SAGINAW GENEALOGICAL SOCIETYFROM SHARED KNOWLEDGE
|
ALL VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS MUST PREREGISTER
FOR THE ZOOM MEETINGS CLICK THE REGISTER BUTTON ABOVE NOW! |
GOOD TO KNOW:
Why is October named after the number 8? According to the original Roman republican calendar, October was the eighth month of the year rather than the ninth. The Roman calendar was only ten months long and included the following months: Martius, Aprilis, Maius, Junius, Quintilis, Sextilis, September, October, November, and December. (As you can see, January and February hadn’t been added to the calendar yet!) It was Julius Caesar who expanded the calendar year from ten months to twelve. October entered Old English via Old French, replacing the English vernacular term Winterfylleð (“Winter full moon”). |
MONTH: OctoberFamily History Month
is celebrated every October. It is a terrific opportunity to enhance your genealogy abilities, learn about new resources, and meet people who share your interest in the past! Go ahead...fall into Autumn!
|
SPEAKER INFO:
|
SGS NEWS: A new SGS board was elected in June, they are as follows:
|
FOOD & FAMILYDid you know...family recipes are a tradition!?!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family! What food is most popular in OCTOBER?
Well, that would be anything associated with AUTUMN! Fall may technically begin in September, but it AUTUMN really hits in October — a month of crisp, cooler weather punctuated by crunchy fallen leaves and plenty of pumpkins, and the urge to break out fall recipes. To match the autumn vibes, we've gathered 31 seasonal recipes you can make all month long. Think Curried Pumpkin, Charred Cauliflower Tacos with Romesco Salsa, and Roast Chicken with Butternut Squash. As for dessert? You can't go wrong with Earl Grey Ice Cream with Chocolate Toffee and Shortbread Crumble. Read on for all of those recipes, and even more dishes we'll be making in October.
OH, I LOVE FALL!... I MEAN AUTUMN! WHAT'S IN SEASON?The beautiful few weeks when summer slowly drifts into fall might just be my favorite time of year to cook. Why? Beyond
being peak sweater weather, it’s because what’s in season in October is a cornucopia of both seasons’ best, including late-season berries, stone fruit, and tomatoes and early winter squash and prime time corn. Does anyone else notice their stomach growling?! If you stock up on seasonal fruits and vegetables like those listed below in my guide to what’s in season in October, you’ll save money and add flavor to your meals and snacks. While something shipped can be shipped to your supermarket from hundreds or thousands of miles away, these in-season ingredients are so much fresher as well as more affordable. (To save even more dough, dig in and grow your own!) Consider adding these October fruits and vegetables to your garden-harvesting, last-call farmers market, or grocery shopping list. Then prepare your appetite: I’m sharing a bounty of fall recipe options for how to put what’s in season in October to work in meals and snacks for yourself, your family, or tailgate gatherings. MILITARY World War II
World War II (1939-1945) was a conflict that involved all the world's major countries. It was the most destructive war in history and millions of people were killed. The War began in Europe on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Great Britain and France responded by declaring war on Germany on September 3rd. The war between the U.S.S.R. and Germany began on June 22, 1941, with Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union. On December 7, 1941, 360 Japanese aircraft attacked the major U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, taking the Americans completely by surprise and claiming the lives of more than 2,300 troops. The attack served to unify American public opinion in favor of entering World War II, and on December 8, Congress declared war on Japan with only one dissenting vote. Germany and the other Axis Powers promptly declared war on the United States. THE STORY THAT WAS KEPT SECRET...
By Paul Leighton | Staff Writer Nov 24, 2022 Now 99, he survived World War II's
'BEST-KEPT SECRET' BEVERLY, CA — Saul Gurman was in the kitchen of his Beverly home one night 22 years ago when he heard the authoritative voice of NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw coming from the TV in the other room. “And now for the best-kept secret of World War II,” Brokaw announced. “The sinking of the Rohna.”
Gurman dashed into his den to hear the news. But in fact, the best-kept secret of World War II was no secret at all to Saul Gurman.
As a 20-year-old U.S. Army soldier, he was aboard the British ship Rohna on Nov. 26, 1943, when it was struck by a radio-controlled missile dropped from a German plane. The attack sank the ship and resulted in the deaths of 1,138 men, including 1,015 US Army troops, making it the greatest loss of U.S. life at sea due to enemy action. But the story of what happened that day, including Gurman’s dramatic tale of survival, remained mostly secret for nearly 60 years. The U.S. government classified the matter to prevent the Germans from learning how effective the guided bomb had been against the Rohna, and ordered the survivors not to talk or write home about it. With another anniversary of the tragedy coming up on Saturday, Gurman, now 99, was eager to tell the story that he’d been forced to suppress for so many years. Sitting on the couch in his home across the street from Lynch Park, he appeared in robust health and displayed a sharp memory for the details of that day. “I was bursting all these years,” he said of being sworn to secrecy. “I wanted to get it off my chest.” Gurman, who grew up in Chelsea, said he joined the Army after his older brother, who had already enlisted, was reported missing in the battle of Guadalcanal (his brother was eventually found alive). Gurman trained as an aircraft propeller specialist with the Army Air Corps and ended up aboard the HMT Rohna, a British cargo ship that was transporting both U.S. soldiers and British troops to India to build bases for B-29 bombers. Gurman said he was in a hold near the bow of the ship when he heard a sound like scraping metal. Years later, the same sound, caused by a train arriving at the station back in his hometown of Chelsea, would spark an attack of post-traumatic stress that sent him to the hospital. “It felt like somebody lifted the whole ship out of the water,” he recalled. “An English officer came up to me and said, ‘Better get off the ship, Yank. She’s going down fast.’” Gurman remained on board as long as he could, releasing lifeboats that were tied to the railing and dropping them to the men who had already jumped overboard. At a seasoned 20 years old, Gurman said he felt a responsibility to help the younger soldiers. “I was a cool cucumber,” he said. “I stayed on the ship until the very end.” Eventually, with the ship sliding into the Mediterranean Sea, Gurman crawled to the bow, took off his shoes, jacket and helmet, and slid his inflatable lifebelt from his waist to his armpits. “I looked at the horizon and just stepped off,” he said. “When I went down I didn’t think I was going to come back up.” Gurman said the only time he panicked was when he resurfaced and found himself among a swirl of ropes. “My only thought was, ‘OK, what is Eva (his girlfriend and future wife) going to think when I don’t come home?’” he said. He began dog-paddling for half an hour, maybe an hour, when he heard a voice calling for help. The soldier told Gurman his legs were broken, so Gurman took off his own lifebelt and put it around the injured man. The two floated together for another hour when Gurman saw a red light in the distance. The light was coming from a lifeboat, but by the time it got to Gurman and the injured man, it was upside down. One of the men, whom Gurman knew, was sitting on the overturned boat and singing, “Nobody can stop the Army Air Corps.” (could you just scream or what?) At around 11:30 p.m. — six hours after the bomb struck the Rohna — Gurman spotted a cargo ship on the horizon. The men on the ship threw a rope overboard, and Gurman made a sling and tied it around the injured man so he could be hauled aboard. Another man, who had become a close friend of Gurman’s, was not so lucky. As he attempted to climb a rope ladder to board the rescue ship, weakened from exhaustion, he yelled to Gurman, “I don’t think I’m going to make it,” and fell back into the cold Mediterranean waters...never to be found. Gurman himself eventually climbed a ladder to the ship’s deck and was pulled by his hair over the railing. Asked how he felt at the moment he had been saved, he said, “I don’t think I was thinking anything. Even the next day I can’t remember having any thoughts.” He was one of only 966 survivors. Gurman had injured his elbow and lost a tooth when he banged against the ship while climbing the rope ladder. His high school graduation ring was gone, apparently slipping off as his fingers shrunk from the cold water. He said he doesn’t remember the cold, or the 10-foot waves, or the constant strafing from German planes overhead. “I was so focused on climbing I never saw any of that or heard any of that,” he said. Gurman returned home after the war and married Eva. They moved to Beverly and raised three children. Gurman said he told his wife that something terrible had happened to him during the war, but he never told her the details until the day Tom Brokaw spoke up from the other room. Gurman, who sold trailer hitches for a living, worked up until a few years ago. Eva died in 2012. Gurman has been to several reunions for survivors of the Rohna, and has been interviewed for an upcoming documentary on the tragedy. Gurman said his memories of the sinking, and the thousand-plus men who died, come flooding back at this time of year...every year. “I just get into an ugly mood,” he said. “I never got over it. But I made it. I guess I was really lucky.” World War II: The Heroes of WWII - Full DocumentaryThis film features the true stories of some of the legendary men and women of the Second World War who showed supreme courage and strength in the face of the enemy.
Through archive film and personal recollections, this documentary includes the legendary leaders, Winston Churchill, Field Marshal Montgomery and General George Patton and the fearless exploits of Group Capt. Leonard Cheshire, Group Capt. Douglas Bader, Lt. Mike Sinclair, Major Richard Bong and Captain Charles Upham. MILITARY RECORDS-ANCESTRY.COM
CHECK THESE HELPS OUT
YOU MAY FIND HELP HERE FOR YOUR SEARCH! Every Wednesday The Weekly Genealogist provides readers with news and information about NEHGS and the genealogical community. Features include a description of the latest database
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers. EVERYDAY ITEMS FROM YESTER-YEAR*Hint: you needed to use this to haul a big load in your wagon!
Check the bottom of the page for answers MONTH BY MONTH![]() OCTOBER
OCTOBER ...Yes, it's that TIME again! Can you believe it?
Neither can we. But we have loved everything about the fall season so far, like pumpkin picking, hot coco, tailgating at football games and sweater weather! Did you know this month also celebrates FAMILY HISTORY?!? The month of October is also synonymous with all things Halloween. Black cats, witches and ghosts, planning the perfect Halloween costume, and adorning your home and yard with spooktacular decorations fitting for this time of year. There are also some major religious holidays observed during October 2023, Navaratri, and the federal holiday, Indigenous Peoples' Day (otherwise known as Columbus Day for all you oldtimers). But the month of October is also chock full of fun and silly observances, like National Coffee Day, a day dedicated to the movie Mean Girls, Wear Something Gaudy Day, National Greasy Foods Day and Face Your Fears Day. But my FAVORITE DAY (other than my birthday), is International Day of Older Persons! (Oct 1) There are also days on the October calendar that bring attention to more serious matters, like pregnancy and infant loss, anti-bullying and the trauma associated with abuse. Certain weeks in October are dedicated to recognizing causes like mental illness (October 1-7), fire prevention (October 8-14) and food banks (October 15-21). And the entire month of October is a time to bring awareness to important causes like breast cancer, dyslexia, Down Syndrome and depression education. Yes, there are a few religious holidays that take place in October. One of them is the Hindu festival of Navaratri. Spanning over nine nights, Navaratri is one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism and celebrates the Mother Goddess Durga. Navaratri is observed four times a year and the festivals are named after the Hindu seasons during which they fall. The autumn observation of Sharad Navaratri falls during the lunar month of Ashwin and symbolizes the start of winter. On the Gregorian calendar, Sharad Navaratri will begin on October 15, 2023, and ends on October 24, 2023. Another religious holiday in October is All Hallow’s Eve, observed on October 31. Yes, that date is indeed Halloween—and that’s because the secular holiday has roots in the historic beliefs and practices of Christian religions. All Hallow’s Eve falls the night before the Christian holy day All Saint’s Day, or All Hallow’s Day, on November 1. Hallowed means “made holy” and over the years, All Hallow’s Eve eventually became known as... yes you got it, Halloween! The full moon during the month of October is traditionally called the Hunter’s Moon. According to Almanac.com, it will reach its peak on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 4:24 p.m. Eastern Time, but stargazers (or moon gazers in this case!) will need to wait until the sun sets to see the full moon in all its glory. This is the first regular full moon we've had since May—June's through September’s Harvest Moon, they were all supermoons—but it this one will be just as gorgeous! Want to know more about October 2023 holidays and observances? We’ve put together a list of all the special-interest days coming up this month, so keep on reading to see which ones you might want to celebrate! CHECK OUT THIS MONTH'S DAILY CELEBRATIONS BELOW! WHAT DAYS ARE YOUR FAVORITES? PROJECTS WE ARE WORKING ONSCHOOL HOUSES OF SAGINAW COUNTY
FROM THE EDITOR WE STARTED WORKING ON THIS A FEW YEARS BACK ...and then life happened.
So, thinking this would be alot of FUN, I started this crazy project like 4 or 5 years ago. It took us two years just to go out and get all the photos. I had a few helpers and we had a HOOT. And then all heck broke loose. First my husband had major surgery, and then recovery. And then MY heart said, 'WAIT, UP I DON'T FEEL SO GOOD'. So then I had heart surgery, and then recovery... and... then we moved. I'm not even kidding. (oh sure, why not?) So, now I'm all snug in my new place, and people are like, "Are you EVER going to get this project done?" (It was Miss Betty, no, I'm sure of it.) Because I sit on my hands all day and DO NOTHING, I don't even get to READ A BOOK ANYMORE...not like some people we know! Anyhow...YES, I am working on it. And all kidding aside, these people at the SGS are the BEST...no...they really are! And while I don't have any idea how many people actually DO read this stuff I put out every month...I do know how many go on the page, (the website counts the entries). So, if you are one of them this month, please just hang in there. It's coming, it may take me all winter, but I promise, I will get 'er done! IN THE PAST...Private thoughts of a bored Genealogist at a meeting....
THE BOOK NOOKHISTORICAL, GENEALOGICAL & RESEARCH BOOKS
The Story We Carry in Our Bones: Irish History for Americans
by Juilene Osborne-McKnight Many Irish-Americans today know little about Ireland and their ancestry. Historian Juilene Osborne-McKnight presents Irish-American history in a compelling narrative form, accented with photographs, illustrations, and original, literary interludes.
Osborne-McKnight pays homage to her ancestry in this chronicle of the Irish from ancient times to contemporary America. "A stylishly written precise distillation of the essence of being American of Irish descent. A must-read on par with "How the Irish saved Civilization." Patrick Taylor, author of the New York Times and USA Today best-selling Irish Country Doctor Series. Landlines: The Remarkable Story of a Thousand-Mile Journey Across Britain
by Raynor Winn The powerful story of a 1,000-mile healing walk—from the lochs of Scotland to England's southwest coast—in a remarkable evocation of modern-day Britain.
Raynor Winn knows that her husband Moth’s health is declining, getting worse by the day. She knows of only one cure. It worked once before. But will he—can he?—set out with her on another healing walk? "Along with her terminally ill husband, Winn undertook a 1,000-mile walk through Britain, a demanding yet ultimately fulfilling journey, lyrically recounted by a captivating writer." -- PEOPLE Magazine, Best Books of Fall 2023 "Landlines is both an inspiring testament to fortitude and a plea to save a burning planet. Winn fills her work with rich metaphors drawn from the natural world.” -- The Washington Post “Inspiring. The narrative is so vividly drawn and emotionally resonant that most readers will come to feel like one of the family, sharing their pain and uncertainty and eventual triumph. This is an unforgettable story about fragility girded by resolve and the courage to keep going, even if it’s just that one more step, and to hold fast to hope. Winn exudes the soul of a poet and the grit of a survivor.” -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Hope and determination in the face of all odds drive this engrossing book. Readers who have undertaken caretaking responsibilities for loved ones will find much to relate to in this honest depiction.” -- Library Journal “This is a story of grit and persistence, but most importantly, a tale of putting oneself ‘in the way of hope.’ Readers familiar with the couple's previous adventures especially will love this third installment.” -- Booklist “A captivating reflection on nature and the lines that divide and shape countries and people.” -- Sainsbury's Magazine “As well as a portrait of a telepathic marriage of true minds, and a snapshot of a fretful island, this is a soaring lament and a tub-thumping tirade?for all that is being lost, for all that may yet be saved.” -- The Telegraph “Fans of The Salt Path will love this moving continuation of Raynor and her husband Moth's journey. Alongside beautiful nature writing, there are thought-provoking observations on our countryside and the threat it is under.” -- Good Housekeeping “Raynor Winn has done it again. She's achieved a miracle, defying all odds and walking 1,000 miles with her beloved husband Moth. But she has also given her vast army of fans?both armchair hikers and the real thing?another wondrous book, full of compassion, humour, insights, closeness to nature and true, bloody-minded grit. An inspiration.” -- Isabella Tree, author of Wilding “If you followed Raynor and husband Moth on The Salt Path, you will thrill to join them on this epic walk, from Scotland's wild and beautiful Cape Wrath Trail. Miracles might just happen when you put your best foot forward.” -- Saga Magazine About the Author Raynor Winn is the bestselling author of The Salt Path and The Wild Silence. The Salt Path won the inaugural RSL Christopher Bland Prize and was shortlisted for the 2018 Costa Biography Award and the Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize. The Wild Silence was shortlisted for the 2021 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing. She is a regular long-distance walker and writes about the nature of our relationship to the land. She lives in Cornwall with her husband Moth. OUT INTO THE LIGHTTHE HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER FIRST, BUT THEN ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.
DOWNLOAD IS EASY! THE TRIAL IS FREE! CANCEL AT ANY TIME! SAVING BEST FOR LASTFOUR QUESTERS...whatsit?
Do YOU know what these items are? NO? Well, take a guess, and then scroll to the bottom of the page for the answers! Then ask the grandkids! (they'll never guess them!) DID YOU KNOW...
October is the month when the five-day workweek was first sanctioned. (It used to be 7 days a week! Yikes!) The U.S. Naval Academy opened its doors in Annapolis, Maryland in 1845. (And Navy Day is the holiday that celebrates it!) LINKS FOR OUR READERSHalloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2023 will occur on Tuesday, October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats. READ HOW IT STARTED: HOW 'TRICK OR TREATING' BEGAN, WHY WITCHES? WHY DID HALLOWEEN END UP IN AMERICA? AND INFO ON 'ALL SOULS DAY'! WHAT DID YOU SEE?SO HOW OBSERVANT ARE YOU?
WHAT DID YOU SEE? DID YOU NOTICE THE: 1 pumpkin? Just ignore all the leaves! ( Karen says, the wind will blow them all away! )
* It's the Oxen Yokes! (hitch your oxen to the wagon with them)
1. Coal fired iron (for ironing day...yes, you grew muscles!) 2. (I'm looking for my notes...just a minute!) 3. Classroom typewriters (yes, for school!) 4. Minnow bucket (to keep bait fish alive in silly) |
NEWS ITEMS OR LINKS CAN BE SENT TO US FOR CONSIDERATION AT :
SGSMI1971@GMAIL.COM
SGSMI1971@GMAIL.COM