Thursday, September 16, 2010

Treasure Chest Thursday ~ Recipes

Isn't it great to find out your ancestors can write?  It is always fun to find something they had written not just signed or marked.  Given to me by my Grandmother, is this recipe written by Minnie Jane Hartsell Rogers Nose.  My Grandmother knew Minnie, I wish I had.  She sounds like she was a really interestng person and boy the things she has seen.

Minnie was born 16 February 1879 in Preston County, West Virginia to Robert A. Hartsell and Mary Neff.  Minnie married Thomas Milton Rogers 26 November 1896 in Preston County.  Thomas died 10 May 1906 from being struck in the head by falling timber, leaving Minnie with six children under the age of ten. 

Minnie lived until 20 March 1967.  We are not sure of the date when Minnie wrote out her recipe for Pumpkin Cake, but we know she wrote it down for the family.  For me it is very neat to have something that my Great Great Grandmother wrote down for us, I bet she liked Pumpkin Cake.

Kelly

Friday, September 3, 2010

Follow Friday ~ The Perceived Age Demographic in Genealogy

Thomas MacEntee over at http://hidefgen.com/ and Marian Pierre-Louis at http://rootsandrambles.blogspot.com both discussed the Perceived Age Demographic in Genealogy; after the Family Tree Magazine interviewed a handful of younger people in their latest magazine. As some people commented on their posts, I have often heard that voice behind me say, "Are you even old enough to do genealogy?"!

I have now been researching my family since 2000. My Grandma is the one who dabbled in the family history and got me hooked at an early age. Because of her and her neighbor who also was a researcher, I am now heavily involved in my local Genealogical Society. They meet on the weekends, which makes it easy for someone like me who works during the week. Dues are inexpensive and they provide quality programs to learn from.

I agree with the other people who posted comments on Thomas and Marian's blogs. Us "young people" do not have enough money and/or vacation time to go to all the conferences. I have yet to attend a National Conference, but the Ohio State Conference, closer and for just 3 days, is much easier to accomplish.

I will say tho, as I come around the curve of 30 years old here soon, I find that lately that I am not the youngest anymore. That makes me happy, but I also know how the younger people coming in feel. I look out for them at conferences and meetings, to encourage and support them. We as the "younger people" may have much to learn, but learn we do through the many technology outlets, print information and through conferences. I have learned a lot through all my friends at the Genealogy Society who welcomed me and taught me many things. Not everyone is as welcoming as they could be to the next generation. We can learn a lot from each other.

On another note, I was a little surprised to see all four adds in the Family Tree Magazine, I think there is someone out there that could compile some better statistics on the Genealogical Audience out here. We might be different ages and demographics, but we are all working the same goal, where is my ancestor!

Kelly

And one last thing :) Have you ever planned a Genealogy Fun Day with your Genealogical Society? I planed one for ours, we invited the whole family, kids, grandkids, etc. We had genealogical activities planned for all ages to work together with the person who does genealogy in the family. We had stations set up around the room and provided snacks. It was a hit! Never stop looking for ways to include everyone, no matter their age.