Happily Ever After ...100 Years Ago

Fred & Beulah 1911

I haven't done a Quondam Tuesday for a while. This was meant to be posted on June 28th of this year, but I missed the date.  So, fitting to post today.  This photo was actually taken in August of 1911...
one hundred years ago.
It is the wedding photograph of my Great Grandmother (maternal) Beulah Viola Ball Rahlmann and my Great Grandfather Frederick C Ralhmann.
Apparently, "the photograph", and I say photograph, as far from it that hundreds were taken as they are today, anyway, you were lucky if you got ONE professional photograph. They usually took the photograph on a different day as the wedding, as it was a big deal and you went to the photography studio for it.

My Great Grandparents, married on June 28th 1911.

(how cool is this that I actually have an original invitation and an equally old frame that it has rested in all these years.) I don't know how this became a possession of mine, I just know I have had it for many years.  I actually used it as the basis of my own invitation...simple and timelessly eloquent.
They were married in this home:

the home Rahlmann's married in~ taken in1910

This is a photograph of what they called, "the gang".  The many close friends between them that gathered prior to the wedding.

Beulah is center white dress, with Fred above her right shoulder

I believe they were truly in love. I hold a beautiful love letter Beulah wrote Fred while they were engaged.  It is very dear.  I love the language they used, so proper yet endearing.

love letter dated 8.16.10

They seemed to have a rather Blessed life together. Each coming from prominent families. Fred holding a well educated position, and Beulah raising four daughters as well.
I have inherited so many photographs, yet I know that there are so many more throughout our family.  I am no longer in touch with cousins through that vein of my family tree, however, my Mom is.  She has been close to her cousin, and always was with her Aunts as well. I remember them all from trips out to Texas as a child, but, once I grew up, sort of lost touch once Grannie (Beulah) passed.  It's a shame.  Perhaps we should share these treasures we each hold.  How interesting it would be to see what they have as well.
 
One last photo for you, my Grands as they celebrated their 50th Anniversary, on June 28th, 1961.

Fred & Beulah 1961

Unfortunately, Fred passed not long after that.  In 1963 I believe, I was not quite a year old.  I did not get to met him, although I remember fondly my Great Grandmother who lived well up to 102 years of age. She is a sweet part of my memory of Texas visits.  She even "tried" to teach me how to play the piano.  I hold a passion for Fiestaware because of her.  I proudly cherish three of her pieces, displayed along side my own.

Interestingly Fred attended Valparaiso College here in Indiana, in early 1900.  How ironic that some 50 years later his Granddaughter would fall for a Sailor and settle her in Indiana.   I am very proud to have a Grandfather that had a college degree from 1908.

100 years ago...

How interesting and different their lives were from ours today.

Quondam Tuesday Bruno

Let me introduce you to one of the Best Dogs that Ever Lived!

BRUNO

1999-2005

We got Bruno, formally known as Chumsky, at the Indianapolis Humane's  Society in 1999. We went in search of a companion for our dear Lucy, whom was elderly and needing some extra TLC. 
Bruno came to live with us, and became Lucy's constant companion. When Lucy lost her sight, Bruno guided her along, giving her the best final days of her life.

 When Bruno came to live with us, he was a BIG PUPPY. This was him the first day. At the Humane's Society there was a lot of attention around some smaller breed puppies scamping around playfully.  Bruno, was know as Chumsky at the time. His crate held a sign over it that said, "I'm cute too." He laid there looking so sad. People would walk by and say. "look at those paws, he's gonna be huge!" 
We gladly accepted this big guy into our lives.

 He loved us all so much.

Bruno w/ Lucy

yeah he was allowed on the couch

...and the bed

 Bruno had the worse allergies I have ever seen for a dog. He was always sneezing outside and took allergy medicine. He preferred indoors in the spring & fall.

playing Happy Happy Hippo w/ Annie

Bruno w/ Baby Riley

6 months later still loving'

can I go too?

 This beautiful huge Mutt was the joy of our lives. Everyone thought he loved them best. He spread his love to all. He chased the young boys into the pool every time they would "try" and push one of the girls in the pool. He loved to play and loved to cuddle.

We lost this Gentle Giant to  Lymphoma Cancer. Way to young.

He will always shine in our hearts.

Best Dog Ever. 

Quondam Tuesday ~ Photobooths

Recently, while attending a wedding, the couple had a photo booth set up at the reception. I loved this idea! (Although I could not get Hubby to go in it). All the young adults hovered around it laughing and enjoying. The company that supplies it, sets it up for the guest to enjoy their photo strip (free), and copies go to the newlyweds.

Got me thinking about the fun in photo booths over the years. I know I have many more, but here are the ones I dug up for Quondam Tuesday.

Gene Gardner 1943

This dashing young man is my Great Uncle Gene in 1943. He was Grandma Kitty's brother. A charming wonderful man she loved dearly, & I am sure I would have too.

Jan around 1972

Awe, look at me! I am guessing here but probably around 1972, ten years old.

Mary & I 1974

This is my Lifer Mary (Moore) Dougherty. So cute.

Tammy & I 1975?

Tammy (Bayliff) Cunningham and I around 7th grade. I loved those octagon glasses!

Tammy, Mary & I 1975?

This is me and Tammy again, joined by Mary (Crenshaw) Gilleispe. We had a Camp Fire Girl event at a mall. That is our groovy Indian costumes thingys with our patches & beads. Notice my tongue. Must have been eating candy?

Tribby/Meyer cousins 1977?

This was hilarious. We got all FIVE of us cousin in the booth! In front~ Janet, Julie. Back~ Shari, Me, Leann.
Julie & I had so much fun when the Tribby cousin came to town. My Mom was great at making our time memorable & we packed as much as possible into our visits.

Nadine & I Summer 1977

Nadine Wilham was one of my Best buddies in San Antonio. She lived down the road from my Grandparents, and we quickly became friends. I lost touch with her though over the years. I ran into her brothers at Grandpa's funeral, but Nadine couldn't make it. She was a Doll, and I have great memories with her.

Grandma Kitty & I 1978

Many of you are familar with this one. I have it enlarged and framed in the dining room, and keep the original in my wallet over my driver's license. It is without a doubt my favorite photo. I see and feel the love Grandma had for me in this photo. I adored her as much as she did me. Two peas in a pod.

Me & Deb, 1980

Deb (Wiggington) Merino, Lifer Bestie. I know I have more of her & some with Sheri & Lynn. They are misplaced though.

Rich & I 1981

Here I have Richie & I. Thinking this was taken in 1981, but may be wrong. I love how we aren't ready for the first shot.

I would love to see your photo booth pictures. Don;'t they just make you smile?