Is this Abe?

Who is this man?  Based on the writing on the back of the photo, it seems that it would be my great grandfather, Abraham B. Gunzendorfer.

Compliments of
Abe B. Gunzendorfer
Monterey, Cal.
July 31 - 89
With fondest thoughts
from Abe to Birdie
July 31, 1889
Am pleased to return these

Birdie was Abe's future wife and my great grandmother.

Here’s a few other photos of Abe – is this the same person?






What do you think?

Veteran’s Day 2012 – My special veterans edition



Gordon Levy

As we celebrate Veteran’s Day and the service of all veterans, it’s appropriate to take time to recognize some very special veterans in my life.  World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 and the following year Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919.  And how special that one of my special veterans was active in the military during this time.

The photo above is my dad, Gordon Levy.  Dad enlisted in the Army Air Force on July 1, 1944, just a few weeks after graduating from Fresno High School.  However, he didn’t enter into active service until nearly a year later on June 16, 1945 after he completed his first year of college at Stanford University. 

I wrote a bit about Dad’s military service here previously.  He was always so proud that he’d had the opportunity to report about the Nuremberg Trials and while he was only there for a day or two, it was obviously an event that was etched in his memory forever.  Once again, I found the original of a photo that was included in a newspaper article – this one in the article Dad wrote for the Fresno Guide which was published on October 10, 1946.

Written on back of photo Cpl Gordon F. Levy In Germany 1945

I’ve learned a bit about Dad’s military service from his Honorable Discharge papers.  He was with the 128th Replacement Battalion and departed the United States on January 7, 1946 arriving on January 17 in EAMET – not sure what that means and can’t find a reference to it but I think it might be Germany.  He came back to the States on October 26, 1946 and arrived November 6, 1946 for a total of 10 months, 0 days in foreign service plus 7 months, 16 days in continental service.  He was discharged on December 1, 1946 at Camp Beale, California.  Interesting that Camp Beale is within a few miles of where my brother lives today.



I love this photo of Dad as it shows a little bit of how he was living at the time – I love the jacket!

Written on back of photo PFC Gordon F. Levy Germany U.S. Army of Occupation March 1946

Also serving during World War II was Dad’s brother, Robert Levy.  I don’t know much about Rob’s military service yet but I did find this photo that I especially love since it shows the two brothers in back of their parents’ home in which we spent quite a bit of time during our childhood.

Robert and Gordon Levy

Going even farther back, my other special veteran is Dad’s father, Sigmund Levy.  I’m learning a lot about Sig as I go through Grandma Loraine’s scrapbook and work on transcribing the letters Sig and Loraine wrote back and forth to each other from 1917-1919.  What I know about Sig’s military experience is that he was a Flying Cadet who completed his ground training at Berkeley and then went on to March Field in Riverside.  I don’t believe he ever served in combat as the war was over shortly after he arrived at March Field.  How exciting it must have been to be in the military on November 11, 1918!

Here’s some special photos of Sig during his military days.

Check out the great uniform – how handsome he looks.  I can see why Loraine was so smitten!
What, you want to see it just a bit closer?  And maybe even in color?  Okay, let me take care of that for you!

Sigmund Levy uniform – World War I

I found a stash of uniforms in the storage unit which I believed were, for the most part, from World War II and probably belonged to my dad and his brother.  But once I found the photos of Sig in his uniform I decided to go through the boxes thoroughly to see if there might be a match and there was!  And it is in near perfect condition, even after being thrown in a box and stored in either a basement or storage unit for at least 40 years.

And as an added bonus, I found a hat!  I wouldn’t have believed it if the name Sig Levy hadn’t been printed on the inside but here it is – an official flying cadet hat!



I also have to take this opportunity to remember another very special veteran, my 3rd great grandfather on my mother’s side, Emery Waller.  If you’ve been following my blog, you might remember that I was able to get Emery’s grave marked just in time for Veteran’s Day last year – without a doubt one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  Click here to read about it. 

Captain Emery L. Waller 1813-1890 McPherson Cemetery, McPherson, Kansas

So thank you to all of those who have served and helped make our country what it is today!

Telegram!

Photo by tekniskamuseet
 

In the early 20th century, telegrams were an important means of communication.  I’m sure when a telegram arrived, the recipient had a sense of panic – good news or bad news?

My grandmother, Loraine Gunzendorfer, seems to have received her share of telegrams as evidenced by the next pages in the scrapbook.

Inserted between these pages were many other telegrams and newspaper clippings, which I’ll save for another day, but here’s the first installment.

Fresno Cal Dec 5, 1917
Miss Loraine Gunzendorfer
1933 Harrison St Oakland Cal
Am not going to enlist
Sig

Now that seems like a telegram that was very welcomed - "not going to enlist" was probably music to her ears!

 

RECEIVED AT MONTEREYFRESNO CAL 955A DEC 25 1917
MISS LORAINE GUNZENDORFER
MONTEREY CAL
A VERY MERRY XMAS TO YOU
SIG
155
 

RECEIVED AT Oakland Cal
FRESNO CALIF 1055A JAN 1 1918
MISS LORAINE GUNZENDORFER
1933 HARRISON ST OAKLAND CALIF
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR
SIG
1106AM
 

So, those telegrams seem to bring happy thoughts – I can just imagine her opening them and feeling happy that she had such a special man in her life.  Although I will say that I find the “Merry Xmas” one a bit perplexing since they were both Jewish and probably didn’t celebrate Christmas.

925AM
Fresno Cal Mar 6
Miss Loraine Gunzendorfer
1933 Harrison St Oakland
Father passed away this morning
Sig
 

Uh-oh, this one must have had her heart racing as Sig’s father, Herman Levy, had been ill for quite some time.  It must have been hard to be far away when such a traumatic event occurred.  Unfortunately, Loraine had never met Herman in person yet I’m sure she was saddened to hear the news.

Fresno Cal Mar 13, 1918
Miss Loraine Gunzendoffer
1933 Harrison St Oakland Cal
Will be up tomorrow on business will phone you
Sig
 

Now this one must have made her very, very happy!

RS RIVERSIDE CALIF 3P NOV 6 1918
MISS LORAINE GUNSENDORFER
1933 HARRISON ST OAKLAND CALIF
ARRIVE OK FEELING FINE MUCH LOVE
SIG LEVY
425P
 

Looks like he enlisted after all.  I went back to the letters I’ve been transcribing from Loraine to Sig and found one dated November 6, 1918 which was postmarked 10:30 p.m.  In it she wrote “Found your telegram, love, on my return from S.F. and was so happy to hear of your safe arrival, and that you are fine.”  Not only did she find his telegram, she saved it for the rest of her life!

MARCHFIELD RIVERSIDE CALIF 945AM NOV 12TH 1918
MISS LORAIN GUNZEBDORFER
MONTEREY CALIF
NO CHANCE TO WRITE EVERYBODY FINE
LEVY
1028 AM
 

How thoughtful to have sent a telegram just to confirm that he was fine so she wouldn’t worry!

AX LOS ANGELES CALIF 650P NOV 28 1918
MISS LORAINE GUNZENDORFER
MONTEREY CALIF
ALL FINISHED LEAVING FOR FRESNO TONIGHT LETTER TOMORROW
SIGMUND LEVY
725 A NOV 29
 

I really love having these letters to help me determine what these telegrams meant.  Here’s what Loraine wrote on November 29, 1918 and postmarked at 3:00 p.m. “My, how wonderful it must feel to you to be at home after an absence of nearly five months.  After receiving your wire early this morn I thought of you and how busy you must be greeting all your old friends again.”  And later in the letter she wrote “Am so glad that you could leave yesterday and am anxious to hear how you finally got on the list.  I can just imagine how fine you feel to be once more free.  It is a ‘grand and glorious’ feeling, isn’t it, dear?  I believe March Field is one of the first camps to demobilize and after all, love, it was for the best for you to go into aviation.  How beautifully everything has turned out!”

I know that Sig and Loraine agonized over his decision to enter the military and discussed what the best branch of service would be for him to enter.  Like Loraine, I’m glad that everything turned out so well.

VN SAN FRANCISCO CALIF 1142A DEC 6 1918
MISS LORAINE GUNZENDORFER
CARE THE WHITE HOUSE MONTEREY CALIF
WILL TAKE TWO OCLOCK TRAIN
SIGMUND LEVY
1215
 

This telegram brought very good news – Sig was coming to Monterey for a visit!  Unfortunately, I learned from her letters that he left on December 8 so the visit was a short one.  But how wonderful that the war was over and they could begin to move on with their lives.  More telegrams to come when Sig and Loraine are finally married!

  

Congratulations!

 

Photo by MarcelGermain

My grandparents are now officially engaged and letters of congratulations started rolling in.  As I've sorted through things, I've been lucky enough to have run across a few very special letters of congratulations!

 

 

Dear Sig:

You are going to be my nephew, gol darn ye, and you deserve congratulation - not for that, but because you are going to marry my niece, no, not for that either but because you are going to marry Loraine who happens to be my niece. Anyway, old top, sincere felicitations and welcome, twice welcome, to our little bunch.

Of course, the engagement was a tremendous surprise to us - had no idea of it in the world. But the more we get used to it the better we like it. You have our earnest wishes for a speedy marriage, a happy settling down into a normal civilian life and a long, long life of perfect bliss and comfort with your little frau.

Much success to you, likewise, in your military career and the best I can hope for you both is that it will be short and sweet.

Your "Aunt" Charlotte joins me heartily in everything I say and everything I have left unsaid.

Sincerely, Milton

And then "Aunt" Charlotte included her own message:

Your Aunt Charlotte wishes to say for herself that she would like very much to see you before you depart, but if that is impossible she wishes you God-speed and a quick return.  I will try and comfort your little sweetheart if she stays around here but guess she will go home for a time.  I think that is best myself and I know it will make both her mother and you happier.

Sincerely yours, Aunt Charlotte

Milton Schwartz (1878-1958) was the younger brother of Loraine's mother, Birdie, and Charlotte Haley was his first wife.  Sadly, Charlotte died about two months after this letter was written.

Milton Harry Schwartz
1878-1958

And another letter of congratulations to Sig!

Dear Sig,

Are we negligent in not offering congrats sooner?  Did not know address nor could we get Lorraine.  Anyhow we are all more than delighted, little chap, & wish you both everything you wish youselves.  Let us hope there won't be much delay in tying the knot.

Sort of looked for mother today but guess the elements frightened her.  I know Lorraine was distressed. 

She has news of Lionel's fortune - which is a little doubtful as we haven't had it from official quarters.  We were surprised that mother was not at the funeral.

The male portion of the house is out working on the garage.  May it some day get finished!  We herewith sign our names and send love.

Aunt Bella
Uncle Morris
Cousin Lionel

Aunt Bella was Bella Steen, Loraine's first cousin, and Uncle Morris was her husband, Morris Benas.  Morris was Sig's uncle, his mother's brother.  The first incidence, but not the last, of the families being intertwined!  If I had to guess, I'd guess that Bella and Morris were instrumental in introducting Sig and Loraine.

And then a very special letter found it's way to Loraine's mailbox.

From Granada Hotel S.F.

San Francisco Oct. 30/18

Dear Loraine:

Accept my congratulation.  I was very happy to hear the good news, and will be happy to welcome another daughter in the family.  I was glad to hear Sig is feeling better and hope he will continue to improve and if God spares him in good health you are a very lucky girl.  He has always proven a good son, always attentive to his family, especially to his Mother, and I know will make a good husband.

We hope this cruel war will soon end, and all come back safe and sound, and wil we will have nothing but joy.  Hoping to see you soon, with love.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Herman Levy

So look at that - another letter of congratulations from one of my great grandparents!  Herman Levy died in March, 1918 so Goldie must have been staying in the Granada Hotel during her time of mourning.  Sig was the second of her four sons to marry - it must have been exciting for her to add new daughters to the family.

It's official - my grandparents are going to be married!

Back in Time

Photo by gerbache
Campanile (Sather Tower)
University of California, Berkeley

Now that I've found the newspaper articles detailing the engagement of my grandparents, Sigmund Levy and Loraine Gunzendorfer, I decided to look through some of the other things I have for more information.  And because of that, I need to go back in time a week or two to capture the entire story.

Sometime in late October, Sig proposed to Loraine at the foot of the Campanile (Sather Tower) on the UC Berkeley campus.  I can only imagine how excited Loraine was to finally have her man!

On Monday, October 28, 1918 my grandfather wrote to Bertha and Abe Gunzendorfer, Loraine's parents, asking for her hand in marriage.  He mailed the letter from Baracks "K", Berkeley the following day, October 29.

Berkeley, October 29, 1918 9 pm
Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Gunzendorfer
Monterey, Calif.

My dad was always active in the YMCA - I guess his father shared the passion.  I find it curious that Jewish men spent their lives giving to a Christian organization.

As I've read letters and newspaper articles, I know Sig had been sick with the flu during the horrible flu epidemic of 1918-1920.  Thankfully, he was well enough to write this letter.

Dear Folks:

This little army message is quite different I know but this is the way I'm situated, and as I have no freedom I'll write this little note as per army channels.

I suppose Loraine has told you of my hard luck, but I am again on my feet and getting strong again.  But it was a dreadful thing; but the way conditions were I couldn't escape.  I was so happy though that Loraine and Wilton missed it.

I have wanted so badly to ask if you would consent to have your daughter become Mrs. Sig Levy some day soon but it seems that misfortune has always prevented.  But Loraine and I have taken for granted that you will approve and we want to announce our engagement.  There is no question of our sincere love for each other and I will do everything within my power to make her a happy girl.  No finer girl than Loraine ever lived and she certainly is entitled to a happy life to come, so I shall endeavor to give her a future that shall be worthy of your admiration.

I am hoping that you will forgive the way we have gone at this engagment but I feel that you understand the trying circumstances.

But now, I have graduated and soon hope to be an officer - and most of all I am hoping that this awful war will soon be over, and then we all can settle down to our homes and be happy.

I am trusting that my request will meet with your hearty approval and that you will always be proud of your son-in-law to be.  Thanking you a big lot and hoping you all are in the best of health I remain

Yours,
Sig Levy

And this is the letter he received back just a few days later.

Monterey
October 31, 1918
9 pm

Monterey
Oct 31/18

My dear Sig:

We read with pleasure your letter telling us that you were rapidly recovering from your illness & we hope that this will be the end of all your troubles while in the army.  Loraine kept us posted from the time you were taken sick & we were glad always to hear you were daily improving.

Thank God Loraine & Wilton have escaped so far & I only hope they will not get careless and take chances at any time.

It surely has kept us worried most of the time, the epidemic has been so virulent and so far reaching.

As far as giving our consent to our dear daughter's some day becoming Mrs. Sig Levy, I guess we will have to, as you both have decided for yourselves some little time ago, & as long as Loraine is happy, we can't ask any more, as parents' aim in life is the happiness of their children.

It is hard to give her up but I am sure you will cherish her & take care of her as she has been at home.  Loraine is a darling girl & I know you will do all you can to make her happy, she deserves it all & I know she in turn will do likewise to make you happy.

Knowing your dear mother & father for so many years, also your own splendid record we do not feel like we are giving her to a stranger but that we are gaining a son whom I know we will love & respect.

Wishing you both all the happiness in the world & that from now on you will keep well & not have to go too far away.

We remain with love
Loraine's mother & father & some day yours

I've studied some of the other things I've found in order to determine if this was written by Bertha or Abe.  Part of me thinks that Abe would have responded as her father.....but since it is signed with 'mother' first I think Bertha may have written it.  I'll have to keep my eyes open for other handwriting samples to compare it to.

I guess it's official - my grandparents are going to be married!

Grandma Gets Engaged

When I started blogging about Loraine Gunzendorfer's scrapbook, I swore to myself that my posts would stay in the order that I found them and I wouldn't skip ahead.  Unfortunately, Grandma didn't pay attention and here's where things get out of chronological order.  But I've decided to just keep with my original plan and will post things as I find them.

Sometime in late October, Sig Levy "popped" the question to Loraine and she said yes!  In my off time I've been transcribing letters between Sig and Loraine as they courted beginning in 1917.  What I've learned about my grandmother is that there were many times when she worried about never finding a man and living happily ever, but things seemed to have changed when she met Sig.  I've learned through the letters that they were quite secretive about their relationship and even though their families were intertwined by cousins marrying each other, they still kept their romance relatively quiet.

Until they became engaged.......



Miss Loraine Gunzendorfer
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Gunzendorfer, of Monterey,
whose bethrothal to Sigmund Levy is an interesting, recent
announcement

Interesting recent announcement?  I guess it was interesting since it was a surprise to so many people but I wonder if there was something else behind that word.

Several times I've found various newspaper articles with a photo included and then I find the original photo in my collection - this time was no exception!

My family loved to clip newspaper articles and we've found numerous scrapbooks with clippings in them.  In this case, I'm sure glad she saved these articles and in some cases, even noted the date and the paper it came from.  Thanks, Grandma!




The Fresno Morning Republican
Wednesday, November 6, 1918

There's that word interesting again. 



Monterey, Monterey County, California
Saturday Evening, November 9, 1918

Sunday, November 10, 1918

And then there was this.....

I'm sure Grandma was just like any young girl about to be married and dreamt about her new calling card that would say Mrs. Sigmund Levy.

Once the engagement was formally announced, congratulations started pouring in from their many friends.  Next time I'll share some of the special congratulations!