Written over the winter of '84-'85
From what countries did your family
emigrate? When was this and where did they settle?
From
Germany. Mother’s family came to Illinois and Dad’s to Wisconsin. Dad’s folks
moved to Alvard, Iowa when they got married. Never got back to Wisconsin. Have
so many relatives in Wisconsin.
What were your grandparents’ names?
Michael and
Appollonia Baatz
Nicholas and
Anna Sehr
Do you remember names of family
members before them?
Enders
Schuetz in Wisconsin, Stricts in Illinois, Strubeys in Cananda
What do you know about your
grandparents’ early years? Where did they grow up?
Mother’s lived at Aurea, Illinois. Mother
aways talked about the big fruit that was raised there then they moved to Rock
Valley Iowa. Dad’s folks were from Wisc
when they got married they came out to Larchwood Iowa to farm.
What do you remember about your
grandparents or what stories have you heard about them?
My grandpa
and grandma Sehr’s folks. Both got married on the same day in the same church.
I think they were the first ones married in the new church, the church is still
there as nice as ever. I was there in 1976 in Wisconsin.
Were there other relatives who were
special to you or who played a role in
your upbringing?
Yes, I had
16 aunts and uncles. I was the oldest grandchild on the Baatz side and the
third oldest on the Sehr side. So got a lot of attention cause all lived around
us til I was 6 and we moved to Minnesota.
What are your parent’s names?
Anna (Baatz)
Sehr and Edward Nicholas Sehr
When and where were they born?
Anna-Illinois,
Edward-Alvord, Iowa
What was your mother’s maiden name?
Baatz
What do you remember most about your
mother from your childhood?
Was a very
good mother, very religious. We never missed church or lenton services and was
very hard. Had such old cars I can remember Dad building a cob fire under motor
for couple hours to warm when was cold never had church after nine then. Dad
shoveled so much snow in our long lane so we could go to church. Roads were
mud, had to walk home for mile and half many times if rained while gone.
What do you remember most about your
father?
Was the
leader or boss but never out of way.
Only thing life would have been better if Dad wouldn’t have drank so
much, she bore it so good.
What special traits did you value
most about your mother and father?
Showed us
our way . We always honored them. How hard they had to work never had much but
were always happy. Visited so much with all neighbors and helped each other
out.
What work did your parents do?
Hard working
farmers. Mother worked right with dad.
She was a very good hay stacker with the pitch fork. Milked many cows by hand
til us kids got big enough to take her place. Always raised big garden and lots
of chickens.
What is your birthdate?
September 27,
1921
Where were you born?
At a farm
home at Inwood Iowa. Stopped at the farm yet about 1972, the house was still
lived in.
Was there anything unusual about the
circumstances of your birth?
Not that I
know of.
Were you born in a hospital or at
home?
At home.
What is your full name and how was it
chosen? Does it have a special meaning?
Cecilia
Appollonia Sehr. Cecilia named after Cecilia Baatz, Appollonia named after
Grandma Baatz.
Who in your family do you most look
like?
My mother.
How many brothers and sisters did you
have?( List them in the order they were born and include children who may have
died early in life or at birth)
Cecilia-
September 27, 1921
Mary-Septemebr
20, 1924 (died August 14, 1963 of cancer)
Nicholas
John-May 30, 1926
Joseph-December
23, 1928 (died May of 1929, choked between the bed and the wall)
Helen
Marie-January 1, 1932
Leonard
Emmet-May 14, 1935
JoAnn
Lorraine-May 19, 1938
Where did you fit among them?
I was the
oldest.
To whom did you feel closest?
I would say
Mary
How did you spend your time together?
We played a
lot of cards and games. Also out doors a lot in snow and ice. A lot of time in
grove, had a big plum grove and apple orchard.
Did you ever take trips or vacations
with your family? Where did you go? Tell about a favorite one.
Mostly to
Iowa to aunts and uncles cause all within 50 miles. Never no big trips. Mother
and dad only went on one trip to Canada in the early 40s. They really enjoyed
it with John and Nellie Roman, they had an aunt and uncle up there.
Was another language besides English
spoken in your home? What was it?
Dad and mom
could speak German, not to good. Last years kind of forgot it.
Did your family attend a church or
synagogue? Was religion an important part of your family life?
Yes. We
hardly ever missed mass had bad roads always, always went to all devotions too.
Very good Catholics.
What were the family rules in your
household?
To follow
the straight path.
Did your family have enough money?
Was it ever a concern for you?
No, my
family never had much money, barely
enough to get along but never seemed to mind. Know now last years folks never had much to live on but they
always seemed happy, good to everybody.
What
were one or two of the worst times in your family like?
One time dad
had pneumonia, doctor came out many days. Never remember mothers being sick til
at last when she got a tumor of the brain. She died on the operating table, she
was all full of cancer. Was such shock because never suspected it.
What
were one or two of the best times like?
When
celebrated my folks 25 anniversary in 1945, had a barn dance in our barn.
Uncles and aunts played. Our family get togethers in later years.
When you were little…(2-12 years)
Where did you live? What do you
remember most about you home(s)?
I was born at
Inwood Iowa on a farm, moved to Larchwood and then moved from there to
Minnesota when I was 6.
Describe what it was like where you
grew up. How is that place different now?
It was a
place we all worked for in 1940 we built a new barn. Lot of the lumber in Dad
and I sawed one whole winter nearly every day. Had ½ mile row of big cottonwood
trees then in spring had lumber mill come sawed into lumber had to cure all
summer. Always was going to built house but never money enough.
Did you have any nicknames? What were
they and did you like or dislike them?
Yes I was
called girlie by mom and dad. Later Girt by some. My brother Nicholas was
called Bunny for many years. Rest never got nicknames.
Did you have any pets? Tell about
them.
Yes. We had
a Shetland pony for quite a few years. A few billy goats but didn’t keep long,
into too much trouble.
What did you do for fun? Describe
your favorite toy or game.
Cards and
games played lot in our big grove and orchard had a big plum orchard. Toys
weren’t many them day.
What is your first memory going back
as far as you can?
Remember
when lived at Larchwood about 4 or 5 our house was right by gravel road and I
went to play in sand and nearly got run over. The man of the car took me to the
house.
Were you ever really sick?
No, not
until I had my heart attack November 9, 1984. I still didn’t feel sick I hardly
ever got the flu or colds my whole life.
What do you remember about the
grammar school you attended? How did you
get there?
Was one and
a half miles from home we nearly walked all the time and never missed very many
days. First years had about 30 in
country school only school I ever went to. I liked school.
Did you have any favorite books or
stories?
No but I
read every book our library had cause never had an over lot not like town
schools.
What did you want to be when you grew
up?
I guess
never had set on any one thing for sure. Knew couldn’t go to high school so
went to work doing house work and candled eggs for quite a while in Luverne.
What did your parents want you to do
or be?
They never
said what to do I guess they figured to just take it’s course.
Do you remember how much things cost?
Clothes-Didn’t cost too much but still didn’t
have money for very much.
Food-had nearly all own food from garden
and own meats and milk.
Movies-Never went to movies till moved to
town to work where I candled eggs.
Toys-mostly dolls, wagons and sleds.
Gasoline-can’t remember way back but know when
we got married was 16 cents a gallon.
Stamps-I can remember 1 cent postcards cause
sent quite a few to cousins and 2 cents for letters and we wrote quite a few
then.
When you were growing up (12-20 yrs)
What household chores or jobs did you
have to do?
Had lots of
chores to do; milked cows, slopped hogs, shoveled lots of snow never had
loaders then. Sawed lot of wood by hand for stoves.
Did you get an allowance? How did you
usually spend it?
No we never
got allowance folks would buy us a little candy when went to town. Never
nothing else.
What did you and your family use for
transportation?
Had older
cars. Dad could keep them running not very good heaters in them remember when
years ago went to Iowa in winter. Uncle would wrap us kids up in horse blankets
and pin shut so we wouldn’t get out cold.
How many years of secondary school did you
complete?
Went through
8th grade.
What parts of school did you like
best? What parts did you like least?
Reading I
liked all school even walking. There was
20 of us that walked a mile together all big families.
Did you play any sports in school?
We played
lots of tag, kick the can, a game called cricket and baseball, anti I over
Were you involved in any music or
drama activities? Tell about them.
Just a
Christmas program every year. The teachers put so much into it, all the
families came. School was over packed then such good programs.
Did you receive any awards or prizes
for achievements in athletics, scholarship, etc?
Yes. I got a
few rewards for attendance and reading.
Were you a member of any clubs? What
were they?
Belonged for
a few years in 4-H
What songs and dances were popular?
The big
apple jitter bug and raglan waltz and two steps were a lot of fun.
What kind of clothing did you wear?
How is it different than clothes worn by young people today? Who influenced
your thinking during this time and why?
Was very
simple but was always satisfied, ordered most all out of catalogs. Sears or
Wards, got it by mail.
Who influenced your thinking during
this time and why?
I guess
mother did.
As a teenager, how did you get along
with your parents?
All of kids
got along good, I can’t ever remember much fighting. I don’t think folks
allowed it and we knew who was boss.
At what point did you move away from
home? Why and where did you go?
I think I
was about 16 to 20. I worked in homes. I done chores, also raised big gardens
for them and I got a whole three dollars a week for a couple years and then I
went to Luverne to Candle eggs for about one year when met Chuck. I worked with
his sister Evelyn. Then Evelyn and I went out to Washington for awhile, worked
in restaurant at Spokane. Evelyn’s aunt and uncle were there. Then to
California but left for home cause was and wasn’t letting no travel.
Family traditions and celebrations…
Did you celebrate any special family
or ethnic holidays at your house? Describe them.
Holidays
always had big meals but not much company, just family.
As a child, how did you usually
celebrate your birthday?
Just another
day, I can’t even remember having a cake.
What was the best gift you ever got
when you were young?
A dress set
one Christmas.
What was the best gift you ever gave?
Can’t
remember any, never gave presents only time folks got the Christmas presents,
never got each other any.
Were there any traditional or
favorite recipes that were usually prepared for family gatherings?
Potato
pancakes and the favorite potato balls
Bean soup
Homemade
buns and rolls and mother could bake the best bread. I never could get bread
like hers.
Lots of
potatoes, meat and garden things and fruit.
What religious holidays were
celebrated in you home? Describe the family traditions associated with each,
special foods served, favorite music and readings, etc.
Went to all
holidays and church services. Never missed mass or Lenten service and always
had Lenten service three times a week and missions a couple times a week once a
year. Whole family went mud, snow or whatever-lots of times Dad got up early in
morn to shovel out driveway and road too cause no snow plows came.
What family or holiday traditions
have been the most meaningful to you?
I guess
Christmas was always looked forward to. Always only one present which we
appreciated more than people do now days when we get so much.
Easter
always had lot of colored eggs, can’t remember having candy. We all liked hard
boiled eggs.
We always
put a plate on table for Christmas would get present by plate and orange, few
nuts and little candy. Always went to midnight mass. Always so nice Christmas
trees in church. Seemed like singing so nice for Christmas mass.
When you got married…
How did you meet grandpa/grandma?
I was
working in Luverne candling eggs with Charle’s sister so met grandpa then and grandma,
great folks.
How old were you when you met?
21 or 22
What attracted you to each other?
I guess
being with his family through Evelyn his sister and working in Luverne.
What kinds of things did you like to
do together?
Went to
shows and dances mostly. With lots of neighbors kids at that time.
What do you remember most about the
courtship?
Our days
while I worked in Luverne. Then Evelyn and I went to Washington to work for
awhile til war was getting bad so came home.
When did you decide to get married?
Describe the marriage proposal.
When Charles
was drafted to go to the army in Dec. ’44 asked if I’d accept a ring Christmas
of ’44 and wait for him to get back from army.
What did your parents say when you
told them?
Were happy
except wanted him to become catholic which I did too and he agreed.
When and where was the wedding?
February 13,
1947. St. Joseph in Jasper,MN by Father Diekman
What did you wear?
I wore a
gray two piece suit with bell arms. Mary wore a blue suit. Chuck and Doc wore
navy pin stripe suits.
What do you remember most about your
wedding day?
A nice warm
day water puddles all over. Ate breakfast in café in Jasper.
Who was there (in general)?
Johnnie
Baatz, Vanden Busskes they cooked the dinner. And our folks’ sisters and
brothers. Dinner at folks home.
Did you go on a honeymoon? Tell about
it.
Went to
Sioux Falls first night and second night to Rock Rapids went to show. Was a
blizzard day after when came home. Barely got through the road.
What was your adjustment to married
life like? Were there any surprises?
Was happy to
be married and could be a housewife. Got furniture little by little ordered
refrigerator from Wards and stove. Have refrigerator yet in our basement in
1985.
Where did you live after you first
got married?
At Chuck’s
folks til we got a little house built there. After Chuck’s dad died we moved in
with his mother til she died. Then with Doc til bought our place in 1963.
What stands out in your memory about
your first year of marriage?
Building our
little house and Chuck working too, took all summer just about.
Tell a favorite story or two about
grandpa/grandpa.
Went on our
first vacation in 1952 fishing for 3 days. Evelyn and Clarence too, took
Rosemary with us cause was nursing her. Had to come home cause Clarence’s
cousin’s boy drowned in a tank. Next vacation in 1984 we went to Canada with
Arnold and Helen seen lots of relatives from dad’s side. Was an aunt of my dads
by name of Strubie now has 460 descendants and nearly all stayed around
Lanagan. Helen, I and three of my aunts were up there in ’77 and in ’76 we went
to Wisconsin to see realtives.
Have you been married more than once?
When and to whom?
No don’t
ever want to.
How times were different then…
Done without
much but enjoyed it, didn’t mind at all.
Entertainment-Went to each other’s homes to play
cards and for birthdays with cousins.
Toys-Simple and not so much.
Chores or cleaning-Had chickens for few years always
cleaning with kids.
Shopping-Done lots by catalog. Not to much
groceries always had garden, own meat, eggs and milk. After moved here got milk
from neighbors.
Transportation-First had our two door Chevy, then a
white Ford then from about ’55 had station wagons. Still have a wagon, Dad
doesn’t like those little cars.
Money/economy-Always just had enough. Economy now
is terrible especially when I have a $12,000 hospital doctor bill. But will make it as always.
Didn’t have no insurance, always did but just dropped then.
Working-At first harder washing etc. had to
carry water, heat iron so many girls dresses before slacks came into style. Now
everything more automatic.
Cooking-Always took lot of cooking besides
our family for few years, Grandma Swenson and Doc too but Grandma was a lot of
help.
Raising a family-Lot of work but kept everybody out of
trouble wish was able to do over. Would maybe do a few things different, take
more time with family before all gone.
What do we have now that you didn’t
have then?
Automatic
washers
Food more
ready to serve
Clothes of
better material, no ironing
Better
heaters, not coal burners and wood which took lot of work.
What did you have then that we don’t
have now?
Big gardens
Chicken flocks
Butchering own meats
Clothes racks to dry clothes in winter
Big Events in your life…
What was your proudest moment?
I guess to
have a family of eleven
Saddest or most painful time?
When our
folks were sick and passed away.
Where have you lived as an adult?
Where have you most enjoyed living and why?
We always
lived on farms. I really enjoyed living on our farm since “64 when ti is your
own means so much more.
What was the biggest trip you have
ever taken as an adult? Where, when and with whom?
To Canada
with Helen and Arnie. Was a very nice trip.
Did you ever serve in the military or
become involved in wartime service? When and where?
Charles was
in Japan from Aug ’45 til Oct ‘46
What schools did you go to?
I went to
district 31 Springwater township til 8th grade.
What kinds of courses did you take?
Reading,
writing and arithmetic. I liked them all.
What honors or educational degrees
have you earned?
8th
grade. Never had a chance to go to high school, buses didn’t come around then.
Apart from school, what have been
your most important learning experiences?
When worked
in Luverne candling eggs and as waitress when out in Washington, rest just by
doing.
To what organizations have you
belonged? (List only those that have been most important to you)
Circle in
church, home extension since 1950 still belong to it, always neighbors.
Have you ever been hospitalized? What
for?
For birth of
all kids and then my bad heart attack November 9, 1984.
Are there any illnesses or medical
conditions that seem to run in your family?
Yes, heart.
Uncle Willie and Albert Baatz died quite young. Aunt Cecelia and am sure Joe
Baatz did too cause backed into barn roof and broke his neck.
What was your first fulltime job? How
much did you earn and what responsibilities did you have?
I did
housework, milked cows, raised chickens and hauled manure for a whole summer
for $3 a week. Thought that was a lot then
What kinds of work have you done?
For pay-Housework, candling eggs, waitress
Volunteer-church work
What have been your favorite hobbies
or pastimes?
Gardening,
flowers, making quilts, reading.
Do you have any collections (e.g.
stamps, coins, rocks)?
No.
Are there any family heirlooms that
have been passed from one generation to another?
A clock from
my folks wedding, a gift from mother’s folks.
Have you ever met anyone famous?
No.
What major inventions have been
developed in your lifetime?
Many
rockets, men on the moon and nice cars.
What scientific or medical discovery
in your lifetime has impressed you most?
Vaccinations
for polio which was very bad in late ‘40s and early ‘50s. Now if only could
find something for cancer.
Have you been actively involved in
politics, either as a candidate or campaign supporter?
No nearly always
so discussed with who they run. I think if John Kennedy wouldn’t have been
killed would have been so much better world all around.
As you look back do you have any
favorite years? What made them so special?
I think they
were all favorite, always knowing you accomplished more.
Is there a time in your life you
would like to live over?
Yes. I would
love to live it all over again.
Your views and feelings…
What are some of the best books you
have ever read?
In raising
the kids I guess I never got into reading books at all. Did like magazines and
papers about all time was for reading.
What is one of your favorite sayings?
A stitch in
time saves nine
Early to
bed, early to rise makes a man healthy and wise.
What do you think is special or
unique about our family?
I guess like
all families, like to get together.
What do you value in a friend?
Time spent
together and in times of need.
Who are or were your closest friends?
How long have you known them and what makes them so special?
Walter and
Jean Baustian, Joann Baatz, Randall and Lucille Erdman, Kenny and Elaine
Stroh-all good neighbors.
In times of trouble who or what has
helped you pull through?
No one can
more than Charles, he can handle trouble so much better that I can.
What issues or causes have you felt
strongly about?
When they
started social security for older folks was a blessing for my folks, Charles’
folks never received it. Hope is some left so we can receive it.
What values or religious beliefs do
you hold dear?
My catholic
upbringing. Wish I could have had more influence on my children for the faith.
What major happenings in the world
have affected you life most?
The low farm
prices for last few years. Were so good during 60s-70s but guess had to come to
an end.
What are your feelings about the
world today? What concerns you the most?
The starving
people when we have so much, can’t find a market for it.
What are your views of our political
system?
A very upset
one at this time so far in debt and so war minded and don’t worry about our
people much at all.
What’s your best advice for your
grandchildren?
Always do
the best you can.
What are your hopes and dreams for
the future?
That there
should be peace and no starving like is now and that small farms could be
always which have doubts can be.
About your children…
What are your children’s names and
when were they born?
Barbara Ann
11/7/47
Patricia
Rose 11/22/48
Monica
Kathryn 8/27/50
Rose Mary
3/15/52
Virginia Mae
3/15/54
Michael
Charles 12/27/55
Charlotte
Marie 6/19/57
Anita Marie
3/12/59
Curtis
Edward 1/6/61
Joseph John
7/25/62
Vincent Paul
12/1/64
How did you choose their names? Have any
of them been passed down through the family?
Always had
quite a time, often older ones helped pick them out. I liked all the names.
What are some of your favorite
recollections of your family life when your children were young?
Living at
Charles’s family home with his mother for quite a few years. She was so good to
kids and had a creek on farm where much time was spent when got company.
Going to
family gatherings which were many and large at parks and homes.
Going to
grandpa and grandma Sehr’s nearly every Sunday.
How were your children different from
each other when they were little?
I don’t
think they were much different. They were never too bad or maybe we overlooked
it as a regular occurance.
In what ways did you raise your
children like your parents raised you?
Tried not to
spoil them but I guess you do in some ways.
In what ways did you raise them
differently?
They had
more things than we had, got to go to more things than we did but not as much
as other kids did.
What parts of being a parent have
been most difficult or trying for you?
I guess
raising the kids the way you want to.
What parts were easiest or most
rewarding?
When getting
them all on their own way.
How did you find out that you’d
become a grandparent for the first time? How did you feel?
I guess they
told me was glad to have grandchildren they are such a joy.
By what names have you been called by
your grandchildren?
Grandma,
Grannie
What have you liked most about being
a grandparent?
Having the
grandchildren to take care of cause always give back to the folks.
What are your wishes for your
grandchildren?
That they
have a happy and prosperous life
