On This Date in Minnesota History: January 21

January 21, 1985 – Charter flight Galaxy Airlines Flight 203 to Minneapolis took off from Reno-Cannon International Airport at approximately 1:05 a.m. and crashed shortly thereafter.1 “Aside from the pilots and cabin crew, everyone on the plane was returning to Minnesota from a gambling and skiing Super Bowl weekend.”2 The lone survivor was “17-year old George Lamson Jr., who was thrown clear of the aircraft and landed upright, still in his seat, on South Virginia Street.”<sup>1

1</sup>1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_Airlines_Flight_203

²2http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=74123

http://chicagofilmmakers.org/cf/content/sole-survivor 

Sole Survivor

“In the history of aviation, there have been 14 large-scale, commercial plane crashes with a sole survivor. Like most survivors of trauma, the sole survivor’s experience is often misunderstood. SOLE SURVIVOR is a feature-length documentary that follows the journey of George Lamson who, at 17 years old, survived the 1985 crash of Galaxy Airlines Flight 203 which killed 73 people in Reno, Nevada. Twenty-five years after the crash, George still struggles with the purpose of his own life and agonizes over whether or not he was spared for a reason. His quest to heal has been complicated by the media’s portrayal of him as a miracle and a hero—roles that bear little resemblance to the identity that he would claim for himself.

Through SOLE SURVIVOR, George has begun to reach out to the 13 other sole survivors, several of whom were also children at the time of their accident. His attempt to reach out to other survivors spans 11 countries, three generations and a distinct array of cultural backgrounds. His goal is to build a community of healing and support for himself and the others, and to give greater meaning to his own life. In doing so, George lays the groundwork for a broader exploration of survivor’s guilt. The film will include external perspectives from academics including statisticians, philosophers, religion scholars, physicists, engineers, media scholars and psychologists. To achieve director Ky Dickens’ desired aesthetic and heighten the audience’s engagement, the entire film will be set to an evocative instrumental score by French compose, Franck Rapp, and will incorporate original, hand-drawn animation.”


http://chicagofilmmakers.org/cf/content/sole-survivor

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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

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On This Date in Minnesota History: January 20

January 20, 1981 – L. Bruce Laingen, who grew up in Odin, Watonwan County, Minn., was one of 52 hostages released from the American Embassy in Teheran on this date after being held by Islamic militants for 444 days. Laingen was serving as the chargé d’affaires (head of diplomatic mission) at the U. S. Embassy in Tehran.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Laingen

http://www.mnopedia.org/thisday

Bruce Laingen, President Jimmy Carter, Vice President Walter Mondale 

Ambassador Bruce Laingen was wearing this suit and the tie when he was taken hostage at the Iranian Foreign Ministry in Tehran, and wore them again on his journey home from Iran to the U. S. in 1981.

Photos taken by Pamela J. Erickson at Minnesota Historical Society Exhibit.

           __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 19

*January 19, 1902 – A bold robbery took place early this morning in Glendive, Mont. Diamonds, valued between $10,000 and $20,000 and belonging to S. H. Clausen & Co., Minneapolis wholesale jewelers, were stolen.

Two iron bound trunks were taken from the baggage room of the Northern Pacific station this morning, but nothing was gone except a bag of set and unset diamonds and from 300 to 400 gold rings. A tray containing 24 set diamonds was overlooked by the thieves. The trunks were the property of C. B. Clausen, Minneapolis, traveling representative of S. H. Clausen & Co. He arrived at Glendive from the East at 7 p. m. Saturday. The trunks were left in charge of the baggage agent.

The robbery was an unusually daring one, and was evidently the work of bold and experienced thieves. The windows of the baggage room were forced open with a pinch bar, after which the trunks weighing 250 pounds each, were carried through the opening and broken open within 20 feet, of the station platform. The trunks were found broken open at 7 a. m. this morning.

The burglars carried on their work quietly, as four men were sleeping in the second story of the station, and the express agent was in an adjoining room. None of them heard the least noise. During the day Glendive officers placed under arrest Jimmy McCarthy, an ex-prize fighter. It is stated that that he was acting suspiciously and when arrested, had on his person two large six shooters.

The S. H. Clausen company is located at 103 Bank of Commerce building.

The Minneapolis Tribune; “Local Firm Loses Gems. Diamonds Worth $20,000 Stolen From C. B. Clausen’s Trunk at Glendive, Mont. Bold, Clever Robbery. Clausen is Traveling Representative of S. H. Clausen, Minneapolis.”; Jan. 20, 1902; p. 5.

Northern Pacific Passenger Depot, Glendive, MT

http://www.familyoldphotos.com/photo/montana/30138/northwest-passenger-depot-glendive-montana-early-1900s

           __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 18

January 18, 1961 - Norm Van Brocklin accepted the head coaching position for the expansion Minnesota Vikings on this date.  “Over the next six years Van Brocklin compiled a record of 29-51-4. The tenure was highlighted by his contentious relationship with quarterback Fran Tarkenton, a feud that culminated with Van Brocklin's resignation on February 11, 1967.” 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norm_Van_Brocklin

“Minnesota Vikings head coach Norm Van Brocklin (right) and quarterback Fran Tarkenton (10) on the sideline.”

http://www.spokeo.com/Fran+Tarkenton+1/Nov+05+1961+Los+Angeles+Ca#17083251:11982181

           __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 17

*January 17, 1903 – Mathias Willisberger, more than 80 years old and scarcely able to care for himself without assistance, was sent to the Ramsey County poor house today. The man was gathered in by the police after having been found wandering the streets begging for something to eat.

Willisberger came here from Freeport, Ill., in search of his son, whom he says robbed him of his savings of $600. The father learned that his son had come to St. Paul and started in search of him, walking all the way from Ill. The trip was made during the coldest weather, and the old man suffered much, his feet being frozen until they are badly swollen.

When he reached St. Paul, he was cared for at the home of the Little Sisters, but two days ago escaped from that institution and has wandered about the city in search of his son until today, when he was picked up by the police and taken to the Ramsey County jail. This afternoon he was taken to the poor farm.

Willisberger says he lived at Freeport, Ill., and had managed to $600, with which to support himself in his declining years. His son, he says, managed to get hold of the money, and left the city with it.

It was for the purpose of finding his son that he came to St. Paul. The police will endeavor to ascertain whether or not his son is in the city.

The St. Paul Globe; “Says Son Stole All His Savings, Followed Him to St. Paul and is Now in Poorhouse.”; Jan. 18, 1903; p. 4.

Ramsey County Poor Farm

http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/nrhp/NRDetails.cfm-NPSNum=77000766.html

           __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 16

January 16, 1904 – An appeal for medical aid was received in Duluth tonight from the village of Grand Marais, on the north shore, to assist in stopping an epidemic of diphtheria, which has already caused two deaths this week. Dr. Husen, the physician attending the patients in Grand Marais, was stricken Thursday and is in critical condition. Since that time those suffering from the disease have been without medical attention. 

The Saint Paul Globe; “Grand Marais Asks Duluth for Doctors. Local Physician Battling Diphtheria Epidemic is Stricken.”; Jan. 17, 1904; p. 9.

http://heavytable.com/should-you-find-yourself-to-be-in-grand-marais-mn/

           __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                        

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com

On This Date in Minnesota History: January 15

January 15, 1968 – “Shortly after completing a pass to teammate Wayne Connelly, [Minnesota North Star Bill Masterson] was checked by Oakland's Larry Cahan and Ron Harris and fell backwards onto the ice head-first. The force of the back of his head hitting the ice caused blood to gush from his mouth and nose. Masterton sustained a massive brain hemorrhage that damaged the pons. The injury was so severe that doctors were unable to perform surgery, and Masterton died [on this date]. Masterton was not wearing a helmet.

His death would result in more intense lobbying to make it mandatory for hockey players to wear helmets, which were uncommon in North American professional hockey at the time. Helmets were made a mandatory piece of equipment for incoming professional players before the start of the 1979–80 season, though older players were not required to wear them.

Masterton's #19 jersey has never been worn again by any player in the North Stars/Stars franchise, and it was officially retired in 1987, six years before the North Stars left Minnesota.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Masterton

http://northstarslegends.blogspot.com/2008/01/bill-masterton.html

           __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com