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

Nora Bauer: Thursday, December 31, 1914

There was not much left of the building today and it is still burning. Paul just called up and said we would go to the dance. I got my towel finished. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, December 31, 2021

Aaron and I visited his aunt and cousin in Glasglow, we had a wonderful visit! Even though we had the hotel room for the night, we decided to head to Indianapolis.  

The fire was a doozy! Can you imagine how much material a lumber mill would have had to burn? Once again, I wish I could see Grandma Nora's towel - and it makes me wonder if some of the embroidered things that Dad and Rosemary had were made by Nora....

How fun to go to a dance to ring in 1915! I hope they had a grand time! 

Aaron realized that his insulin wasn't in his suitcase, hopefully it's at my house. He convinced me that there was no reason to call his doctor for another supply. 

Glassglow is about an hour and a half drive from Lousiville. We had a fun time with Aaron's Aunt Nancy Jane, cousin Heather, and their friends. Nancy Jane fixed a lovely good luck meal of corned beef, cabbage, and black eyed peas. 

Aaron played his guitar - we all swooned a little. We had great fun looking at old photos and hearing stories from back in the day. 

On the way back to Louisville I asked Aaron if he would mind if we grabbed our bags from the sketchy hotel and skedaddled back to Indianapolis. He was happy to do so and we arrived at the Red Key in time for the countdown and cheap champagne. I was happy to be close to home and it was a grand way to start the new year! 

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

Nora Bauer: Wednesday, December 30, 1914

Was pretty cold today. Went to singing class tonight. Was working on my towel when we heard that Uhl's Mill was on fire and we hurried down to see it. It was terrible. 

Nora Spitznogle: Thursday, December 30, 2021

I took today off of work. Aaron and I drove to Louisville to see one of our favorite bands, The Rain Chorus, play for their annual holiday reunion. It was a lovely time. 

From my limited understanding of the geography of Logansport, I think the mill was pretty close to where Grandma Nora and her family lived. Here is a little history of the mill if you're interested: http://incass-inmiami.org/cass/news/mills.html

Again, I'm sad that I didn't get to see any of Nora's fancy work - or at least I didn't know that it was hers. 

Aaron and I made it to Louisville (about two hours away). We had to laugh the hotel was super sketchy - it was a place that most folks rent by the week and the receptionist was also the security guard. We had dinner at a Cracker Barrel - I was delighted to find PEZ ornaments.  

The show was great, although not well-attended. COVID is still raging and people are playing it safe.

Here's a little snippet of their music over the years. 

When we got back to the hotel we met some of the folks that were living there - very nice, but I worry about them and their future. 

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

Nora Bauer: Tuesday, December 29, 1914

Rained today and is snowing now and getting colder. Paul changed[? charged?] my plates today. We went over to Aunt Lizzie's tonight. Anna had her club. 

Nora Spitznogle: Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Worked today - I'm off the next two days, woo hoo! Aaron arrived. he had dinner delivered then we walked to the Red Key for drinks. 

What the heck did Paul do to Nora's plates? I assume that it has to do with the dishes she's been collecting? 

I wore my Purdue gear to work in honor of the football team participating in the Music Bowl in Nashville. J.R. and his family are at the game and having fun. 

Aaron arrived around 8:00 and had one of his favorite pizzas delivered. We walked over to the Red Key for a drink after dinner. It's always great to see him. 

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

Nora Bauer: Monday, December 28, 1914

Was much warmer out today and the snow melted quite a bit. Started to learn how to crochet tonight. Got along real good. 

Nora Spitznogle: Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Worked at Second Helpings today, the usual mix of meetings and such. At home worked on catching up on writing, laundry, and cleaning. 

Is there no end to Grandma Nora's fancy work talents? 

Busy, but nothing exciting at work. Everyone is sick of wearing masks, and I'm exhausted from enforcing our work mask mandate. The COVID transmission rate is high in our county right now, so we're continuing to mask up. 

I didn't learn any new crafts today. I should learn how to keep up on housework and not panic clean when I'm expecting company. 

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

Nora Bauer: Sunday, December 27, 1914

Was to 10 o'clock Mass and to Vespers this afternoon. Mabel & Will, Helen and her friend were over this evening. We had a little ride in Jim's sleigh. 

Nora Spitznogle: Monday, December 27, 2021

Back at work at Second Helpings today. It is warm and rainy today. Spent the evening catching up on writing and cleaning. I feel like I'm always behind! 

You may remember Grandma Nora's friends, Mabel and Will, from their wedding. Still no clue about the embarrassment part. It seems like Nora, Mabel, Will, and Helen are all in the same friend group. Who is Jim? Helen's friend? At any rate, I love the idea of Nora having a sleigh ride. 

Not much to write about my day, busy at work trying to make up for the holiday off and getting ahead since I'm taking Friday off. The temperature was in the 60s - no sleigh rides here!  

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

Nora Bauer: Saturday, December 26, 1914

Did not do much work today. Went to bed early tonight. 

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday, December 26, 2021

Puttered and napped today. Enjoyed Winterlights at Art Museum this evening. 

One of the big mysteries for me in transcribing Grandma Nora's journal this year is trying to figure out what her work schedule was. I realized that the work week in 1914 was very different than now. Henry Ford wouldn't send shock waves through the manufacturing industry with his 40 hour work week commitment until 1926, although in 1914 he instituted the eight hour work day. 

Although Nora worked in a office, she was part of the construction world, which at that time worked from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Remember those times that she was paying the workers on Saturdays? That said, I don't know whether she was speaking of work at the office or work at home - and we know that she wasn't afraid to take her fancy work into the office. 

This article (click here) is chockful of information about what working life and cost of living expenses were like for this era. 

I was having a bit of a gloomy day - post holiday blues I think - and puttered around the house organizing things like the silverware drawer in the kitchen and my silver chest, in both cases I dumped everything on the floor and started over.

I was so glad that I'd had the thought to purchase a Winterlights ticket for myself for this evening. I loved walking through the grounds of Newfields and Lilly Mansion. The mansion was decorated beautifully, although the kitchen is my favorite thing to marvel over. 

Walking through the beautiful grounds gave me a chance to reset my feelings and be ready to launch into the last week of this year! 

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

Nora Bauer: Friday, December 25, 1914

Went to six o'clock Mass. Paul and his mother were there when I came. Was down to Mrs. Eckerle's. Went to 10:00 o'clock Mass and to the Colonial this afternoon. Paul and his mother left at 7:00. 

Nora Spitznogle: Saturday, December 25, 2021

Woke up early and decided to go to St. Joseph's for 8:00 Mass. I sat in Dad's usual pew. Stopped at Beth's house. Brownburg for dinner with the Michell's and neighbors. Took food and gifts to Mom. 

I've re-read Grandma Nora's accounting of Christmas Day several times, and I'll admit to being confused....was she with Paul and his mama the whole time? Did they all go to Eckerle's and the theater? Did they have dinner with Nora's family? 

I was able to figure out what was on stage at the Colonial. I would love to see folks dance and yodel wearing snow shoes! 

You can see a bit of the front altar that Dad help to make. 

I woke up early and decided to go to 8:00 AM Christmas Mass at St. Joseph's - our family parish. I slipped into Dad's usual pew and it was fun to sit with the "nice widow women" - Dad's words -  that he always sat with. They didn't even have to turn the pages in the hymnal for me! 

I also chatted with Kay Bauer, I know that she's related, I just need to sort it out. I doesn't help that met her during the pandemic and with masks and distancing, it's hard to get to the whole story. I'm adding Kay to the list of people that I need to quiz about the Bauer family. 

Dad especially enjoyed the crèche in front of the church. The wood came from his dear friend Sam Herr's barn (Sam was Ann Mitchell's papa).  When Mr. Herr died, Dad was devastated - and so was I. You can read more abut Mr. Herr here: https://nora-leona.blogspot.com/2008/04/mr-herr.html

I stopped at sister Beth's. She was getting ready to entertain her husband, Troy's family. It was fun to chat and help set up a giant blow up Christmas decoration in the back yard. 

I headed back to Ann Mitchell's for a delightful and delicious dinner with her and Jerry and their next door neighbors, Karen and Craig - they're always a hoot! 

Ann fixed plates for food for me to drop off at Mom's - she's feeling a little better and loved the blouse I gave her for Christmas and was grateful for the food. 

I was wiped out when I got home. I happily went to bed early (for me, anyway). 

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

Nora Bauer: Thursday, December 24, 1914

Got my present from Paul and his brother this afternoon. Went to confession tonight and then went up town with Mary. Got to bed about 11:00 PM. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, December 24, 2021

Puttered around this morning. EME at 4:00 Mass, stopped at the Red Key for gift exchange and cheer. J.R. and Anna's for a beautiful dinner, Mitchell's for overnight. 

Oh, How I wish I knew what Paul and his brother gave Grandma Nora? Which brother of Paul's? George or Conrad? So many questions! 

And which Mary did she go uptown with? Brill, Spitznogle, or Minneman? 

My day was a combination of lounging in my pajamas and running around like an elf on Christmas Eve. I spent the morning puttering around and gathering gifts for my various stops. I left cards and cookies for some of my neighbors - I don't know why I get such a thrill delivering things to porches in my pajamas. 

I went to the Children's Mass at St. Joan of Arc, the Mass is well attended and they needed more Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers than usual. The church was so crowded that I wound up standing in the back - which I don't mind at all. It was fun to see the kiddos all dressed up and squirmy. 

I stopped at home to grab the gifts, my overnight bag, and the salad I made for dinner and headed to the Red Key. Christmas Eve at the tavern is as much a tradition for me as anything else. The Settle sisters sing, those of use who work there retrieve our stockings and Secret Santa goodies, and have a little nip of cheer. 

I did a terrible job of taking pictures at J.R. and Anna's, which is a shame! The table was beautiful, the food yummy (my kale, pomegranate seeds, and feta salad pictured above), and the company great - J.R. and Anna, Molly and John, Beth and Troy, and myself. Poor Mama wasn't feeling good and opted out. Of course we were also missing Dad and his jovial self. 

Molly and John passing out the gifts that Ann and Tim sent from Phoenix. 

Molly is way taller than Aunt Nora. I'm holding a picture of me holding Molly when she was just six months old. 

Dad and I had started a Christmas Eve tradition a few years ago. He would go to the Children's Mass with J.R. and family, we would gather for dinner, Dad would go with me to Midnight Mass at St. Joan of Arc, I would spend the night at the Farm with Dad, and we would attend Christmas morning Mass at St. Joseph's in Lebanon (Dad's parish). 

My best friend since we were six, Ann, invited me to spend the night at her house, knowing that I'd be missing staying with Dad.  She even had a stocking for me (you can see it between our heads) and gifts - see hat below. 

Ann and her hubby Jerry waited up for me to get there. I'm really glad that I took them up on their offer. Their house was the first place that I stopped on the way home from the hospital after Dad died - it's such a comfort to be with Ann....

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

Nora Bauer: Wednesday, December 23, 1914

Went to singing class this evening and then divided the candy. 

Nora Spitznogle: Thursday, December 23, 2021

Took Mom to appointment. Last day of work until Monday - yay! 

I wonder who the lucky recipients of the candy will be? 

Picked Mom up to visit my CPA - he's helping us get her paper work in order. Made it back to work just in time to close up and leave for the holiday. Met J.R. and Kassie for drinks in what now seems to be our new Christmas Eve Eve tradition. Spent the rest of the evening sorting through gifts I've purchased and worrying that I haven't done enough - another pre-Christmas tradition. 

Two Noras: December 22, 1914 and December 22, 2021

Nora Bauer: Tuesday, December 22, 1914

Was up town this evening. Bought Paul's present. Made some more candy tonight. 

Nora Spitznogle: Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Nothing exciting today - worked downtown at Second Helpings. Puttered around home this evening. 

Grandma Nora recorded that she spend $5 on Paul's gift, but not what it was. Maybe she'll reveal that later. 

My day was laid back. Nothing exciting to recored for posterity. 
 

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

Nora Bauer: Monday, December 21, 1914

Did some shopping this afternoon. Made some candy tonight. Talked to Helen on the phone. 

Nora Spitznogle: Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Work, lunch with CEO, haircut, and then to Meridian Hills CC to celebrate John David. 

It looks like Grandma Nora shopped for her siblings Will and Anna, and her mama and papa. She purchased a cap for her brother, handkerchiefs for her papa, but no notation of what she bought for the other two. 

And the candy? What kind? 

I wonder what she and Helen talked about? 

I had a lovely day. Worked, had lunch with our new-ish CEO - I hope I didn't babble too much. I got my hair cut then joined J.R., Anna, Molly, John David, and Cousin Jim to celebrate John's birthday.

I can't believe that he's 19 years old! Both Molly and John are students at Purdue. It was to hear about their end of the semester exploits. 

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

Nora Bauer: Sunday, December 20, 1914

Went to 10 o'clock Mass today and also to Vespers. Afterwards went to Uncle Frank's and played 500. Heard some news tonight about Mary & Louis. 

Nora Spitznogle: Monday, December 20, 2021

Started the morning at Marigold at the holiday employee breakfast - I'm starting to feel a little bit of the Christmas spirit. Headed downtown to work after. 

I hope that Grandma Nora slept in a bit. It seems like she's always at an earlier Mass. Playing cards sounds fun. You may remember that Nora's Uncle Frank is her Dad's brother and married Nora Doll in January. I wonder what the news about Mary and Louis was? It must have been juicy for her not to risk writing it in her journal. And I haven't sorted out exactly Mary and Louis  are. 

I had a lovely morning, starting the day at Marigold with a festive breakfast. There was a trading gifts game - I was late (I did a wee bit of work online first) so I didn't know what everyone else had to trade, but I got a lovely necklace. 

Downtown for work afterwards. 

Aaron texted today to let me know that he's coming to town on the 29th. We'll head to Louisville the next day to see Danny Flanigan play. I'm excited! 

Happy 19th birthday to my dear nephew, John David! 

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

Nora Bauer: Saturday, December 19, 1914

Someone got into the saloon last night and took about six dollars in change. Coated some of the candy tonight. 

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday, December 19, 2021

Blank calendar except for finishing writing for Indianapolis Monthly. Of course I procrastinated and wound up burning the midnight oil. 

Oh! Big excitement at Great-Grandpa's saloon last night. Six dollars may not seem like much, but it's $175 in today's money. That must have thrown the family for a real loop. 

I wonder what kind of candy Grandma Nora made? 

I'm so excited - I'm writing two pieces for Indianapolis Monthly, which has been on my bucket list, although I never dreamed it would be about food. I've been to sample the two food items that I've been assigned and have written copious notes. Now I just need to whittle each one down to about 150 words. I've had all day to do it, which means that I've mostly puttered around today avoiding the computer. 

I finally buckled down after dark and got them finished and submitted. 

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

Nora Bauer: Friday, December 18, 1914

Was at the office by myself today and did fancy work. Paul called me up this afternoon and said he had been sick. 

Nora Spitznogle: Saturday, December 18, 2021

Lots of work today - Marigold followed by Red Key. It's always fun to work at Marigold and even more with the holiday shoppers. 

Oh, I would love to see some of Grandma Nora's fancy work! I also love how she takes her embroidery and such to work with her. I know that she did bookkeeping work, but I'm guessing that she also answers the telephone and such. 

Not much to tell about my day. Work, short nap, and more work. 

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

Nora Bauer: Thursday, December 17, 1914

Colder yet today, was about 10 below zero. Went to singing class tonight. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, December 17, 2021

Great day! Batesville with Kassie.  Visited the cemetery where Bauer relatives are buried. 

While Grandma Nora's day sounds routine, mine was exciting! 

Kassie and I drove to the St. Peter Cemetery in Franklin County, Indiana. Grandma Nora's grandparents are buried there and I thought that I would easily be able to find their grave markers next to the church. 

Hope springs eternal in my brain,  but often the reality is a little disappointing. My goal was to find Franz Alois Bauer's grave. Franz is my great-great-great grandfather and was Nora's great-grandfather. He and his wife Josephine and children (including Nora's grandfather, Felix) came to the US from Bavaria (Germany) in 1853 and landed in southern Indiana. 

We were able to find the cemetery and the church, but not the gravestone. Of course, he died in 162 years ago and we don't know that he ever had a stone. I was able to find several Rosfeld's -  Nora's mother (my great-grandmother) was a Rosfeld. 

I also found Messerschmit's - Nora's great-grandmother was Susanna Messerschmidt. 

I'm guessing that six year-old Anna is a great-great aunt, but I haven't sorted that out out. 

Little three year-old Frank Messerschmit is my great-great uncle. 

I look forward to being better prepared for the next visit. We discovered on our way out that there was a another whole cemetery across the road - the "new" graveyard had stones from the 1880s, including Frank's (above). 

We were able to go in to the sweet church and met a church member who was there to get ready for a funeral. I learned that there are still Rosfeld's attending that church. 

Kassie discovered that this man's -  also visiting the across-the-street cemetery - daughter's Golden Retriever was the mother of Kassie's daughter's puppy. 

Other adventures included a man in a truck practically running us off the road (in a remote wooded area by a steep ravine and creek - the stuff nightmares are made of) to get us to stop. It turned out to be innocent, as it turned out he thought that I worked for "the county" - my utilitarian grey* car and 4-H license plate lead him down that path. He wanted to discuss a new pig farming operation down the road. 

We stopped in Batesville to see Sally 

On our way out of Batesville, Kassie took me to this amazing place! Typically I'm very respectful of people's property and don't stray off the sidewalk, but yowza! Blow molds galore! 

So fun! 

We headed back to Indianapolis to attend Silo's holiday open house. The invitation suggested ugly sweaters, so Kassie and I stopped at my favorite thrift store and picked up some sweaters. Of course we were the only two that wore ugly sweaters to the party. 

We stopped for dinner on the way home - I like to squeeze as much out of a day off as I can! 

* even my car is "Bauer grey."