They kept everything.

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My Grandparents kept everything, and it all ended up in my lap. This collection of stuff ranged from the cool (WWII V-Mail from my Uncle Frank) to the "you've got to be kidding me" (receipts from a trip taken in the 50s). I've weeded out a lot of the nonsense and kept the more interesting (at least what was interesting to me). In turn I decided to create this site to not only post some items, but also as a research exercise. Most items are from Chicago and Detroit, but of course family trips expanded their reach of hoarding. I hope you enjoy this very random collection. Frank Kownacki

theme by Robin Wragg

 
Did you ever wonder how much a funeral cost in the 1920s? Well, no I hadn’t either, but because of this invoice that was stuck between some other papers we now know. As far as Rose, I could only find the most cursory of information.  Rose Ehemann (nee Christ) was the wife of my Great Grand Uncle Wm. H. Ehemann. This was the same man that was a Chicago Alderman at the beginning of the 20th century, and later held the ridiculously powerful position of County Agent (of which I own both his badge & pistol). So I am related to Rose through her marriage to William. She was born in Wurtzburg, Germany to Killian and Marie (Hellman) in 1879 and came to America in 1890. She married into my family at either 18 or 19 (William was 10 years older) and lived at the Southport address shown on the receipt. Sadly, and for reasons I can’t find, she died at the age of 46. That is really young (even more so as I get older) and I wish I knew what happened to her. Anyway, as far as I was told by my Grandma they never had any children, which is why some of their belongings ended up in my hands. This included her engagement ring which I used when I proposed to my wife. So, even though we technically aren’t related, I do feel an attachment to her. 

Did you ever wonder how much a funeral cost in the 1920s? Well, no I hadn’t either, but because of this invoice that was stuck between some other papers we now know. As far as Rose, I could only find the most cursory of information. 

Rose Ehemann (nee Christ) was the wife of my Great Grand Uncle Wm. H. Ehemann. This was the same man that was a Chicago Alderman at the beginning of the 20th century, and later held the ridiculously powerful position of County Agent (of which I own both his badge & pistol). So I am related to Rose through her marriage to William. She was born in Wurtzburg, Germany to Killian and Marie (Hellman) in 1879 and came to America in 1890. She married into my family at either 18 or 19 (William was 10 years older) and lived at the Southport address shown on the receipt. Sadly, and for reasons I can’t find, she died at the age of 46. That is really young (even more so as I get older) and I wish I knew what happened to her. Anyway, as far as I was told by my Grandma they never had any children, which is why some of their belongings ended up in my hands. This included her engagement ring which I used when I proposed to my wife. So, even though we technically aren’t related, I do feel an attachment to her. 

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