JoAnn, Mary, and Jack...circa 1944

Pictured are my two sisters and my brother. It certainly appears like JoAnn was ready for some exploring, Mary was proud to be a big sister, and Jack was ready for the service.
It would be about another six years before my arrival and I proclaim my innocense for anything that happened prior to December 9, 1950.
click on image to enlarge

A Message from Dad to Jack...Aug. 19, 1954

Here it is...Read for yourselves. Click on the postcard to enlarge it.

Notice that the stamp was 1 cent. Also, Cedar Grove Route was the mailing route that my Grandfather's farm was located. The card was sent to Mr. Jack Simmons in care of E.M. Simmons. Elliot Monroe Simmons was my Grandfather's name.

I just got off the phone with my sister, Mary who is currently battling a cancerous brain tumor and she remembered Grandpa's first name as Elliot. A big Thank you to Mary! She has always had a terrific memory and has struggled in the past 4 1/2 months with her communication and her memory. As I write this posting, Mary is able to speak and recall much better than she has for a while. Mary said that she, Jim, Mom, Dad, and even Nema (my Mom's mother) may have driven out to California on this trip!

Mom, JoAnn, & Jack

Here is a picture of Mom holding a young, baby boy named Jack who was born on June 28, 1942. Standing alongside Mom is JoAnn whose birthdate is February 7, 1941. To the best of my knowledge this picture was taken on Theodosia St in St. Louis, Mo. When the picture is enlarged the house number is 720. This was probably the first home for Amel, Virginia, & kids.

It looks like Jack was just a few months old and their clothing was summer-like, so this picture was most likely taken in late summer or early fall of 1942.

Mom must have been 23 since she was born on April 9, 1919.

My sister, Mary recently told me that the location of the families' home was 5746 Theodosia. (Mary has always had a super merory recall.) It was two blocks south of where my Grandparents, Joe & Della Froehly lived.