I have found a few more pictures from times past in Sidnaw, Michigan.
For my newfound friends in lower Michigan and in Germany too. I hope they will kindly add their own thoughts and ideas and memories too...
This is a picture of my mothers homeplace in Upper Michigan.
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you can still see how they lived.
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The following picture to show the lay of the land on their farm. The house being toward the top on the right...
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After leaving the old homestead, my grandfather built the little cottage in the background here; and lived there until he was no longer able to care for himself. They found him one January with a frozen shoulder; and in the company of another man who had sought refuge for the winter. Very little heat~ Not enough food for sustenance. They were both taken from there, but I am not sure of the year;(in the mid~1950's).
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My grandparents had divorced years before.
Unheard of in that day and age~ (I never learned of this until I was divorced in 1979/1980, and Mom shared this family 'secret' with me as I was going through my 1st divorce). My grandparents lived at one of the local nursing homes in Green Bay. They had separate rooms. More feeble, but still they were able to come and visit on occasion providing they had transportation to/from the home.
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The decision was made after their deaths to sell the old homestead. All of the children (7), had long since relocated, were married, and had children of their own.
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sans windows, doors and entryway.
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In the mid 1960's, a dear sweet couple, (originally from Germany, and 1st generation Americans), had bought the homeplace.
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Their names were Karl and Hilde Johnssen.
Sadly, they never had children of their own, but AS children we always looked forward to seeing them~ Much like our own grandparents who, by that time were gone from our young lives. (I was 5 when Grandpa died in Spring, and had turned 5 by the time grandmother died in the Fall; about 7 months later).
Karl had worked for Ford Motor Company in Detroit until he retired.
Hilde was a short, little, lovely woman who knew everything. And I say that with the utmost respect.
Hilde had had a brain tumor in her 40's. After her doctors had removed the tumor this strong woman had to learn EVERYTHING all over again! Much as a baby would, she had to even learn to crawl before she could walk. Karl stood by her side every step of the way.
And learn she did! There was simply NOTHING that you could 'stump' this woman on! Nor was she ever afraid of anything.
Hilde and Karl both hunted. And many times it was Hildegard that slayed the venison or the bear! But it didn't matter, as long as they had food on their table.
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Karl and Hilde had plans of their own for the place. Not wanting to destroy any of the history of the place, but having no use for a barn, they simply decided to turn the old barn into their home!
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The foundation was solid, although they would pour additional concrete for the flooring...
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And yes, Hilde pitched in as well.
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Uncle Walter married my Aunt Florence. (She was the eldest of the VandenPlas children). He preceded her in death. My Aunt Florence lived until May of 1998. My own mother passed away that very same November.
I will blog more about these dear people, but for now must get my day moving.
But, I promised a special picture for my cousin in Germany at Ramstein Air Base.
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I hope you all have a grand Thursday. It is in the low 60's here, and LOTS of wind and rain. (I am amazed that the power has not gone out)... >knocks on wood<
Love to all!
XOXO
Anne
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