American Legacies Organization, Inc.

Connie Sychowski

Editor Genealogy Corner

U.S. Legacies

In keeping with this month’s celebration of our country’s independence and the tradition of a fireworks display, I thought it would be interesting to review our first celebration of Independence Day.

Author Unknown

Understand that as you read this, I’ll most likely have gone to God. I can only tell everything from my point of view. It may be my point of view, but every Fortman adheres to a policy of not lying well, most of them.

Because of World War I and II, we know relatively little about our family prior to my Grandfather. Allied Forces bombing destroyed many records in Germany, most of which were on paper. The fires burned many people’s past.

Recipes in Grandma’s Kitchen are used exactly as received. Old recipes often use abbreviations that are no longer seen. Words used often appear misspelled, but not changed to maintain the purity of the time period.

Abbreviations used in these recipes with readable text to the right.

c. Cup

lge. Large

tsp. teaspoon

tbsp. Tablespoon

Lb. or lb. Pound

qt. quart

Photo of Melanie, her aunt Micheline and uncle Curtis

Micheline Williams

Born November 1925

Curtis Williams

Born August 1939

By: Melanie Williams

Author Unknown

The Star-Spangled Banner was composed under the following circumstances.

It was on the evening of September 13, 1814, during the War of 1812, that a British fleet was anchored in Chesapeake Bay. Dr. Beanes, an old resident of Upper Marlborough, Maryland, had been captured by the British and sent as a prisoner to Admiral Cochrane’s flagship.

From David

By Dr. Zoe Simmons

Besides Christmas, I would have to say that the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, not to mention it is my birthday.

I remember growing up and my father taking me to see fireworks, always telling me that they were just for me. That the world was celebrating my birthday.

Interesting Facts from July

July 11, 1914- Babe Ruth debuted in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox. Ruth made $2,900 his rookie season. Just six years later, his paycheck was worth $125,000 when he became a member of the New York Yankees.

July 14, 1914- Robert H. Goddard of Worcester, MA, patented liquid rocket fuel.

Norman Gehrman, January 1944, England

As told to: Jodi L. Severson March, 2003

He was born Norman Harry Gehrman on September 25, 1921 in the rural farm community of Turtle Lake, Wisconsin. Or so he thought. It wasn’t until he was ready to retire and went to the local Social Security Office to apply for benefits that he learned the truth.

By Sharon Romine

They weren’t really. She never even wore them, but only held them in trust until I turned sixteen, at which time she was to give them to me. They were given to me by Mrs. Stumps, an elderly lady, that the neighborhood took turns caring for.