venue was. It took me a few minutes to find the hotel desk, but a helpful Nationwide employee kindly escorted me there. The hotel is in a separate building from the Convention Center and the hotel entrance was undergoing renovations, and I wasn’t as observant as I should have been. After checking in and dropping off my belongings in the room, I made my way to the registration table to pick up my materials. I received a bag of goodies, event and meal tickets, and door prize coupons. I went ahead and placed my tickets in the prize bags, fingers crossed I would win something! And I did! I received a beautiful wax Springerle mold wall hanging from Wax Werkes.

The beautiful eight mold plaque is what I received as a door prize from The Art Wax Werke in Centerville, Ohio. Her work is exquisite.

Conference Highlights

Thursday was my travel day, and I arrived in the afternoon. That evening, I attended a casual get-together in the vendor hall, where I made some wonderful connections. I reconnected with people I knew and browsed the vendor tables. Several German genealogical societies were represented, offering memberships. I joined the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania (GSP) and, while signing up, discovered that the GSP volunteer and I were actually cousins! It truly is a small world. Other vendors offered books (I only bought one!), jewelry, Christmas ornaments, wax decorations, German genealogy resources, research assistance, maps, and more. The Michigan Germanic Genealogical Society had a small space on a shared table for partner societies, and I spent some time there greeting people and answering questions. I really enjoyed that part of the evening.

The walk back to the hotel from the Ohio Dining Room, 

where breakfast was served everyday.

Friday marked the beginning of the conference, with a packed schedule of sessions. I attended presentations on German census records, German archives, citizenship and nationality laws, and German village history. I also spent time browsing the exhibitor booths and talking to vendors offering tools and resources I hadn’t encountered before. I started by Christmas shopping and purchased earrings, a Christmas ornament, and a gnome making kit. One particularly sobering moment occurred during the session on citizenship and nationality laws, presented virtually by Sabine Akabayov from Israel. Towards the end of her presentation, she had to abruptly leave due to a warning to take cover amid the Iran-Israeli conflict. I can't imagine living in that kind of environment. Thankfully, Sabine later let us know she was safe, but my thoughts remained with her throughout the rest of the conference. Friday evening was the Palatines to America Anniversary Dinner, where attendees enjoyed a delicious German meal featuring pretzel buns, bratwurst, schnitzel, spaetzle, and more. For dessert, there was German chocolate cake and apple strudel where I chose the strudel. Entertainment was provided by the Columbus Männerchor. 

Saturday continued the learning momentum. I attended sessions on Genealogy.net, AI in German genealogy, and AI and German handwriting. During the break between the third and fourth sessions, I went to my hotel room to grab some Tylenol for a headache. I made the mistake of lying down and ended up falling asleep, missing the entire fourth session! Despite that, I found myself furiously jotting down notes throughout the day and imagining new paths to explore in my own research. Saturday night was a fun way to end the conference. IGGP awards were presented, and a ten-question, challenging trivia contest was held. I answered five questions correctly and felt good about it since the ones I missed were related to Ohio history. Street tacos and a veggie platter were available for food.

Sunday brought the conference to a close. The final sessions I attended were German Indentured Servants and Village Family Books (Ortsfamilienbücher) which were both informative and engaging. I left the conference with my mind in overdrive, thinking about all the new avenues I could pursue in my family history research. I decided to stay an extra night to unwind before driving home. On Sunday afternoon, MiGGS President Julia Hanneman-Schoenbach and I visited German Village in Columbus, Ohio. We got takeout from Schmidt’s Restaurant and ate outside, as the restaurant had a very busy wait time of one to one and a half hours. Of course, it was Father’s Day, so the crowds were no surprise. After eating, we browsed a couple of stores before heading back to the hotel to prepare for our Monday morning departure.

What I Learned

This conference provided much more than just information. It offered encouragement and inspiration. I walked away with new strategies for deciphering old German script, tips for navigating German archives in the areas I am researching. I also learned where to find German genealogical societies, how to uncover more about the history of German villages, the differences between German and English indentured servants, and where to locate Ortsfamilienbücher (village family books). I left the conference with a renewed sense of excitement about the detective work involved in family history. At this point in my research, I have exhausted most United States records and am ready to begin exploring resources available in Germany.

Advice for Future Attendees

If you are thinking about attending a future IGGP conference, here are a few tips. Bring a notebook or device for taking notes, as every session will offer something valuable. Don’t be shy about introducing yourself; everyone is there to connect and learn. Use the conference app, such as Whova, but don’t hesitate to ask for help if it is your first time using it. Make sure to stay hydrated and allow time to rest, because the days can be long and full of activity.

Final Thoughts

I’m so grateful to the organizers and volunteers who made this conference a success, even with the challenges that arose. It was a well-run, content-rich experience that delivered on its promise to support and inspire German genealogists of all levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just beginning your German family history journey, the IGGP conference is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow. 

Have you attended an IGGP conference or are you researching your German ancestors? I’d love to hear your experience. Please, leave a comment below!

Here are a few more pictures from my trip.

My pool friend on Sunday afternoon.

Schmidt's Sausage Haus and Restaurant in German Village

Back side of Nationwide Convention Center Hotel, the grounds were immaculate.

The pub at the convention center.

Apple Strudel, yummo!

German Dinner to celebrate PalAm's Anniversary

Ed Redmer at the MiGGS table.

Accordian player in the Exhibit Hall

One of the vendors selling springerle molds. 

Germanology course students in attendence with Kathryn Schober. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Schober of Germanology Unlocked.

A German Widow’s Story in 1870s America

(Image created through ChatGPT from description given by author)

What was daily life like for a German immigrant widow raising eight children on a farm in rural Indiana during the 1870s? My second great-grandmother, Mary Wrightweasner Graf, found herself in that very situation. She became a widow in her mid-thirties after the death of her husband, Johann Caspar Graf, in 1869. At the time of his passing, their eight children ranged in age from one to sixteen. Caroline was 16, Philippina 14, Jacob 12, Philip 9, Henry 8, George 5, Valentine 4, and Elizabeth just 1 year old.

Mary Wrightweasner Graf was widowed at a time when women had few legal rights and even fewer resources, she relied on her faith, her children, and her own determination to keep her family and farm running. I decided to research what a day in her life might have looked like in Miami county, Indiana.

Before Sunrise (4:30–6:00 AM)
Mary’s day likely began in the dark, with the glow of an oil lamp or the crackle of a rekindled hearth fire. A morning prayer or Scripture reading may have grounded her before the chaos of the day began. She would haul water from the well, light the stove, and begin preparing breakfast. Cornmeal mush, leftover meat, or fried potatoes, enough to feed a household of nine, were common at the time.

Morning (6:00–10:00 AM)
With the sun rising, the farm came alive. Older children helped with chores: feeding livestock, milking cows, collecting eggs. Mary directed this hive of activity, often working alongside them while keeping an eye on the youngest.

On Mondays, the laundry took over. Clothes were scrubbed by hand with lye soap, wrung out, and hung on lines to dry. With eight children, laundry was never truly finished. The older girls would help with this chore.

Late Morning (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
The morning continued with housework like sweeping floors, mending clothes, or preparing food for preservation. If her children attended school, Mary ensured they left properly dressed, with packed lunches of bread and jam or cheese.

Midday Meal (12:00–1:00 PM)
Dinner was the day’s main meal. A hearty stew, boiled potatoes, or fresh vegetables filled the table. After eating, Mary and her children scraped plates, saved scraps for animals, and washed the dishes by hand, of course.

Afternoon (1:00–5:00 PM)
Afternoons brought garden work and food preservation, depending on the season. Mary might render lard, can fruit, or stir homemade soap. She sewed clothing from flour sacks and mended garments too valuable to discard.

As a widow, she was also the farm’s business manager. She may have bartered eggs, butter, or produce, kept a ledger, and handled transactions that sustained her family.

Evening (5:00–8:00 PM)
Supper was lighter bread and milk, or maybe cold meat and soup. Afterward, the family gathered by candlelight. They sang hymns, read together, or the older children helped the younger ones with their lessons. Mary checked the barn one last time before nightfall.

Bathing was a shared ritual in a tin washtub, the water reused between siblings and only done a couple of times a week. Finally, with everyone in bed, Mary might have sat by the lamplightda rning socks, writing in a journal, or reading from her Bible.

Night (8:00 PM onward)
Sleep came late and lightly. Mary may have shared her bed with a small child or slept alone, always alert to a child’s cough or an unfamiliar noise outside. Indoor plumbing didn’t exist and chamber pots were a necessity.

Reflections on Resilience
Mary’s world was one of survival but also of strength, structure, and love. She raised her children without a vote, without a pension, and with few rights, yet she gave them something far more enduring: grit, values, and the ability to thrive against the odds.

Her story is not just history. It’s a legacy, passed down through generations. It's a reminder that behind every family tree is a woman who held it all together.  Mary never remarried and lived to the age of 63, having raised eight children who gave her many grandchildren.

The First Stop on a 66-Year Journey: Kingsley, Michigan

I'm picking up my dad’s story right after one of the happiest moments of his life: his wedding to my mom in 1952. This next chapter takes us into their first year of marriage, when they settled into a little house in Kingsley, Michigan, a rural town southeast of Traverse City. It was the first of many years my mother would spend as a coach's wife. This was the first year of what would be 66 years of love.

OUR FIRST MARRIED YEAR 1952-53

     Kingsley was a small town with a Class D school located 18 miles SE of Traverse City. We rented a small, one bedroom house in town.  We have many pleasant memories of our year there; among them sponsoring class parties at the roller rink in Traverse City.  Audrey was an accomplished skater and enjoyed these jaunts very much.  I had to spend most of the time making sure I didn't fall and bust my posterior, but nevertheless it was a lot of fun.  What wasn’t fun was coming home in the winter and finding the oil line to our stove had frozen and before we could get any heat in the house, we had to thaw the line.  The end of the month was shaky many times as we ended up eating soup, beans and whatever else we could come up with as we eagerly awaited payday.

     During the basketball season we usually would get together at our house or one of the teacher’s homes for a social hour following basketball games, usually consisting of beer and light refreshments.  One family we became close friends with was the Bosserdet family.  Bud was a 6^th grade teacher, a big, lovable, jolly, redhead who was a fan of athletics and his wife Betty and 4 kids (3 boys and a girl).  After we left Kingsley at the end of the year, we maintained contact with them for a couple of years and then lost contact.  Bud died at an early age we later found out and discovered Betty had moved to Florida.  After an e-mail or two we have not heard from her since.

        On the athletic front we had a successful year.  In Varsity basketball, we ended up 14-7 with a loss in the semi-finals of the district.  The JV team which I also coached ended up 12-6.  I don’t remember a lot about the baseball season which occurred in the fall, but we ended up somewhere around the .500 mark.  In the spring, I started the first track team Kingsley ever had.  We showed up well in the Central Michigan relays and were cheated out of a first place in the medley relay due to a timing gaffe.  I had one outstanding three sport star Jack Rodes who did very well in the half mile run qualifying for the State finals in that event. February of that year Audrey became pregnant and we both decided it was time to move on.  The Superintendent was a jerk and we just decided we didn’t want to spend the rest of our life in Kingsley.

     I started putting out letters and on a late Saturday, in May, following the school prom the night before; we set out for Deckerville, in the Thumb, for a job interview.  It was completely uncharted territory for both of us.  I checked out a Michigan map and found Deckerville was due east of Saginaw with a road that went across all the way.  Little did I realize it was mostly a gravel road, most of the way, and in spots was so narrow that you had to turn around and seek the nearest driveway so the oncoming traffic could pass. On top of that it was extremely hot coupled with Audrey’s pregnancy and the dust swirled up from the dirt road made it a memorable journey. We finally made it, however, and coming into the West End of Deckerville we were greeted with a less than encouraging view of a grain elevator, a couple of rundown buildings holding a grocery store, and farm machinery store.

     We proceeded to the school to meet with Ace Fleck, the Supt.  He was shocked we came across on what was the Deckerville Road.  Had we gone 6 miles further we could have come all the way across on M46, a two-lane paved highway.   After a brief interview in which he made it a point to say we were not to patronize either one of the two taverns in town as townspeople considered it improper for teachers.  Ace took us to the hospital to meet Doc Blanchard, the President of the school board, and to see Frank Merriman, a prominent farmer, who was treasurer of the Board.  Deckerville was like Kingsley with a slightly bigger school (Class C) and like Kingsley a rural farming area where most of the students were bussed in.  The job was like Kingsley.  I would be teaching Social Studies, Government, History, Civics, and Junior High health.  I would be Head Basketball, Head Track, and Asst. Football which would be my first such assignment.  We left Deckerville and were told they would decide at Monday night’s Board meeting and let me know one way or the other.

     That Monday night Frank Merriman called and offered me the job with a starting salary of $3600.  I told him I would accept and asked him for an extra $100 which would help with moving expenses.  He said that would be no problem and mailed me a $3700 contract. That summer Audrey and I, after saying goodbye to Kingsley, headed to Hazel Park to spend the summer with my mother.  Following an uneventful summer, we packed up our goods and headed for Deckerville in early August; little realizing we would spend 19 years of our married life there and another 9 years in Harbor Beach, 25 miles north of Deckerville.

Genealogy with a Twist: What Did My Ancestors Smell Like?

This image was created by AI software, DALL-E. The visual was designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.

I’ve had fun connecting my family history with my college experience at Western Michigan University. In a past post, I explored how my Watt ancestors’ work in textile mills tied into the textile classes I took for my Home Economics major. This month, I’m tapping into my Health Education minor to tackle a different kind of topic: how my ancestors smelled. Yes, you read that right! This post dives nose-first into the world of historical hygiene, where I explore what my great great grandparents might have smelled like. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t all roses and lavender.

Historical Hygiene: What My Ancestors Probably Smelled Like"

A humorous yet research-based post about historical hygiene practices across different eras in your family.

When we think about our ancestors, we often picture them posed in sepia-toned photographs, dressed in their Sunday best, with solemn expressions and polished shoes. But let’s be honest what did they smell like?

It’s a question we don’t often ask in genealogy, but it opens a fascinating window into the daily lives of our forebears. Hygiene, like everything else, has a history. And chances are, your 19th-century ancestors weren't as fresh as we might like to imagine.

Bathing Once a Week—If That

In many American and European households before indoor plumbing, bathing was a labor-intensive affair. Water had to be hauled, heated over a fire or stove, and poured into a tub, often shared by the whole family. Saturday night was the traditional bath night, and even then, it might have been a quick rinse.

Daily bathing didn’t become common until the late 19th to early 20th century, and even then, it was more likely to be a sponge bath than a full immersion. Soap was used sparingly and was often homemade, harsh, and reserved for hands and faces.

Source: Bushman, Richard L. The Refinement of America: Persons, Houses, Cities. Knopf, 1992.

Toothbrushes, Toothpowder, and Mouth Odor

Toothbrushes weren’t widely available until the mid-1800s, and toothpaste as we know it didn’t exist. People used toothpowder made from charcoal, chalk, salt, or even brick dust. Mouthwash? Not a thing. Halitosis probably ran rampant.

George Washington famously suffered from dental issues and wore dentures made from a combination of ivory, animal bone, and human teeth—a reminder that oral hygiene was rudimentary at best.

Source: National Museum of Dentistry, University of Maryland, www.dentalmuseum.org

The Great Unwashed—Clothing and Laundry

Clothing wasn't washed often. Underclothes like chemises and drawers (if worn) were changed more frequently, but outer garments, wool suits, dresses, coats, might go months without a wash. Instead, they were brushed or aired out.

Laundry day was a weekly ordeal. In rural settings, this meant boiling water outside in a cauldron, scrubbing clothes by hand on a washboard, and line-drying them. The smell of lye soap and wet wool likely hung heavy in many homes.

Source: Strasser, Susan. Never Done: A History of American Housework. Pantheon Books, 1982.

Perfumes, Pomades, and Powder Rooms

To mask odors, both men and women relied on perfumes and scented oils. Pomade was used in hair to control it and add fragrance (or hide grease). In wealthier households, powder rooms weren’t just for makeup. They were meant to help freshen up without full-body washing.

In some places, people believed that water could carry disease into the body through pores. Dry bathing, wiping with cloths and powders, was sometimes preferred to soap and water.

Source: Classen, Constance, et al. The Deepest Sense: A Cultural History of Touch. University of Illinois Press, 2012.

The Nose Knows: Reimagining the Past

So what did your ancestors smell like? The answer might include:

• Smoke from wood stoves

• Sweat from manual labor

• Lye soap or pine tar

• Leather, wool, or unwashed cotton

• Farm animals or coal smoke

• Tooth decay or strong breath

• Rose water or lavender oil (if lucky)

Since most of my ancestors came from agrarian stock, it’s safe to say their daily scent was a blend of hard work and the land itself. The smell of the barn, hay, livestock, manure, and leather, likely clung to their clothes and skin no matter how clean they tried to be. Add to that the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil, sweat from field labor, and the lingering smoke from woodstoves or open fires, and you get a sensory picture of rural life that was anything but sterile. It wasn’t unpleasant to them, it was simply the smell of their daily lives.

Next time you visit an old homestead or archive, take a moment to breathe deeply. You might not smell the past, but you’ll certainly appreciate modern hygiene a bit more.

Sources

1. Bushman, Richard L. The Refinement of America: Persons, Houses, Cities. Knopf, 1992.

2. Strasser, Susan. Never Done: A History of American Housework. Pantheon Books, 1982.

3. Classen, Constance, et al. The Deepest Sense: A Cultural History of Touch. University of Illinois Press, 2012.

4. University of Maryland School of Dentistry, National Museum of Dentistry. www.dentalmuseum.org

Kicking Off the IGGP Conference 2025

Today, I’m heading to Columbus, Ohio, to attend the “Celebrate Your German-Speaking Ancestors” conference, hosted by the Palatines to America German Genealogy Society. This will be my first time attending this biennial event.

First, I want to say thank you to the organizers of this conference. It hasn’t been easy for them. Some members of the International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) board and a few scheduled speakers decided not to travel to the United States due to current travel advisories from Germany.

Additionally, the original conference venue, the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, announced that its renovations and construction won’t be finished in time. Because of this, 15 attendees were offered the option to move their reservations to a nearby Sheraton.

I chose not to be one of them. The Sheraton is two miles away, and I often need a midday break. Plus, I signed up for evening events and didn’t want to deal with traveling back and forth. I’ve missed out in the past by not staying at the main conference hotel, and this time I wanted the full experience.

I’m really looking forward to experiencing the IGGP conference for the first time. I’ve attended FGS and NGS conferences before and always enjoyed them. I love learning new things, exploring the vendor booths, and diving into all things genealogy for three days straight.

Today is a travel day for me. I’ll arrive in Columbus early in the afternoon. On the schedule today is a German Village Bus Tour and a casual get-together for IGGP partners. Tonigth I’ll be able to attend the Welcome Reception. Tomorrow, the sessions begin, with four options to choose from during each time slot.

Check back soon for updates on all the wonderful things I’m experiencing!

Conference Packing List for the Digital Age

How Am I Feeling Today? A Then-and-Now Reflection

My husband had a “How Are You Feeling Today?” poster in his school counseling office, and it showed how I felt before my first genealogy conference. I was nervous and overwhelmed, but also happy, hopeful, and ecstatic to be heading to Springfield, Illinois for my first national genealogy conference. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew it would be exciting. Today, those feelings have shifted. I feel happy and relaxed because I know what lies ahead, and I am hopeful about gaining new knowledge, especially for researching my German connections at the International German Genealogy Partnership (IGGP) Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Fourteen Years Later

After looking at the “How Are You Feeling Today?” poster and reflecting on the emotions I had before my first conference, I decided to revisit my earlier blog posts about preparing for a genealogy conference. Fourteen years later, I reread those posts to see what made it onto my packing list back in 2011. A lot has changed since that first trip, both in how I prepare and what I bring along.

Fourteen years ago, I attended my very first national genealogy conference. I still remember the excitement and the overpacking. I brought a netbook, printed schedules, a CD syllabus, and enough office supplies to outfit a small office. Fast forward to today, and while the thrill of attending a genealogy conference hasn’t changed, how I pack certainly has. Welcome to conference prep in the digital age!

This year, my tablet is my go-to genealogy companion. Instead of lugging around folders or printing the entire syllabus, I simply upload the syllabus to Dropbox and use ezPDF Reader to access it on my tablet. Not only can I highlight key information, but I can also take notes directly on the digital pages. No more sticky notes fluttering away between sessions.

For times when I want to jot down ideas or sketch a quick family tree diagram, I bring along my Rocketbook notebook. It gives me the feel of writing on paper, but with a quick scan, my notes are saved to the cloud. It is lightweight, reusable, and a game-changer for traveling genealogists.

Even in this digital era, some essentials haven't changed. I still bring a tote bag, perfect for collecting goodies from the vendor hall. Those vendor giveaways, sample charts, and irresistible books need a place to go, after all.

Comfortable shoes are still non-negotiable. You will thank yourself after walking between breakout sessions, strolling through exhibit halls, and standing in line for coffee, or in my case tea. I also dress in layers because conference centers love their air conditioning and temperatures can swing from summer heat outside to sweater weather inside.

My cell phone now handles what my camera, GPS, and notebook used to do, all in one pocket-sized device. From snapping quick photos of new products to navigating unfamiliar streets, it is indispensable.

Business cards still come with me, but now I carry two types. One with my personal genealogy blog information, and another promoting my new book. Conferences are a wonderful way to network with fellow genealogists, potential readers, and collaborators.

It is easy to get caught up in tech and sessions, but I never leave my room without a water bottle and a few snacks tucked in my bag. In 2011, almonds were my snack of choice. Now, I bring protein bars instead. Staying hydrated and energized keeps me focused throughout the day.

And of course, do not forget your chargers. Whether it is your tablet, phone, or another device, make sure it can last through a long day at the conference. Include a portable charger, if you have one, in case an outlet is not available when needed.

Packing for a genealogy conference today is more streamlined and efficient than it was back in 2011. I have traded bulk for cloud storage, paper for digital annotation, music cds for Sirius, and added a dash of smart technology to enhance my experience. But at its heart, the conference experience is still about connecting, whether it is with your ancestors, fellow researchers, or new ideas.

Now, if only packing my suitcase were this easy!

From Census to Story: Turning 1950 Census Clues Into Family Narratives

Source: Photograph captured from Google Maps, May 27, 2025

The 1950 U.S. Census is more than just a collection of names and numbers, it's a snapshot of American life and waiting to be rediscovered. In today’s post, I’m taking a closer look at one simple census entry: the household of Winston C. Glover, my  second cousin, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A Visit from the Enumerator

On April 14, 1950, enumerator Narvelle S. Mitchell knocked on the door at 644 Fulton Street SE, a modest home in an urban Grand Rapids neighborhood. It wasn’t a farm or a grand estate, just an ordinary house. But inside lived a family whose story reflects the era's everyday experiences.

Here’s what the census tells us:

• Winston C. Glover, age 49, born in Illinois, head of household, married

• Margaret L. Glover, age 43, born in Michigan, his wife

• Mary Lynn Glover, age 16, born in Michigan, their daughter

Interestingly, none of the family members had occupations, hours worked, or income listed. At first glance, that might seem like a gap, but it actually opens a window for further research. Winston could have been between jobs, informally employed, or possibly retired early. Margaret may have been a homemaker, like many women in the post-war years, managing the household and raising their daughter.

Asking the Next Questions

Census records are great starting points—but they rarely tell the whole story. They spark questions like:

• What brought Winston from Illinois to Michigan?

• What kind of work did he do before 1950?

• What was life like for Mary Lynn as a teenager in Grand Rapids?

To dig deeper, sources like local directories, draft registration cards, school records, city maps, and yearbooks can offer more insight. A 1950 city directory might list Winston’s employer except Grand Rapids didn't have a city directory for 1950, but they had a 1949 and a 1951 one. Winston was listed as a salesman in both of those years.

A high school yearbook could show where Mary Lynn went to school and even what clubs she joined. A visit to the Grand Rapids City Archives, using Sanborn Maps,or school yearbooks at the Library of Michigan might help me find the answers to these questions and more. 

A Snapshot of a Changing America

Though brief, the Glover family’s census entry tells a very human story. They were part of a city growing rapidly after World War II, raising a daughter in a neighborhood shaped by change, transition, and hope for the future.

This small glimpse into their lives reminds us that every census line is more than just data. Behind it are real people, people who worked, laughed, dreamed, and left behind just enough clues for us to follow.

I haven't research this collateral line much. I have lots of records to explore to get the complete picture of one family in my Glover line.

AI Disclosures

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at CPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. AI was used for headings, grammar, and spelling editing.

Before Playlists: The Music My Parents Fell in Love To

During a recent visit to my mom’s independent living facility, she told me about a "Name That Tune" game held at her residence. She had listened from the second-floor balcony, choosing not to go down and participate, but she recognized many of the songs. It was more than just a game—it was a walk down memory lane. As I sat there smiling, imagining my mom tapping her fingers to the beat, I began to wonder: What songs were playing on the radio when she and my dad were falling in love?

My parents met in 1950 and married in 1952. It was an era of slow dancing at community halls, evenings spent around the radio, and the occasional night out at a local bar with live entertainment. Today, young couples might create a custom playlist on Spotify to remember the early days of their relationship, but back then, the music came from jukeboxes, record players, and the evening radio shows that filled American homes.

My dad and mom loved music their entire life. My parents had a deep appreciation for big band swing. Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey were some of their favorites. As my dad grew older, his musical taste shifted toward country, and his record collection followed suit. My mom's music taste lended itself to more of the standards. She enjoyed Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, and Al Martino. There was always music in our home. I remember watching Hee Haw and The Lawrence Welk Show together as a family, sometimes reluctantly. But those shows were more than entertainment, they were part of our lives.

Their love of music was handed down to me. I grieved the loss of LPs, only to see them make a comeback. Today, I use Amazon Alexa to play my favorites or stream music on iTunes from my computer. I enjoy the music of the late 60s and early 70s, before disco and auto-tuning.

Thinking about those early years of my parents’ romance, I created a playlist of songs that would have been playing when they were dating. These are the tunes that would’ve filled the airwaves between 1950 and 1952, perfect for dancing cheek-to-cheek, driving on a summer evening, or simply sitting side by side, dreaming of the future.

The Soundtrack of Their Love: A 1950–1952 Playlist

1950

• Mona Lisa – Nat King Cole

• Sentimental Me – The Ames Brothers

• Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered – Doris Day

• Harbor Lights – Sammy Kaye Orchestra

• La Vie En Rose – Edith Piaf

1951

• Because of You – Tony Bennett

• Too Young – Nat King Cole

• Unforgettable – Nat King Cole

• How High the Moon – Les Paul & Mary Ford

• Cold, Cold Heart – Hank Williams

1952

• You Belong to Me – Jo Stafford

• Wheel of Fortune – Kay Starr

• Blue Tango – Leroy Anderson

• Here in My Heart – Al Martino

• Anytime – Eddie Fisher

This playlist is my tribute to the soundtrack of my parents’ love story, songs that might have played at their favorite dance hall, drifted through the open windows of a parked car, or been heard while slow dancing in the living room. They didn’t need streaming services or curated digital playlists; they had each other, and the music of the moment was more than enough.

Do you know what songs your parents or grandparents fell in love to? It’s a beautiful journey to explore and you might just find yourself dancing along the way.

AI Disclosures

The image used on this blog post was created by AI software, DALL-E. The visual was designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at CPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. AI was used for  grammar and spelling editing.

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence for the creation of a list of hit songs from 1950-1952. I selected five titles and artists for each year.

GPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one and edited to enhance the blog experience.

From Colonial America to Medieval England: Daniel Poor and the Possible Bishop Connection

 

Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire, England 

photograph from Creative Commons CC by 2.0 Deed, Attribution 2.0 Generic

During a recent trip to Europe I saw a few cathedrals. I was in awe of the history and architecture of these cathedrals. Although I didn't see Salisbury Cathedral, I was interested in it because of my possible family connection to it. 

Salisbury Cathedral has a long history in England. The main body of the cathedral was constructed between 1220-1258 A.D. and the spire completed in 1320 A.D. Salisbury Cathedral is the location of one of the remaining original Magna Cartas.

My possible relationship to the cathedral traces back to Bishop Richard Poore (Poor), who was instrumental in the cathedral's founding. Through mainly secondary sources, including family histories, a cousin's genealogical research, and my own United States research, I've established Poor ancestry. But does it connect to Bishop Richard Poore of Salisbury? Further research with primary sources needs to be conducted to prove this.

The materials I’ve found so far are not thoroughly sourced, and I want to be cautious about presenting any conclusions.. The history of Salisbury Cathedral is available online at the Salisbury Cathedral website and it is a good place to learn more about the site's significance.

I’ve also consulted the "East Wind, West Wind" family history published on Genealogy.com. While it offers useful clues, it lacks direct source citations. The site includes a bibliography, but a front-page disclaimer notes, “Some portions are fictionalized for reader interest.” As such, it should be used with caution and as a starting point but not a definitive source.

You might wonder why I’m sharing this now, even though I haven’t found conclusive proof. It’s because of the genealogical concept of the preponderance of evidence, the process of collecting multiple records that, while individually insufficient, together strongly suggest the likelihood of an event or relationship. This approach becomes essential when primary records are missing, as often happens the further we go back in time. Secondary and tertiary sources, when carefully weighed and analyzed, can form the foundation for building a well-supported genealogical case.

It’s also important to avoid being misled by repeated information that stems from a single source. For example, if one researcher publishes birth data, a second cites that in a book, and a third posts it online, it may seem like independent confirmations, but all rely on the same original source. Such circular citations can give a false sense of reliability. Always verify the origin of each record and evaluate its credibility before accepting it as fact.

This is where I am with my Poor family. I feel confident tracing my research to Daniel Poor (1624-1698), who arrived on the Bevis from Southampton in 1638 as a servant to Richard Dummer.  His sister, Alice, 20 and brother Samuel, 18 were on the same ship.  He is listed on passenger list as "Da'yell Poore."

Complicating things further is the spelling of his surname: Poor, Poore, Poer, and more, all of which have been found in records. I am sharing this information in hopes of connecting with other Poor researchers. At this point, I do not have the preponderance of evidence necessary to confidently record Daniel Poor’s parentage, but I remain hopeful that collaboration and further investigation will help fill in the gaps. 

Genealogical research is often a long and winding journey, especially when exploring centuries-old connections. While I haven’t yet verified a direct link to Bishop Richard Poore of Salisbury, I believe in the value of sharing research-in-progress. It invites collaboration, fresh insights, and perhaps even the discovery of that one missing piece of evidence. If you’re also researching the Poor family or have come across similar records, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we might be able to shed more light on this interesting family story.

AI Disclosures

GPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one with edits to enhance the blog experience.

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at CPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. the AI was used for grammar and spelling editing.

Coming Soon: "Fort Custer in the World Wars" Hits Shelves July 15!

A Leap of Faith

I am a little over 40 days away from the publication of my book, Fort Custer in the World Wars! This has been a huge leap of faith for me. Although I have written my blog for 15 years, I never considered myself an author. Now, I can say that I am.

From Idea to Action

The book was conceived years ago while I was volunteering with my friend, Jan Gay, to organize the Fort Custer library. After organizing the library, we discovered boxes of photographs that needed attention. Initially, we weren’t going to organize the photograph room, but decided to at least sort the photos by time period, a challenge for us baby boomers! Once sorted, Jan retired, and I decided to digitize the photos. I ended up digitizing over 2,000 images! It seemed a shame not to share them with the public.

Pitching the Book

I presented the idea of creating an Images of America book on Fort Custer to the Fort Custer Historical Society board, and they were very supportive. With their blessing, I contacted Arcadia Publishing, the publisher of the series. I pitched my idea and they agreed. That was the beginning of countless hours selecting photographs, obtaining copyright permissions, organizing chapters, researching Fort Custer’s history, writing chapter introductions, and describing each image.

Photo Selection and Support

The book includes 200 historic photographs, the maximum allowed. Narrowing down the collection wasn’t easy. Some images, like those from Getty, were cost-prohibitive. Thankfully, my son-in-law, Chase Agnello-Dean, a professional photographer for the Chicago Blackhawks, helped me navigate copyright concerns. He patiently answered questions like when I asked if 'RTO' was a photographic company (it actually means 'Return to Owner').

Digging Deeper for Images

Many photographs were in the public domain, taken by government entities. I researched images at the Library of Congress and the National Archives. I even needed a few more photographs because some existing ones lacked the quality required for print. One such photo, which I really wanted to use, was solved when I found an 11x17 copy hanging in Fort Custer's museum. I had it professionally scanned and included it in the book.

Chapter Development

With hundreds of photos selected, I began organizing them into categories that later became the book’s chapters. Initially, the titles were basic, but I refined them as I wrote the chapter introductions. Here are the final chapter titles with explanation :

The Formation of Camp Custer (Establishment, Training, Divisions, Buildings)

Citizen Training Between the Wars (Civilian Conservation Corps, CMTC)

The Growth of Fort Custer (Divisions, Training, Buildings)

Everyday Life at Fort Custer (Barracks, Social, Off Duty, Recreation)

The German Prisoner of War Experience (at Fort Custer) (Daily Life, Recreation, Funerals)

Healing Heroes at Fort Custer Hospitals (Buildings, Personnel, Equipment)

Legacy and Preservation (Museum, Library, VA Hospital, National Cemetery)

Cover and Proofs

I selected ten photographs for cover consideration, but Arcadia makes the final decision. Seeing the first proof with my name on the cover was both humbling and exciting.

A Learning Experience

Organizing the chapters and writing the content taught me so much. I researched thoroughly to avoid errors. Five proofreaders with military backgrounds reviewed it, and my college roommate, an English major, helped with grammar and style. Their feedback was invaluable. The book contains over 17,000 words.

A Labor of Love

Seeing the book proof with chapter layouts and captions was thrilling. It meant I was close to publishing. I even had to consult the Chicago Manual of Style, which I had never used before. I learned how to properly reference military divisions and titles, among other things. Despite the occasional stress, I enjoyed the process. I love researching and, once started, enjoy writing too.

Publication and Purpose

Fort Custer in the World Wars will be available on July 15! It’s available for pre-sale at national retailers, but I hope you will support your local bookstores. I’ll be sharing more about the book and Fort Custer in upcoming posts. A launch party is being planned and I will post details once finalized.

Oh, and the most important part—all proceeds from the book go to the Fort Custer Historical Society. I volunteered to write the book for them. FCHS relies solely on donations and memberships for funding. I hope the book is a great success.

Remembering the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchards and My Family Connection to It

Image created by AI software, DALL-E. The visual was designed with author prompts to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience. 

At the intersection of U.S. 31 and M-22 in Manistee County today, you will find the Little River Casino Resort. But before the casino and modern development, that stretch of land was home to a thriving agricultural enterprise that was important to  the areas fruit farming industry. This was the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard Company, once one of the largest orchards in northern Lower Michigan.

The story of the orchard began in 1940 when two local businessmen, Jebavy and Sorenson, purchased the Manistee Orchard Company from the Graham family. At the time, the orchard covered 550 acres and was already known for its fertile location and productive yields. After the purchase, the name was changed to the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard Company. With new leadership and vision, the orchard began to expand and modernize.

The mid-20th century was a significant period for agriculture in Michigan. The state had become one of the nation's leaders in fruit production, especially apples and cherries. Technological advancements, improved cold storage methods, and the rise of large-scale processing allowed orchards like Jebavy-Sorenson to thrive. These developments helped meet the growing demand for both fresh and processed fruit throughout the country.

By 1979, just before it was sold, the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard had grown to 900 acres. Its facilities were impressive for the time. The orchard featured cold storage space for 150,000 bushels of apples and freezer capacity for 350 million pounds of fruit. A processing plant on site handled sweet and sour cherries, blueberries, applesauce, and both frozen and sliced apples. Gross sales exceeded $4 million annually, making the orchard not just a local business but a regional powerhouse in fruit production.

The photograph of the Walter and Lola (Fredricks) Brown home on Jebavy Road at the top of a hill overlooking the acres of fruit trees, date unknown.

Courtesy of Bertha Brown Asiala family photograph collection.

This orchard is a part of my family’s story. My uncle, Walter Brown, managed the operation for many years. He lived on Jebavy Road in a house that overlooked the orchard, giving him a front-row seat to the changing seasons, the labor of harvest time, and the steady growth of the business. 

Uncle Walter and Aunt Lola lived in the house within the orchard for many years, remaining there until his passing in 1977. Their son, Walter Jr., known as “Freddy,” also worked at the orchard for a time.

Uncle Walter in 1963 with some of his nieces and nephews on the Fredricks side. Can you spot me? I was 5 at the time. Photograph courtesy of my cousin, Katherine Fredricks, from her family collection.

My Uncle Walter really was the heart of the orchard. As manager, he kept things running day in and day out. He planned the growing seasons, watched over the trees, and knew just when it was time to harvest. He worked closely with the crew, many of whom returned year after year, and everyone respected him. I remember him as someone who didn’t say a lot, but he always knew what needed to be done and he did it without fuss.

Farming in the 1950s and 1960s was changing fast, and Uncle Walter kept up with it. He oversaw everything from the storage buildings to the processing of apples and cherries. He kept detailed notes, scheduled the spraying and pruning, and made sure the equipment was ready to go. I still picture him walking the orchard road in the early morning, checking on the trees with a quiet focus. It was hard work, but he loved it and it showed in how well the orchard thrived under his care.

Today, the land where the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard once thrived lies quiet and dormant. Now owned by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the orchard is no longer accessible to the public, with the road gated off. What remains is a bittersweet sight with rows of trees left untended, many of them lifeless, or cleared land, a remembrance of what was once a vibrant and bustling agricultural hub.

Although the orchard no longer exists in its former condition, the Jebavy-Sorenson Orchard Company is remembered through the stories of those who worked there and the many who visited. Its roots run deep in Manistee County, Michigan. For those of us with family ties to the orchard, it holds a special place in our hearts,  including me. I still remember bringing home bushels of apples and lugs of cherries from our visits.

AI Disclosures

This blog post used the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at CPT4o. While the content reflects my ideas, writing, and research. the AI was used for grammar and spelling editing.

ChatGPT4o suggested blog post titles based upon my writing and ideas and I selected the one with edits to enhance the blog experience.

The image used on this blog post was created by AI software, DALL-E at ChatGPT4o. The visual was designed using prompts written by the author. The visual was designed to complement the content and enhance the reader's experience.