Two Noras: May 31, 1914 and May 31, 2021

Nora Bauer: Sunday, May 31, 1914

Was to Mary Spitznogle's for supper today. Had a good time. The best supper I believe I ever had. Got some about 10 o'clock. 

Nora Spitznogle: Monday, May 31, 2021

Lazy day - I managed to clean the kitchen and nothing else. I'm so mad at the damn critters that are eating my corn shoots. 

This Mary Spitznogle is new to me...it's my mom and my niece's name and I had an Aunt Mary Alice, but no Mary Spitznogles in Grandma Nora's era in my Ancestry.com family tree. I was thrilled to figure out that Mary Caroline Spitznogle was the daughter of Conrad Spitznogle and Honora Minnemann. Mary married Louis Baumann the next year. I've been trying to connect the Minnemann's and Baumann's to Nora on the Bauer side, and it turns out they're related on the Spitznogle side. Nora wasn't related, but would marry into the families. 

I wonder if Paul was with her for supper - and what did Mary serve that was so yummy? 

Today is Memorial Day and all three of my jobs were closed - woo hoo! I puttered around the house and worked in the yard. The big excitement was when the neighbor dog chased my cat under the bed. It was like a cartoon chase! I've never seen Tilly move so fast! I got Leo the dog out of the house and tried to catch him as he ran down the street. All in my nightgown, I might add. Leo got corralled and Tilly finally came out of the basement six hours later. 

I'm so bummed, the dang critters are eating my garden. I've put a little fence around the corn, but I think the holes are too big. I wish the dog would chase them! 

Two Noras: May 30, 1914 and May 30, 2021

 Nora Bauer: Saturday, May 30, 1914

Worked till 10:00 o'clock A.M. today. Met Mrs. Spitznogle when we were coming home, suppose she was going to the cemetery. Started to work on my side board scarf. 

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday, May 30, 2021

Another chilly day. Went to the Farm to watch the race with Dad, Rush, and Dale. Kristi joined us right after and even more people after the race. 

May 30 was Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, as it was called then in 1914. From when it was made an official holiday in 1868 until 1970 when it was moved to the last Monday in May, it was always celebrated on May 30. Mrs. Spitznogle (her future mother-in-law) probably was headed to the cemetery to decorate graves. 

Many of my relatives on both sides of my family are buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Logansport, Indiana. 

Things must have been busy at Barnes Construction for Grandma Nora to work on a Saturday and a holiday to boot. She many have been working on closing out the May books. 

I had a perfectly lazy Sunday. I watched Mass online and headed out to the Farm. Family friend Rush was visiting from Iowa so I watched the race with them. 

In Indiana when you say, "the race," everyone knows you're talking about the Indianapolis 500.  It's a real treat to watch it it real-time. It's typically blacked out in this market in hopes that people will attend the race in person and not stay home to watch it on television. 

My dear friend Kristi came after the race - it was so good to catch up with her! More of the Iowa folks came in the evening for a cookout. The grilled pork chops were delicious and the company and conversations were even better! 

Two Noras: May 29, 1914 and May 29, 2021

Nora Bauer: Friday, May 29, 1914

Herman got a fountain pen just like the one I got him from Paul, so I took mine back and gave him cuff buttons. Was to singing class tonight and saw the proofs. 

Nora Spitznogle: Saturday, May 29, 2021

Slept in and puttered and napped this morning. Had fun at John David's graduation party, visited with cousins, took lots of photos and then raced to work at the Key. Unseasonably chilly. 

How fun that her beau, Paul, and Grandma Nora purchased the same gift for her little brother. I'm sure Herman like the cuff links also. Nora's record of her cash account shows that she spent a total of $4.75 on gifts for Herman and Gertrude - that's over 40% of her weekly salary of $11.00. 

In today's dollars her salary would equal about $300/week, or about $15,600/annually. Not much, really. That said, her expenses were low, even with paying her parents for board, that only equalled less than $4,000/annually in today's dollars. 

She did a good job of saving. At the end of 1914, she had $450 ($11,700 in 2021). She also had about the same amount of money invested in bank certificates. 

I wonder what proofs she saw at singing class at church? 

Nephew John David's high school graduation party was delightful. I had fun chatting with cousins and friends. 

Cousin David Shepler and I both turned 60 within days of each other. 

Another one of Nora's grandchildren, Jim Spitznogle (also 60) with Monica, one of his children, and one of his grandchildren. Nora's grandchild, great-great grandchild, and great-great-great grandchild. How cool is that? 

Two of my three siblings and two of Nora's grandchildren, Beth Spitznogle Portish and J.R. Spitznogle.....and me! 

Parents of the graduate, my brother J.R. and his beautiful wife, Anna Cox Spitznogle. 

The graduate, John David Spitznogle and his proud slightly older sister, Molly (Mary Elizabeth) Spitznogle. 

Two Noras: May 28, 1914 and May 28, 2021

Nora Bauer: Thursday, May 28, 1914

Went to see the play again tonight. Mrs. Berryman and Margaret Baker went with me. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, May 28, 2021

I worked at Second Helpings today followed by waitressing at the Red Key this evening. 

I haven't heard Grandma Nora mention Mrs. Berryman or Mary Baker before. Adding them to my "list." 

It was a quiet day at work - the Friday before a holiday weekend tend to be that way. I got caught up with emails and filing.

I went straight to work at the Red Key, I picked up the shift for a co-worker - it's fun to see what happens on other nights. That said, I'm beat! 

I realized that I don't share enough about the amazing Second Helpings, so I'm going to try to be better about sharing some photographs and behind-the-scenes fun. 

We "rescued" four pallets of potatoes this week. What we can't use in our meal production, we'll pass along to food pantries and other social services agencies. 

When the pandemic hit we started packaging meals for home delivery. Look at these gorgeous salads! 

Two Noras: May 27, 1914 and May 27, 2021

Nora Bauer: Wednesday, May 27, 1914

Herman and Gertrude graduated tonight. They gave a play The Chaperone and it was just fine. After the play we had a little lunch. 

Nora Spitznogle: Thursday, May 27, 2021

Worked downtown at Second Helpings today and did yard work this evening. I should have cleaned the house tonight, but I successfully avoided that. 

Grandma Nora's twin younger brother and sister graduated today - they were only 16. I love that St. Joseph's tradition at the time was to have the graduates stage a play. Gertrude had one of the main parts. 

 I do love that the Irish maid was named Nora in the play. I always joke that when I was growing up in the 1960s and 70s the only Noras in plays or books were the spinster aunt or the upstairs maid. i

I worked at Second Helpings today - meetings, data entry, and grant research sucked up most of the work day. I was walking out the door when I realized that the giant dock garage door wouldn't close. Luckily, it was just a tripped breaker - that I can fix. 

I mowed the front yard and a tiny sliver of the back when I got home. It's exciting to see my container garden popping up shoots. Most of the sweet corn has germinated, as have spinach, carrots, arugula, kale, and cat grass. The tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, and pumpkin plants are holding their own, although a critter had been digging in the pots. I'm growing cotton and peanuts again this year, because it's so dang fun. Last year I harvested one cotton ball and a handful of goobers and felt like I'd done something really important.

Two Noras: May 26, 1914 and May 26, 2021

Nora Bauer: Tuesday, May 26, 1914

Nora Spitznogle: Wednesday, May 26, 2021

It took Grandma Nora almost over five months before she missed a day recording something in her journal. She is was much more faithful about writing than I would have been. 

Since I've been following the pattern of describing my day in the same amount of words that Grandma Nora described hers, I won't say anything about mine, but this is a good time to look at the journal itself. 

It is a little smaller than my cellphone. 

It has a handy little flap. 

Grandma Nora kept track of her monthly expenses. Her salary was $11 and she paid $2.50 board to her parents weekly. Most months, her next largest weekly expense was for ice cream. 

She also kept record of the letters she received, although she's mentioned some that are not listed in the back of book. 

The daily entries are in pencil. The only time she used ink is her name and address in the front of the book. Her address here is listed as 125 Helm Street, although it's listed as 525 Helm Street just a few years later. Did they move exactly four blocks? Did she miswrite her address? Or did the street numbering system change? Yet another mystery to explore. 

Two Noras: May 25, 1914 and May 25, 2021

Nora Bauer: Monday, May 25, 1914

Was very warm out today. Was to the school house this afternoon. 

Nora Spitznogle: Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Worked today, followed by a flower arraigning class this evening - great fun!  

I'm catching on that when Grandma Nora comments on the weather, it's because she doesn't have much to report. 

I wonder what she meant by "school house?" This what the St. Joseph's school looked like at the time - certainly not house-like.  

Elizabeth and Linda, the wonderful women that run Marigold, treated us to a "flower therapy" session. My goodness, it was just what I needed. 

Work was stressful today - nothing terrible, just a lot going on - and hanging out with Marigold people and flowers was the perfect way to end the day.

Ever since I started transcribing Grandma Nora's journal, I've been envious of her times doing fancy work with her sisters and friends. I got to experience an evening of fancy work myself...what a wonderful way to end the day! 

Nora and Elizabeth and the fancy work. 

Two Noras: May 24, 1914 and May 24, 2021

Nora Bauer: Sunday, May 24, 1914

Was real nice out today and wore my new hat and I was out to Minnemann's this evening. Helen [?] is going away tomorrow. 22

Nora Spitznogle: Monday, May 24, 2021

Worked at Second Helpings this morning - virtual board meeting.  Took Dad to an appointment this afternoon and helped him at the after.

Oh, it looks like Grandma Nora did get a new hat at Hooley's last night! I wish I had time to really immerse myself in the family tree. I think the Minnemann's are related on the Spitznogle side - and are clearly friends of the Bauers. 

I worked at Second Helpings this morning and took Dad to a doctor's appointment this afternoon. I helped Dad write out some graduation cards this evening and organize his busy social calendar. 

Two Noras: May 23, 1914 and May 23, 2021

Nora Bauer: Saturday, May 23, 1914

Got up at 5:15 and went to Mass. Was up to the church this afternoon. Anna and I went up town this evening and over to Hooley's. 

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday 23. 2021

Went to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Indy 500 qualifications. The weather was perfect and driver Simona de Silvestro made the field. A nice and relaxing day. 

Grandma Nora didn't get much sleep - she went to bed at 1:30 and was up at 5:15. I hope she got a nap in! Mass this morning and more church activities this afternoon. I wonder if she and her older sister Anna were hat shopping at Hooley's? 

It was a minute decision to go to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the second day of qualification and the Fast Nine competition to determine the pole sitter and order of the first three rows for the Indy 500. 

I truly didn't know much about "the race," as we call it in Indianapolis, until I wrote a 100 day countdown to the 100th running of the Indy 500 in 2016. Researching and writing about the event for 100 days in a row turned me into a fan. And was a great writing exercise. 

The race wasn't open to the public last year and is only at 40% capacity due to the pandemic this year. I was offered a ticket, but I'm letting a young man take it for his first time at the Indy 500. Yesterday I started feeling the tug of the track and I roped Schaun into going with me. 

I'm glad we went - it was fun and not too crowded. I got to see the mostly-woman Paretta Team  make the field of 33 and see Scott Dixon claim the pole. It was a great day in the sunshine. 

With Colton Herta, second fastest qualifier in the 2021 Indy 500.

Two Noras: May 22, 2021

Nora Bauer: Friday, May 22, 1914

Went to Willy's to a dance this evening had a good time but there was only eleven girls there. Got to bed about 1:30. 

Nora Spitznogle: Saturday, May 22, 2021

Busy day of work. I was the manager on duty at Second Helpings this morning and worked at the Red Key Tavern this evening. 

I wonder what Grandma Nora wore to the dance? Did she and Paul go in the carriage or was it in town? There is a Willy/Spitznogle connection - Anna Willy married Chris Spitznogle, son of Conrad Spitznogle in 1915....only I can't find a Chris Spitznogle in the tree. I've put this on my list of things to research. 

Today was full of work and errands - nothing too exciting to report! 

Two Noras: May 21, 1914 and May 21, 2021

 Nora Bauer: Thursday, May 21, 1914

Went to 6 o'clock Mass this morning. Was to singing class this evening. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, May 21, 2021

Worked at Second Helpings today. Lounged around and read at home this evening. 

Neither Grandma Nora or I have too much to say about today. We both had an exciting week already! 

Two Noras: May 20, 1914 and May 20, 2021

 Nora Bauer: Wednesday, May 20, 1914

Today was Logansport [Day] today. We did not have to work. A large crowd went up to Culver to christen the Memorial gate. I got dinner today and made a cake. 

Nora Spitznogle: Thursday, May 20, 2021

Worked remotely this morning, starting with an 8:00 A.M. finance committee meeting. Went in later to deliver some dinner boxes to donors. J.R. called and I met him at the Red Key. 

I was so excited when I read the account of Grandma Nora's day - I was going to try to recreate her adventure to Culver. I try not to read ahead, but I few months ago, I flipped to see what Nora was doing on my birthday and of course, read the next day too. 

My grand plans didn't pan out, but it did give me plenty of time to do some research. 

Her employer, James I Barnes, gets credit for bringing the Culver Military Cadets to Logansport to help with the heroic rescue efforts during the devastating flood of 1913. My guess is that Barnes Construction built the gate. 

The city of Logansport literally closed up business that day and by several estimates 4,000 residents swarmed the Academy grounds that day. Extra trains were added and all vehicles were full of people and headed to Culver. 

It's fun to think of Grandma Nora being part of this. 

I learned a lot from this Culver History video - click here to watch the Logansport Gate edition. - James I. Barnes didn't become mayor of Logansport until 1918. David Fickle was mayor at the time. Mr. Barnes ordered and paid for the train that would bring the Culver students to Logansport. 

Read more accounts here: Logansport Gates program and here: Logansport Day at Culver

My day wasn't nearly as exciting...although I had fun with brother J.R. and one of his work mates when I met them at the Red Key. It's also time for the birthday celebrations to dry out - plenty of booze consumed this week! 

Two Noras: May 19, 1914 and May 19, 2021

Nora Bauer: Tuesday, May 19, 1914

Paul called up this afternoon and said he got an invitation to Willy's dance. We were all over to Hooley's tonight to get our hats. 

Nora Spitznogle: Wednesday, May 19, 2021

I truly can't believe it. I'm sixty years old today. I had a fun backyard party to celebrate - a lovely mix of family and friends. 

There is a Willy married to a Spitznogle somewhere down the line, and Barbara Willy married my cousin Ben. I wonder when the dance is? There was a ad in the Friday before's paper for a hat sale at Hooley's.

My parents can't believe that I'm sixty...I wonder if Grandma Nora and Grandpa Paul ever imagined having grandchildren that old? And I'm on the younger side of their grandchildren. Only a few of my peers have grandparents that were born in the 1800s. Nora was born in 1894 and Paul in 1893. 

I was wishy-washy about what I wanted to do for my birthday. Due to the current Marion County Health Department mandates you can't have groups of more than six at a table in a restaurant and weather reports were predicting rain so it was hard to plan. I invited my family and a few close friends to come over. Once the threat of rain passed, I invited a few more people for a backyard party. 

It was a perfect evening! Mom and Dad were both there, five of my eight godchildren, longtime friends, and neighbors

Aunt Ann Gremelspacher Lowery (mom's sister), me, Mama Meg Gremelspacher Spitznogle

Papa John Vincent Spitznogle (Nora and Paul's youngest child) and me. 

My friend, Brenda Rising-Moore, had these amazing cookies made, all three of my jobs are represented! 

I'm quite embarrassed, but I was named "Best Human" last year in an Indianapolis Star poll. This is the closest to a trophy or plaque that I received. 

 I have eight godchildren and five of them were in my backyard this evening. Here I am with Mallory (#4)

My dear niece Molly (#6), Katy (#8), Evan (#7), me, Thomas(#5). 

Long-time friend, Jolie, newish-friend, Sarah, me. 

My wonderful sister-in-law, Anna, and Molly. 

College friend and Marigold owner, Linda

Kim, me, Kassie

Aunt Ann, Brother J.R., mama

I can't believe that I didn't get a photograph of my dear sister, Beth, and her lovely hubby, Troy, and many other friends. What a lovely evening it was! 

I don't think that I've missed popping into the Red Key Tavern on my birthday for 25 years - except for last year, when bars and restaurants couldn't be open due to the pandemic, and I stood outside just to say I was there. Anyway, a group of us when to dinner at the Key after the party. 

Two Noras: May 18, 1914 and May 18, 2021

 Nora Bauer: Monday, May 18, 1914

Went to Uncle Val's funeral this morning. Had lovely weather. George H. came over this evening. 

Nora Spitznogle: Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Work today, haircut with Sarah S. after, dinner with David M. at Mama Carolla's this evening. 

This must have been a sad day for Grandma Nora, she must have been close to her Uncle Val. - he has been mentioned more so far in her journal than her parents. 

Here's the blurb about the funeral from one of the Logansport papers that day. The Kroeger name is woven throughout our family's history and documents. The funeral home is now owned by the fourth generation of Kroegers. The Kroeger family also produced at least three priests, so they baptized, married, and performed the funerals of most of the Catholics in Logansport. 

I found Valentine's death certificate - his primary cause of death is listed as apoplexy (stroke) and contributing cause of death as acute alcoholism. I would say that a fondness for the drink runs in both sides of my family. Val worked as a bartender - I wonder if that profession encouraged his drinking or if he was attracted to the tavern business because of his alcohol addiction? Having worked in the bar business for the last 39 years, I know the temptation of having a drink or two after work and I know plenty of people who drink while they're working. 

When I was working full time as a waitress I would go out after my shift and have a few drinks to wind down, but I realized that I couldn't do that and be a productive citizen. I maybe have a cocktail once a month or so when I'm restocking the beer, but I'm happy that I haven't fallen into that habit. It's not that I'm a non-drinker, I'm just more intentional now. 

I had a nice last day in my fifties. The lovely Sarah cut my hair - it's been 16 months since I last had my hair colored. It's all natural now. My Bauer/Spitznogle cousins have beautiful silver hair, I don't know why I resisted so long! 

Mama Carolla's is just two blocks from my house and serves delicious food. My long-time friend, David M. treated me to a delicious dinner. It was a lovely evening and the perfect way to spend my last hours in my fifties. 

Two Noras: May 17, 1914 and May 17, 2021

Nora Bauer: Sunday, May 17, 1917

The children made their solemn Communion today. Paul and I went driving a little while this evening and then went over to Aunt Kate's. 

Nora Spitznogle: Monday, May 17, 2021

Another busy day at Second Helpings. Meetings and budgeting and meetings about budgeting. I ran errands and did a little work around the house. 

I'm sure that Grandma Nora loved the Solemn Communion - First Holy Communion as we know it today. She made sure that her children's First Communions were documented with formal photographs. 

Rosemary gave me originals of all of the pictures and my papa made these great frames. He gave them to his siblings and he gave a set of the photos to his nieces and nephews. 

My papa, John Vincent Spitznogle, circa 1942

I wonder if she and Paul pictured that they would have nine children making their Solemn Communion in that same church?

I'm surprised that her Uncle Val's funeral hasn't happened yet...maybe the were waiting for someone else to arrive from out of town. 

Not much to tell about my day....