Mystery Photo-- Galarneau(x) family

I recently rescued this cute Thanksgiving postcard from an antique shop.

It's written to Harry Galarneau, Jr --- from his Mother.
At the time Harry was living in Oregon and the postcard was sent from California.






Brief research indicates that Harry Galarneau(x) was born in 1894, the son of Harry Sr & Henrietta "Etta". It appears his parents divorced at some point, probably around the time of this postcard, judging from the message.  I did find a Findagrave memorial for Harry, but otherwise have done little research into the family.

























It'd be great to reunite it with a relative who would treasure the postcard written 106 years ago, in a Mother's loving hand.

TBT Photos of Yesteryear- Edna Cole

Spotlighting photos from my extensive photo archive

Today it is Edna (Cole) Ferguson Sharp

Edna Cole was born in 1886 in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, the daughter of Delivan & Josephine (Hagen) Cole. After the death of her first husband in 1910, she and her second husband eventually settle in Calgary, Canada... where Edna died in 1958.

Edna was a younger sister to my Great-Great Grandmother- Minnie (Cole) Maine.

Mystery Photo... Gustie Scheer- Henderson, MN

This recently rescued picture postcard, is identified as-

"Miss Gustie Scheer - Henderson, Minn"

A brief search finds an "Augusta Scheer" who lived in Sibley County, the daughter of William & Bertha. It appears that this Augusta died in 1923, an unmarried woman in her late 30s. Further research would need to be done to confirm these are the same person, though Henderson is a small town.

It's a wonderful original photo.. and hopefully I am able to reunite it with a family member who will appreciate it and be pleased to add it to their collection.

[**Update-- this photo has been reunited with a family member where it belongs!]

Mystery Photo... Peter Pogatschnick

I often spotlight photos or other family memorabilia I've been able to rescue...

I recently found this wonderful framed portrait at a Southern Minnesota antique shop. The backside identified the photo as  "Peter Pogatchnick father of Elizabeth Pogatchnick Schulz".

It is a great print, in a very lovely heavy frame. Unfortunately, it is priced at $69, which is out of my price range to "rescue" items... but I'm hoping to find a descendant of Peter & his wife Ursula, that I can help reunite this print with.

Brief research shows that this family lived in Stearns County, Minnesota... Sometimes the name is spelled Pogatschnick and other times Pogatchnick...

Peter Pogatschnick died in 1927.... at this time I have not actively searched for descendants, though I have shared this photo within other online groups, hoping someone will claim it.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to get this portrait out of the shop and onto the wall of a descendant who will treasure it!


[**Update: Thanks to the efforts of readers, especially Pam, this lovely portrait was connected to a great-granddaughter, who drove to the store & purchased this amazing heirloom!]

The Loss of a Special Uncle... Honoring Westal Maine

Every family has that special Uncle... the one with the infectious laugh, twinkling eyes, and tender heart. For me, in our family, that was Uncle Westal.

As my Grandfather's younger brother, Uncle Westal was always part of family stories & memories... and he never missed family reunions and other functions. He was easy to love... and everyone did!




Westal John Maine was born September 2, 1935, the third son of Hiram & Laura (Nelson) Maine, on the family homestead in Home Brook Township, Cass County, MN.

He grew up with his Grandparents as neighbors; later the family moved in with the widowed Grandmother following a fire that claimed their own home. 



Besides his Grandparents there were countless Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and other relatives constantly around the rural community he & his 5 siblings were raised in. 


It is no wonder that family would always be very important to him! 

L-R
Westal, 3 Hagen cousins: Lorraine,
Royal & Milo, & brother Boyd

His parents raised a family of 5 boys-Horton, Dale, Westal, Boyd & Albert. And the lone daughter- Carol. 

Graduation 1954

Certainly the depression times were lean years, but the family worked hard & valued the important things in life that mattered!

Westal attended country school with his brothers and later Pine River High School, where he graduated in 1954. Later serving two years in the army, until returning home in 1958.

Soul Mates- Westal & Marian

He was married to Marian Wymore in 1961. If you ever saw them together, there is no doubt that they were true soul mates.

They would go on to raise a fine family of five children (including twins!). 

Westal & his brother Dale [my Grandpa]

A lifelong farmer, Uncle Westal loved his cows and the farm they all lived on. He was surely not afraid of hard work! It brought him great joy. 

Westal & sister Carol
being a good Uncle & Aunt

He was a loving husband and a devoted father, grandfather & great-grandfather. It is easy to envy the close, loving family that he and Aunt Marian produced. 
He was also a special brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many!

Westal passed away September 20, 2015, at the farm home he loved, with his family tenderly at his side. His brief fight with cancer ended that Sunday morning.


While it is impossible to even imagine the void his loss will leave on our extended family, we can grab onto all those happy memories and fun times and hold on tight! 

We acknowledge what a fine man he was, and what an honor it is to have known and loved him! And know we will miss him very very much!

Me & Uncle Westal
July 2o15

Mystery Photo...Budensiek Family?

Budensiek Family? Of  Wabasha & Goodhue Counties, MN

While I often spotlight weekly "mystery photos" from my own collection, today I have some photos belonging to a blog reader, who is hoping to identify some mystery photos of his own!

He states "I have received an old album that belonged to the Budensiek family in the Wabasha and Goodhue counties.  There are several old photos that I can not place a name on."

I'd be great if we could identify some of these great old cabinet cards!

Mystery Photo... Peoria, Illinois area

This mystery photo was among other photos from the Krumholz & Weber families. I suspect it may be two daughters of Josephine (Krumholz) Schmitt, 

of East Peoria, Illinois

These two girls are sure cute... and it would be nice to know their identities! Maybe someone out there has this same photo, or recognizes them