Susan, Grandpa, Nancy & Barbara
Memories By Aunt Susan
Upon starting this wonderful ancestry adventure, Uncle Bill's advice was to start with the oldest Bruemmer siblings first (meaning) my mom, along with Aunts Barbara and Susan.
There were so many questions I had on the Bruemmer ancestral history. So I started with what I knew: Mom and her five siblings were all born in St. Louis Missouri where their father William was from. Sadly there were two major tragedies that happened in the late 1940's, William began to have severe headaches which resulted in cancer and Barbara's symptoms of Polio began.
Upon William's tragic passing on Christmas Eve 1948, Barbara was left to raise a family of six children on the farm. According to several relatives, as much as Barbara loved William the thought of continuing to live in St. Louis was not appealing. Thus, the decision was made to move her new family back to California.
Every Bruemmer sibling has uniquely different special memories. Barbara, Susan and my Mom have stronger memories of the St.Louis farm and their dad whereas Shirley, Bill and John have stronger memories of San Rafael since they were quite young when their Dad passed away.
I have been fortunate enough to conduct video interviews with and/or receive written oral histories from all the Bruemmer siblings.
The following memories below comes from Aunt Susan in a written questionnaire I had sent to her several years ago.
You were born on November 24th 1939
What is your full name Susan Marie Bruemmer
Any nick name Sue
What are your earliest childhood memories Riding horses, helping plant vegetables, Dad pulling us on a sled tied to the back of his truck, taking a rose for dad’s lapel, canning tomatoes, Barbara and I taking the bus to school.
Please describe in as much details possible what you remember about your father William John Bruemmer. He was a wonderful father. He would take us to lunch in the city, sledding behind the jeep, horseback riding, amusement parks, rodeos. There were fun family travels from St. Louis to California. Dad would also plan large Easter egg hunts. I also remember snuggling in his bed on the weekend. Dad could crack his big toe which we thought was all great!
From my perspective, looking at the photo of my grandpa, it appears to be a gentle man. Was he like this in real life? I believe he was a warm, loving man. I don’t have any memory of any other behavior.
Mom me that it was a farm all of you were raised on until you left for California. Was this the main source of income or did grandpa have an additional source of income Dad had a law degree but he was a realty executive.
What if any details do you recall about the house and the farm? The house was very large and had two stories (levels). Outside was a large wraparound porch. On the main floor was a very big living room or formal dining room. A kitchen with eating space, a pantry with some room for laundry and a half bath. There were stairs that led to tbe second floor which had two bedrooms, one full bath as well as **a box room and attic
**A box room is a traditionally British term for a very small room in a house. Originally used for storing trunks and large objects, it is now most commonly used to describe the smallest bedroom, a nursery, a home office, or a walk-in closet.
What kind of animals raised on the farm?! Horses, cows, chickens dogs, cats, pigs rabbits snakes. There was three acres including an orchid, barn, chicken house, and a garden.
Even at a young age, did you have any responsibilities feeding chickens, milking cows? We had to wash the dishes, help set the table, milk the cows, feed the horses, feed the chickens and bring in the cows at the end of the day.
Did you ever experience any scary tornadoes? No,
By the time Shirley and Bill were born did you all share one room together? Barbara and I shared a room.
Did grandma‘ s parents often visit from California? I don’t remember Uncle Al and Eleanor did once.
In 1948, Grandpa died of brain cancer . Were there symptoms early on such as headaches loss of vision, hearing loss and balance?!
He was having radiation and was home for sometime. I don’t remember being told specifically.
Any memories you care to share? Chasing fireflies, Halloween, Barb’s accident when she cut her leg, eating French toast while listening to radio shows on the weekends
Photos Of The St. Louis Home
