A Tisket, A Tasket

by looking4ancestors

The Genea-Blogger Picnic is being hosted by Bill over at West in New England.

A tisket, a tasket, a green and yellow basket... okay, it wasn't a green and yellow basket that we brought with us when we went on picnics. It was our light blue, metal, Coleman ice chest and it weighed a ton.

My mom was a big fan of picnics. I think that they are alright. Summer here in south western Ontario can get really hot and muggy - not good picnicking weather. Anyway, here is how picnics have fit into our family.

Lake, Gene, David & Kathy at Ojibway Park. Photograph. June 1970. Digital Image. Privately held by Kathryn Lake Hogan UE, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Windsor, Ontario. 2008.

Point Pelee National Park was one of our favourite spots to picnic. We would always spend the whole day there. We would wake up on a Saturday morning and my mom would say "Let's go for a picnic at the beach today." My brother and I would be excited. A flurry of activity would take place for the next hour as we would all rush around trying to get ready.
Picnic food items would often include hamburgers and hotdogs, or, egg salad sandwiches, peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Plus carrot and celery sticks, cookies, potato chips, and Freshie to drink. (Freshie was a poorer quality Canadian imitation of Kool-Aid - it was a lot cheaper in oh, so many ways!)

Once at Point Pelee we would head to West Beach. Once we found a place to park, we would then unpack the car, walk across the hot boardwalk and then the burning hot sand to find a place to set up. Once we dumped the stuff on the table, my brother and I would run like crazy across the fiery, hot sand and pebbles to the water's edge. After swimming for about an hour or so, Mom would call us back up on shore to have our picnic lunch. Nothing like eating a sandwich while you are dripping wet from Lake Erie. Mix in a little sand and add a few flies.

The day would also include a trip to the Visitor's Centre, a shuttle ride to the Point, and of course, a walk on the boardwalk at the Marsh. After a sun drenched day, we would head home, tired, sometimes sunburned, but very happy.

Some of our other favourite picnic places included Ojibway and Mic Mac parks.

As we got older and busier, we would sometimes picnic at Reaume Park/Coventry Gardens. We would grab a bucket of chicken from Kentucky Fried Chicken and my mom would decide we should eat it outside at the park. By this time I was a teenager. I hated to go on picnics. The heat. The humidity. The flies. And of my goodness, what if someone saw me?!! And so, our picnicking days started coming to an end.

Now that I have kids, we sometimes go on picnics. In fact, this Genea-bloggers picnic has inspired me. I think we will be going on a picnic to Point Pelee before the summer is over.

Visiting the Dentist

by looking4ancestors

This post was supposed to have been posted over a month ago. However, I was in need of photos for this post. To make a long story short: I now have the photos and the scanner, and am ready to go!

Miriam Robbins Midkiff's blog AnceStories2: Stories of Me for My Descendants inspires us to write about things about ourselves for our descendants. Every week she posts a different topic for us to blog about. Week #37 is all about the : THE DENTIST.

*Who was/were your childhood dentist(s)? Was he/she your family dentist?
The first dentist I can remember was Dr. McLean (I think that was his name). He had a little office on Gladstone Avenue and Tecumseh Rd. E. (north-west corner). I don't remember him ever looking at my teeth. I couldn't have been more than 3 or 4 years old at the time. However, I do remember once going with my mom when she had to have a cavity filled. My brother and I waited in the waiting room while Mom went in with the dentist. When she came out, she didn't look too well. I asked her what was wrong. She explained to us that she had her tooth fixed and the dentist didn't use anything to freeze her mouth - no novacaine. No wonder she didn't feel too well!
Our next dentist was Dr. Dennis Page. He is the dentist I remember from my childhood. His office was located in the plaza where Gordon's grocery store was on Forest Glade Drive. He was a pretty good guy.

*Did you like or dread going to the dentist? Why?
Although Dr. Page was a pretty good guy, I always dreaded going to the dentist. My brother and I usually had to go there by ourselves because my mom and dad were working. I hated that awful "dentist office - anaethestic smell" that hit you in the face as soon as you entered the dentist office, and just the general anxiousness of waiting until it was your turn. And of course, the absolute worse thing for me was the needles. I hate needles, shots, injections, blood tests, vaccines - when it comes to needles - you name it, I hate it!! So of course I would try to be brave (without my mom) and suck it up when I had to have any kind of freezing done.


*Did you ever have cavities as a kid, or were you one of those cavity-free kids?
Yep, I had cavities - this was the '70's after all. Everything was sugar coated. Do you remember "Count Chocula", "Frankenberry" and "Cap'n Crunch" breakfast cereals? We drank pop at dinner frequently. We were given money to go to the store to buy gum, candy and more pop! I have a total of eight fillings - both molars on both sides of my mouth, top and bottom.

*Did you ever need oral surgery or braces?
I had very crooked teeeth as a child. In grade six, the day before school photos were taken, I got braces. The full metal deal. I did not smile for my school photo that year. I was absolutely miserable that day. I was twelve years old. I was so self conscious adn embarrassed that I now had a mouth full of metal. I could barely close my lips over my teeth, my face was swollen and my mouth hurt - and you want me to smile?! Oh, did I mention the head gear I had to wear to bed every night?

Lake, Kathy. Photograph. March 1979. Digital Image. Privately held by Kathryn Lake Hogan UE, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE], Windsor, Ontario. 2008.

Of course, I eventually got used to wearing braces.

Lake, Kathy. Photograph. January 1980. Digital Image. Privately held by Kathryn Lake Hogan UE, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE], Windsor, Ontario. 2008.

The good news was that the braces came off the summer between grade school and high school.

The only oral surgery I had was when I was thirteen or fourteen. I had to have my wisdom teeth pulled. Because the teeth were still impacted (underneath the gums) I had to have oral surgery. My dad teased me at the time that I wouldn't be able to talk on the phone after the surgery. Well, I was pretty drugged up after the surgery with pain killers and I proved him wrong. As soon as I got home, I was on the phone. The next day was a bit rougher though- no phone that day.

*What was the worst dental exam or procedure you had done?
I think the worst thing I had done was when the orthodontist, Dr Wachna, was fitting the bands for the braces onto my teeth. As he was leaning over me with his sickening sweet coffee breath, he would tap the bands into place with a little hammer. I remember one of the bands being tapped a little too hard and it cut into my gums. I hated the orthodontist about a bazillion times worse than the dentist. He was a crabby, old man who would talk on the phone with his buddies about going golfing while he was examining your teeth. Did I mention the awful coffee breath?


*What is your favorite memory of the dentist?
I don't really have a favourite memory of the dentist. My favourite memory of the orthodontist was when I was finally free of my braces and I never had to see that man again!

Lake, Kathy. Photograph. 1982. Digital Image. Privately held by Kathryn Lake UE [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Windsor, Ontario. 2008.

*How have your adult experiences at the dentist compared with those of your childhood?
Much better.

*Do you still have the same dentist? Why or why not?
No, I don't have the same dentist. When I was a young adult, I was no longer covered under my parent's benefits. So, going to the dentist became a big expense I couldn't afford. I didn't go to the dentist for many years.
Our current family dentist is a great guy. He can give needles without pain!

*If you have children, what is/was the tooth fairy tradition for them?
We follow tradition. Our kids hide their tooth under their pillow and when they wake up in the morning, there is a loonie there for them from the tooth fairy. It was only a quarter when I was a kid.

*Have you had to have dentures or bridgework?
No.

*Describe your oral health history and relate your opinion as to the causes behind your good or poor oral health.
My dentist says I have great teeth. I seemed to have the same dental genetics as my mom's side of the family. Hard, strong teeth. However, they aren't white and bright. They are more of a yellow colour. This also comes from my mom's side of the family. My dad's side of the family has more white coloured teeth, however, their teeth are more soft and prone to cavities and other problems.

*Are there any dentists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, dental technicians or assistants in your family tree?
No.

*Are there any stories in your family history about going to the dentist and the kinds of treatments experienced in the old days?
No. Looks like I need to talk to Grandma.

It IS a Small World, After All!

by looking4ancestors

When I spend time reading various genealogy blogs, I always check out the comments others leave. I was delightfully surprised by a comment I read at Olive Tree Genealogy Blog today. Thomas MacEntee of Destination: Austin Family left a comment mentioning he was descended from Cornelis Antonissen Van Slyke and his wife, Ots-Toch. They were his 11th great-grandparents.


Well guess what?

Cornelis Antonissen Van Slyke and his wife, Ots-Toch are my 10th great-grandparents. Furthermore, Thomas and I are related to Lorine McGinnis Schulze of Olive Tree Genealogy as she is also descended from Cornelis and Ots-Toch. Lorine has written a book, The Van Slyke Family in America: A Genealogy of Cornelise Antonissen Van Slyke, 1604-1676 and his Mohawk Wife Ots-Toch, including the story of Jacques Hertel, 1603-1651, Father of Ots-Tock and Interpreter to Samuel de Champlain. This excellent publication is very well researched and sourced. And I'm sure you remember how I feel about sources!



Now, I knew I was distantly related to Lorine for a while. And I have been enjoying Thomas' blogs for a while. Little did I know that these two genealogists whom I greatly respect were related to me! WILD! You know I'm loving this, right?

It is very possible, dear reader, you may also be related. The Van Slyke family is huge! I am descended from Cornelise Antonissen Van Slyke and Ots-Toch as follows:

Their son, Jacques Cornelisse Van Slyke was married to Grietje Ryckman. (Huge family, too!)

Their son, Cornelis Van Slyke was married to Claartje Jans Bradt.

Their daughter, Maria Van Slyke was married to Johannes Ryckman.

Their son, Johanne Ryckman UE is my Loyalist ancestor.

There you have it. It IS a small world, after all.

1891 Canada Census

by looking4ancestors

Well, it's finally happened. The 1891 Canada Census is now available on Ancestry.ca and Ancestry.com. Along with the 1861 Canada Census, the 1891 was the least accessible census record for researchers. Most genealogy type web sites including the LAC only had the "popular" census records - 1851/52, 1871 Head of household index, 1901 and 1911. The 1881 Canada census index is available on FamilySearch.org. The 1891 has largely been ignored until now.



I am excited about now having easy access to this record. The main branch public library in town has a copy of the 1891 Census on microfilm but indices are few and far between. Because of this, I have only a few ancestors researched in the 1891 census.
So, imagine my excitement when I receive notice this morning that the 1891 census is now available on-line at Ancestry. And guess what? I have a subscription to Ancestry! Yippee!


Well, my elation has turned to frustration. My first few attempts to find some of my husband's Essex County ancestors has resulted in "no matches found". I guess I shouldn't really be all that surprised as I know from previous experience using Ancestry's census indexes, it sometimes takes a lot of effort and searched to find anybody! A search of my husband's ancestor, Samuel Harper led to "no matches found". Several more attempts and I finally find him in the index as "Hasper". When I checked the image itself, it is easy to see that Samuel was enumerated as "Harper". Time to submit (another) correction.



Essex Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society has been hard at work indexing the 1891 Canada Census for Essex County, Ontario. Thus far, we have Amherstburg, Anderdon, Kingsville and Walkerville completed. These are excellent quality indexes on CD. They are pdf files which are easy to use and read. The indexes have been checked and re-checked. The people involved in this indexing project are all dedicated genealogists.



However, there is no doubt in my mind, the 1891 Canada Census on Ancestry will have a negative affect on the sales of our high quality 1891 Canada Census indexes.

At The Helm Once Again

by looking4ancestors

The 52nd Edition of the Carnival of Genealogy, hosted by Lisa of 100 Years in America is about Age. Share your family story about someone whose story stands out because of their age, either young or old.

When I was going through some boxes of memorabilia that had belonged to my mother, I came across this letter. It was sent to my grandfather, Joseph Brinley George in thanks for the woodcarving he had given the sender. I think it fits the bill for this Edition of the COG.

July 12, 1977

Dear Mr. George:

I cannot tell you how much Marilyn and I appreciate receiving the gift of your very fine woodcarving.

We have often admired your artistic work while visiting at Dave and Rita's home but had never been lucky enough to meet the artist until a couple of weeks ago.

It was a delightful experience, and one of the highlights of our sailing days to see how much you enjoyed being out in the boat with us and at the helm once again. We would be glad to have you come out anytime you are visiting in town.

[emphasis added] It is a treat to see a person who is 83 years of age as healthy and active as you are, not to mention one who is able to hold the boat so close into the wind that water flows over the leeward gunwale ! Marilyn and I thank you again for the experience and the lovely gift.

Yours very truly,
[signed] Bob Blair

Robert Blair

Mesa Here I Come!

by looking4ancestors

The Mesa, Arizona Family History Expo 2008 is coming November 14 & 15, 2008.

Expo organizer, Holly Hansen and her crew at My Ancestors Found always put on a great family history week-end.

Mesa is a new venue for the MAF History Expo which is well established in various locations throughout Utah and Wyoming.

Check out the speakers here. I'm sure you will recognize many names. Yours truly will be there. Want to see what topics I'm presenting? Click here.

Check out the schedule of workshops here. There is a fantastic variety of presentations for every level of genealogist.

As you can see it is a jammed-packed, fun-filled, family history experience!

I have been to two St. George Expos, and they keep getting better and better.

So, if I can get there all the way from Canada - so can you! And when you do come, please make sure to say "Hi"!

The Disease of Distraction.

Okay, I'm now totally distracted thanks to footnoteMaven. I regularly read both of her blogs, and now she has infected me with her distraction disease. Lately fM has been distracted from her regular blogging because she has been "Wordle-ing" and "Dialectizing". Yes, I said Wordle-ing. Yes, I said Dialectizing. And yes, I am doing both!

I have your attention now, don't I? You want to know about these things. What is a Wordle? Wordle is a website by Jonathan Feinberg that takes words from your blog or whatever you want to enter, and it creates a word cloud. This is one I have created for LOOKING4ANCESTORS.

And if that wasn't enough fun, you can also visit Samuel Stoddard's website The Dialectizer.

Here's a bit from my post about The Dog Who Could Tell Time. It has been dialectized to Cockney.

There are cat blokes. There are dog blokes. The chuffin' Lake side of the family are definitely dog blokes. We luv dogs, right, especially border collies. Me current dog Trooper is a border collie, do wot guvnor!
As a yung girl, our family 'ad a border collie mixed breed, right, alffough she behaved and 'ave a looked like a purebred. Her name were Specs. Me mum choose the chuffin' name. O'course me bruvver and I wanted sumfink like Fluffy, Potches; yer cop the idea. Well, my mum would 'ave none of that. She decided that us new puppy would be named Specs because it 'ave a looked ter her that the bleedin' black lines 'round the puppy's mince pies resembled spectacles. So, there yer 'ave it, init?

And this paragraph has been dialectized into Jive.

Now, Specs wuz some waaay coo' dog. What it is, Mama! She could tell time. Every night she would obediently honky jibe on de little mat next t'my mom's side uh de bed. Once Mom wuz asleep, Specs would sneak into de livin' room, jump down on de couch and go t'sleep. Jes hang loose, brud. Come mo'nin', Specs knowed whut time Mom's alarm clock would go off. So, she would jump off de couch, return t'my parents' bedroom, honky jibe back waaay down on de mat and act as if she had been dere all night. Man! When Mom's alarm went off, Specs would raise ha' little brother and honky haid, and look at Mom as if t'say "Good mo'nin'! Right on! I've been here all night! Right on!"Specs also knowed whut time mah' broda' and ah' would mosey on down crib fum farm. Everyday, she would go t'de front windows in de livin' room and look fo' us comin' waaay down de street. Man!

I'm quite tempted to dialectize all of my blog posts. This is just too much fun!

Now that I have been totally distracted even more than before, I hope you will visit these two websites and become distracted too!

Carnival of Genealogy - 51st Edition

The 51st edition of the Carnival of Genealogy has been posted over at Thomas MacEntee's blog Destination Austin Family. In celebration of Independence Day in the USA, twenty-three genea-bloggers contributed stories of their independent-spirited ancestors.
Thomas did a great job of putting this edition of the carnival together. The genea-bloggers shared some very interesting tales! You can find my post about my independent ancestor, John Ryckman here. So, grab your favourite cuppa and pull up a lounge chair on your deck and enjoy.

Wordless Wednesday - Robert David George

Robert David George, 1935, Windsor, Ontario.

Digital Image of original photograph.

Image held by Kathryn Lake Hogan

[ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE], Windsor, Ontario, Canada, 2008.

Canada Day 2008

The sun is shining. The sky is cerulean blue. We have been blessed with an absolutely beautiful day to celebrate Canada Day.

On 1 July 1867, Canadians in Saint John, New Brunswick were awakened at 4:00 a.m. to the sound of a 21-gun salute. At 6:00 a.m. guns were fired from Fort Henry in Kingston. Canadians were celebrating the formation of their new country, Canada. In Montreal people heard the official words read:
“...dated at Windsor Castle on the 22nd of May, in the year of our Lord 1867, Her Most Gracious Majesty did ordain, declare, and command, that on and after the 1st day of July, 1867, the Provinces of Canada [Ontario and Quebec], Nova Scotia and New Brunswick should form and be one Dominion under the name of Canada, ...” ["Canada Day – How It Was Then”, Images of Canada http://www.imagescanada.ca/r1-250-e.html#b , accessed June 26, 2008.]

And thus began the yearly tradition of celebrating our great county, Canada

So what defines Canada today? A new Ipsos Reid poll surveyed Canadians across the country and lists the 101 Things That Define Canada. The top five are: the Maple Leaf, hockey, Canadian Flag, beaver and Canadarm. Tim Horton's was #58 and Canadian beer was #90.

Well, my thoughts about Canada are this: I love the history of this country. I do not always agree with the way things are changing these days. Sure, there is a lot to complain about: taxes, long waits at hospitals, and our welfare system. But the fact of the matter is most of us really don't have anything to complain about. Most of us live in nice houses, have clean drinking water and can go to the grocery store just about anytime to purchase food. No one is bashing in our doors in the middle of the night and killing family members because we disagree with the government. I don't have to worry about how I'm going to feed my children their next meal. We all go to bed at night in a comfortable bed in a heated/air conditioned house.

So am I proud to be Canadian? Most days, I am.