The Gift of an Autobiography: 5th and 6th Grade in the 1930's

I'll continue sharing my dad's words with his fifth and sixth grade remembrances.

Modern Day Hoover School, Hazel Park, Michigan

Photographed by Brenda Leyndyke

We had an elementary softball league composed of five or six of the elementary schools in Hazel Park and I remember I was the pitcher for Hoover School, my team in both 5^th and 6^th grades.  I don’t remember much about the number of wins or losses in those days; winning had none of the importance attached to it today.  Playing and participating for the sheer enjoyment was uppermost in my mind.  My mom would get so mad, many a night during the summers, because I was playing in an empty field down the street and forgot to get home for supper on time.  In those days we would play choose up with 3 batters and rest of players in field.  Batters would bat until they made an out.  If runners on first and second, the runner on second had to score if batter got on base or he would be out at home.  If batter flied out to LF he would trade places with the LF.  If he made an out at first, he would go out to right field and fielders would move around with C going to Bat P moving to C and I B moving to P etc.  There were no scores kept, no winners, and no losers.  Just a lot of batting and fielding and I don’t ever remember an argument even.

   1930 Navin Field, Detroit, Michigan

Credit: Flickr and Creative Commons

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

My dad found the box score of his first Detroit Tiger game.

2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

During my elementary school days, I remember as if it was yesterday.  Uncle Art took me to my first Major League baseball game in 1933, at the age of 8, in old Navin Field, then the home of the Detroit Tigers.  The opponent was the hated Yankees; Lefty Gomez was on the mound for the Yankees and General Alvin Crowder for the Tigers.  Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig among others played for the Yankees and Hank Greenberg and Charley Gehringer played for the Tigers.  Detroit won 3-2 in the 10^th inning when they pulled a delayed double steal with runners on 1^st and 3^rd.  The runner at first broke for second and the throw down had him beat so he stopped and when shortstop started to run him back to first, the runner on 3^rd broke for home and beat the belated throw to the plate.

       Another memory of my years at Hoover was when I was in the school play and played the part of the King in the play.  The queen was played by a fifth-grade girl named Connie Hale and looking back I guess this was first time I was ever aware of the opposite sex and developed a “crush” on her but was too bashful to do anything about it.  I do remember occasionally riding by her house to see if I could get a glimpse of her.  After graduating from Hoover, and although she was only a grade behind me, I don’t ever remember seeing her again.

I transcribe these posts as my dad had written and he isn't here to answer my questions. I don't fact check. These are his memories. I was wondering if Hazel Park had five or six elementary schools in Hazel Park at this time.

Book Review-Not All is Changed A Life History of Hingham

Previously, I wrote about researching at Talbot's in Hingham, Massachusetts. I mentioned a book that was recommended to me, Not All is Changed-A Life History of Hingham. I mentioned that I had it on my list for the next time I went to Allen County Genealogy Center.

I was thinking I wonder how much a used copy would cost. I buy a lot of used books for my genealogy library and this one would be a terrific addition. I checked Better World Books, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. I found a used copy-like new at Amazon for $7. It said it might have a slight wear on the cover. 

I bought the used copy, and I didn't see the wear they were talking about, it is almost pristine condition. Of course, the first thing I looked at was the index. I looked for the surnames of Beal, Fearing, Hobart, and Hersey. All four surnames had numerous pages of family information. I haven't even gotten to them all.

When I get a book like this the first thing I do is check the index. Next, I check those pages for family information. Then I start at the beginning and read the book. I may not read every page of the book, but I read about the early history and the times my ancestors lived there.

Lorena Laing Hart and Francis Russell Hart have written an excellent Hingham history book. It concentrates on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries but also explores Hingham's colonial history. The authors used Hingham's archives and oral histories in their research for the book. Photographs, artwork, and maps are included in the 1993 edition.

In other book reviews I have shared the chapters and highlights, but this book is 509 pages plus maps. The years of the maps are 1857, 1879, 1903, and 1936. I especially like the line drawing collage by Barbara Menzies showing the ancient houses and buildings. The homes and buildings are numbered with a key on the facing page showing the address, person or business name, and year.

The book is divided into parts with chapters in each part. Part One is the early history. Part Two is the years 1865-1896. Part Three covers the years 897-1928 and Part Four 1929-1970. Included are lists of illustrations and maps, which are plentiful. Notes, bibliography, and an index complete the book.

This is a comprehensive historical accounting of Hingham, Massachusetts. Quality sources are cited. I look at the sources for further reading.

I am thankful to Hingham Historical Society's archivist Michael Achille for pulling Not All is Changed-A Life History of Hingham book. If you have Hingham Massachusetts family history this is the book for you.

 My early Hingham ancestors are:

John Beal and Nazareth Hobart

Caleb Beal Sr. and Elizabeth Huet

Josiah Beal and Rachel Hersey

Seth Beal and Abigail Clark

John Fearing and Margaret Hawks

James Hersey and Mary Fearing

William Hersey and Elizabeth

Edmund Hobart and second wife, Margaret Dewey

Rev. Peter Hobart and Elizabeth

John Mayo and Hannah Freeman

Premature Male Child-Infant Death

Source: "Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1946, Index and Images, Michiganology, michiganology.org: accessed 13 May 2022, Premature male child, death certificate state no. 51 331, 30 May 1923; Michigan Department of Community Health, Lansing

It was not unheard of in times past for mothers to give birth to numerous children. Not all children survived to adulthood. The reasons for twentieth century infant deaths included: lack of good prenatal care, low birth rate, maternal illness, congenital malformations, malnutrition, and infectious diseases to name a few.

In 1923, a death certificate was issued for a Premature Male Child. I don't know if this baby was given a name or not, but it was the baby of Maggie and Harry Klingelsmith, my great aunt and uncle. Baby Klingelsmith was born and died on 30 May 1923 in Dickson Township, Manistee, Michigan.

The cause of death was premature death at six and a half months caused by measles on the part of the mother. Poor Aunt Maggie had the measles and lost her baby. Aunt Maggie had three other children ages 2, 4, and 6. I wonder if any of the children had the measles.

The measle vaccine wasn’t available until 1963. I remember having the measles and getting the vaccine. Vaccines saves lives. Today, they have a MMR titer blood test to check for measles, mumps, and rubella immunity. Even though I had all three of those childhood diseases, the MMR titer test showed I was not immune. I found this out after I gave birth to Travis. I was immunized at that time. 

Aunt Maggie didn't have the advantage of a MMR titer or a vaccine. I am sure Premature Male Child wasn't the only child whose mother got the measles in the past. I'm sorry Aunt Maggie had to grieve the loss of her only son. I remember Aunt Maggie as a genuinely nice woman. She was my grandmother's sister and when we would visit Grandma Fredricks, she would pop in to say hi. Maggie did have one more child one year later in May of 1924.

The four children of Harry and Maggie Klingelsmith were Doris, Ernestine, Rachel, and Margaret.

World War I Draft Registration of Chas. George Zobel

 Source: "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," [database on-line], Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 June 2014), entry for Chas. George Zobel Registration Number 82; United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. 

I like World War I draft registrations for the information it provides about the person. I have used this information to further my research. 

Chas. George Zobel is my second cousin, once removed. One might wonder what I could gain from so distant a relative. The Zobel family has been a great source of information for my Fredrich family. Chas. grandmother, Henriette Fredrich Zobel, is the sister to my great grandfather, Johan August Fredrich. It was through Henriette that I found her and J. August's parents.

The above draft registration provides clues to learn more about Chas. I learned that in 1917 he was employed by MSC,State Michigan, Lansing, Michigan. I believe MSC was Michigan State College. I could look for further information there.

Also, he spent three months in the Michigan National Guard. Another line of research for me.

I learned about Chas's hammer toes that prevented him from serving at the time. I have never found any military records for Chas. and do not think he ever served.

World War I draft registrations are easy to find. Don't overlook them in your research. You never know what you might find.

Archives of Michigan Holds Genealogy Seminar

Every July the Archives of Michigan hosts a great genealogical educational experience. The dates this year are Friday, and Saturday, July 8th and 9th.

The Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar, co-sponsored with the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council, will be a hybrid experience this year meaning it will be held virtually and in-person. Dr. David McDonald will be the featured speaker this year. Dr. McDonald's presentations include:

• Polly's Family: From New England to the Plains & Beyond
• Lutherpalians & Presbygationalists: Where Did Grandma's Census Church Go? 
• Research in the Old Northwest Territory

Dr. McDonald is a certified genealogist (CG) with more than 45 years of research experience. He has taught at both institutes, SLIG and GRIP, as well as numerous national conferences. Dr. McDonald's complete bio can be found here.

Other speakers and their topics include

• Annakathryn Welch, Archive of Michigan-Anatomy of Coroners Records 
• Daniel Earl, Professional researcher-Ancestors in Context: Putting History in Your Family History
• Kris Rzepczynski, Archives of Michigan-Discoveries in the 1950 Census 
• Judy Nimer Muhn, Professional researcher-No Dead Ends: Finding Your Way Through Family Roadblocks
• Jessica Trotter, Researcher and Blogger-Occupational Records: Finding Work Related Paper Trails
• Chelsea Heisler, Librarian at Marshall (MI) District Library-Bringing History to Life: Engaging with Your Community through Local History and Family Stories
• Matt Pacer, Library of Michigan-Library of Congress Digital Collections for Michigan Researchers

And if that is not enough attendees will be treated to an Archives of Michigan tour with Mark Harvey, State Archivist.

I bet you are asking how much this is going to cost. The cost for the two-day seminar with all the programs listed above is just $45, for either in-person or virtual! I will be going, will you?

For more information, including registration, go to either the Michigan Genealogical Council's or the Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar page at the Michigan.gov website. Registration deadline is July 6.

Obituary of Albert Guhse

FORMER LOCAL MAN IS DEAD

Albert Guhse, former Manistee resident, died Friday evening at the American Legion hospital in Battle Creek.  He was 52 years old.

Mr. Guhse was born in Manistee on May 26, 1892.  When he was about 25 he left to make his home in Ludington.  Later returning to Manistee to work as a plumber for the firm of Lloyd & Smith before moving to Bay City.  He had been confined in the hospital for the last year.  

Surviving are two children, Irene and Gilbert.

The body was brought here this noon and funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Bradford funeral home.  Burial will be in Oak Grove cemetery.

Source: Manistee News Advocate, (Manistee, Michigan), 1 May 1944, page 3; column 7 & 8, microfilm owned by; Library of Michigan, Lansing, Michigan.

My notes about the obituary. The obituary was published in the Manistee News Advocate, Manistee, Michigan. Albert Guhse died in Battle Creek, Michigan. Prior to his illness he lived in Bay City, Michigan.

He died at the American Legion Hospital of tuberculosis. The American Legion Hospital was originally the Roosevelt Community Center. It was built during World War I at Camp Custer, now Fort Custer. In 1921, it became the American Legion Hospital serving mostly tuberculosis patients. It has since been torn down. An article about the hospital can be found here.

The body was brought to Manistee and burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery, Manistee, Michigan.

Where is the French Heritage Corridor?

Credit: Wikipedia Commons-Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

Did you know that a French Heritage Corridor (FHC) is being developed? I learned about the FHC in the Spring 2022 Edition of the Michigan Genealogical Council Newsletter. The newsletter is available on the front page of the MGC's website and is free for anyone to view. The article about the French Heritage Corridor is on page 12.

The French Heritage Corridor is a creation of the French Heritage Society (FHS) Chicago Chapter. According to their website, "the mission of the non-profit FHS is to promote l’amitié between the United States and France; to raise funds for restoration projects in France and the United States; and to provide educational exchange and internship opportunities for university students in France and the U.S." 

The Chicago chapter's emphasis is on the following Midwest states-Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The FHC initiative will focus on these states as well.

Michigan will be part of this initiative and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this project. Seven Michigan organizations have expressed an interest in the project. Hopefully, more Michigan organizations will come on board as more is learned about the FHC. The seven organizations are:

 Alliance Française de Kalamazoo French-Canadian Heritage Society of Michigan

 Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project

 Joseph L. Peyser Endowment for the Study of New France

 Mackinac State Historic Parks 

 Monroe County Museum System 

 Niles History Center (Fort St. Joseph Museum)

 River Raisin National Battlefield Park

French Canadian ancestry is a big part of Michigan's history. The French Heritage Corridor will celebrate this history for all to explore.

If you would like more information, check out the following:

1. Michigan Genealogical Council Spring 2022 Newsletter

2. Kankakee Daily Journal

3. French Canadian Heritage Corridor .pdf

My May Ancestor's Celebrations

and

                                         

The first of the month is a good time to share anniversaries of births and marriages from my family tree. Below is the list of people and their anniversaries. No living people are included in my list.

1 May 1666	Aaron ROWLEY (356)
1 May 1787	Jacob MAUST (235)
1 May 1822	Elizabeth MAUST (200)
1 May 1830	Samuel J. LIVENGOOD (192)
2 May 1917	Donald Leroy GRAF (105)
3 May 1710	Seth BEAL (312)
4 May 1917	Mary Louise FENN (105)
6 May 1660	Hannah POOR (362)
6 May 1858	Mary MAY (164)
6 May 1883	Harry GLOVER (139)
6 May 1924	Margaret May KLINGELSMITH (98)
8 May 1823	David Samuel MAST (199)
8 May 1875	Johann August FREDRICK and Louise Fredrike ZASTROW (147)
8 May 1938	Carl Henry TRITTEN and Kathryn Louise FREDRICK (84)
10 May 1691	John MAYO (331)
10 May 1728	Simeon ROWLEY (294)
10 May 1864	Christina Sophia WATT (158)
10 May 1866	James F. SHAW and Estella J. FENN (156)
10 May 1910	John Richard WATT and Agnes Pauline ANDERSON (112)
11 May 1606	Constance HOPKINS (416)
11 May 1923	Hilda Marie GRAF (99)
12 May 1882	Frank H. GLOVER and Hattie Lodema FENN (140)
13 May 1604	Elizabeth HOPKINS (418)
13 May 1836	Samuel Stillman GLOVER Jr (186)
14 May 1667	Hans Georg ARTZ (355)
14 May 1697	Matthias PUFFER and Mary SPURR (325)
14 May 1730	Rev. Peter LIVENGOOD (292)
14 May 1779	Johann Peter GRAF (243)
15 May 1866	Louis Baird GLOVER (156)
16 May 1881	Sophia WATT (141)
16 May 1883	David WATT and Catherine MCGEE (139)
17 May 1770	Elizabeth STEWART (252)
17 May 1941	Claude Raymond GLOVER and Edythe Sarasin BOOKER (81)
18 May 1600	Peter MAST (422)
18 May 1827	Sarah Salisbury GLOVER (195)
19 May 1680	Hannah MILBOURN (342)
19 May 1864	Mary Jane GLOVER (158)
19 May 1934	Leslie KASKINEN (88)
20 May 1763	Joseph MAUST (259)
20 May 1783	Ann Matelda Nancy BOWLES (239)
20 May 1864	Anna B. YUNGBLUTH (158)
20 May 1871	Sarah Winnifred GLOVER (151)
20 May 1925	Richard Lewis FREDRICK (97)
21 May 1632	Ralph SHEPARD and Thankslord PERKINS (390)
21 May 1684	Edward CLARK (338)
21 May 1702	Abigail CLARK (320)
21 May 1840	Vinera Josephine GLOVER (182)
21 May 1908	Dorothy June WEBER (114)
21 May 1931	Jack TRITTEN (91)
22 May 1881	Jacob GRAF and Sarah Catherine LARRISON (141)
22 May 1899	Jean GIBSON (123)
23 May 1667	Stephen HOPKINS and Mary MERRICK (355)
23 May 1924	Wayne Everett JOHNSON (98)
23 May 1962	Gregory Todd FREDRICK (60)
24 May 1801	John Christian LIVENGOOD (221)
24 May 1835	Richard Mackey WAMSLEY (187)
25 May 1837	Daniel W. GLOVER (185)
26 May 1840	Heinrich "Henry" GRAF (182)
26 May 1892	Albert GUHSE (130)
26 May 1915	Fred TRITTEN (107)
28 May 1954	Norman KURTH (68)
30 May 1923	Infant Son KLINGELSMITH (99)
31 May 1701	Nathan CLARK and Jemima JEWITT (321)
31 May 1781	Paul PIXLEY and Sylvia PHILIPPS (241)
31 May 1788	William Augustus BEGOLE (234)
31 May 1801	Amelia "Milla" GLOVER (221)
31 May 1801	Polly "Mary" GLOVER (221)
31 May 1921	Rachel Leona KLINGELSMITH (101)