Taking a Little Vacation!

Have to tell you, things have been crazy busy this week! Hoped to get some posts done, but that didn't happen. Anyway, I will be leaving in less than two hours to Costa Rica. I am so ready for this trip. Unfortunately, there will be no internet, so no posts until I return, in about three weeks.

Costa Rica is the best place for me to go to relax for a vacation, I get catered to by my husbands family.

Feel free to read any of my past posts and don't forget to vote for your favorite blogs, time is running out! Last day is November 5! Happy Halloween too!

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Fleming

Father and Mother Fleming. Don't you just love it? I know who this memorial belongs to though, Thomas and Elizabeth (Downey) Fleming. They were my gggrandparents.

Thomas was born in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1832. His siblings and parents were also born in Ireland. When Thomas was nine he came to Canada with his parents. Thomas died in 1908 in Cushing, Oklahoma.

Elizabeth was born in Ontario, Canada in 1834. She married Thomas on October 27, 1856 in Canada. Together they had ten children. Most of their children were born in Canada, but somewhere between 1870 and 1873 they left Canada and wound up in Kansas.

By 1908 Thomas and Elizabeth are both buried in the "Old Cushing Cemetery" in Cushing, Oklahoma. Thomas passed away August 5, 1908 while Elizabeth died sometime in 1904.

Although I never met my gggrandparents, I do remember their son, my ggrandfather, grandpa Joe.

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Happy Birthday To Someone VERY Special!

Today my mother, Annette Neva Harding would have celebrated her 73rd birthday had she been alive. She was born October 23, 1936, in Oakland, Alameda, California. She wasn't very happy about many of the pictures that were taken of her, and therefore kept very few. I wanted to find a photo to share that she would have approved of, and I thought this was very fitting! It looks like she is ready to celebrate her birthday, doesn't it? This photo was taken when she was sixteen, maybe it was her her sixteenth birthday!

I reminisce today about everything she has missed. The additions and growth to our family, she would be proud. Marriages, houses, children, life grows and continues on. The legacy before her and the lives of today bring the importance forward of each and every family member in our lives.

We lost my mother on January 7, 2001 after almost a year battling cancer. She was only 64 years old, and had so much to look forward to in life. She has left us with great memories and sadness that she is gone. On this day, her birthday, I am here to say,

"Happy Birthday Mom, you are dearly missed!"

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Those Places Thursday ~ Oakland Technical High School

This is a scan of a postcard. I found it on E-bay a couple of years ago. I was searching for something, or maybe nothing, when I ran across this item. I knew I would be bidding.

The postcard is of Oakland Technical High School, commonly known as Oakland Tech, Tech High, or just plain Tech. This is the school my parents went to and graduated from in the early 1950's.

I am fortunate to have a photo of the high school they attended. I know many people may not have the opportunity to take a picture of their parents high school, it may not be standing any longer.

This school was built in 1914. In the seventies many schools were being torn down and rebuilt in order to make them earthquake safe. Tech's main building was deemed "to historical" to be torn down. Instead, the inside of the building was demolished and rebuilt, leaving the historic outside of the building in place. Oakland officially named the school a historic landmark on July 23, 1985.

Tech was featured in two major motion pictures. "The Principal," (1987) which starred James Belushi and Lou Gossett Jr. and "Made in America" (1993) with Will Smith, Ted Danson and Whoppi Goldberg.

There is a story my sisters and I have been told about how my parents met: "They met while my mother was going up the down staircase" at this school.

Alumni that you may have heard of who have attended this high school are:

John Brodie
Clint Eastwood
Ricky Henderson
Ted Lange
The Pointer Sisters
Ron Dellums and others.

Oh, but before I forget, the most important people who attended this school are: My parents! Without them I wouldn't be here!

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Harry John Harding

Harry John Harding. May 3, 1893-Nov. 9, 1967. Scanned image. Held by Cheryl [Address for private use] California. 2009

Fleming Marries Farrell

Mary C. Fleming was born to Thomas and Elizabeth (Downey) Fleming about 1857 in Bruce County, Ontario, Canada. Thomas was a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, while Elizabeth was born in Canada.

Mary C. Fleming was married to Patrick J. Farrell June 20, 1877 in Marshall County Kansas. Patrick Farrell was born in County Longford, Ireland on March 4, 1849 to Patrick and Mary (Milnamow) Farrell. When Patrick J. was a mere 2 years old, the Farrell family immigrated to the United States via the Black Star Line. The Black Star Line was a sailing vessel which landed in New York in December 1851. The family moved on to De Kalb County, Illinois were the father was a farmer.

In 1869 Patrick J. Farrell came to Marshall County, Kansas where he homesteaded 160 acres. Patrick was known as a remarkable man. His farm would attracted people passing by. He took great pleasure in having well tilled fields and remarkable buildings. His fields were productive and the homestead showed prosperity. With a common education and his ability to be frugal and business minded he became financially well established. It wasn't until he achieved this though that he married.

The Farrell's owned many fruit trees and buildings, but most of the land was used for pasture. They were members of the Catholic Church, outstanding members as a matter of fact. Patrick also was involved in politics and was a solid Democrat. He served as the Township Trustee (for a couple of years) as a road overseer and Clerk of the School District.

Mary was a well educated woman. She received schooling from a Catholic School in Gatesburg, Illinois, for four years. Mary also was in a convent in Farmassa, Canada for four years.

As of this date I have found that Mary and Patrick had six children. They were said to be bright and interesting children, five boys and one girl. They were Patrick, Elizabeth T., Thomas L., Bernard W., Gregory and Henry M.

Mary was my second great grandparents daughter.

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Those Places Thursday ~ Buca de Beppo

This place, Bucca de Beppo, is an Italian style restaurant that my family went to for my father's retirement in April 2002. The one we dined in was in Sacramento. There are several of these restaurants on the West Coast and I noticed one in Ohio and Texas also. These may even be all over the country, I don't know.

An authentic family style restaurant with "a fun atmosphere and flavorful dining" as they say. It is a wild and crazy atmosphere alright! The little private room we were placed in made me wonder if my sister (she made the plans) felt my father needed spiritual guidance upon being retired. I don't think she requested this room...and honestly, I can't remember how the rest of the decor was, but I do know every bit of wall space, shelves, tables etc were packed with something!

I just have to share what we had sitting in the middle of our round table!

I am sure my fathers first thought was "Bless me Father for I have sinned." Yes, dad, you have to look at this all through dinner! Along with many many other spiritual items through the room. It was a very busy place, not with people, with decor!

This was probably the calmest, most peaceful area in the room, and seriously the most comforting and relaxing, the ceiling! I can't say we all sat with our heads hanging back and staring up at the ceiling however. The busyness of the room was actually great for conversation and partying!

We enjoyed a decent meal, but nothing to write home about, after all it is a family style restaurant. My dad was thrilled, I know, to have all of his kids and their families here! This is a rare occasion anymore, getting us all together. It was a perfect place to bring the children and my father was allowed to receive gifts, so it was all good.

And the most important picture of the night, maybe, was this...

He Made It! Retirement. He has been enjoying every minute of it!

If you haven't been in one of these restaurants, you may want to check it out, even if only to walk into the place. It is unique! In September 2008 Buca Inc. was acquired by Planet Hollywood, so actually I don't know if the themes have stayed the same as I haven't been in one of these since 2002.

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Like Mother, Like Daughter?

Hazel McGuire and Lois Helman. Scanned copy. Original held by Richard Larry Fleming.

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Quakes and Shakes

There was a mild earthquake a few hours ago in the vicinity of my home. It was a 3.8 quake, so very small for here in California. Still, fun to see the reactions of those who participate on Facebook, regarding the quake.

This event this evening has my mind roaming in several directions. Let me explain.

First, this evenings quake. My daughter and my husband had almost the same reaction when this quake hit. They each thought the dogs had come by and moved their chair or plopped down on the floor next to them. We live in two different houses, and we each own dogs that could have made this feeling a reality.

I knew when the quake started that it was a quake right off the bat. Most of the time it takes a few seconds before I realize an earthquake is going on. It doesn't matter how many I have felt or been through, each one of them makes my stomach jump and I tend to hold my breath to see how long it is going to last and if we will have aftershocks. Afterwards I need to take a deep breath or two, and I am back to my normal routine.

Tonight my daughter did call me after trembler. Her husband was not home and she needed to share her feelings regarding how she planned to handle the situation if it was a bad one, all by herself. Two children, three big dogs, and five cats. I am so glad she didn't have to "handle" this one!

Second, I am thinking about the Loma Prieta Earthquake which struck October 17, 1989. One of my sisters was at the San Francisco Giant's baseball game, they were hosting the Oakland A's. I can just imagine the chaos with so many people in one spot!

I was in a pick up truck and thought the whole frame of the truck had collapsed, never knew it was an earthquake until I returned home.

The person that sticks in my mind the most though, is my father. He worked close to the Bay Bridge, and was looking out his office window when the earthquake happened and watched a section of the bridge collapse. A section of the nearby freeway also collapsed and a friend of my father's died when this happened.

I remind myself, I was in a truck and didn't realize we had an earthquake, but many other people saw the damage and destruction and havoc it caused. I am glad I didn't have to deal with the emotions of this event in that way.

Third, I am now thinking of the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. I just can't imagine the destruction the city was left in after this one. I read the book "A Most Dreadful Earthquake" a couple of years ago. This book is a "First-Hand Account of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire." It gives "glimpses into the lives of the Phillips-Jones Letter Writers." In other words, it is transcribed letters written after the quake from these families.

Dorothy Fowler and The California Genealogical Society put this book together and published it. I am ready to read this one again, to remind me more vividly what these families went through, very good book.

Finally, which earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, volcano eruptions or monsoons and such did our ancestors live through?

Being a native of California, I would think many of my immediate relatives lived through an earthquake of some kind. The Great San Francisco Earthquake, surely one of my relatives lived through this! Actually no, I do not have a descendant that lived in San Francisco during the 1906 quake. San Francisco is only a forty five minute ride from where I currently live, but not one relation lived here?

In 1906, not one of my ancestral lines migrated to California yet. They all came to this state after 1906. So what did they live through? Eventually, these stories will come to life.

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

California Genealogy Society Blogging Event

Event -Blog Your Genealogy: hosted by the California Genealogical Society. October 10, 2009. Oakland, California. Digital image taken by Tim Cox. Photo held by Cheryl Palmer [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2009.

The California Genealogy Society put on a wonderful blogging event! Thomas MacEntee and Craig Manson gave the ins and outs and ups and downs of blogging. I felt fortunate to attend this event which brought Thomas here from Chicago and Craig from the Sacramento area. I like to support all of the GeneaBloggers if and when I can. Kathryn Doyle was, I am sure, a big part of this event coming to life! Steve Danko also was in attendance to show his support.

Even though I already write for a couple of blogs I was anxious to hear the presentations. I tried to view them as a non blogger. Wow, seemed to me a lot of information to cover and learn for the newbie, although easy to do! After we have been blogging for awhile we take for granted all we know. You tend to forget we once were beginners also. I figure there is always something I can learn at an event, and I wasn't disappointed at this one either. I snatched up some tips and ideas myself.

Thomas and Craig did such a wonderful job on each of their presentations, and shared many examples on their topics. I know we are all different and learn differently. I personally love examples, and learn best from examples. I loved listening to both of them speak, they kept my attention! Setting up a blog and blogging can involve copyright issues. It was perfect to have Thomas explain the how to's of blogging with Craig following up on the legal side of things too!

There were several people in attendance, which was awesome. I am now waiting to hear about and see the new blogs which will pop up as a result of this presentation. I know one already!

I enjoyed visiting with each of these GeneaBloggers. They contribute to the community in remarkable ways. I appreciate everything they do and am very proud to be a part of the genealogy environment! I tip my hat to each of you, Kathryn, Thomas, Craig and Steve! You are all awesome people and I thank you for allowing me to be involved with you!

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

"The Family Curator Shares a Sneak Preview"

The Family Curator, Denise Levenick has created a new "project." As with everything Denise ventures into, this is as impressive as all others! Talent! I was going to tell you that you can download a copy of this and enjoy her creative, artsy, helpful and informative "project", but when I went to get the link for you I noticed she had posted "a sneak preview" only. If you happen to be a friend of hers on Facebook, you can see this link. Otherwise I suggest you keep an open eye on her blog for this release which I would expect sooner than later! Very nice Denise!

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

"Blog your Genealogy:Why, How, Dos and Don't" Presented by the California Genealogical Society

Tomorrow is the day! I am really looking forward to this special genealogy blog workshop which The California Genealogical Society is presenting.

Guest speakers and program:

Thomas MacEntee

1:00 - 2:00 - How to Use a Blog
2:15 - 3:15 - Building a Genealogy Blog

Craig Manson

3:30 - 4:30 Blogging and the Law

These two renowned genealogy experts will show why genealogy blogs are valuable to your genealogy research. (I do not need to be convinced of this, as I have reaped many rewards from hosting this blog. I think I have lost track of how many cousin connects I have made because of this blog.) I am however, anxious to hear Thomas as I know I will learn something that he has probably already shared on "GeneaBloggers" that I missed.

Craig will no doubt teach me about blogging and the law, a subject I want to stay on top of as I do not want to step on toes and get myself in trouble, no sir! This is a very important subject if you host a blog. Not that it should scare you away though!

I met Thomas and Craig at Jamboree earlier this year. They are both such fun and intelligent people! In attendance tomorrow also will be Kathryn Doyle, Steve Danko, and Sheri Fenley. They are also fun and intelligent bloggers I met at Jamboree. It will be a mini reunion. I am so fortunate to live in the right place so I can attend this special event!

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

"Nomination" Brings New Coincidental Family Information

(Remember to vote - as many times as you'd like - for your favorite blogs by Nov. 5th, here-there is also a wonderful explanation of the catagories)

Some time ago I met one of my mother's cousins, online. I have not met her in person yet, which I am very ashamed to admit because she lives but a few hours from me. I hoped to meet her this past summer, but I hear summer is now over. Ok, I will plan for this fall then! Darn, but fall is already so booked...somehow I HAVE to make this a priority!

This cousin and I have enjoyed many emails and I have learned so much about this branch of my family. I am amazed that I have never met this cousin, ever. At various points in her life she lived close to where I grew up. Every time I learn of a place she has lived, it again strikes me as very odd that we have never met.

Just about the time I was sure I knew every place this cousin has lived, I learned of a new one! This reminds me...I can't possibly know everywhere she has lived, not yet anyway. (Remember, there is always so much to learn!)

This new discovery was about more than just a place or residence however. It turns out that my cousin read a bit of my blog, probably for the first time, because I informed her that "Heritage Happens" was nominated in "Family Tree Magazine's Top 40 Best Genealogy Blogs" contest.

Upon reading bits and pieces of my blog, my cousin came back to me with some information and a question or two. First, she informed me that she also had lived in one of the same areas that my ex-in-laws use to live. I thought this was pretty coincidental and my mind started to wander. Before it wandered to far though, I continued reading this particular email. I was next asked if I knew a particular family. Well, the surname sure rang a bell although the given names weren't coming to mind. I immediately opened my family tree and searched for these people and sure enough, there they were! Where was the family connection? Ah, ok, now I know!

Now, let's see if I can explain the connection. My daughter's "Great Grand Uncle" (on her father's side) was acquainted with my daughter's "First Cousin 2x Removed" (on her mother's side)! Or, to put it another way, my "Grand Uncle in Law" (from my first marriage) was acquainted with my "First Cousin Once Removed" (from my maternal side). Is that wild or what?

Two days ago, after I figured the conglomeration, I sent a reply to my cousin and let her know that yes, there was a connection. Small, small world.

Funny, but for some strange reason this phrase comes to mind from one of the Parent Trap movies:

"My nanny and your butler?"

(But it isn't even like that... really!)

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Have to share this "Nomination Wordle Cloud!"

Many thanks to Vickie at "Be Not Forgot" for making this wonderful "Nomination Wordle Cloud" that she is sharing with all of the nominees. Awesome job Vickie! Time and talent...I need more of this!

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Those Places Thursday ~ Bethel Luthern Church

When I first got acquainted (as an adult) with a first cousin of my mother's a few years ago, I remember some of the stories this cousin told me. One was of the church back where the Harding family grew up in Rowland, Pennsylvania. She told me most (if not all) of my great grandparents children had been baptized in this church. I was told the church wasn't far from the family home.

Upon making my initial visit to Rowland, I of course, needed to see the family home, the cemetery and the church. This church was the second place we found. It was not far from the family home, just off the towpath. In fact, it was at the end of this same road that the cemetery is located cemetery.

I was surprised to see the family home had been well taken care of and this church was another prime example of a small town staying together and taking care of their buildings. Both the home and the church looked to have been well built and taken care of, even with a fresh coat of paint. I felt different about the cemetery, but that is another story and really, for a small town old cemetery, what was I expecting anyway?

I was pleased to see this town and where my mother's paternal side of the family came from. It is amazing how emotions take over when you visit a family homestead, the family tends to come alive to you. Visiting only made me want to learn more. When I returned home I went through my notes on this family and found I was able to understand them better and even put a few pieces of the puzzle in order. More questions seemed to develop also, but I knew where to turn. I also knew I was very lucky to have someone to turn to!

I do not have pictures of any of the other churches that my family have been baptized in, so this picture is very special to me. I am planning on visiting with my cousin soon and hope to hear many more stories. Time could be on a short rein, so need to get moving. I strive to get every family story I can, while I can! Do you think meeting tomorrow would be to soon?

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

Wordless Wednesday ~ The Hope Diamond

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Arthur C. Palmer

This headstone is that of my father in law. I never had the opportunity to meet him. I have been told he was a very great man. From many of the stories I have heard, I KNOW he was a very great man. I am so sorry I never had the chance to meet him.

For several years my husband and I would go where this headstone was eventually placed. We went to visit all family members buried here. Most of those years we went, this headstone was not here. There wasn't a marker nor headstone of any kind for my father in law. These visits were during a time prior my becoming obsessed with genealogy. Every time we went to this site we would leave saying that next time we would have a headstone to place there. The next time came and we would say the same thing, over and over.

It finally bothered me so much that there wasn't a headstone for him, that I took it upon myself to have one made. I surprised my husband one year and gave it to him for Christmas. Something we always talked about doing.

I assumed many reasons why a headstone was never made. Could it have been that there wasn't the money? Was it not that important? Maybe feelings were that it was not a necessity? On and on my mind would go...

The gift was given and we went and placed the headstone. I was very happy it was finally taken care of. But was my husband? I know he was surprised and pleased this was finally done for his father. A certain instance and circumstance occurred which helped me figure out why this had probably never been taken care of, I can totally understand. I don't think I would have ever figured it out on my own. Unfortunately, I am unable to share this bit of information with you, but I am VERY happy I took care of this.

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Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!

I'm a Nominee For Family Tree's Top 40!

What a surprise when I read Family Tree Magazines nominees for the top 40 genealogy blogs! There are at least 600 genealogy related blogs, yet Heritage Happens made it as a nominee! My blog is listed under the "Personal/Family" category. I am so honored and stunned to be listed among the best of the best genealogy blogs! Wow, I still am very stunned.

The May 2010 Family Tree Magazine will name the top 40 genealogy blogs. The results come from votes by the public. There are ten categories which the chosen blogs are placed under. Going through the list, there are SO many fantastic blogs, it is tough to have to pick just a few. You can vote as many times as you want so I'll be voting a few times to try to cover all those wonderful blogs!

I want to thank those who nominated me! What a day maker this was! I would like to share the link with you so you can see all of the fantastic blogs that have been nominated. If you aren't familiar with any of them, you can check out their blog! Then please go vote for your favorite genealogy blogs! Hopefully I am one of those! :-) And if you are so inclined, go back and vote again and again! All of these bloggers thank you for taking the time to vote!

http://www.familytreemagazine.com/article/40BestVoting

I have already won, I am listed with the best of the best!

Thank you for stopping by!

Wishing you success in all of your genealogical treasure hunts!