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.