Showing posts with label Kramer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kramer. Show all posts

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Bose

The Bose Family
The Bose family is one of the earliest pioneer families who settled in Somers Township.  The family is very large and as a result of marriages, the Bose family is related to many other Somers pioneer families:  Braid, Wensing, Hansche, Donsing, Birch, Tennessen, Kramer, Witscheber.  Most of these families settled in the Berryville area of Somers Township.
Additional biographical sketches and other information is posted on the Oakwood Cemetery web site.

The first to arrive in Wisconsin was William Bose who arrived in 1846.  He stopped in Cleveland, Ohio for a short time, met William Hansche and both came to Racine County in 1846.  The next year, his father Conrad , mother Mary, and six (6) siblings arrived at the Port of New York on October 25, 1847 joining William in Racine County. 

New York Passenger List, Port of New York, Arrival October 25, 1847
Conrad Bose, age 52 (born about 1795)
Ann Mary Bose, age 46 (born about 1800)
Charlotte Bose, age 21, daughter, born about 1828
  • Note: Charlotte married Jacques Jacob Bertschy in Frank Wisconsin.  They moved to Meeme, Manitowoc, Wisconsin where Charlotte died, March 7, 1886.
Isabella Bose, age 14, daughter, born about 1833
  • Note:  The only place Isabella is shown on the original passenger list of 1847.  Starting with the 1850 U.S. Federal Census, it lists a daughter named Eliza born about 1835.  It is unknown if Isabella and Eliza are the same or different daughters.  For the record, Eliza married George Blodgett, perhaps a brother of her sister-in-law Hannah who married her brother Charles.  Eliza died in Racine April 25, 1898.
Frederick Bose, age 12, born about 1835.
  • Note:  Frederick married Sophia.  Children:  William born 1861, Minnie (married Jacob Kramer), Fred Bose, born about 1867, Frank Bose, born about 1869, Ella Bose born about 1877, and Albert Bose born about 1879.  Minnie Bose and her husband Jacob Kramer lived with Minnie's parents in the Bose homestead on Lathrop Avenue (13th Avenue) in Berryville.  The  Fred Bose/Kramer homestead still stands today although it is no longer owned by the family.
Henry Bose, age 10, born about 1838
  • Note:  Henry married Fredricka Hansche.  Children:  Ernest born about 1865, Amelia born about 1874, Henry born about 1881, Lydia born about 1878, Matilda (Tillie?) born about 1875, and Benjamin born about 1882 married Mary and they had two sons, Arthur and Wesley.  Wesley Bose married and raised his children on the Henry Bose homestead.  The Henry/Wesley Bose homestead farm is located directly east of the Fred Bose/Kramer homestead on County Line Road and it still stands today although it is no longer owned by the family.
Edwin Bose, age 6, born about 1840
Charles Bose, age 4, born about 1843
  • Note:  Charles married Hannah Blodgett.  They had two children: Florence born about 1867, and Adebert born about 1873.  The 1880 U.S. Federal Census shows that Charles, Hannah, Florence and Adebert lived with Conrad (age 87) and Mary (age 82) on the Section 5-East parcel on the lake shore.  Charles Bose died at the age of 58 on February 2, 1900.  "Charles Bose, an old citizen of Berryville, died on Friday Feb. 2.  Funeral services were held Sunday at the church.  His wife, son, daughter, and one brother survive him and his many friends and neighbors will miss his familiar face. (Source: Racine Daily Feb. 6, 1900)


William and Ann Bose
Grandparents of Clarence Bose
Great Grand Parents of Albert and Marjorie Bose
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith.)
William and Ann Bose
Click here for complete history of William and Ann Bose.
William Bose (born about 1825)
Ann Bose (born about 1810)

Children of William and Ann:
Edward Bose (born about 1854)
William F. Bose (born about 1857)
Mary Bose (born about 1959)

Ann's first marriage to Hansche ended with the death of Mr. Hansche.  The 1880 US Federal Census show Ann's children from the Hansche marriage were living with Ann and William Bose.
Herman Hansche, step son to William, age 31, born about 1849
John Vincent, son in law to William, age 33, born about 1847
Mary Vincent, step daughter to William, age 21, born about 1859
Ann Vincent, step grand-daughter to William, age 3, born about 1877

William F. and Nellie Braid Bose
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith.)

William and Nellie Bose
Click here for the complete information about William and Nellie Braid Bose.
RECAP
William F. Bose (born about 1856)
Nellie Braid Bose (born about 1856)
Children of William F. and Nellie
Jennie Bose born about 1880
Anna Bose born about 1878
William Bose III born about 1883
Clarence Charles Bose born about 1889
Everett Bose born about 1899

Children of William and Nellie Bose
William F. Bose III (standing) and Clarence Bose (seated)
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith.)

Allie and Clarence Bose
Loading Cabbage for shipping on the railroad at the Birch Road station stop.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith.)


Bose Cabbage Wagons parked on Birch Road waiting to load on the Railroad.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith)

Clarence and Audrey Bose
Loading potatoes to ship on railroad on Birch Road station stop.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith)



Art Bose, Ellsworth Rolfs (Daniel's cousin) and Daniel Klapproth
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)




1911 Ford Convertible
(Photo courtesy of Jim Smith)




1914 Ford and the Bose Children
Marjory and Albert Bose (Children of Clarence and Audrey Bose and Grand-Children of William F. and Nellie Bose.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith)


Partial 1887 Map of Somers Township
Bose parcels primarily located in Berryville area
C. Bose
F. Bose
H. Bose
W. Bose
Wm. Bose

Bose:  In the News
"Carpenters began work last week to erect a new residence for Mr. William Bose."
(Source:  Racine Journal, August 2, 1900)

"Miss Anna Palskill, a well known young lady of Racine, married Mr. Barney Bose of Berryville at St. James Church.  A reception followed at their new home in Berryville."
(Source:  Racine Journal, January 24, 1902)

"A very charming wedding was that of Miss Josephine Palskill, of Racine to Mr. Joseph Bose, of Berryville, which took place at 8 o'clock this morning at the Holy Name church, in the presence of a large number of friends and relatives.  The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Annie Palskill, and the best man was her brother, Mr. Barney Palskill.  The bridal gown was of white organdie, trimmed with lace and the bride carried bridal roses.  The bridesmaid wore white Swiss, trimmed with chiffon.  As the bridal party entered the edifice Prof. Henry Shulte, assisted by Mrs. Schulte, played the wedding march, and Rev. Father S. P. Schwinn performed the ceremony.
After the ceremony was performed a large wedding reception was held at the new home of the couple located near Berryville, and over two hundred were present to extend congratulations, many being from abroad.  A wedding dinner was served and Mr. and Mrs. Bose received a large number of handsome and costly presents.  They will not depart for a wedding trip, but immediately settled down to housekeeping.
The bride is a well known young lady of the south side and has always been prominent in the social and religious circles where she mingled and was popular with all classes, and a most estimable woman.
The groom is a young farmer who has lived in the southern part of this county all of his life.  He is known for miles as an honest, upright and prosperous tiller of the soil and to him and his estimable bride is extended the best wishes of all for a long and happy wedding life."
(Source:  Racine Journal, November 26, 1901)

"Clarence Bose, who was recently married, has rented the Becker farm southeast of the village.  He will take his bride to their new home in the near future."
(Source:  Racine Journal, February 12, 1914)

"Miss Lydia M. Bose and Mr. Winfield S. Jackson were united in marriage at the Methodist parsonage in Racine by Rev. Haylett, last Wednesday at 5 o'clock.  The young couple were attended by Miss Grace Dearsley and Mr. Ernest Bose.  The bride was becomingly attired in white and wore white roses, and the bridegroom wore the conventional black.  Mr. Jackson is a very prosperous gardener."
(Source:  Racine Journal, June 21, 1899)

"This afternoon Miss Jennie Bose and Mr. Alfred Hansche were united in marriage at the home of the bride near Berryville.  It was a very quiet affair, only intimate friends and relatives being in attendance.  Both are well known in that section of the county and will have the best wishes of their hosts of friends."
(Source:  Racine Journal, August 24, 1904)

"Charles Bose, an old citizen of Berryville, died on Friday, February 2.  Funeral services were held Sunday at the church.  His wife, son, daughter and one brother, survive him and his many friends and neighbors will miss his familiar face."
(Source:  Racine Journal, Feb. 6, 1900)

"Mr. William Bose, one of the pioneers of Kenosha county, died at his Somers home.  The funeral took place from the Berryville Church on Sunday afternoon and was largely attended.  Mr. Bose was 75 years of age.
William Bose was one of the early pioneers of the county.  He was born in Prussia February 13, 1924.  In 1846 he left Germany and emigrated to the U.S.  For many years he worked as a farm hand but later purchased a part of Section 6 and built upon it one of the first houses erected in the Town of Somers.  Here he lived only a short time when he purchased a farm in Section 7 where he has since resided.  He leaves a widow and three children:  Edward, William F. and Mrs. John (Mary) Wensing, all of the Town of Somers.  Mr. Bose was a quiet and unassuming man.  He was strictly honorable and upright in all his dealings and was honored and respected by all who knew him."
(Source:  Racine Journal, April 11, 1899)

"Mary Rose Ann Bose, age 22, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bose died yesterday morning at Sunny Rest Sanitarium.  She is survived by her parents and three sisters.  The sisters are Mrs. Sam Gascoigne of Berryville; three sisters living in San Francisco; four brothers, Joseph, Barney, John, and Emil all of Berryville.  She was born on the family homestead in Berryville and lived there all her life."
(Source:  Racine Journal, February 24, 1916)

"Charles Birch, Edward Bose, Edward Lotz, and Benny Bose, motored to Mercer last week where they enjoyed several days of fishing.  Mr. Birch brought home a Muskie, measuring 32-1/2" long.
(Source:  Racine Journal, September 11, 1929)

"Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Bose spent Wednesday afternoon with later's mother, Mrs. Jacob Swartz."
(Source:  Racine Journal, Jan. 10, 1914)

"William Bose expects to leave for Florida this morning accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. Alfred Hansche, who was ordered by her physician to make a prolonged stay in a different climate owing to her ill health of late."
(Source:  Racine Journal February 12, 1914)

"The herd of sheep of J.E. Bose which was stricken with some kind of disease, has recovered.  Mr. Bose lost 12 head."
(Source:  Racine Journal, April 10, 1914)

"Wesley Bose is employed on the Albert Scheckler farm.  Arthur Bose has returned here after working the past two years for William Fink at Somers."
(Source:  Racine Journal, April 20, 1940)

"Marjorie Bose of St. Ann's Hospital in Chicago is spending her vacation at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Bose."
Mrs. Jack Meekman spent the day with her aunt, Mrs. Nellie Bose, whose health is slowly improving at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Bose."
(Source:  Racine Journal, August 9, 1934)

"Richard Bose fell the later part of last week and broke his shoulder blade and Mrs. Ed Bose, Sr. also fell and is bruised and may have broken bones."
(Source:  Racine Journal, September 23, 1932)

"Mrs. Edward Bose called on her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Gascoigne."
(Source:  Racine Journal, December 31, 1912)

Swartz - Bose Marriage
(See photos below)
"The marriage of Miss Carrie Charlotte Swartz, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. J. Swartz, to Benjamin F. Bose of Berryville, was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents in Somers on Wednesday evening, February 10th at eight o'clock in the presence of a large company of invited guests.
As the strains of Lohengrin's wedding march played by Miss Margaret Becker of Kenosha, floated through the rooms, the wedding party took their places in the west parlor. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Bech of Kenosha.
The house was decorated for the occasion, sweet peas, and smilax being used in profusion. The bride was tastefully gowned in white and carried white sweet peas. Miss Luella M. Swartz acted as bridesmaid and also wore white and carried pink sweet peas.
The groom was attended by Edward Bose. After the usual congratulations, the guests sat down to a sumptuous wedding dinner at which the Misses Pauline Birch, Mina Henscher, Etta Pedley, and Mrs. J.F. Swartz, Jr. served.
The gifts were numerous and beautiful. The bride and groom are both popular young people and have a large circle of friends who extend their best wishes. Mr. and Mrs. Bose will be at home to their friends after March 12, 1909."
(Source: Racine Journal, February 16, 1909)

Ben and Carrie Swartz Bose Wedding Photo
Benjamin Bose is the son of Henry and Frederica Bose
Carrie Swartz is the daughter of John Jacob and Emma Swartz
(Source:  Original Photo Courtesy of Robert Swartz.)

Ben and Carrie Swartz Bose Wedding Photo
(Source: Original Photo Courtesy of Robert Swartz)

Arthur and Winifred Bose, about 1917
Children of Benjamin and Carrie Swartz Bose.
(Note:  Wesley, the third child of Benjamin and Carrie is not pictured)
(Source:  Original Photo Courtesy of Robert Swartz)

At 10:45 o'clock this morning Miss Ella Bose died at her home, 1001 Fourteenth Street, aged 32 years.  Deceased was born in Somers, Kenosha County, but has been a resident of Racine since a small girl.  She was a young woman highly esteemed by a large concourse of friends and her death will be learned with sorrow.  There survives to mourn her demise, a mother, brothers, William, Frank G., Fred, E., H., W., and Albert C. Bose, and one sister, Mrs. Jacob Kramer of Somers.  Time of funeral will be announced.
(Source:  Racine Journal, January 11, 1910)

"There was a pretty church wedding At. St. George Church this morning at 9 o'clock, the contracting parties being John Bose, one of the best known young farmers of the Town of Somers, and Miss Rose Koch, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Koch.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Father Ellskamp in the presence of a large number of the friends and relatives of the contracting parties.  Following the ceremony an all day wedding reception was held at the home of the bride.  Mr. and Mrs. Bose will make their home in the Town of Somers and they will have the best wishes of a large circle of fiends."
(Source:  Racine Journal, May 7, 1908)

"At 8 o'clock last evening at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Donsing of Somers, Wisconsin, Miss Hattie Donsing was united in marriage to William F. Bose, Jr. of Berryville, Wisconsin.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Williams of Chicago in the presence of about fifty friends and relatives of the contracting parties.  The home was decorated for the occasion with flowers and potted plants.  Following the ceremony a wedding repast was served after which the happy couple left on a short wedding tour in the northern part of the state.  The bride is a popular young woman of Somers and the groom is the son of William F. Bose of Berryville.  Mr. and Mrs. Bose will reside at the old Bose homestead at Berryville.
(Source:  Racine Journal, January 20, 1909)

"A very pleasant outing was enjoyed on Sunday by about fifteen Racine young people at the Bose farm near kenosha.  The party left on the 8:30 o'clock.  The C.M. electric train, and return on the 10:30.  The weather was ideal for the occasion.  Baseball was played as was horseshoe and other sports, including sack races. 
After supper was served a moonlight marshmallow roast was held."
(Source:  Racine Journal, August 24, 1915)

"William Bose, Sr. is suffering from a severe attack of blood-poisoning."
(Source:  Racine Journal, April 28, 1915)

"Mr. and Mrs. William Bose, Jr. attended the Knights Templar conclave held in Chicago this past week."
(Source:  Racine Journal, August 16, 1910)

"Miss Mary Blodgett of Racine and Mr. E.H. Bose of Berryville were united in marriage last evening at the Second Methodist church int he presence of relatives.  The Misses Clara and Emma Hanson were the maids of honor while Harry and Benjamin Bose officiated as best  men.  The bride was attired in a gown of light blue and carried white roses.  After the ceremony, a wedding supper was served."
(Source:  Racine Journal, January 5, 1905)

"Mr. Joseph Bose is very sick with pneumonia."
(Source:  Racine Journal, May 10, 1899)

"William Bose, Jr. has been suffering from inflammatory rheumatism for some weeks is slowly recovering."
(Source:  Racine Journal, April 16, 1912)

"Two children of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bose who have been seriously sick with diphtheria are slowly convalescing."
(Source:  Racine Journal, July 4, 1911)

"Henry J. Bose, age 73, of Somers, died this forenoon of heart trouble.  He leaves a wife, three sons and three daughters.  Funeral Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the house.  Interment in Mound Cemetery.  Deceased was a native of Germany and had resided at Somers for some fifty years."
(Source:  Racine Journal, June 25, 1911)

"Clarence Bose has been busy the past 2 weeks moving his farm implements."
"Mrs. J.E. Bose spent Sunday evening with her mother, Mrs. Christ Koch it being her fifty-third birthday."
"Mrs. C. Bose has purchased an excellent phonograph."
(Source:  Racine Journal, March 10, 1914)

"Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Bose  moved into their new home last week."
(Source:  Racine Journal, March 17, 1914)

"Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bose and daughters, Anna and Wilma, left Saturday for California (Los Angeles) where they will spent the winter.  Miss Wilma Bose is in poor health and it is hoped the mild climate may be beneficial."
(Source:  Racine Journal October 17, 1911)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Berryville School History



The First Berryville School - 1855 
Berryville's first school, above, now is used for grain storage on the John Hansche farm in Berryville. The log structure was completed in 1855, and set amidst an area long known for the variety of berries growing around the farms. A second school was built in 1872 (see photo below) was later used for onion storage, and torn down about six years ago.
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)


Berryville School - Class of 1877

(Source: Photo Courtesy of Kenosha News June 15, 1935 Centennial Edition)


Berryville Schoolhouse - Built 1872 

This is the second Berryville Schoolhouse, built in 1872.
33 students
"Dutch" Linstroth and his cousin "Dan" Klapproth (born 1894)
Click on photo for larger view.
(Original Photo Source:  Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.)

Berryville School - 1835 and 1872 buildings
located on east side of Lake Shore Road
According to W.S. Dearsley (see map below) one of the oldest settlers on the Lake Shore Road in the Berryville area north of Kenosha, the first school in Berryville District No. 11 was built about 1835. In 1855 an addition was built. A new building was constructed in 1872, when 36 pupils were in attendance. Both buildings occupied sites on the east side of Lake Shore Road. The first is being used as a granary on the J.W. Hansche farm, and the second is now a part of the home of Emil Julius on the Dearsley Road.

In 1923 the C.F. Kreuger family (related to the Klapproth family) sold property on the corner of Lake Shore Road and Berryville Road for the purpose of erecting a new modern schoolhouse. See location and map below. Construction cost was $31,000.00. A four room wing was added several years later for a cost of $75,000.00. Enrollment at Berryville School averaged 300.


Partial 1908 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County, showing the community of Berryville
See "box" on east side of Lake Shore Road - intersection with Berryville Road (now Highway A)
Notice unusual curve in Berryville Road and Country Club Road (now known as 13th Avenue)


Early teachers
 Among the early teachers were: William Longmore, Helena Ozanne, Mary Cunningham, Alice Moss, Alice McCormick, G.M. Hoffman, Alice Stannard, Mary Moran, G.M. Kerkhoff, Edna Perry and Frank Swingle taught in schoolhouse #2.
As the population along the lake shore increased it was necessary to build again, and today Number 11 is one of the finest red brick on the west side of the highway, with a large playground and community hall, now employing five teachers.
(Source: My Memoirs, by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948--Minnie A.G. Ozanne. All Rights Reserved.)

Berryville Classes in the 1930's



Berryville School
Warren Kramer's 4th Grade Class
(Source:  Original Photo Courtesy of Warren Kramer)
Click on photo for larger view.

Berryville School
First Grade, 1935
Teacher: Mr. Terrill
(Source: Original Photo Courtesy of Warren Kramer)
Click on photo for larger view.

Berryville School
Grades 3 and 4.  Date 1936 (see blackboard date)
(Source: Original Photo Courtesy of Warren Kramer)
Click on photo for larger view.




Berryville School - "x" Irvin Klapproth (born 1923) 2nd Grade
Date Approximate 1930
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)
Click on photo for larger view.

Berryville School Mother's Club Picnic at Petrifying Springs Park
"Me" is Vernetta Klapproth
Date Approximate mid-1930's
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)

Berryville School Class Photo
"X" is Melvin Klapproth, born 1931
Approximate Date:  Early 1940's
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)
Click on photo for larger view.




Berryville School
First Grade Class of 1935
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)
Click on photo for larger view.




Berryville Kindergarten class photo taken in front of the schoolhouse.
Noted by the blue arrow, Melvin Klapproth.
1930's
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.)

Berryville School Principal
Miss Dorothy Shlax will be the principal of Berryville School and will teach the seventh and eighth grades.  Miss Mildred Severson has been engaged as the music and kindergarten teacher.  Miss Marie Terrill will teach the first and second grades, instead of the first as in former years.  Mrs. Marion Goss will teach the third and fourth grades and Mrs. Vida Gimmels again will teach the fifth and sizth grades. 
(Racine Journal Times August 19, 1943)






Berryville students loaded in a neighborhood farmer's livestock truck on their way to a picnic in 1936.  Typically all the picnics were held at Petrifying Spring Park about a mile away on Berryville Road.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)










Berryville School - New Building 1923



Berryville School.  View from Lake Shore Drive (known as Sheridan Road or Highway 32).
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)




This is the view of the new addition (kindergarten classes with wall of windows.  Looking north/northwest
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.  Photo date 1960)





Berryville School with new addition.  View to the northeast.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)











Aerial view of Berryville School looking toward the northwest.  See Chicago Railroad Tracks.
See softball diamonds and round area in the grass that served as an ice rink in the winter.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)



Mid City Outdoor Theatre.  View to the west.  Notice the shore line of Lake Michigan.
See the white fence and Berryville School to the right of the Theatre.
The road to the right is Berryville Road (now Highway A) which runs east and west.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)



Marilyn Ward on swings in the schoolyard.  Mid City Outdoor Theatre and fence to the right.
1959
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)



Marilyn Ward swings on the monkey bars in the schoolyard. 
1959
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)




Mrs. Ward, first grade teacher, at her desk in the classroom.  Her daughter Marilyn patiently sits in the desk.
1962
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)



Mrs. Ward, first grade teacher grades student papers at her desk.
1963
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)


Mrs. Ward's classroom and bulletin board "Santa Claus is coming to Berryville"
1959
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)








Marilyn Ward builds big snow balls in the schoolyard.  Notice the ice skating rink in the foreground, a favorite of the students.
1962
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)

Marilyn Ward plays on the merry-go-round in the playground.  Notice the bike racks for those students who would ride bikes to school.
1962
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.)






What happened to Berryville School?
In 1855 the first Berryville School opened its door.  125 years later, in 1980, Berryville School closed due to declining enrollment.
The third generation of pioneer families, those who created and built Berryville School, many of who still resided in the area, and were passionate about retaining a neighborhood school that had caring and talented teachers who taught not only curriculum but reinforced parental teachings such manners, kindness, citizenship, and community involvement.  They experienced the benefits of a neighborhood school and wanted this to continue for future generations.  Parents of this small school all had an investment in their child’s education and they drew together by volunteering and fund-raising on behalf of their children.  The close knit relationships and teaching environment could not be replicated by merging into a large school district.  The arguments were good ones and they could not be denied.   However, in the end, it became of matter of affordability.

In 1989 the Somers Fire Department conducted a fire inspection and report on the schoolhouse.  The schoolhouse included eleven classrooms, one kindergarten classroom, toilets, basement, multi-purpose room, kitchen, service and storage areas. The inspection identified cracks in the foundation and exterior walls, exposed duct work, a cracked and defective chimney and missing and rotten shingles.  The coal bin still existed and needed removal, plumbing was poor, electrical was poor, asbestos was present in the floors and insulation and the windows needed replacement along with a new roof.  There was evidence of vandals gaining entrance which resulted in broken plaster, holes in floors and ceilings, and other damage.

An architectural review by Robert M. Kueny on September 29. 1989 made the following conclusions:

  1. There are questions of educational philosophy, location, student population, transportation and providing equal or equivalent programs and facilities studied district-wide before investing in an old, marginal building in a remote location.

  2. Too many problems with the building that, when it was in its prime condition, was no more than average quality.  To turn on the water, gas, electric, add a little repair work and paint and have a serviceable school is not possible.

  3. $30 a square foot and a total cost of $600,000 to bring an abandoned building with little or no care for the last 9 years is a very poor investment.

  4. To construct an addition in an attempt to provide a quality comprehensive grade school capable of delivering a program comparable to Bose and Jeffery would cost within 75% of a new building.  The 3 acre site is too small and has inefficiencies of layout, supervision controls, and would be too expensive – and on going.

Berryville School was located on a 3 acre site on the southwest corner of Highway 32 (Sheridan Road) and county Highway A (Berryville Road).  The school was demolished.  Today the property is a residential condominium development.

Announcement Berryville School sold.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Kenosha News, 1991. Clipping courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Collection.)

Mrs. June Ward stands in the front door of Berryville School.
Open classrooms in the brick schoolhouse built in the 1920's.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Kenosha News, Nov. 15, 1991.  Clipping courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Collection.)





Mrs. June Ward stands in the arch of Berryville School.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)

Mrs. June Ward stands in one of classrooms for the last time.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)

View looking west.  The last remaining archway of the brick schoolhouse built in the 1920's.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)

2nd floor hallways in the schoolhouse built in the 1920's.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)

Kindergarden Classroom
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)


Mrs. June Ward stands in the front door of Berryville School.
Open classrooms in the brick schoolhouse built in the 1920's.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source: Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection.  Circa about 1991)

Mrs. June Ward, long term beloved first grade teacher, takes one last look at her Berryville School.
Click on image for larger view.
( Source:  Courtesy of Marilyn Ward Personal Photo Collection. Circa about 1991)


Berryville School "In the News"

"Mrs. Frank Heinen was hostess to the Berryville Junior Mothers' Club at her home Wednesday afternoon.  The time was spent in sewing, after which lunch was served.  The date for the entertainment for the members' families was set for Sept 29.  The next meeting will be held at Mrs. Boyd Christensen's."
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept. 8, 1934)

"Berryville Mothers' Club met at Berryville School Wednesday afternoon with 19 members and one guest present.  Plans were made for a box social to be held at the school Friday night, Sept. 21.  Potluck lunch was served.  The next meeting will be held at the school on Sept. 19.
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept. 8, 1934)

























Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Kramer, Jacob


The Jacob Kramer Family
Jacob, Sr., Mrs (Minnie Bose Kramer), Clarence, Arthur, Albert, Ella, Jacob, Jr. (Jake), and Fred.
Photograph Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer
Click on photo for larger view.

The Jacob J. Kramer farmhouse in Berryville
Photo Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer


Jacob J. Kramer Biographical Sketch

Jacob J. Kramer was born September 6, 1860 in Hessen, Nasau, Germany.  At the age of 23, he sailed on the ship "Fulda" from Bremen, Germany on March 15, 1883, arriving in America at the Port of New York.  Mr. Kramer's sister, living in Racine, arrived in America several years before Jacob arrived.  She married a Mandernack and lived by the Halter farm.
Jacob J. Kramer married Miss Minnie Bose in 1887.  She was the daughter of Frederick and Sophia Bose, Somers pioneers who settled in the Berryville area.  Frederick Bose, born in Germany about 1835, was the son of Conrad and Mary Bose, who left their native land of Germany and immigrated to America with their children, Charlotte, Eliza, Frederick, Henry, Ed, and Charles.  The Bose family sailed on the ship "Emma" leaving the Port of Bremen, arriving at the Port of New York.  Conrad Bose was one of the first pioneer families in the Berryville section of Somers Township.
Frederick Bose purchased 39 acres (shown on map below as "F.  Bose" located on County Line Road and Lathrop Avenue) in Somers Township and with his wife Sophia built a house and raised their family.  When Jacob J. Kramer and Minnie Bose were married, they lived with Minnie's parents and eventually the Kramers purchased the parcel from Minnie's parents.  Jacob and Minnie raised their children and lived their entire lives on this farm.

1887 partial plat Map of Somers Somers, Berryville
Frederick Bose parcel located center top of map
Corner of Lathrop Avenue and Racine/Kenosha County Line Road

Jacob, Sr. and Minnie Bose
(Source:  Photograph Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)
Kramer hay wagon
(Source:  Photograph Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)

Kramer hand plowing
(Source:  Photograph Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)

Kramer hay wagon in from of barn
(Source:  Photogeraph Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)

The Kramer farmhouse kitchen
(Source:  Photograph Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)

Kramer Chopping Wood
(Source:  Photograph Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)

Ms. Kramer picking raspberries
Notice the arms are protected from being scratched by the berry thorns.
The wooden berry carrier was very common and can still be found in our old barns.
(Source:  Photograph Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)

The Kramer Farm
Butchered Hogs
(Source:  Photograph Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)

Kramer chopping wood with ax
(Source:  Photograph Courtesy of Warren and Lyla Kramer)