1950 Census: I Think They Missed a Brownstone

On April 1st, 2022, the National Archives released the 1950 Census. A law passed in 1978 requires 72 years before the census is released to the public. The official count date for the 1950 Census was 1 April 1950. Because of the need to return and gather information from people that the census taker missed … Continue reading 1950 Census: I Think They Missed a Brownstone

Just Because Something Is Written In Stone

While I was taking the introductory course (online) in genealogy from Boston University, it was pointed out that you can't always take things at face value when you are searching for information about your ancestors. There are a few reasons for this. People don't always remember facts and stories correctly; some information passed down may … Continue reading Just Because Something Is Written In Stone

Three Generations of Brooklyn Stoops

“Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory.” Betty Smith. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn A stoop is a staircase ending in a platform leading to a house or apartment building entrance. In Brooklyn, a stoop is … Continue reading Three Generations of Brooklyn Stoops

Memorial Day Remembrance: Sidney Kelly and Sons in the Great War

Note: Sidney John Kelly, Sr. was my great grandfather.  My mother is the daughter of Sidney Kelly, Sr.'s youngest son, Bernard L. Kelly.  What follows was brought together from source documents I have acquired from the National Archives, The Naval History and Heritage Command, and the library system of the National Defense University, specifically the … Continue reading Memorial Day Remembrance: Sidney Kelly and Sons in the Great War

Family Genealogy: Anthony Cooke and the Photo of BFD Ladder 10

When it came to me, it was a copy.  It was probably a copy of a copy.  At some point, my maternal great-uncle, Edward O'Connell, sat down and drafted several pages of notes on the Cooke, Boyle, O'Connell, and Kelly families. I am not sure what his motivation for doing this may have been.  When … Continue reading Family Genealogy: Anthony Cooke and the Photo of BFD Ladder 10

Serendipity, Thy Name is Goat

The text of the email read as follows: "Don't ask how I got to your page but I may have what you are looking for..." Sometimes the universe surprises me.  Something incredible happens, and I have no explanation for it.  My father would call that a miracle.  I will call it serendipity. We all have … Continue reading Serendipity, Thy Name is Goat