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Where did you grow up, what led you to this area, and when did you arrive?
The windy city is my home town along with summers on my grandmother’s farm in Northern Wisconsin. In 1966, I moved to Seattle with my former husband who worked for the National Labor Relations Board. Later we moved to Bainbridge Island.
In your working life, what kind of things did you do?
After finishing my accounting degree, I worked either as an accountant or auditor for the Navy or various companies.
Describe your current living situation and free time interests other than genealogy.
I live with my husband, Ken and cat, Sophie in the central part of the island. When I am not hunting for ancestors, I enjoy gardening, cooking and reading. I also love to research and plan trips to interesting places; especially to places where my ancestors lived.
When and how did you get involved with genealogy and what has been most important to you?
I was always interested in family stories but really started doing genealogy research when I met my current husband and moved into his house in Hawthorne Hills, Seattle, which overlooked the National Archives. I joined the Seattle Genealogical Society and learned how to locate and research records in the days before computers. I continued researching and learning the new techniques of online research and DNA testing. Combining my love of travel and the desire to locate and visit all the places my ancestors lived, has been an interesting journey.
Tell us when and why you got involved with BIGS and a little about your history with the organization.
I worked with the group that formed and started the Bainbridge Genealogical Society. Whenever my work life has permitted it, I have held a Board position, mostly as the Treasurer and now as co-chair of the membership committee.
What has been satisfying about being a board member?
As a founding member of BIGS, I wanted to see the organization continue to grow and be a source of knowledge and support for all who are researching their families. Being on the Board, and working with the other members of the Broad, both past and present, plus other members, has given me the opportunity to help keep BIGS going, especially during the pandemic. Forming long-term friendships with the members assures me to always have someone to discuss genealogy.
What have you learned from being on the board?
It takes a lot of work to keep the organization viable, not only arranging for speakers, meetings, etc. but finding out what our members want or need to know, even without getting as much feedback as the Board needs.
Tell us something about yourself that others might find surprising.
Science Fiction has been my favorite reading material since the day I got my first library card. So naturally, I fell in love with Star Trek. With my friend, Joanne Reese, we attended a number of Star Trek conventions on the West Coast, which gave us a chance to meet the stars several times
Where did you grow up, what led you to this area, and when did you arrive?
I was born and grew up in Polson, Montana which is located within the Flathead Indian Reservation, at the foot of Flathead Lake. I came to Seattle in 1965 to attend Seattle University. I moved with my then husband and young son from Normandy Park (which is near Des Moines, south of Seattle) to Bainbridge Island in the summer of 1986.
In your working life, what kind of things did you do?
I joined the newly created Environmental Protection Agency in December 1970 as clerk typist. Over my 37-year career I participated in or led various projects and programs, mostly in air quality and hazardous waste management programs. For many years, I supervised teams of engineers and attorneys to enforce various EPA laws and regulations. I was fortunate to be included in varied leadership development and training programs, including one that stressed the importance of “being clear about the purpose of any meeting”. I was honored to receive a national EPA award for Excellence in Management.
Describe your current living situation and free time interests other than genealogy.
I have been single since my divorce in 1989. My ex-husband and I co-parented our son Damian, who as a fabulous man of 40, died in February 2021. In addition to learning to live with the loss of my son, I continue various volunteer and social activities (IVC, Zumba, book groups), travel (Thanksgiving in the Ozarks), and classical music or plays in Seattle and elsewhere.
When and how did you get involved with genealogy and what has been most important to you?
My older sister did some family history research. I was interested in the stories but not the research. In 1975 she and I interviewed our Dutch grandmother, which we recorded and then transcribed. One year, as a gift to my mother, I had a 1945 letter about her father, which was handwritten in Dutch, translated and transcribed. I became actively involved when I joined BIGS; I am now the family genealogist (and memorabilia keeper). I am most satisfied with how much I have learned about my Welsh roots with a lot of work plus some luck. Knowing more about the Pugh family in Wales and here helps me better understand my dad.
Tell us when and why you got involved with BIGS and a little about your history with the organization.
After I retired in 2007, I joined BIGS. As a new member I was asked about my interest in serving on the board of directors and I said yes, serving as Director of Ways and Means. I have since served on the board in many roles, including treasurer, vice president and president. I currently serve as Director for Education. I’m also a member of the Outreach Committee. BIGS is my biggest “volunteer gig.”
What has been satisfying about being a board member?
I enjoy working collaboratively to “make things happen” or “make things better.” Being in service to others is a big part of how I get my satisfaction in life. While I never used my Education Degree to teach in a classroom, I love the opportunity to help others learn about “doing genealogy.” It has been very satisfying to be able to use some of the leadership techniques I learned in my working career.
What have you learned from being on the board?
I am reminded of the value of having people with different interests, different skills, and different learning and problem-solving styles. That kind of diversity makes us and the organization stronger. To serve as a volunteer on the board to help keep BIGS going does not require any specialized knowledge or experience with genealogy, since we don’t “do genealogy” in that setting.
Tell us something about yourself that others might find surprising.
At age 5 or so I learned that I was to have my tonsils removed. I “made a deal” that I would agree to that surgery if I could keep the tonsils! They came home with me in a small green jar which eventually ended up on the shelves at the back door entry to our family home. Don’t worry, I no longer have them, so I won’t bring them to show and tell.
We are looking for someone to join our current website team of four. The right person would be interested in learning how to post material to the site using software designed for that purpose. If you are interested in learning more about helping BIGS in this way, drop us a note here.
Friday, October 20 @ 10AM
In person at the Bainbridge Public Library
will present
Family history research is a burgeoning pursuit thanks to TV programs like “Who Do You Think You Are?”, “Genealogy Roadshow,” and “Finding Your Roots.” But before you jump in, have you asked yourself if you’re fully prepared for what you might discover?
In this presentation we will work with Michael opening closets to expose skeletons, peeking under the lid of Pandora’s Box, and shining light on the ethical dilemmas you may encounter in the quest to find your missing ancestors. They may have good reasons why they’re hiding from you.
Michael is owner of Missing Roots Genealogy. He has been a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, past president of the Colorado Mountain Genealogists Society and holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University’s Online Program. Since 2003, He has been on a never-ending quest to answer his daughter’s question about their family tree.
So, please join us on October 20 at 10AM at the Bainbridge Public Library
1270 Madison Avenue North, for this informative presentation.
Everyone Welcome! No membership necessary.
Friday, October 20 @ 10AM
In Person at the Library and on Zoom
Everyone Welcome!
Zoom details coming soon
Very informal conversations about some aspect of genealogy. A broad topic but no agenda. No presentation. BIGS members only. The discussion goes wherever the participants’ take it. A few with experience on the topic will be on hand to help with questions.
Friday, March 10 @ 10AM. Zoom Only. Sylvia Nelson Zoom Host.
Zoom link was sent to all members on March 6.
Drop in and join the conversation!
Where did you grow up, what led you to this area, and when did you arrive?
I was born in San Francisco and grew up in the Bay Area. I met my husband, Bill, when we were both students at San Jose State. When our kids were young, we were living in Sacramento. Once my husband was well established in his work as an Art Management Consultant, we realized we could live anywhere he had access to a good airport. We started our hunt for a new place to live, and after checking out Napa and Sonoma, we continued up the coast to Portland, and after multiple recommendations from friends, we “landed” on Bainbridge Island. We made the move in 1995, and have been here since.
In your working life, what kind of things did you do?
I have worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for more than 40 years. Over the years, I have worked in both hospitals and private clinics, served as a consultant to school districts, been a department head, and supervised student therapists. My last two decades were with the Central Kitsap School District, where I worked in Special Education, serving children with sensory processing disorders, developmental delays, and learning disabilities.
Describe your current living situation and free time interests other than genealogy.
Bill and I have a home on two acres on the north part of Bainbridge. We have fruit trees and blueberries, along with more than our share of deer. I spend a substantial part of my free time reading, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren. I enjoy making quilts, and clothes for my granddaughters. For the past six years I have been a captain of our neighborhood’s disaster preparedness team.
When and how did you get involved with genealogy and what has been most important to you?
I started working on Ancestry.com about ten years ago. I had some notes from my dad about my family tree, and a whole lot of questions he was no longer here to answer. Probably the most important thing for me has been building a sense of my connection to the history of our country – all of my grandparents have family lines going back to the colonies. I have been able to thoroughly research my family. Now, the important thing is to figure out how to make this information available to my descendants.
Tell us when and why you got involved with BIGS and a little about your history with the organization.
I joined BIGS about a year after I retired as a therapist. I had been working on Ancestry.com and realized there was much more for me to learn. Soon, I took on the job of newsletter editor, and then somehow, just as Covid locked us down, I was elected President. This is my fourth year in that role.
What has been satisfying about being a board member?
Being on the Board has given me the chance to interact with others with a strong interest in genealogy. I feel that BIGS has had a lot to offer me, and I like that I can offer my help to keep BIGS going. I have made good friends through my work on the Board.
What have you learned from being on the board?
I have learned that everyone has something they can offer as a board member. It really does take a variety of different skills to make things run well. I also learned that a board doesn’t have to be formal and slow-moving. The BIGS board is made of committed folks that are willing to respond to and act on the changes that are needed to keep BIGS healthy and relevant.
Tell us something about yourself that others might find surprising.
For about four years I played with a ukulele group on Bainbridge, until Covid closed us down. Now, I play to entertain myself and my grandchildren, and maintain my callouses!
Layers of London is a map-based history website developed by the Institute of Historical Research. Users can access free historic maps of London and contribute stories, memories and histories to create a social history resource about their area. Start exploring now!
Where did you grow up, what led you to this area, and when did you arrive?
A teaching position led me to Kitsap County about 10 years ago. My family has a long history in this area with family settling in Pierce County in the 1920’s and Kitsap County in the 1950’s. One of my grandmothers was a Washington pioneer, born before statehood.
In your working life, what kind of things did you do?
Teaching at the college level, primarily incarcerated women. I teach accounting, computer and business courses.
Describe your free time interests other than genealogy.
I love the great outdoors in our county. Wonderful parks, hiking trails and birding opportunities.
When and how did you get involved with genealogy and what has been most important to you?
My mom had been collecting notes for many decades that were almost impossible to decipher. In the early 1990’s I started to digitize all of her data and found a terrific shareware program, Brother’s Keeper (I still use it today) to input all of the data. I started my research with microfilm and paper records and add to it every year. I regularly provide ancestry reports to family and continue to update my records as more resources come online every year. My new hobby is to do genealogy for friends and create ancestry reports for their birthdays.
Tell us when and why you got involved with BIGS and a little about your history with the organization.
I really enjoy all of the educational opportunities that BIGS has offered. The pandemic was a great opportunity to attend more events via zoom both with BIGS and with other organizations. I joined right before the pandemic and was so glad I had events to attend during those crazy months of isolation.
What has been satisfying about being a board member?
Getting to know other BIGS members better and seeing the amazing work that our board does to provide relevant programming and keep the organization functioning.
What have you learned from being on the board?
It takes a village to keep BIGS running and I’m really impressed with our wonderful board members.
Tell us something about yourself that others might find surprising.
I have 39 first cousins and many of us have been able to attain Luxembourg citizenship through our genealogy research!
Where did you grow up, what led you to this area, and when did you arrive?
I grew up in the NYC suburbs, as did my husband. We decided to leave in 1980 when New York wasn’t dong so well and came straight to Bainbridge Island, looking for a suburb of a large city with Major League Baseball.
In your working life, what kind of things did you do?
I taught in elementary school briefly, worked in bank marketing a little longer, but preferred the role of full-time mom.
Describe your free time interests other than genealogy.
Too many hobbies – photography, quilting and knitting chief among them – and I love to travel too. I’m happy to let others do most of the gardening now but I love tending my roses.
When and how did you get involved with genealogy and what has been most important to you?
I read about BIGS on-line, attended one Christmas party and got hooked. I enjoy learning about ancestors and wondering what their lives were like.
Tell us when and why you got involved with BIGS and a little about your history with the organization.
I edited the newsletter for two years and am now serving as Program Chair for two years.
What has been satisfying about being a board member?
I really like BIGS and the people I’ve met and feel like I should do my part too.
What have you learned from being on the board?
I learned how to really use word processing software which I no longer find intimidating. The jobs I have done didn’t require me to know much about genealogy or even be on Bainbridge Island, just to be organized and do a little work or research.
Tell us something about yourself that others might find surprising.
I was a private pilot and my husband and I flew twice from the East coast to Wyoming. Once I landed at Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod by myself – definitely in the old days.
At our May TreeBuilder session at the Bainbridge Library, Larry Noedel and I had the pleasure of awarding Tressa Johnson, KRL Librarian, an honorary membership in BIGS, along with an engraved jade glass paperweight inscribed to her, with our gratitude. Tressa has been a valuable partner in planning and an enthusiastic supporter of BIGS for several years now in her role as adult services librarian here on Bainbridge. Thank you, Tressa!
~Andrea Hoskins
A very good time was had by all!
These photographs, from what may have been the First Annual Antiques Roadshow, are courtesy of Chuck Eklund.
Optional donation of $5.00/person is appreciated.
Do you remember September when you were little? a First Grader or maybe Second? Teachers would teach you a new song, or maybe you’re younger than me and you remember jingles you learned from the television. What’s the very first song, jingle, or verse you can recall? Here’s mine, and if you remember this ditty as one first learned, I know we’re about the same age!
Hey, hey, oh playmate,
Come out and play with me
And bring your dollies three
Climb up my apple tree!
Look down my rain barrel.
Slide down my cellar door,
And we’ll be jolly friends
Forever more, more, more.
So sorry, playmate,
I cannot play with you;
My dolly’s got the flu,
Boo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo!
Ain’t got no rain barrel,
Ain’t got no cellar door,
But we’ll be jolly friends forever more!
OK, now it’s your turn! Share your response to this prompt and we’ll post it in the next few weeks. Extra credit if you indicate where you learned your song, jingle or verse. Please send it to Larry Noedel or Susie Wood. Thanks!
This photo is of a Texas High School Senior dressed elaborately in her “mum” for Homecoming! A strong Southern tradition!
Other traditions call for Halloween costumes, parties, trick or treating, hay rides, a pumpkin farm visit, and yummy sugary foods to warm our hearts!
What favorite memory do you have from childhood, teen years, college days? Take this moment to jot down the memory that comes first to mind. My memory below is a favorite anecdote about our Alaska life.
The first year Don and I lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, our sons were aged 2 and 3.5 years. We were so excited to take them trick or treating – bundled up, to be sure, because that day the temperature had dropped to 40 degrees below zero! As California transplants, we thought surely we could trick or treat to nearby houses. “Cheechakos” (Newcomers) is what we were! So, with boys in costumes over snow suits, Don and his friend Phil carried them out to the sidewalk. In ten minutes they were back. Neighbors wouldn’t open their doors, but called from inside, “No trick or treating this year.” In the far North, casual social life pauses in the face of minus 50 degrees. The following year, I celebrated Halloween with my boys by organizing a noon-time neighborhood parade of snow-suited preschoolers, some costumed, some with masks, and all happy to be outdoors in a comfortable temp that was about minus 25 degrees! Then back to our house for hot chocolate, cookies, and games! Assimilation!
What autumn traditions played a part in your life? Share your memories and we’ll post them over the next few weeks. Please send your responses to Larry Noedel or Susie Wood. Thanks!
I remember Pat’s song very well. My friends and I sang it while playing a hand clapping game. I don’t remember learning it in a class.
The song I do remember learning is the Itsy Bitsy Spider, likely in first grade. With hand jesters for the spider climbing up and for the rain coming down. And yes, I can remember every word. And of course we had to sing the ABC song.
After dusting off quite a few cobwebs I recalled ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb.’ But after thinking a bit I realized the melody was the same as ‘Merrily We Roll Along.’ So, likely one or the other was my first.
I also recall that I found singing in elementary school totally uninspiring. The music teacher was fond of patriotic songs and Stephan Foster music. I couldn’t understand why we didn’t sing livelier songs like those my parents sang and those I heard on the radio and on juke boxes.
Pat’s prompt got me thinking about the earliest songs I remember learning – in school, in church, from my mom. Probably the first one I remember memorizing was on a 45 that my sister and I played over and over again on the portable record player we had in our bedroom, before I even started Kindergarten. The song was about a boy who was always pestering his dad to “Tell Me a Story.” It was sung by Jimmy Boyd and Frankie Lane. Dad tries to sneak in the house late one night when he hears his son yell out to him:
Tell me a story! Tell me a story!
Tell me a story! Tell me a story!
Tell me a story, remember what you said.
You promised me, you said you would,
You’ve gotta give in, so I’ll be good.
Tell me a story and then I’ll go to bed.
I marveled at that boy’s cheekiness! If you want to listen to the song, you will find it here:
What can you learn from your DNA matches? (Part 1)
Pick an ancestor’s hometown and focus on what it was like to live in that area in your ancestor’s lifetime.
Arrow identifies my twenty-six year old Great-Uncle John J. Murray, when he was elected a Director in the baseball club “United Base Ball Club of Bellaire City,” soon to be aka – “The Clippers” of Bellaire.
Two newspapers of the area: The Wheeling Register (Wheeling West Virginia) and the Belmont Chronicle (Saint Clairsville, Ohio) supplied this information.
Transcribed from the Wheeling Register, August 12, 1875 is this Bellaire column:
“There will be a match game of base ball (sic) played on the Public Square in this city on next Saturday, between St. Clairsville club and the Clippers of Bellaire, and all we have to say is that the St. Clairsville boys will have to sail in right lively, or they will get badly beaten.”
St. Clairsville is eleven miles east of Bellaire, today, a fifteen minute drive, but in 1875? How long on horseback or walking? Want to know what the weather is like in Northeastern Appalachia in June?
From a column of “Fillers” in the Belmont Chronicle Thursday, June 7, 1877.
In the years following the Civil War, “Base Ball” became enormously popular all through America and had significant growth in the state of Ohio, particularly in Cincinnati. It seems unlikely that Uncle John and his Clippers on the Ohio River had “match games”with the famed Cincinnati Red Stockings players of 1875: Amos Booth, Dory Dean, Charlie Gould, or Scott Hastings, all four of whom soon joined professional teams in the newly formed National Baseball League, nor did the Bellaire Clippers travel 125 miles west to play that famous Columbus team named “Clippers.” Much historic baseball was played in Ohio between 1875 and 1900, but I suspect those new Irish lads, the Murray brothers, were simply keen to Play ball! Make friends! Be American!
If you would like to share your response to this prompt for publication in a few weeks, please send it to Joleen Aitchison or Susie Wood. Thanks!
What can you learn from your DNA matches? (Part 1)
Friday, September 15 @ 10AM
In Person at the Library and on Zoom
Everyone Welcome!
(Formerly Skill SIG)
Friday, October 27 @ 10AM
In-person at the Bainbridge Library and on Zoom
A Facilitated Member Discussion
Share and learn about where to look for details about your ancestor once you have used the basic sources like vital records, census records, and others. Get ideas about how to “Fill the Gaps” in your ancestor’s life.
Examples include newspapers, court records, school records, church membership lists, fraternal organization directories, local histories, tax records, voter records, city or town directories, personal letters, diaries and more.
Please let Betty Wiese know if you have an example to share with the group – the “more off beat” the source is the better! Get ideas about ways to learn more about your particular ancestor of interest.
Also, as time permits, bring your questions or thoughts from October 20th presentation by Michael Lee Stills, Myths, Legends and Lies: The Dangers of Family History Research.
In person at the Bainbridge Island Public Library (1270 Madison Avenue North) and via Zoom (link will be sent by email to BIGS members).
