52 Weeks to Better Genealogy: Challenge 31

In Challenge 31 of the 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy series, we have been asked to listen to a podcast and experience this form of media for learning.

To start this challenge, I just did a Google search for genealogy and podcasts, and I landed at The Irish Roots Cafe, and I could not tear myself away! To get to the podcasts from The Irish Roots Cafe, just click on the several selections on the right side of the web page. The green rectangles feature several podcasts under these categories:

• Hello Fada
• Hedge Row School
• Irish Families Worldwide
• Irish Songs & Recitations
• Irish in America

In the podcast "Irish First Names and Spellings," you can hear the speaker pronounce several Irish first names, and learn how they evolved through time and geographical location. In the podcast on "Irish Wakes" you can hear about the customs associated with traditional Irish funerals and the celebration following the funeral. Enjoy listening to many Irish songs and readings from the selections included in Irish Songs & Recitations. You can hear the authentic pronunciations of the lyrics, and enjoy the music of Ireland. I have only scratched the surface of podcasts associated with genealogy and local history, but I certainly have enjoyed this exercise! Check out the podcasts at:

http://www.irishroots.com

and you will have a rich learning experience!

Samuel D. Isaly Library of the Ohio Genealogical Society is Now Open

A recent news article from WMFD News in Mansfield reported tha tmore than 300 people attended a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday for the grand opening of the Samuel D. Isaly Library of the Ohio Genealogical Society. The new facility is located at 611 State Route 97 West in Bellville, Ohio and was named after Samuel D. Isaly in honor of his generous donation to the Ohio Genealogical Society Building Fund.

The library has much more room than the previous facility, and features individual study carrels, and a computer lab.



















While I did not make the ribbon cutting ceremony held on July 23, 2010, when I stopped by the Samuel D. Isaly Library of the OGS today, I was still able to obtain a program and blue ribbon from the Grand Opening ceremony.























Pictured below are some books pertaining to Erie County, Ohio, in the stacks of the new library.

















Now I can hardly wait till I have a free day to devote to several hours of research at this outstanding new facility!

Frank and Dallas Orshoski

Frank Orshoski was born on March 22, 1909, the third son of Joseph and Julia Orshoski. He and his wife, the former Dallas Owens, were the parents of three sons.



Frank was employed by the Medusa Portland Cement Company for 36 years. He passed away on July 30, 1963, at the age of 54 at his home in Bay Bridge, Ohio.



After the death of her husband, Dallas Owens Orshoski married Clayton Moyer. Dallas died on November 12, 1984, and she was buried next to her first husband at the Castalia Cemetery. By 1984, Dallas had already survived her first husband, her son, and a grandson. In spite of suffering these losses, "Dal," as she known to her family and friends, always kept a positive attitude outlook on life and a smile on her face.

Frank is pictured below (right),at his nephew Cliff Orshoski's wedding to Barbara Lindsley in 1956. A group of ladies from Bay Bridge (bottom left) are at the same wedding reception. Dallas Owens Orshoski is the fourth lady in the group.

Tombstone Tuesday: Mrs. Cecilia Herb Kromer

Mrs. Cecilia Kromer's tombstone is found at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Sandusky, Ohio. Her tombstone inscription is written in German.
























Translated into English, it reads:

Here Lies
Cecilia Kromer
Born (Herb)
On 5th October, 1837
At Altdorf (Baden)
Died 29th May, 1876
R.I.P.

Cecilia's husband Joseph Kromer, now widowed, is listed in the 1880 U.S. Census in Margaretta Township of Erie County, Ohio, with several children: William, age 23; Anthony, age 21; Joseph, age 20; Thrissa, age 14; Michael, age 12; and Anna, age 10. Later Joseph Kromer would marry Mary Ochs.

Extended hands, symbolizing Cecilia being welcomed into Heaven are found at a the base of her tombstone.
















Scrolls and a wreath adorn the top of Cecilia Herb Kromer's tombstone.



Many descendants of Cecilia and Joseph Kromer still live in Erie County, Ohio to this day.

Sentimental Sunday: Steve and Emma Orshoski's 25th Wedding Anniversary

Steve Orshoski married Emma Yeager on July 23, 1925. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a family party at their home in Bay Bridge, Ohio at the end of July, 1950. Pictured above are: Paul and Joyce Orshoski, Emma Yeager Orshoski, Emma's father Andy Yeager, Emma's husband Steve Orshoski. Steve Orshoski is standing immediately behind his mother in law, Lena Piehl Yeager. In front is Alberta (Bertie) Orshoski Gantz, Emma's oldest daughter, and Bertie's daughter Carol Marie Gantz.

Paul and Joyce Orshoski had just been married on July 1, 1950, so it was a summer of family celebrations! (Paul is the oldest son of Steve and Emma Orshoski.)

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun: It's a Long Way to Tipperary

Randy at Genea-Musings posted his latest Saturday Night Genealogy Fun challenge:

Think hard about the genealogy research trip that you would take if money were no object. Where would you go, how long would you stay, what research would you do? What is your "dream research trip?"

There is no doubt in my mind, that if money were no object, my dream research trip would be to take my mother (who is facing some serious health issues right now...) on a research trip to Ireland. Her Irish ancestors on the Larkins side were from County Tipperary. We have no idea of their home town, even after years of searching. Most of the our Larkins ancestors are buried at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Sandusky, Ohio.











We know that Daniel and Patrick Larkins came to the United States about 1830, and lived in Connecticut before moving to Ohio. They worked hard, and loved their family and friends,....but oh why didn't they tell us the place of their origin? Below are pictured four generations of descendants of Patrick Larkins.

















I found this sound file online, and it says so aptly, "It's a Long Way to Tipperary." Click here to hear the song.

Underground Railroad Markers at Sandusky's Shoreline Park

Because Sandusky Bay leads to Lake Erie, and then on to Canada, Sandusky played a key role in helping fugitive slaves find their way to freedom in Canada. Many area residents provided food and shelter to the freedom seekers, and arranged for transportation, usually in the dark hours of the late night or very early morning. The Underground Railroad was loosely organized, and involved some of Sandusky's most prominent businessmen and officials.






















Known boats that were involved in abolitionist activities included: Walk-in-the-Water, Superior, the Arrow, United States, Bay City, Mayflower, May Queen, and the Morning Star. Several Erie County residents who were active in the UGRR are buried in Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery, including F. D. Parish, C.C. Keech, and Rev. Thomas Holland Boston.


Rush R. Sloane wrote about the Underground Railroad of the Firelands in the July 1888 issue of the Firelands Pioneer.