| Genealogy Gems: News from the Allen County Public Library at Fort Wayne, No. 245, July 31, 2024 | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Genealogy Gems (genealogygems genealogycenter.info)
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| Date: Wed, 31 Jul 2024 22:57:35 -0400 | |
Genealogy Gems: News from the Allen County Public Library at Fort Wayne
No. 245, July 31, 2024
In this issue:
*Life Lived in the Small Places . . .
*Genealogical Exploration in Baden-Württemberg
*The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland’s Newly Released Digitized Material
*PERSI Gems: Elephant Encounters
*Preservation Tips: Preservation Disaster Preparedness
*History Tidbits: William Patrick Hitler
*Genealogy Center’s August 2024 Programs
*Genealogy Center Bits-o’-News
*Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
*Genealogy Center Social Media
*Driving Directions to the Library
*Parking at the Library
*Genealogy Center Queries
*Publishing Note
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Life Lived in the Small Places . . .
by Curt B. Witcher
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Some of my colleagues, and likely some of you, have heard me articulate many times in the past about life lived in the small places. It continues to have significant meaning and importance to me, particularly in a society that is so focused on "getting there” rather than “enjoying the journey.” I believe the drive to “get there” often may spill over into our family history work. The search for the quickest answers overshadows consistent efforts to find the best answers. And the mega online sites in the genealogy and family history space often take all our research time, leaving no time to explore the small but so incredibly useful sources that are slightly off the beaten path. Yes, life lived, and ancestors discovered, in the small places.
Years ago a colleague and I, along with a fellow researcher and friend, worked on digitizing and transcribing an early brand book for Franklin County, Indiana. (It is on the GenealogyCenter.org website under Free Databases: www.genealogycenter.info/results_infranklinbrand.php.) In this little brand book is evidence of early Hoosier settlers that one will be hard pressed to find in other records, even among those records found on our favorite .com websites. Recording in this brand book began in 1811, years before Indiana was a state.
Newspapers being the chroniclers of the lives and times of so many individuals and places, I typically like to take newspaper databases for a “spin” to really find the stories of my ancestors, and not just the begets and begots. I often look for information about my father, Charles, in the papers of his native Jasper, Indiana. Finding tidbits of his life is so engaging--reminding me of things I knew, as well as allowing me to discover a number of things I had never heard before or have forgotten. In the Jasper “Herald,” I read of his promotion to manager of the Western Union office in Saginaw, Michigan; I learned of a thirty-day leave he had from the Air Force to visit parents and friends; I discovered the specific dates he entered the service and completed his training, as well as the bases at which he was stationed in Japan and Texas; I found the date and place of a surprise birthday party for his mother; I read that he was the best man at my mother’s younger sister’s wedding; and I located a citation indicating he and my mother visited their home city of Jasper from Bay City, Michigan, in August of 1956.
Further exploration of the “Herald” uncovered a number of neat things about his younger life, e.g., he received his Life badge from the Boy Scouts in July of 1947; he attended a one-week school program in statesmanship, civics and government in 1949; he was in a Jasper High School play, “Life of the Party,” in 1950, as well as making the honor roll; and he attended St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer with a grade point average of 2.50 out of 3.0. Finding the little facts about my father’s life gives me a much better idea about who he was and what his life was really like. The little things combine to make a bigger and clearer picture.
Every summer in many communities across the country, thousands of small-town high school alumni return to those small communities to celebrate and remember. Many alums are welcomed with displays of high school class pictures, school newspapers, and yearbooks. While the class numbers and fashion vary greatly throughout the years, the pictures highlight young high school graduates ready to “go out into the world.”
One is not able to tell who came from prominent families when looking at the pictures. The stories of who these students were and what their families were like emerge when family members and friends view the pictures. One hears about one’s mother attending Radcliffe, secretly marrying her high school sweetheart, and being kicked out of the university. (Married women were not allowed to attend the university.) One learns that the new bride of a high school football star woke herself up at 3 a.m. to curl her hair so she would look good in the morning. Pictures of those who fought in World War II are often highlighted by grandchildren and great nieces. There are poignant descriptions of those who did not return from the war. Many of the students followed the tradition of their ancestors in the jobs they chose, a tradition that has changed in recent generations.
Some alums surprise each other with their nationally known accomplishments. Those that have not achieved acclaim are recognized in just as lasting ways. Their relatives speak about them with affection, providing anecdotes about their lives growing up in small towns across the country. These wonderful old documents represent what is universal about all towns: The promise of youth, the continuity of family, the moving on so a new generation can take their place in the community – life lived in the small places.
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Genealogical Exploration in Baden-Württemberg
by Kate McKenzie
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Among the many regions rich in history and familial ties, Baden-Württemberg stands out as a particularly fascinating destination for genealogical exploration. Nestled in southwestern Germany, this state is a blend of historical duchies and kingdoms, formed in 1952 by merging Baden, Württemberg-Baden, and Württemberg-Hohenzollern. Its deep-rooted history and diverse cultural influences make it a treasure trove for those tracing their ancestry.
Baden-Württemberg's history is marked by significant events and periods that have shaped its cultural and genealogical records. The region was part of the Roman Empire before becoming a collection of duchies and principalities in the Holy Roman Empire. Following the Napoleonic Wars, the area experienced significant administrative changes, eventually leading to the formation of the Kingdom of Württemberg and the Grand Duchy of Baden in the 19th century. The unification of Germany in 1871, two World Wars, and post-war reorganization further influenced the region's demographics and record-keeping practices. These historical fluctuations significantly impact genealogical research, providing a rich context for understanding family histories. These are some steps to begin your research if you have ancestors from the region.
Start by thoroughly researching your ancestors' records within the United States. Utilize resources such as passenger lists, naturalization documents, church records, death certificates, and obituaries. These documents often provide vital information about your ancestors' origins and can point you toward the town that they came from within the area of Baden-Württemberg. Pinpointing your ancestor's town of origin is crucial before delving into international records.
In addition to indexes like "Germans to America” by Glazier and Filby, the volumes by Friedrich R. Wollmershauser, titled "Emigrants from the Kingdom of Wurttemberg" and "Emigrants from the Grandduchy of Baden," are excellent resources for researching early German immigrant ancestors. These books, all available at the Genealogy Center, provide abstracts of emigration entries, with information sourced from historic German newspapers. They offer details about the emigrants and their towns of origin, and sometimes include information about their occupations, who they intended to emigrate with, or other unique facts.
Explore Online Civil and Church Records: Civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths became mandatory in Baden-Wurttemberg in 1876. These records, along with church records dating back even earlier, are the most reliable primary sources for genealogical research. Church records, including baptismal, marriage, and burial records, can be especially valuable, often dating back to the 16th century.
A helpful starting point is the FamilySearch catalog. By searching under the designated place, such as "Germany, Baden-Württemberg, [district], [your town name]," you can access relevant records. For example, "Germany, Baden-Württemberg, Freudenstadt, Bad Rippoldsau-Shapbach" would be an appropriate search. Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach is a municipality within the district of Freudenstadt, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, in the country of Germany. Online records can vary by town. In some cases, civil records will be available when church records are not, and vice versa.
Some online church or civil records offer a keyword search function. However, you may occasionally need to browse through the digitized microfilm to find your ancestor's record.
Tracing your ancestry in Baden-Württemberg is an exploration of history, culture, and identity. By accessing a variety of resources and methodologies, genealogists can uncover the rich tapestry of their Baden-Württemberg roots, bridging past and present across generations and borders. As you embark on your research, we at the Genealogy Center are always here to assist you.
Additional Resources:
929.13 G315 Germans to America: Lists of Passengers Arriving at U.S Ports. Edited by Ira Glazier and P. William Filby.
929.13 Sch17w V.1-V.8 Wuerttemberg Emigration Index by Trudy Schenk.
943.46 EM44 V.1-V.4 Emigrants from the Grandduchy of Baden before 1872 by Friedrich R. Wollmershäuser.
943.46 EM44A V.1-V.2 Emigrants from the Kingdom of Wurttemberg before 1850 by Friedrich R. Wollmershäuser.
For guidance, FamilySearch offers a valuable article on finding the town of origin in Germany: https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Germany_Finding_Town_of_Origin
FamilySearch, “German Genealogical Word List,” FamilySearch Research Wiki, https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/German_Genealogical_Word_List.
FamilySearch, “Latin Genealogical Word List,” FamilySearch Research Wiki, https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Latin_Genealogical_Word_List. Since many German records include Latin terms, this word list is also useful.
MeyersGaz.org, https://www.meyersgaz.org. Database version of Meyers Orts gazetteer of the German Empire. Includes wildcard search, maps, and info on parishes.)
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The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland’s Newly Released Digitized Material
by Elizabeth Hodges
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In late June and early July, the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland (VRTI) team unveiled a new set of digitized materials on their website. This release marks the 102nd anniversary of the 1922 destruction of the Public Record Office of Ireland, located at the Four Courts in Dublin, which destroyed 700 years of archival material.
The VRTI, also known as VirtualTreasury.ie, is an ongoing project that utilizes partnerships from around the world to reconstruct what was lost. While not all resources are directly useful for family historians, several new collections are particularly valuable for genealogical research.
***Genealogy Resources: The expanded Genealogy page on VRTI offers guidance for family historians, helping them navigate name-rich records. (https://virtualtreasury.ie/genealogy-resources)
***Dublin Gazette: This official newspaper of Dublin Castle, published between 1705-1922, offers a glimpse into elite politics and everyday life, including street crime, food prices, and shipping news. The VRTI is working to reassemble this collection from various archival partners. (https://virtualtreasury.ie/curated-collections/dublin-gazette)
***1798 Rebellion Papers: This searchable database contains letters primarily from 1790 to 1808, sent to the Chief Secretary’s Office in Dublin Castle. The letters, written by postmasters, magistrates, military generals, and police constables, provide insights into the period surrounding the 1798 Rebellion. (https://virtualtreasury.ie/curated-collections/rebellion-papers)
***Map Room: Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI), this collection includes over 6,000 historical maps and charts. It is divided into three periods: pre-1650s, 1650s-1840s, and 1840s-1922. (https://virtualtreasury.ie/curated-collections/map-room)
+++Check out the newly launched Ordnance Survey collection in full: (https://dri.ie/news/launch-of-new-digital-archive-of-irelands-ordnance-survey/)
***Exploring the Age of Revolution, 1760-1830: This new image gallery highlights documents from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, covering various forms of unrest, including food riots, social protests, and revolutionary conspiracies. (https://virtualtreasury.ie/image-galleries/age-of-revolution)
***1821 Census of Ireland Transcripts: This collection includes names and places from the pre-Famine census, revealing over 4,000 individuals from sample households across Ireland's four provinces. The team has gathered 50,000 names so far, with a potential increase to 200,000 by 2025.
+++Check out the team’s report: (https://virtualtreasury.ie/curated-collections/census-gleanings)
***Deeds, Wills, and Memorials:
+++Registry of Deeds Transcript Books: The latest update includes Volume 2 of the Registry of Deeds Transcript Books series from Tailte Eireann (the government agency that oversees records from the Registry of Deeds) featuring 400 new items from March 1708. The collection is fully searchable online, and by 2025, it will encompass 20 volumes from Tailte Eireann with around 11,300 pages and 6.7 million words of searchable content.
+++Abstracts of Wills from the Irish Manuscript Commission: The update also features the 'Deeds, Wills, and Memorials' curated collection, complete with explanatory text, including three printed volumes of the Irish Manuscript Commission's abstracts of wills from 1708–1832, all of which are now fully searchable online. https://virtualtreasury.ie/curated-collections/deeds-wills-and-memorials-tailte-eireann
Although the VRTI's digitization efforts are far from complete, the release of these newly digitized records provides valuable new resources and significantly improved access for eager Irish family historians. Hope springs eternal!
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PERSI Gems: Elephant Encounters
by Adam Barrone and Mike Hudson
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The subjects of the articles cited below landed themselves on columns of newsprint wherever they traveled. Their extreme size and novelty in this country attracted attention and drew crowds. Perhaps your ancestors made some elephant-sized memories when these creatures came to visit.
Try a PERSI search here:
https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/
Automobile wins race vs elephant, 1913
Snake River (ID) Echoes, Vol. 24, Issue 2 (Nov 1995)
Bert H. Clark and Helen McGregor trained lady elephant, pitiful pachyderm's plight, 1833, pub. 1959
Clinton (OH) Chronicle, Vol. 27, Issue 3 (Jul 2016)
Bicentennial elephant hunt for escaped elephant Barbara, 1976
Perry County (AR) Historical & Genealogical Society Newsletter, Vol. 9, Issue 2 (2007)
Big Charley the elephant exploits, killed keeper Huffman, M. Knarf recollections, 1900-1926
Miami County (IN) History Bulletin, Issue 98 (Oct 2011)
Cole Brothers Circus headed to Peru after fire, families, Fanny the Elephant funeral photo, 1940+
Fulton County (IN) Folk Finder, Jul 2018
Elephant Modoc escapes circus, five day rampage of Wabash and Huntington Co., photo, 1942
Packet : Huntington County (IN) Historical Society News, Apr 2018
George Phipps Grand Trunk Western locomotive engineer, hit and killed Jumbo the elephant, 1885
Genealogy News about Our Members, for Our Members (British Columbia Genealogical Society), Vol. 6, Issue 5 (May 2021)
Hall's Show elephant ate flour out of J. M. Jones & Son wagon, Edgefield Advertiser excerpt, 1894
Quill (Old Edgefield District Chapter, South Carolina Genealogical Society), Vol. 30, Issue 1 (Jan 2014)
Intoxicated keeper at Mr. Batt's menagerie saved from bear by helpful elephant, 1850
Derbyshire (Eng.) Family History Society Journal, Issue 136 (Mar 2011)
Laurier Ave. Bridge built because elephant refused to cross the old rickety one, c. 1901
Ottawa (Ont.) Genealogist, Vol. 44, Issue 4 (Oct 2011)
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Preservation Tips: Preservation Disaster Preparedness
by Christina Clary
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It’s almost August, which means peak hurricane season is nearly here. Even if you don’t live in a hurricane zone, August is still a month of rain and humidity for many people. Keeping your family records and heirlooms safe is probably not your top priority during a weather emergency, but there are steps you can take now to mitigate damage from weather-related events.
The easiest step you can take is storing your items in a safe place. Basements, the long-preferred storage location for most people’s “stuff,” are not safe for old records and photographs. They are prone to dampness and flooding, which can lead to mold issues. Attics are also not ideal storage areas, as the extreme heat and humidity found in most attics will speed up the deterioration process.
Once items have been relocated, do not store them directly on the floor. Keeping them off the floor can help prevent damage from flooding. Don’t store them so high up, though, that you have difficulty retrieving them. By storing items in a temperature-controlled room in your house, you have taken an important step in protecting your family’s history from the elements.
Your instinct may be to store your records in a plastic, waterproof container. However, sealed plastic containers can create their own microclimate, trapping in heat and humidity. They are not ideal for long-term storage. You can use them for a short period if your items are in archival-quality enclosures and you need temporary storage. Try not to store items that are not in proper enclosures in these containers; use archival-quality boxes instead. Digitizing your items is another important step you can take as a preventive measure. Even if the physical items are lost or damaged, the information is still preserved.
If your paper records or books are water damaged, the ideal response is to freeze-dry them as soon as possible. This will help prevent mold or deactivate any mold that is already growing. Loosely wrap the items in wax or deli paper and make sure to note the name of the item and the date it was put into the freezer. Two weeks should be enough time to dry them, but they can be frozen longer if needed. Air-dry frozen items in a low-humidity area and use fans (not aimed directly at the items) to circulate the air and speed up the process.
Most photographs can survive up to 48 hours immersed in water. Ambrotypes, tintypes, and collodion photographs cannot and should be prioritized. Photographs should be separated from enclosures and frames and spread out to air-dry as described above. Freezing them is not ideal, as the cold temperature can shrink the surface emulsion and cause cracking, but they can be frozen if they cannot be immediately air-dried. You do not need to keep them in the freezer for long but keep an eye on them to ensure they do not crack.
There are multiple agencies you can reach out to for help in salvaging items after a weather emergency. The Northeast Document Conservation Center and the National Heritage Responders both have hotline numbers you can call for assistance.
NEDCC Hotline: 1-855-245-8303
National Heritage Responders: 1-202-661-8068
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History Tidbits: William Patrick Hitler
by Logan Knight
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Propaganda has long been an accepted practice in warfare. Sadly, like all warfare, the terrible wars of the twentieth century saw the rise of mass media propaganda, utilized by all belligerents. Even today, certain images and slogans permeate popular culture. One can instantly conjure up images of Dr. Seuss and his anti-Nazi imagery or the Uncle Sam “I Want You” poster. With so much to choose from, it is perhaps inevitable that some of the most fascinating propaganda stories are lost to people today. One such story is that of William Patrick Hitler.
The horrific story of Adolf Hitler is one known probably to everyone on the planet. What is less known is that Adolf was not an only child. He had a half-brother named Alois Jr., born to Alois Hitler and his second wife, Franziska Matzelsberger. Adolf’s mother was a servant girl named Klara Poelzl, who had cared for the second wife as she was dying and then had married Alois Sr.
Alois Jr. had violent disagreements with his father (much like Adolf) and ran away from home at the age of 14. He went to Ireland, where he worked as a waiter at the Shelbourne Hotel (it is still in business) in Dublin. Junior bounced around a lot and ended up serving some time in jail for theft. He also met and married an Irish woman named Bridget Dowling in Liverpool, England. They had a son together on March 12, 1911, and he was christened William Patrick Hitler.
Alois Jr. returned to Germany alone in 1914 for an extended gambling tour of the continent. Unfortunately, the First World War broke out, and Alois could not return to his family. So, he started another one, bigamously marrying another woman and had another son named Heinrich Hitler. William would eventually visit his father but nothing seemed to come of it.
In 1933, the year the Nazis took power, William thought that the Hitler name could be of some benefit. He went to Germany and asked his half-uncle Adolf for a job. Wanting him out of the way, Adolf got him employment first at a bank and then at a car company. William had further ambition and tried to blackmail his uncle by suggesting he would leak embarrassing family secrets to newspapers unless he was kept sweet. This led to a terribly ugly meeting with Uncle Adolf.
William then embarked on a new career as a propaganda star, writing a number of anti-Hitler magazine articles, delivering lectures, etc. He took the show on the road and came to the United States to deliver speeches across the country. He was still in America when war broke out and was once again stranded. Hitting on a brilliant idea, he sought to join the U.S. armed forces but was rejected at first because of his family name. William made a direct appeal to President Franklin Roosevelt to be allowed to serve. The president consulted with Edgar J. Hoover, head of the F.B.I., and concluded that he should be allowed to join.
William Patrick Hitler became U.S. Navy Pharmacist’s Mate Hitler and served until being honorably discharged in 1947. During that time, he was utilized in a number of propaganda efforts, making the most of the family name. After the war, William changed his name and attempted to live a life of anonymity. He passed away in 1987, leaving a legacy of proving that life is often stranger than fiction.
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Genealogy Center’s August 2024 Programs
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Join us for another month of free, virtual and in-person programs!
August 1, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET “IN-PERSON DNA & Genealogy Interest Group” with Sara Allen - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11182546
August 6, 2024, 2:30 p.m. ET “I Found My German Hometown - Now What?” with Kathy Wurth - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11180553
August 8, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET “Same Name More Than Once in Same Location? How to Decipher Who is Yours” with Emily C. Richardson” - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11152496
August 13, 2024, 2:30 p.m. ET “Introduction to Asian American Genealogy” with Grant Din - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11180006
August 15, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET “Using Military Service Records to Research Your Family History” - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11152595
August 17, 2024, 2 p.m. ET “After the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute” – In-person. Hands on research in the ACPL Genealogy Center with the African American Genealogical Society of Fort Wayne.
August 20, 2024, 2:30 p.m. ET “Preservation and Conservation of Family Photographs and Documents” with Colleen Pepper - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11206851
August 21, 2024, 1:30 p.m. ET “Allen County Genealogical Society Genealogy In-Person Workshop” with the Society in the Discovery Center of the Genealogy Center. The topics will be determined by the interests of those attending.
August 22, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET “Hidden Treasures in Ohio’s Court of Common Pleas” with Tom Neel - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11159606
August 27, 2024, 2:30 p.m. ET “The Grosvenor Room: The Gateway to Buffalo Research” with Rhonda Hoffman - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11182649
August 29, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET “Discovering More about Mystery DNA Matches” with Kelly Barrett - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11182389
Please register in advance for these engaging programs.
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Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
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Do you want to know what we have planned? Are you interested in one of our events, but forget? We offer email updates for The Genealogy Center’s programming schedule. Don’t miss out! Sign up at http://goo.gl/forms/THcV0wAabB.
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Genealogy Center Bits-o’-News
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Recently the Allen County Public Library opened an online merchandise store. Check it out--we really think you will enjoy the offerings. There is a special Genealogy Center section of the store with some pretty cool items. http://acpl.dkmlogo.online/shop/category/4726261?c=4726261 An added benefit is that your purchases support the Friends of the Allen County Public Library, and they in turn support the Genealogy Center.
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Genealogy Center Social Media
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenealogyCenter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genealogycenter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACPLGenealogy
Blog: http://www.genealogycenter.org/Community/Blog.aspx
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/askacpl
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Driving Directions to the Library
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Wondering how to get to the library? Our location is 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the block bordered on the south by Washington Boulevard, the west by Ewing Street, the north by Wayne Street, and the east by the Library Plaza, formerly Webster Street. We would enjoy having you visit the Genealogy Center.
To get directions from your exact location to 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, visit this link at MapQuest:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=900%20Webster%20St&city=Fort%20Wayne&state=IN&zipcode=46802%2d3602&country=US&geodiff=1
>From the South
Exit Interstate 69 at exit 302. Drive east on Jefferson Boulevard into downtown. Turn left on Ewing Street. The Library is one block north, at Ewing Street and Washington Boulevard.
Using US 27:
US 27 turns into Lafayette Street. Drive north into downtown. Turn left at Washington Boulevard and go five blocks. The Library will be on the right.
>From the North
Exit Interstate 69 at exit 312. Drive south on Coldwater Road, which merges into Clinton Street. Continue south on Clinton to Washington Boulevard. Turn right on Washington and go three blocks. The Library will be on the right.
>From the West
Using US 30:
Drive into town on US 30. US 30 turns into Goshen Ave. which dead-ends at West State Blvd. Make an angled left turn onto West State Blvd. Turn right on Wells Street. Go south on Wells to Wayne Street. Turn left on Wayne Street. The Library will be in the second block on the right.
Using US 24:
After crossing under Interstate 69, follow the same directions as from the South.
>From the East
Follow US 30/then 930 into and through New Haven, under an overpass into downtown Fort Wayne. You will be on Washington Blvd. when you get into downtown. Library Plaza will be on the right.
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Parking at the Library
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At the Library, underground parking can be accessed from Wayne Street. Other library parking lots are at Washington and Webster, and Wayne and Webster. Hourly parking is $1 per hour with a $7 maximum. ACPL library card holders may use their cards to validate the parking ticket at the west end of the Great Hall of the Library. Out of county residents may purchase a subscription card with proof of identification and residence. The current fee for an Individual Subscription Card is $90.
Public lots are located at the corner of Ewing and Wayne Streets ($1 each for the first two half-hours, $1 per hour after, with a $4 per day maximum) and the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Harrison Street ($3 per day).
Street (metered) parking on Ewing and Wayne Streets. On the street you plug the meters 8am – 5pm, weekdays only. The meters take credit cards and charge at a rate of $1/hour. Street parking is free after 5 p.m. and on the weekends.
Visitor center/Grand Wayne Center garage at Washington and Clinton Streets. This is the Hilton Hotel parking lot that also serves as a day parking garage. For hourly parking, 7am – 11 pm, charges are .50 for the first 45 minutes, then $1.00 per hour. There is a flat $2.00 fee between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
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Genealogy Center Queries
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The Genealogy Center hopes you find this newsletter interesting. Thank you for subscribing. We cannot, however, answer personal research emails written to the e-zine address. The department houses a Research Center that makes photocopies and conducts research for a fee.
If you have a general question about our collection, or are interested in the Research Center, please telephone the library and speak to a librarian who will be glad to answer your general questions or send you a research center form. Our telephone number is 260-421-1225. If you’d like to email a general information question about the department, please email: Genealogy [at] ACPL.Info.
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Publishing Note
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This electronic newsletter is published by the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center, and is intended to enlighten readers about genealogical research methods as well as inform them about the vast resources of the Allen County Public Library. We welcome the wide distribution of this newsletter and encourage readers to forward it to their friends and societies. All precautions have been made to avoid errors. However, the publisher does not assume any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, no matter the cause.
To subscribe to “Genealogy Gems,” simply use your browser to go to the website: www.GenealogyCenter.org. Scroll to the bottom, click on E-zine, and fill out the form. You will be notified with a confirmation email.
If you do not want to receive this e-zine, please follow the link at the very bottom of the issue of Genealogy Gems you just received or send an email to sspearswells [at] acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe e-zine" in the subject line.
Curt B. Witcher and John D. Beatty, CG, co-editors
No. 245, July 31, 2024
In this issue:
*Life Lived in the Small Places . . .
*Genealogical Exploration in Baden-Württemberg
*The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland’s Newly Released Digitized Material
*PERSI Gems: Elephant Encounters
*Preservation Tips: Preservation Disaster Preparedness
*History Tidbits: William Patrick Hitler
*Genealogy Center’s August 2024 Programs
*Genealogy Center Bits-o’-News
*Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
*Genealogy Center Social Media
*Driving Directions to the Library
*Parking at the Library
*Genealogy Center Queries
*Publishing Note
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Life Lived in the Small Places . . .
by Curt B. Witcher
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Some of my colleagues, and likely some of you, have heard me articulate many times in the past about life lived in the small places. It continues to have significant meaning and importance to me, particularly in a society that is so focused on "getting there” rather than “enjoying the journey.” I believe the drive to “get there” often may spill over into our family history work. The search for the quickest answers overshadows consistent efforts to find the best answers. And the mega online sites in the genealogy and family history space often take all our research time, leaving no time to explore the small but so incredibly useful sources that are slightly off the beaten path. Yes, life lived, and ancestors discovered, in the small places.
Years ago a colleague and I, along with a fellow researcher and friend, worked on digitizing and transcribing an early brand book for Franklin County, Indiana. (It is on the GenealogyCenter.org website under Free Databases: www.genealogycenter.info/results_infranklinbrand.php.) In this little brand book is evidence of early Hoosier settlers that one will be hard pressed to find in other records, even among those records found on our favorite .com websites. Recording in this brand book began in 1811, years before Indiana was a state.
Newspapers being the chroniclers of the lives and times of so many individuals and places, I typically like to take newspaper databases for a “spin” to really find the stories of my ancestors, and not just the begets and begots. I often look for information about my father, Charles, in the papers of his native Jasper, Indiana. Finding tidbits of his life is so engaging--reminding me of things I knew, as well as allowing me to discover a number of things I had never heard before or have forgotten. In the Jasper “Herald,” I read of his promotion to manager of the Western Union office in Saginaw, Michigan; I learned of a thirty-day leave he had from the Air Force to visit parents and friends; I discovered the specific dates he entered the service and completed his training, as well as the bases at which he was stationed in Japan and Texas; I found the date and place of a surprise birthday party for his mother; I read that he was the best man at my mother’s younger sister’s wedding; and I located a citation indicating he and my mother visited their home city of Jasper from Bay City, Michigan, in August of 1956.
Further exploration of the “Herald” uncovered a number of neat things about his younger life, e.g., he received his Life badge from the Boy Scouts in July of 1947; he attended a one-week school program in statesmanship, civics and government in 1949; he was in a Jasper High School play, “Life of the Party,” in 1950, as well as making the honor roll; and he attended St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer with a grade point average of 2.50 out of 3.0. Finding the little facts about my father’s life gives me a much better idea about who he was and what his life was really like. The little things combine to make a bigger and clearer picture.
Every summer in many communities across the country, thousands of small-town high school alumni return to those small communities to celebrate and remember. Many alums are welcomed with displays of high school class pictures, school newspapers, and yearbooks. While the class numbers and fashion vary greatly throughout the years, the pictures highlight young high school graduates ready to “go out into the world.”
One is not able to tell who came from prominent families when looking at the pictures. The stories of who these students were and what their families were like emerge when family members and friends view the pictures. One hears about one’s mother attending Radcliffe, secretly marrying her high school sweetheart, and being kicked out of the university. (Married women were not allowed to attend the university.) One learns that the new bride of a high school football star woke herself up at 3 a.m. to curl her hair so she would look good in the morning. Pictures of those who fought in World War II are often highlighted by grandchildren and great nieces. There are poignant descriptions of those who did not return from the war. Many of the students followed the tradition of their ancestors in the jobs they chose, a tradition that has changed in recent generations.
Some alums surprise each other with their nationally known accomplishments. Those that have not achieved acclaim are recognized in just as lasting ways. Their relatives speak about them with affection, providing anecdotes about their lives growing up in small towns across the country. These wonderful old documents represent what is universal about all towns: The promise of youth, the continuity of family, the moving on so a new generation can take their place in the community – life lived in the small places.
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Genealogical Exploration in Baden-Württemberg
by Kate McKenzie
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Among the many regions rich in history and familial ties, Baden-Württemberg stands out as a particularly fascinating destination for genealogical exploration. Nestled in southwestern Germany, this state is a blend of historical duchies and kingdoms, formed in 1952 by merging Baden, Württemberg-Baden, and Württemberg-Hohenzollern. Its deep-rooted history and diverse cultural influences make it a treasure trove for those tracing their ancestry.
Baden-Württemberg's history is marked by significant events and periods that have shaped its cultural and genealogical records. The region was part of the Roman Empire before becoming a collection of duchies and principalities in the Holy Roman Empire. Following the Napoleonic Wars, the area experienced significant administrative changes, eventually leading to the formation of the Kingdom of Württemberg and the Grand Duchy of Baden in the 19th century. The unification of Germany in 1871, two World Wars, and post-war reorganization further influenced the region's demographics and record-keeping practices. These historical fluctuations significantly impact genealogical research, providing a rich context for understanding family histories. These are some steps to begin your research if you have ancestors from the region.
Start by thoroughly researching your ancestors' records within the United States. Utilize resources such as passenger lists, naturalization documents, church records, death certificates, and obituaries. These documents often provide vital information about your ancestors' origins and can point you toward the town that they came from within the area of Baden-Württemberg. Pinpointing your ancestor's town of origin is crucial before delving into international records.
In addition to indexes like "Germans to America” by Glazier and Filby, the volumes by Friedrich R. Wollmershauser, titled "Emigrants from the Kingdom of Wurttemberg" and "Emigrants from the Grandduchy of Baden," are excellent resources for researching early German immigrant ancestors. These books, all available at the Genealogy Center, provide abstracts of emigration entries, with information sourced from historic German newspapers. They offer details about the emigrants and their towns of origin, and sometimes include information about their occupations, who they intended to emigrate with, or other unique facts.
Explore Online Civil and Church Records: Civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths became mandatory in Baden-Wurttemberg in 1876. These records, along with church records dating back even earlier, are the most reliable primary sources for genealogical research. Church records, including baptismal, marriage, and burial records, can be especially valuable, often dating back to the 16th century.
A helpful starting point is the FamilySearch catalog. By searching under the designated place, such as "Germany, Baden-Württemberg, [district], [your town name]," you can access relevant records. For example, "Germany, Baden-Württemberg, Freudenstadt, Bad Rippoldsau-Shapbach" would be an appropriate search. Bad Rippoldsau-Schapbach is a municipality within the district of Freudenstadt, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, in the country of Germany. Online records can vary by town. In some cases, civil records will be available when church records are not, and vice versa.
Some online church or civil records offer a keyword search function. However, you may occasionally need to browse through the digitized microfilm to find your ancestor's record.
Tracing your ancestry in Baden-Württemberg is an exploration of history, culture, and identity. By accessing a variety of resources and methodologies, genealogists can uncover the rich tapestry of their Baden-Württemberg roots, bridging past and present across generations and borders. As you embark on your research, we at the Genealogy Center are always here to assist you.
Additional Resources:
929.13 G315 Germans to America: Lists of Passengers Arriving at U.S Ports. Edited by Ira Glazier and P. William Filby.
929.13 Sch17w V.1-V.8 Wuerttemberg Emigration Index by Trudy Schenk.
943.46 EM44 V.1-V.4 Emigrants from the Grandduchy of Baden before 1872 by Friedrich R. Wollmershäuser.
943.46 EM44A V.1-V.2 Emigrants from the Kingdom of Wurttemberg before 1850 by Friedrich R. Wollmershäuser.
For guidance, FamilySearch offers a valuable article on finding the town of origin in Germany: https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Germany_Finding_Town_of_Origin
FamilySearch, “German Genealogical Word List,” FamilySearch Research Wiki, https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/German_Genealogical_Word_List.
FamilySearch, “Latin Genealogical Word List,” FamilySearch Research Wiki, https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Latin_Genealogical_Word_List. Since many German records include Latin terms, this word list is also useful.
MeyersGaz.org, https://www.meyersgaz.org. Database version of Meyers Orts gazetteer of the German Empire. Includes wildcard search, maps, and info on parishes.)
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The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland’s Newly Released Digitized Material
by Elizabeth Hodges
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In late June and early July, the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland (VRTI) team unveiled a new set of digitized materials on their website. This release marks the 102nd anniversary of the 1922 destruction of the Public Record Office of Ireland, located at the Four Courts in Dublin, which destroyed 700 years of archival material.
The VRTI, also known as VirtualTreasury.ie, is an ongoing project that utilizes partnerships from around the world to reconstruct what was lost. While not all resources are directly useful for family historians, several new collections are particularly valuable for genealogical research.
***Genealogy Resources: The expanded Genealogy page on VRTI offers guidance for family historians, helping them navigate name-rich records. (https://virtualtreasury.ie/genealogy-resources)
***Dublin Gazette: This official newspaper of Dublin Castle, published between 1705-1922, offers a glimpse into elite politics and everyday life, including street crime, food prices, and shipping news. The VRTI is working to reassemble this collection from various archival partners. (https://virtualtreasury.ie/curated-collections/dublin-gazette)
***1798 Rebellion Papers: This searchable database contains letters primarily from 1790 to 1808, sent to the Chief Secretary’s Office in Dublin Castle. The letters, written by postmasters, magistrates, military generals, and police constables, provide insights into the period surrounding the 1798 Rebellion. (https://virtualtreasury.ie/curated-collections/rebellion-papers)
***Map Room: Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI), this collection includes over 6,000 historical maps and charts. It is divided into three periods: pre-1650s, 1650s-1840s, and 1840s-1922. (https://virtualtreasury.ie/curated-collections/map-room)
+++Check out the newly launched Ordnance Survey collection in full: (https://dri.ie/news/launch-of-new-digital-archive-of-irelands-ordnance-survey/)
***Exploring the Age of Revolution, 1760-1830: This new image gallery highlights documents from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, covering various forms of unrest, including food riots, social protests, and revolutionary conspiracies. (https://virtualtreasury.ie/image-galleries/age-of-revolution)
***1821 Census of Ireland Transcripts: This collection includes names and places from the pre-Famine census, revealing over 4,000 individuals from sample households across Ireland's four provinces. The team has gathered 50,000 names so far, with a potential increase to 200,000 by 2025.
+++Check out the team’s report: (https://virtualtreasury.ie/curated-collections/census-gleanings)
***Deeds, Wills, and Memorials:
+++Registry of Deeds Transcript Books: The latest update includes Volume 2 of the Registry of Deeds Transcript Books series from Tailte Eireann (the government agency that oversees records from the Registry of Deeds) featuring 400 new items from March 1708. The collection is fully searchable online, and by 2025, it will encompass 20 volumes from Tailte Eireann with around 11,300 pages and 6.7 million words of searchable content.
+++Abstracts of Wills from the Irish Manuscript Commission: The update also features the 'Deeds, Wills, and Memorials' curated collection, complete with explanatory text, including three printed volumes of the Irish Manuscript Commission's abstracts of wills from 1708–1832, all of which are now fully searchable online. https://virtualtreasury.ie/curated-collections/deeds-wills-and-memorials-tailte-eireann
Although the VRTI's digitization efforts are far from complete, the release of these newly digitized records provides valuable new resources and significantly improved access for eager Irish family historians. Hope springs eternal!
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PERSI Gems: Elephant Encounters
by Adam Barrone and Mike Hudson
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The subjects of the articles cited below landed themselves on columns of newsprint wherever they traveled. Their extreme size and novelty in this country attracted attention and drew crowds. Perhaps your ancestors made some elephant-sized memories when these creatures came to visit.
Try a PERSI search here:
https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/
Automobile wins race vs elephant, 1913
Snake River (ID) Echoes, Vol. 24, Issue 2 (Nov 1995)
Bert H. Clark and Helen McGregor trained lady elephant, pitiful pachyderm's plight, 1833, pub. 1959
Clinton (OH) Chronicle, Vol. 27, Issue 3 (Jul 2016)
Bicentennial elephant hunt for escaped elephant Barbara, 1976
Perry County (AR) Historical & Genealogical Society Newsletter, Vol. 9, Issue 2 (2007)
Big Charley the elephant exploits, killed keeper Huffman, M. Knarf recollections, 1900-1926
Miami County (IN) History Bulletin, Issue 98 (Oct 2011)
Cole Brothers Circus headed to Peru after fire, families, Fanny the Elephant funeral photo, 1940+
Fulton County (IN) Folk Finder, Jul 2018
Elephant Modoc escapes circus, five day rampage of Wabash and Huntington Co., photo, 1942
Packet : Huntington County (IN) Historical Society News, Apr 2018
George Phipps Grand Trunk Western locomotive engineer, hit and killed Jumbo the elephant, 1885
Genealogy News about Our Members, for Our Members (British Columbia Genealogical Society), Vol. 6, Issue 5 (May 2021)
Hall's Show elephant ate flour out of J. M. Jones & Son wagon, Edgefield Advertiser excerpt, 1894
Quill (Old Edgefield District Chapter, South Carolina Genealogical Society), Vol. 30, Issue 1 (Jan 2014)
Intoxicated keeper at Mr. Batt's menagerie saved from bear by helpful elephant, 1850
Derbyshire (Eng.) Family History Society Journal, Issue 136 (Mar 2011)
Laurier Ave. Bridge built because elephant refused to cross the old rickety one, c. 1901
Ottawa (Ont.) Genealogist, Vol. 44, Issue 4 (Oct 2011)
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Preservation Tips: Preservation Disaster Preparedness
by Christina Clary
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It’s almost August, which means peak hurricane season is nearly here. Even if you don’t live in a hurricane zone, August is still a month of rain and humidity for many people. Keeping your family records and heirlooms safe is probably not your top priority during a weather emergency, but there are steps you can take now to mitigate damage from weather-related events.
The easiest step you can take is storing your items in a safe place. Basements, the long-preferred storage location for most people’s “stuff,” are not safe for old records and photographs. They are prone to dampness and flooding, which can lead to mold issues. Attics are also not ideal storage areas, as the extreme heat and humidity found in most attics will speed up the deterioration process.
Once items have been relocated, do not store them directly on the floor. Keeping them off the floor can help prevent damage from flooding. Don’t store them so high up, though, that you have difficulty retrieving them. By storing items in a temperature-controlled room in your house, you have taken an important step in protecting your family’s history from the elements.
Your instinct may be to store your records in a plastic, waterproof container. However, sealed plastic containers can create their own microclimate, trapping in heat and humidity. They are not ideal for long-term storage. You can use them for a short period if your items are in archival-quality enclosures and you need temporary storage. Try not to store items that are not in proper enclosures in these containers; use archival-quality boxes instead. Digitizing your items is another important step you can take as a preventive measure. Even if the physical items are lost or damaged, the information is still preserved.
If your paper records or books are water damaged, the ideal response is to freeze-dry them as soon as possible. This will help prevent mold or deactivate any mold that is already growing. Loosely wrap the items in wax or deli paper and make sure to note the name of the item and the date it was put into the freezer. Two weeks should be enough time to dry them, but they can be frozen longer if needed. Air-dry frozen items in a low-humidity area and use fans (not aimed directly at the items) to circulate the air and speed up the process.
Most photographs can survive up to 48 hours immersed in water. Ambrotypes, tintypes, and collodion photographs cannot and should be prioritized. Photographs should be separated from enclosures and frames and spread out to air-dry as described above. Freezing them is not ideal, as the cold temperature can shrink the surface emulsion and cause cracking, but they can be frozen if they cannot be immediately air-dried. You do not need to keep them in the freezer for long but keep an eye on them to ensure they do not crack.
There are multiple agencies you can reach out to for help in salvaging items after a weather emergency. The Northeast Document Conservation Center and the National Heritage Responders both have hotline numbers you can call for assistance.
NEDCC Hotline: 1-855-245-8303
National Heritage Responders: 1-202-661-8068
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History Tidbits: William Patrick Hitler
by Logan Knight
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Propaganda has long been an accepted practice in warfare. Sadly, like all warfare, the terrible wars of the twentieth century saw the rise of mass media propaganda, utilized by all belligerents. Even today, certain images and slogans permeate popular culture. One can instantly conjure up images of Dr. Seuss and his anti-Nazi imagery or the Uncle Sam “I Want You” poster. With so much to choose from, it is perhaps inevitable that some of the most fascinating propaganda stories are lost to people today. One such story is that of William Patrick Hitler.
The horrific story of Adolf Hitler is one known probably to everyone on the planet. What is less known is that Adolf was not an only child. He had a half-brother named Alois Jr., born to Alois Hitler and his second wife, Franziska Matzelsberger. Adolf’s mother was a servant girl named Klara Poelzl, who had cared for the second wife as she was dying and then had married Alois Sr.
Alois Jr. had violent disagreements with his father (much like Adolf) and ran away from home at the age of 14. He went to Ireland, where he worked as a waiter at the Shelbourne Hotel (it is still in business) in Dublin. Junior bounced around a lot and ended up serving some time in jail for theft. He also met and married an Irish woman named Bridget Dowling in Liverpool, England. They had a son together on March 12, 1911, and he was christened William Patrick Hitler.
Alois Jr. returned to Germany alone in 1914 for an extended gambling tour of the continent. Unfortunately, the First World War broke out, and Alois could not return to his family. So, he started another one, bigamously marrying another woman and had another son named Heinrich Hitler. William would eventually visit his father but nothing seemed to come of it.
In 1933, the year the Nazis took power, William thought that the Hitler name could be of some benefit. He went to Germany and asked his half-uncle Adolf for a job. Wanting him out of the way, Adolf got him employment first at a bank and then at a car company. William had further ambition and tried to blackmail his uncle by suggesting he would leak embarrassing family secrets to newspapers unless he was kept sweet. This led to a terribly ugly meeting with Uncle Adolf.
William then embarked on a new career as a propaganda star, writing a number of anti-Hitler magazine articles, delivering lectures, etc. He took the show on the road and came to the United States to deliver speeches across the country. He was still in America when war broke out and was once again stranded. Hitting on a brilliant idea, he sought to join the U.S. armed forces but was rejected at first because of his family name. William made a direct appeal to President Franklin Roosevelt to be allowed to serve. The president consulted with Edgar J. Hoover, head of the F.B.I., and concluded that he should be allowed to join.
William Patrick Hitler became U.S. Navy Pharmacist’s Mate Hitler and served until being honorably discharged in 1947. During that time, he was utilized in a number of propaganda efforts, making the most of the family name. After the war, William changed his name and attempted to live a life of anonymity. He passed away in 1987, leaving a legacy of proving that life is often stranger than fiction.
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Genealogy Center’s August 2024 Programs
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Join us for another month of free, virtual and in-person programs!
August 1, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET “IN-PERSON DNA & Genealogy Interest Group” with Sara Allen - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11182546
August 6, 2024, 2:30 p.m. ET “I Found My German Hometown - Now What?” with Kathy Wurth - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11180553
August 8, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET “Same Name More Than Once in Same Location? How to Decipher Who is Yours” with Emily C. Richardson” - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11152496
August 13, 2024, 2:30 p.m. ET “Introduction to Asian American Genealogy” with Grant Din - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11180006
August 15, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET “Using Military Service Records to Research Your Family History” - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11152595
August 17, 2024, 2 p.m. ET “After the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute” – In-person. Hands on research in the ACPL Genealogy Center with the African American Genealogical Society of Fort Wayne.
August 20, 2024, 2:30 p.m. ET “Preservation and Conservation of Family Photographs and Documents” with Colleen Pepper - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11206851
August 21, 2024, 1:30 p.m. ET “Allen County Genealogical Society Genealogy In-Person Workshop” with the Society in the Discovery Center of the Genealogy Center. The topics will be determined by the interests of those attending.
August 22, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET “Hidden Treasures in Ohio’s Court of Common Pleas” with Tom Neel - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11159606
August 27, 2024, 2:30 p.m. ET “The Grosvenor Room: The Gateway to Buffalo Research” with Rhonda Hoffman - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11182649
August 29, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ET “Discovering More about Mystery DNA Matches” with Kelly Barrett - https://acpl.libnet.info/event/11182389
Please register in advance for these engaging programs.
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Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming
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Do you want to know what we have planned? Are you interested in one of our events, but forget? We offer email updates for The Genealogy Center’s programming schedule. Don’t miss out! Sign up at http://goo.gl/forms/THcV0wAabB.
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Genealogy Center Bits-o’-News
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Recently the Allen County Public Library opened an online merchandise store. Check it out--we really think you will enjoy the offerings. There is a special Genealogy Center section of the store with some pretty cool items. http://acpl.dkmlogo.online/shop/category/4726261?c=4726261 An added benefit is that your purchases support the Friends of the Allen County Public Library, and they in turn support the Genealogy Center.
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Genealogy Center Social Media
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenealogyCenter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genealogycenter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACPLGenealogy
Blog: http://www.genealogycenter.org/Community/Blog.aspx
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/askacpl
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Driving Directions to the Library
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Wondering how to get to the library? Our location is 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the block bordered on the south by Washington Boulevard, the west by Ewing Street, the north by Wayne Street, and the east by the Library Plaza, formerly Webster Street. We would enjoy having you visit the Genealogy Center.
To get directions from your exact location to 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, visit this link at MapQuest:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=900%20Webster%20St&city=Fort%20Wayne&state=IN&zipcode=46802%2d3602&country=US&geodiff=1
>From the South
Exit Interstate 69 at exit 302. Drive east on Jefferson Boulevard into downtown. Turn left on Ewing Street. The Library is one block north, at Ewing Street and Washington Boulevard.
Using US 27:
US 27 turns into Lafayette Street. Drive north into downtown. Turn left at Washington Boulevard and go five blocks. The Library will be on the right.
>From the North
Exit Interstate 69 at exit 312. Drive south on Coldwater Road, which merges into Clinton Street. Continue south on Clinton to Washington Boulevard. Turn right on Washington and go three blocks. The Library will be on the right.
>From the West
Using US 30:
Drive into town on US 30. US 30 turns into Goshen Ave. which dead-ends at West State Blvd. Make an angled left turn onto West State Blvd. Turn right on Wells Street. Go south on Wells to Wayne Street. Turn left on Wayne Street. The Library will be in the second block on the right.
Using US 24:
After crossing under Interstate 69, follow the same directions as from the South.
>From the East
Follow US 30/then 930 into and through New Haven, under an overpass into downtown Fort Wayne. You will be on Washington Blvd. when you get into downtown. Library Plaza will be on the right.
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Parking at the Library
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At the Library, underground parking can be accessed from Wayne Street. Other library parking lots are at Washington and Webster, and Wayne and Webster. Hourly parking is $1 per hour with a $7 maximum. ACPL library card holders may use their cards to validate the parking ticket at the west end of the Great Hall of the Library. Out of county residents may purchase a subscription card with proof of identification and residence. The current fee for an Individual Subscription Card is $90.
Public lots are located at the corner of Ewing and Wayne Streets ($1 each for the first two half-hours, $1 per hour after, with a $4 per day maximum) and the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Harrison Street ($3 per day).
Street (metered) parking on Ewing and Wayne Streets. On the street you plug the meters 8am – 5pm, weekdays only. The meters take credit cards and charge at a rate of $1/hour. Street parking is free after 5 p.m. and on the weekends.
Visitor center/Grand Wayne Center garage at Washington and Clinton Streets. This is the Hilton Hotel parking lot that also serves as a day parking garage. For hourly parking, 7am – 11 pm, charges are .50 for the first 45 minutes, then $1.00 per hour. There is a flat $2.00 fee between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
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Genealogy Center Queries
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The Genealogy Center hopes you find this newsletter interesting. Thank you for subscribing. We cannot, however, answer personal research emails written to the e-zine address. The department houses a Research Center that makes photocopies and conducts research for a fee.
If you have a general question about our collection, or are interested in the Research Center, please telephone the library and speak to a librarian who will be glad to answer your general questions or send you a research center form. Our telephone number is 260-421-1225. If you’d like to email a general information question about the department, please email: Genealogy [at] ACPL.Info.
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Publishing Note
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This electronic newsletter is published by the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center, and is intended to enlighten readers about genealogical research methods as well as inform them about the vast resources of the Allen County Public Library. We welcome the wide distribution of this newsletter and encourage readers to forward it to their friends and societies. All precautions have been made to avoid errors. However, the publisher does not assume any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, no matter the cause.
To subscribe to “Genealogy Gems,” simply use your browser to go to the website: www.GenealogyCenter.org. Scroll to the bottom, click on E-zine, and fill out the form. You will be notified with a confirmation email.
If you do not want to receive this e-zine, please follow the link at the very bottom of the issue of Genealogy Gems you just received or send an email to sspearswells [at] acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe e-zine" in the subject line.
Curt B. Witcher and John D. Beatty, CG, co-editors
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