This branch of the Austrian Hesch family is descended from Johann Hesch and his wife Marya (Schlinz) Hesch, who came to America from Oberschlagles, Bohemia with three sons: Paul, Mathias, and Anton. +++Johann & Marya settled in Buffalo County, Wisconsin but moved to Pierz, Mn in about 1885. .+++Mathias settled in Waumandee, Wisconsin and moved to Pierz in 1911. +++Anton never married but farmed with his dad in Agram Township, where he died in 1911.+++And Paul, my great grandfather, settled five miles away, in Buckman, Minnesota. He died there in 1900.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Solemn Communion 'Angels'

I thought I had LOTS of First Communion 'angel' pictures, but evidently not. I think it was a German custom--where a 12-year-old making her First (Solemn) Communion was accompanied by a little girl, also dressed in white, as her Angel.

This first photo would have been about 1922, since mom looks about 6-7 years old (She's the little girl on the right). I don't know who the others are, but I suspect they're Janson or Naber relatives...maybe Bahns?

I DO know who these two are, cuz it was a family story. The tall girl was Adella Brandl (later, married to Killian Zenner). The Angel was my mom, Linda Janson, at 5 years old. (If you look closely, you'll see mom's wearing the same dress in both pictures).
The story had to do with the itchy garland of asparagus fern around moms' neck. Adella was serene, but the angel chaffed. If you click the picture, you can just make out something shiny on the front corner of the table.
The photographer showed her a nickel and asked her if she wanted it? Her eyes got huge, and she nodded. He put it on the table and said she could have it if she stood still for the pictures....
Obviously, mom got the nickel.
(BTW, I knew Della when she was old, and she STILL stood that way--a little canted to her left. She and mom were first cousins).
++++++++++++++++
SUE just added to my collection! YAY, Sue!
This was probably in the 1920's too--the dress styles, and the bows on the angels' heads. Could the bows have been any larger...? Does anybody recognize any of these kids?


 This was the ordination day of the priest (one of the Mischkes?) in the photo.  His first mass was said in Buckman, and the ceremony included the middle girl as his "bride".  He was symbolically marrying the church.  The floral circle she carried symbolized his eternal commitment,  I think.


Sue said, "I have 2 original (Nelson Photo) copies of this picture sooooo….Someone in here MUST be related…" LOL...she thinks it could be Agnes, in the middle.  I agree.

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