I hope you all had a great time enjoying the last relaxing days of summer and are now comfortable in the cool and refreshing autumn weather. We have transitioned from baseball and softball games to football and soccer, including fall softball leagues, so there is no rest for us here! At the college, our men and women’s basketball and volleyball seasons are in full swing, so almost every night I get to watch someone play some kind of “ball”! I suppose that’s what keeps me motivated!
During a pleasant visit in October, I had the opportunity to see Allan and Dot Brennecke as well as Bill Brennecke in St. Louis. Aunt Marilyn and I embarked on a road trip to meet them. We are thrilled to share the numerous photos they provided for this edition, with some more photos to come in January. I have included some excerpts from letters written by Ed Brennecek, the father of Allan and Bill, to their mother before their marriage. In his letters from 1918, Ed mentions Pete French multiple times. Does anyone have any interesting stories about Pete? I am aware of his relation to Erma (Harding) Merrill on her mother’s side.
I can barely remember him as a kid, it seems like the school that we Merrill kids rode went by their house. With the economy on the blink, I am sure you are all staying home more these days. So I just know you have more time to drop me a note or two about your families and what they are all doing. I would love to hear from some of you about the things you remember growing up in Irondale- friends and family alike. It has been an interesting and precious adventure for me going through so many of our family albums, reading old letters, and hearing stories recounted of days gone by.
The Independent Journal of Potosi has included photographs from the All School Reunion in this edition, making it a delightful experience. The reunion was a gathering of many individuals who enjoyed reminiscing about the past, while also enjoying delicious food and fostering camaraderie. We would like to extend warm wishes for a joyful Thanksgiving and Christmas season to you and your loved ones. We feel grateful for numerous reasons and consider ourselves abundantly blessed in various aspects of our lives.
