27 October 2011

1940 US Census Preview

Just a quick note. I went to the Genealogy Club of Montgomery County Historical Society (http://www.montgomeryhistory.org/genealogy-club-montgomery-county-historical-society) last night and heard Constance Potter with the National Archives give a presentation on the 1940 US Census. First, she is a great speaker. If you are in the Metro DC area and have a chance to hear her, I highly recommend it. Second, I am not really looking for to the release of the Census!! The official release is 2 April 2012 at 9:00 am. I say the servers will be down at 9:01 am :)

So in honor of the 1940 Census, I now have a countdown gadget!!

More to follow..........soon........I promise!!

http://www.montgomeryhistory.org/genealogy-club-montgomery-county-historical-society

13 October 2011

Happy 236th Birthday Navy!!

On the Navy's 236th Birthday, here are some pictures I found in my "GOLDMINE" of my father, Thomas Raymond Coughlin from his early years in the Navy:





I also found this picture of me, my dad and my mom's frosted head!!



Dad did his 20 years as an electrician mate with a final rank of Senior Chief. His specialty was mine warfare. Among the ships he served on were the USS Turkey, the USS Vreeland and the USS Illusive. I will always remember the "Illusive" because it's hull number was "448". I was 8 and my sister was 4. 4+4=8 !! And I thought I was so clever :)

Happy Birthday Navy!!

06 October 2011

Genealogy GOLDMINE....I Hope!!

Look what I found in storage!!



From first glance it looks like photos and clippings from various family members. Some information from my maternal grandfather's time in the Army during World War 2. Recipes books (funny since I'm the domestically challenged Coughlin sister!!!).....can't wait for the holiday weekend!!




Happy Birthday 100th Birthday Grandma Senecal!


Today, 6 October 2011, would have been my maternal grandmother's 100th birthday. Eulalia Mary (Duprey) Senecal was born in Swastiaka/Black Brook, Clinton County, New York. the youngest of 6 children born to Eugene Duprey and Melinda (Sharrow) Duprey. She died on August 1, 1979 in Plattsburgh, Clinton County, New York.

I didn't know Grandma Senecal that well as we lived in Charleston, South Carolina and she was in Plattsburgh, New York. Before the Internet Age, the ways to communicate with loved ones not living near included the weekly Sunday phone call and letters. Of course the birthday and Christmas cards ALWAYS had money :)


Family lore has it that she was born "Lily Marie" but when her birth was registered it became "Eulalia Mary". In some correspondence I recently found of her sister, Mamie (Duprey) Willis, my grandmother was referred to as "Lily" or "Lola".

I know this family liked to celebrate any and all occasions, so in that vain I say "Happy Birthday Grandma" and don't worry this granddaughter will lift one for you today!!!