Top 10 Genealogical Finds of 2021

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.

You can read my previous year's discoveries here: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2012.5 2011

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!

52 Ancestors: Lines - Telegrams

This weeks' blog prompt brought to mind telegrams, where someone could send a few lines of important information to their loved ones.  You might say that today's telegrams are known as texts. 

My family left a lot of telegrams for me to ponder.  During the courtship of my paternal grandparents, Sig Levy and Loraine Gunzendorfer, Sig spent time preparing for war in 1918 and wrote to Loraine about what was going on with those preparations.  And, of course, he sent a few telegrams along the way.  Loraine kept a scrapbook during those times and fortunately for me, kept a lot (was it all?) of those telegrams.  You can read about them HERE.  

They've clearly seen better days!

It was fun to see the things that Sig found important enough to drop her a line with the information.  Such sad news when he said that his father, Herman Levy, had passed away....

March 6, 1918

But then there was happy news when the war was over......

November 12, 1918

Loraine's brother, Wilt Gunzendorfer, sent a telegram to my dad on his 1st birthday.  The problem with telegrams was that you were unable to proof before it was sent so Wilt was changed to Will.

My dad sent a few telegrams home telling his parents when he was moving from one base to another.

I wonder what the present was?

I love that he added "tell Gerry" (that was my mom).

My parents received telegrams congratulating them on their marriage.

A few samples.  That's Loraine's handwriting giving them the address of the sender so they could write and thank them.  

Aunt Bella was Bella (Schwartz) Benas

First cousin of Loraine's mother, Bertha Schwartz

Lionel Traube was the brother of Loraine's brother, Wilt Gunzendorfer's, wife Natalie Traube

What's really interesting about all of this is that my mom's step-father, Sheldon Hunter, worked for Western Union Telegraph for most of his life.  He was an "office clerk" in San Francisco in 1910 and 1920 - being that he was born in 1895 he started pretty young.  Sometime in 1920 he moved to Fresno and was the manager there - did they relocate him?  And there he stayed in 1930, 1940 and as late as 1942.  He retired sometime between 1942 and 1959 so I'll be interested to learn what he was doing when he was enumerated in the 1950 census which comes out NEXT YEAR!

As I was going through some things I came across this photo which shows Managers Attending Seminar Number 16.  Based on the pictures on the wall I'm assuming this was a meeting of the Western Union Managers.  Shell is kneeling, 2nd from the right.

I wish telegrams were used today - what a fun look into the past.

52 Ancestors: Birthdays - We all have 'em!

This week's blog prompt brought back many memories of birthdays, both mine and those of others.  So here are some special birthdays in photos.

Of course, probably the most memorable to a family is a baby's first birthday - not that the birthday boy or girl has any memory of it, though.  But thanks to my photographer wannabe Dad, at least I have some photos of my special day.

Keep your hands off, Deb!

But it tastes so good!

And here's my second birthday.  Dad labeled this photo on the front so in the interest of privacy, I've cropped it in order to delete the names.  

SP, Sister, TJ, Me

Since my sister is older, of course I wasn't around for her 1st birthday but Dad took care of that for us.

One of my favorite family photos is one that my dad titled "the greatest photo ever taken".  I've shared it before but it's too good not to share again.

Big sister's 5th birthday

I haven't run across any of my brother's first birthday, or really any others, but I did come up with this group shot.  And I'm happy to say that I can identify a few of these kids.  For those of you from my childhood, you might still be in touch with the girl on the right in the middle row.  Big brothers Tim and Sam.

Brother is middle kid, front row.  Maybe 4th or 5th birthday?

I even have a few of my dad to share.  My grandmother was kind enough to label this as his 2nd birthday.  What a cutie patootie!

Gordon Levy, 11 February 1929

Mom threw a big party for his 50th birthday - do I remember it was a surprise?  No matter what, he was thrilled to celebrate!

Looks like one candle per decade

One last photo that has become a classic in our family.  I learned the hard way that even though my girls have birthdays only one day apart, they must each have their own cake.  Sharing is hard to do!

Was Ernie not the preferred character or was sharing the cake the problem?

Birthdays - we all have 'em!  And when my birthday rolls around in just a few short weeks, I'll be thankful that I've had another one.

52 Ancestors: Voting - Gordon Levy, President

I'm not sure if my dad, Gordon Levy, didn't talk much about the past or I just didn't listen.  Actually, I think he DID talk about it but once he realized we weren't listening, he gave up.  But one thing I do remember him talking about was his service as Student Body President at Fresno High School in the fall of 1943.

Gordon Levy, c1943

Notice the Block "F" on his sweater signifying Fresno High School

Dad was involved in many, many things in school and throughout his life - he loved serving his classmates and his community.  But I don't think he was as proud of anything as he was of his service to Fresno High School as President of the Student Body.

I know that he was one of three nominees for the position.  What I don't know is how these individuals were 'selected' to run - was there some type of nominating process or, like it was when I was in school, did these individuals just decide they wanted to run and away they went?

Fresno Bee, 29 May, 1943, page 9

And not just because Dad told us he'd won and there was lots of evidence to that effect, The Fresno Bee actually reported this.  Those were sure different times!

Fresno Bee, 3 June, 1943, page 17

And the following year, The Owl (Fresno High's yearbook) confirmed that these individuals were, indeed, officers of the student body.

From The Owl:

Executive Committee Fall Semester

With a platform of better rallies and assemblies and more interest in student body government, President Gordon Levy began the semester by appointing a hard working executive committee, which gave the administration a flying start.

The committee made two wise choices when it appointed Peggy Kohlmann commissioner of social affairs and Roger Burton to the position of yell leader.  John Hammel, commissioner of finance, headed the Senate sponsored war bond campaign which succeeded in winning Treasury Department citations for the school and its senior and sophomore classes.

The hope for increased interest in student body activities was furthered with weekly ex-committee bulletins and the Beef Box which gave students an opportunity to express personal viewpoints.  The social program of noon dances was enlarged by two evening dances which proved extremely successful.

Two portions of the by-laws to the constitution were amended.  One provided for a life pass awarded to all athletes earning four major letters whereas the other authorized a student body Gold Block F award to one boy and one girl of each graduating class.

To better visualize membership in the student body, the committee voted to provide free student body membership cards which proved to be conducive to school spirit.  The committee also became permanently situated in room S-26 where all rally and executive meetings are now held.

At the opening of the semester, President Levy managed to come to terms with the Roosevelt High School student body, a fact which resulted in resumption of relations between the schools on November 11, probably the high spot of student cooperation.

Vice President Lowell Aiken and Rally Chairman Vergil Gerard instituted student talent assemblies and achieved the goal of one assembly per week.  George Holstein, dean of boys, helped to increase faculty co-operation as activities sponsor.

It was nice to read about the improved relations between Roosevelt High School and Fresno High School in the Fresno Bee.  From the account in the article, "the long rivalry of the schools came to an abrupt end last Fall when the two principals recommended to Wilson that competitive events cease because of cases of vandalism and 'near sabotage' involving students of both schools and resulting from 'heated spirit' generated by the 1941 and last Fall's football games."

Fresno Bee, 16 Sep 1943, page 18

Fresno Bee, 16 Sep 1943, page 18

Also in the 1944 edition of The Owl, this photo was included.

That's Dad in the middle of the front row holding.....holding.... WHAT?  He's holding this????

When we put together the memorial service after he died, I remember choosing some photos and other mementos to put on a table for attendees to view as they entered and exited the synagogue.  I don't remember many of the details but I do remember that this gavel was displayed - instinctively, we must have all known just how important it was to him.  Who knew?

52 Ancestors: Sports - Ardee News Sports Reporter

My dad, Gordon Levy, was the sports reporter for the Ardee News in 1946.  He talked about his time writing for them but until recently, I thought he was referring to the RD News.  Oh how I wished I'd spent some time talking about it with him.

The Ardee News star reporter is on the job

On February 6, 1946, Dad wrote home to his parents from his post at Furstenfeldbruck, Germany - or as he sometimes called it, "Firstandthirdbase".

Our little paper (one of which was mailed to you the other day) has finally undergone an organization which made one of the veterans an editor.  In turn, the new ed made me sports chief – which should pan out pretty nicely.  Later on in the spring and summer, they are planning on a large sports program here which will include everything from track to baseball to swimming and ping pong.  So we should have quite a bit of fun trying to build up interest – that’s right up our alley.  Maybe one of these days I’ll take Harry Truman’s place as man of the year on Time’s cover.

He left me a few of the "papers", although it's confusing to me that these are from mid-January, 1946 and his letters home stated he arrived in Furstenfeldbruck on January 24.  Maybe these papers were published en route?  Or maybe the Wooster Booster was a separate publication from the Ardee News?

The Wooster Booster, January 9, 1946

It's hard to read but at the bottom left it shows a list of the staff and shows Dad as Editor.  Hmmmm.

And, of course, my photographer-wannabe father had to take pictures (with captions!)  Boy, I'm glad he did!  Here's a few.

These were the Eagles

Babich Field on opening day

We always play hard

Jungle press box, constructed for Ardee News 'good afternoon baseball fans'

Giant Babich Field scoreboard

It wasn't just baseball - here's the Soldier's Field pool.

And track stadium in Nurnberg.  This field was the scene of Hitler's pageants and in 1946 was owned and operated by the 26th Infantry Blue Spades.

Looks like he even took in some volleyball in Furstenfeldbruck.

The Ardee News on the spot at an Archway Court volleyball game in Furstenfeldbruck

I'm so glad my dad left me some tidbits about his time in Germany.  I hope that one day I run across some of the newspaper articles he wrote.

52 Ancestors: Fun and Games - Let's Play!

Over the years I've learned that my favorite blog posts are those which show pictures - lots of them!  So in that light, I've put together photos of my ancestors (and me) at play.  I sure wish I had more of them because it really brings them to life.

First up, my grandfather, Sig Levy, loved to play tennis.  I not only have a photo of him as he played, but even have some of his tennis racquets hanging on my wall.

Sig Levy

I also found a photo of my grandmother's brother, Wilton Gunzendorfer, in the 1915 Monterey High School yearbook, El Susurro, when he was a freshman - turns out he liked to play tennis, too.  Yep, he was known as "Champ Gunzy".

It makes me wonder if Sig and Wilt ever played tennis together.  I do know that he played with his brother, Ben Levy, as he wrote on November 2, 1916 to his future wife and my grandmother, Loraine Gunzendorfer:

What do you know about my young brother and myself qualifying in the semi-finals in the county tennis tourney.  Well he is tickled stiff as we have worked our way up to the real fast players.  I had never played with him before and it must be good-fortune that is with us.  Our next opponents are real sharks so I have no hopes of winning but we are getting a lot of fun and good exercise out of it.

I've read a lot about my grandmother, Loraine Gunzendorfer, rowing on a lake in Oakland with her cousin, Hyman Steen.  Since she lived close to Lake Merritt, I assume that's where they went - boy would I love to find a photo of that!  But this picture of her with her Mermaid friends will just have to do.

1915 Monterey High School, El Susurro

Loraine, second from left

I don't have too many photos of my mom and her ancestors, especially of them playing.  But I thought this photo of her with her parents, Clara Fitzgerald and Earle Martin, showed a playful side of the family.

My dad liked to play games and sports - he was ready for football in the backyard on Christmas Day, 1937.

And even when he wasn't actually playing, he found an opportunity to be playful while watching others play.  He must have been watching a granddaughter play softball while he sported her high school letterman's jacket.

Of course the playful gene didn't stop with Dad - he made sure his kids followed in his footsteps.  We had A LOT of board games as kids - one entire shelf in the storage room was filled with them.  I don't remember too many specifics about what we played (or who won) but it was fun to see this 'canned' pose (for a Christmas card, I'm guessing).  Was I paying off little brother.....or was he paying me off?

I sure wish I had some photos of playing games with our next-door neighbor, Mary.  Our favorite places to play were in the far back of their station wagon parked on the driveway (what?) and under the ping pong table with blankets over the top and sides to make a tent.  Not only board games but paper dolls - oh, those were the days!

We also liked to play dress up and produce plays.  Looks like we were here with our cousin putting together some sort of dance routine.  Remember those candy cigarettes with red coloring on the end so you felt like you were smoking?

Cousin, me, sister

My parents loved to play and watch golf - looks like they tried to get big sister interested, as well.  Or at least I think that's big sister?

Dad was not much of a fisherman so not sure how this happened?  Were we at family camp at Camp Campbell?

Little brother liked to play, too!

Maybe my grandmother's love of rowing rubbed off on me and little brother.  Not sure where this is or even how far we got but for a brief moment in time it looks like we were having fun.

As time marched on, I dabbled in different playful activities.  While maybe not exactly play, I remember the March of Dimes charity walk we participated in a few times.  I don't remember exactly how far we walked but I do remember it was a LONG day and my feet hurt like crazy by the time I took the last step.

That's me on the right with the sunglasses

It's fun to see my ancestors at play - I've learned a lot about how they spent their free time and what gave them joy.  Not to mention it's fun to see myself at play as a child.  I just hope I wasn't playing here.  Artillery?????