Exploring the Past to Improve the Future
By Eilene Lyon Hazel Mildred Halse Sturm (1899-1959) Hazel Mildred Halse was the oldest daughter in a family with eleven children in Codington County, South Dakota. In addition to her school work, she had to help her mother with domestic chores and caring for her younger siblings. Her mother, Mabel Cutting, married at sixteen. All... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon Found Photo Project #6 Found in Albuquerque, this portrait of Bertha Marie Goodger with one of her nephews will soon be returning to its origins in Canada. Most likely the nephew is Norman Goodger, son of Thomas W. Goodger. If you’re wondering how to pronounce that name, think “Goodyear.” Bertha was the... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon While in college, I had a job as night auditor for Hyatt Regency in Columbus, Ohio. One night, a co-worker seemed rather grumpy. “What’s up with you, Cindy?” “It’s my birthday.” “Uh. Happy birthday? You don’t seem too thrilled about it.” “I promised myself I’d have my second house by the time... Continue Reading →
Week 15: #52Ancestors – Solitude By Eilene Lyon I’ve previously mentioned The Putterer’s great-grandfather, Arlon F. Lyon, only in passing. Arlon was born in Chenango County, New York, in May 1860 and was a rarity for the era: an only child.1 His father, Cyrus R. Lyon, was 29 when Arlon came along. His mother, Lucy... Continue Reading →
Week 13: #52Ancestors – Light a Candle By Eilene Lyon Both my parents turn 87 this year. I have no way of knowing if they will make it to 90 or not (we do hope so!), but there is some precedent for achieving that milestone or more in my family tree. This is just a... Continue Reading →
Week 12: #52Ancestors – Membership By Eilene Lyon My paternal grandmother, Reatha Halse, has several photos in her album from 1945 labeled Just-a-Mere Club. They were taken in Corvallis, Oregon. Her sister-in-law, Loretta (Frydendall) Halse, was also a member and probably got Reatha involved. (In 1945, Loretta was soon to be the ex-Mrs. Al Halse.)... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon I would have guessed that by 1890 or the early 20th century every community in America would have a church of some type, but that was not the case. Whistle-stop towns sprang up along the proliferating railroad lines, particularly in the west. In them, saloons far outnumbered churches. The idea of railcars... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon Having family in Oregon means I travel there regularly. The Willamette Valley is lush compared to where I live, so I always enjoy the change in scenery. Portland is very much a "garden city." I don't think I could tolerate the gray winters, though! The Japanese Garden is located within Washington Park,... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon Howard Adrian Halse (1897–1978) Howard was the first-born child of Guy and Mabel (Cutting) Halse. He came into, and left, the world in Dexter Township, Codington County, South Dakota. He inherited his size from Guy, standing nearly six feet and topping 200 pounds. “Mr. Halse attended country school near his home and... Continue Reading →
Human Created Content - Creative Writing - Australia
What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
Life is a series of transitions, and so is the retirement journey.
Creative, non-monetary forms of payment
Random musings on style and substance
Where the locals go, because the locals know!
Internet home for Marie Zhuikov: Blogger, Author, Poet, Photographer
Reflections of an inquiring retiree ...
The opinions expressed are those of the author. You go get your own opinions.
A Blog of Retirement and Related Thoughts
I write about genealogy on this site. Come see what's going on!
Fun With Genealogy
Discover and re-discover Mexico’s cuisine, culture and history through the recipes, backyard stories and other interesting findings of an expatriate in Canada
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Journeys Through the Second Half of Life
Doing the best I can to keep it on the bright side
Quips, Quotes; How To and How Knot To
Author, Speaker, Family Historian
thoughts about life from below the surface
Myricopia 