Thursday, August 21, 2008
Links for Cemetery Iconagraphy
Thanks Alanna, for links to symbols and meanings of images on headstones.
Iconograhy & Epitaphs
Cemetery Iconography
Obituary: Levi W. Fewins
Died January 23, 2000
LONG LAKE TOWNSHIP - Levi W. Fewins, 94, died Sunday at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
Born Dec. 23, 1905, in Long Lake Township, he was the son of William and Mary (Snyder) Fewins. On Nov. 3, 1926, in Traverse City, he married Mildred Secor.
A lifelong resident of Long Lake Township where he was born and raised, Levi owned and operated a general farm in Long Lake Township. He was also employed by the Johnson-Randall Furniture factory in Traverse City, Traverse City Iron Works and Parts Manufacturing and, for several years, by the Grand Traverse County road commission. He was a former member of Traverse City Eagles Lodge FOE No. 383. Levi enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and playing cards - especially euchre.
Survivors include two daughters, Doris (Arthur) Wilkins and Judy (Ronald) Johnson - both of Long Lake Township; five grandchildren, Steve (Rosemary) McGarry of Interlochen, Gary (Sharon) Wilkins of Traverse City, Terry (Sue) Wilkins of Traverse City, Larry (Penny) Forton of Wisconsin, and Denise Rosinski of Traverse City; eight great-grandchildren, Rebecca (Rollin) McGarry Costello of Traverse City, Michael and Ann Wilkins of Traverse City, Amanda, Sarah, and Justin Wilkins of Traverse City, and Walker and Brendon Forton of Wisconsin; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend and nephew, Vince Herkner of Long Lake Township.
Levi was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, on Nov. 21, 1998; his daughter, Maxine Forton; a grandson, James McGarry; two granddaughters, Kathleen Forton and Joan McGarry; a brother, Clarence; and four sisters.
Joint memorial services for Levi and his wife, Mildred, will be held at 4 p.m. Monday at the Traverse City Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes; the Rev. Marvin Rosa will officiate. The family will greet friends from 3 p.m. until the time of service.
Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City. Memorials may be directed to the Long Lake Fire Fighters Association or the charity of one's choice.
Cherry County Playhouse, State & Park St.


Monday, June 16, 2008
Wood Cutting Crew, Kingsley, Grand Traverse

This photo is not much help for identifying the men but the idea of how wood used to be 'processed' is here.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
1929 Traverse City High School

Students: Edrie Carmien; Donald H. Caulkett; Eveyln Chapman; and Edwin Clawson.
One page of the 1929 Traverse City High School Yearbook, The Pines. Do you have an ancestor of this school?
Thanks to Jon Caulkett gives us information on his family.
Donald Caulkett was my father. His family moved to Battle Creek soon after he graduated. Because of the Depression he didn't go to college. He worked in grocery stores & sang in the church choir until drafted for WWII. He was assigned to Walter Reed, then sent to the Philipines & Korea. After the War he came back to Battle Creek & met my mother at church choir. My grandmothers were already good friends. He bought a house for himself & his parents. His mother died in 1948, his father in 1949. My parents married in 1950, I was born in 1951, & brother Dan in 1953. He worked for several years at Eaton's, then 20+ years as a building engineer for BC Public Schools, retiring in 1976. He enjoyed traveling with his family, as well as Scouting & softball, & was very active in his church. He remained close to his brother, Jerry, & his sister, Mary. He loved spending time with grand-daughters, Jenna & Amanda very much. Formerly a heavy smoker, he quit in 1985 for their sake. He died Jan. 8, 1988, of complications of emphezyma, after many years of declining health, 1 week before his 87th birthday. Jon Caulkett
Come One ~ Come All~
BARN DANCE
Saturday, Feb. 28th 1953
C O L I S E U M
425 W. Front St.
Dancing 9:00 'Til 1:00
Music By the
Boardman Valley Ramblers
*Polkas *Round Dances *Waltzes
*Square Dances *Schottisches
Monday, May 5, 2008
Evelyn Morgan MacDonald Pioneer Family

Several small obits for Evelyn Morgan wife of Robert J. MacDonald 9 Oct 1915. Evelyn is the daughter of Mr and Mrs BJ Morgan. She married Robert J. MacDonald in 1903 Grand Traverse County. She was brought 'home' to Traverse City for burial. Most likely Oakwood Cemetery. Click on image to enlarge for reading.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Hattie Tripp Amstrong

Ad for Boston Store 20 May 1903 and Bellaws

Love those great dresses but I sure would not have wanted to do the woman's daily work in them, would you? But they are classy!
The Observor, 14 Feb 1954 - Johnny Bush

Johnny Bush rides the fence post down the Boardman River. Don't forget? click on the image to enlarge.
Grand Traverse Hospital

Monday, April 28, 2008
Mrs. Albertina Fiebing, 10 Nov 1949 Birthday


1915: Aunt Betty and Mom

I am told the names are Weller and Margaret Nichols. Don't put a lot of faith in this though, please.
Mary Dracka 1854 - 1934

In 1900 Mary born about 1854 in Bohemia was married to Charles Dracka and living in Garfield Township with their children, Charles age 20; Mallie 15; Emmanuel 12; John age 9. Charles was age 53 and born in Bohemia also. His immigration date is given as 1879.
Charles died sometime between 1910 when he was 63 and the 1920 census where Mary is listed as a widow. She is living with son, John 28 at that time. John was still living at home with Mary in 1930. Grand Traverse County online index does not have a death record for Charles.
Until I see otherwise the possibilty that DEOEKA, CHARLES 00-00-1913 Liber 2, page 185 is this Charles survives. Long shot but time will tell. Charles Dracka's obit is on page 1 of 29 July 1913. Giving more credence to the death record of DEOEKA being his.
UPDATE: Matt send a death record for Charles Dracka from seekingmichigan.org date of death: 26 July 1913. So the date fits with the record Matt sent. http://seekingmichigan.org/u?/p129401coll7,735355
Thanks Matt.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
William Rennie, Obituary

To read this obituary please click on the image and it
will open up large into another window. Thanks
George Raff Gets Car Stolen

Boardman River North of 6th Street, Traverse City

Traverse City, Michigan: Boardman River.. The Public Library is the large building on the very far right. Just behind and to the left of the library is Perry Hannah's house. They are on 6th St.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Park Place Hotel, Traverse City

Acme School 1950? Students.

Does anyone recognize these students? Can you tell us if the year of 1950 is correct? The school is about 7 miles from Traverse City. Photograph donated by Tom Ghering, descendant of Pioneer Family of the Penisula.
Walter William Barratt WWI Military Draft Card

Scanned image of Walter William Barratt's
WW I Military Draft Card.
Walter married Grace B. Pence in 1915. Walter William died 7 Feb 1921 and Grace was born
about 1900 in Indiana.
It appears Grace may have married Edward Mox in 1922 but this is a supposition without seeing the records. There is not a death in Grand Traverse County or in the Social Security Records of a Grace Barratt. There is a death record for Grace B. Mox of 27 July 1962.
Corner Drugstore

Capt Barratt, Who Am I?


Ruby is a fantastic fiddler at 16 years old. She is playing at a festival with Ben Wolfgram and Lee backing her. Lee (unknown last name) the fellow sitting down with the guitar is in his 90's. Go Lee!!
I have some video's of Ruby playing Orange Blossom Special. If I can figure out how I will add that for your pleasure. She is awesome. Photograph taken by Tom Ghering.
Ann and Brenda Working the Library~

Ann is married to my cousin Arthur Secor and is the daughter of Pioneer Family, Marvin Stricker and Annabell Fashbaugh. Annabell is the daughter of Oliver and Catherine Fashbaugh.
Art is the son of Joseph Secor and Ledora Moyetta Brown. Art and Ann are great people with 2 children. The Grand Traverse county area is filled with the history of all of these families.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
McCully House, Kingsley, Michigan

A dear man who is a descendant of the McCully House tried extremely hard to fund the restoration of this home. It is still standing in Kingsley in such a state it will take 'bunches of $$' to restore. So, what is to happen to homes such as this. It was a home; a hotel; hotel with a bar and has served over 100 years. I personally enjoyed many a great card game in the Hotel after it had been sold to DeFrance. I am writing this from memory but have data on the Hotel and will be adding that as well. ;)