Lost Photo Album- Olaug Kaatorp of Renville Co, MN

Last Summer I purchased a large photo archive at an auction. What a treasure trove of lost family items!

Many of these wonderful family photos are from Norway! It's difficult to figure out what family they are from though there is correspondence from Norway to Olaug Kaatorp, who lived in Renville County, Minnesota and various parts of Minneapolis/St Paul, it seems.

I can't really determine if Olaug was married or had a family- perhaps that is why her family photo collection ended up at auction??

It would be wonderful to return this lovely family album to a relative who would treasure it, along with the various loose photos & memorabilia. If there are no living relatives in the United States, maybe descendants of the Norwegian branch that sent these items over would claim this piece of family history!

TBT- Baby Photo of Aunt Ardyce (Sturm) Reader

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

This week it is--

Ardyce Sturm Reader [1934-1994]

My Great-Aunt

A smiling Ardyce --

Ardyce was born in 1934, the 3rd of three children born to John & Beatrice (Mapson) Sturm, older sister Mava Ruth (my Grandma) and old brother Arlo completed the family.

Baby Ardyce

Growing up in rural Granada, Minnesota, she lost her Mother when she was only about 12 years old. Later marrying and moving to Colorado, she would pass away at only 60 years of age.

Mystery Photo- Southern Minnesota or Iowa

These 5 unknown young women appear to be having a fun time. Likely taken in Southern Minnesota or Iowa, it would be wonderful to determine their identities!

It is likely they are some how connected to the George, Bruce or Averill families that lived in Southern Minnesota & Iowa. If not relatives, they are at least family friends.

Judging by the age of the other photos this was found with and attire of the subjects, this well worn snapshot appears to be from the mid-1920's. 

It would be so nice to identify one or all of the subjects and determine who/where the photograph is of!

Lost Heirloom- Gertrude Stefanski Certificate

I recently rescued this framed Communion certificate from an estate sale.

Gertrude Stefanski was born in 1909, near East Chain, Martin County, Minnesota, She was the daughter of Vincent & Hedwig (Charnecki) Stefanski. 

Married to Elmer Schroeder, they would have 2 children who died in infancy, leaving no direct descendants. Gertrude died in 2010, at 100 years of age.


Hopefully, there is someone out there, possibly family from her 2 brothers or 2 sisters, that would treasure & appreciate the piece of family memorabilia