Husband’s Annoying Hobby? Why I Love It

No these wine bottles are not from a crazy New Year’s party!  My husband collects these.  This mess annoys me…for over 20 years we have had empty wine bottles in our basement.  But my husband’s hobby turned out to record some of our best family moments. 

Here’s the back story.  Born in Belgium, my father brought his love for fine wine with him to the United States.  Wine was served at nearly every dinner, just like in Europe.  Dad scoured stores for good wines, bought one bottle, tasted it at home, and if he liked it, bought more.  In the 60’s, we had a locked cabinet full of wine in our basement before wine cellars were fashionable. 

My husband, Fred who comes from a family of German beer drinkers, married into a family of wine drinkers. He knew nothing about wine, and realized he needed to learn more. Whenever there was a family gathering, Fred took the label (or the empty bottle) home.  On simple college lined paper, he pasted the wine label, and added the date, who drank the wine and something about the taste.  Being a detailed engineer, he put these pages into a three ring binder, and using page dividers, organized by type of wine, reds, whites etc.  To be truthful, I wondered how this would be useful.  But Fred continues to do this, even now.

 

Why would I write about this in a genealogy blog?  Interesting you asked.  About a year ago, he showed me his binder.  I was so surprised, I was moved to tears.  Reading the pages, was like reading the story of all of the major family celebrations, brought back to life.  Included in his notes were details such as, who was in attendance, what we were celebrating and a few notes about the day.  Here are some examples:

September 14, 1988

(Label)

Dinner at our house (address) to say goodbye Jacquie’s sister and her husband.  They are leaving to live in Geneva, Switzerland for three years. 

(Names of ten guests.)

Sister video taped some of the evening for the first time.

(Remember those big video cameras?) 

March 29, 2008

(Label)

Donna and Keith over for dinner.  Fun night.  Everyone like this wine a lot.  Very sweet.

First time we got together since Mary (our daughter) asked  Johnny  (Donna and Keith’s grandson) to be ring bearer in her wedding. They are thrilled.  Played speed scrabble.

Here are some of the many other notes:
 

September 30, 1982 – 1^st episode of “Hill Street Blues”.  Ate shrimp and this champagne we got from the hospital when first daughter was born.  Wine followed great evening.

Spring 1984 – Armando’s Restaurant in Chicago.  Last night of restaurant in operation.  Armando signed the bottle.

November 28, 1991 –1st Thanksgiving after Fred’s parents died. All siblings together in PA.

Dec 24, 1990 – Christmas Eve celebration.  Great anticipation of Santa coming.

March 31, 1995 – Lots of discussion about Jacquie’s brother’s wedding in May

October 2007 – Fred’s sister announces they are going to be grandparents for the first time.  Exciting special moment.  We celebrated.

January 2008- Celebrated daughter’s engagement – includes many details 

Reading about these events, took me to the wonderful celebrations and holidays in our lives.  Reminded us of where we were, what we were eating, who was with us, and long forgotten details.  It felt like I was reliving some of the best days and dinners, moments and memories. 

 

If you look carefully at the picture, you’ll see that each empty bottle has masking tape, which has the information needed for the notebook. That part, plus the many empty bottles in our basement, still annoy me.  But I love that I can read his book and be transported back in time. 

Simple as it is, I’m thrilled that he keeps this book.  He and I enjoy looking through it, and hopefully our children will enjoy it also.

Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs January Genealogical Events (and Most are Free)

Every month, the first week of the month, I list genealogical events being held in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for about the next six weeks.  Most events are free, but sometimes you will need to register in advance, especially sponsored by a public library.  If it is sponsored by a genealogy society, you probably will not need to register unless there is a fee (which is designated by the $).  Check the website listed for more information.

If you’d like individual help, the following public libraries’ websites state that you may make an appointment with a librarian or genealogy volunteer: Schaumburg, Palatine, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. On the first Thursday of the month from 3-4:30 PM, the Indian Trails Library, Wheeling has a genealogy question and answer session with the librarian.  The Bloomingdale Public Library has a similar group on the fourth Thursdays of the month at 6:30 PM.  See the library websites for more information and the Palatine Public Library holds a group Thursday evenings at 7:00 on January 7, March 3, and April 7.  Check the websites for more details.

If you know of any events that I have missed, please email me. I hope you see an event you’d like to attend.

January 8 10:00 AM
Using Facebook to Break Down Genealogical Walls by Katherine Willson
Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

January 12 7:00 PM

Chicago Genealogy 101 by Grace DuMelle
Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg
https://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

January 13 (10:00-3:00 by appointment)

Swedish Genealogy Help by Kathy Meade
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

January 13 7:00 PM

Photo Organization for the New Year
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

January 16 10:30 AM
Publishing Your Book: Tips and Tricks for the Writer by Regina Yuill
Bloomingdale Public Library
http://caggni.shuttlepod.org/

January 21 7:00 PM

Navigating World War II Military Records by Jennifer Holik
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

January 26 7:00 PM

Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Helen Plum Library, Lombard
http://www.helenplum.org/

January 27 6:30 PM

Finding Your Roots Online
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

January 30 1:00 PM

Writing Your Family History by Charlotte Leventhal
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

January 30 2:30 PM

Telling Your Family Stories by Jessica Palmer
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

February 1 (4 weeks) 1:30 PM

Family History Writing Challenge
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

February 4 (4 weeks) 1:30 PM

Writing Your Family History
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

February 6 10:00 AM

Irish Emigrants to North America by Paul Milner
Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

February 9 7:00 PM

Finding Your Ancestors in Ireland by Paul Milner
Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg
https://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

February 9 7:00 PM (4 week class)

Seeds to Tree - Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Fremd High School $
http://adc.d211.org/academics/continuing-education/continuing-education-home/

 

Do You Want a Simple Gift Idea for Christmas 2016

Why do my three children say that this rather plain red binder was one of their best Christmas presents ever?  Before you pack Christmas away, you might want to find out.

 
For me, it started with a project of consolidating several boxes of Christmas items.  One box was full of Christmas cards and letters.  While organizing it, I realized that it was full of Christmas letters that I had sent out since 1986.   This box had at least one copy of every letter and one photo for each year up until 2014

Yes, I know.  Regarding Christmas letters, people either love them or well…don’t.  I am on the “love” team.  In 1986, we were sending out over 100 Christmas cards and letters.  I just couldn’t write an individual letter to each person, so yes, that year, I started writing one Christmas letter to everyone. Upon opening the box,  I couldn’t help but read them.  Some news was funny, or embarrassing and even sad.  The letters recorded details of births, deaths, marriages, vacations, dance lessons and house projects…life in general.

Then the gift idea came!  It was simple!

 

First, I put the letters and photos in date order.  I only kept four copies of each, even if I found more.

Second, I bought four matching three ring binders and plenty of archival top loading sheet protectors.

 

Third, for those photos or letters I did not have four of, I made color copies of one I had.

Fourth, for each year, I inserted the letter with the photo behind it.  My letters are dated, so that was easy.

Fifth, on the first page of the binder I wrote a note, like a book preface, regarding these letters being mini-diaries of almost 20 years and I hope they enjoy reading the story of our lives.

On Christmas morning, my children, who have their own children, said that this was one of my best gifts ever. Really!  Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best.

I made one for each of my three children, and a fourth for myself. This year, I added our Christmas letter and photo to my binder and plan to continue to for many years.  In addition, I add the cards and/or photos that my children send me.

Do you have copies of your Christmas letters?  If you do, please consider giving them as a gift to your children.  Believe me, they’ll appreciate it.

 

My Memorable Monthly Mentions (AKA My Favorite Blogs this Month)

I admit, I love reading genealogy blogs...daily. AND...I keep a list of my favorites. Each month, I am happy to share these with you. I call them my monthly mentions. I hope you enjoy them too. Blogs I've liked in the past month are:

 

Using familysearch’s wiki: http://worldwidegenealogy.blogspot.com/2015/12/record-selection-tables-at-familysearch.html

Julie Tarr is retiring her popular Friday Finds, but tells us how to find our own information: http://genealogy.julietarr.com/blog/reevaluating-life-why-friday-finds-series-will-be-discontinued-beginning-january-1/

The power of information only at a local library: http://theindepthgenealogist.com/getting-local-at-the-library/

Good simple advice on applying to a lineage society: http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/2015/06/24/5-things-to-do-when-applying-to-a-lineage-society/

A nice side trip to the FHL in Salt Lake City: http://onwresearch.thinkinggenealogically.com/2015/12/december-in-fhl.html

This gave me the giggles, but there’s some truth to this letter to a gr-grandchild: http://rootsbid.com/blog/open-letter-to-my-great-grandchild/

Are family histories at archives – yes: http://agenealogistinthearchives.blogspot.ca/2015/12/are-family-histories-in-archives-you.html

Information on features of using various social media: http://theindepthgenealogist.com/the-ins-and-outs-of-social-media-for-genealogists/

Too late for this holiday, but great gift ideas: http://organizeyourfamilyhistory.com/clutter-free-gifts-for-the-genealogists-on-your-list/

E-gift ideas: http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/6192964-toronto-roots-top-10-gifts-for-the-family-historian-on-your-christmas-list/

Looking to 2016, a list of free webinars: http://www.geneamusings.com/2015/12/tuesdays-tip-year-of-genealogy.html

 

Are You Part of this 10% Minority?

I am part of the 10% minority.  Ten percent of what?  Here’s a hint.  I’ve been called a southpaw or a leftie.  Yes, I’m part of the small percentage of people who are left handed.  I’ve smeared my way through plenty of handwritten papers, used scissors incorrectly and awkwardly sat in right handed school desks. Luckily, in the 1950’s, I attended in a public school district where I was not forced to change hands, while my Catholic school friends still were. (One left-handed friend was told by a nun that the devil lived in her, frightening her so much, she didn’t even tell her parents for fear of being abandoned. Yikes!) 

There are all sorts of theories not proven about lefties, such as being more creative and musically talented.  Not necessarily true.  But one thing is known for sure, left handedness is inherited. I know from whom I inherited mine.  My maternal grandmother was left handed.  She had 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 19 gr-grandchildren – 27 descendants. How many are lefties?  Four!  Or 15%!     

How was my grandmother, born in 1899, “allowed” to be left-handed?  For years, I thought she was born right handed, but was switched when she was young. Many times, she told me how she had swallowed lye, left out by her mother who was making soap.  This accident, she said, paralyzed her right side, so she was allowed to use her left hand in school. 

Many years later, long after Grandma had passed, I told this story to family, and saw some very quizzical looks.  Some did not seem to believe the story.  Others questioned, that swallowing lye would cause paralysis.  Burns in her mouth and throat yes.  But not the inability to use one side of her body. I realized, that the second group was probably right.   Even if it had happened, it was short lived.  As an adult, Grandma showed no signs of having right side weakness. But then again, the story might not be true at all.

…until a few weeks ago. 

Recently I found library website (geneseo.advantage-preservation.com/search) where you may use OCR and read old newspapers for Henry County, Illinois, for free. I have lots of family history there and I’ve spent many hours locating obituaries and other genealogical information.  Look what I found from May 1903:

 
So the story itself is TRUE!  Grandma did swallow lye and had to recover from her injuries.  But how does this link to her left handedness?  This is my theory.  Her mother used this incident, either because it was plausible in 1903, or because she truly assumed that it caused Grandma to be a leftie.  I feel my grandmother firmly believed that this was the reason.  Whether it was a made-up reason, or not, it worked.  My grandmother was an early member of the 10% minority.

Does left-handedness run in your family?  Any good stories?

 

My Memorable Monthly Mentions (AKA My Favorite Blogs)

I admit, I love reading genealogy blogs...daily. AND...I keep a list of my favorites. Each month, I am happy to share these with you. I call them my monthly mentions. I hope you enjoy them too. Blogs I've liked in the past month are:

Fun quiz about how much you know about genealogy: http://familyhistorydaily.com/genealogy-help-and-how-to/whats-your-genealogy-know-how-score-find-out-with-our-fun-quiz/

Photos of immigrants wearing their native clothes in the early years of Ellis Island:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/wp/2015/10/24/what-americas-immigrants-looked-like-when-they-arrived-on-ellis-island/?postshare=8711445706882243

Do you wonder if there are railroad pension records for your ancestor?  You can check an index for free by scrolling to the US Railroad Retirement Board under collections: http://quicklook.midwestgenealogycenter.org/

This couple took a photo of themselves every Christmas 1900-1942.  See how they and their circumstances changed: http://historydaily.org/richard-and-anna-wagner-christmas-portraits/

Three types of genealogy databases explained (finally!): http://www.geneamusings.com/2015/11/dear-randy-why-buy-genealogy-software.html
Remarks on being the family historians – pros and cons: http://www.whoisnickasmith.com/genealogy/dear-family-historian/

Funny article about the new ancestry.com: http://www.cluewagon.com/2015/11/14-reasons-the-new-ancestry-is-the-worst-thing-since-unsliced-bread/

Hints on using google to find information more efficiently: http://familyhistorydaily.com/genealogy-help-and-how-to/6-secret-google-search-tricks-for-genealogy-thatll-help-you-find-your-ancestors/

A comparison of different photo editing programs.  Some are free: http://rootsbid.com/blog/6-options-for-bringing-old-photos-back-to-life/

Instructions for using google alert: http://www.familytree.com/blog/how-google-alerts-can-help-genealogists/

November Genealogical Events in Chicago's Northwest Suburbs (and most are free)

Every month, the first week of the month, I list genealogical events being held in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for about the next six weeks.  Most events are free, but sometimes you will need to register in advance, especially sponsored by a public library.  If it is sponsored by a genealogy society, you probably will not need to register unless there is a fee (which is designated by the $).  Check the website listed for more information.

If you’d like individual help, the following public libraries’ websites state that you may make an appointment with a librarian or genealogy volunteer: Schaumburg, Palatine, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. On the first Thursday of the month from 3-4:30 PM, the Indian Trails Library, Wheeling has a genealogy question and answer session with the librarian.  The Bloomingdale Public Library has a similar group on the fourth Thursdays of the month at 6:30 PM.  See the library websites for more information and the Palatine Public Library holds a group on the second Thursday of the month at various times.  Check the websites for more details.

If you know of any events that I have missed, please email me. I hope you see an event you’d like to attend.

November 2 7:00 PM
A Guide to Overseas Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner $
Prospect High School
http://ce.d214.org/adult_classes/continuing_education.aspx

November 7 10:00 AM

Time Travel with Google Earth by Lisa Louise Cooke (webinar)
Arlington Heights Senior Center
http://www.nwsgenealogy.org/

November 10 7:30 PM

Researching World War I & II Military Records by Jennifer Holik
Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg
http://genealogywithtony.wordpress.com/2013-programs/

November 11 7:00 PM

Finding More in the Census by Dan Hubbard
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

November 14 1:00 PM

Find Your Roots in Naturalization Records by Steve Szabados
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

November 17 7:00 PM

Finding Your Roots in Naturalization Records by Steve Szabados
Indian Trails Library, Wheeling
http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/

November 18 7:30 PM

Introduction to Polish Genealogy by Jason Kruski
DuPage County Genealogical Society
www.dcgs.org.

November 19 7:00 PM

Beginning Genealogy by Jacquie Schattner
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
http://www.ahml.info/ and go to the events calendar

December 9 6:30 PM

Archived Newspapers
Palatine Public Library
http://www.palatinelibrary.org/

Most organizations take a holiday break in December, so there are few events.  The next event  list will be posted at the end of December. Hope you enjoy the holidays with your families.