Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann

Photograph provided by Judith Jacob

Subject: Back row: Unknown, Ernest Wascher Jr., Albert Waswo.
Front row: Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann.
Occasion: Unknown.
Date: Unknown, about the late 1920's.
Location: Chicago, Illinois.
Photographer: Unknown.
Relationship to me: Maternal Great Grandmother.

Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann was born August 18, 1848 in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. She married Frederick William Waswo on October 10, 1869 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois by Pastor T. Grosse. Frederick committed suicide on April 2, 1896. I have no information when she married Mr. Giermann, but the two had no children. Mr. Giermann preceded Johana in death. Johana passed away on May 18, 1935 at age 86 in Chicago, Illinois.

On the back of this photograph was written: "Poor ma's face shows suffering, don't it". Grandma Giermann passed away on May 18, 1935 at age 86.

I apologize for the poor quality of the photograph. This was a photocopy provided by my cousin, Judith Jacob. These are the only photographs that I have of Grandma Giermann in her later years. In the next few weeks, I will post these remaining photographs of Grandma Giermann.  Judith believes that all of these photographs were taken at Grandma Giermann's home located at 5328 Leland Avenue, Jefferson Park, Chicago, Illinois in the late 1920's to mid 1930's.

Seasons Greetings The Forrai's 1963

Subject: David and Louis Forrai.
Occasion: Christmas.
Date: 1963.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Photographer: Joseph Frank Forrai.
Relationship to me: Parents, Joseph and Norma.

For the first four weeks in December, I decided to post the Christmas cards that my parents started sending in 1960. I think almost everyone is familiar with the photo holiday cards that some folks choose to send.

You may wonder where my father had these cards made? My dad had a dark room in the house where we lived. Photography was my dad's hobby since the 1940's. Each one of these cards were hand made.

How was the photograph taken? In the early years my dad used a portrait camera. There was a long cable attached to the camera. He routed it so it would not appear in the photograph. He would squeeze the button to take the photograph. In later years, he had a 35mm camera with a built in timer. My father aways used a tripod, and it would take him a good deal of time for the set up for these annual photographs.

You can see over the past several weeks, that the early Christmas greetings centered around the fireplace. The stuffed animal in the photograph was made by my Grandmother Lucy Traulsen Waswo. She was very creative, and I always loved the animals she made. The one in the photograph was a little dog that I had named 'Brownie'. The stockings hung by the fireplace were knit by my mother, Norma Forrai. I still have that sock and it hangs on the door knob in the family room this very day.

It amazes me, how many of my relatives and friends of our family have hung onto these photographs. I am not the only one with a collection!

Seasons Greetings 1962

Subject: Joseph, Louis, David and Norma Forrai.
Occasion: Christmas.
Date: 1962.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Photographer: Joseph Frank Forrai.
Relationship to me: Parents, Joseph and Norma.

For the first four weeks in December, I decided to post the Christmas cards that my parents started sending in 1960. I think almost everyone is familiar with the photo holiday cards that some folks choose to send.

You may wonder where my father had these cards made? My dad had a dark room in the house where we lived. Photography was my dad's hobby since the 1940's. Each one of these cards were hand made.

How was the photograph taken? In the early years my dad used a portrait camera. There was a long cable attached to the camera. He routed it so it would not appear in the photograph. He would squeeze the button to take the photograph. In later years, he had a 35mm camera with a built in timer. My father aways used a tripod, and it would take him a good deal of time for the set up for these annual photographs.

It amazes me, how many of my relatives and friends of our family have hung onto these photographs. I am not the only one with a collection!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, 1961

Subject: Joseph, Louis, David and Norma Forrai.

Occasion: Christmas.

Date: 1961.

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Photographer: Joseph Frank Forrai.

Relationship to me: Parents, Joseph and Norma.

For the first three weeks in December, I decided to post the Christmas cards that my parents started sending in 1960. I think almost everyone is familiar with the photo holiday cards that some folks choose to send.

You may wonder where my father had these cards made? My dad had a dark room in the house where we lived. Photography was my dad's hobby since the 1940's. Each one of these cards were hand made.

How was the photograph taken? In the early years my dad used a portrait camera. There was a long cable attached to the camera. He routed it so it would not appear in the photograph. He would squeeze the button to take the photograph. In later years, he had a 35mm camera with a built in timer. My father aways used a tripod, and it would take him a good deal of time for the set up for these annual photographs.

It amazes me, how many of my relatives and friends of our family have hung onto these photographs. I am not the only one with a collection!

Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas, 1960

Subject: Joseph, Louis and Norma Forrai.
Occasion: Christmas.
Date: 1960.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Photographer: Joseph Frank Forrai.
Relationship to me: Parents, Joseph and Norma.

For the first three weeks in December, I decided to post the Christmas cards that my parents started sending in 1960. I think almost everyone is familiar with the photo holiday cards that some folks choose to send.

You may wonder where my father had these cards made? My dad had a dark room in the house where we lived. Photography was my dad's hobby since the 1940's. Each one of these cards were hand made.

It amazes me, how many of my relatives and friends of our family have hung onto these photographs. I am not the only one with a collection!

Grandma Giermann, circa 1910's

Provided by Judith Jacob

Restored Portrait by Joseph Frank Forrai

Subject: Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann.
Occasion: Unknown.
Date: Unknown, about the 1910's.
Location: Chicago, Illinois.
Photographer: Unknown.
Relationship to me: Maternal Great Grandmother.

Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann was born August 18, 1848 in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. She married Frederick William Waswo on October 10, 1869 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois by Pastor T. Grosse. Frederick committed suicide on April 2, 1896. I have no information when she married Mr. Giermann, but the two had no children. Mr. Giermann preceded Johana in death. Johana passed away on May 18, 1935 at age 86 in Chicago, Illinois.

In the next few weeks, I will be posting photographs of Grandma Giermann. Most have been provided to me by my Cousin Judith.
 
Today, I have provided two photographs. The top one was provided by my Cousin Judith. The bottom one is the same photograph that was restored by my father, Joseph in the 1970's. Obviously, there were multiple copies of this portrait. You may ask, why the photograph was restored?
 
My mother found a fragile copy of the portrait at my Grandmother Lucy's house in the late 1960's. My father had built a townhouse, we lived on one side and Grandmother Lucy lived on the other side. Mom and dad helped her move from Richard and Ring to the townhouse. This was the only portrait we had of Grandma Giermann. My dad made several copies. Mom framed one, and it hung on the 'wall of the relatives' in our home.
 
You might think these are two separate portraits because Grandma Giermann is facing the opposite direction. My dad reversed the negative and printed the restored portrait with Grandma facing both directions. Dad and Mom decided they liked the above portrait the best. I guess you can consider it poetic license of the restoring photographer.

Grandma Giermann through the years.




Photograph provided by Judith Jacob

Subject: Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann.
Occasion: Unknown.
Date: Unknown, about the late 1800's early 1900's.
Location: Chicago, Illinois.
Photographer: Unknown.
Relationship to me: Maternal Great Grandmother.

Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann was born August 18, 1848 in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.  She married Frederick William Waswo on October 10, 1869 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois by Pastor T. Grosse.  Frederick committed suicide on April 2, 1896.  I have no information when she married Mr. Giermann, but the two had no children. Mr. Giermann preceded Johana in death. Johana passed away on May 18, 1935 at age 86 in Chicago, Illinois.

In the next few weeks, I will be posting photographs of Grandma Giermann. Most have been provided to me by my Cousin Judith.

In an email, my Cousin Judith wrote:

"Regarding Johanna, ten kids is a lot of kids and  losing your first two and two more after that must have been tough.  Add in the difficulties with the Allen marriage, children, and deaths, the suicide of her husband at age 49 in 1896 leaving her with a large building to manage, the saloon and the sausage business  to deal with, and several kids still at home, she really had to be a strong woman to get through all that.  To top it all off, her father also died in the fall of 1896 ....no wonder she looks a bit hardened and stoic in her later pictures!  And she lived to 80 something.......a lesser woman would have been undone by the vicissitudes of life.....God bless her."

Inside Grandma's House

Photograph Provided by Judith Jacob

Subject: Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann's House
Occasion: Unknown.
Date: Unknown.
Location: 5328 Leland Ave, Jefferson Park, Chicago, IL
Photographer: Unknown.

Last week we had a view of Grandma Giermann's house from the outside. Today we have a view of the inside, the front parlor. This picture was provided to me by my Cousin Judith.

If you look carefully, you will see a gentleman sitting in a chair on the left side of the picture. The picture is too fuzzy to make out who it is. My guess would be either Robert or Albert Waswo.

It is a grand looking home, and I would love to have Thanksgiving dinner there.

Grandma's House

Subject: Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann's House

Occasion: Unknown

Date: 1913
Location: 5328 Leland Ave, Jefferson Park, Chicago, IL
Photographer: Most Likely, George D. Waswo.

I thought with being November and the holidays fast approaching, most people remember family and friends. The song over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go, comes to mind. So this week and next, I will post pictures of Grandmother Johana's house.

With the leaves on the trees and two young men on the porch in shirt sleeves, I doubt very much this photograph was taken in November. Mostly likely during the Spring or Summer of 1913. I zoomed in on the two young men on the porch. The resolution is poor, but I can tell neither of the two men are my Grandfather George. I am guessing the one standing is his brother Robert and the one in the back ground Albert. If you remember from earlier posts, Albert was a breached child. While he was able to work, he could not care for himself on his own. Initially Grandmother Johana cared for him until her death in 1935. After that his sisters Minnie and Alma cared for him until his death in 1948.


The Traulsen Family, circa 1906.

Subjects: (Clockwise starting lower left): Alma Bertha (Reichardt) Traulsen,  Lucy Albertine Helene (Waswo)Traulsen, Alma Helen Wolff Traulsen, Arthur Herman Traulsen, Henning William Traulsen.
Date: After November 1906.
Location: Milwaukee, WI.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: W. L. Stein, 452 Mitchell St., Milwaukee.

This is a framed photograph. I carefully removed it from the simple thin black wood frame and scanned the photograph. I was hoping for some information on the back of the photograph or in the frame, but there was none. I remember this photograph hanging on the wall of my Grandmother Lucy's home on Richard and Ring Streets in Milwaukee.

This photograph was taken by the same photographer that took Lucy's 8th grade graduation picture in the Spring of 1906. Henning passed away in November 1906, so I am assuming this photograph was taken in late 1906 or 1907. Lucy appears to be approximately the same age as her graduation picture. Since this is a family photograph, I would assume if Henning were alive, he would be in it as well.

My mother did attach a small note on the back of the photograph with the date of death of Henning Sr.  She also taped a picture of her family circa 1930. This will be posted at a future date. I remember this photograph hanging in our home in the hallway with the other family photographs.

Arthur Herman Traulsen

Subject: Arthur Herman Traulsen, age 29(second row on the right).

Occasion: Military Photograph, World War I

Date: 1918

Location: Unknown

Photographer: Unknown

Arthur Herman Traulsen was born was May 25, 1889 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From a previous post, he ran a bakery on Mitchell Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after 1906 the year his father Henning Traulsen passed away. He married Linda Borgwardt on February 12, 1922. He passed away on May 3, 1960 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Art and Linda had three children, two are still living, and they have four grandchildren. I know very little about my Great or Grand Uncle as he passed away when I was one year old. To date, this is one of the few photographs that I have in my collection of him.

The photograph, itself, is very fragile. It was printed on a very light weight photographic paper. Unfortunately, there is no information printed on the back of the picture except for the date 1918. I remember, my Grandmother Lucy pointing at the young man in the second row on the right and exclaiming it was her brother. I believe Grand Uncle Art served in the Army. Hopefully, other family members will be able to share more information.

Alma Helen Wolff Traulsen

Subject: Alma Helen Wolff Traulsen

Occasion: Unknown

Date: Unknown

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Photographer: Unknown

Alma Helen Wolff was born on November 23, 1865 in Schneidemuhl in the Province of Posen, Germany. Alma arrived in the United States on October 12, 1882.

Henning and Alma were the parents of my maternal Grandmother Lucy Albertine Helene Traulsen. They were wed on October 15, 1886 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Alma passed away on March 8, 1941 after battling cancer of the pancreas for about one year. She was buried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but I do not know what cemetery.

This photograph was glued to a piece of wood that was carved and painted. There are many layers of varnish over the picture and frame. I remember this being called decoupage. Unfortunately, over the years the varnish gets cloudy, so the picture no longer is in sharp focus. The above is a photograph I took of the actual piece. There is no information or date on the back of the picture. There is a small sticker with Gimbels on it. I am assuming this was done at the department store in Milwaukee.

I know very little about my maternal Great Grandmother. If my Grandmother Lucy told stories about her mother, I just do not remember them. Any comments from other family members would of course, be greatly appreciated.

Portrait of Henning William Traulsen Sr.

Subject: Henning William Traulsen Sr.
Occasion: Unknown
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Date: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Medium: Charcoal drawing
Photographer: Louis Forrai

Henning was born on December 23, 1860 in Karlberg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. He emigrated to the United States and arrived on May 5, 1885.

Henning and Alma were the parents of my maternal Grandmother Lucy Albertine Helene Traulsen. They were wed on October 15, 1886 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

This is a photograph of a charcoal drawing done of my Maternal Great Grandfather. I carefully unframed the drawing, but there is no indication of the artist or date. My guess would be the late 1890's. The drawing measures 16 x 20 inches. It was framed in a hand carved ornate wood frame, that is very typical of the period. At this time large photographs were for the most part unheard of.  Therefore painting or drawing were done for larger portraits.

Originally, my Grandmother Lucy stated this drawing hung in the parlor of her Grandmother Alma's home.  The frame was dark wood. It was my Grandmother Lucy that changed the color of the frame to gold glitz. During my childhood, the drawing was stored in the attic. When my Grandmother Lucy moved from the house on Richard and Ring to the townhouse, my mother obtained the drawing. It hung in the hallway with other family photographs.

Henning passed away on November 2, 1906. The story of his death was relayed to me by my Cousin Caroline. She stated that Henning suffered from epilepsy. During this era, the disease was thought to be a social stigma. The disease worsen to the point where Henning could no longer work in the bakery. He did not want the world to know he had the disease. He took a hand gun and shot himself inside the stable at his residence. I can only imagine what a shock it was to the family.  

The Traulsen Bakery

Title: Arthur H. Traulsen Bakery
Pictured: Left to Right: Arthur Traulsen, Baker, Henning Traulsen, Jr.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Date: Unknown
Photographer: Unknown

The address on the awning states 488, but I do not know what street the bakery was located on. I know this photograph was taken after 1906, the year Henning Traulsen Sr. died. Since Arthur was the oldest, the bakery was named after him.

If you look closely in the window on the right, you will see a woman behind the counter. I am positive that this is my Grandma Lucy. Leaving the bakery to the children was far from a harmonious event. I remember stories how my grandmother resented that control of the bakery was left in the hands of her older brother. She relayed how she was treated no better than an employee, and even when this photograph was taken, she was left inside to take care of the customers. The hired baker took more prominence then Lucy.

Women during this era did not get a fair shake, and having a dictator of a brother running your life was no bed of roses. Lucy was not paid for her services at the bakery. She had to clean the bakery, run errands and work behind the counter. That was woman's work. Arthur would not pay her, stating her payment was a roof over head and food to eat. No wonder she referred to him as the Kaiser!

Lucy with her 8th grade education did a very brave and unheard of thing. She read in the newspaper the need for secretaries in Chicago. She secretly saved pennies from making change at the bakery counter until she had enough for train fare to Chicago. Once she had the money, she packed the very few articles of clothing she had and off to Chicago she went. I guess you can call it turn of the century contract labor, but she agreed to work as a secretary for a company, in exchange for a stipend to attend secretary school. Once she graduated, she would work for the company and pay back a small portion of her paycheck until the tuition and stipend was paid in full. Once paid, her obligation to the company was over.

I don't know how long the school was, or the name of the company she worked for. I do remember her telling me she lived in a boarding house. Please remember, that her future husband George Waswo had relatives in Chicago. I surmise that living in Chicago gave her the freedom from her family to allow her to court. I also surmise, that is why in the 1910's, I have so many photographs of George and Lucy in Chicago. Lucy never had a close relationship with her brother Arthur, and she did not speak kindly of him. She did enjoy and always spoke with the most kind regard for his children, Arthur Jr., Dorinne and Caroline. Lucy was closest to her brother Henning Jr., and took good care of him until his death.

Lucy was a lady way ahead of her time. She bucked the tradition of the era and paved her own way and made a life for herself. I remember her as a strong, loving person, and 'a caution' definitely described her. Lord forgive you, if you were on her bad list! I can also say, my mother Norma, Lucy's daughter exhibited some of these strong characteristics as well. In future posts we will explore how Norma handled whatever was thrown at her during her life.

mamma and papa

Subject: Henning William Traulsen Sr. and Alma Helen Wolff
Occasion: Unknown
Date: Unknown
Photographer: Wollensak Studio, 500 National Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Henning was born on December 23, 1860 in Karlberg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. He emigrated to the United States and arrived on May 5, 1885.

Alma Helen Wolff was born on November 23, 1865 in Schniedermuhl Proving
Rosen, Germany (my spelling may be incorrect as I was reading it from a very old document). Alma arrived in the United States on October 12, 1882.

Henning and Alma were the parents of my maternal Grandmother Lucy Albertine Helene Traulsen. They were wed on October 15, 1886 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

On the back of the photograph is written mamma and papa, and it appears to be in my Grandmother's handwriting.

I take a break once again in the time line, to return to a photograph I recently found of my maternal, maternal, great, great grandparents. Unfortunately, I know very little about this photograph. I feel it was taken after 1886 the date of their wedding, as both appear older to me. The photograph is mounted on heavy cardboard.

Henning and Alma ran a bakery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The exact location is unknown to me. After Henning's death in 1906, the bakery was run by Arthur, Henning Jr. and my Grandmother Lucy. I do not remember any stories that revealed the demise of the bakery. Arthur passed away in 1960 and Henning Jr. in 1966.

Next week we will discover what life beheld the bakers, and my Grandmother Lucy's role.

You are cordially invited...

Subject: Lucy Traulsen, age 24, and George D. Waswo, age 31.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Wedding Day
Date: August 18, 1915
Photographer: Unknown

The wedding day of Lucy and George! These are the only two pictures I have found to date from their wedding. I really do not know too much about their wedding. I don't remember my grandmother ever sharing stories about that special day.

I do remember stories about my grandparents courtship. My grandfather was a traveling salesman for the Fleishman Yeast Company. George got this job through his Uncle Fredrick Lueth, who at the time lived in Kansas City, MO. Lucy met George when he visited the family bakery in Milwaukee.

I remember my grandmother telling me, she liked George because he had a job, a car and $500 in the bank! I also remember a scrap book filled with postcards that George wrote her during his sales travels. He also brought back souvenirs from his trips. Many of them were silver spoons from the cities and states that he visited. While I have not been able to find the scrap book of postcards, I do have some of the silver spoons he brought back for Lucy. Spoons that she always treasured.

My grandmother moved next door to us in the late 1960's. At that time, she gave the spoons to my mother. My mother purchased a wooden rack, and displayed some of the spoons in this rack. The rack hung in a hallway near the kitchen. My grandmother was very practical, she gave the spoons to my mother so she would not have to keep them polished. Of course, as I got older, it became one of my jobs to polish the spoons. At the time I did not appreciate it, but now I treasure the spoons as my grandmother and mother did.

Please examine the photographs closely. I love the long white gloves Lucy is wearing. Also note the placement of the flower corsage. In the bottom photograph, I see a cross necklace Lucy is wearing. I do not remember this necklace. It may be packed in a box, as some items I hastily packed, or my mother did give some of the family jewelry to her daughter-in-law.

If you look at George, you also see the flower boutonniere. As in previous photographs, please note the watch fob on the left breast pocket. There was a button hole near the boutonniere, at one end of the fob was a button that was attached to his hole, the chain led down to a small pocket in the coat, where the pocket watch was kept. This was the style of the era, as you will also see this on the photograph of Lucy's brother Henning in a post from July 2010.

George Daniel Waswo

Subject: George D. Waswo
Age: 29
Location: Jefferson Park, Chicago, Illinois
Occasion: Unknown
Date: May 31, 1914
Photographer: Unknown

My plan was to post the wedding pictures of George Daniel Waswo and Lucy Traulsen in August; as August was the month of their marriage. However, while going through some boxes, I found additional photographs from this era of my grandfather and grandmother. My mother, Norma, gave me these photographs years ago. I forgot I had them. Near the middle of September the wedding photographs will be posted.

I know very little about this photograph other than the date and location. This was written on the back in my grandmother's handwriting. I am unsure whether he was dressed for work or to go out. The date is very close to Decoration Day, or Memorial Day as we now call it. Decoration Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. So perhaps George is dressed up to pay his respect towards the family members that passed on.

I love looking at these pictures of my grandparents in their youth. It amazes me to see the family resemblance between Grandma Lucy and my mother, Norma, and Grandpa George and my Uncle George, Norma's brother.

George Daniel Waswo with his mother's cat

Subject: George Daniel Waswo with his mother's cat.
Age: 29
Location: Jefferson Park, Chicago, Illinois
Occasion: Unknown
Date: May 31, 1914
Photographer: Unknown

My plan was to post the wedding pictures of George Daniel Waswo and Lucy Traulsen in August; as August was the month of their marriage. However, while going through some boxes, I found additional photographs from this era of my grandfather and grandmother. My mother, Norma, gave me these photographs years ago. I forgot I had them. In the following weeks I will post photographs of my grandparents from their courting days. Finally, near the end of September the wedding photographs will be posted.

I know very little about this photograph, but it is one of the very few I have of my grandfather in a casual setting. Most of the photographs are professional or of my grandfather in more formal attire.

It even further amazes me to find a picture of my grandfather with a cat. Per my mother, Norma, George did not approve of pets or animals whether they be inside or outside. Norma was always the animal lover and wanted to bring strays home, but her father George was always dead against it.

As an adult, Norma usually had a pet. Even when she lived in one of grandmother's apartments, she had a little dog. Grandmother didn't mind animals one bit, as long as she did not have to take care of them. During my childhood we had a number of pets, one dog and several cats. Norma never cared to have more than one at a time, but I can remember a furry companion through most of my childhood.

So, we have the mystery of this photograph. I will never know the full story behind it.

Lucy Traulsen, Age 22

Subject: Lucy Traulsen
Age: 22
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Occasion: Unknown
Date: 1913
Photographer: Perdieu, Milwaukee

My plan was to post the wedding pictures of George Daniel Waswo and Lucy Traulsen in August; as August was the month of their marriage. However, while going through some boxes, I found additional photographs from this era of my grandfather and grandmother. My mother, Norma, gave me these photographs years ago. I forgot I had them. In the following weeks I will post photographs of my grandparents from their courting days. Finally, in September the wedding photographs will be posted.

This photograph is very unusual. It is tall and narrow. The name of the photographer is embossed in raised letters in the lower right hand corner. The photograph is glued to a gray card, with a fold similar to a pamphlet. In fact, it resembles a book marker.

It is my opinion, this photograph was given to my grandfather so he would have a picture of my grandmother while he was on the road selling yeast.

The Courtship of my Grandparents

Subject: Lucy Traulsen(age 24) and George D. Waswo(age 32)
Location: 5328 Leland Av., Chicago, IL
Occasion: Unknown
Date: March 28, 1915
Photographer: Unknown

This is a very fragile photograph that was given to me by my mother. I had it framed and it hangs on my wall. This is a pre-wedding picture of my grandfather and grandmother taken on a visit to Chicago. On the back of the photograph, is my grandmother's handwriting of the location and date of the photograph. The ink has faded over the years and it is difficult to read.

You can tell that it is a cold spring day with the barren trees in the background and the heavy coats that my grandparents are wearing.

I love looking at these pictures of my grandparents in their youth. It amazes me to see the family resemblance between Grandma Lucy and my mother, Norma, and Grandpa George and my Uncle George, Norma's brother.

Gathering at Minnie's Home

Date: 1913
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Occasion: Unknown
Photographer: George Daniel Waswo

Subject:
Counter Clockwise starting at the top left: Minnie Waswo Moeller, Alma Waswo Wascher, Albert Allen, Albert Waswo, William Moeller, Robert Waswo, Ernest Wascher, Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann.

I have very little information as to the occasion of this photograph. It was a family get together. Judith Jacob thinks this photograph was taken at Minnie Waswo Moeller's home that was located 79th and Throop Street in Chicago. I am positive that this photograph was taken at the same time and location as the photograph posted two weeks ago, Two Brothers. If you look carefully, Robert Waswo is wearing essentially the some clothing, and is sitting on the porch stoop with his pipe.

I scanned this photograph with high resolution, so if you zoom in, there is still excellent detail. I really notice the family resemblance between Grandma Waswo Giermann and my own mother. In later pictures of Grandma Giermann, she loses a lot of weight, and was sickly in her later years.

I also love the stained glass window next to the front door on Minnie's house. My grandmother Lucy T. Waswo, had similar style stained glass on the building she owned on Richard and Ring Streets in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Grandmother Lucy always called it her piano glass. She would tell me a piano should go under the stained glass. Grandmother did not own a piano, and her sofa was beneath the 'piano glass'. I can remember laying on the sofa and watching the sunshine through the 'piano glass" filling the room with color. If we left Grandma Lucy's house in the evening when it was dark, I would look up to see the indoor light illuminating the 'piano glass'. What a beautiful sight it was. That memory will forever live in my mind.

Waswo Family

Date: May 17, 1914
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Occasion: Unknown
Photographer: George Daniel Waswo

Subject:
Top Row (Left to Right): Ernest Wascher, Alma Waswo Wascher, William Moeller, Albert Allen, Minnie Waswo Moeller, Johana Lueth Waswo Giermann.

Bottom Row (Left to Right): Elfrieda Wascher, Ernest Wascher, Walter Moeller, Florence E. Allen.

I have very little information as to the actual location and occasion of this photograph. It was a family get together, perhaps Mother's Day? In the United States, Mother's Day was given official recognition by Congress on May 9, 1914, after efforts by Miss Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This could have also been an engagement or meet the family gathering for my Grandfather George Waswo and Grandmother Lucy Traulsen. My grandparents wed in August, 1915.

Judith Jacob thinks this photograph was taken at Minnie Waswo Moeller's home that was located 79th and Throop Street in Chicago. It could also have been at Johana Waswo Giermann's house. It appears to be photographed in a backyard.

Judith Jacob also shares this tidbit of family history: "It is Ernest Wascher Sr. who is in the picture. My(Judith Jacob) father was Ernest Wascher Jr. By the way, Bill(William) Moeller was the uncle of Ernest Wascher Sr. Bill(William) Moeller was the brother of Anna Elizabeth Moeller who married a Wascher. Bill and Ernest Sr. were not only uncle and nephew, but also brothers-in-law as they married sisters (Minnie Waswo and Alma Waswo). Their children, therefore, were related on both their mothers' side and their fathers' side." This certainly makes tracing the family tree a little easier when one shares more relatives!

And if you are wondering how the Allen children fit into this photograph as well as the family history, Judith Jacob relates the following. I asked why Frederick William Waswo committed suicide, and below is Judith's answer. I have added the information contained in the ( ).

"Fritz(Frederick Waswo) committed suicide for a couple of reasons...depends on who is telling the story. First of all, he had major business reverses in the tavern and in the sausage making business. He had a number of customers who couldn't pay their bar tabs and therefore stopped frequenting his establishment. A worker in the sausage factory sabotaged a whole year's worth of sausage which had to be thrown out. What tipped the scales, supposedly was that Edith (aka Ida Waswo) Allen got a social disease from her husband David Allen. The way Grandma(Alma Waswo Wascher)told the story was that when David Allen (always known from Grandma(Alma Waswo Wascher)as "That rotter, Dave Allen") asked for Edith's hand in marriage. Fritz(Frederick Waswo), knowing of David's reputation, asked him if everything "was all right." When David assured him it was, Edith and David got married(September 18, 1896 in Milwaukee, WI). Shortly after, Edith discovered the problem. According to Grandma(Alma Waswo Wascher), David thought the whole thing was quite funny. Fritz(Frederick Waswo) was so distraught and depressed at all this, he shot himself on April 2, 1896. He left a note saying he was going to do the deed on April 1, but he didn't want to be an April Fool. My grandmother(Alma Waswo Wascher), about age 12, and your grandfather George(George D. Waswo) about age 11, discovered their father's body(Frederick Waswo). Supposedly all was in the newspapers, but I have been unable to find any evidence of that.

Edith and David went on to have several children, at least three of whom were born without any problems one would think they would have if their mother had a social disease. Florence(born: December 28, 1903)(married Dr. Neil Desenis, a dentist), Albert(born: June 4, 1897)(married Marguerite) and George(born: June 1898) (married Margaret.) I would have to check my records to make absolutely sure of the names and dates of all this.

After Edith died(August 15, 1909), David Allen also committed suicide(in 1909). As there were many people out to get him because of his bad behavior, he stood in a window across from a fire station in full view of many firemen and put a gun in his mouth(he did this so no one would be accused of murder). Without parents, the three children were split up. Florence went to live with Bill(William) and Minnie Waswo Moeller. One of the boys, I think Albie(Albert), went to live with his grandmother Johanna Lueth Waswo. George went to live with the Allen family(in-laws). Supposedly Florence and Albie(Albert) had it pretty good, but poor George had to work very hard even as a young lad with the Allens."

I remember hearing essentially the same story from my Grandmother, Lucy T. Waswo and Florence E. Allen Desenis. However, Florence related that both her and Albert went to work at a very early age to support the family. This was customary during this era.

I have also heard the story that David Allen and Edith Ida Waswo eloped to Milwaukee for the wedding before Frederick Fritz Waswo could change his mind about the marriage. David and Edith's marriage certificate is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The State Capitol of Wisconsin

Taking a little break from photographs of my family members, I decided to share this photograph of the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin. The photograph was taken in 1914, and my best guest of the photographer is my grandfather, George D. Waswo, Sr. Of course back then, he wasn't the senior yet! It is still one year before the marriage to my grandmother, Lucy A. H. Traulsen.

This photograph was taken on King Street from the beginning of the 100 block. If you look carefully, you will see the Majestic Theater on the Left. The address of the Majestic is 115 King Street. If you view the photograph carefully, you can see that the trees have leaves and the people are in their shirtsleeves. Being very familiar with Wisconsin weather, my guess would be this photograph was taken in late Spring or Summer. My guess would also include, that my grandfather took this photograph on one of his sales trips. Unfortunately, I do not have any other photographs from this era to provide additional details. It could have been a day outing for the courting couple.

There is some history involved with not only the State Capitol, but also from the Majestic Theater. From the Majestic Theater website, I have provided the following information:

The Majestic Theatre is Madison, Wisconsin’s oldest theatre, opening on December 15, 1906 as a vaudeville theatre. Over the years, everything from silent movies to the shows of Harry Houdini have graced this historic stage. There were even a few years where the theatre showed movies that featured the letter “X” rather prominently after the title. After a brief incarnation as a dance club, the Majestic Theatre has returned to its show business roots — this time as a world-class live performing arts venue.

Yes, the Majestic along with the Capitol still grace Madison, Wisconsin.

Two Brothers

Subject: Robert Waswo
Age: 38
Occasion: Unknown.
Location: Chicago, IL (appears to be the front stoop of Minnie Waswo Moeller's home)
Date: 1913
Photographer: Unknown.

I have very little detailed information on Robert Waswo. He was the older brother of my grandfather, George. Robert was born in 1875 in Chicago, Illinois. He is recorded on the 1880 census as residing in Chicago. He married Anna Heith, and had two children Helen and Fred. Robert passed away on October 5, 1944 in Chicago and is buried at the Waldheim Cemetery.

As a child and young adult, I remember a Fred Waswo with a residence in Florida. I remember receiving Christmas cards from Fred. I know that my parents visited Fred Waswo during one of their Florida trips. I also remember my Uncle George visiting the Florida Waswo.

Per Judith Jacob, she relates this story about Fred Waswo. Fred Waswo is Bob(Robert) Waswo's son. Fred also had a sister Helen. When Albert Waswo (who was "slow" as a result of oxygen deprivation from a breech birth) died about 1950(May 8, 1948), his will left his estate of about $10,000 to his sisters Minnie and Alma who had taken care of him after his mother Johanna(Lueth Waswo Giermann)died(May 18, 1935). Helen and Freddie sued Minnie and Alma for a share of the estate. They wanted your mother Norma and her brother George to join them in the lawsuit, but they refused, knowing how much time and effort Alma and Minnie put into caring for their brother. Any other family members contacted also refused to join the suit. Helen and Freddie claimed Alma and Minnie had coerced Albert into leaving them his estate (which basically had come from money left to him when Johanna (Lueth)Waswo Giermann died.) Helen and Freddie did win a share of the estate...think each one got about $2000....but what a mess it caused in the family. I know Alma and Minnie and their families never wanted anything to do with Helen and Freddie after that. I was only about 10 years old in 1950 when this all occurred, but I was old enough to know it was not a pleasant time....my grandmother(Alma Wascher Waswo)cried a lot of tears over it.

I remember the story between Minnie and Alma vs. Helen and Freddie. My mom, as well as Grandma Lucy were deeply upset about the whole matter. Judith Jacob's words brought back memories from my childhood. I remember Grandma Lucy also said that the rest of the family was upset that Grandma Giermann left her estate to Albert(because he needed to be cared after). Perhaps that is what precipitated Helen and Freddie going after the estate of Albert. So sad to have greed separate the family.

It is a shame that there is so much greed that clouds the mind. It amazes me that a family member can be so callous, but it continues. This is not an isolated incident in our family history.


Subject: George D. Waswo
Age: 29
Occasion: Unknown.
Location: Chicago, IL
Date: 1913
Photographer: Unknown.

As I continue from last week, this is a photograph during my grandparents courting days. This snapshot appears to have been taken by a professional. If you look closely, you will note the artificial background. Perhaps there was a special occasion for this photograph, but the information is lost. George was 29 years old in this photograph. Perhaps, George had this taken as a memento for Lucy. George at this time was a traveling salesman and on the road.

A Young Lady

Subject: Lucy A. Trualsen
Occasion: Unknown.
Location: 5328 Leland Avenue, Chicago, IL
Date: March 16, 1913
Photographer: Unknown.

This photograph was taken in the late winter/early spring of 1913. My best guess for the photographer was George D. Waswo. This was the courtship era for my grandparents, and the occasion most likely was a visit with the future in-laws and family. Lucy was 22 years old in this photograph.

I have several photographs of my grandparents from this time frame, and they will be shared over the next several weeks.

When viewing these photographs, I am impressed with the style and finesse of the clothing my grandmother was wearing. I always have memories of my grandmother 'dressed up'. I think from early in her life she always enjoyed dressing up and looking as good as she could. Of course, she was probably trying to win the love and affection of my future grandfather!

It would be great to have written down what grandmother had to say about each of these photographs, as there always was a story involved. Unfortunately, the story is lost, but these photographs reveal a brief imagine of what life was like in years past, and of our family when they were young.

Note in the photograph that the trees were beginning to leaf, and the flowers blooming in the grass. All of this was the signs of spring.

Say there, aren't these two nice little peaches?

Subject: Lucy A. Traulsen and friend
Location: Unknown.
Occasion: Unknown.
Date: 1913.
Photographer: Unknown.

I love this photograph. This was the era of courtship and happiness for my Grandmother and of course her future husband to be, George Daniel Waswo, Sr. The handwriting beneath the photograph is my Grandmother's. I imagine she had this photograph taken professionally, as if you look closely, it appears to be an artificial background. Unfortunately, I do not know the identity of her friend.

I love the stylish dress and hat, even at a young age Grandmother knew what to wear to flatter her. This sense of style continued the rest of her life. Even in advanced age, Grandmother continued to reap the benefit of many compliments upon her attire.

This photograph was taken either in Milwaukee, Wisconsin or Chicago, Illinois. Lucy was 22 years old. In a future post, I will explore Lucy's early adult life, but for now, I will reveal, that she did live in Chicago for a few years. Perhaps, this cemented the relationship between George and Lucy. I also note a striking family resemblance between young Lucy and my own mother.

I imagine Lucy giving this photograph to George as a keepsake. Per Lucy's stories, this was the time that George was on the road selling yeast for the Fleishman Yeast Company. He would visit bakeries much as vendors do today, to ensure customers remained happy, as well to tout the latest and greatest product or products. He had this photograph to remind him of the lady back home waiting for him.

During my childhood, I remember an album filled with postcards that George sent Lucy on his travels. Unfortunately, I do not know what happened to this scrapbook. George also brought back spoons with the locations of the cities and states that he visited for Lucy. These keepsakes I do have.

Henning W. Traulsen, Jr.

Subject: Henning W. Traulsen, Jr.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Occasion: 21th birthday
Date: 1914
Photographer: Unknown.

This is a photograph of my Great Uncle Henning, brother of Lucy Traulsen Waswo, at age 21. For his 21th birthday, Henning bought himself a new suit and a gold pocket watch. He then had a portrait taken to commemorate the occasion.

Henning Jr. was born November, 20, 1893 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was a baker by trade. His father started the bakery, and once he passed away, it was run by his children, Arthur, Henning and Lucy. I am unsure how long the bakery lasted. It might have been a casualty of the Great Depression. I know by the 1960's, Henning Jr. was no longer running a bakery.

I have very few memories of Henning Jr. He had a house in Milwaukee, but I can not remember where. He was an excellent baker, as I remember his jelly filled doughnuts, and his birthday cakes. For one of my birhtdays, he made a seven layer cake. It was decorated with trains on the side and top. As a child, I adored trains, partially due to my father being a traffic manager and involved with the rail lines.

If you look carefully at the left suit pocket, you will see the gold watch fob. The button had the letter H engraved. I still have the watch fob and gold pocket watch. Inside the watch cover, he had engraved his name and 11-20-14.

Per my Grandmother Lucy, Henning Jr. had a drinking problem. He was a bachelor. Lucy was the one that looked after him and cared for him. I do not remember him having health problems. He passed away on October 5, 1966 at age 72. He is buried at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Wisconsin. I remember attending the funeral, and my memories of Great Uncle Henning were happy ones. He always treated me well, and I enjoyed visiting him.

Waswo Grocery Store

My Grandparents George Daniel Sr. and Lucy Waswo owned and operated a grocery store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Per my Grandmother's account it existed from 1915 until the early 1940's.

The top picture is the building located on N. Richards and E. Ring streets. The date in the upper right hand corner is 1905. I am not sure this date is accurate. In 1905, George Daniel Sr. would be 21 years old, and Lucy would be 15 years old. My grandmother stated that while George Daniel Sr. was courting her, he worked for Fleishman's Yeast Company. My grandmother remembered him visiting the family bakery, and that was how they were introduced. This occupation was verified by my Cousin Judith Jacob, as George Daniel Sr.'s Uncle Frederick T. Lueth is the one responsible for helping George Daniel Sr. to get the yeast sales job. My guess is this photograph is from around 1915.

The middle photograph is from 1925 of the second grocery store owned by my grandparents. They did not run two stores, but purchased this building on 4100 W. Burleigh Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is the childhood home of my mother, Norma and her brother George Daniel Jr. They lived in the flat above the store. Per my Cousin Caroline Loose, my grandparents did not sell the first store. I am not sure, but they probably rented the building. I do not know the reason they moved to Burleigh Street, perhaps better location and less competition. My grandfather was a shrewd businessman.

The bottom photograph is also from 1925, and is the inside of the Burleigh Street store.

There are many stories that I remember my grandmother and mother telling me as a child, and I will share some of them in this post. As all businesses go, there is competition. There was a family named Kohls that also ran a family grocery store. I remember grandmother telling me how the two would always tried to under cut each other. My mother would speak on how the entire family worked in the store. She would talk about how cookies, crackers and pickles all came in barrels, and that you could pick the exact amount you wanted. As a treat, the children were allowed to take a cookie of their choice from a bin. The family hardly ever took a vacation together, as someone always needed to be present to run the store. As a result, grandfather and George Jr. would take a trip together while the ladies ran the store, and visa versa. My mother would tell me that the Great Depression did not impact her during her childhood. Her parents ran a grocery store, so there was always food on the table. I am sure my grandparents struggled financially, but they did not share that fact with the children.

With the untimely death of my grandfather, George Sr. in 1939 from cancer, my grandmother was left to run the grocery store on her own. I remember her telling me how difficult this was. At the time, it was uncommon for a woman to go to the farmer's market to purchase produce for the store. Grandmother had no one else, so she would go, as George Jr. was in college and later serviced in Asia during WWII. The 1940's was the start of the era of supermarkets, and the Kohls purchased a chain in Michigan, perfected the concept and started a chain of supermarkets in Milwaukee. Like many small businesses, the small corner grocery stores were doomed.

My grandmother sold the Burleigh Street store. She had the Richards and Ring remodeled with the first floor converted into two apartments. Grandmother lived on the second floor and rented the two bottom units. I remember the Richards and Ring home, as we visited there many times when I was a child.

The Richards and Ring home was sold in 1969, and my grandmother moved into the townhouse that my father had built. The building was torn down sometime during the late 1980's.

Three Generations

Again, I depart from the time line to honor Father's Day.

The top photograph is the only know picture of my grandfather, Louis Forrai. It is a photograph of a photograph that my father took during the 1970's. The original was worn and faded. I always felt my father did a remarkable job of restoring this photograph. He made several copies, and I have one framed and hanging on my wall.

My grandfather, Louis was born April 18, 1892 in Hungary near Budapest. His father was Steven Forrai and mother was Mary Mandoki. He married my grandmother Rosalia Prusek on February 20, 1906 in Hungary. They emigrated to the United States on July 8, 1912.

While in Hungary, they were shop owners and middle class. If you are familiar with Eastern European history, this was an era of war. My grandparents were tired of the war, and left their homeland with their two daughters (Mary and Elizabeth) for America and a new life. They had practically no belonging except for the clothes on their backs. Records reveal they left Belgium for Ellis Island, New York. Once they arrived in New York, they stood in line for over 10 hours to register.

Employment opportunities were scarce, but in New York they learned of the need for laborers in Ohio. My grandparents left New York for Ohio where they labored digging ditches and building roads for the State of Ohio. Their two daughters went to school while mom and dad labored during the day. At night they all practiced and learned English. Grandma had to quit working when she found out she was pregnant (with my father). The four of them found whatever work they could and saved their money.

By 1917, my grandparents had saved enough money and purchased a dairy farm near Kalamazoo, Michigan. Grandma told many stories about life on the farm and raising dairy cows and hogs. She would say, nothing went to waste, not even the squeal of the pig! Farming was a totally new experience for the once shop owners! Life was good for the next two years, until the flu epidemic of 1919 struck. The whole family came down with the flu. The community banded together and helped each other out, with the well doing the daily chores for those who were ill. My grandfather recovered, but went back to work too soon. My grandmother said it was because of his pride. My grandfather caught the influenza the second time, and was too weak to recover. He passed away on February 6, 1919 at the age of 36. He died in Brandon, Michigan and is buried in Ortonville, Michigan. He never realized his dream of becoming a United States citizen.

The middle photograph is of my father, Joseph Frank Forrai. He is reported to be born near Cleveland, Ohio on April 26, 1913. However, a birth certificate could never be found because of a fire at both the court house and the church where he was baptized. The records of the midwife listed him as Steven Forai with a birth date of April 28, 1913 in Cleveland, OH.

This photograph was taken in 1941 in Cudahy, Wisconsin prior to my father being called to serve in the US Army during WWII. My father was 29 years old when he was called to the service. I have a few more pictures to share at a later date, and will continue Joseph's story. Joseph passed away on January 25, 1999. He is buried at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

The last picture is of Louis Forrai, first son of Joseph Frank and grandson of Louis Forrai. My full name is Louis George Forrai. Louis is my paternal grandfather's first name, and George is my maternal grandfather's first name. Now you all know how my name came into being. As Father's Day honors fathers, I was named to honor my grandfathers.

This photograph was taken by my father in the mid 1960's. It was taken in our dining room against the west windows on Luther Avenue. It has always been one of my favorite photographs, and brings back many happy memories.

In Memory of Norma Elsbeth Waswo Forrai

I am taking a departure in the time line this week, to honor the memory of Norma Elsbeth Waswo Forrai, my mother. She passed away on June 9, 2009.

The top picture is of Norma and her mother, Lucy Traulsen Waswo. The picture was taken the summer of 1922. Norma was about 7 months old. This picture was taken in the backyard of the Waswo Grocery Store and their home, on E. Ring and N. Richards Streets in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The middle picture is of Norma taken on August 17, 1946. Norma was the maid of honor of her best friend, Gloria LaPorte Strei. The photograph was taken on the front porch of the home of Earl and Helen LaPorte in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The LaPortes have been close family friends for many years. Helen LaPorte was best friends with Lucy T. Waswo, and Helen's daughter Gloria was Norma's best friend. I had never seen this photograph before July 2009. When I traveled to Wisconsin, to have mom placed next to dad, Gloria Strei gave me this picture. The photograph captures my mother in her youth. Though taken before I was born, I became attached to it. I call this photograph 'Forever Norma', as it portrays her as I know how she would like us all to remember her. Sun in her eyes and a smile on her face, she was very happy on the wedding day of her best friend. Gloria married William F. Strei and they have been married 63 years. They reside in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

The bottom photograph of Norma was taken on Mother's Day in May 2007. The Adult Daycare she attended photographed a portrait as a gift for each client's family. Norma loved the color purple, and this was one of her favorite outfits. Mom enjoyed the daycare very much. She loved watching old western movies, playing the card game UNO, and dancing. She looked forward to going every day. The adult daycare was a blessing for me, as I could work full time and rest at ease knowing that mom was being well taken care of.

Norma spent most of her adult life employed in public service. She worked for the gas company, Milwaukee Public Library, Greendale High School and for Milwaukee County. She was always kind to people and her coworkers and customers always spoke highly of her. I remember her sense of humor and the smile on her face. She had a long and happy life. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her and my dad. I will always love her.

Arthur Herman and Lucy Albertine Helene Traulsen

Subject: Arthur Herman and Lucy Albertine Helene Traulsen
Occasion: Unknown
Date: September 1891
Photographer: Unknown

Family Link:
Parents: Henning and Alma Helen Wolff Traulsen
Children: William Paul Edwin (1887-1899); Arthur Herman (1889-1960); Lucy Albertine Helene (1891-1987); Henning W (1893-1966); Alma Bertha (Reichardt) (1897-1966).

This is the last of the photographs that I have currently scanned that was mounted on heavy cardboard. Unfortunately, the border was cut away, apparently to allow the photograph to fit in a frame. Therefore, I do not have the identity of the photographer.

From a previous post, we learned that William Paul was the first child of Henning and Alma, and that William passed away in 1899. I have heard from my Cousin Dorinne Green, that William is buried at the Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee, WI. Dorinne lives near the cemetery, and says she will photograph the headstone.

In this picture we have Arthur Herman who would be the second child. He was two years old in this photograph. Arthur is standing. Seated in the chair is Lucy Albertine age 6 months and the third child. Lucy is my grandmother.

I can remember looking at this photograph as a young child. I always thought it was a photograph of two girls. I guess this was the style of the era for boys and girls to wear what I would consider a dress. I remember grandma telling me that the boy standing was her brother. I found it very amusing that he was wearing a 'dress'. Plaid must have been the fashion design of the era as well. I do not have any memory of Great Uncle Art, as he passed away when I was one year old.

Viewing this photograph as an adult, I admire what must have been a very difficult time preparing and posing children. Especially Lucy, who was only 6 months old at the time. This was so unlike the digital age where you can fire away the shots, keep the best, and discard the rest. It amazes me how perfect this photograph is, almost like two china dolls posed for a toy advertisement flier. I can visualize the photograph displayed on a mantel or table in the home of my great grandparents. Apparently, the Traulsen's treasured their children.

Lucy Albertine Helene Traulsen

Subject: Lucy Albertine Helene Traulsen
Age: 15
Date: Spring 1906
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Occasion: 8th Grade Graduation
Photographer: W. L. Stein, 452 Mitchell St., Milwaukee.

I posted this photograph on Facebook during Mother's Day week, sans the border. This view gives you the actual photograph. As Waswo has pointed out in previous posts, during this time, the mounting on heavy cardboard allowed you to stand the photograph without a frame.

If memory serves me correctly, Lucy, my grandmother, went no further in her education. She was fortunate as a young woman during this era to receive any formal education. My Chicago female relatives were not as fortunate as many did not even make it to the eighth grade and were required to leave school in order to work. From eighth grade, Lucy went to work in the family bakery. In future posts, I will provide more detail into the life of a female bakery worker.

Getting back to the photograph, in my opinion photography during this era was truly an art form. From your first glace you can just feel the preparation the subject and photographer went through to capture this special moment. Lucy was so beautiful, you can feel her youth radiate. Think how happy this moment was. She completed school and graduated. She received this beautiful new dress, and perhaps even the locket in the photograph was a graduation gift. I love the high white socks and the white shoes with the white bow. Lucy must have felt all grown up, diploma in her hand and ready to meet the world. I am so happy that my great grandparents had the means to capture this special day, and that it persevered for 104 years! I feel very fortunate to have this very special photograph of a person who I not only loved, but was so special in my own life.

My Cousin Waswo commented on this photograph on Facebook, "Wow Wicho...this photo is just a stunner. Not just because it is Grandma Lucy. It is just an exquisite portrait, a beautiful photograph. You are lucky to have it. Would be interesting for you to start a blog about your collection. Post one photograph each week and write a little family history. Seems like you might enjoy it, and it'd certainly be great to read."

And so the humble beginnings of this blog.

Heartache

Subject: William Paul Edwin Traulsen
Occasion: Birth? First Birthday?
Date: Unknown
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Photographer: Unknown

William is the first child of Henning and Alma Traulsen. William was born August 22, 1887. Imagine the joy, Henning and Alma's first child. Photography was expensive, but they needed to mark this very special occasion. Unfortunately all their dreams faded when William passed away on November 29, 1889. He was one year and three months old, and is buried in the Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI. I do not know the details of young William's passing. What heartache Alma and Henning must have felt? What potential was lost with William's untimely death? You are probably looking at the only picture of William.

The picture itself was large close to 6" x 8". It was mounted on heavy cardboard. I do not know what the original was like, as the photograph was cut into an oval shape, and placed in an oval frame. I assume the frame was broken, as all that remains is the photograph. I don't know who cut the photograph, was it the once proud mother, Alma? Or was it her daughter, Alma Bertha? Alma Bertha might have wanted to remember her older brother even though he passed before she was born.

Subject: George Daniel Waswo III
Occasion: High School Graduation
Date: 1966
Location: West Allis, WI
Photographer: Unknown

Daniel was the son of George Daniel Waswo, Jr. and Lucille G. Waswo. He was born on June 23, 1948. Such great potential was lost at an early age, as Dan passed away on May 18, 1974 at the age of 25. He is buried at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, WI. At the time of his death, Dan was working on his car. It was speculated that the wind closed the door to the garage, and Dan was overcome by carbon monoxide. It was a shock, and I remember it.

As a child, my brother and I loved Dan, and his brother Rick. We loved it when Dan would babysit us. Dan would take what he had learned and presented it in an imaginable way that not only entertained, but taught.

I have fond memories of our living room becoming a cave. Dan would turn off all the lights, and we would walk around with flash lights. The furnishings magically transformed into cave architect through our imagination. I remember my mom and dad coming home early from their evening out, to find the house dark with light from the flashlights beaming around the living room. I can only imagine now what at the time they were thinking.

Dan sparked my imagination as well as opened my mind to enjoy learning. This is a trait I have carried through my entire life. When he passed, it was a major blow, and I have always felt a piece of my heart died that day with him. I can still visualize it in my mind.