October 31

1934:  "Attended Halloween party and dance at the Clover Leaf Hall.  It's a good time, altho the hall is somewhat crowded at times.  Art Mueller and his wife, Fred and Loretta and Margaret Voelz and Art Mueller are there from our crew.  Got home at 2:30 A.M." [from A. E. Potter's diairies]
1940: "Had a caller from Texas today.  Bob Lutz in the guise of a fruit peddler.  Was surely glad to see him.  Bo't 2 bushels of oranges from him.  Anna Weisheipl is lucky at the Eagles Bingo.  She wins $7.40 on a 5¢ Crazy Bingo." [from A. E. Potter's diairies]

October 30

1942:  "Our Bean Bag Game is back from St. Vincent's Bazaar.  It made 12 dollars for the  Bazaar fund." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1953: "Forty Hours begins at Sacred Heart...Patronized Erick Baller for a Hickory Freeman suit this morning, most expensive I ever bought $115.  Met Northwestern ad man Ellegard and corrected them about our opening North Store, from Thursday to Wednesday.  Nipped that one just in time." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1954: "Marion Froetschl Larson with her children David and Caroline arrive from California this morning.  Ma and I are busy washing storm windows and Don (son) and Dave Wingrove put them on for us." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

October 29

1946: "Joe and Annie Weisphel (brother-in-law and sister) are married 40 years today.  Thres and myself attend  Kiwanis Song-fest at the Athearn Hotel this evening.  Oshkosh is host this year.  Well attended; Beaver Dam gets the cup this year." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1953: "Had a call from Sister Irene in regard to sponsoring Frank Stampfer.  He needs money to come to this country.  Also visited Aunt Mary.  She is willing to come home with me.  Had our corporation registered at the Court House.  Had quite a visit with George Young, Register of Deeds.  We attended supper at the English Lutheran Memorial Hall.  I ate too much and suffered for it later...Had a pleasant surprise at the store.  Johnny Gallagher from Shawano dropped in to see me tonite. We had good times years ago." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

October 28

1936: "We drive to Milwaukee today with Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Mueller.  Attended the Drug Show and Banquet at the Schroeder Hotel.  After the banquet we took a walk and when we came back, played 500 rummy until 2:30 A.M." [from A. E. Potter's diairies]
1942: "Thres and myself take a drive to Ripon this evening to the Kiwanis District Song Fest.  A nice dinner preceded the singing.  Bald heads were covered with Ripon Kiwanis caps, mine included.  Our table Mr. Mrs. Leighton Hough, Mr. Mrs. Frank Thew, Mr. Mrs. Kurt Drake, Thres and self.  Our club won the loving cup for singing." [from A. E. Potter's diairies]

October 27

1942: "Had a letter from Donald (son) today.  He is asking for an overcoat; he tells us it gets very cold at St. Nazianz.  Had Donald Bludair as guest a Kiwanis luncheon.  Our table Ed Schrank, Joe Krumrich, O.W. Witte, Charles Behnke, Don and myself." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1948: "Find myself doing work I had not expected to do for a long time to come.  Put on most of the storm windows and didn't feel any strain of overwork.  Emma Siewert helps Thres wash the storms and I wash the outside of the windows...The T and O Bowling Alleys open tonite.  They are across from our south store." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

October 26

1941: "To six o'clock Mass.  Thres goes over to the Bazaar Hall after Mass and is gone all day.  It is a rainy day.  I go to the Bazaar after work at night.  Donald (son) wins a permanent wave at Binder's Beauty Shop and do we have fun about that.  Bazaar ends about midnight.  Donald plays at First Presbyterian Church this afternoon when Phil Laffey's Orchestra gives a concert." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1942: "Drove to Milwaukee this morning with Phil Laffey.  We took the violin along, which Mr. John Schroeder is trying to get rid of or pawn off on me for 200 dollars.  Met Olaf Breivic, who is an authority on violins.  Mr. Laffey had him put a valuation on the violin.  Mr. Breivic stated 50 dollars was a good price for this violin.  This should put an end to Mr. Schroeder trying to get several hundred dollars for it."  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

October 25

1949: "Almost got to Kiwanis luncheon with Ken Seperski.  We landed at the Town Grill, had a very nice meal.  This evening to Recreation Center to hear Edward Berryman put on organ concert for Civic Music Association members.  After the concert to St Vincent's Gym for a party given for the workers who helped paint the Sister's home and the church basement." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1954: "Mary Ann got a permanent today.  Norm Brown is with us today.  He stays, helps Thres was dishes and is with me until 2:30.  Thres plays cards at Rose Schneider's, gets a bad nose bleed and I take her home.  Marion Drexler is giving away cheese at the Security Bank. Reason: This is Cheese Week in Oshkosh." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

October 24

1935: "Sister-in-law Mary Drexler has a birthday.  She is 62 years of age.  Attended "Chicken Dinner" at Rev. Stange's Emmanuel Lutheran Church.  In the evening card party at St. Peter's Hall.  This hall has been completely redecorated.  The bowling alley has also been taken out of the basment." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1953: "We visit Aunt Mary in the hospital.  She seems to be doing quite well and is very happy.  This is her birthday also; she is 81.  Thres baked a nice birthday cake for her and bro't her a new doll.  She injoys the doll very much."  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

October 23

1935: "Johnny Revolta former West Side Oshkosh lad wins the National Professional Golfers Tournament.  He wins from Tommy Armour at Oklahoma City."  (Blogger's Note: It was the PGA tournament.)  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1949: "Took in the air show at our airport this afternoon and it was really cold out there, but it was worth it seeing bombers, jet planes, Navy planes and Whittman and Brennand put on stunts." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1954: "I took Debbie and Donnie (grandchildren) to see Marge Haverty and then out to see Aunt Annie Heip.  Matt gives the children some money.  Debbie tells her mommie that Rose's husband "Matt?" gave them the money."  (Blogger's note: Rose and Matt Weisheipl are sister and brother.) [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

October 22

1936:  "We begin a sheephead tournament at Boll Mauritz's house  This is the old Tuesday night sheephead club that used to come to our house for years." [from A.E. Potter's diaires]
1944: "To 7:30 Mass at St. John's, then to work.  We are quite busy and we have no cgarettes, none yesterday ro Friday evening.  This is the first time we have been entirely out of cigarettes since we've been in business." [from A.E. Potter's diaires]

October 21

1940: "Meeting of Executive Committee Red Cross this afternoon.  Wendell Wilkie, Republican nominee for President makes a 20 minute stop at the North Side Northwestern Depot and makes a short speech.  I only get a glimpse of him.  He is very well received." [from A.E. Potter's diaires]
1954: "Honorary pallbearer for Msgr. Bastian with Ed Binder, Art Ostertag, Mike Eichman, John Hable, Ray Wagner.  About 225 priests present.  Bishop Bona - celebrant, Father Zey - sermon. [from A.E. Potter's diaires]

October 20

1945: "After a busy day at the store to Mercy Hospital to visit Father Nuernberg.  He is very low when I get there at 4:15 P.M. The family is all there.  about 6:15 Sister Eleanor told us he would not live much longer.  I prayed ahead several rosaries and other paryers and litanies.  He passed away very peacefully at 7 o'clock." [from A.E. Potter's diaires]
1954: "Gale Robertshaw is in town to take oversold "One-Cent Sale" order.  Jack Faust and myself honor guard at the bier of Monsignor Bastian this afternoon.  I'm on from 3:15 to 4 o'clock and from 4:14-4:45.  Back for rosary with Holy Name Society at 8 P.M." [from A.E. Potter's diaires]

October 19

1954: "Attended Chamber of Commerce meeting in Jack Delveau's office to make tentative budget for retail activities - 1955.  Skipped Kiwanis luncheon to Cemetery Board Meeting in the Cemetery office at 4:30 P.M. To Rosary for Monsignor at 8:30. Walked to church and feel very bad." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1955: This is a very busy day for Rose Stievater at the parsonage; she has 64 this afternoon and 62 ladies this evening playing whatever games they choose to raise funds for the Shrine or Grotto in honor of our Blessed Lady.  She cleared $75.80.  Thres and Mary Ann help her with dishes and cleaning up; they get home at 11:30." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

October 18

1941: "This is a busy day for all of us.  We are having a Grand Opening at our West Side Store.  Altho [sic] it is a day of rain many people avail themselves of the opportunity to congratulate us.  Celia Fretschel is married to Herbert Putzer at 9 o'clock at St. Vincent's.  Grandma Baier is laid to rest this morning.  Church service at 10:15 A.M. at St. Vincent's. Father Michael Drexler is in the Sanctuary.  We attend the Putzer wedding reception at the E.R.A. building after I get thru working at the store.  Get home at 1:30 A.M. and it is still raining.  Donald (son) serves at both wedding and funeral." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1945: "Soft Water Service is being installed at our home today." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 17

1954: "To 7:30 Mass; we receive the news that our beloved Monsignor Bastian passed away at 2:20 this morning.  Born Village Kirkweiller Alsace Lorraine May 28, 1874.  Ordained St. Joseph Church De Pere Sept. 8, 1897, First Mass Seymour Sept. 14, 1897.  Appointed to St. Vincent May 1, 1912.  Appointed Domestic Prelate 1945." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1970: Debbie Potter (granddaughter) married Michael Kolaske at St. Vincent's Church at twelve o'clock noon.  Father Otto Sartorelli officiated.  Carol Norkofski was maid of honor and Randy Krug was best man.  Flower girl was Jane Potter and ring bearer was James Potter, siblings of the bride.  Dinner and reception were held at the Columbus Club.

October 16

1947: "We get a new electric kitchen range this morning from the Boston Store.  Radke and DeVoe install it" [from A.E. Potter's diaries] (Blogger's note: October 16 is not an important date in our family history; this was the best I could find.)

October 15

1934: "Another beautiful day, 74° in the shade.  Donald (son) is surely getting his appetite back; he ate nearly two large dumplings and 2 helpings of meat for dinner.  Had monthly meeting of M P D Co. tonite." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1941: "Visited Gandma Baier this morning.  She is very low.  Dr. Ray Wagener is there.  We are busy at the store getting ready for our opening at the West Side Store.  Grandma Baier passed away this afternoon about 5 o'clock.  Born in Austria Feb. 20, 1850."  [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 14

1955: "A 'Catholic Youth Council' was organized at St. John's Parish Hall last night.  Includes the six parishes in Oshkosh.  Joe Hemmer is adult advisor from St. Vincent's." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1956: "Don (son) and family are with us for dinner and we are happy to have them.  Little Markie (grandson) has a very good appetite.  Bill Mauritz, Don and myself go out to the cottage for the afternoon.  Bill and Don bring in the boat slide." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 13

1941: "Another rainy wash day.  Visited Grandma Baier; she has difficulty trying to talk and is getting weaker.  She has had no nourishment to speak of for 3 weeks.  We had quite an accident at the store tonite.  A gallon bottle full of formaldehyde exploded in the rear of the store and we all cried from the fumes and so did our customers." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1946: "To 7:30 Mass St. Vincent's Rev. Monsignor Bastian offered the Mass. Then to work until 12:30.  The Winnebago County Airport is dedicated today.  The weather is grand.  Frank Keefe is M.C.  General Carl Spaatz Supreme Commander of the U.S. Air Forces is here to speak.  The Appolls Chorus sings; Merrell Lewis directed.  Flag donated by Cong.  Keefe had been flown over the nation's Capitol this last week." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1991: Mary Ann Potter, daughter of A.E. and Theresa Potter and sister of Donald A. Potter, Sr. dies.

October 12

1934: "Father James Hagan delivers a Columbus Landing Day address over station WHBY.  Forty Hours Devotion begins at St. Vincent's today.  Bob Gunz starts putting radiators on our front porch today." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1941: "To six o'clock Mass at St. John's.  Left with Mother, Mary Ann, Donald, and Kenny Baar for Great Lakes Naval Training Station at 8:15; arrive at 11 A.M.  Had lunch in the open.  The Fox River Valley Juvenile Orchestra of which Donald is a member gave a concert to about 600 sailors.  About 9000 regulars and 300 officers comprise the population of the naval station.  The concert was well received.  A beautiful day and everyone is taking advantage of the nice weather."  [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 11

1948: "Over to see Boyd Jordan at the New Amercian Bank, then to Jimmie's for one of my twice a year shoe shines, then to Kiwanis Directors meeting and also practice for tonite.  Back at work at 1:45.  Drive to Fond du Lac this evening to the Kiwanis Songfest sponsored by Waupun club at the Retlaw Hotel.  The meal was not very good for 3 dollars per plate.  The Beaver Dam club won the Gifford Cup.  We are home at 11 P.M." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1949: "To Kiwanis luncheon.  Harry Hannish - John Markel - Gordon Mueller - Dick Rutledge and self.  Bud Foster coach at U.W. spoke; enlightened us about workings of sports at universities.  Thres is up to Dr. Ware for impressions for lower set...My old office is being torn out of the store today. [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 10

1939: " Joe Baier and Emma Nigl are married.  We attend dinner and supper.  Joe and his bride left on a honeymoon at 10:30 P.M." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1954: John and Lucille Felker (parents of Arlene, daughter-in-law) are married twenty-five years today.
1955: "According to paper the 'Diamond Match Company' is going to cease operations in Oshkosh Nov. 4." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 9

1940: "Thres joins the South Side Ladies Auxiliary Bowling League.  They bowl at the Oshkosh Recreation on South Main Street.  Stanley Mauritz and Margaret Webster are married at St. John's Church by Father Courtney.  We attend the wedding dinner at the Mauritz home 627 11th St. at 6 P.M.  Attended St John's Bazaar after the wedding dinner, won nothing, Thres Fretchel won 4 times.  I took her home." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1951:  "To Kiwanis luncheon.  Natalie Huhn explains ises of the public library system.  Four H Club girls explain about graind eggs.  Tonite to Fiss and Bills where Monsignor Reul offers rosary for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Leo Muza.  St Joseph's Church, Berlin celebrates their centennial today.  Present pastor Rev. Charles D. Monroe since Mar 1 succeeded Father Hurst.  Father Francis Fiss was pastor from 1896-1925.  He now lives in retirement in Wauwatosa.  Harry - Agnes Kujawa family attend St. Joseph's." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 8

1941: "Attended Holy Name Banquet at St. Peter's tonite.  A good turnout looked to be about 300 men present.  In the afternoon to the cottage to pick apples.  Donald (son) and Lawrence Kinateder are along.  Thres goes to Red Cross sewing this afternoon." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1945: "It was learned that Larry Smith (founder of Smith Ice Cream Co. who was shot yesterday) was the victim of mistaken identity.  A warrant has been issued for Herbert Erdman, 47, believed to be the murderer." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 7

1937: "This is Fire Prevention Week and Donald (son) marches in the Fire Prevention Parade this afternoon." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1966: Jane (Potter) Miller (granddaughter) is born to Donald (son) and Arlene Potter.

October 6

1940: "Thres and Aunt Mary attend St. John's Bazaar this afternoon.  Tonite Thres is busy with St. Vincent's Bingo Party and I work until midnight at the store." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1944: "Granted a few raises today.  Ed Wesiheipl $5. Eliz. Samuel 5 dollars, Jane Mueller - Cleo Vogt each 2 dollars, Leona Luft 1 dollar." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 5

1940: "Got permission from Postmaster Ray Novotny to use Room 213 for a permanent Red Cross office...Cork Weisheipl ushers in Fire Prevention Week by letting a lit cigarette in their car.  Damage is not very great." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1946: "Cork (George) Weisheipl gets home this evening; he received his honorable discharge from service."  [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 4

1946: "Butter is now up to 16 ration points per pound." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1954: "Workers at Universal Foundry are back on the job this morning.  A strike since July 19 idled the plant." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1956: "Don (son) and little Donnie (grandson) take our boat to the cottage expecting to house it for the winter.  Bill Mauritz and Aloys Czcheck are there to complete the boat track laying.  A little more adjusting must be done, and Don had to take the boat back to town." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 3

1943: "Took a trip to St. Nazianz to see Donald (son).  We took along Mr. and Mrs. Fred Karst and Aunt Mary.  The boys are fine.  We find Herman Drexler, Mrs. Weng Putzer, Annie Sippl, and the Stadtmuellers are also there." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1948: "To 7:30 High Mass, Father Wagner, mixed choir sings.  To work 3 1/2 hours. This afternoon to Berlin with the family. Donald (son) is sponsor (Confirmation) for Johnnie  Kujawa - Harry's sister Leona for Mary.  Bishop O'Connor of the New Diocese "Madison" confers the sacrament.  It was an edifying service and a very interesting one.  A special dinner served by Agnes at 6 o'clock." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 2

1949: "Attended 7:30 High Mass according to our special intention.  Father Alphonse Wagner Mass offered for us by Mary Ann as an aniversary present.  Auxiliary Bishop Grellinger confers the sacrament of Confirmation at St. Vincents this afternnon.  Thres is sponsor for Arlene (Donald's wife).  Six 4th Degree Knights serve as Honor Guard for the Bishop.  My first experience as such.  Donald - Arlene are over for supper.  They take Mary Ann to the Mode and I work the evening." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1950: "Carl and Margaret Radamski are at the airport Milwaukee to meet us at 4 A.M.  It was good of them. (Note: A.E. and Thres were returning from a pilgrimage to Rome and other European sites.) ... Home Sweet Home." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]

October 1

1939: "Sacred Heart Church is dedicated today.  Many priests attend.  The Bishop also confirms a large class of young folks while he is here." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]
1942: "Fuel oil and meat rationing all over the United States begins today.  Coupon books will be out Oct. 15th.  A nation-wide speed limit of 35 miles an hour on highways is also in effect today to conserve auto tires and tubes." [from A.E. Potter's diaries]