A Favorite Picture

This is one of favorite pictures with Aunt Anne. My dad and Anne came to Emily's blessing. She so enjoyed time with the girls.

Trash or Treasure

On one of my last visit to Anne's home I happened to look out of the upstairs bathroom window and saw the laundry room door blown completely open. Now this was unusual because the the damage to the ground from earthquakes. It took a lot to open the door. I remember it being propped open but never fully open. So I went out and closed the door. The next morning the same thing happened. At that moment I had the strong impression that there was something I needed to find in the laundry. I was down to the last few days and time was precious. I made the decision to spend some time out there and look for what I "needed to find". I am thankful that I heeded the impression and went to find the treasure.

Scattered on the floor among the debris was paper work from my childhood and that of my sisters and brother. Also many personal papers of my fathers. I cried when I found what would seemed to be garbage just so carelessly tossed out. I gathered up my collection of treasures and have them to this day.

Among the papers I found this darling picture of Tom and I believe David (although that is a guess). I have no idea of the age of the boys but they seemed ready for bed.

Anne's Diary

I love the details that Anne recorded in her diary. Amazing the cost of items listed.

It is neat to see her family history recorded in her own handwritting. Here is where I found the details about her occupation. She lists "secretary & bookkeeper", "dental assistant" and "office nurse to medical doctor" and "housewife". I guess didn't make it up.

She took pride in keeping her home nice. She spoke of her dislike of the Tampa property. When she moved out there when it was fruit trees. She hated the dust but she made the most of her life there. After Bobs death it took all her resources to keep and maintain the property. But, because of how stubborn and determined she was she did just that.

Did you know she was married to Donald Dunlap? I didn't know that for many years. Although she did share that with me. I only found out the dates by finding this paper work. I hadn't realized they had been married for 14 years. The diary shows a different date for the marriage than the Certificate of Marriage indicates.

David Pyle update 2-09

Not sure of the year of this picture of Uncle Dave. Maybe high school.

Among her papers was this program for David's recital was April 1941. I think she helped pay for his music lesson.

Laura C Kelchner's birth certificate








Her marriage certificate to Harry Nihart.







The back of the marriage cert.

Program for Grandma's funeral. I remember when she died I was 8 she was the first person I knew that I remember who had died.

Anne's Diploma

The education she recieved through this course allowed Anne to earn a living so she could support herself.

As I remember she worked in a doctor's office. And maybe in dental office (although I might have made that up).

Letter from Laura Nihart

I think this letter was chewed by mice. It was like this when I found it.

Hint for newbies to blogs. You should be able to double click on the image and it will open large enough to read the letter.

Letter to Anne from Grandma Nihart

I like this letter because of the mention of Tommy and Pop. My dad has told me about the farm and teasing the baby piglets to rile up the momma pig. I am guessing this is the farm mentioned here.

Also because of the day to day events of life mentioned. Canning, making dinner and going to the farm.