When Lousa “Louise” Melosso was born on June 13, 1899, in Frisanco, Pordenone, Italy, her father, Andrea, was 43, and her mother, Maddalena, was 36. She married Anibale (Annibale) Bravin on May 21, 1921 in Italy. They had three children during their marriage. She died on August 17, 1990, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, at the age of 91, and was buried there.
Here is a time line of Lousa’s life:
Birth: Lousa was born on June 13, 1899, in Frisanco, Pordenone, Italy, to Maddalena “Lena” Toffolo Culau, age 36, and Andrea (Andrew) Melosso, age 43.
Age 3: Her brother Angelo Selemino died on December 31, 1902, in Frisanco, Pordenone, Italy, when Lousa “Louise” “Luigia” was 3 years old.
Age 5: Her sister Albino was born on July 30, 1904, in Udine, Udine, Italy, when Lousa “Louise” “Luigia” was 5 years old.
Age 21: Lousa married Anibale (Annibale) (Pete) Bravin on May 21, 1921, when she was 21 years old. They were married in Italy.
Age 22: Her son John Andrew or Giovanni Andrea Battista was born on March 1, 1922, in Meduno, Pordenone, Italy.
Age 23: Lousa immigrated to the US on 29 Aug 1922 on the Europa. I believe she was processed at Ellis Island. She had started the voyage in Genoa, Italy on 22 Aug 1922.
Age 26: Her son Louis Edward “Lou” was born on August 25, 1925, in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Age 27: Her daughter Madeline Mary Rose or Maddalena Maria was born on December 20, 1926, in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Age 34: Her father Andrea (Andrew) passed away on March 31, 1934, in Meduno, Pordenone, Italy, at the age of 78.
Age 62: Her sister Angela died in 1961 when Lousa “Louise” “Luigia” was 62 years old.
Age 70: Her husband Anibale (Annibale) (Pete) passed away on December 14, 1969, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, at the age of 78. They had been married 48 years.
Age 77: Her sister Tecla died on November 1, 1976, in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
What was Frisanco, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy like when Lousa Louise was born?
The following information was generated by AI.
In 1899, Frisanco was a small village located in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Dolomite Mountains, Frisanco was a close-knit community with a rich cultural heritage. Let’s explore what life was like in Frisanco during this time.
Daily Life:In 1899, the people of Frisanco lived a simple yet fulfilling life. The village was primarily agrarian, with most residents engaged in farming and animal husbandry. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the cultivation of crops such as wheat, corn, and barley. Families worked together to tend their fields and care for their livestock, ensuring a sustainable livelihood.
Cultural Traditions:Frisanco was known for its vibrant cultural traditions. The people took great pride in their heritage, preserving and celebrating their unique customs. Festivals and religious processions were an integral part of village life, bringing the community together in joyous celebration. Traditional dances, music, and local cuisine were cherished, reflecting the rich tapestry of Friulian culture.
Community Spirit:The people of Frisanco valued strong community bonds. Neighbors supported one another, sharing resources and lending a helping hand when needed. Social gatherings, such as weddings and baptisms, were cherished occasions for the entire village to come together and celebrate. The local church played a central role in community life, serving as a place of worship, social gathering, and a source of guidance and support.
Benjamin Ream was born in September 1855, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. He was the son of John Ream, born circa 1816 , and Sarah Maria Ream (born Reichert), who was born in 1823.
Benjamin was my great grandfather. His son, Grover Cleveland Ream, was my maternal grandfather.
He married Hattie R. Ream (born Fike), who was born on July 25, 186 , in Indiana. They were married in 1881 and had nine children: Rebecca, Winfield, Grover, Lucy, John, Harriet, William, Josephine and Frederic.
Benjamin’s occupation was a carpenter. Throughout his life, he lived in various places including South Manheim Township, Schuylkill, Pennsylvania, and Ann Arbor city Ward 7, Washtenaw, Michigan. By 1920, he had moved to Metzger, Washington, Oregon.
Benjamin Ream’s birth in the mid-19th century came at a time when America was rapidly changing. Born into an era of industrialization and just before the Civil War, his Pennsylvania roots placed him in a state that was a hotbed of political and economic activity.
Marrying Hattie R. Ream on May 28, 1881, Benjamin started his own family during a period of reconstruction and national healing following the Civil War. Their children’s names, including my maternal Grandfather named Grover Cleveland, suggested a connection to the broader political landscape, as Cleveland was elected President of the United States twice during this era.
As a carpenter, Benjamin Ream belonged to a vital profession that supported the nation’s growth and expansion westward. His movement from Pennsylvania to Michigan and eventually Oregon followed a pattern of migration as Americans sought new opportunities in different parts of the country. This period saw significant urbanization and the development of infrastructure, which would have provided ample employment for skilled tradesmen.
Passing away in 1928, Benjamin Ream lived through some of the most transformative years in American history, including the end of the frontier, the Gilded Age, World War I, and the beginning of the modern era.
His death in Metzger, Oregon, marked the end of a life that spanned both coasts and reflected the dynamic changes of the United States during his lifetime. He is buried in Ann Arbor, MI. where he shares a grave with his wife Harriet.
Francesco ‘Frank’ Bivona was born into an era when Argentina was a prime destination for European immigrants, particularly from Italy. His parents were part of a massive wave of Italian immigration that began in the late 19th century and continued through the early 20th century, driven by economic hardship in Italy and the promise of opportunity in the Americas. Mendoza, where Frank was born, had become a hub for agricultural development, attracting many immigrants to its burgeoning wine industry.
As Frank reached adulthood, the world was undergoing significant turmoil. The Great Depression (1929-1933) severely impacted economies worldwide, including the United States, where Frank would later settle. This period saw widespread unemployment and poverty. Additionally, the lead-up to World War II was marked by political instability and the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe. Despite these challenges, New York remained a melting pot of cultures and a land of potential for immigrant families like the Bivonas.
The Brooklyn neighborhood where Frank’s family lived was emblematic of the diverse ethnic enclaves that characterized New York City at the time. Assembly districts such as the ones mentioned were often home to close-knit communities of immigrants who maintained cultural traditions while assimilating into American life. By the 1940s, the United States was experiencing economic growth due to wartime production, which provided employment opportunities for many residents, including those in immigrant communities.
When Frank passed away in 1969, it was a time of great social change in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement had made significant strides towards equality, and the Vietnam War was at its height, leading to widespread protest and societal division. It was also the year of the Apollo 11 moon landing, symbolizing technological progress and optimism for the future. Frank’s lifetime spanned some of the most transformative periods of the 20th century.
Last Name Origins
The surname Bivona is of Italian origin, derived from a place name. It likely traces back to the town of Bivona in the province of Agrigento on the island of Sicily, Italy. Surnames based on geographic locations were commonly adopted in Italy during the Middle Ages when individuals moved from their birthplace and took the name of their hometown as a means of identification. The name Bivona would have been used to signify someone who was from that particular town.
Samuel Tilden Barnes was born into a post-Civil War America, during an era known as Reconstruction which ended in 1877. His birthplace, Bishopville, Sumter County, South Carolina, was part of the Southern United States that grappled with economic devastation and social upheaval following the war. The year of his birth also marked the end of federal intervention in Southern politics and the beginning of the ‘New South’ period, characterized by attempts to modernize the economy while maintaining traditional social structures.
Barnes’s family life unfolded against a backdrop of significant agrarian change. His father, Simeon Scarborough Barnes, would have witnessed the transformation from slave-based plantations to sharecropping and tenant farming systems. This period saw many African Americans and poor whites striving for self-sufficiency amidst challenging economic conditions and the rise of Jim Crow laws enforcing racial segregation.
By the time Samuel Tilden Barnes married Mittie Campbell in Holmes, Florida, on February 23, 1904, the United States had entered the Progressive Era, a time of widespread social activism and political reform addressing issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption. Their marriage location suggests possible participation in the south-to-south migration patterns where individuals moved within southern states seeking better opportunities.
Samuel Tilden Barnes was born on February 6, 1877, in Bishopville, Sumter, South Carolina, United States. He was the son of Simeon Scarborough Barnes and Margaret Barnes (born Kelley). His father was born on November 20, 1852, although other records suggest a birth year circa 1851 or December 1851. His mother’s birth is recorded as February 18, 1856, with some sources indicating circa 1856 or December 1857. Samuel had seven siblings: Wilson Scarborough, Reese Algiers, Harriett Salina, Maggie Viola, Christiana, Magnolia, and Sarah Ethel.
Samuel Tilden Barnes married Mittie Barnes (born Campbell) on February 23, 1904, in Holmes, Florida, United States. Mittie was born on June 6, 1882, in Georgia. Together they had one son, Eugene Ludlow Barnes, who was born on August 5, 1906. However, there are conflicting records suggesting another marriage to Mary Letha Galloway, born on November 20, 1879, with whom he reportedly had a daughter named Aletha, born on January 12, 1902.
The early years of Samuel and Mittie’s son, Eugene Ludlow Barnes, were marked by the burgeoning Progressive Movement, aiming to improve living conditions and reduce the gap between rich and poor. However, they also faced the realities of the pervasive Jim Crow laws and the increasing entrenchment of white supremacy in the South, which would have shaped their daily lives and societal interactions.
Samuel Tilden Barnes passed away at the young age of 32 in Columbia, Marion, Mississippi. His death came just one year after the Panic of 1907, a financial crisis that affected many American families and businesses. He was laid to rest in a nation on the cusp of great changes, with the advent of World War I only five years away, which would dramatically alter the United States’ role on the world stage and its internal dynamics.
Henrietta S Hess was born on January 31, 1894, in Illinois, United States. She was the daughter of Henry Joseph Spruhan, who was born on March 3, 1857, in Crawfordsville, Montgomery, Indiana, United States, and Caroline Spruhan (born Baur), whose birth took place on October 12, 1863, in Washington, Clark, Indiana, USA. Henrietta had three siblings: Mary, Garret Denny, and Josephine.
On June 25, 1921, in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA, Henrietta married George Kellogg Hess, Sr., who was born on September 6, 1891, in Benton Harbor, Berrien, Michigan, United States. Together they had two sons: George Kellogg Jr. and Robert Lawrence.
Throughout her life, Henrietta lived in various places. In 1910, she resided in Hoboken Ward 2, Hudson, New Jersey, USA. By 1930, she had moved to Chicago (Districts 1251-1500), Cook, Illinois, USA . From at least 1935 until 1940, she lived in Benton Township, Berrien, Michigan.
Henrietta passed away on September 20, 1984, at the age of 90 in Saint Cloud, Osceola, Florida, United States. She was buried in Osceola Memory Gardens, Kissimmee, Florida, United States.
Historical Context
Henrietta S Hess was born into the dawn of the Progressive Era, on January 31, 1894, in Illinois—a time when the United States was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. Her parents, Henry Joseph Spruhan and Caroline Baur, were part of a society that was experiencing significant social and economic changes. The late 19th century had seen a surge in immigration, and cities like Chicago, where Henrietta would later marry, were bustling with diverse communities and booming industries.
When Henrietta married George Kellogg Hess, Sr., on June 25, 1921, the nation was at the height of the Roaring Twenties. This period was marked by a post-World War I economic boom, cultural flourishing with jazz music and flappers, and significant technological advances. Their marriage coincided with an era of optimism and prosperity before the onset of the Great Depression at the end of the decade.
Henrietta’s various residences reflect the mobility of many Americans during her lifetime. In 1910, she lived in Hoboken, New Jersey, which was part of the greater New York City area—a primary destination for immigrants and migrants alike. By 1930, she had moved to Chicago, aligning with the timeline of the Great Migration, where millions of African Americans relocated from the rural South to northern cities in search of better opportunities. Later, settling in Benton Township, Michigan, she witnessed the state’s automotive industry become a cornerstone of American manufacturing.
Henrietta passed away on September 20, 1984, in Saint Cloud, Florida, having lived through two World Wars, the civil rights movement, and the space age. Her life spanned a period of profound transformation in American society, including women’s suffrage, the rise and fall of Jim Crow laws, and the technological revolution. She was laid to rest in Osceola Memory Gardens, Kissimmee, Florida, as the nation continued to grapple with its evolving identity.
Last Name Origins
The surname Spruhan is not a common name, and its origins are somewhat obscure. It appears to be of Irish origin, possibly derived from an Anglicized form of a Gaelic name. However, without specific genealogical or historical evidence linking the name to a particular region in Ireland or to a Gaelic root, it’s challenging to provide a definitive origin for the surname Spruhan. Further research into Irish records and family histories might shed more light on the etymology and geographical distribution of this uncommon surname.
The last name Hess is of German origin and is a regional name for someone who came from the region of Hesse in Germany. The name Hesse itself comes from the tribal name of the Hessi. In medieval times, people were often identified by their place of origin, so surnames like Hess would have been used to distinguish individuals who had moved away from their original home territory. Over time, these locational names became hereditary, passing from one generation to the next. The spelling variations of Hess include Hesse, Hessen, and others, reflecting the dialectal differences within the German language.
These are links to other blogs that I have created about my paternal grandmother.
Norbert D. Wiesner was born on October 5, 1920, in Wisconsin, United States. He was the son of Jacob Johann Wiesner, who was born on December 20, 1878, in West Bend, Washington, Wisconsin, United States , and Emma Wilhelmina Caroline Wiesner (born Bork), who was born in 1880 in Germany . Norbert had six siblings: Ellemeda Johannah, Clarence, Florence, Anita, Adaline, and Milton William [1].
He married Joyce Lucille Wiesner (born Shaw) who was born on June 25, 1922, in Ohio, United States .
Throughout his life, Norbert resided in various places within Wisconsin. In 1930, he lived in Nasewaupee, Door, Wisconsin. By 1935, he was living in the same house as recorded earlier. In 1940, he continued to reside in Nasewaupee Town, Door, Wisconsin. Records from May 3, 1950, indicate that he lived in Sturgeon Bay, Door, Wisconsin, United States. Later in life, he lived in Saukville, Wisconsin 53080, USA
Norbert D. Wiesner passed away on April 1, 1999, at the age of 78, in Saukville, Ozaukee, Wisconsin, United States.
Historical Context
Norbert D. Wiesner was born into the interwar period on October 5, 1920, in Wisconsin, a time when America had just come out of World War I and was about to enter the Roaring Twenties, an era characterized by economic prosperity and cultural change. His father, Jacob Johann Wiesner, was a native Wisconsinite with roots dating back to the late 19th century, while his mother, Emma Wilhelmina Caroline (born Bork), brought her heritage from Germany, reflecting the diverse immigrant fabric of the United States at that time.
Marrying Joyce Lucille Shaw during the thick of World War II, Norbert’s personal milestones were set against a backdrop of global conflict and national mobilization. Their son Eugene Norbert was born in 1944, as the Allies were making significant advances in Europe and the Pacific, leading towards the end of the war.
Throughout his life, Norbert’s residences reflected the typical Midwestern American experience. The Great Depression of the 1930s would have been a formative part of his early years, influencing community life in places like Nasewaupee and Sturgeon Bay. By 1950, post-war optimism fueled economic growth and suburban development, which may have contributed to his move to Saukville, where he eventually passed away.
Norbert D. Wiesner died on April 1, 1999, in Saukville, Ozaukee, Wisconsin. His lifetime spanned monumental changes including the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the dawn of the Information Age, all of which shaped the world he lived in.
Last Name Origins
The surname Wiesner is of German and Ashkenazic origin. It is a topographic name for someone who lived by a meadow or a patch of open land, derived from the Middle High German ‘wÄ«se’ meaning ‘meadow’, ‘pasture’. In some cases, it may also be an occupational name for a person involved in the maintenance of a meadow or pasture. The suffix ‘-ner’ indicates ‘inhabitant of’ or ‘one associated with’, thus making Wiesner mean ‘inhabitant of a meadow’ or ‘person associated with a meadow’. This surname was likely given to individuals or families based on their residence near such geographical features.
This AI BiographyTM was created by MyHeritage using AI and includes data from MyHeritage and content generated by OpenAI.
I hope you enjoy these photos from some of our wonderful Christmas celebrations from the past. The photos included were from a quick search…I know there are so many more.
One of the gifts that our family has continued to pass down through the generations is a love of reading and storytelling. I have compiled a precious photo collection in this blog. I selected photos that focus on books and reading with the hopes that they will help demonstrate how reading is often a way that knowledge is passed from one generation to the next. Parents reading to children and families reading together are powerful reminders of the quality level of joy that we get when we read together. When I look at these photos, I also experience a bond that I feel spanning the decades. As always, I hope that my blogs help open up our memories and generate our anecdotes and stories about these captured moments. I hope this blog provides a snapshot of my beloved family members at various stages of life, sharing a common activity that bonds them.
I think we all could agree that I adore taking nostalgic visits through the old family photos. To be honest, I also ADORE food and have so many cherished memories of family gatherings for meals. Dinners at our kitchen tables, at the Elks Club, at Howard Johnson’s, Bill Knapps, The University of Michigan Union, and hundreds of other venues. Also, picnics at the park and visits to ice cream parlors. And, let’s not forget the many birthday cakes that have delighted us.
I have many family members that are gifted cooks/chefs/bakers. Personally, I lack skills in this area. In fact, my father who would never say a bad thing about me answered a question I posed to him in the most clever way. I asked him to tell me if I was a good cook. I was goading him. But…like usual he came up with a PERFECT answer that still has me smiling. He looked at me lovingly and said, “Well, I don’t think you would be known for your cooking.” (My Dad was amazing!)
I decided that it would be fun to write this post using photos of some of the meals, kitchens, or tables that were photo documented by my family. My secret hope is that these photos, put together as a collection, will serve as a storytelling tool and enable my family members to share anecdotes and narratives about the family history of dining together.
There are not many photos that show our food…just us eating. I so wish that I had a photo of Grandma Pet’s niffles and her french fries. I would love a photo of Madalyn’s shrimp bowls and Aunt Babe’s pan fried fish dinners. Still, this collection should be fun.
To all the good cooks in my family (past and present) I thank you. Enjoy
Photo 1 -my estimated date is 1917
Photo 2 – my estimated date is 1953
Photo 3 – March 18, 1954
Photo 4 – February 11, 1955
Photo 5- March 18, 1955
Photo 6 – I estimated the date to be 1959
Photo 7 – I believe this is from 18 March 1960
Photo 8 – photo from 27 Nov 1958
Photo 9 – this photo is from 27 Nov 1960
Photo 10 – this photo is from 11 Feb 1962
Photo 11 – This photo is from 18 Mar 1962.
Photo 12 – I am estimating this photo was taken in 1963
Photo 13 – I estimate this photo is from 27 Nov 1963
Photo 14 – I estimate that this photo date is 1964.
Photo 15 – I estimate this photo date is 1964.
Photo 16 – I estimate this photo date is 1965
Photo 17 – This photo is from 15 Oct 1964.
Photo 18 – This photo is from 15 Oct 1964.
Photo 19 – I estimated that this photo is from November 1965.
Photo 20 – I estimated the date for the photo to be 1965.
Photo 21 – I estimated this photo date to be summer of 1966.
Photo 22 – I estimate this photo to be from 1966.
Photo 23 – I estimate this photo to be from Spring 1966.
Photo 24 – I estimate this photo date to be 1968
Photo 25 – This photo is from Oct. 1964.
Photo 26 – I estimate this photo was taken in 1969.
Photo 27 – This photo was from 1970
Photo 28 – This photo is from 1970.
Photo 29 – I estimate this photo to be from October 1972.
Photo 30 – This photo is from the summer of 1972.
Photo 31 – I estimate this photo to be from 1974.
Photo 32 – I estimate this photo is from 1975
Photo 33 – I estimate this photo to be from Christmas 1975.
Photo 34 – This photo is from 13 Aug 1977.
Photo 35 – I estimated the photo date to be 1979.
Photo 36 – I estimate the photo date is 1979
Photo 37 – This photo is from 1980.
Photo 38 – This photo is from Sept. 1982.
Photo 39 – This photo is estimated to be from 1982.
Photo 40 – photo date is estimated to be 1982
Photo 41 – I estimate this photo is from 1982.
Photo 42 – I estimate this photo is from 3 Jul 1989.
Photo 43 – I am estimating that this photo is from February 1983
Photo 44 – My date estimated is 1985.
Photo 45 – 3 Dec 1986
Photo 46 – Easter breakfast c1987
Photo 47 – My photo estimate is April 1987.
Photo 48 – December 1989
Photo 49 -This photo is from 1989.
Photo 50 – I estimate this is from 1989.
Photo 51 – Photo date estimated is 1991
Photo 52 – 1992
Photo 53 – December 1992
Photo 54- 1992
Photo 55 – April 1993
Photo 56 – 8 Jan 1994
Photo 57 – I believe this photo was from 1998.
Photo 58 – 10 May 2000
Photo 59 – estimated to be from 2001
Photo 60 – photo estimated to be 2007
Photo 61 – photo estimate 2008
Photo 62- photo estimated 2008
Photo 63 – photo estimated as 2008 or 2009
Photo 65 – photo estimated as 2008 or 2009
Photo 66 – photo estimated to be 2015
Photo 67 – photo date is estimated to be 2016
Photo 68 – estimated to be from 2016
Photo 69 – photo estimated to be from 2019
Photo 70 – photo from 2022 – dinner for one at 2502 Pittsfield Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI
I had an idea that it would be fun to write about our family cars through the ages. My hope for this blog is that it will give us a minute to reminisce about the cars owned by our families in the past. It is fun for me to notice all of the aesthetic changes in car designs. The craftsmanship of these bygone designs is fascinating and offers such a window into the past. I think there may also be personal anecdotes or family stories related to some/all of these cars. This little blog is just an opportunity to capture some fun moments that were photographed many years ago.
I do not know what the make/model is for most of these great cars. I have done my best to guess …please let me know if I need to make additions or corrections. Each photo is numbered to make it easier for you to comment. The photos are not all in chronological order.
My hat is off to the Schmiling/ Wiesner family who clearly took many photos with the family car included. I will try to take a few more photos of my Jeep – smile!
Photo 1 – photo date estimated to be 1927
Photo 2 – photo date estimated to be 1933.
Photo 3 – photo date estimated to be 1933.
Photo 4 – photo date estimated to be 1943.
Photo 5 – photo date estimated to be 1942.
Photo 6 – Photo is dated 1937.
Photo 7 – Photo is dated October 1944.
Photo 8 – photo date estimated to be 1947.
Photo 9 – photo date estimated to be 1946.
Photo 10 – photo date estimated to be 1949/50.
Photo 11 – photo date estimated to be 1960.
Photo 12 – photo date estimated to be 1961.
Photo 13 – photo is dated December 1955.
Photo 14 – photo date is estimated to be 1946.
Photo 15 – photo date is estimated to be 1948.
Photo 16 – photo from 1959.
Photo 17 – photo from 1961.
Photo 1- photo date is estimated to be 1961.
Photo 19 – photo date is estimated to be 1965.
Photo 20 – photo date is estimated to be 1966.
Photo 21 – photo date is 18 June 1966.
Photo 22 – Thanksgiving 1967
Photo 23- Photo date is estimated to be 1968
Photo 24 – Photo is estimated to be from 1968.
Photo 25 – This photo is estimated to be from 1970
Photo 26- This photo is from April 1972
Photo 27 – This photo is estimated to be from 1976
Photo 28 – This photo is estimated to be from 1978
Photo 29 – This photo is estimated to be from 1978
Photo 30 – This photo is estimated to be from 1979
Photo 31- This photo is from July 1981
Photo 32 – This photo is from 1981
Photo 33 – This photo is estimated to be from 1982
Photo 34 – This photo is from 1984
Photo 35 – This photo is estimated to be from 1987.
Photo 36 – This photo is estimated to be from 1990.
Photo 37 – This photo was from 1992.
Photo 38 – This photo is from 1995
Photo 39 – This photo was from 2003
Photo 40 – This photo is estimated to be from 1998
Photo 41 – This photo is estimated to be from 1999
Photo 42 & Photo 43 – These photos are estimated to be from 2006
Photo 44 – This photo is estimated to be from 2009