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

 Nora Bauer: Tuesday, April 21, 1914

Mr. Barnes gave me an auto ride. Started out at 8 A.M. Got back at 2 P.M. Went out 70 mile in all. Was out to Pulaski to see the school to be remodeled. 

Nora Spitznogle: Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Wednesdays have several standing meetings and today was no different. I weighed in at WW - I lost 2.5 pounds. It's amazing - pay attention to what you eat and exercise. If only someone would have told me! 

What an exciting day Grandma Nora had! I've been wondering how common automobiles were in her world and now I see that it's uncommon enough to merit an entry in her journal. 

I searched the newspaper archives to see if there was a mention of Mr. Barnes purchasing an automobile, but quickly threw in the towel. The papers were full of automobile ads and the Barnes family is often mentioned - there were over 900 times that "Barnes" and "auto" both appeared somewhere in the paper, in the time frame I was searching. After looking scanning 10 of them, I gave up. 

Nora's 70 mile trip fits right in with the distance to Pulaski and back from Logansport. I found these Pulaski school construction mentions on the school district's historical timeline: 

"The Pulaski Grade School was established in the late 1890s. In the early 1900s, a new building was constructed for this grade school on the site of the present Glenbrook School.

The original Pulaski Grade and High School was on the site presently occupied by the Glenbrook School. The arch that stands on the north side of the present Glenbrook School is the original entrance of that building. The school was built in 1909. "

I wonder if it was the grade school or high school that was being remodeled? 

You may remember that Nora worked as a bookkeeper for Barnes Construction. 

My day wasn't nearly as exciting. I worked followed by weighing in at Weight Watchers. I'm down! Woo hoo! 

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

Nora Bauer: Monday, February 23, 1914

Worked this morning but the furnace smoked so bad so we stayed home the afternoon. Will [brother] took Mamie [sister] and I up to the Deutscher Verein this evening. They had a musical and dance.

Nora Spitznogle: Tuesday, February 23, 2021

I had my annual review today and it went well - why do I fret so? Straight home to paint  - what have I gotten myself into? I'm told it should not involve a ladle.

How nice for Will to take his younger sisters to the theater! Will would have been 25 years old, Mamie 22, and Grandma Nora 19. I've been wondering why their Mom wouldn't have joined them. The youngest children, twins Herman and Gertrude would have been almost 15 years old...or maybe leaving teenagers home alone wasn't a good idea. I assume that their father would have been working at his saloon in the evening. Below is a blurb from the next day's paper about the show. 

I've been trying not to look ahead in Grandma Nora's journal or at the newspapers, but I looked up Grandma Nora and Paul's wedding announcement yesterday and it was full of clues. Her employer, Mr. Barnes was listed - Nora had mentioned him before and I assumed that he was an employer, but I wasn't sure. The piece also mentioned that Mr. Barnes was the mayor at the time she got married - bingo! That opened a floodgate of information. 

Mr. James I. Barnes was running a construction company started by his father, James E. Barnes. They were prominent builders in Logansport and at the Culver Academy. Over the last few months when I'd asked Dad if he could remember who his mom worked for, he couldn't recall a name. When I asked about Barnes, he was sure that was it. Woo hoo! 

It is a little ironic that a construction firm's office was smoked out by the boiler. 

Speaking of construction, I'm in over my head - literally - on the painting project. I sent this photo to two friends and they both commented that they'd never seen a ladle used in a painting project. I'm finding that putting paint in a plastic cup works well for using the brush. My ladder is so old the thingie to hold the tray of paint is gone. I'll keep painting away as long as none of you look too closely at the walls the next time you're in my house. 

Bonus: When looking though the papers for a review of the show they attended this blurb caught my eye.... damn actors! 

 

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: September 25, 1914 and September 25, 2021

Nora Bauer: Friday, September 25, 1914

Baked my first pies this morning. I was pretty awkward at it I guess. Finished up my waist this evening. John E. Barnes died at yesterday at 1:15 P.M.

Nora Spitznogle: Saturday, September 25, 2021

Worked at Second Helpings this morning. Popped into Marigold to get a gift for a darling three year old's birthday. Worked at Red Key Tavern this evening. 

I wonder what kind of pies Grandma Nora made? Why this burst of domesticity? 

John E. Barnes is the father of Grandma Nora's (and sisters Anna and Mamie) employer, John I. Barnes. 

I had a busy and fun day. Spent the morning at Second Helpings, popped into Marigold for a gift for the birthday party of Jeff's grandson. It was great to see Jeff's sisters and friends. 

Worked at the Red Key this evening. Not much to tell about that. 

Two Noras: July 9, 1914 and July 9, 2021

Nora Bauer: Thursday, July 9, 1914

Was to church this morning but did not get to hear Mass. Mr. Barnes went to a letting this afternoon and I did not do much. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, July 9, 2021

Worked at Second Helpings today - Culinary Job Training graduation! Went to an outdoor concert this evening, followed by dinner at Aristocrat, and drinks at Red Key. 

What the heck is a letting,  Grandma Nora? Meeting? I'll admit that I searched the newspapers for "Mr. Barnes" and "letting." Nothing turned up. Another mystery. 

Today was fun at Second Helpings - we held the Culinary Job Training graduation live vs. the video taped versions of the last 17 months. I loved hearing clapping and cheering in the building again. 

I had purchased a four-pack of tickets to see Brett Dennen at the Rock the Ruins series at Holliday Park. It was a beautiful evening. I invited a long-time friend, Jolie, long-time acquaintance, Julie, and John, who I met last month at the Flower Man Jam.  It was really fun for me to introduce people to each other and see them fall into an easy friendship. 

If I was smart, I should have gone straight home, but I returned a call from Schaun and met him at the Aristocrat for dinner - yummy Brussels sprouts and a whiskey. 

If I was smart, I would have gone straight home from here, but we walked over to the Red Key, where I consumed more Irish whiskey and talked about Dad. 

I've been intentional about not drinking too much booze - I keep saying that I don't have the emotional bandwidth for that. I've toasted Dad at the funeral lunch and gathering afterwards and had two half-beers when we did the Whitestown Run last Friday. 

Anyway, all was fine except for me blabbering about Dad and the funeral for an hour. 

I'm home safely and off to bed. 

Two Noras: August 8, 1914 and August 8, 2021

Nora Bauer: Saturday, August 8, 1914

Went to Burnettsville to pay off this afternoon. Clara, Gertrude and I went shopping this evening. Went to the station to meet Anna & Mamie. They came home at 8:35. 

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday, August 8, 2021

Today is my youngest sister, Ann's birthday! Worked at Marigold, then visited the Indiana State Fair. Saw the Grand Drive for the first time. Dad would have loved it. 

You may remember that Grandma Nora went to Burnettsville a couple of weeks ago. I've spent a good chunk of time trying to figure out what she was doing there. I assume she was there on behalf of her employer, Barnes Construction. 

I've been searching for a project that Barnes that was building at the time. Burnettsville, formerly known as Burnetts Creek, was (and still is a small town). In 1910 the population was 489 and it had only grown to 517 by 1920. That said, in 1914 the town had a bank, pharmacy, market, doctor and dentist. 

The last history of White County (where the town is located) that I could find was written in 1883. I searched the historic register, just in case that led me somewhere - no luck. I even read through the July and August Burnettsville newspapers. That's not as heroic as it sounds, it was a one-page paper published once a week - Thursdays if you were wondering. 

It sounds like Grandma Nora had a nice evening with her younger sister and Clara Brill. I hope that Anna and Mamie had a good time in Milwaukee. 

This photo from twelve years ago (2009) popped up today. Dad was 73...and I'll be 72 in 12 years. So weird to think about. Dad loved the strawberry shakes from the Hooks museum soda fountain at the State Fair.  

I had a lovely day also. I worked at Marigold for the annual Broad Ripple Sidewalk Sale. I was home by 3:00 and invited Schaun to join me at the Fair. Schaun talked me in to riding on the back of his Honda Grom  (appropriately helmeted, of course). 

I arrived on a Honda Grom....I did not leave on a Honda Grom. More on that later. 

We saw the Budweiser Clydesdales and the Dalmatian. We visited Pioneer Village and my lamp. Just in case you were wondering what second and third place looked like, here you go! 

My goal for today was to see the Grand Drive, getting to show "on the dirt" of the Coliseum is a big deal. My Cousin Clyde's grandson, Ari, was showing his champion sheep. 

This was my first time attending the Grand Drive and I'll admit to a few tears. Eric Holcomb, the Governor of Indiana and Mrs. Holcomb spoke. We all said the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H pledge and the National Anthem was sung. 

I wasn't in a good spot to get a close up of Ari, but I got goosebumps knowing he was out there. Here is a video of the champions. 

I wonder if Grandma Nora even imagined four generations away? She was Ari's Great-Great-Great-Grandmother. I also know that Dad would have really loved this also. 

We were back at Schaun's bike when he realized that he didn't have the key (for the record, I offered to put it in my purse). Luckily I live just a mile away. I wasn't mad about the lost key - we all lose things, but the discussion of the best way to walk to my house almost caused me to commit a crime. There is literally a paved trail leading from where we were standing to my actual backyard. I'm not sure why it took me so long to convince Schaun that it was the quickest way home. Walking a mile is a good way to let off some steam....

We grabbed my car and I drove Schaun home to get his spare key and back to the Fairgrounds. All and all, it was another good day at the Fair. 

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

 Nora Bauer: Wednesday, February 25, 1914

This was the coldest morning we have had. Was 2 below zero when we went to work. Margaret Schnitz was down to the office today. Mrs. Barnes wants her to learn our system of Bookkeep. 

Nora Spitznogle: Thursday, February 25, 2021

Lots of work meetings today and a City Market board meeting - all remote, of course. Uneventful evening at home. No painting - worked in the basement on organizing my out-of-hand pile of tee-shirts. 

This entry is so wild to read, knowing what we know now of Grandma Nora's life. Nora and Paul married in 1919 and after Nora died in 1951, Paul married Margaret. 

Was Nora excited to be training Margaret? Was she worried about Margaret replacing her? Oh the foreshadowing! 

My day wasn't very exciting. Meetings and taking the minutes for the City Market board meeting. My tee-shirt collection is out of hand. I have two tubs of vintage ones and a dresser full of newer ones. Between attending lots of concerts and being involved in so many things it's easy for them to get out of hand. I do wear them for my Saturday night waitressing shifts, so they're getting use. I've semi organized them by sports, Indy-centric, bands, and activities. That doesn't mean that I won't keep grabbing the same ones from the top of the pile, but they look better. 

Two Noras: July 2, 1914 and July 2, 2021

Nora Bauer: Thursday, July 2, 1914

Barnes got a new car today and he was trying to learn me how to run it. Susie and Teresa were over this evening we had a good time. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, July 2, 2021

Slept in, met siblings and others for lunch at Ulen Country Club. Visited Dad's grave after. Followed Dad's Whitestown Run route this evening - what a lovely evening it was. 

What an exciting day for Grandma Nora - learning how to drive an automobile! I wonder what kind of car it was? When I hear Nora mention Teresa I wonder if it was Teresa Schnitz, who married her younger brother, Herman six years later. I don't have a guess about who Susie is. 

I am grateful that I don't have to go to work today and could sleep in. Not that I'm sleeping well...

Both Beth and J.R. belong to Ulen Country Club in Lebanon. The siblings and the Iowa guys met for lunch. It was fun to hear everyone's impressions of the funeral. It was such a blur that we're all remembering different parts. 

Beth and J.R. and I all independently wound up at the cemetery, We cleaned up the containers and wilted flowers. Beth made bouquets to put on graves of family friends and we put the petals of flowers on Dad's grave - it looked so much better than the dirt. 

I got a call from my tenant that the refrigerator wasn't working...luckily it was just unplugged!  

I really wanted a nap, but had to keep moving to get to Whitestown to trace Dad's usual Friday night route. 

I invited S. - partly because I knew that he'd enjoy it and partly because I wanted a driver - I planned on having a drink at each to the three stops. As it wound up, I picked him up - driving 25 minutes the wrong way to do so. I'll admit to being really angry at the way it was turning out, but decided to let it go as we were driving to Whitestown. Even though I'd made it clear that I wanted not to drive, it's on me that I agreed to what he wanted. Not his fault, but a reminder of why we don't date anymore. 

Our first stop was the Legion where many of the members shared Dad stories and gave their condolences. They had this posted on their bulletin board.  Rush and Aaron, in from Iowa for Dad's funeral joined us as did Beth and Troy and their friends, Margaret and Tim. We picked up a few people along the way, including Art, who Dad knew from the Legion and has been helping Dad at the Farm. 

The next stop was Moontown, where they had Dad's favorite half pint of beer - King of Troy - at his seat at the bar. Everyone there was lovely. I did have a half of my favorite beer there - Fill the Void, a lovely porter. 

The third stop was Dad's beloved L.A. Cafe for dinner. The owner Jessie and the staff have been wonderful to Dad over the years. The even have a "baby beer" button on their ordering system for his half pint of Sun King Sunlight Cream Ale. Here we are toasting with baby beers. I had one of those too. 

I know that I haven't said much about them, but I'm so glad that Rush and Aaron made the trip from Iowa. Rush was here in May and that was the happiest I'd seen Dad in a long time - he loved having visitors and hosting a party a the farm. It was great to share the Whitestown Run with them. 

I will also admit to being emotional and tired and fragile - it's probably just as well that I was the driver and tempered my drinking and I may have been overreacting to the S. driving thing. Maybe. 

Two Noras: January 13, 1915 and January 13, 2023

Nora Bauer: Wednesday, January 13, 1915

Was real nice out today. Tallied lumber today. John was over tonight and they played cards finished my dresser scarf tonight. Rich called Mamie up. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, January 13, 2023

Windy and wet weather today. Worked at Second Helpings today - the usual mix of meetings and planning for meetings. Worked in the basement this evening. 

Was it her Uncle John that was visiting? And how I would love to see that dresser scarf! I'm guessing that Grandma Nora was doing a lumber inventory for Barnes Construction, the company she worked for. 

The most exciting sentence in today's update is "Rich called Mamie up." 

Did Great-Aunt Mamie have a suitor? I hope so! Mamie never married and was a doting aunt and great-aunt - for years she'd have a gift for each of her great-nieces and nephews, I wish I could remember the specifics of those gifts. It's the thought that counts, right? 

Mamie was a bookkeeper at Seybold's Department Store for years and lived to be 94 years old. She never married, so the thought of her having a beau is fun...and makes this never-married 61 year old feel a little better. 

This evening's basement project was organizing all of my shoes, boots, purses, and socks. Now that they're all in one place, I realize what a ridiculous amount of footwear that I own. 

The bookcase on the left was in closet that I just cleaned out.  - it was a Christmas gift in 1974 (I was 13 1/2) and I loved/love it! 

Here is a photo of me with ALL of my gifts that year. Check out that groovy sweater and pants and my hot rollers! 

I still have several of the things displayed in the bookcase. The grey vase was from my dear Aunt Rita (Mom's youngest sister, who died in 1990 at only 41 years old). I'm pretty sure that Ann Herr Mitchell gave me the yellow Nancy Drew book on the top shelf.  

The collection of Trixie Beldon books are in my current bookcase - can you tell that I'm a sentimental fool? Whenever I would have any spending money, I would buy the latest in the series at the Danner store in town.  

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

Nora Bauer: Friday, July 17, 1914

Mr. Barnes was out of town today. Was doing fancy work at the office. Darned my silk stockings this evening. 

Nora Spitznogle: Saturday, July 17, 2021

Worked at Marigold today. Took the night off to see Otis Gibbs with friends at HiFi - took the Red Line. 

It cracks me up that Grandma Nora did her fancy work at the office - it's better than sitting around doing nothing. It sounds like her Friday evening was as exciting as mine was last night. 

I always enjoy working at Marigold Clothing. My co-workers and the customers are great and it's fun to see what is in the store. 

Matthew Aaron opened

Otis Gibbs

I've been trying to go to the Otis Gibbs ,(<--- be sure and click on his website - good stuff) show for over a year now. First it was delayed because of the pandemic then because of inclement weather (he was playing outdoors). The show was scheduled for last night, but then moved to tonight - I was beyond bummed and asked someone to cover my shift at the last minute and she did!  

It was such a great evening! Kassie went with me, caught up with more friends at the Red Key and took the Red Line (public transportation) to Fountain Square. 

I saw so many people that I hadn't seen since the pandemic started - so much laughter and hugs and kind words about Dad. 

What a fantastic evening....

There is a giant painting of Otis in the hallway of HiFi. 

Two Noras: July 7, 1914 and July 7, 2021

Nora Bauer: Tuesday, July 7, 1914

Got my Trial Balance today. Worked on my library scarf tonight. 

Nora Spitznogle: Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Worked downtown, WW and groceries after, and surprisingly played kickball tonight. 

It sounds like Grandma Nora was able to close out the bookkeeping for June for Barnes Construction. That must have been a good feeling. And what the heck is a library scarf? Nothing showed up in the newspaper searches for that era. Googling just shows scarves with books on it. 

I have a new resolve about losing the weight that I gained last year. I popped in to Weight Watchers for the first time in five weeks and had actually lost .2 of a pound. I'll take it - not gaining over the last two weeks feels like a victory. 

Weeks ago when I signed up for the Second Helpings kickball team I was just doing it to round out the team, but was promised that I wouldn't need to play. 

So here we are. 

Between injuries and vacations there were only eight of us able to play...against a younger team that fielded 11 players - at least one of whom played Division One soccer. 

I played third base and the other team kept kicking it towards the grey haired lady. I managed two tag two of them out and totally bumbled throwing the ball to make a third out. In my defense I just learned today that you could throw the ball at someone - I assumed kickball was like baseball - throwing the ball at someone was bad. And I'm not sure that I can deliberately throw the ball at someone. 

I only had to kick twice and didn't get on base either time, but one of my teammates scored - that's an RBI, right? 

I also learned what the mercy rule means....

Two Noras: June 8, 1914 and June 8, 2021

Nora Bauer: Monday, June 8, 1914

The Hospital Job at Longcliff was let today and we were the low bidder. Went over to Maiben's again with Herman. 

Nora Spitznogle: Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Not too many meetings at work today, I was able to scoot out for lunch at the City Market. Calm evening. 

I'm guessing that Barnes Construction bid to build a building at the Logansport State Hospital, locally known as Longcliff. I've spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to figure out which building it was. I compared maps of the campus trying to figure it out...of course the bid may have been to pave roads or something. 

My maternal Uncle John lived at Longcliff for most of my life. My mom worked there helping with art therapy when she was in college. I have vivid memories of visiting Uncle John when I was young. Most of the memories are fond, but of course for a shy little girl it was a bit scary too. I would save my coins so I could treat patients to sodas from the machines. It wasn't an entirely selfless act - it meant that I could score a Coke also, a big treat in our household. 

I fell into a days-long research project on Longcliff and how mental health treatment has morphed over the years - some for the worse and some for the better. There is now a museum on the campus, and I've added a visit to my list of Cass County things to do. 

Click here and here for two more resources on the history of Longcliff. 

My work day was pretty typical, except that I popped over to the City Market for lunch. 

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

Nora Bauer: Saturday, August 29, 1914

Worked hard all day. Gertrude, Anna and I went up town. Saw Louis & Chris. Uncle Mike and Leo went home this morning. 

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday, August 29, 2021

10:30 Mass then met Kim in Broad Ripple for the annual duck race - so hot! Late lunch at Just Pop In. Lazy day. 

I'm guessing that Grandma Nora was working in the Barnes Construction office. I'm gathering that the work weeks were a little more fluid in that era - sort of like mine, weekend work is just part of the gig. 

I wonder if Louis is this Louis? 

You may remember that Uncle Mike and Leo arrived last Saturday. I wonder if they've stayed with Grandma Nora's family all this time? 

Steamy hot day here - I'm usually impervious to the heat, but I dressed wrong - a thick tank top under heavy linen. The duck race was fun - followed by a nice air-conditioned late lunch at Just Pop In with Kim. 

Two Noras: March 15, 1914 and March 15, 2021

 Nora Bauer: Sunday, March 15, 1914

Had a lovely day today. Mabel & Helen M were in today and we went walking. Paul and I took a drive this evening. Went out south passed [past] McCoulf's. 

Nora Spitznogle: Monday, March 15, 2021

Back to work today. There is nothing like having time off to make you want more! Still chipping away at the piles on the floor. So much left to do. 

I did a quick search of the Logansport 1914 papers for a mention of the three names - Nora, Mabel, and Helen together. Nothing popped up. I do love the thought of Grandma Nora and her friends talking a stroll. 

And even more, I love the thought of Nora and Grandpa Paul taking a drive in the country. I'm curious about whether their drive was in a car or with a horse and buggy. in 1914 only 17 out of 1000 people owned cars. 

I did a quick search of the McCoulf's and found this delightful 1916 piece. Ella, Mary, C.J., and Andrew Donohue are my great-aunts and uncles on my Mom's side! My Grandma Leona would have just been 11 years-old that year, so would be too young for an adult party. Great-Uncle C.J. died just two years later in WWI. I adore the thought of the four of them enjoy a party! 

I had every intention of continuing the house project when I got home...ha! I showered and got lost in one of Grandma Nora's journals that Cousin Chris sent me and a great family history that Cousin Susan sent. I'll share more of that soon, but it shows a long connection of the Bauer and Barnes families doing business together. 

Two Noras: August 3, 1914 and August 3, 2021

Nora Bauer: Monday, August 3, 1914

Was at the office by myself today. Anna is taking her vacation. 

Nora Spitznogle: Tuesday, August 3, 2021

No State Fair today, worked downtown at Second Helpings. Opened more sympathy cards. 

I keep forgetting that Grandma Nora's older sister, Anna, worked with Barnes Construction also. I wonder where she was vacationing? 

Another work day for me, meetings and such - nothing exciting. 

Yesterday's tomato victory sparked an interest in what I can salvage from my spring planting. The peanuts and cotton seem to be hanging in there. Peanuts and cotton in Indianapolis you ask? 

I'm a big fan of the horticulture program at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. They open their greenhouse to the public four times a year and I try to be there each time. All of my already-started plants come from there. Not only do they offer the typical plants that you see everywhere - tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs - but they have some exotic-to-me plants for sale. This is my second year for growing both cotton and peanuts. 

I honestly had no idea what a cotton plant looked like or the growing process. It's a very pretty plant and the maturity process is fascinating. Click here for a basic explanation. I love that they produce white flowers and once it is pollinated, the flowers turn purple and produce the boll. 

I need to take a better photograph. There are two plants in this pot, one is purple and the other green - I can't remember what the difference is. I've circled two of the bolls, the plants have four all together. 

Last year I only harvested one boll - Tilly Cat thought the cotton fluff was the best toy she'd ever been given. I'm not sure what I'll do with this year's bountiful crop. 

I'm still opening sympathy cards - they are so lovely and have thoughtful notes and memories. 

Two Noras: September 2, 1914 and September 2, 2021

Nora Bauer: Wednesday, September 2, 1914
Got the specifications all finished today. Was working on my pillow tonight. Mrs. John Bauman called me up and invited me to out for dinner Sunday. 

Nora Spitznogle: Thursday, September 2, 2021
What a fun day! I got to help with a food rescue on the Circle. Took Red Line to see a new-to-me band, American Aquarium.   

I wonder what the specifications were for - I'm assuming that it was a Barnes Construction project. If it's the Mrs. John Bauman I think it is, her maiden name is Spitznogle (father Conrad), which I think makes her a cousin of Grandma Nora's beau, Paul Spitznogle. That said there were several John Bauman's in Cass County in that time frame. 

I had the nicest day that I'd had in a while. I got to assist with a Second Helpings food pickup. The Strawberry Festival wasn't as busy as the planners had hoped, so they donated the leftovers to us. Our partner agencies will love the treats and I had fun wheeling gobs of ice cream into our van. 

This was one of the times that I started to call Dad. He would have been delighted to hear about the ice cream. I've been ticked to learn he got his love of ice cream from his mother. 

Aaron sent me a link to the music of American Aquarium a few weeks ago and I ordered their album. I've been playing it nonstop since it arrived. I was thrilled to see that they were playing outdoors in town. 

I try to use our electric bus system whenever I can. There is a Red Line stop just three blocks from home. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Fountain Square and the HiFi venue. I love not worrying about parking or having an Irish whiskey. 

American Aquarium did not disappoint. The music was great and the weather was perfect. I had a lovely time by myself. 

Two Noras: 1919 and 1925 - Who's Who

I've been scribbling notes to myself on the back of envelopes to help keep things straight - if I need cheat sheets, I can't expect anyone else to keep it all in their brains. 

I'll keep adding to this as stuff pops up. 

At the beginning of 1919: 

Eleanor - Nora - Bauer was 24 years old. 

    - she was living at home with her parents and sisters, 525 Helm Street, Logansport, Indiana
    - working for Barnes Construction as the bookkeeper. 

Parents: 
Felix Benedict Bauer (1862-1945), owner and proprietor of a tavern
Barbara Rosfeld (1863-1934)

Siblings: 
William Francis Bauer (1888-1971), no longer living in the household
Mamie E. Bauer (1890-1984)
Anna M. Bauer (1891-1956)
- Nora - (1894-1951)
Gertrude Bauer (1898-1992) twin
Herman Bauer (1989-1986) twin

Cousins: 

Loretta Bertha (1898 - 

Bertha Bauer, (1896 - 1985)

 daughters of Uncle Frank Bauer (1867 -1954).

Nora's beau: Paul Carl Spitznogle (1893 - 1969) was 24 years old and serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in France. 

Elizabeth (Bessie) Kramer Spitznogle (1872 - 1930), Paul's mother. 

Michael Charles Spitznogle (1868 - 1909),  Paul's father. 

Nora 1894-1951
Paul  1894-1969

    

Two Noras: March 3, 1914 and March 3, 2021

Nora Bauer: Tuesday, March 3, 1914

Was working pretty hard today. Got my trial balance. Anna [sister] went to her club tonight and I was doing fancy work. 

Nora Spitznogle: Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Another busy day at work - we're interviewing potential Culinary Job Training students. I stopped at the grocery store after work. 

As we learned a little earlier, Grandma Nora was the bookkeeper for Mr. Barnes, who was in the construction business. I wonder if she was running the trail balance for March or for 1913? Was she training Margaret also? 

I think I've mentioned that going to the grocery store or getting gas used to be something that I would do on the fly and consider a chore. Now my weekly trip to Aldi is a treat. Aldi has upped their selection of organic fruits and veggies over the years and I love exploring the lovely Aisle of Surprises - some people call it the Aisle of Shame or the Aisle of Sh*t. 

We had ten Culinary Job Training interviews today - it's great to hear the excitement in the prospective student interviews, but sometimes their stories break your heart. 

I didn't do much but dawdle when I got home....no painting. Again.  

Two Noras: March 14, 1914 and March 14, 2021

 Nora Bauer: Saturday, March 14, 1914

Was up to the Church this afternoon and went up to the new flats. Anna, Gertrude, [sisters] and I went uptown tonight and got a new waist, Saw Ruth Yeakley today. 30

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday, March 14, 2021

I was at the Red Key until 2:00, plus we lost an hour with Daylight Savings Time. Played online Euchre with Beth, Ann, and Tim. Visited Brenda in the afternoon. 

I'm still trying to solve the flats mystery. I have found that her employer, James I. Barnes, owned flats (apartments) at 516 Market Street. I wonder if that's what Grandma Nora was writing about? 

I need your help deciphering what she purchased - it looks like "waist" to me. I'd love to buy a new waist! 

The early closing time for restaurants has been lifted and I was at work until later than usual and by the time I'd showered it was almost 3:00 when I crawled into bed. It's not my week to attend church (capacity restrictions are still in place) so I was happy to be able to play Euchre with my sisters and brother-in-law. And be able to stay in my pajamas. 

My intention was to tackle the piles of stuff on the floor and finish hanging paintings and such. Spontaneous Sunday won out. Schaun invited me to visit with his sister, Brenda. I stopped to purchase pie for Pi Day at the yummy Pots and Pans Pie shop, just around the corner from my house. 

When we pulled into the condo complex and saw flames shooting out of a building behind Brenda's condo. Although it wasn't clear at first, the fire was actually in the apartments behind the condos. I pounded on the door of the condo directly in front of the fire. I woke a poor woman up, disconnected her central oxygen, got her portable tank, shoes, and inhaler and we hustled to the sidewalk. 

The talented firefighters were able to quell the fire before it jumped to the neighboring buildings. The woman thanked me, but I fear that she'll run the other way if she ever sees me again. 

I calmed my nerves with pie and more pie. 

Two Noras: April 5, 1914 and April 5, 2021

Nora Bauer: Sunday, April 5, 1914

Was nice out today but pretty cold. Margaret, Clara and I went out walking this afternoon passed the light plant. We all went to Aunt Kate's tonight. 

Nora Spitznogle: Monday, April 5, 2021

Woke up early and took Harry for a 45 minute walk. Drove Annie to physical therapy appointment at Mayo Clinic. Watched NCAA Men's Championship and EBTH tonight. 

I spent a few minutes seeing if I could find Clara's last name and whether Grandma Nora meant Margaret Schnitz. When she's mentioned Margaret Schnitz in the past, she's always included her last name. The Light Plant was in the news that month because the manager was under fire for mismanaging public funds. I wonder if Nora's employer, Barnes Construction, built the building?

Aunt Kate is married to Nora's Uncle Valentine. 

It's three hours earlier in Phoenix than Indianapolis, so when Ann and Tim's dog, Harry, bounded in the room, I was already awake. We walked around the neighborhood for 45 minutes. For a small dog - he weighs less than my Tilly cat - he makes an impressive amount of potty stops. 

Ann and I ventured out to the grocery store - I purchased a cute felted Easter rabbit on sale - and walked around the outdoor mall. Back home for a short nap before the drive to Ann's PT appointment at Mayo Clinic - it's an impressive place! Lunch and back home for a rest. I soaked in some sun while swinging in their back yard. 

 

At Ann's suggestion, I'd brought Yat's with me. a favorite of Tim's. My little food safety heart wanted to make sure that it got there at the correct temperature. I picked it up on Thursday, blast chilled at at work and froze it solid for transporting in a cooler with freezer blocks. We enjoyed it for dinner - it sure was tasty! 

Ann and Tim have a projection television and a huge screen - what a great way to watch the championship game. I really enjoyed watching the games this year - I'm sure it had to do with the fact that they were all in Indianapolis (or at Purdue and I.U.). We were rooting for Gonzaga, but Baylor dominated the whole game. 

After that we watched "my" episode of the HGTV show Everything but the House. It was big silly fun to see myself larger than life. 

I had the giggles! 

Wait! I'm Nora S.!