Here we are again at the end of a year - time for me to post my Top 10 Genealogical Finds for 2021. Once again I don't feel that I've been too productive but I just keep plugging away. So in my best David Letterman voice, I give you my Top 10 Genealogical Finds for 2021.
Number 10: The original post was from 2020 Large - Marks Schwartz but I received some follow up information in 2021. I was hoping to identify these two photos in the hope that they might be Marks.
I contacted the Photo Genealogist (www.sherlockcohn.com) and I sent her photos, information, and anything else I had related to the family. She analyzed everything, researched, studied and did her magic to conclude that these two boys were not Marks but his brother, Colman.
Colman Schwartz, 1890, age 5
If you want/need photos identified, I encourage you to get in touch with Ava for assistance. She is very busy so you'll need to be patient but it is so worth it.
Number 9: In the Kitchen I was glad to finally document my mother's 'famous' Tamale Pie. I realize it's only famous to my siblings and me but someday, maybe someone will find the recipe and make it famous again.
Number 8: Dick Crawford was a very special friend to my grandfather, Sig Levy, and I was thrilled to be able to learn more about him. I don't remember ever meeting Dick Crawford or even hearing about him but I'm glad that he's now been "found" (at least in my blog).
Number 7: With the exception of one decade, my dad spent his entire career working for Dean Witter. Sure the name changed over the years and today is known as Morgan Stanley but he stuck with them until his death. I'm glad I was able to find his scrapbook/album and learn more about his time there.
Number 6: After some anxious moments, we found a photo of my husband's great grandfather, Winfield Scott Byrd. And as luck would have it, we found ourselves driving through Pocatello, Idaho on a road trip this fall which is where Winfield (and many other ancestors) is buried. We were happy to have been able to stop and pay our respects.
Mountain View Cemetery, Pocatello, Idaho
Number 5: I discovered a photo and learned a lot about the 1902 class of Fresno Grammar School and it really gave me a sense of what life was like for my grandfather.
Number 4: Connecting with people is one of the greatest gifts of blogging. This year I met two New Friends and was able to obtain a copy of a book that features the home of my grandparents which they owned for nearly 50 years.
Number 3: I'd procrastinated for years getting my blog put into print and am happy to say that I accomplished it this year. Once I found a platform to use and figured things out, it was actually sort of fun to put these together. In fact, now I'm putting the book together as I blog so that when I finish this post, I'll add it and get the book ordered. Preservation - Blog Books
Number 2: Who knew Mrs. Gunzendorfer made a Nut Cake? It wasn't an actual cousin that I baited but with a name like Gunzendorfer, it's not hard to "hook" others who know the name. I'm so thankful that George connected me with Ann - hey, another new friend!
Number 1: This year has helped me learn so much about my dad's time in the Army, particularly when he spent time in Germany in 1946. I'd always wondered how it was that he found himself at the War Trials and after transcribing all of his letters, I learned about that time and his feelings about seeing the Dachau camp. I only wish he were here so we could talk about - I bet I'd learn even more.
I've started putting together a book with his letters and accompanying photos. It's going to be a long ride but I'm happy to have the opportunity to document it in one more way. Hopefully, that will be my top genealogical find in 2022. I think I'll incorporate this photo, with his caption, in the title. Watch for a best seller!
While it hasn't been a full year of discoveries, I do feel like I've made some headway with some of my projects. On to 2022!
That photo of your dad and his caption need to be the cover of the book.
ReplyDeleteI’m patting myself on the back for remembering most of these big finds. You had a great year. On to 2022!
That's EXACTLY what I'm thinking. Twinning! :-)
DeleteIt's been fun following your blog and now remembering most if not all of these top ten. I am so glad that Ava was able to help you. She is definitely worth the wait. I look forward to what you find in 2022.
ReplyDeleteShe IS worth the wait! She provides such knowledgeable analysis and detailed summary. All the best to you in 2022!
Delete