Diary of Alfred E. Potter May, 1946

01.  Wednesday: Peter Reifer (Carl's Dad) is 89 years old today. Joe Weisheipl also is a birthday child today; he is 62. Took Ed Fretschl to the cottage to spray the fruit trees. Ed Hielsberg begins painting Dr. Ray Wagners office rooms. Norm Brown and Ray Trovinger are in for drug orders today. Hair cuts are up to 75¢ in Oshkosh, a raise of 25¢.

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03.  Friday: To St. Vincents 7 Oclock, Father Alfred Schneider our new assistant distributes Holy Communion.                Com.  Donald – Mary Ann

04.  Saturday: [T] Aunt Lena is here this afternoon to help Thres.  This evening I take the ladies to the Strand.  “The Spiral Staircase” features Dorothy McGuire – George Brent –Ethel Barrymore –Kent Smith –Rhonda Fleming.  A very good picture.  Sing “Your Way Home” stars Jack Haley –Marcy McGuire – Glenn Vernon – Anne Jeffries.  The Republican State Convention is being held here beginning today and ending tomorrow.

05.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ High Mass St. Vincents, worked from 9³⁰ to 12⁴⁵.  This evening took Annie Weisheipl – Lena Baier – Thres – Mary Ann to the Oshkosh “Badmans Territory” features Randolph Scott – Ann Richards –Gabby Hayes, also “Mysterious Intruder” a whistler picture starring Richard Dix.  After the movie we played cards at home.  Annie Heip is unusually hilarious for a time, but tapers off almost to a whisper before she’s ready to go home.  Took the ladies home at 1 A.M. Com.  Andrew Case.

06.  Monday: Strikes are hitting Oshkosh 1100 walk out at the Wisconsin Axle Company, about 500 at the Diamond Match. Fosters are also out. Received a letter from Germany today. The Rothbauers are now in Parsberg (Oberpflaz) Deutschland Amerikanische Zone 13A. They are very much in need of food. The Republican Convention endorses Delbert Kenny, West Bend for Governor and Joe McCarthy, Circuit Judge Shawano for U.S. Senate. Governor Goodland no doubt will run and Ralph Immell also. Bob LaFollette will run again to succeed himself as U.S. Senator. Attended Troop 18 Committee meeting tonite.

07.  Tuesday: To Kiwanis luncheon - Bart Heiss and self are table partners. Thres, Donald, and Don DeBehnke out to the cottage to do some cleaning. Don takes the boat motor along. Due to the coal shortage account of strike, Chicago people are burning candles and using kerosene lanterns for light. Three weeks ago today, I quit smoking. Am feeling fair and haven't missed the weed too much. Attended Perpetual Help Devotion tonite. Thres is on committee at the South Side Business Mens Auxiliary.

08.  Wednesday: Donald and Bob Zemke cut grass at the cottage.  Took Mary Ann to Dr. Ray Wagner.  He finds she needs a dentist not a physician.  Took a drive after four this afternoon with Thres and Mary Ann.  Arrived in Kaukauna 5¹⁰, picked up some Kaukauna Club Cheese, visited Art Look’s drug store.  It is modern in every way.  Stopped at Tony’s Wonder Bar for food.  Met Art Mueller (T and S) –Emil Seifert (Marie Arno) Clarence Brusius –Ed Abell.  At Appleton visited Martin Knauer (Behlings Drug Store) met Mrs. Knauer.  Home at 10 P.M.  President Harry Truman is 62 today.

09.  [T]

10.  Friday: [E.W. 50M] Am busy paying bills today, we have quite an accumulation.  And today is also pay day.  Edward Weisheipl borrows my Plymouth to drive to Berlin.

11.  Saturday: Still paying bills, this afternoon check in drug orders and the evening is spent at the Oshkosh.  “Sentimental Journey” stars John Payne –Maureen O’Hara – William Bendix –“Johnny comes flying Home” features Richard Crane – Fay Marlowe.

12.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Mass with Holy Name Society.  Mothers are honored.  Father Schneider offers the Mass.  Then to work until 12.30.  Took a long nap this afternoon.  Spend the evening with Bill and Emma Siewert.  They have the inside of their home redecorated and it sure looks modern.  Spent a very enjoyable evening.  Home at 1³⁰ A.M.                     Com Kath. Holzbauer –Mother Drexler - Thres

13.  Monday: [T] Mary Ann is home with a cold.  The “Oshkosh Giants” baseball team played a 7 inning exhibition game tonight with “The Cobs” and won 15-0.

14.  Tuesday: To Kiwanis Club luncheon Clark Stockford of New York City is our speaker.  His subject “What are you worth and why” is very ably presented.  My table partner is Nash Small.  He is Rose Heidl’s husband.  Harry Ferry is in town today.  Mary Ann is still home.  I had a bad spell of choking this morning at 4³⁰.  Could get any air for quite a time, finally snapped out of it, felt rather tired most of the day.  Attended Perpetual Help Devotion tonite at St. Vincents Father Alfred Schneider leads the devotion.  Paul Jungen is in tonite.

15.  Wednesday: Mary and back to school this morning.  Took a ride to the cottage about 5 Oclock, took Donald – Jackie Neustifter – Bobbie and Joe Rozek along.  Its plenty cold out there, brought the rollers back to Matt Mertz’s for a new skid.  Tonite we play cards at St. John’s.  Our table partners Walter Pochojka – Aunt Lena.  Aunt Lena had all the Lac 55 points 50 hands.  Thres 40 –Walter 28 – I had 37.

16.  Thursday: Visited Mrs. Mueller at Mercy Hosp this morning, she wakes while I was there shows slight signs of recognition, at least she brightens for about 10 minutes then back to rest.  Had a pleasant surprise, Sister Aquiline is on the job in the office, tells me she was never gone, as she expected to be, but had good care on the third floor.  Tonite we visit the Fretschl’s met Karl Larson –Marion’s husband.  He is a swell fellow, lots of fun and a good entertainer.

17.  Friday: Attended the “Pop Concert” sponsored by “Oshkosh Parents School Music Association,” at the Recreational Building.  C.W. Bronson is “Master of Ceremonies.” The Kids put on quite a show.

18.  Saturday: Took Karl and Marion (Fretschl) Larson and David to Northwestern Depot.  They leave at 11.02 this morning.  Leave Chicago tonite by United Airlines expect to be in San Francisco Sunday 8 A.M.  The Nationwide Railroad strike is scheduled this afternoon at 4 Oclock.  The Oshkosh Giants open their season here officially by defeating Wisconsin Rapids 6-5.  Aunt Mary has another bad cold.  Attended Oshkosh Theatre tonite Thres – Mary Ann –Aunt Lena.  Bing Crosby –Bob Hope – Dorothy Lamour in “Road to Utopia” Carol Landis and William Sargan in “Behind Green Lights.”

19.  Sunday: To 730 Mass Saint Johns, then to work.  Donald and De Behnke clean Rx department at North Store, by orders from Fred Baumgartner.  Spent the afternoon and evening at home.  Thres attends a bridal shower (Saint Johns Recreation Hall) this afternoon for Cecelia Heinzl.  Aunt Mary could not go to church today.

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21.  Tuesday: Mrs. Mueller is very weak today.  Was over to see her this afternoon, looks like the end is near.

22.  Wednesday: [T] Mrs. Mueller passed away at 2³⁰ this morning, and thus ends another chapter in a life spent in its entirety for her loved ones.  She was born Dec. 13 – 1873.  This was a busy day for me.  Took Mary Ann – Carol – Virginia Binder –Betty Hill, Sister Elizabeth with Frank Kempinger –Claude Bouchelle also taking a number of Graduates to Milwaukee.  Stopped at the Mother House – and Elm Grove.  I stopped at McClurgs, took Frank – Claude and Mrs. to Fritz Gust’s for luncheon.  At Elm Grove met Sister Alexine and Sister Marcelia.  Picked up merchandise at Mutual Drug.  Home at 8⁰⁰ PM.  Sister Edgar is with us on way home.

23.  Thursday: Tonight is the night for the annual “steak fry” at Twin Lakes for Scout Executives and committee members.  I took Bob Weber –Frank Dichtl –Bill Bougie – Harold Thompson.  It rained all way going and coming home.  I was accused of having the biggest steak.  Well it was a goodsized one.  Robert Binder and Ruth Mertz are married this morning at 9 Oclock by Monsignor Aloys Bastian.

24.  Friday: Took Ed and Thres Fretschl to Konrads tonite to see Mrs. Mueller.

25.  Saturday: Mrs. Mueller is laid to rest this afternoon.  Art – Harold – Norbert Mueller – Fred Baumgartner –Joe Baier and myself are pallbearers.  Our stores close this noon for the rest of the day.  We attend dinner at Athearn Hotel given by the Mueller family.  After dinner we spend the evening at Fred and Loretta’s.  The Seelbacks from Chicago are with us, get home at 2 A.M.

26.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Mass Saint Vincents then to work.  Rather tired this afternoon, laid down for rest.  Took the Fretschls along to the Saint Vincents School entertainment this evening.  It is well presented.  Mary Ann is among the graduates.  Josephine Bastian is next to us in the hall, tells much about Theresa Neuman who suffers the Passion of Our Lord every Friday, has not eaten since 1926, lives only on Holy Communion.  Has the Stigmata like Saint Francis of Assissi.  Joe and Annie Weisheipl are over after the show, stay until 1³⁰.

27.  Monday: Am busy with Walter Patri getting paper signed to file application for admitting will of Mrs. Mueller in probate.

28.  Tuesday: Walter Patri and myself take inventory of the deposit box of Mr. and Mrs. Mueller.

29.  

30.  Thursday: To 7 Oclock Mass at Saint Vincents.  Tis a lovely day.  Worked part of the morning.  This afternoon work at the Mueller home taking inventory of the contents.  About 4³⁰ drive to cottage.  Learn that Karl Radomski was in to say hello, while I was at Muellers.  When we get to the cottage – the Harry Kujawas with John and Mary are there.  Donald and Lawrence Kinateder had one section of dock out.  Tried fishing but no luck.  The Kujawas take for home at 10 P.M.                     Com.  Our Soldiers and Sailors lost in War II.

31.  Friday: Staid at cottage over night, temperature is down to 50°.  Can’t start my coupe, lucky to have Chrysler.  Harold Prideaux’s furniture arrives today.  Unloaded at the Mueller residence for the time being.

Diary of Alfred E. Potter April, 1946

01.  Monday: [TEG] Was invited to Kiwanis Directors luncheon, as a guest.  Movies in color are taken.  Fred Baumgartners daughter Julie and two of her friends got an idea to fool Fred.  They called him at the store telling him his house was on fire.  Fred promptly called for Fire Department when they got there – no fire.  When Fred found out who called he took them down to police headquarters for punishment.  After a severe lecture they were released.  Art Mueller and Joe Baier go on summer schedule today.

02.  Tuesday: Bill Siewert dad and mother are married 69 years today.  The bituminous coal miner’s union walked out yesterday on strike by orders of John Lewis.  This means about 400 000 men out of work, until the strike is settled.

03.  Wednesday: Intended to drive to Milwaukee this morning, but a heavy rain delays our trip until 1³⁰ this afternoon.  We run into more rain and heavy wind most of the way.  Stopped at Plankinton but no luck, over to Yahr Lange.  Walter Lange got a room for us at the Hotel Wisconsin #843.  Bought tickets for the Sports Show, on arrival we find such a crowd I sold Mother and Mary Ann’s ticket.  They attended the Riverside showing “Tomorrow is Forever” with Claudette Colbert – Orson Welles –Geo. Brent.  Donald and I took in the displays at the Sports Show.  Had our dinner at the “Circus Room” Wisconsin Hotel.  Very reasonable only 8⁸0 for the four of us.

04.  Thursday: Donald and I have breakfast at one of “Bowles Restaurants.” Then to Mutual Drug, and from there to McClurgs new show room on North Water Street.  Mr. Grace called up while I was there, had a phone visit with him.  Met Thres and Mary Ann at the Hotel had our luncheon at the Blatz Palm Garden.  Checked out at the Hotel, drove out to see Sick Auntie –Romy and Lovie –and Gail.  Margaret is working.  Their place is torn up, they are cleaning house.  Left town about 4 Oclock stopped off at Fondulac to see Ed and Fred Worm.  Home about 6³⁰ then to work at the store.  Aunt Lena stays with Aunt Mary while we are gone.

05.  Friday: To St. Vincents 7 Oclock, then to work.  Today is Thres Fretchel’s birthday, she is 59

06.  Saturday: [T] Marion Fretschl Larson arrived this evening from California with her infant son David.  She left California Wednesday.

07.  Sunday: To St. Vincents 7³⁰ Hi Mass then to work.  Thres to St. Peters 9 Oclock and also to afternoon service.  I worked part of the afternoon.  Aunt Lena stops here for supper.  Took the ladies to the Oshkosh Theatre “Lost Week End” features Ray Milland and Jane Wyman.  Two added Technicolor pictures “Arabians in the Rockies” and “You Hit the Spot” and Loony Tunes.  After the show played sheephead.  Aunt Lena and Annie Heip are here.  I take them home at 12.30.  Frank Sullivan has a birthday.                 Com.  Grandma Baier

08.  

09.  Tuesday: [T] To Kiwanis luncheon.  Harold Ferry is my guest.  Perry Tippler our new superintendent of schools is our speaker.  This evening to Stations and Perpetual Help Devotion at St. Vincents.

10.  Wednesday: Aunt Lena Baier is here to do some housecleaning.  The kitchen is taken today.  Rose Baier Mauritz is 44 years old today.

11.  Thursday: The bathroom gets a cleaning today.

12.  Friday: This is my busy day.  Took Thres to church for ladies annual communion on the feast of “Hour Lady of Sorrows” for “Our Sorrowful Mother.” Plenty of work at the store.  Two Stations tonite at St. Vincents, then more work until 11³⁰ P.M.  After lunch at home beat Thres a game of cribbage by 30 points.  Donald lost two games to her before I got home.  Donald takes our boat motor over for an overhaul, the first in 3 for 4 years.

13.  Saturday: Dropped in to see Mrs. Mueller this morning.  She seemed very glad to see me, she squeezed my hand much and hard.  Miss Lund one of her nurses tells me she was quite low earlier this morning.

14.   Sunday: [T] To 7³⁰ Hi Mass and Blessing of Palms by Monsignor Bastian.  Holy Name receive Holy Communion in a body, had a very pour turn out, most of the members not knowing they were to attend.  Services lasted over 1 ½ hours.  After a nap took Thres – Mary Ann to visit the Fretschels.  Thres’ hand is much improved.  Aunt Lena Baier was with us.  Tonite we have Aunt Lena Baier Annie Heip over for cards.  Took them home 12³⁰.  Harold Frick has a birthday.

15.  

16.  Tuesday: Fred Baumgartner and myself take 825 C & N W train to Milwaukee.  Harold Mueller also goes down and business.  We attend Rexall convention.  Met Joe Galvin –Al Lamard – Dick Milbauer –A Sigurdson – Ken Ziperski – Harry Ferry – Oscar Haertlein – Ed Killkelly – John Gallagher (Shawano) Adolph Haise –Don Shelp.  9⁰⁰ P.M.  Had dinner at Eugene’s – Juneau Hotel – with John and Mrs. Gallagher, Mrs. Ziperski and Fred.  Dinner cost me 12⁶⁵ for 5.  Then back to hotel, met Lungren Jr.  Fred and I take 11⁴⁰ train home.  Carl Genal and Leo Bethke fly in to Milw. from Buffalo, they were to Bowling Tournament. Train is late get home at 2⁴⁵ instead of 2 Oclock.

17.  Wednesday: [T] Back on the job at 10 am still tired.  There is plenty of work all our drug orders came in yesterday.  Tonite to St. Johns with Thres for confession, and back to work until 10³⁰ P M.  Sent Easter packages to Sisters Virginia – Melora – Linus.  I quit smoking yesterday.  Don’t know how long I can stick to it.  Am trying on the advice of Dr. A. G. Koehler.  This is quite a penance for me.  I’ve smoked over 50 000 cigars since a young man, also quite a few pounds of tobacco, not many cigarettes.

18.  Thursday: To St. Vincents 7 AM with Thres – Donald – Mary Ann.  Judge Sam Lucksinger has a birthday.             Com. Ven .  Sister Jacoba

19.  Friday: Harry Hollenbeck has a birthday.

20.  Saturday: Thres receives a nice plant from Ed and Ruth Marheine.  Took Thres and Mary Ann to Oshkosh to see “Swing the Parade of 1946” Bill Regan and Gale Storm –Connee Boswell –The Three Stooges –Louis Jordan and colored orchestra.  Also “The Enchanted Forest” with Edmond Lowe – Brenda Joyce – Billie Severn – Harry Davenport.

21.  Sunday: [TEG] To 7³⁰ Mass St. Vincents.  Lady Foresters to Holy Communion.  Thres and Mary Ann with them.  Then to work.  Call the Kujawa’s at Berlin after dinner.  They are expecting us over, so we take a drive over about 4³⁰ P.M.  Harry had us look over the Pheasant farm near Berlin, also Chapmans – City Water Dept. – Berlin Tannery.  After supper we played Poker Rummy – back home at 10⁴⁵.  Aunt Mary is all set for lunch and a few nightcaps which are promptly served by yours truly.  To bed at 1 A.M. Com.  Health and Strength

22.  Monday: Took Thres and Mary Ann to Strand tonite to see “Adventure” starring Clark Gable –Greer Garson – Joan Blondell –Thomas Mitchell and “Movieland Magic” in technicolor.

23.  Tuesday: Attended Kiwanis luncheon.  The Music Committee put on the program.  Oscar ran its and George Fisher resigned from park board.  Tonite to Committee meeting Troop 18 at St. Vincents.  Present M. Fitzgerald – Bob Weber –Frank Dichtl – W. Bougie – Frank Kempinger –Harold Thompson.  Harold is voted Scoutmaster for our troop.  Before meeting attended Perpetual Help Devotions.  Chief of Justice Harlan F. Stone passed away suddenly of cerebral hemorrhage at Washington, D.C. after opening a session of the Supreme Court.  Benito Mussolini’s body is stolen from Maggine cemetery during the night.

24.  Wednesday: [T] Aunt Lena is here for more house cleaning. This afternoon 5 Oclock we take a drive to the cottage, Donald and Mary Ann cut grass, I take care of the plumbing. Jimmy Geffers drops in to say hello. He was married this afternoon to Dorothy Umphenauer from near Lincoln, Nebr.at St. Marys parsonage. He introduces his bride. Back home at 10 P.M. Just learned Jimmy's wife is from Beatrice, Nebraska.

25.  Thursday: Ed Fretschl almost quits working for us this morning.  After he is thru blowing off steam, he decides to stay.  Up to see Walter Patri this morning had Jungen guardianship report completed and filed with Bill Niemuth office.  Attended Apollo Male Singers Concert at the Oshkosh tonite.  Thomas L. Thomas (baritone) is guest artist, with his accompanist Jacob Hannemann.  Milton Rusch passed away this noon at Mercy Hospital.  Born Nov. 9 – 1907.  Son of Al Rusch – Brother to Norman and Jack.  Married Julie Hart Nov. 8 -1942.

26.  Friday: Kate Smith is on the radio 15 years today.  Lionel Barrymore is 68 today.  He has been acting for 50 years – 30 years in the movies.  We are busy making room for Arno Abraham in our warehouse at 928 Oregon Street.  Lyle and Jack give me a lift to do the job.  We have a new assistant at St. Vincents to help Father Leo Ott.  His name, Alfred Schneider a native of Chilton.  He has served over 3 years as army chaplain.  Served in the army air corps in twenty countries.

27.  Saturday: Temperature is down to 24° this morning.  Ed Fretschl gets Saturday afternoons out from today on.  Took Aunt Lena Baier – Annie Heip – Thres – Mary Ann to the Strand to see “Saratoga Trunk” starring Cary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman also “Naughty Nanette ” in color.

28.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Mass St. Johns, then to work.  Tis a rather cool day.  Took Aunt Lena – Thres – Marianne to see “Ziegfield Follies of 1946” in technicolor.  Fred Astaire – Lucille Bremer – Judy Garland – Lena Horne – James Milton – Red Skelton – Lucille Ball – Fanny Brice – Kathryn Grayson – Gene Kelly – Victor Moore – Esther Williams and William Powell are featured.  “Coney Island Honeymoon is another technicolor.

29.  Monday: [T] Dr. Norman Kleinschmidt gives my teeth a going over.  No fillings today.

30.  Tuesday: Paul W. Jungen surprised me with a visit today.  He is now out of service, had been serving as a horse breaker in India.  Discharged at Camp McCoy April 25^th.  He gets 300 dollars mustering out pay.  Inducted Mar. 23 – 1943.  Entered actual service Mar. 30 – 1943.  Donald takes Thres and Aunt Lena and Lawrence Kinateder to the cottage.  The boys clean up the back yard, the ladies, the windows and screens.  To Kiwanis luncheon, had Don Laber for guest.

Diary of Alfred E. Potter March, 1946

01.  Friday: [N-EL-ED2M1] To church St. Vincents 7 A.M.  March is ushered in with rain.  Charles Warren (Cenol) is in town.  He tells me some news about Harold Prideaux.              Com.  Donald – Mary Ann

02.  Saturday: [T] Francis Lamb is over this morning to work on our income tax.  These are busy days for me, much book work and much merchandise to be checked in.

03.  Sunday: To St. Vincents 7³⁰ Hi Mass.  Father Malachy offers the Mass.  After a nap this afternoon took Aunt Lena – Annie Heip, Thres – Mary Ann to the Strand.  “Hold that Blonde” stars Eddie Bracken and Veronica Lake.  “A Guy could Change” features Alan Lane and Jane Frazee.  “Magic on a Dick” shows how Mr. Martin a druggist discovered the fore runner of the friction match made of Gum Arabic – Potash and Sugar.  After the show picked up Thres Fretschl and played cards at our place until nearly 1³⁰ AM.                   Com.  Stanislaus Jarosch

04.  Monday: Thres attends Christian Mothers Guest Night at St. Vincents.  Mary Ann and I go to the Mode.  “A Tree grows in Brooklyn” features Dorothy McGuire – Joan Blondell – James Dunn – Peggy Ann Garner –Ted Donaldson.  The poorest family I ever saw in pictures.  “Honeymoon Ahead” stars Alan Jones.  Myrtle Loewen wife of Henry Loewen passed away Saturday night at her home 57 Mount Vernon.  She was the former Myrtle Adams, her dad John Adams, our neighbor when we lived on Ohio Street.

05.  Tuesday: [N2 T] To Kiwanis luncheon.  Ed Precour is the speaker.  Lee Conroy and myself our table partners.  William T. Stillman president of Stillman Hardware passed away yesterday morning in his sleep about 6³⁰.  Born in Oshkosh March 15 – 1877.  Married August 1905 to Grace Mead at Moravia N. Y. who died July 1 – 1929.  Married again Sept. 8 – 1931 Gana Bethke.  Mead Stillman a son survives, also 2 grandchildren Mary and William Stillman.

06.  Wednesday: Ash Wednesday is ushered in with rain, in fact it rained all night.  Thres does some shopping this afternoon.  Attended services at St. Vincents tonite.  Aunt Mary goes to St. Johns.  Joe Hemmer tells us that Pete (his brother) is a papa.  Its an 8 pound boy.  He lives at Madison Indiana.  Donald drives to Ripon tonite.

07.  Thursday: This is Mary Ann’s birthday.  She is sweet sixteen.  Aunt Lena is over for the birthday dinner.  Aunt Annie Heip and Thres Fretschl are over in the evening.  Sheephead is played as usual, I take 85¢ away from the ladies.  Took them home at 12.30, find a car parked near our driveway with the engine running, at 1⁴⁵ it was still there with the engine running.  I called 102 and one this squad car came the got away in a hurry.  Dolores Lefky clerk at our north store is 28 today.  Art Mueller’s little girl Kathryn is ___ today.  Norman Brown leaves for his first trip to New York.

08.  Friday: [N-R2M] Snow fell last night and continues all day turning into a heavy blizzard.  I got stuck Marion & Jackson Drive, after an hour got the car started, crawled home, got stuck again in our driveway.  Had to do a lot of shoveling to get into our garage.  Mary (Mrs. Otto) Stoegbauer is operated for gallstones and also has her gall bladder removed at Mercy.  Dr. Lynch performed the operation.

09.  Saturday: [J2] Ray Novotny (Our Postmaster) is operated for appendicitis today at Mercy Hospital.  Dr. Geo. Lynch operated.  Herman Wachholz passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon at 3 oclock at his home R #2, Nekimi.  I knew Herman for many years, his brother Bill passed away suddenly several years ago.  Herman was born in Van Dyne May 24 – 1889.

10.  Sunday: To St. Vincents with Holy Name men.  Donald serves.  Then to work.  Took Aunt Lena – Annie Heip – Thres Fretschl – Thres and Mary Ann to the Oshkosh this evening.  A technicolor “The Bandit of Sherwood Forest” stars Cornel Wilde – Anita Louise – Jill Esmond – Edgar Buchanan.  “One Way to Love” is a very good comic starring Chester Morris.” Hugh Herbert is of course one of the funsters.  Thres has rheumatism tonite right leg and knee.

11.  Monday: [T] Attended Joe Stadtmuellers opening of his new “Farm Home Store” on Jackson Street.  The opening was sponsored by the South Side Business Mens Club.  Bill and Emma Siewert were with us.  Also viewed the remains of Herman Wachholz at the Konrad funeral home.

12.  Tuesday: Harry Ferry and Larry Gerdes are in town.  To Kiwanis luncheon and it was an unusually nice one, fine food.  I did’nt think much of the program.

13.  Wednesday: This is Anna Drexler’s (Sick Aunti’s) birthday.  Took Aunt Lena – Thres Fretschl – Thres – Marianne to see “The Bells of St. Marys” at the Oshkosh.  Bing Crosby is Father O’Malley – Ingrid Bergman is Sister Benedict.  They do an excellent job.  Mrs. Ed Zinth (Frances Hagene) passed away last evening 6³⁰ at her home 317 Bowen.  Born Dec. 30 – 1878 married Ed May 6 – 1903.  Ed passed away Jan. 18 -1926.

14.  Thursday: [T] Are dense fog covers the city this morning.  Visited Ray Novotny and Mrs. Otto Stoegbauer at Mercy Hospital this afternoon.  Rain in Room 126 –Mary Stoeg. in Room 237.  Took Mrs. Frank Haidlinger Sr. from the hospital.  She’s been working there since last November.  Frances Lamb is in to get our income tax checks.  Mary (Mrs. John) Pable 1014 – 11^th passed away this morning at Mercy Hospital.  Born in Germany Feb. 6 – 1872 came to U.S. at age of 12.  Mother to Billy Pable, sister to Lena Franz –Mrs. Percy Rice.

15.  Friday: [E2M] Deadline for Income Tax returns.  Donald drives to Menasha with 8th grade boys St. Vincents, to play St. Patricks.  Our boys lose.  Mother and I play 5 games of cribbage waiting for his return.  Mama wins two and I win 3 games.  Gratian Schneider, 231 Gunther Ave. passed away yesterday morning 10.35 at his home.  Born Austria Nov. 27 – 1880.  Survived by wife – 5 sons – 3 daughters.  He was quite a funster years ago.

16.  Saturday: This is Les Zimmers last day in business at 926 Oregon St..  It was run under the name “Les Food Shop.”

17.  Sunday: To St. Vincents 730 High Mass.  Father Malachy is celebrant.  Then to work.  Donald stops in the store after serving 10.30 Mass.  He takes Elsie Meixner home from work.  This afternoon he is on for another eat her so with the Symphony Orchestra.  This evening took Aunt Mary and Thres to Poklasny’s to view the remains of Mrs. Mary (John) Pable.  Rosary is offered by Father Bastian.  I took Monsignor Bastian home after the prayers.  Took Thres to St. Johns card party.                       M.O.  Mary Pable

18.  Monday: Thres Fretschl had an accident at 6⁴⁵ this morning.  Thinking she was pouring coffee into the coffee can, she poured some floor gloss containing lacquer into it, the fumes ignited her left hand burned severely, her right hand not quite so bad, her hair singed, her nightgown burned, but no body burns.  She was lucky.  Could had been very serious.  Thres and I play three games of sheephead, I mean cribbage tonite.  I win all three.

Donald, my father with his violin

19.  Tuesday: Mrs. Minnie (F.W.) Mueller suffered what may be a cerebral hemorrhage this morning at her home. She is removed to Mercy Hospital this afternoon. To Kiwanis luncheon. Jess Pierce substituted for our regular speaker. Ed Ledvina has a birthday today, he is ___. I supply him with 2 pints "Old Forester." This evening took Thres, Mary Ann, Aunt Lena, Annie Heip to Oshkosh Civic Symphony Concert. Donald plays violin with the orchestra. This morning I had a cardiogram made at Mercy Hospital by Doctor A.G. Koehler. Drs. Geo. V Lynch and Will Wagner dropped in and told the doctor to give me the works. My blood pressure is 110/70. Will have to wait a few days for the cardiogram to be developed.

20.  Wednesday: [T N] Ray Trovinger and Norm Brown are in this morning.  Attended church service at St. Johns this evening, and then visited with the Ed Fretschls.  Thres is much improved.  She will be able to use her right hand soon.  Herman Drexler and Mrs. are also there.  I lose 3 games cribbage tonite.

21.  Thursday: Mrs. Mueller shows a little improvement today.

22.  Friday: Today marks a sad day for me. Attended church service with Thres at St. Vincents, stopped at the store about 8 oclock, Joe Baier tells me that Mr. Mueller called up saying he had a heart attack and wished for a doctor. I immediately went to the house, found him sitting in a chair. Asked him about the doctor. He said,”I havent seen him.” I called to hurry the doctor. While I was on the phone Mr. Mueller collapsed. When Dr. Bitter came, he breathed for a few moments and passed away at 8¹⁰. I have been associated with him for 37 years, and during that time he always treated me like a dad.

23.  Saturday: To Konrad funeral home with the children Art – Harold – Norbert – Loretta. Gil Labudde from the Northwestern Daily is there.  The folks pick out a solid oak coffin.  I also stopped to see Walter Patri about some legal advise.

24.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ St. Vincents Donald – Mary Ann – Thres – Myself.  Then to work.  This afternoon I took a nap.  Thres plays cards at St. Vincents, wins a prize, brings Aunt Lena and Annie Heip for supper.  I work until 8³⁰ and then we have some sheephead.  Took the ladies home at 12.45

25.  Monday: Flowers arrive for F.W., he is at the Konrad funeral home, he looks younger and life like.  Many of his friends pay their last respects.  I met the folks I had not seen in 20 or more years.  Edward M. Schneider 1636 Oregon St., is found dead in bed this morning by his son Edward W. of Los Angeles who is home on leave.  He was born Sept. 17 – 1881 in town Nekimi, son of Henry P. and Bertha Schneider.  Married to Harriet Sebauer Oct. 12 – 1906.  Secy. of Schmidt Milling Co. for the last 26 years.

26.  Tuesday: Our stores close at noon in memory of Mr. Mueller. It turns out a lovely day. The funeral is very largely attended. The remains are laid to rest in a beautiful plot in the newer section of Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers: Harold, Art, Norbert, Fred Baumgartner, Joe Baier, and myself. After the funeral we stop at the Mueller home for a get together with the relatives. Home at 6 P.M. To Perpetual Help and Stations at St. Vincents tonite. Aunt Lena comes home with us.

27.  Wednesday: Thres and I to Mercy Hospital tonite to see Mrs. Mueller.  The nurse informs us, she has slept all day and not awakened at any time.  Stopped to see Lizzie Hannes who has been there about a month, also Mrs. Eisfeldt who was operated last Saturday.  Stopped to view the remains of Edward Schneider at Konrad’s.  Met Edward who found his dad.  Also stopped to see the Fretschls.  Thres’ hands are much improved.  Four Heidl sisters are there also.  Home at 10¹⁵.  Donald plays cribbage with us, he wins two games I win one.

28.  Thursday: Tonite we visit Matt and Amanda Drexler. We get a glimpse of the twin boys they adopted. Their names John and Joseph. Matt is very generous with the Schenley Reserve.

29.  [T]

30.  Saturday: Visited Mrs. Mueller this afternoon.  She knew me but could not talk.  Loretta is with her.  Also dropped in to see Mrs. Eisfeldt.  She expects to go home next week.  Then out to the “Boy Scouts Merit Badge Show” at the county garage.  Its a bigger and better show them last year.  Took Aunt Lena – Annie Heip – Thres – Mary Ann to the Strand “Spars and Tars” stars Alfred Drake – Janet Blair – Sid Caesar – Mark Platt – Jeff Donnell.  “Notorious Lone Wolf” is a good detective picture.  After the show to Pete Kings for

31.  Sunday: To Foresters Easter Communion at St. Johns, then to work.  Donald drives to St. Nazianz with Bob Zemke, to see the “Passion Play.” The Kujawas are over from Berlin at 4³⁰.  They attended Boy Scout Badge Show.  Had supper with us.  I had to get back to work.  After 8¹⁵ I pick up Aunt Lena and Annie Heip and bring them home for a game of Shofskopf.  The Kujawas leave at 9 P.M.  Take the ladies home at 12⁴⁵.              Com.  Stanislaus Jarosch