Terror Atop the Train
Josef Gärtz, 1909 or 1910, age 20 or 21 I’d always known my grandfather was often impatient, and apparently was so as a young man. I learned from my cousin’s family (also from Neppendorf, the same Transylvanian town [...]
Channeling the Dead to Life
Missler Wallet with Josef’s Gärtz’s diary inside. Note: “Missler” was a ticket agent in Bremen, Germany, but for years people thought it was the name of this “ghostship.” Scroll down to the “Missler” link to learn more. I [...]
Last Summer in Europe
In 1910 Josef began a second book, this time the notebook in which I found his Military Draft notice handwritten on the first page. (See post, Drafted 100 Years Ago). After making some inquiries with Transylvanian natives, the consensus at [...]
The Cash and Song Book
Katarina (Schnell) Gärtz, Josef and hissister, Katarina. About 1902-03 When we asked my grandfather why he had come to America he always said, “Nothing from nothing makes nothing.” A little background may illuminate that statement. Like Lisi, he had [...]
Hidden Message Behind Women’s Work
Jickeli Household Help. Lisi Ebner seated 2nd from left. Mrs. Jickeli, center in black. This photo hung in my grandmother’s house for her entire life. The image has been carefully stylized to depict what women did in at [...]