November 11, 2011

What do you do to honor our veterans?  Do you attend a Veterans Day parade or program? Do you observe a minute or two of silence at 11:00 on 11/11? Do you donate money, items, or time to any veterans group?  Do you personally thank our military when you see them? This post isn't about me or others writing comments; it's about doing some personal reflection about how you can best honor our veterans for their service to our country. Think about it.

October's continuing nightmare

The ongoing nightmare called acedepot.com. Charges my card for an order they never sent and finally refunded the cost of the item but still haven't refunded the shipping/handling charges for somehing that was never sent. This problem has been going on for seven weeks! They say that I'll be refunded the shipping, but still haven't done it. DON'T SHOP @ ACEDEPOT.COM

September 6

1937: "Up late this morning at 9 o'clock. Had a swell headache but got over it towards noon. A beautiful warm day. Watched the Rowboat Derby racers come thru on Lake Butte des Morts. Bob and Rose Gittings visit at the cottage, took them fishing this afternoon. I had very good luck for a change. Bob caught 3 small ones. Joe Weisheipl didn't get any. I had to throw back about 30 undersized perch but had about a dozen good sized ones left." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1943: "Wake up about 5:30 with a severe storm breaking. Much lightning and thunder. Thres Fretschl and Annie are very much scared. I got up at 10:15 to find the ladies at breakfast. The Kearns Utah military band is on for a half hour concert over the radio. The broadcast comes in very good. Cork 'George' Weisheipl plays with this band. I cut grass and do some cleaning up. Gregory Ilk and his mother Mary come out about 2 o'clock with Ed Fretschl. We then had our dinner. More cards while I take a nap until 5:15. I get into the game until 8:15 then we pack up and go home. Ed Fretschl stays at the cottage." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1955: "Schools do not open as usual account of polio. Tropical storm rains from Hurricane Gladys raise waters at Tampico Mexico to flood stage." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1956: "I have a new job altho it may only be temporary, picking up Debbie from school and taking her back. Pick up 11:30 and 3:00 take her back at 12:35." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

September 5

1943: "To St. John's 7:30 with Mary Ann. Thres has been trying to buy butter, tried 3 places, no luck, one grocer informs her there is no butter available in the city. Took Thres Fretschl and Annie Heip along to the cottage. It's a lovely day. While the ladies played cards, I varnished our boat. Well from 8:45, the ladies engaged me at cards and it lasted until 2:45 A.M. and then a lunch. I get to rest at 3:45 A.M." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1946: "Eddie Weisheipl is married to Florence Smith (Judy Stillman) this morning 9:00 at Sacred Heart by Father Michael Drexler. Marion is maid of honor, Rose and Mrs. John David are bridesmaids. Her father leads her to the altar. Joe Jr. plays the organ. A pretty wedding. Rain does not mar the doings. We were at the banquet at the Athearn, and at the house after work tonite, stayed until 3 A.M. The honeymooners left at 11:30. Worked 7 hours today." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1955: "Eddie Weisheipl is in luck today. Florence gave birth to a 7# 14 ½ oz. baby girl this morning and it's also their wedding anniversary. I worked this morning and Mary Ann helped me this afternoon. On the way back to the cottage I stopped at Bertha Beck's 1231 5th where Bob Marion Eddie Weisheipl are having a keg of beer. Learned that Rose came in from her trip at 1:30 this afternoon. Don and family are out to the cottage this afternoon and evening. Played poker and also had a nice wiener roast. Aunt Annie home with Donald." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1956: "To 6:45 Mass - Father Milbauer. St. Vincent's School opens today and our Debbie begins her school career. sister Rudolphia is her teacher. Jeannie Hazen also starts at St. Vincent's today." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1986: Kayla Potter, daughter of Mike Potter and Karen Ayers, granddaughter of Don and Arlene Potter, great-granddaughter of A.E. and Theresa Potter is born.

September 4

1944: "Ed Fretschl goes fishing with Bob Brand early this morning. They are out until 10:30 . score Bob about 12 nice ones, Ed nothing. My rear car bumper winds itself around one of our apple trees last night. Had quite a time removing it this morning. No company today. Took Joe Weisheipl to work this afternoon, then back to the cottage. Took the folks home at 7:45." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1949: "To 6 o'clock Mass St. Vincent's - Father Wagner. Took Bill and Ray along to the cottage; they sanded doors and windows." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1951: "To Kiwanis, our speaker is George V. Dempsey Jr. President of Town Hall Inc. Tonight at South Park Junior Hi School we hear 'America's Town Meeting of the Air' broadcast over Station WOSH and the network of the American Broadcasting Company presents 'What's Wrong with College Football.' Speakers: Tim Cohane - Sports Editor Look Magazine, Roger Kram - Student Wheaton College, Harry Locklein - Ex 1951 Captain Army Football team & 1951 Class President. He was one of 90 students expelled from West Point for cribbing, and Dr. Charles Truck 0 Pers. McAllister College. It was very interesting. After the program an informal meeting of the speakers in the English Room Athearn Hotel. Thres and myself were with Art  & Margaret Mueller at the hotel. Home at 10:45 P.M." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

September 3

1934: "Mr. Mueller is back this afternoon from an extended trip East. Mr. and Mrs. John Hackbarth were with them. He has a new fender on his car. Met with a mishap in Boston. This is Labor Day and it rains and pours most of the day. Donald unbeknownst to me hid in the back of my car and had quite a time getting out at the store during the downpour." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1935: "School begins today. Donald's new teacher is Sister Romana. She taught at St. Vincent's when I went to school. [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1946: "Mary Ann registers at Oshkosh Hi this morning. Margaret Voelz Hanson is helping out at the store. Naomi Mueller is back on the job after her vacation. Left Saturday, August 24th 6 P.M. back today at noon." [from A. E. Potter's diaries] 
1957: "Public Schools open today. Donnie starts kindergarten at Smith School. We have a number of showers during the day. At Kiwanis Club Lloyd Buechler is our speaker. He spoke about his trip to Europe. I also met Dr. Stone, Oshkosh's newest surgeon. Received a package from Elmont Stamp Company today." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

September 2

1933: "Started for Milwaukee at 8 A.M. with Mrs. Rose Miller and family to take Caroline to the convent. Stopped at Holy Hill as Sister Ambrosia had not been there, then on to Milwaukee, stopped at St. Joseph's to see Sister Joselia 'Ann Nigl.' She was busy at the organ at 11:45 A.M. 4 weddings and a funeral at St. Joseph's this morning. Dropped in to see Frank Kellner on Cherry St. Met Arthur P. Roberts. He knows Hank Rusch. Then on to the convent. Met Mary Pable, Florence Karst, Genevieve Drexler. Back home at 6 P.M. The day was ideal and the folks enjoyed it. Learned that Monika Mauritz 'Sister Melora' is at St. Mary's Menasha."  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1935: "Labor Day! Matt Drexler and Amanda Wolf are married at St. Vincent's this morning. Sacred Heart Choir sings and I sing with them. Spent the afternoon at the cottage." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1941: "School begins today, Donald begins 8th grade - Mary Ann 5th. We hear the Weisheipls are stranded in Cornell. Heavy rains have flooded the highways. Naomi Mueller is back this noon from her vacation. Gone 9 ½ days. Thres takes Rose and Teddy Gittings to the Northwestern Depot this afternoon. They leave for their home in Chicago." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

September 1

1942: "Children's Day at Winnebago County Fair. Don Bludau and my self spent part of the afternoon at the fair. Glenn Stitzel with the Globe Veterinary Line is in charge of the Mueller-Potter booth. Had quite a shower of rain this afternoon. Dropped in to see John Fretschl this afternoon; he is very low.  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1949: "Took Thres Fretschl to the cottage this morning. She expects to stay two days. Bob Fisher (Sharp & Dohme) takes me out to lunch. I suggested the new 'Town Grill' what was years ago 'The Fowler House' operated by Bill and Louise (Hackbarth) Crook. We had a very fine meal and a few strong 'Martinis.' Father David Bunkleman is in the hospital having an operation on his foot, Calcium deposit has formed in the tendon."  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1957: "To 7:30 Low Mass - Father Schorn. Instead of a sermon he reads a letter from the Bishops of Wisconsin to the laity in regard to the census of Catholics to be taken shortly. Don and family are in for a short visit; we all take a drive to the cottage in my car. This is Don's day to be at the store. Mother and Mary Ann spend the evening at the Sister's playing Canasta. They both win a prize of beautiful hankies. It takes the Sisters to do lovely fancy work. I spend the evening cleaning drawers in the bathroom. To the cottage at 10:00 P.M." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

August 31

1937: "Sheriff Neubauer calls me for Coroner's Jury Service this morning in the Peter Hartman case. Mr. Hartman died last night of injuries sustained when hit by an automobile driven by Ralph Hess of Lohrville. Mr. Hartman was walking back of the Threshing Outfit owned by a Mr. Lanning on West Irving Street. The accident occurred on the Omro Road adjacent to the N.C. Rasmussen Farm. The family and Lena Baier go to the fair today. I went during the afternoon. Thres drove back to the cottage at night." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1939: "Sisters of St. Vincent's have their outing an our cottage. It is a nice day but very humid. I took Frank and Anna Drexler out to the cottage for the afternoon. Took some snapshots and had a long boat ride. Frank has quite a time trying to recall some of the scenes 25 years ago. The Sisters have a wiener roast and we help them get rid of the wienies. Frank and Anna return tonite on the 11 o'clock Soo Train for their home in Spokane. Mrs. was here 8 weeks, Frank about 19 days." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1940: "Donald and I go to the cottage to cut grass and it is very wet and soggy. Managed to get most of it cut and then it rained. I believe this is the 7th or 8th day we have had rain. Mary Ann took her test at school today and passes into the fourth grade." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

August 30

1939: "Attended surprise dance at Argonne Hall in honor of Frank and Anna Drexler. Thres Bruehmiller had taken them to Milwaukee and it was 10:30 before they were back. Well, the party began at 9 o'clock without them. Had a fine time but perspired much. Met a lot of folks I hadn't seen for a long time. Dancing - Singing were in order until 1:10 A.M." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1941: "Joe and Anna Weisheipl leave this morning for Cornell to visit with Frank and Anna Weisheipl who have a tavern there. This evening we take a drive to Berlin. Stopped at Harry Kujawa's, found no one home, but did meet them downtown on Huron Street and were they surprised to see us walking down the street. Had a nice chicken lunch at _______ air conditioned tavern. Donald attended ball game." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1956: "Donald is now the tonsorial artist in his family. Little Donnie gets a hair cut from papa; the reason, haircuts for children are now $1.25 and for adults $1.50 at the barbershop." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

August 29

1933: "A busy day getting around. Drive to Appleton this morning to see Norman Brown and Sybella Plank get married by Father Gaudentius at St. Joseph's  Church. I believe this is the first wedding that Fr. Gaudentius performed in 10 or eleven years. Took Anna Drexler and daughter Agnes to the cottage. Anna surprised us all." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1943: "To 7:30 Mass at St. John's. Viewed the remains of Howard Wickert at Konrad Funeral Home. Harvey Wickert, his dad sure takes his passing to heart. Back to the cottage this afternoon. Joe Emma Baier and children, Lena, Ray Ostertag - Ann - and children, Bill Mauritz and children. Had to jump in the lake with my clothes on after supper. Faye Baier started drifting out in to the lake, after one of the children had loosed the boat rope and let go. She was pretty well scared when I pulled the boat in. Harry - Agnes - Johnny - Mary came from Berlin about 8 P.M." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1987: Peggy Schlichting weds Mark Potter, son of Don and Arlene Potter, grandson of A.E. and Theresa Potter.

August 28

1937: "No afternoon or evening off today. Thres came in with the family in the evening. She put her car in the garage for the first time and did a good job." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]   
1939: "Surprised myself tonite by attending the Forester's Meeting at Argonne Hall. It was the first meeting I attended in years. Doctor Ray Wagner went with me. Well - the boys were glad to see us. Played some poker after the meeting, net loss 60 cents." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1952: "Today marks a very happy day of my life. I am initiated into the 'Capuchin Order' which really means I will share in all of their spiritual benefits. Drove to Mt. Calvary to have dinner with the Capuchin Fathers and Brothers. Very Rev. Provincial Father Cypran presided. He praised me somewhat more than I think I deserved. At any rate I am now an affiliate in the order and consider it a remarkable spiritual gift." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

August 27

1940: "Winnebago County Fair opens today. Thres takes Donald, Mary Ann, Annie Weisheipl, and Mary Schneider to the fair. It is very wet out to the grounds. Some of the acts were not put on and no races. Thres wins a pretty doll for Mary Ann playing Bingo." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1952: "The Sisters of St. Vincent's have their outing at our cottage today. It turns out to be a very nice day. Eleven Sisters are with us and have a grand time at the lake and also at Canasta and Bingo. We have a wiener roast in the evening which they all enjoyed immensely. Donald and family are also present. The Sisters have a quite a time with Debbie and Jr. This is Oshkosh Day at our Fair. I dropped in to see Uncle Joe this evening, but find him asleep." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1953: "Another 93° day. Asked the folks to bring Uncle Joe Weisheipl to the cottage. Cork brought him and Annie. Eddie and Florence came also with Bobbie, Tommy, and Jimmie. Jimmie is growing fast. I told the folks I think he'll be a prize fighter some day. He looks to have the punch. The children had plenty of fun and Uncle Joe said it was much better here then home on the porch."  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

August 26

1939: "Had Joe Weisheipl out fishing this afternoon. Caught about a dozen nice perch and his hay fever is benefited. He feels fine while out on the lake. He and Anna staid until 1 A.M." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]   
1944: "Ed Weisheipl's car is laid up due to tire trouble. Waiting for two new ones from the Tire Ration Board. In the meantime he uses my Plymouth. Took Thres and Mary Ann to the Strand. Gary Cooper stars in The Story of Dr. Wassel in technicolor. Goodnight Sweetheart, a comedy starts Robert Livingston." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]
1976: Jeremy Kolaske, son of Debbie (nee Potter) and Mike Kolaske, grandson of Don and Arlene Potter, great-grandson of A.E. and Theresa Potter is born.

August 25

1937: "Thres takes Lena Baier, Annie Heip, Thres Fretschl to the Oshkosh Theatre. I stay at the cottage with Donald. Mary Ann visits at Baiers. Temperature is 87° today." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1940: "To 7 o'clock Mass at St. John's then to work.In the afternoon took the family to the Mode Theatre. Jack Benny Rides Again featuring Jack Benny and Rochester, Radio Stars and Granny Get Your Gun featuring May Robson are the pictures. Rain fell most of the day. The new Wisconsin Ave. bridge is dedicated this afternoon. Lewis Magnussen is the speaker. Father Henry Sholten gives the invocation." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1950: "We have another meeting in my office about the pilgrimage. Les Borish, Father Wagner, Doctor, Thres and myself. Les is going to Milwaukee early tomorrow morning to have the necessary changes made." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

August 24

1939: "Geo. Meisinger has his nose cauterized. Two blood vessels in it had burst. Dr. Ebert does the job. Attended graduation exercises at the 'Mercy School of Nursing' tonite. Marcella Stoegbauer is the only Oshkosh girl to get a diploma." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1940: "Delivered a good sized dish of special pick plums to Mrs. Geo. Haverty, when I got there I found no one home. More rain tonite, this is the fifth Saturday in succession we have rain." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1954: "A heavy electric storm awoke us at 4 A.M. and sent us scurrying to close the windows. Took Thres to the cottage 10 A.M. I attended Kiwanis luncheon. Paul Gia Russio, a clergyman at one of the Milwaukee churches spoke on 'How's Your Card Game?' It was a history of cards from ancient times to the present and was very interesting. Frank Fraken and Gery Wiley birthday today. Thres entertains Mary Fenzl, Mary Schneider, Annie Heip, Mame Haidlinger at the cottage."  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]

August 23

1936: "Well my car is sick this morning. A valve is stuck. Lucky Tad Behlendorf is available. Start for Milwaukee at 11:30 A.M. with the family and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Mauritz. Stopped at Nenno for lunch. St. Peter and Paul's have a big church picnic. Arrive in Milwaukee at 2 P.M. to stop at Holy Cross Convent to visit Sister Melora. John Bauer and his family are there also. Met Rev. Behnke and Brother Adolf also."  [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1937: "When I get home tonite I find we have company Ann Drexler, Cel Drexler, An Heip, Corrine, Joan, Marion Drexler. They like Bingo for their game. Temperature is 80° today. [from A. E. Potter's diaries]  
1949: "To Kiwanis luncheon. We entertain the Oshkosh Giants baseball  club. My guest is Rudy Yandoli pitcher and outfielder. Rudy hales from Brooklyn graduate of St. John's Hi School (Catholic). Dave Garcia, manager of the team, says Rudy of the only 'dago' on his team.  Had a busy day at the store. Supper at Ed Wirtz's." [from A. E. Potter's diaries]