Diary of Alfred E. Potter May, 1957

01.  Wednesday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass.  Father Milbauer. Senator Joe McCarthy is confined to Bethesda Naval Hospital at Bethesda Md. near Washington, D.C. with acute hepatitis.  His condition is serious but not critical.  He was taken to the hospital Sunday night. 

Com.  Anne Drexler

02.  Thursday: [M 6 M   9 ½ hrs.] Temperature is 47° when I go to Mass this morning.  The sad news that Senator Joe McCarthy passed away 5⁰² this afternoon, this at Bethesda Hospital.  His condition had taken a turn for the worse Thursday afternoon.  He was given the last rites at 4 P.M. 

Com.  Senator Joe McCarthy

03.  Friday: [M 3 M  8 hrs.] No Mass at 6⁴⁵ Father Milbauer distributes Holy Communion at 7⁰⁰ Oclock, and then he is on sick calls.  Temperature is 38° at 6⁴⁵. 

Com.  Senator Joe McCarthy

04.  Saturday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass – Father Milbauer.  Sisters attended.  This Mass is usually in their chapel.  Don and Arline called for us at 9¹⁵ to attend Wedding Ceremony of David Brown to Marilyn Bradish at St. Patrick’s, Menasha by Father Michael Koch.  Father Michael attended Salvatorian Seminary when Donald attended.  Stopped to visit Father Joseph Ahearn, Pastor of St. Patricks.  Then to Butte des Morts Country Club reception.  At table with Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gerbinski.  Met Bill and Mrs. Kies and the Plank relatives, of course.  Back to the Norm Brown where we visited with Don and Barbara.  Then back to Oshkosh.  Mother and myself to see Judy Redmann married to Robert Henke by Rev. Harold Kuester, then to Grace Lutheran to see Barbra Mueller married to Duane Stoegbauer then to the P.O. and West Store and then to Hi K for a nice Tenderloin Dinner, home at 8⁴³.  This day was really a record breaker for Mother and Myself. 

Com.  David Brown and Marilyn

05.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Mass Father Milbauer Christian Mothers and Daughters to Holy Communion. 

Com.  Wilma Retelle.  (Meixl)

06.  Monday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass Father Milbauer.  Weather is moderating.  Norm Brown is with us this noon, still tired from the wedding celebration Saturday.  Had quite a surprize tonite at the West Store.  Met a fellow who left Oshkosh 27 years ago, Fritz Eilers, now living in Lancaster California.  He is in the real estate business there. 

Com.  Rose Binder

07.  Tuesday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass Father Schorn.  Nice Warm Morning 55° at 6³⁰.  Bishop Stanislaus Bona celebrates his Silver Jubilee as Bishop.  Cardinal Samuel Stritch will preach.  He and Bishop Bona where students were students together at North American College in Rome, Stritch ordained May 1910 Bona, November 1912.  Senator Joe McCarthy is laid to rest this afternoon after a Solemn Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Church Appleton.  Father Adam Grill conducted the commitment.  About 28 priests attended, many national and state dignitaries, as well as army and navy representatives.  About 30000 people paid their last respects at the church where he was laid out from yesterday evening until eleven this morning. 

Com.  Senator Joe McCarthy

08.  Wednesday: No Holy Mass at 6.45.  Forest fires in Wisconsin are doing much damage.  The loss from these fires to date is more than the entire year 1956.  Since Jan. 1 – 57 to today we had 640 and fires, ravaged 10846 Acres.  This compares with 393 fires 3120 acres same period 1956 and 1058 fires 5374 acres for all of last year.

Com.  Mrs. Frank Binder (Mary)

09.  Thursday: No Holy Mass at 6⁴⁵.  Ezio Pinza, Opera Bass Star passes away at his home in Stamford Connecticut.  Was the Metropolitan Opera Star for 20 years and later starred in Broadway Musicals.  “Oklahoma” “Fanny” and others.  Born May 18 – 1892 in Rome Italy, son of a carpenter.  Took Thres for a treatment at O.R. Simpsons at 9¹⁵.  He said the fall she had in church some time ago, did displace her hip and pelvis to a degree. 

Com.  Herman Bornschein

10.  Friday: Up at 4⁴⁵ not feeling too well.  At 5³⁰ mother provides a Pentonylon tablet and Brandy.  Did not get to Holy Mass.  Felt a little dopy when I got up.  Did attend Serra, had a good speaker from Milwaukee on Catholic High School Education.  Two Fond du Lac guests interested in Serra Ken Roberts, Chas. Knewig are present.  I presented the Directors of our firm with the Annual Report of Mueller Potter as gotten out by Francis Lamb.  Mary Ann and Arline shop this evening, while the kiddies spend a lively evening at our house.  CNW is authorized to discontinue 18 passenger trains, saving $1800000 per year.

11.  Saturday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass- Father Schorn. Raining- Temperature 47°. Art Mueller to Milwaukee this morning to Shriner's Celebration. A year ago he was initiated, but this year he could take in all the fun. Clarence Bronson is there and they have very good vantage seats. Advance Gift Committee kickoff dinner at St. John's. Bishop Grellinger encouraged us. We all have to make our own pledges. I pledged a Physics and Chemistry Laboratory 2000.00 dollars.

Com.  Success of Catholic High School Drive

12.  Sunday: [Mrs. John Lange died unexpectedly last night at 10.45.  Had worked at home during the day.  Watched the Lawrence Welk Show.  F] To 745 Mass.  Father Schorn has a forceful talk about the Catholic High School Appeal which is scheduled for next Sunday.  The High Mass offered by Father Schorn was by Mary Ann for Mother, a wonderful gift and tribute to her, and at one oclock we took her to dinner at the Town House.  The grandchildren were very well behaved.  This was also Holy Name Sunday – and we took our wives with us to receive Holy Communion and attend the Mass.  Had a few surprize showers today. 

Remembrance: Blessed Mother and Katherine Holzbauer

Com.  Thres

13.  Monday: [Temp. 51° - 6³⁰ A.M.] To 6⁴⁵ Mass – Father Milbauer.  Norman Brown is with us this noon.  Thres plays cards at Alma Thobabens 21 Rahr Ave. this afternoon, her score 53.  This evening she dines at the Raulf, Womens Council have their annual dinner and program.  I went out to get pledges for the New Cath.  Hi School

780⁰⁰ from John Schroeder 724 – 10th

360⁰⁰ from hot Henry Bloechl 527 – 17th

360⁰⁰ from Ralph Bloechl 1939 Arizona

Tony Bloechl 528 Minn. begged off.

Agnes and John Spanbauer are married 7 years today. 

Com.  Anna Jungwirth

14.  Tuesday: [Mrs. Anna Hetzel died last night at St. Eliz. Nursing Home Milwaukee at 11.30.  Laid up 4 ½ years.  Husband had died April 6 this year.] To 645 Mass Father Milbauer.  Rain heavy during the night, drizzling this morning temperature 51° at 6³⁰.  Visited the office for the New Cath.  Hi School, turned in my pledges, John Callinan is there.  To Kiwanis Club, more music James Crofts Band entertains.  I did not stay for the program.  To Cemetery Board meeting at the Cemetery office.  Rather lengthy, also election of officers.  Paid last respects to Mrs. John Lang at Poklasny’s.  John tells me, she died peacefully.  Father Milbauer administered the Last Sacrament.  Amalia Fuchs died today at 11.30 at Mercy. 

Com.  Anna Lange (Mrs. John)

15.  Wednesday: No Mass at 6⁴⁵.  Temperature 43° at 6³⁰.  Edward J. Labudde was elected State President of Travelers Protective Association last Saturday at Le Crosse.  Ed is the past president of the Oshkosh T.P.A..  He is with United States Motors, worked part time for us at the South Store for some time as did also his wife Maude.  Charles Shaw, operated the Hoo Hoo Club, was killed early Tuesday 12.46 A.M. when his car overturned on Hi Way 23 -6 miles east of Fond du Lac.  Evidently fell asleep at the wheel.  Paid last respects to Anna Hetzel at Fiss & Bills.  Com Anna Hetzel

16.  Thursday: [Ted Fritsch, former Packer football star speaks for Catholic Hi School at the Rec.  He is now a football coach at Premontre Cath. High in Green Bay.] No Mass at 6⁴⁵.  Temperature 42° at 6³⁰ A.M.  Took Thres for another treatment at O.R. Simpson at 9.15.  She is to come again next Thursday.  Adeline Steinhilber is in for short visit at the South Store with Marge.  I then took her home 1116 Knapp.  She and Bob going on a trip to California soon.  Rosary by Father Schorn at Sitters tonite for Amalia Fuchs.  She died Tuesday 11.30 A.M., short illness.  Born in Germany Feb. 12 – 1873.  Sister to Mrs. Fred Karst, aunt to Melvin Karst (Father Ralph).  Mary Ann Home from Work this afternoon and evening. 

Com.  Amalia Fuchs

17.  Friday: [George Sanderhauf died at Mercy last night 9.12.  Born April 16 – 1882 Milwaukee.  George operated beer coil sterilizing business for 50 years in Oshkosh.] To 6⁴⁵ Mass Father Milbauer.  Temperature 44°.  Amalia Fuchs is laid to rest this morning.  Father Ralph Karst a nephew has the service.  Had a few good showers of rain, drizzle most of the day.  Marge Haverty and her sister in law Lavine drive to Notre Dame to visit.  A tornado hits Silverton Texas, town of 850 population near Amarillo, in the N.W. part of the State, Wednesday night killing 20 and injuring at least 60. 

Com.  Happy Hour Death and Peace

18.  Saturday: [Mrs. Jacob Paulick, died at 6⁵⁰ last evening.  Born March 19 – 1893 –Married May 12-1909 had 8 children – 6 living.  Sister to Adolph –Joe Spanbauer Elsie Damerow.] 6⁴⁵ Mass by Father Milbauer - Ten Sisters are present. Temperature 42° at 6³⁰. More Rain. Had a pleasant surprize this afternoon. Ven. Sister Melora and her dad Louie Mauritz visit with us. Sister has a day to spend with her folks. She’ll be going back to Milwaukee tomorrow. The big kickoff dinner for the Cath. Hi. School Fund Appeal is held at the Park School Gym at 6.15.  About 1000 men present. Bishop Bona and Msgr. Rapella are with us. Pledges up to this evening 135,000 dollars. C.P. (Cerebral Palsy) Telethon begins at 10 oclock tonite.

Com.  Intention Holy Father

19.  Sunday: [Paid last respects to Mrs. Jacob Paulick.  Rosary by Father Bunkleman.  Had a visit with her daughter Sister Danella.]  Father Schorn gives an inspirational sermon about the High School Drive which is on this afternoon. All workers to meet at their respective parishes for the Benediction at 1.15. Joanne Mauritz is with us for dinner and spends the afternoon here. The C.P. Telethon ends at 5 P.M. with 41,528 (total) plus the swimming pool, plus many checks in the mail. At six I took a drive to the Cath. Hi School office. The appeal drive pledges St. Marys 103,000, St. Vincents 90, Sacred Heart 59, St. Joseph 22, St Peters 78, St Johns 45, with 350 already in, total so far 74700.

Com.  Success Cath.  Hi School Fund Appeal

20.  Monday: Father Milbauer says the 6.45 Mass.  Temperature 48° with a bright day coming up.  Norm Brown is with us.

21.  Tuesday: Overslept this morning.  It is rather rough out with rain and high winds.  A savage tornado hit near Kansas City into its subdivisions of Hickman Mills and Ruskin Heights, at least 35 are known dead and 230 injured, at least 500 homes were destroyed.  The Arkansas River overflowing inundated 1/3 Bixby Oklahoma 2300 population about 20 miles south of Tulsa, about 800 homes damaged.  Mercy Hospitals addition dedicated today by Bishop Grellinger.  Mother and I were invited but did not get there, too hard for mother to get around.  To Kiwanis Club, Clarence Westphal presented his 4 H group of speakers.  Hugo Riese took up a collection for the blind.  Ed Fretschl and Ronnie Ostwald are not at work today.  I played cards at Kempster Hall tonight, we entertained a group of State Hospital inmates.  Met Pete Wagner from Fond du Lac.  His father is with Wis. Nat. Life Ins. Co. 

Com.  Mrs. Jacob Paulick

22.  Wednesday: Up on time this morning.  Mass by Father Milbauer.  Weather is warmer, temperature 58° at 6³⁰.  Paid last respects to Harvey Wussow this morning.  Met Mrs. Temperature at 73° this afternoon.  Had a physical exam by Dr. Will Wagner this afternoon.  He tells me, I’m in fine condition.  Makes arrangements for room at Mercy for next Monday P.M. and surgery Tuesday at 8 A.M.  Apostolate dinner 6³⁰ at Columbus Club, meeting, the last of the season followed.  Guest speaker Father Spaulding. 

Com.  Father Adolph Wittman

23.  Thursday: Father Milbauer 6:⁴⁵ Mass Temperature is 48°at 6³⁰ and it is raining. Thres takes another treatment at O.R. Simpsons at 9.30. Kathy Mueller according to an application is interested in taking up nursing at Mercy. I made out a recommendation for her. My DeSoto hits 61000 miles this morning. Mrs. Paul Wertsch entertains the S.S. Business Men's Auxiliary at her home this afternoon. Took mother over at 1⁴⁵. She says about 50 ladies present, with a prospect of at least 6 new members.

Com.  Intention Holy Father

24.  Friday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass.  Father Milbauer.  Turns out to be a very nice day, with a lot of sunshine temperatures up to 72°.  To Serra luncheon, Marge drives my car back to the store.  Our table Ed Binder – Harry Schmitt – Steve Kircher – Al Potter.  Father John Feeney is our guest speaker and a very interesting one.  He narrated on how he came to be a priest.  Attended Hi School –Notre Dame 1 ½ years, then his stretch with Uncle Sam and finally studied for the priesthood.  He is originally from Bishop Bona’s Diocese Grand Island Nebraska. 

Com.  Happy Hour of Death

25.  Saturday: [Front Store Door found unlocked at 10.30 P.M.] Father Schorn has the 6.45 Mass.  Sisters are there also.  Temperature 56° at 6³⁰.  Quite an amount of rain with heavy showers during the day and also into the night. 

Com. for myself

26.  Sunday: To 7³⁰ Hi Mass.  Father Milbauer.  Mary Ann baby sits with Markie during Mass.  Mother and Mary Ann attend shower for Jean Horejs at Sacred Heart Recreation Hall.  They are lucky at Bingo and mother also wins an apron for door prize.  Don and children, myself take a ride to the cottage.  Pat Karst finished the job taking the ladder out on our dock.  This evening we attended the Crowning of the Blessed Mother as Queen of Mary.  Father Schorn had a very appropriate sermon.  Little Debbie is in the

Com.  Carl Radomski

27.  Monday: [Room 206 Mercy] Father Milbauer has the 6.45 Mass.  Temperature 46° at 6.30.  Took Elsie Wagner home from church.  She tells me the Doctor has been working quite hard of late.  Cleaned of my work at the store in preparation to going to the hospital.  Told Agnes to call me if she gets into a jam any time.  Don took me to the hospital at 4⁰⁰ entry at 4³⁰.  Dr. Wagner is in at 5³⁰.  I’m assigned to room 206.  Met Bill Salzieder and his wife, she is in for surgery tumor and gall stones.  She is in 211.  Mother and Mary Ann and spend the evening with me. 

Com.  Successful Operation

1957 05 28-29 adding tape

28.  Tuesday: Am getting ready for operation early this morning.  Operation at 8³⁰.  Back in my room at 12³⁰.  Sister Carola takes care or rather is in charge of floor two.  She comes in and gets acquainted.  Flowers and cards are beginning to come in, rather early I would say.  Flowers from the Sun Shine Club, and the grand children.  Ed Binder and Norma Esser are married this morning at St. Mary’s Church. 

Communion at 645.

29.  Wednesday: Father Worzella brings in holy Communion at 6⁴⁵.  I feel rather chipper and Dr. Wagner says I may get up.  Sister Capistrana is in for a visit.  I learn she could use a tape-recorder.  Thres spends the afternoon with me.  I shaved and am up quite a while.  After getting back to bed, I get the chills about 4³⁰.  Thres says I shook terribly and turned blue.  Fortunately Dr. Wagner was checking patients at the time.  He ordered Oxygen immediately, which eases my condition.  Ollie Kinateder is in tonite.  Flowers from John Wier (T and S)

30.  Thursday: [Sam Hanks wins 500 mile Indianapolis speed race time 3 hours 41 min. 14 sec. average 135.6 miles per hr.  On oxygen a few hours today.] Communion at 645.  Oxygen off at 8 Oclock.  Dr. Koehler is in to take a cardiogram just about the time Miss Chien comes in to give me a bath and change bed.  Cardiogram is new to her.  Rain is quite heavy.  Don and Mary Ann to the cottage find it altogether too wet to cut grass.  Arline brought the kiddies in for short visit this afternoon.  Billy Salzieder finds my room for a visit.  Sister Laurentia is in.  She tells me she is also in for retreat tonite.  Crowning of the May Queen takes place in the chapel and Sister Capistrana brings in some of her little flower girls.

31.  Friday: Communion as usual.  Dr. Schuerman says I have to stay in bed at least three days.  Cardiogram shows Coronary Condition, but am out of danger.  Gave Dr. Wagner quite a scare Wednesday.  Flowers from M.P.D. stockholders.  Harry Kujawa calls up from Berlin at our house.  He and Agnes to Milwaukee tomorrow for Mary’s graduation at Marquette Sunday.  Visitors Grace Sitter –Virginia Abrams – Rose Weisheipl – Annie Weisheipl –Matt Drexler –Father Schorn and of course Mother –Mary Ann – Don.