Diary of Alfred E. Potter October, 1955

01.  Saturday: Duck hunting season opens officially at noon today.  Joe Gustavus is in to get his last paycheck.  He is going to California to visit his mother.  She is 96.

02.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ High Mass Father Milbauer.  Mary Ann is out to Don’s for the noon meal.  I worked this morning and part of the afternoon.  We have our dinner at Father Shorn’s.  He shows us around the newly remodeled parsonage and it surely is laid out very sensibly and yet modern.  Met Brothers Eugene and Valentine from Alexian Brothers.  Rose is surely a very good cook.  Attend 7¹⁵ Rosary Service while Mary Ann and Rose wash dishes, home by 9⁴⁵.  Don’s family here until 12.15. 

Com.  Walter Anderson

03.  Monday: [Bill Last begins work at North.  Joe Demler’s Bakerite Bakery taken over by Art Ziegenhagen.   R 4 M   M 3 M] Norm Brown is with us for the noon meal.  The New York Yankees beat that Dodgers 5 to 1.  It is now 3 games apiece.  Tomorrow will tell the story.  C.R. Meyer Company begins to dismantle the Oregon Jackson Bridge today.  This bridge is only 36 years old.  We have our first meeting at the South Store this morning at 8 Oclock.  Fred – Joe – Norb– Art – Me.

04.  Tuesday: [R 4 M   T   M 8 M] To Kiwanis Club.  Our table John Voss –Otho Payne – Bob Bork –Henry Zentner – Art Strummer – Frank Sullivan – Al Potter.  I did not stay for the Program.  Brooklyn Dodgers win Worlds Baseball Championship by defeating N.Y. Yankees 2-0.  Johnny Podres about 23 was the winning pitcher.  Took Marge Haverty and Mary Ann to Town Grill for evening meal.  Met Dog – Hunt and Mrs. there.  Thres is very busy with Forester potluck gets home at 11 P.M. all tired out.  She is still the best rye bread baker.  I attended Rosary and Perpetual Help Devotion, a very good attendance.  Temperature 75° today.

05.  Wednesday: Elizabeth Haverty –Marge’s mother is 75 today.  The folks take her out to Ray Faust’s for dinner.  Bill Last is now working as custodian at our North Store.  Art Ziegenhagen took over Joe Demler’s “Bakerite Bakery.”

06.  Thursday: [M 6 M] Mother has a worry.  Her wrist watch and earrings are gone and she has no idea where they might be.  She thinks they were on the dining room table Tuesday evening and disappeared from there.

07.  Friday: [M 3 M] To Church at 7 A.M.  No Mass only Holy Communion by Father Schorn.  This is a day of many showers.  Had a conference with Joe Drexler –chairman of the county board of supervisors, in regard to the municipal airport changes, that is an administration building to care for 40 passengers and also the additions to the airport itself.  Tony Serwas tells me he is going to spend a week at Joe Stoegbauer’s cottage on Georgian Lake near Rhinelander.  Had our Friday evening meal at K.C. Club, met Leo and Gertrude Shubert, Mr. Mrs. ___ Buttman. 

Com.  Don Family –Mary Ann

08.  Saturday: [M 9 M] Agnes Gerth (Mrs. Ed) passed away yesterday afternoon at 2 Oclock at home.  She has been ill a long time, but always optimistic about her return to health.  Married Ed Gerth Sept. 22 – 1922.  Born July 3 – 1897.  Her Mother Bertha Shulz is still living.  She is 88.  Mary Ann was expecting an invite to go out to dinner with Joan Mauritz.  Things did not materialize so we took her to dinner at Lowell Robbins.  An excellent meal.

09.  Sunday: [Temp. 74°] To 7³⁰ Hi Mass with Holy Name Society.  Father Milbauer Mass and Sermon.  Met Robert Eyers this morning but did not have time to ask him why he did not return to St. Lawrence Seminary this fall.  This afternoon to Fiss & Bills to pay last respects to Agnes Gerth.  Ed –Dr. Bob – Ralph were there also her Sister Lucy.  Met her brother ___ who is with Valentine Laboratories, he makes Ertron –Bezon and other Vitamins.  Lakeside Labs of Milwaukee made many of their parenterals for export to South America.  Also visited Riverside Cemetery, met Hilda and Anna Nuernberg. 

Com.  Deceased Holy Name

10.  Monday: [Temp. 76° John – Lucille Felker are married 26 years.  M 3 M] Rose Weisheipl has another birthday, she is 44, and looking very well, in fact I think she has put on a few pounds within the last year.  Norm Brown is with us this noon.  His son Dave is home over the weekend from Ft Sheridan.  Confirmation for converts at Sacred Heart.  Bishop Grellinger had a very interesting talk to the Confirments.  There were between 60 and 65.  I served as guard of honor with 13 – 4th Degree K.C.  There was only a small representation from Sacred Heart Congregation.  Thres plays cards at Rose Schneiders 12th St. Her 60 – 3d prize.

11.  Tuesday: [Temp. 74°   M 12 M] Attended Kiwanis luncheon.  The Hi School Students in the Operetta “Rose Marie” are our guests.  They present a very fine program.  Fred Leist is their director.  Our table guest Helen Munash – Al Schara – Barbara Brandt.  According to paper the “Diamond Match Company” is going to cease operations in Oshkosh Nov. 4.  Attended Rosary and Perpetual Help Devotion.  Father Schorn enrolls pretty close to 300 members of the Ladies Altar Society into the “Confraternity of the Christian Mothers.”

12.  Wednesday: Visited with Josephine and Madeline Bastian this morning.  Paid last respects to Leonard Marquardt.  Carl Kieckhafer are is in this morning with the new policy of Donald.  This evening to First English Lutheran Church Supper, they served about 1050 plus all of the workers.  Use 1000 pounds of turkey.  Letter collection bonus (Mail Boxes) are getting a new look.  They are being painted red – white and blue, getting away from the green color they have had for many years.

13.  Thursday: [M 6 M] A busy morning, after going to P.O. spend time at all of this – then to Ed Binder’s office for conference on our next meeting S.S.B.M., took Thres to Simpson’s for treatment, then pick up Marge Haverty –stopped at store to find Carl Kieckhafer waiting for me, then a short visit with Brother Egbert, Benedictine Mission Home Schuyler Nebraska then back to Simpson to pick up Thres and now I’m hungry.  Attended “Milwaukee Business Mens Good Will Tour” dinner at the Raulf.  Hi Eagan and myself guests of Walter Lange.  They toured here last in 1952.

14.  Friday: President Eisenhower is 65 today, and still in the hospital.  Harry Hirschberg former proprietor of Hirschberg’s Department Store died at Mercy yesterday afternoon at 3.15.  Born Feb. 5 – 1896 in Cleveland Ohio.  Married August 1916 Ruby Schaefer in Chicago.  Bought Baum and Collin store in 1945.  Closed May 1955.  A “Catholic Youth Council” was organized at St. Johns Parish Hall last night.  Includes the six parishes in Oshkosh.  Joe Hemmer is adult advisor from St. Vincents.  Received a letter from Resi Rothbauer, Parsberg, today.

15.  Saturday: The Kiddies are over for T.V. as usual.  Answered the Rothbauer letter this afternoon.  Mother and Arline are up town shopping for drapes, for Don and Arline’s home.  They found 6 pairs at Klein’s just what they wanted, and put them up this afternoon.

16.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Hi Mass.  Father Schorn.  Worked on orders for Yahr Lange and U.D. Wholesale.  Don got out the direct orders.  The Sisters party at St. Vincents this afternoon from 2 to 4³⁰ Thres and Mary Ann attend.  It’s a different kind of party, square dancing – and skits are very good.  Sister Matilda still remembers her cutting down the old apple tree at the cottage.  Took Debbie and Donnie along to Rasmussen’s to pick up Hickory Nuts – Fruits and Vegetables.  Don’s family is over tonite. 

Com.  Agnes Gerth.

17.  Monday: Another meeting at 8 A.M. at the South Store.  Harvey Lhost is there to interest us in a “own name” vitamin.  Also had a meeting with Mr. King who has charge of leasing Hirschberg’s store.  He would like to sell for $57,000 or lease for $500 per month.  Building 70X100 Rear 65X95.  Met with Harold Zweifel this afternoon.  Norm Brown is with us this noon.  Met with Francis Lamb this afternoon.

18.  Tuesday: [M 12 M] Drove to Berlin with Thres this morning.  Thres visited with Agnes while I did business with Harry at the bank.  Back to Oshkosh at 11.45, picked up Marge Haverty, then to Post Office, then the Spikes –McDonald Funeral Home to pay last respects to Clara Levin.  Sam and relatives were there.  Then to Kiwanis luncheon, W^m V. Kelly spoke on “Human Rights.” Thres and I prayed our Mother Perpetual Help Prayers home as I had Cemetery Board Meeting at 7 P.M. lasted to 8³⁰ then to Poklasny’s to view remains of John Mauritz.  Met some of his boys and Mr. and Mrs. Raab.

19.  Wednesday: [M 3 M] This is a very busy day for Rose Stievater at the parsonage, she has 64 this afternoon and 62 ladies this evening playing whatever games they choose to raise funds for the Shrine or Grotto in Honor of our blessed Lady.  She cleared $75.80.  Thres and Mary Ann help her with dishes and cleaning up, they get home at 11:30.  Ed Wirtz – Father Milbauer and myself to Green Bay to pick up Eileen, she has a few days off from the Apostolate, until Tuesday.  We stop at Van Camps for dinner on the way back, home at 7²⁰.  I attended Rosary and Benediction.  Don and family are here until 12.20 A.M.  Gilbert King is in again.

20.  Thursday: [M 3 M] Took Mother for another treatment at Simpsons, at 10.30 A.M.  Actor John Hodiak 41 died unexpectedly yesterday of a heart attack.  He had no prior history of heart trouble and had not been ill recently.  Actress Anne Baxter divorced him in 1953 after six years of marriage.  A daughter Katrina now 4 lives with Anne Baxter.  South Side Business Mens meeting tonight.  Postmaster Ray Novotny and Joe Drexler chairman County Board are our speaker is on the Air Port and Terminal Building.  Very slim attendance about 16 in all.

21.  

22.  Saturday: Eddie Weisheipl brings his little girl home from the hospital, she now weighs 9 # 9 oz.  Don and Arlene are here to help clean and put on our storm windows.

23.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Hi Mass.  Father Milbauer speaks on the friendship of Christ through holy Communion.  Rain begins about 9³⁰ this morning and continues through most of the day and evening.  Don’s family are here until 12 Midnight.  Donnie Jr. took my truss to the bathroom showed Don Sr. how his ear muffs fit.  Well I think it does resemble ear muffs.

24.  Monday: [11 hours   M 6 M] Had an hours conference with Leighton Hough, President of the First National Bank, in regard to the Hirschberg location.  Also a call from Chicago by Gilbert King.  I think we will be accomplishing things shortly.  Thres plays cards at Sophia Huhn’s and wins 30¢.  Don’s family is with us for the evening.  I attended evening devotion at St. Vincents.  Almost forgot we started the day with an 8 Oclock meeting at the South Store.  Norman Brown is with us for the noon meal.

25.  Tuesday: [TG] To Kiwanis luncheon.  It was a boys program, that is for those winning prizes in athletics.  Eddie Stumpf general manager of the Indianapolis Baseball Team is the speaker.  “Billie Hoeft” is also present.  Stumpf was one of the old Wisconsin State Leaguers with Janesville and a good friend of Frank Steckbauer.  I brought Johnnie Rozek back with me.  Lee Conroy is in my office in regard to Sy Propson taking over the Hammerlund store.  I attended Perpetual Help Devotion alone.  Mother is very tired from housecleaning.

26.  Wednesday: Mother is working on the dining room today.  A lovely warm day.  This evening paid last respects to Russel Meisinger at Sitters, then to Rosary Service (then to work for short time) Don’s family spend the evening here.  During the day, I spent most of my time, checking Stocks and Bonds of mine and also Mary Ann’s – Debbie’s and Donnie’s.  Bill and Sylvia Killian are celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary today.  Dinner at Ostertag’s Tea Room.  Mother – Mary Ann and me see “Sabrina Fair ” at the Opera House.  Mary Ann Nitkowski has a leading part.

27.  Thursday: Harold Kroll and his wife Janette have leading parts in “Sabrina Fair.” They are Donald’s neighbors on Oregon Street.  Today is beautiful, temperature up to 72°.  I had quite a conference with Bill Gengler about the Hirschberg location.  Also learn that some of our merchants will have to do a little loftier thinking as to who should be at this location.  Then to cemetery, where Ted Friedberg showed me around the “Right of Way” abandoned by the C.N.W.R.R. and which by contract reverted back to Colonel Rogers, grandfather to Vern Rogers who now owns this “Right of Way” and also a good sized piece of farmland adjacent to the cemetery.  The City of Oshkosh will need this for cemetery purposes in the near future.  This evening to Rosary Service.

28.  Friday: Rain occasionally today.  Business is fair.  Had our evening meal at the K.C. Club and then we drove to Bill Mauritz and spent the evening until 11.45 there.  It is raining very heavily when on our way home.

29.  Saturday: This is definitely a day of rain.  In fact it rained most of the night.

30.  Sunday: Fourth Degree Corporate Holy Mass at St. Josaphats at 7³⁰.  Thres and I attend.  About 55 Couple attended.  Had breakfast in the basement of the church after Mass.  John Fitzgerald gave a very nice talk about prayer as a powerful weapon in these troubled times.  This evening took part with the Fourth Degrees at Sacred Heart Church.  It was the ending of their mission as well as 40 hour Devotion.  Dr. Ray Wagner tells me Father Schorn fell unto a bath tub last night and fractured several ribs.  Learned this evening that he tried to say 10.30 Mass, got as far as the Gospel and blacked out, and Father Milbauer continued on with the Mass and Father Schorn taken to the hospital. 

Com.  Deceased Sir Knights.

31. Monday: [Princess Margaret England decides not to marry divorced Peter Townsend.  She placed duty to country and church over love.] Mailed a package to Resi Rothbauer Parsberg this morning.  Insured parcel #2082 -$4.22.  Had our Monday morning meeting at South Store.  Norm Brown is in, and with us at noon for pigs – hocks –dumplings and sauerkraut.  I had met him at Hammarlund’s on Jackson St. earlier this morning.  He sells Jack from ten to 15 hundred dollars merchandise per month.  Mother is busy making “Kranzels.” Ken Siperski is in town with Gale Robertshaw for tonights “Rexall Meeting” at Lowell Robbins.  Gale tells me he hunts on Terrells Island owned by Robbins. Ten fellows including “Carl Raatsch“ who owns Raatsch’s restaurant on East Mason St. Milwaukee pay 100 dollars each for the privilege of hunting there.  Frank Pommerene our old mail man (retired) is in today for a visit.  He was 81 September 9th.