Diary of Alfred E. Potter December, 1954

01.  Wednesday: Took Thres Fretschl along to Sitters.  Christian mothers offer Rosary for Lizzie Hannes.  She looks happy and contended as tho she were living.  Thres and myself to Mercy Hospital to see Mary.  She is the same as always.  Also visited Harvey Thompson in 228.  This evening Thres and I attend Knife and Fork Club Dinner at Hotel Raulf Dr. Luther Gable spoke to us about Uranium and Radioactive materials.  It was very interesting, but somewhat over my head at times.

02.  Thursday: [MH 9 M] Jacob Schiessl passed away at Milwaukee yesterday.  He was employed by Wile Brothers when living here.  Born here July 25 – 1887.  Was married to Anna Mauritz (Mauritz Hannah’s daughter) Brother to John – Joe – Max – Bill Schiessl.  Annie Heip comes up with another birthday.  She is 72 and feeling chipper as usual.  Lizzie Hannes laid to rest this morning.  Solemn Requiem Father Milbauer –Celebrant, Father Julius Meyer and John Murphy – Deacon and Subdeacon.

03.  Friday: [R 4 M] To St. Johns for Holy Communion.  Maude Labudde is laid up today with a cold. 

Com.  Pope Pius XII

04.  Saturday: [MH 9 M] Maude and Ed Labudde move to their new home in Stoney Beach, in fact this is the first time they owned a home since they were married.

05.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ 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.

Com.  Lizzie Hannes

06.  Monday: [Father Louis Schorn begins duties at St. Vincents.   R 2 M] This week begins very busy. Norm Brown is with us this noon.  He is not feeling up to par.  Stomach acting up, maybe nerves.  Ma plays cards at Emma Lemke’s this afternoon and wins 20¢ Ha! Ha! Ha!  Its the S.S.B.M. Auxiliary.  Tonite she is at the Christian Mothers Christmas Party at St. Vincents Hall.  Father Schorn begins his duties here today, and is welcomed by the ladies at their party.  Dr. Louis Graber examined me today.  I hope this will be the last exam, it was in regard to my arm injury 1 ½ years ago.

07.  Tuesday: Attended Kiwanis luncheon.  Had a bunch of good Fellows at our table Al Dunham – Frank Thew – Wally Zahn – Jack McCain-  .  Clyde March who is connected with the Trust Dept. First National Bank talk to us about Wills and Estates.  Ma is at the Lady Foresters Christmas Party tonite.  Alice Otto is chairman and surely did a wonderful job with her committee.

08.  Wednesday: 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 6³⁰ Mass.  Heard a rather unusual concert tonite, a Piano Trio: George Fiore, Esther Fernandez, and Stephens Kovacs.  They surely are real artists.

Com.  Alvina Stadler

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10.  Friday: 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.

11.  Saturday: We get the sad news that Rose Binder passed away about 9.30 this morning.  Father Milbauer has been bringing her Holy Communion for the last 3 mornings.  She surely was very well prepared.

12.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ 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. Vincents was his first assignment after he was ordained.  He announced the passing of Rose 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.

Com.  Rose Binder

13.  Monday: Norm Brown is with us as usual.  We have some left over chicken from yesterday.  Christian Mothers recite Rosary for Rose this afternoon at 2 Oclock, Knights of Columbus at 7³⁰ –Catholic Daughters at 8¹⁵.  Thres attended with Christian Mothers.  Father Milbauer lead in prayer this aft., Father Schorn tonite.  Thres was on committee for Council of Catholic Womens Christmas Program tonight at the Century.  I attended rosary with K. C’s.

14.  Tuesday: Rose is laid to rest this morning.  Fathers Schorn – Milbauer and Trebiatowski, Solemn Requiem Pallbearers: Harry Schmidt –Les Borisch – Byron Gunz – Chuck Nolan –Ed Wirtz – Al Potter.  Immediate family – Pallbearers and Wives had dinner at KC Club.  After dinner Lester and Mary took Byron and Mrs. Gunz – Thres and me thru his new printing establishment.  He has a lovely place and a heavy investment.  I counted six small printing presses and two large ones.  He can handle any kind of job.  Thres has quite a dizzy spell after we get home, had to go to bed.

15.  Wednesday: Fred R. Zimmerman – Secretary of State, died yesterday afternoon at St. Luke’s Hospital – Milwaukee, he was 64.  He was governor once and secretary of state eleven times.

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19.  Sunday: Eleanor Eberhardt is 79 today.

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21.  Tuesday: 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 Mens Club.  To Kiwanis luncheon, Madrigal Singers from Hi School Entertain us and Bruno Romanowski explains the difference between Christmas Hymns and Christmas Carols.

22.  Wednesday: [Tony Pable 65 today.] Matt Marheine had a stroke last night, his left (right) arm and leg are paralyzed.  Tony Pable has a birthday.  He can now collect Social Security.

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24.  Thursday: Well, the rush is over, people are buying fast, last minute shoppers are numerous.  I visited Sister Mathilda gave Sister Salvina book on how to use apples in various formulas.  Sister Matilda knows the Fred Miller family from Oconomowoc.  Very fine people.  Stopped at Herman Schencks to see Harlow.  He’s not home.  Mrs. Schencks will be 79 Dec. 29 Herman 79 Jan. 29.  Her Sister Mrs. Gauger is being operated today.  Stopped in at Froetschl’s, David and Karlene are anxiously waiting.  Don and Arlene over at about 9.30.  We exchange presents, little Donnie can't wait to ride his hot rod car.

25.  Saturday: Attended Midnight Mass with Don and Arlene.  Mary Ann stays home with Donnie and Debbie.  Had a full attendance at Mass – Father Schorn Sermon, over at 1³⁰ A.M.  We lunch and chat until 3³⁰ A.M. at our house.  To bed and up at 10 A.M.  After a sandwich Mary Ann and myself to work until 4 P.M.  Then to Mercy Hospital to see Mary.  She was happy to see us and I think she recognized us, but she is unable to talk, altho she tried.  Talk to the Carol Diley from Omro she tells me Joan is working at Miles Kimballs and is trying to get into Theda Clark Hospital to study for practical nurse. 

Com.  Honor of Christ Child.

26.  Sunday: Had lightning and heavy showers of rain last night, temperature most of the day stayed at 37°.  To 7³⁰ Hi Mass this morning.  Father Milbauer – no sermon. 

Com. Frank Stopper

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29.  Wednesday: Rudy Haveman is in with the names of the various committees and congratulates Thres (who happen to be in my office) as the wife of the President, so I had to tell her about the recent election.  Thres and I visit with the Ray Ostertag family.  Judy is getting to be quite a girl – Carol is doing fine.  Then we visit the Bill Mauritz family, and this evening Harry and Agnes from Berlin are over to our place.  Harry bring some venison.

30.  Thursday: [TG] Mary Ann with Arlene to get a coat at Hilda's.

31.  Friday: Catholics all over the world enjoy a special dispensation by the Holy Father today, they may eat meat, especially on account of the Feast of St. Sylvester.  We are very busy at all of our stores.  We have Ed and Thres Froetschl – Annie Heip – Donald and family over to see the old year out and the New Year in.  The folks leave for their homes after 2 A.M.  Donald takes them and then picks up his family, by the time we get to bed it is 3 A.M.