December 31

1930: Mueller Potter Drug Company forms a corporation and registers with the state of Wisconsin.
1940: "The last day of the year is a fairly busy one.  Mr. F.W. Mueller has a birthday.  He is 67.  We ahve company tonite to help see out the old year and welcome in the new.  Joe and Anna Weisheipl, Ed and Thres Fretschel are with us.  This is the first time out for Anna since she's been laid up with game leg over a week ago. Laurence and Dolores Kinateder stay overnite with Donald and Mary Ann (son and daughter)."[from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1943: "F. W. Mueller is 70 years old today.  He is feeling quite well.  Another lovely day, temperatures up to 34.  Worked until 9:30.  Ed and Thres Fretschel, Annie Heip, Aunt Lena Baier are over to see the year out.  Party breaks up at 3:15 A.M. and I chauffeur the folks home.  Received a card fomr Lt. Charles F. Nolan today.  He is somewhere in the Pacific.  The card was on the way for 20 days.  Dolores and Alois Kinateder are overnight guest at our house." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 30

1942: "We have company today, Emma Baier with Faye and Joe Jr., Ann Ostertag with Raymond and Jimmie, Rose Mauritz with Joan and Billy." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1954: "Mary Ann (daughter) with Arlene (daughter-in-law) to get a coat at Hilda's." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 29

1950: "Met George Greeley, secretary to Senator Joe McCarthy at Washington. Geroge is home for a short holiday vacation.  Geroge tells me after McCarthy's tiff with Drew Pearson, Joe received 700 telegrams of congratulations..."[from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1951: "Well, I'm getting ready for the wind-up.  Beginning to figure out Social Security and withheld income taxes for the employees.  Francis Lamb is over this afternoon for a two hour conference.  This evening is spent at Donald's (son).  Arlene (daughter-in-law) has done her utmost to have things in order.  Father Wagner stops in for a hour's visit."[from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 28

1941: "To 6 o'clock Mass at St. John's then to work.  Had to open the store this morning.  Worked until one, then Art Mueller relieved me until 6 o'clock.  During the afternoon Joe, Celia, Lucy, Matt, Amanda, Caroline Drexler were over to our house for their annual Christmas visit.  Sergeant George Hagene Jr. is in town. Laurence and Dolores sleep at our house tonite. After work tonite we visit the Weisheipls.  Ed and Thres Fretschel are also there.  Got home at 2:30 A.M. Monday." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1944: "Took a flying trip to Milwaukee.  Left on Streamliner at 5:30 in Milwaukee at 7:00 P.M.  Dr. Ray Wagner is on his way back form Camp Devens, Mass. He told me how Easterners make a clam bake. Attended Yahr Lange salemen and manufacturer representatives banquet.  Met many salemen I knew.  Took 11:40 train back home.  ON the train I meet Clayton Kuehn, one of our former employees in the Navy, and Les Wolf in the Army from Texas. Both have leave until Tuesday. (Bloger's note: December 28th was a Thursday.)" [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 27

1940: "Aunt Mary and Lena Baier take care of the washing for the Joe Weisheipl family.  They are obliged to wash by hand, no wash machine, no wringer, no washboard.  Aunt Mary complains of a backache; she is not accustomed to washing without modern conveniences." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1942: "Today is Father William Renner's silver anniversary as a priest.  He is stationed at Alexandria, Minnesota Let us hope he will live to celebrate his golden anniversary.  Attended 7:30 Mass at St. John's with Thres and Mary Ann (daughter).  It is still raining when we go to church.  Car was stuck near the church when we start from home.  Dicky Hill gives us a push.  Donald (son) has dinner at Louis Koelbl's, guest of Norman.  St Vincent's church organ is dedicated tonite.  Donald serves, lasts from 7:30 to 9:00." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 26

1939: "Ann and Rose Baier are here with Raymond, Jimmie, Joan and Billy.  Aunt Lena and Grandma Baier are also here for their Christmas visit.  They spend the afternon with us.  Grandma is very impressed with the bathroom upstairs." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1942: "Today is a day of rain.  Rose Weisheipl (niece) is with us for the noon day meal.  We find she likes turkey very much.  Father John Nuernberg drops in to say "Merry Christmas."  He is not feeling very well although he looks 100%.  Anna Weisheipl (sister-in-law) is in bed today.  Pains in neck and hip, sounds like rheumatism.  Donald (son) and myself attend basketball - All Stars against Chicago Studenbakers.  Stars win 44-33.  Mother and Mary Ann (daughter) see Bambi and the Ice Capades at the Oshkosh and it is still raining." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 25

1939: "Attended 7:30 Mass.  Worked all day making out orders, only 28 of them...Donald (son) is very happy today.  He gets a new bicycle, a casting set, a scout knife, and a harmonica." [from A. E. Potter's diaries] 1942: "Attend midnight Mass at St. Vincent's.  Our organ is back on the job, in fact it is entirely new with the exception of some of the pipes from our original..."  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1955: "Don and Arline (son and daughter-in-law) come over to attend midnight Mass with us.  The service is broadcast over radio station WOSH for the first time from St. Vincent's and A.E.P. paid for it.  Don's family are also with us to spend the day and have dinner here.  In the evening they are at Arline's folks, the Felkers." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1956: "Begin the day attending Solemn High Mass St. Vincent's...Don and Arlene to 9 A.M. Mass, leave Mark with us and after Mass they are with us again to exchange presents.  After a few pictures taken by Don we have dinner at the Town House then back home for a time.  Then Don and family and Mary Ann (daughter) visit St. Vincent Sisters.  Mark (grandson) shows them how to turn on their new T.V. and by the way Donnie and Debbie (grandchildren) get presents from Sisters Mary Walter and Rudolphia..." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 24

1939: "This is another busy Sunday.  Took in about $525.  The folks open their presents.  Donald (son) is somewhat of a sad boy tonite.  He didn't get as many presents as he expected.  He sits in the corner very depressed. (Blogger's note: see Dec. 25th for continuation.) Thres attends midnight Mass at St. John's.  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1948: "Well, today is the wind up, and I am glad.  Donald (son) and myself deliver the presents to the doctors and I nearly froze my feet... To midnight Mass, Donald had his sweetheart to church.  He also sings a solo." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1954: "Well, the rush is over, people are buying fast, last minute shoppers are numerous...Don and Arlene over at about 9:30.  We exchange presents.  Little Donnie (grandson, blogger) can't wait to ride his hot rod car." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1956: "Much snow and slush make travel very slow in town.  We are trying to complete the distribution of presents for the nurses and office help of the doctors.  At the stores it is our busiest days.  Close shop at 5:30.  Spend the evening at Don's (son) home.  The kiddies have the time of their life opening presents.  Markie especially likes his snuggle bear and musical top..." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 23

1944: "This is our busiest day of the year.  Took Jackie Rothe along to deliver presents to the doctors and to Fathers Bastian, Ott, Courtney also Sisters at St. Vincent's and St. John's.  Sister Genevieve introduced Sister Edgar the new superior at St. Vincent's.  I'm so tired this evening that I could not go back to work, my first evening out this month." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 22

1940: "A very busy day at the store.  Foresters have their Children's Christmas Party tonite at St. Vincetn's.  Donald and Mary Ann take part in the program." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1951: "Got more exercise shoveling sidewalks today, at least 1 1/2 hours.  My job today is wrapping Christmas presents to be given to the doctors.  Wrapped about 130 packages" [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 21

1943: "Father Ott brings Donald (son) and the boys from St. Nazianz." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1954: "Ed Binder is in my office this morning returning the crucifix I let Rose use during her illness. He also speaks about my accepting the presidency of the S.S. Business Men's Club.  To Kiwanis luncheon, Madrigal Singers from Hi School entertain us and Bruno Romanowski explains the difference between Christmas Hymns and Christmas Carols." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 20

1939: "We have about reached our peak on parcel post.  There has been a steady line up the last four evenings from the front of the store to the parcel post window." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1952: "Eddie brings Florence and baby boy (Jim) home from the hospital this afternoon.  Got plenty of exercise this morning, an all night snowfall and is was the wet and heavy kind.  Fortunately Donald (son) came over to help me.  Tonite I begin getting out greeting cards, 50 of them, and then the weekly trip to Uncle Joe Heip's to deliver two coffee cakes for their Sunday breakfast.  And to the Post Office at 10:30 P.M."  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1953: "To 7:30 Hi Mass - Father Wagner.  To work at 9:15.  Took over Post Office window from 10-12:30 and from 6 to 8 in the evening.  Waited on approximately 450 people.  My feet are rather tired tonite.  Ate a little too much lunch after work and could not get to sleep until 1 A.M." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 19

1944: "Joe Baier is laid up this afternoon with tonsilitis.  [Note: continued using December 20th entry which really concerns December 19]  Joe Baier became papa again last night [Dec. 19] A little girl (Mary Jane) 7# 5 oz. is the Christmas present." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1947: "The stork makes a visit to the Stan Demboviaks in Milwaukee (West Allis).  It's a little baby girl. [Blogger's note: The baby is Anne Demboviak, who will later marry Gary Glisch and will teach at Farmington Elementary School in Kewaskum with me.  We are cousins; her Grandfather Drexler and my Grandmother Drexler were siblings.] [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 18

1940: "We have had no street lights for 3 nights." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1956: "1° below zero this A.M.  To Kiwanis luncheon, George jrodan leads the program with Ben Borsuk, Bill Mortell, and Russ Williams filling in.  I picked up our Christmas tree at Harold Weed's.  Spent the afternoon and evening at home wrapping packages for the doctors and also writing cards to relatives and friends." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 17

1940: "Christmas greetings are already beginning to arrive.  A beautiful bedroom suite arrives for Dad and Mother from Sitter's Furniture Store.  This is our joint Christmas present." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1944: "To St. John's 7:30 Mass, then to work, and it's like a mad house at the store.  We attend the "Golden Wedding Anniversary" of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Mueller at the Athearn Hotel.  Altho it is really a preliminary, it is a lovely event.  It is a dinner for the immediate family with Rev. C.J. Lange and Mrs., John Hackbarth, Thres and myself.  Also took a trip to Sunnyview to see Tony Pable.  He is doing fine but can not be home for Christmas." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 16

1953: "A nice day but cold about 7° above this morning. Paid last respects to Paul Sitter this morning at Konrads.  Visited Martha Hein Stauber at Mercy.  She is in Room 115.  Her arm is still in traction.  Met Mrs. John Birmingham in the same room.  Dropped in to see Joe Weisheipl Jr.  He is in room 146.  Took Marge to work." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1956: "To 7:30 Hi Mass - Father Schorn.  We are very busy at the store.  Took Mother to Berlin to pick up her fur coat and Mary Ann's. (daughter).  Markie (grandson) spends time with Mother while Don (son) and family are at church.  He is in love with our Mickey Mouse cookie jar.  This afternoon K.C. Children's party.  They all get a box of chocolates, that's it." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 15

1940: "To six o'clock Mass this morning, then to work.  We are quite busy, much parcel post is coming in.  In the afternoon Mather bought a Christmas tree.  Joe and Annie Heip stop in for a short time.  Joe helped to move Donald's (son) bed upstairs.  I helped the ladies move Mary Ann's (daughter) bed to the back bedroom.  Thres goes to view the remains of Karl Dietzo and then to St. Peter's bingo.  She wins 3 dollars.  A heavy sleet storm hits us in the evening.  I was called out to take Thres, Annie Heip,  Mary Schneider, Jennie Miller, and Thres Fretchel home; no taxies available."[from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1952: "Eddie Wesiheipl is pa again,  It's another boy (Jim) born about four this morning, weighs 7 pounds 4 oz.  Had Norm Brown over for the noon meal today Pigs hocks, dumplings, sour kraut a la Potter.  Visited Annie Heip this afternoon, she is very anxious to go home, must wait another day or two.  Joe Jr. brought 6 bottles of beer to keep her happy.  Visited Aunt Mary and Mrs. Hannes.  Sister Laurentia tells me the Crib and Manger I donated to the hospital are in.  Gave Sister Irene 4 Rosaries.  Also met Father Al Trebby." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 14

1944: "Thres is busy baking Christmas cookies today.  Served on a coroner's jury this morning at the courthouse in the case where W.H. Clausen of Fond duLac lost his life in a collison with an Olson transport truck on Sept. 12th about 9 P.M., 8 o'clock standard time.  Verdict of the jury, negligence on both sides contributed to the accident.  Jurors: Mike Randall, Leonard Reinke, Paul Wertsch, J. Harold Watson, A.E. Potter, Raymond Miller."  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1952: "To 7:30 Mass Father Milbauer.  We are very busy at the store this morning and also this evening.  Seven of the ladies from our South Store had a dinner party at Ray Robbins this evening, Maude Labudde, Margaret Tadych, Virginia Abrams, Grace Sitter, Rose Weisheipl, Marjorie Beck and Mary Ann Potter (daughter).  Party lasted from 6:30 to 12:30." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 13

1939: "John (Drexler, Theresa's brother) is still hanging on, he's losing ground fast.  Doctor Hogen states he may live another 24 hours.  At 10:30 P.M. he takes a turn for the worse and passes away in peaceful sleep at 10:40 P.M. R.I.P." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1943: "..Mary Ann begin her tap dance lessons at Marion Weisheipl's.  Thres and Mrs. Tony Paulick play bingo at Sacred Heart Christian Mothers Christmas Party.  All of their Franciscan Sisters are there to receive a present.  Thres and Mrs. Paulick win nothing." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1953: "... Attended St. Vincent's Christmas Cantata.  Donald (son) takes pictures.  We had Debbie (granddaughter) with us.  She was much interested and she was also very entertaining.  Dave and Mrs. Garcia were sitting ahead of us with their little girl.  They got quite a kick out of Debbie'a wise remarks. Donald and family were with us until midnight." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 12

1949: "Thres entertains the Ladies Auxiliary Card Club this afternoon.  It's not only a card party, the ladies also exchange gifts.  They had lots of fun, some of the ladies received comic gifts.  The boys almost locked me in the new store tonite.  Art Mueller luckily came in at midnite to ask if I had a key.  Well I didn't have one.  Worked 12 hours today.  Miles Kimball is laid to rest." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1954: "To 7:30 Hi Mass Holy Name.  Father Schorn spoke, not a sermon, just about the things we may expect under his pastorate.  He praised Father Bastian, for St. Vincent's was his first assignment after he was ordained.  He announced the passing of Rose (Binder) and the congregation prayed for her.  This was really her day.  Holy Name men were asked to offer the Mass and Holy Communion for her. This evening prayers and rosary at Fiss and Bills led by Father Milbauer.  Parish reception for Father Schorn tonite at 7:30 in the Recreation Hall." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 11

1947: "Thres and Annie Heip do some shopping this afternoon.  Jackie Mauritz is in to show me her police dog.  Thres attended South Side Business Men's Christmas party tonite.  Busses picked up the folks at Security Bank, took them to Deniger's Farm Implements where they serve beer and give flowers, then to Putney's where the folks watch a money sorting machine, then to Johnson's new building where they are shown how potato chips are made.  Worked 11 1/2 hours today." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1948: "Ven. Sister Romano has a fall this morning when getting out of bed and broke her collarbone in three places.  Donald (son) leaves for Chicago on the 5:06 afternoon train.  All Stars beat Hammond 50-45.  Elsie Wagner comes home form the hospital." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 10

1946: "Thres gets a new kind of hair do, it's a cold permanent wave and it's only 12 dollars, 'poor papa.' Merchandise is coming in galore." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1954: "Father Schorn is in my office this morning for what I would say was his first visit with me since he is our pastor.  He spoke of a number of changes he would like to see carried out in the near future." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 9

1930: Arlene Katherine Felker (daughter-in-law) is born.
1953: "Ma and Mary Ann (daughter) attend the Foresters Christmas party at St. Vincent's.  We were also invited to the Catholic Knights of Columbus Christmas party at Sacred Heart.  I sent them a shaving set for a door prize,  I visited with Don (son) and Debbie and Don Jr. (grandchildren) about an hour.  Don was babysitter.  Arlene was with Ma and Mary Ann and by the way, today is Arlene's birthday.  I think she's 23." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 8

1939: "Attended meeting of Executive Committee Red Cross.  Voted appropriations to sponsor course in Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick,  also to sponsor Garment Production Program.  Mrs. Mace and Rev. Oberleiter attend our meeting.  Attended 7 o'clock Mass this morning.  Took Anna Drexler, Ottilia Mugerauer, Mary (Aunt Mary)Drexler and Thres to Alexian Brothers Hospital to see Uncle John Drexler.  He is sleeping and we had no chance to talk to him." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1954 : "Today marks the end of the Marian Year, a year filled with spiritual benefit and blessings and special indulgences granted by the Holy Father Pope Pius XII.  He is feeling somewhat better and is in hopes he may be able to give his Christmas Blessing from the Vatican. We attend 6:30 Mass.  Heard a rather unusual concert tonite, a Piano Trio: George Fiore, Esther Fernandez, and Stephens Kovacs.  They surely are real artists." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 7

1944: "Mary Ann (daughter) gets her first train ride today.  Took her and mother along to Milwaukee.  They visited Margaret, Gail, and Anna Drexler while I was downtown on business.  Tommy Adkins and Walter Lange took me to lunch at the Boston Store.  Did business at Yahr-Lange, McClurg, Mutual Drug, Bertram Novelties.  Took the folks to Riverside Theatre in the evening. [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
2006: Kyra Rose Kolaske, daughter of Brian and Chris Kolaske, granddaughter of Mike and Debbie (nee Potter) Kolaske, great-granddaughter of Donald and Arlene Potter, great-great granddaughter of A.E. and Theresa Potter is born.

December 6

1950: "More snow today.  Van Pelt the new Congressman from our district is a guest and speaker at the Optimist Club.  Art Mueller reports that Van made a very good impression.  Don and Arlene (son and daughter-in-law) get a new General Electric washing machine.  Guess from whom?  Santa came rather early but they need it badly.  We learn that our nephew Joseph Drexler became ill during the night and was taken to the hospital." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
2005: Tyler Kolaske, son of Jeremy Kolaske, grandson of Mike and Debbie (nee Potter) Kolaske, great-grandson of Donald and Arlene Potter, great-great grandson of A.E. and Theresa Potter is born.

December 5

1935: "Drove to Milwaukee this morning with Joe and Anna Weisheipl and Joe Jr. Had lunch at Menominee Falls.  The folks are down to visit Cork who is playing at the Riverside Theatre with Stan Mayers Band.  I had business at the Drug Service, The Mutual and also had a nice visit with A. C. Grace of McClurg.  Saw the show in the evening and visited with Cork. Left Milwaukee about 1 A.M. and run into a sleet storm.  Landed in Slinger at 2:30 A.M.  Stayed there over night." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1954: "To 7:30 Hi Mass, Father Milbauer then to work.  This afternoon to Memorial Service for 4th Degree Knights by Father Danks and officers of the 4th Degree.  I think 32 Vacant Chairs were there with 32 names of deceased Sir Knights.  Had a visitor at the office tonite.  Jack McCain is thinking of going into business for himself.  He is considering buying out Syl Stack, but lacks about 3000 dollars to put the deal over." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 4

1953: "Christmas shopping is beginning in earnest.  All of our store are very busy.  North 1700, South 1500.  I worked 7 hours today.  This evening to the Mode to see Desert Song starring Kathryn Grayson, Gordon Mac Rae, Raymond Massey; also A Christmas Carol starring Alistar Sim as Scrooge." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1956: "Don (son) is over to the house to pick up Christmas tree ornaments.  He tells me he and Eddie (Wesiheipl) worked until 11:30 last night.  I really got a raking over the coals from Fred Baumgartner today, one that I won't forget for a while.  My suggestion for carrying more green stamps at this time of year met with a very stern rebuff.  Hence forth I better keep my suggestions to myself." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 3

1940: "A cold wave hits us over night 15° below zero this morning, but it does moderate during the day, and more snow tonite.  Ladies Auxiliary So. Side Business Men's Club entertain the men at a Christmas Party. Albert Genark was Santa Claus.  Herb Riemer won a Christmas tree." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1950: "To 7:30 Mass St. Vincent's Father Koehn.  To work all morning.  About 2:30 to St. Mary's Hall where K. C. 2nd and 3d degrees are exemplified.  Joe Baier and Edward Weisheipl are among the 80 some candidates, and they are plenty burned up too.  We have a nice meal at the club after the initiation.  About 20 of us to Fiss and Bills to say the rosary for Murt Malone, then take Ed and Marie Fretschl to the Weisheipl's t celebrate Annie's birthday." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

December 2

1882: Anna Drexler, sister of Theresa Drexler is born.  She will later marry Joe Weisheipl and be known to our family as "Aunt Annie."

December 1

1951: "A very mild day.  Had our "Bring Christ Back to Christmas" parade; it is very impressive altho the floats traveled much too fast.  Arlene (daughter-in-law) takes Debby (1-year-old gradndaughter) to the Junior Forester party.  She is very much afraid of Santa." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1978: Kristi Kolaske (great granddaughter) is born in Oshkosh.