Diary of Alfred E. Potter June, 1951

01.  Friday: To 7 Oclock Mass Monsignor Bastian.  Mrs. Harry Adams is laid to rest this morning.  Service at St. Peters at 9 Oclock.  Pall Bearers –Les Ross –Ray Fuhs – Eric Baller –Karl Von Hoff – Francis Faust and myself.  This is Margaret Muellers birthday.  She is 44.  Ed Radke is out to the cottage to connect hot water tank.  A.O. Haase is in to see me about bottling whiskey.  Ed Radke found nothing wrong with hot water heater connections.  Emma Baier is taken to Winnebago State Hospital. 

Com.  Josephine Adams

02.  Saturday: Leo and Mary Girens celebrate their silver wedding anniversary today with a High Mass at Sacred Heart Church.  The folks get a great send off at the church by the fire department.  Father Richard Keller who married Mary and Leo 25 years ago offered the ceremony.  After church the folks repaired to the Girens home where an unfortunate incident marred the celebration.  Father Keller’s housekeeper Eliz. Glasheen 47 suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away suddenly.  Joe Weisheipl Sr. to New York to National Music Convention.

03.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ High Mass Father Milbauer.  He spoke about “Death.” After Mass exposition Blessed Sacrament.  Worked all morning.  This afternoon Thres and myself to the cottage to put the finishing touches to our cleaning up job.  Home by 8¹⁵ then out to congratulate Leo and Mary Girens.  Annie Weisheipl is there but is unable to talk.  This is quite a pennance for her, Max Weisheipl sure kids her a lot, because she can’t answer back. 

Com.  Frank Haidlinger

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05.  [T]

06.  Wednesday: [R 4 M] Donald sprays trees at the cottage.  Took Annie Heip along.  I cleaned up around the boat house, worked until dark 8³⁰.  We spend our first night at the cottage.

07.  

08.  Friday: [T] Ken Sepersky sent some smoked chubs which we take care of today.  Took Bill Mauritz and Ray Ostertag to the cottage to put new rollers on the skid and look over the boat.  They think it can be repaired.  We are back in town for the weekend.  When we stop at Weisheipl’s we find Joe had come in from New York.

09.  Saturday: Matt Power to Madison early this morning to get Ven Sister Melora (Monika) Mauritz.  Sister gets her first vacation at home in 20 years.  She is Sister Superior at Holy Redeemer’s in Madison.  Very busy at the store.  Thres – Mary Ann and self enjoy the “Great Caruso” Mario Lanza at the Strand.  He is supported by Dorothy Kirsten – Ann Blyth.  Co Feature Charlie McCarthy – Mortimer Snerd in “Sweden” Bugs Bunny is exceptionally comical.

10.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Mass Father Wagner Hi Mass –Blessed Sacrament.  Took Bill and Ray to the cottage to work on the boat.  Then to work.  This afternoon took Rose – Joan –Barbara Mauritz – Ann – Judy –Carol Ostertag – Doris Heisler to the cottage.  Back to town, then to Louis Mauritz’s to see Sister Melora, also had outdoor meal there.  Then back to the cottage to take the folks home. 

Com.  Deceased Holy Name Members.

11.  Monday: Met with Postmaster Novotny about renewing P.O. Substation contract.  I’m trying to get 200 dollars per month.  Will they renew my contract – Well – maybe.  Entertained Sister Melora and Louis and Mary with a drive about town – then out to the cottage – to Omro – Winneconne and home and then for dinner.  About 2³⁰ I was back on the job at the store had to hurry to get out the drug orders, then to the meeting with the Nekimi Farmers about a pig market in Oshkosh.  Ralph Witherbee – Brud Anger – Louis Lyons are in our group.

12.  Tuesday: Art Mueller and Fred Baumgartner and self to Green Bay this morning to the Rexall Holiday Display at the Northland.  Met Dean Strohman – Mr. Hahn and Junior Hahn from DE Pere.  Al Leonard was there of course.  Ken Sepersky gave us 10 dollars to get a meal which we did at Van Camps – Appleton.  Art and myself tenderloin – mine with bacon – Fred – “Lobstertails” On the way home Fred showed us thru his new house at Fairview Beach next to Gust Betts.  This evening we attend Judy Stillmans Dance Review” It is very well presented.

13.  Wednesday: yesterday Ed and Rose had a wedding anniversary.  Thirty two years ago.  This evening Ed – Dess Wirtz –Thres – Al Potter –Walter – Leone Dodd – Leo – Mary Girens surprise them at their new home.  Les and Mary Borisch come in at 9 Oclock from Milwaukee.  We get home at 2.30 A.M.

14.  Thursday: Up late this morning.  Attended Chamber of Commerce meet and luncheon at the Athearn.  Herbert Krumrich and Joe Pollack are there to present their South Side Troubles.  I could not help too much as we are located South – North and West.

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17.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Mass Monsignor Bastian Low Mass at 7³⁰ from now on during the summer.  After breakfast took Bill and Ray to the cottage, then to work.  Took a drive to Omro and had our Father Day Dinner at Schwartz’s.  Joe Dodd almost did’nt recognize me.  They live near the Binders at Leonards Point.  Have an adopted child 2 ½ years of age.  Back to the cottage I did a bit of cleaning up outside.  Otto Lemke and Emma Siewert are over to spend the evening.  Otto as usual took our dough. 

Com. Stanislaus Jarosch.

18.  Monday: Ralph Ebel is at Madison taking exam for registered Pharmacist.  Frank Anderson grandson of Frank Fransway begins work at the South Store for the summer.  He is a pharmacy student at Madison.

19.  Tuesday: To town early this morning. Picked up Virginia Abrams and daughter Louise then Sisters Alverna, Ermanhilda, Theodore and _____  and took them to Mount Mary. The Sisters took loads of luggage. In fact I stopped in Fond du Lac thought I'd lost some from the trunk of the car. They took us thru Mount Mary, very interesting chapel - study and class rooms, auditorium, swimming pool, lounges for smoking and reception lounge rooms. Paintings of Dr. Fitzgerald President of Mount Mary, also his wife. Mount Mary is indeed a beautiful spot. Took Ginny and Louise to Maders for noon meal at 1 P.M. then to Broadway Church Goods House. Alex Paderowski left us for the golf grounds, then to McClurgs, to Cape Cod Inn - Lobster Tail Dinner, then for home, arrived 10.30 P.M. Emma Siewert spends the aft. and eve. with Thres at the cottage.

20.  Wednesday: Miss Wolf, Box 584 Oshkosh Apostolate is here to interview me in regard to the George Hagenes adopting a baby.  Took Annie Heip and Thres Fretschl to the cottage this noon.  Sister Linus undergoes a second operation at St. Joseph’s Hospital Milwaukee.  A telephone call states she is doing fine after the operation.

21.  Thursday: The ladies went to bed at 2 A.M.  I did not wait for them, I was too tired.  The Chamber of Commerce luncheon Athearn Hotel cocktail lounge.  Joint session North and South.  Had a letter from Harry Adams.  Took Thres Fretschl home this morning.

22.  Friday: Fairly busy at the store.  This afternoon attended C of C meeting about Farm Program.  New Members on our committee Frank Valasek – Garden Hough.  Jim Skole is there with helpful pointers.  Sister Linus phones are folks today.  She is much improved.  Did not need a blood transfusion.

23.  Saturday: Carol Folletz, clerk at our North Store is wedded to Donald Bartelt.  Al Lindgren performed the ceremony at Algoma Methodists Church.  We attend the church ceremony.  Mary Ann has the girls over to the house tonight while Ma and me attend surprize party on Ed and Dess Wirtz.  Mary Lester Borisch –Rose – Ed Binder –Leone – Walter Dodd –Leo – Mary Girens.  The Wirtz’s have a lovely cottage on Black Wolf Point.  The party lasted till 2 AM.  To bed at 2³⁰.

24.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Mass and I'm a bit sleepy. Mary Ann works today. The Sentinel's Annual Outboard Motor Races are on today from Neenah to Fremont and back. The lakes are very choppy and going is tough. We drive to Norm Browns after one oclock. He has open house. Met Dr.Brown, Dr. O'Brien, Father McKinnon, Mr. Mrs. Rosanski Fond du Lac, Bill Anderson and Family, Jim Devitt and old friend from Chicago Days. Took Bill and Rose Mauritz to the cottage after supper for a visit.

Com.  Harry Lyman.

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26.  Tuesday: Attended Kiwanis luncheon, we hear a talk on conservation by the head of the state wardens, Mr. Hadlon. Otto Lemke takes Emma Siewert and Annie Heip to the cottage this noon. I brought along Thres Fretschl at 4.30 P.M. After work the ladies get me for sheephead until 1 A.M. To my bed, I meant couch (the ladies occupy the beds.) by 2 A.M.

27.  Wednesday: Up at 6 A.M. took Emma and Thres home at the post office for the morning mail.  The store mail is in at 7¹⁵ A.M. but I’m tired and take a morning snooze at home.  This afternoon to the cottage to bring Thres and Annie Heip home and then we meet with the Binders –Wirtz’s – Dodds –Girens’s to surprise at Lester and Mary Borisch on their wedding anniversary, it is their 24th.  Canasta is the game.  – I had to attend a meeting of our store managers at the South Store at 10 P.M.  It was interesting and rather tense at times as schedules are made up for Ralph Ebel our new pharmacist and Norbert Mueller.  Originally Norbert objected to any changes, but the new plan will give him more free time.

28.  Thursday: Burkhart Heinzl passed away yesterday afternoon at 4.15 at his home 936 – 11th St. Born in Austria Oct. 11 – 1871, Married Annie Yungwirth July 25 – 1895.

29.  Friday: We are back in town this morning about 10.15.  I cleaned up the boathouse before we came in.

30.  Saturday: Attended wedding Hi Mass for Peter Kirsch and Joan Drexler 9 A.M. Sacred Heart Father Bunkleman.  Burkhart Heinzl is laid to rest.  Services St. Johns Church.

Diary of Alfred E. Potter May, 1951

01.  Tuesday: [T] Joe Weisheipl Sr. birthday.  Think he’s 67

02.  Wednesday: [R 4 M] Another nice day.  Harvey Lohst (Lederle) is back after a training course.  We are at Joe Weisheipl’s tonight to celebrate his birthday.  Took Thres Fretschl with us.  When we get there we find Joe stumbling around in the house, very dizzy.  He tells us his blood pressure is up.  After we are there a short time he vomited, I diagnosed his case as stomach flu and no blood pressure.  We played cards without him.  Home at 11.45 P.M.

03.  Thursday: To 6³⁰ Mass St. Vincents Father Wagner.  Took magazines in to the sisters St. Vincents.  Had a visit with Sisters Alverna and also Sister Margaret who was with Sister Linus (St. Michaels) Milwaukee for 13 years.  A warm muggy morning, this noon the weather reverses itself, cool and rain.  The first ball game to be played tonight by the Giants and Wausau had to be postponed.  Moved old Christmas Cards from Carl Knobla’s to Dr. Pfefferkorn’s. 

Com.  Honor St. Anthony

04.  Friday: [R 4 M] To 7:00 Mass Msngr. Bastian.

05.  Saturday: Had a very pleasant surprise this afternoon.  My good friend Ven Sister Virginia is in town.  She is here for retreat.  We had a nice visit in my office.  Sister Killian is with her.  Also show them thru the store.  Ray Grill – Eileen Kirsch Art Hill – Mary Popp are married at 9 and 10 this morning St. Vincents.  Tonite Mary Ann – Mother and me attend Time Theatre.  “Born Yesterday” Judy Holliday – W^m Holden –Broderick Crawford.  “Shakedown” very good Brian Donlevy – Howard Duff, who is a new photografer.

06.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Mass Father Wagner, Letter from Bishop Bona, Peter’s Pence and the Beatification of Pope Pius X, 1903-1914.  To work after breakfast, after noon took Thres to Wedding Shower for Joan Drexler.  Mary Ann and self to visit Aunt Mary at hospital, also visited Mrs. Abrams (Hattie Fleming’s sister) had quite a visit with Mrs. Adams.  She had a bad spell when we came in, after our visit she said we helped her get over it.  Well, if we did some good we are happy.  Took Mary Ann home, I went back to work.  Donald had two flat tires today. 

Com. Sister Virginia.

07.  [R 4 M      B – M]

08.  Tuesday: To Kiwanis luncheon, Clarence Kelley – Harry Hanisch –Harold Harrington – Sid Dorfman – myself at table.  Missed program for Chamber Retail Div. Meeting May festival and Pig Market principal topics.  Called Mary Butt at Winona.  She’s coming to town Saturday.  Tonite athletic banquet St. Vincents.  Pat O’Malley main speaker – Joe Kubasta – toast master – Harold Schumerth – speaker.

09.  Wednesday: [R 4 M] Had my car summerized today.

10.  Thursday: [T] Mary Butt and Harry are in town finally getting things started for the administration of Mr. Lyman’s will.  Phil wanted to be administrator, but the First National Bank will take the job and Walter Patri will be the attorney.  I am glad this much has been accomplished.

11.  Friday: [R 2 M] Mama and Mary Ann to see “Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm” starring Marjorie Main and Percy Kilbride, also “Under the Gun” a story of a prison law which put a gun in the hands of a convict.  Fred Baumgartner to see Buzz over the weekend.

12.  Saturday: Weather is cold. We are fairly busy at the store selling cut flowers and plants for Mothers Day. Thres and self visit Aunt Mary tonite at the hospital. Mrs. Ernie Klinger is a new patient in her room. Mrs. Whiting had a stroke this week and seems unable to recognize us. Rose Weisheipl spends the day in Milwaukee.

13.  Sunday: First Holy Communion St. Vincents at 7³⁰ also Holy Name Sunday.  Monsignor Bastian has the service is as well as the sermon to the little ones.  He also reminded all of us of (that) our beautiful First Holy Communion Day.  This is one of the few functions the Monsignor performs during the year.

14.  Monday: Left Oshkosh at 8⁴⁵ with graduates for Koehler and Sheboygan.  At Sheboygan we were taken thru R Way Furniture by Ray Colby.  Much of the machinery reminded me of when I worked to Paine’s many years ago.  Then to Al Behrings in Koehler for dinner, then back to Sheboygan thru the Kingsbury brewery then back to Kohler to go through the Kohler plant.  Harry Mauer took our group thru very interesting learning about the making of closet bowls, bathtubs also small motors and engines.  Thres is at the annual mother’s day parts of the Christian Mothers Society.  After work I’m at the C.O.F. meeting to see movies of our trip shown by Dr. R.F. Wagner.

15.  Tuesday: [T] This afternoon Thres and I take our first drive to the cottage this year.  We take off storms – wash windows and put on screens.  Father Wagner to Lincoln Neb. this morning to attend the elevation of Father George Schuster to be a Monsignor.  He was accompanied by a Mr. Mrs. John Berger and

16.  Wednesday: Dr. Ray Wagner is in to see me this morning about moving Aunt Mary from Mercy Hospital to a home.

17.  Thursday: Tonite Thres and I drive to Neenah to see Ed and Ella Worm at Norm Browns, we then meet Norm at Mrs. Planks in Appleton, then we all piled into Norm’s Lincoln.  He takes us to Range Point out of Wrightstown.  It is called the Shrine of Good Food, and the food sure is delicious.  It is operated by Mr. Mrs. John Foegen.  Back to Mrs. Planks for an hour, meet Sybelle’s sister Margaret and her husband Mr. Koehler.  Home at 11.10 P.M.  Ed and Ella’s daughter Helen is at Winnebago State Hospital for treatment.  She has 6 children the youngest 3 months old.

18.  Friday: [R 4 M] Ed and Ella Worm are married forty years today.  Mary Ann gets a new Olson rug for her bedroom.  Joan Mauritz and Doris Heisler visit Mary Ann tonite.

19.  Saturday: “Armed Forces Day.” We have a long parade – very colorful with many bands –Ripon – Fond du Lac –Menasha – Omro – Winneconne and quite a number from Oshkosh.  After the parade Donald – Billy Mauritz and me to the cottage to cut grass and cleanup.  Had a heavy shower with hail when we left for home, nothing in the city.  Mary Ann and me to the hospital to see Aunt Mary.  I visited Mate Abrams and Mrs. Hanson.  Mrs. Bert Knapp with them also.  Took a look to see Mrs. Adams she is very bad tonite

20.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Hi Mass Father Wagner – Sermon on the mystery of the Holy Trinity.  After breakfast to work.  This afternoon the South Side Business Men and Ladies are out to inspect the new “Kempster Hall” at Winnebago. 

Com.  Resei Drexler

21.  Monday: [T] A nice day.  Another Fourth Degree Dinner Dance at Columbus Club.  We are invited to Ed and Dess Wirtz’s for cocktails, Les and Mary Borisch – Rose and Ed Binder –Walter and Leone Dodd.  Father Alphonse Wagner mixed the cocktails and wow have they got a wallop.  Rose Binder and my Thres did not eat their dinner.  Well we did not dance and Ed Binder is not feeling too well about it.  Home at 1¹⁰ AM but we staid up until 2.30 A.M.

22.  Tuesday: The United States Supreme Court yesterday handed down a ruling 6 to 3 which kills the “Fair Trade Law” in the 45 States.

23.  Wednesday: Ralph Ebel is in town to get some papers notarized for his coming exam in June.  Father Wagner pays a visit to Emma Baier.  He then calls on us to accompany him on a trip to Sheboygan.  His sister Loretta gave birth to a 9 ½ # baby Sunday night, also to Kohler where Bishop E ______ administers Confirmation.  Mary Behring is confirmed and we have a fine meal at Al and Julia Behrings, there also were Al and Emma Herr, Al and Henry Wagner and wives.

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25.  Friday: A rather busy day at the store.

26.  Saturday: Father Wagner is in my office for short visit.

27.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Hi Mass.  Corpus Christi Procession Father Milbauer.  Rain when we come out of church.  And then it rained and graduation exercises and diplomas at 9 Oclock Mass.

28.  Monday: [R 4 M      T] This is a real busy day for us. Met with Walter Patri and sold house at 510 10th St. to Donald and Arline. Then to Berlin and make arrangements for Loan to Donald and Arline. Back home, out to Hrnak’s for flowers, then to Riverside to plant them at the various graves, then supper and after that to Mercy Hospital to see Aunt Mary, then to the store to so dome work, to the post office. Forgot I took Mary Ann to the Grand Theatre. Called it a day at 9⁴⁵.

29.  Tuesday: J. C. Penny is the guest speaker at Kiwanis today. At 76 he is very interesting. He is chairman of the board of J. C. Penny Co. He is the founder of the company which now numbers 1612 stores. Took Emma Siewert to the cottage for cleanup and toward evening Bill Mauritz to do some painting. Josephine (Mrs. Harry) Adams passed away this afternoon at 1³⁰ at Mercy. Had been ill for 10 months.

30.  Wednesday: A nice warm day.  Billy Mauritz asked to cut grass at the cottage.  He had no trouble getting the job.  Took Raymond Ostertag Jr. along.  When we get there we find Doris Heisler –Faye Baier – Carol Schmidt – Joan Mauritz Jean Horejs there.  The boys not only cut the grass, we also put away the storms – and Donald came out, we also put in the dock.  In the evening to the Oshkosh “On the Riviera” technicolor Danny Kaye – Gene Tierney and Corrine Calvert.  Co Feature “Federal Agent at Large” is very good.

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Diary of Alfred E. Potter April, 1951

01.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Hi Mass Father Wagner.  Florian Milbauer our new assistant helps with Holy Communion.  I’m busy with bookkeeping at the store.  Worked 9¹⁵ to 12³⁰ 3³⁰ to  5⁴⁵ 7⁰⁰ to 10³⁰ 9 hours.

02.  

03.  Tuesday: Arrived Jensens barber shop 8 A.M. expect to be first for haircut, no such luck I was number 5.  Reported for Kiwanis then to Retail Chamber luncheon, discussed May Festival – Farm Market.  Today is also election day.  Ernie Siewert is re-elected Mayor by a close margin 6698 Marden 6409 margin 289.  Bob Luedtke, Aldermen in our ward by 5 Votes over Jacob Gofner.  Bob’s son Clarence was defeated in the 13^th Ward by Frank Reischl, Majority one vote

04.  Wednesday: [T] We are off to Milwaukee at 8⁴⁵.  A nice sunny shiny morning the first in weeks.  Arrive at McClurgs 11 A.M. Dick Lynch and Renee Kummel wait on us.  Had luncheon at Maders at 1⁴⁵ then to Arena for tickets to Sport Show, then to Broadway Church Goods, then to Gimbels –then Mutual, and then to Karl and Margaret Radomski, over to Romy and Lovie’s to see the new baby, then back to visit with Margaret.  After a few hi balls, a cracker and small piece of cheese we are on our way home at 8³⁵ arrived home 10³⁰ tired and very hungry.

05.  Thursday: Another beautiful day, temperature up to 60.  Today is Thres Fretschls birthday, she is 64.  Thres and Emma Siewert are entertained this afternoon by Theresa Kuenzl 45 Bent Ave.  Meta Rasmussen was also present.  This evening Thres Fretschl entertains us.  Mary Ann and I got there after work.  Sylvester Propson is at Madison taking exam for full papers.  Art Hazen is taking his place at the North Store.

06. Friday: [R 4 M] Julius Rosenberg, electrical engineer and his wife Ethel are sentenced to die in the electric chair week of May 21 by Federal Judge Irving Kaufmann.  They had been found guilty of transmitting American atom bomb secrets to Russia.

07.  Saturday: Tonite we see Fred Astaire – Jane Powell – Sarah Churchill in “Royal Wedding,” also Estalita Rodrigues in “Cuban Fireball” at the Strand.

08.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Mass Sacred Heart City wide Holy Name Communion.  Father Bunkleman spoke on the “Good Shepherd.” It rained all night and is still raining.  This afternoon Thres and me see Mary at the hospital, she is about the same as always, I also dropped in to see Mrs. Harry Adams, she is losing ground.  When we came home Father Alphonse Wagner dropped in, had supper with us.  I spend the evening working. 

Com.  Deceased Holy Name Members.

09.  Monday: [R 4 M] Bob Kniss is back from his father’s funeral.  He passed away suddenly last Tuesday.  Norm Brown is in, he has luncheon with us.  This is Monday at number four he is here.  He’s good company.  A belated farewell party is given for Father Dave Koehne by the Holy Name Society, everybody invited.  I dropped in after work about 10.30.  Party is still going strong.  Maude Labudde (Mrs. Ed J) is 47 today.

10.  Tuesday: To Kiwanis luncheon.  Sam Lucksinger – Gene Vogel – Bill Straub and myself at table.  Si Horwitz got me for a 25 dollar ad for the Jewish relief.  Sisters Kunigunda and Irene are over to our South Store with Mrs. Kriha.

11.  Wednesday: The news of today rocks the world.  President Truman has fired General MacArthur as supreme Allied occupation commander in Japan –United Nations commander in chief of Korea – United States commander in chief of the Far East and commanding general of the United States army in the Far East.  Lt. Gen. Matthew B. Ridgway is named as Mac’s successor.

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13.  Friday: Snow all day today, but the temperature is high enough so a good share of it melts after it falls.  Attended meeting this afternoon at Vern Peroutky’s of our retail chambers agricultural committee.  Ralph Witherbee is chairman, Brud Anger and myself.  Met Jim Lacy –Joe Schuster “Pig raiser” Ginny Rice acted as Sec.  We discussed a pig market for Oshkosh.  The meeting lasted 2 ½ hours.  Tonight to Sitters to view the remains of Kathleen Mary Stini. Born Aug. 25 – 1949. 

M.O. Mass of the Angels

Kathleen Stini

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15. Sunday: [T] To 7³⁰ Mass Father Wagner then to work.  Completed mail orders.  Noon meal at 1 P.M. picked up Donald and Arlene at 2¹⁵ for trip to Milwaukee.  Stopped at St. Michaels to see Sister Linus find she’s been teaching for two weeks.  Looks thin but feels good.  About 1000 children where she teaches at St. Michaels.  Pastor has 4 assistants.  Then had dinner at the Belmont Hotel then to the Sports Show at the Arena.  Fine displays of art – also fish – birds – deer – raccoons, wonderful trailers – torpedoes – air craft engine – boats – autos.  You can fish in the stream for trout.  Displays of guns – tackle were good.  The acts were wonderful.  Orrin Bensons retrievers –Wood Choppers –Log Rollers – Sawyers.  Henri La Mothe, comic diver, Baby Doll, wonder horse, Jimmy Running, champion log roller – Ben Hardestay, Bait Casting Champion –The Timber Toppers, champion climbed 106 ft in 33 seconds came down in 13 seconds – The China plate juggler and Sharkey the Seal.  Home 1¹⁵ A.M.  Snow on way home. 

Com.  Mrs. Harry Adams.

16.  Monday: Prairie du Chien and La Crosse are inundated by the overflowing Mississippi River.  Norman Brown is here today for noon meal.  He feels as tho he is taking advantage of our hospitality.  Well, we don’t think so.

17.  Tuesday: A nice sunshiny day, not too warm.  To Kiwanis Club had “A Capella Chorus” from Teachers College also John Carter and his pianist Mr. McDonald as guests.  Jane Lust and Miss Kriewahl at our table, Larry Buck - Sam Lucksinger and myself.  Earl Knutson our District Governor is also here, Rabbi Fox – Chicago.  General Douglas Mac Arthur arrives in San Francisco at 10.29 P.M. We hear the radio broadcast of his arrival.  It is immense.  This closes his book of 14 years in the Far East.

18.  Wednesday: [R 4 M] Clark Hastings is in town with new detail man from Abbott. Had luncheon at the Athearn with Sunny Peck, Clark, and Martin. Dick Contino $4000 a week accordionist surrenders on the draft evasion charge. He failed to report for induction to his Burbank draft board. Thres Fretschl, Joe and Annie Heip are here for cards tonite. Cork calls for them as usual. Lunch at 1¹⁵ A.M. Home 2 A.M. I made 90 cents. Mary Ann, Doris Heisler attend Apollo Male Singers Concert. “John Carter” Guest Artist.

19.  Thursday: Sen. Arthur H. Vandenberg 67 of Michigan passed away last night at his home Grand Rapids.  He was a foreign policy expert, respected by both major parties.  Lonnie Darling founder of the Oshkosh All Stars Basketball Team died this morning 6 Oclock of heart failure.  Born June 25 – 1902.  On his 25th birthday married Margaret Hansen in Chicago.  The Oshkosh All Stars joined N. B. League in 1936.  Won Western division title 6 times.  In 1942 won World’s Championship.  In 1947 Lonnie was chosen professional coach of the year.

20.  Friday: [R 2 M     T] General Mac Arthur is tendered an immense reception at New York, a 4 hour parade about 7 ½ million people turned out to welcome him.  John Lange (Mutual Drug) dropped in to say hello this aft.  He is on his way to his cottage.

21.  Saturday: Back in the store basement as usual on Saturdays.  We enjoy two good pictures at the Grand Theatre.  Red Skelton

22.  Sunday: [T] To 7³⁰ Mass St. Marys with K.C. Father Leander Nickel.  Then to work.  This afternoon to St. Mary’s Hall for K.C. 2 and 3 degree.  Portage degree team put them on.  Mark Schallern substituted for Doc Henni.  About 86 new members, some of the boys I knew Bill McDonald radio announcer, Ted Stadtmueller –John Gloeser – John Koelbl – John Neubauer – Father Nickel.  Had supper and refreshments at the Club.  Back to the store at 10 P.M. to finish my orders.  Home at midnight. 

Com.  Lonnie Darling

23.  Monday: Brought Norm Brown home for the noon meal.  What do we have, well we have Goulash and it is good.  Met Albert Menne of Dotyville yesterday at the K.C. doings.  He used to work with Ed Wirtz also Eugene Blatz and George Leonard of Fond du Lac.  Ed Koeck gives a party for Sacred Heart players.

24.  Tuesday: It is still raining this morning.  Took Bob Fisher as guest to Kiwanis.  “God and Creation” is a colored movie shown by Rothwell Stickley, Minister Salvation Army.  Carol Folletz (North Store) shows me a diamond which means a wedding.  She says it will be June 23d.  I rented a post office box for our store mail (Box 1039).  Paid our last respects to Bob Beck at Poklasny’s.  Had a long visit with Sister Mary John, his sister Celia. 

2 M.O. Rob Beck

25.  Wednesday: Took mother to St. Vincents gym tonight to see 15 bouts of three round boxing from small boys 62 pound weight to big ones 190 pound weight.  They also had one bout of blind boxing and that was fun.  Jean Powers is here tonite to give Mary Ann a permanent wave.  Almost midnight before she completes it.

26.  

27.  Friday: [T    R 4 M] Meet with Walter Patri to make out final report in the Lyman Estate.  Mary Butt is in to see me this morning.  This evening we pay our last respects to Harry Lyman.  Met Harry (Bee) his oldest son.  Then to Konrads to pay our last respects to Carl Knobla.  Leone bears up well under the ordeal.

28.  Saturday: Harry Lyman is laid to rest this morning.  Attended funeral services for Carl Knobla of this afternoon.  Rev. Going at church and at the grave.  About 10 Kiwanians attended.  To confession Father Murphy, then a bath, some time at store – supper – and then to the Strand to see “Fathers Little Dividend” starring Spencer Tracy –Joan Bennet – Elizabeth Taylor – Don Taylor –Billie Burke – also “The Mac Arthur Story”

29.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Hi Mass St. Vincents Father Wagner.  After breakfast to the Post Office – North and South Stores.  Leave for Milwaukee at 10.15.  A beautiful day.  Gail Radomski made first Holy Communion and we are here to help her celebrate.  Roman – Jenny Antkoski –Whitey and Frances Wolf are here also.  We have not seen them for years.  Mickey Mercurio serves us.  The Antkoskis want us to visit them at their Lake Beulah Mansion.  We are back home at 8 P.M.  Traffic is heavy 1608 cars from Highway 100. 

Com.  Harry Lyman

30.  Monday: [R 4 M] Norm Brown takes Bob Kniss – Mary Ann and me to the Town Grill for a steak luncheon.  Ma is busy playing cards today.  This afternoon the ladies auxiliary S S B M C have banquet at Ostertags tea room.  This evening the playoffs of the Council of Cath Womens Card tournament at Columbus Club.  Thres and Emma Siewert win no prize.  Mrs. Rud Nigl 8⁰⁰ Dess Wirtz 6⁰⁰.  The boys at the South Store begin their summer schedule.

Diary of Alfred E. Potter March, 1951

01.  Thursday: Had a card of thanks from “Sister Aurelia” Mercy Hospital today.  She is having a Novena arranged at St. Benedict the Moor Mission – Milwaukee.  Tonite we attend the performance “The Bat” by the Oshkosh Community Players.

02.  Friday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass – Monsignor Bastian.  Took Mr. and Mrs. Frank Binder senior home after Mass.  The wind is very sharp this morning.  Visit Aunt Mary at the hospital this afternoon.  She is somewhat indisposed but not bad.  Also visited Celia Drexler who has been here since Tuesday.  She is in room 238, also visited Mrs. John Wolfe in 225, Amanda Drexler’s mother.  She had an eye operation.  Art Mueller picks up his new car in Wautoma. 

Com.  Donald – Mary Ann – Arlene - Debby

03.  Saturday: Milton Yeahli, proprietor of the Winneconne Drug Store for years died in his sleep this morning at 3.30.  Born Feb. 24 – 1910 in Sheboygan.

04.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Mass St. Vincents – Father Wagner.  Worked from 9 to 12³⁰.  Chicken Dinner today.  Worked on my personal income tax.  This evening guard of honor at St. Johns, ending of Forty Hours Devotion.  All churches represented in the Sanctuary except St. Vincents.  Father Trebiatowski had a very interesting sermon. 

Com.  Frank Schneider Former County Clerk.

05.  Monday: Ed Binder has a birthday we are invited out to his place for the evening but I could’nt make it.  Henry (Harvey) Zentner and Louise Schultz are married 30 years today.  The ladies Auxiliary S.S.B.M. played cards there this afternoon.  Thres did not win a prize today.  I worked until 11.45 tonite.

06. Tuesday: Francis Lamb is in today to get data for our income tax report.  We worked at it all day.  To Kiwanis luncheon got another job passing and delivering lists to business firms for Red Cross donations.  Robert Peterson, Student at Lawrence College related his adventures in the summer of 1950 through Europe.  He showed slides of little countries Andorra – Lichtenstein –San Marino and Monaco.

07.  Wednesday: Mary Ann becomes of age today, 21 years.  Francis Lamb is back again for more data.  This evening take Mary Ann – Don – Arlene to Shenar’s for dinner, from 7⁰⁰ to 9³⁰ oclock.  Frank Wagenhals, President of Hart Supply Co. for the last 13 years – died yesterday at 9 A.M. at Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago.  Born Oct. 30 – 1897 in Minneapolis.

08.  

09.  

10.  Saturday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass Fr Koehn Busy paying bills today.  Francis Lamb is over again this morning.  This evening we see Van Johnson – Katherine Grayson in “Grounds for Marriage” Lewis Stone was a surprise to me in the picture.  He is looking very good for his age.  “The Lost Volcano” was very interesting with Johnny Sheffield as “Bomba” Jungle Boy he scales mountains of fire to rescue trapped Safari. 

Com.  Mary Ann

11.  Sunday: We have padded kneelers at St. Vincents. We use them for the first time today. K.C.'s have their annual Easter Communion and breakfast at Sacred Heart today. We have 352 members present. I also attend stations at St. Vincents this afternoon. Our annual report is also out at St. Vincents. Back to work tonite working in the post office. Our report was heavy over 5 200 dollars.

Com.  George Mertz

12.  Monday: Phyllis Blank – Du Barry Demonstrator – begins a weeks work of Du Barry promotion at our south store.  Hilda Nuernberg celebrates her 10th anniversary in business by staging a Fashion Style Show at the Century Club for the Oshkosh Council of Catholic Women.  Guests are invited an over 500 ladies are present.  Valeria Genal Merkel passed away at 4 A.M. Sunday at the home of her mother Mrs. George Genal.  Survived by husband Jerome, son Jerome Jr. daughter Laurie Jean.  Born June 9 – 1929.

13.  Tuesday: To Kiwanis luncheon, a heavy program, 4 H Clubs – and picture courtesy Bill Kastner, for better sight.  Conrad Schoblaske former police officer passed away, suddenly last night at Mercy Hospital.  Born Sept. 4 – 1888.  Married Anne Wilhelm Sept. 5-1908.  Father to Alice Otto and Mrs. A. Ingwalson.  Conrad and me were classmates at St. Vincents about 1900.  Paid last respects to Valeria Merkel at Fiss Bills.

2 M.O. Valeria Genal Merkel

14.  Wednesday: [R 2 M] Another meeting Retail Div Chamb Commerce at the Athearn.  A farm committee is appointed: Ralph Witherbee –Brudd Anger – A.E. Potter.  This afternoon Thres and self view the remains of Conrad Schoblaski at Sitters.  Had a fairly long visit with the folks.  Mrs. Ed Wolf from Milwaukee was there also.  Les Borisch showed slides of our trip to Europe to the Mercy Alumni Association last evening. 

2 M.O. Conrad Schoblaski

15.  Thursday: Donald - Arlene - Diane drive to Milwaukee today. It is a pleasant day, the first in a long time. Met Don Gerth there, he took them thru Marquette Dental School. They visited at Carl and Margaret Radomski's also saw Ralph Flanigans orchestra at the Riverside. Matt Mertz is 84 today. So. Side Business Men entertain him. This is also income tax day. This is also Ed Ostertag's birthday, he is 86.

16.  Friday: [T] Another nice day.  According to report by Mayda Killeen, Oshkosh Campaign chairman for the 1951 Heart fund drive contributions here amounted to $4316.97.  Annie Weisheipl and Mary Schneider visit Aunt Mary at the hospital yesterday afternoon.  She asked Annie “Where is your ma?  and to Mary “Are you still a Catholic?

17.  Saturday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass.  Father Koehn.  This is my day in the basement at the store.  Had Donald and Billy help get the liquor dept and the old basement in order.  This is quite a chore since nothing has been done since our building project.  It is 44 years ago today my father was laid to rest.  To the Strand tonight, saw “Three Guys named Mike” Jane Wyman who is Mike – crazy with Van Johnson –Howard Keel – Barry Sullivan also “Flame of Stamboul” Richard Denning – Lisa Ferraday – Norman Lloyd. 

Com.  Stanislaus Jarosch

18.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Hi Mass – Blessing of the Palms Father Wagner.  This is an unusually cold – blustery Palm Sunday.  – Worked this morning.  Father Wagner dropped in at the store at 6 Oclock looking for someone to go out with him to eat.  No luck anywhere.  He then went alone to “Town Grill” for “Smorgasbord”.  He then took Thres and me to Clarence and Helen Denigers “2200 Oregon Street” for cards and slides of their trip out west. 

Com. Kath Holzbauer

19.  Monday: Norman Brown is with us today for “Smoked Spare Ribs – Dumplings and Sauerkraut.” He was here last Monday also.  He enjoys Ma Potter’s cooking.  He tries a new type of make up – a nylon stocking over the head and does that ever disfigure one’s face.  Thres plays cards at Sofia Huhn’s this aft.  Almost won low prize.  View the remains of Amanda Clark at Marquardts.

20.  Tuesday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass Father Koehn. Temperature 11°above zero. To Kiwanis luncheon. Dr. Pfefferkorn has as his guest “Joseph Rieger” a German exchange student from Nuernberg Germany. He is taking up agriculture. John Markel, Frank Schultz, Jay Somers are with us at table. Don and Arlene leave Debby at our house while they attend church. Shortly after they left Mother calls me to hurry home. She is having trouble getting air, and Debby is crying. After 2 brandies Mother is somewhat improved. I had fun with Debby.

Com.  Honor St. Joseph

21.  Wednesday: [R 4 M] Mother had a good nights rest, but is still quite weak and cannot breathe freely.  Saw something different today.  Was taking Rose Weisheipl and Virginia Abrams home this noon.  At the Soo line crossing near 11th and Ohio, a switch engine stopped in the middle of the crossing, blockade followed, and why did it stop?  Merely to let off a woman passenger from the engine. Ven.  Sister M Linus is to be operated tomorrow in Milwaukee.

22.  Thursday: Day is somewhat cloudy temperature up to around 40.  This afternoon we are at Green Bay at the Allouez Community House to partake in the Paschal Supper led by Father Dupont.  Twenty five attended from Oshkosh, Knights and wives Father Wagner is with us.  Ray and Elsie Wagner and ourselves visited at Joe and Mary DE Youngs on E. Mason street (912) Mary is Dr. Wagner’s youngest sister, has three small children.  Met Katie Eberhart there, sister to Marvin.  Met Bob Nies – John Callahan at the supper.  Its a beautiful moonlight night for drive home.  Marg Radomski birthday today.

23.  Friday: [R 4 M] Theres quite a change in weather this morning.  A blizzard combined with lightning and thunder, the blizzard lasted all day and much snow fell.  An Easter Lilly for mother from Norm Brown, arrives this morning.  Virginia Abrams has a sick spell at the store.  Hired Mary Jane Reichenberger are to work at the South Store this morning.  This is the first time I can remember not getting to church on Good Friday.  The blizzard is still going strong tonite.

24.  Saturday: And today the sun is out for beautiful day.  Sister Irene – Mercy Hospital makes a date for tomorrow afternoon.  Harold Rief returned our big radio today.

25.  Sunday: [T] To 7³⁰ Hi Mass – Father Koehn – Mixed Choir.  Then to work.  This afternoon we visit Aunt Mary at the hospital.  Met with Sister Irene and Sister Phillip Bertha and Joe Rieger in room 150.  Took Joe and Sister Irene over to look over our South Store.  Provided Joe with the movie camera and films.  This evening worked a short time.  Intended to go to the Strand Theatre, the lineup was so large we spent the evening home. 

Com.  Ven. Sister Linus

26.  Monday: Joseph Weisheipl Sr. begins working at Ray Robbins tavern.  Norman Brown is with us again for the noon meal.  We have an announcement today from Romy and Lovy Czekalski.  A little girl arrived March 23 last Friday 10.35 P.M. 7 #14 oz.

27.  Tuesday: To

28.  Wednesday: [R 4 M] Am back in the basement at the South Store to clean up.  This is a day of fog.  Tonite Ma and self to the Mode Theatre.  We have as guests Doris Heisler – Joan Mauritz – Faye Baier – Carol Schmid – Mary Ann.  Pictures “You Gotta Stay Happy” with Joan Fontaine and James Stewart also “Union Station” William Holden – Barry Fitzgerald – Lyle Bettger – Nancy Olson.

29.  Thursday: Thres is not feeling too well this morning, it may be stomach flu.  This afternoon she entertains Lydia Plein and Rose Utic and Emma Siewert and tonite Emma Siewert and Thres are entertained by Annie Weisheipl in progressive sheephead.  Tonite we have quite a shower of rain

30.  Friday: [R 4 M] This is our third day of Fog.

31.  Saturday: Get the news that Father Dave A Koehne is transferred to Holy Cross Congregation Kaukauna.  His pastor will be Andrew Quella.  Andrew and I were in the same class at Mt Calvary.  Our new assistant will be Father Florian Milbauer.  I’m busy in the basement at the store today.  Tonite we attend the Basketball game sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.