Military Monday - Great Uncle Alwin

My great Uncle Alwin served in World War II from the beginning of the war until he was injured and sent home to recover at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco's Presidio (I believe this may have been in 1944). Some of these below photos are hard to tell where he was exactly. I believe he served mainly in Europe. My grandmother said he was considered a sniper and won an award for bravery, killing the enemy before they got to one of our people. 

I never knew Uncle Al, even though he was alive until I turned 4 years old (he passed on in 1986). He was the closest in age to my Grandmother, as they were only about 5 years apart. She speaks of him fondly whenever he is brought up. 

Let's honor his service, bravery and sacrifice for keeping Americans safe during war time.

Postcards - From Martha & Ed Werre, Long Beach, California 1949

Martha Werre was my great grandmother Lydia's younger sister. Martha was born in 1898; Lydia was born in 1896. Martha and Lydia seemed to have a close relationship and loved one another, based on letters and postcards. But, it seems no one really disliked Lydia. She had many people who adored her. 

This postcard was written in January of 1949. It appears Martha was visiting LA for some reason, but it may have been purely for leisure. Lydia was a widow at this time, as my great-grandfather passed away in October of 1948. Martha probably wanted to visit with her sister since she was now alone (my Grandmother, being the youngest, was married and living away from home). 

Those Places Thursday - My Childhood Home

I grew up in a very family friendly neighborhood throughout the 1980's and early 1990's. There were many kids on our block that were close to my brother and I's ages. Looking back, it was an idyllic time. We didn't have iPods, computers, cell phones, Playstations/X-boxes, Netflix streaming and instant TV (well, we had Pay-Per-View - but that was a rare treat as it was quite expensive!)

What we did have was a lot of fun with the neighborhood kids (and our cousins!) - lemonade stands, baseball, basketball, bike rides, swimming parties, games on Saturday mornings, fort building, camping out in the backyard, Saturday morning cartoons (stuff like Looney Tunes, Richie Rich, Pee Wee Herman, Fraggle Rock, etc.). I loved watching Johnny Carson late at night. And, then tune in on Friday's for Friday Night Videos then later TGIF- then Saturday's we had "227" and Saturday Night Live, followed with Showtime at the Apollo.

The neighborhood is only about 20 miles from where I live now and every once in awhile, we will drive by to see how our old house looks. It brings so many memories with each drive. I still envision our tall palm tree in our yard and then the day we had it torn down. I remember our yard being redone in the front. I recall the juniper shrubs that used to line our front window and when my brother and I would play catch in our yard, the ball would get stuck in those shrubs and they used to scratch up my hands and arms when I'd try to get the ball and then I'd start to itch.

The inside of the house I remember clearly - mostly colors were still indicative of the '70s, but was done in good taste. Our front entrance was tiled and we had veined mirrors in our entrance and our family room. We even had the cork pattern with mirrors - yeah, it was very 1970's, if I think about it! We had plush semi-shag carpet, but it was very nice - it didn't look cheap.

We had a lovely backyard with a pool which my dad and some of my uncles helped him install - an in-ground Dough boy pool in 1983, when I was one. This pool meant a lot to me! I think close to this time, we got a Smurf swing set. I loved that swing set. We really used it like crazy, and it was in shambles by the time we had our back yard redone in 1991 and had it removed - that was a sad day for me :(

This childhood home held many wonderful memories. It's been over 20 years now since we left it, but I have never forgotten those early formed memories that I still hold onto close to my heart.

Me in our backyard, on my brother's 10th birthday, 1989.

My 6th birthday at home with neighborhood and school friends, May 1988.

My Aunt on our couch (notice the cork and mirrored design - yikes!), circa 1992.

Me on Christmas Day, 1985, I was 3 1/2 years old.

In our wallpapered bathroom, I was about 7, circa 1989.

Selling Kool Aid and Balloons at a garage sale, circa 1986-87 - Melissa, Me and my brother

My brother and I, already taking control of the TV at age 1 1/2, circa 1983. 

My brother and I eating McDonald's chicken nuggets on our TV tray, circa 1986

Me playing in my kiddie pool, circa 1983-84.

Me posting after coming home from school (wearing my uniform), circa 1989.

Me pretending to vacuum our plush "shag" carpet, circa 1989

 My cousin Melissa and I in my kiddie pool, circa 1987

Our house just within months of it being purchased, circa 1979.

Sunday's Obituary - Charles (Karl) Roehm

I have an actual obituary for Charles Roehm (my Great, Great Grandfather), however, I cannot locate the digital version of it at the moment. Instead, I will post it at a later time, but here is a biography about him, which was published about 20 years after his death. It was written in the "Ashley 1938 Jubilee." 

These Jubilees were often published during certain anniversaries that towns celebrated after their incorporation. Most that I have seen are for 50, 75 and 100 years. They are like yearbooks for towns that are celebrating their existence and the history and people that made the town what it is today. It's a lot of fun to read through them. I am sure it was lots of work to make them, as they are chock full of very personal accounts and biographies; they are also full of facts, photos, school photos and advertisements. They truly are a treasure. For any town that produced even just one or two over the 100+ year existence of their town, is sure to leave a lasting record for future generations.

"Not the good that comes to us, but the good that comes to the world through us is the measure of our success." Judging the life of Charles Roehm from this standard, his was a most successful one. He was loved, honored and respected by all who knew him. Never did he seek that prominence which in a large measure brings the individual before the public eye. His neighborhood was the scene of his activities. There his kindly generous spirit was continually extending out with a full measure of sincere helpfulness toward all. Without invidious distinction it may well be said that no man in McIntosh county was better loved than Charles Roehm.

Charles Roehm was born at Zetel in the Grand Duchy at Oldenburg, Germany, November 1, 1852. He acquired his education in the graded schools of Germany. Here he grew to manhood doing blacksmith work in the ship yards for a livelihood. He left his native land and came to America in 1880 and located at Parkers Prairie, Minnesota, where he and his brother George became co-partners in the blacksmith trade. In 1882 he married Miss Rebecca Stegemann of Parkers Prairie, Minn. She was of German ancestry having came to America with her parents at the age of fifteen. They remained at Parkers Prairie until April, 1886, when they packed their meager belongings and family, then consisting of two small children, namely John and Anna, into an ox-cart, and started far the west with Bismarck as their destination. After three long months of plodding along over roadless prairies their team of oxen became exhausted and with only $1.50 cash left, they were forced to cease their journey, having reached what is now the present Doyle State Park. They had traveled approximately four hundred miles. There they remained and filed on that homestead. Their first form of shelter consisted of a dugout on the south side of a hill with a sod front. Later a sod house was erected. For a living buffalo bones were gathered and hauled by oxen to Ellendale, that being their nearest town or trading post. As soon as finances would permit Charles Roehm opened the first blacksmith shop in McIntosh County, serving the sparsely settled farmers and cattlemen in a radius of twenty-five miles.

Charles Roehm differed from most of the early settlers in that he did not engage in farming and his spirit was deeply grieved in seeing countless acres of rolling prairie turned into sod. He advocated cattle and sheep as a great possibility in McIntosh County and devoted his attention thereto. His herds numbered four hundred and more.

Along the shores of Green Lake in this crude, simple, sod house brightened by the beautiful soul of a most loving and tender mother seven children were born. These children are: William Arthur, Druggist, Enderlin, N. D.; Ida Marion (Mrs. Zra Bastian) Easton, Ill.; Charlie Donald, stockman, Buffalo, Wyo.; *George John, carpenter, Wishek, N. D. (my great grandfather); Frank Waldron, farmer, Wishek, N. D.; Fred G., farmer, Wishek, N. D.; Luciele Marlys, nurse, Eugene, Oregon.

With educational facilities lacking in a thus new country the father and mother did not lose sight of the necessity of school for their children. Another wing was constructed on their sod shanty, a private tutor hired, and there, their and their neighbor’s children received their first rudiments of an education.

Many were the hardships encountered by these sturdy pioneers but with their armor of courage and faith in a Higher Being they found their way ahead. Stories of Indians attacking a neighboring community bringing thoughts of fear and horror to them were not uncommon. Prairie fires were a constant threat. Coyotes howled around their shanty at night and the noises of the wild geese on the lake were responsible for many a sleepless night. There being no doctor in the county all forms of ailments and sickness were treated by a few simple home remedies. In the winter of 1898 came the first sadness to this pioneering family. They became the victims of a diphtheria epidemic. The father never failing his family, and turning his back to all dangers he might be encountering felt that alcohol was needed for medicine and he walked through snow up to his waist in below zero weather to Hoskins where the same was obtained, returning with it the same day. The lives of all the children were spared except Anna who died January 16, 1898.

Charles Roehm prospered financially and acquired considerable range land. In 1899 he purchased the present Frank Roehm farm for $1.50 per acre and moved his family there in 1902. Where the farm buildings now stand is a historical site in the county, in that before the days of the railroad, it was the townsite of Youngstown a little trading point and post office. where a Mr. Young was postmaster and O. F. Bryant of Napolean drove stage.

From this new location Charles Roehm extended his cattle and sheep business and built himself a fine set of buildings which have since been completely wiped out by prairie fires. In this new home another son, Richard Robert, was born July 27, 1904. He is now a chemist and resides at Anaheim, Calif.

In the fall of 1907 the health of Mrs. Roehm gave way to the severe strain of pioneering and on February 18, 1908 she died at the early age of forty seven. Her death marked the passing of one of McIntosh County’s real pioneer mothers, who not only knew but endured its countless hardships. Her deeply religious nature, patient suffering, loyal devotion and untiring efforts for her family stand as an inspiration for good in the hearts of all who knew her. She was of Lutheran faith. Internment was made in the Wishek Cemetery.

In 1910 Charles Raehm broadened out his business enterprises and established himself in a meat market in Wishek. He acquired several other business establishments in Wishek which were later sold and his attentions centered on his ranch.

Mr. Roehm did not assume any active part in politics but he was always an advocate and a staunch supporter of the principles of the Democratic Party.

On March 26, 1915 the earthly record of Charles Roehm closed, rounding out an earthly life of 62 years, 4 months and 26 days. Burial was officiated from the Lutheran Church in Wishek with Rev. Willms pastor, and internment was made in the Wishek cemetery along side of his wife

Treasure Chest Thursday

I recently came across a little box that was rather discreet. However, it held inside a very nice treasure that I was not expecting to find!

Inside was an engraved watch. This watch, from further examination, had my great grandmother's name engraved on the back. It read "Lydia Roehm." There was a little note inside the box that exclaimed it was given by her father on her wedding, on Christmas day, 1914.

I didn't have my camera on me that day to take photos of it, but part of me was jumping inside with glee to have come across such a delicate and personal piece of family history. When I came over the following weekend, with my camera in tow, I took the camera out and captured it.

On further examination, you could tell this watch was well loved. It has little nicks here and there, some discoloration inside the mechanics, and some of the gold plate looks to be folding away. The watch was made by Elgen National Watch Company, which was a very popular, 100 year old company when it closed it's doors in 1968.

Lydia received quite a few nice gifts from her father on her wedding day - a mantle clock, an engraved wrist watch, a dining set - all, I presume, were items he purchased from the family mercantile store that he owned with his brothers (and took over after his father's death in 1916). I think Lydia was very well loved as a daughter. She was a hard worker, earned her keep, was well respected as a friend and confidant, and for all of those reasons, I think is why her father returned the favor to his first born daughter on her wedding day; granting her many wedding treasures.

Working Wednesday - Working the Murphy Ranch

William Murphy Sr, father of William Murphy Jr (who Lydia Roehm married after her first husband, George Roehm passed on) is seen here working on the ranch he owned in Brentwood. It looks like he's on some kind of tilling machine, but I am really unsure of what he's doing. It actually looks more like a chariot he's on, haha.

I have seen very few photos of William Sr show up among our many family photos and documents, but this is one of them and it's nice to put a name to a face. He died in 1910. He was very young when he passed on.

Here is a very nice biography written about him around the time he passed on:

Prominent among the men who were conspicuous and influential in developing and advancing the agricultural resources of eastern Contra Costa County was the late William Henry Murphy, a son of Thomas Murphy, an honored and esteemed citizen of this county, who came to California in 1856. Thomas Murphy, the father of William H., was born in County Cavan, Ireland, March 24, 1830. At the age of five years his parents left him in the old country with an uncle and came to America, residing in New York for five years. Thomas joined them at the age of seven. His parents removed to Connecticut. Thomas received a common-school education and in June, 1856, he started for California via the Isthmus route.

He intended to return to New York State in one year, but, liking the climate and resources of California, he remained and sent for his family. On joining them he went to Napa Valley and followed farming until 1867, when he removed to the eastern part of this county and purchased four hundred and eighty acres where Knightsen is located. In 1873 he purchased eleven hundred acres in Round Valley. At a later time he purchased more land in Round Valley, and had at the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1905, sixteen hundred acres. Thomas Murphy was married in Mystic, Connecticut, to Miss Alice Ross. To this union have been born five children, William H., the subject of this sketch, James B., Annie L., Alice, and Hattie. William Henry Murphy was born in Napa, California, and died June 9, 1910. He received his education in the Iron Horse and Eden Plain schools, after which he attended the University of the Pacific, at San Jose.

Finishing his education, he returned to the home place, where he was identified with general farming and stock-raising until his death. He was a systematic and thoroughgoing farmer, and after his father's death, by his enterprise, rendered both ranches the most attractive in this section. He was held in the highest esteem by his fellow-men. William Henry Murphy was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Braun, a native of San Jose, and a daughter of C. W. and Florentine Braun. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were blessed with five children - Arthur Ray, born near Antioch, March 9, 1889; Katie, born near Antioch, July 24, 1890; William Henry Jr., born in Round Valley, April 2, 1892; Esther, born in Round Valley, June 24, 1895; James Campbell, born at Brentwood, November 3, 1906.
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Aftermath

This land, which was divided between William Murphy Sr's children after his wife passed on in 1949, has since turned into a regional park. Bill Murphy Jr's brother, Jim Murphy, sold a large portion of the acreage to the park district in 1988, after his passing, as it was his wish that it remain as lovely as it was when her grew up there. Bill Murphy's portion, which is where my Grandma currently resides, was partially sold off in the late 1990's, finally completing the Round Valley Regional Park and giving them access to build a bridge over Marsh Creek and create trails and fences. I have found through many people who really love this park and I am thankful that people have embraced the land as much as I hold it so closely to my heart.

Sometimes when researching the property, I notice that the media makes no mention of my Grandmother's part in selling her part of the property to complete the transaction of making it a park. It frustrates me at times to know that giving up that land was a difficult decision for her, but fortunately, she still owns 10 acres of it privately and we can still enjoy it as our own for sometime longer.

Creatively Speaking

The other day, I had an idea to photograph some family photos in a collage style setting with some scrap booking materials that I own (but never seem to use!) I love these papers, but never get to show them off. I buy them, collect them and then they just get put away. I guess I just have a thing for collecting pretty things that cross my path (hmmmm, I wonder where I get that from??)

Well, to answer that question - I know I get it from both of my Grandma's. My Dad's mother, I recently learned, loved to peruse second hand stores and bring home things that caught her fancy. I had a feeling she had a good eye for a good find. I know my fine taste has to come from somewhere. But, my mom's mother is also a great collector and has a keen eye for things that are of great value. Her house is like walking into a museum. She has beautiful things all around in which she's inherited. I can spend hours there and never tire of all of the fun things to look at.

So, I think this creative spark has been passed down the generations. My mother was very craftsy with us kids. We'd work together on school projects together, making all kinds of fun creative things. My mom would also make some really well decorated birthday and holiday cakes (one year she made the Statue of Liberty out of a patina colored icing - another year she drew a large Mickey Mouse on a cake)

My cousins and I are carrying this creativity gene with us to a new generation of artistic lovers and creators. Many of us love to write, photograph (3 out of the 4 grand daughters own DSLR cameras), paint and draw (that's me!), design, and so much more. Even some of the guys have it, too - David was in an a cappella group in college, was a great juggler and a Renaissance fair swordsman - and he plays the guitar. My other cousin, Sam, has taken his creativity into the world famous Northern California Wine industry and has his own winery in the Dry Creek/Healdsburg area.

My other male cousin, Jesse, is a great videographer and video editor for his evangelism endeavors. He also loves to sing!

This is just on my mother's side!! My cousin's on my father's side are also creative. One does deep sea scuba diving and photographs his findings and he also is a creative photographer on land, too. My cousin Stephanie has a great knack for drawing, painting and especially textiles and creating really neat items with fabric. I feel grateful to be the recipient of a few of her hand-made items.

Anyhow, enjoy the following creative photos - I enjoyed making them and will make some more!