First, the Family Friday meme has a new home. You’ll find it here on Blogger.
This week, I want to tell you a bit about my my paternal grandmother, Margie Victoria Isham. She was born December 3, 1895 at Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
The baby photo is dated 1896. Margie’s parents didn’t stay together. Her mom raised her with some financial help from her dad.
I suppose that if you gals had a dolly like this one, that you would not play with her. You would not let children play with her. You would protect her, for she would be valuable. She probably was back then as well.
To provide income, Grandma Margie’s mother ran a millinery shop. Don’t you suppose that explains such a fancy hat for a young lady?
Margie’s father bought a piano for her, and with lessons she became a very good player. She even played piano at the movie theater. That was a neat job, and she got to watch the movies! I asked her, “Wasn’t that hard to do?” Her answer? “Aww, there’s nothing to it. You just watch the screen and play something that goes with what you see. If it’s a love scene, you play something sweet and soft. If it’s a chase you play something fast and loud. You could do it too!” For my part, I’m not so sure.
In 1907, her mother married Alfred Weidler, a German immigrant. The family moved to Missaukee County, Michigan near Lake City. There they farmed and raised bees. At one time Weidler was, according to family tradition, reported to be the largest bee keeper in all of North America. While it may be a “family story,” it does play a role in my Grandma meeting my Grandpa.
Grandpa’s folks wanted to get into the “bee business.” They had heard about the Weidler’s and their operation in the same county. I’m not sure how the business aspects went, but two young people met. They were married November 3, 1913 in Lake City.
Here’s a picture of Grandma and Grandpa Hutchinson that was taken of them in 1940 shortly after I was born.
Grandma Margie was always a favorite of us kids. She could tell great stories and had a most infectious laugh. She passed away in 1989 at age 93. Her life wasn’t easy, but she took it in good stride.
She was more adorable than the doll. As to the piano job. That’s easy for people with real talent to do, but not for some of us!
Yes, she was. If “real talent” means being able to play most anything without printed music in front of you, I agree. 😀
Playing the piano at a movie theater is a neat job!
This is a nice history. Incidentally, my in-laws live in Eaton Rapids. Nice place. 🙂
It sure seems to be a neat job for the person with the skills.
The world is indeed a “small” place. 😀
soo cute…i remember my grandma..i used to see these kind of pics too..
visiting from wordless.
There was a commonality to photos of that era. Might have been the cameras, the film, processing or it could be that they would have been taken by a professional. Amateur equipment would arrive later. 8)
I’m always amazed at the photos that you have and that someone has taken the time to record who it was and what year. We have some old photos, but we don’t know who is in them most of the time.
I am sometimes fortunate in that way. 8) I also received a small album from the other side with several pix in it, but no one is identified in the photos, nor are there any dates given. This leaves me totally clueless and the pictures essentially worthless. 😥
You have shared your memories of your Grandmother beautifully. I am happy for you that she was a part of your life, not just a genealogical note in the family tree.
Thanks. She was indeed a part of my life, and not just a genealogical note in the family tree. When I was in grade school they moved from the same small town where we lived to a place 200 miles away. I didn’t get to see her as much as I would have liked.
Oh my Chuck you have done an incredible job here. The pictures are marvelous and you added just the right amount information. Oh how I wish I knew this much about myself. But, mine gets complicated as I was adopted.
I did add this meme in my blog roll so I won’t forget and I think it’s a grand idea. Perhaps some time soon I can sort through some things and get my scanner hooked up and join in with you on Fridays.
I just love what you have posted here!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
That would be great Jackie. But you don’t have to wait for the scanner. Any story of family life is welcome. After all, family isn’t just history and genealogy, it also laughter and tears. Any slice of family life is appropriate to share on Family Friday. 😀