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Mystery Marriage or Record Keeping Mistake? Maria Chardoulias Halvangis (1894-1951)

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Mystery Marriage or Record Keeping Mistake? Maria Chardoulias Halvangis (1894-1951)

A mystery is brewing on the Halvangis/Chardoulias branch of my family tree. Was my great grandmother married once BEFORE she married my great grandfather or is this a records keeping mistake? Here is what I know.

Pic of the Week (#132) - The Mona Lisa Smile of Laura Victoria Kallman (1875-1961)

Pic of the Week (#132) - The Mona Lisa Smile of Laura Victoria Kallman (1875-1961)

This late 1890s cabinet card from Sycamore, Illinois shows a beautiful young woman with a Mona Lisa smile and a stunning, soulful gaze. Can you help me find her story?

The Power of Professional Photo Colorization to Make Your Relatives Real: The Rhoads Sisters

The Power of Professional Photo Colorization to Make Your Relatives Real: The Rhoads Sisters

A talented photograph colorization artist has the power to make your ancestors stories come to life. Here is an example from my own family history: The Rhoads Sisters.

Pic of the Week (#131) - Ida's Patriotic Summer Celebration

Pic of the Week (#131) - Ida's Patriotic Summer Celebration

Always fun-loving and jovial, this photo really captures the spirit of my great grandmother, Ida Rhoads Sears (1900-2002). She is own the far right wearing the American flag hat. This is part of her story.

"The Babble of A Drunken Man" - The Life and Duel Death of Ozeme Roy (1862-1909) and His Friend, Wade

"The Babble of A Drunken Man" - The Life and Duel Death of Ozeme Roy (1862-1909) and His Friend, Wade

Ozeme Roy (1862-1909), a saloon-keeper, and Wade Higganbotham (unk. - 1909), a town constable, both died from bullets and pistol butts in an altercation between them outside the saloon that Ozeme owned. This is their story.

Pic of the Week (#130) - "Group of Educated Orang Utans", the Bronx Zoo, and the Parks Family (Postcard, 1905)

Pic of the Week (#130) - "Group of Educated Orang Utans", the Bronx Zoo, and the Parks Family (Postcard, 1905)

Here is a quirky postcard from 1905. It shows a “Group of Educated Orang Utans” gathered around a table sharing a meal. It is from the New Your Zoological Park. Can you help me find the story of the Parks family?

Captured in Kodachrome: Boy Celebrates 5th Birthday at Skokie Country Club (1956)

Captured in Kodachrome: Boy Celebrates 5th Birthday at Skokie Country Club (1956)

Here is another series of vintage 1956 Kodachrome photo slide images. The notes on this particular set says: “Dec ‘56 - Jon’s 5th Birthday Party - Skokie C.C.”

Pic of the Week (#129) - Friends and Fences

Pic of the Week (#129) - Friends and Fences

A 1920s era group of people sitting behind a wire fence. What do you think their stories are?

Pic of the Week (#128) - Janis and Steven - May 1, 1955

Pic of the Week (#128) - Janis and Steven - May 1, 1955

Here are two cute 1950s kids, presumably siblings. According to the note on the back they are Janis and Steven on Janis’s 5th birthday, May 1, 1955. Can you help me find their stories?

The Psychogenealogy Starter Pack

The Psychogenealogy Starter Pack

The Psychogenealogy Starter Pack is a great way to either get started with or reenergize your genealogy and family history research. All families have stories. Let me help you find them!

Pic of the Week (#127) - Sealed With a Kiss

Pic of the Week (#127) - Sealed With a Kiss

This #foundphoto is interesting to me more for what is on the back than what is on the front. This probably early 1950s photograph has a bright red lipstick imprint on the back.

Pic of the Week (#126) - Ford Driving Kodachrome Stranger

Pic of the Week (#126) - Ford Driving Kodachrome Stranger

This shirtless fella is enjoying a summer day at the lake. He is standing in front some type of Ford, presumably his pride and joy. can you help me find and tell his story?

Peter Heinrich Ratz (1867-1934), Kingdom of Württemberg, Renounces German Citizenship

Peter Heinrich Ratz (1867-1934), Kingdom of Württemberg, Renounces German Citizenship

This document pertains to my 2nd great grandfather, Peter Heinrich “Henry” Ratz (1867-1934). He renounced his German Citizenship in 1883 so he could emigrate to America. This is part of his story.

Pic of the Week (#125) - Jim Nailer and His Awesome Hat

Pic of the Week (#125) - Jim Nailer and His Awesome Hat

The knot in this gentleman’s necktie is almost as large as his hat! I was struck by both when I found this antique photograph on eBay. Can you help me find and tell his story?

The 6 Guiding Values of My Genealogy and Family History Services

The 6 Guiding Values of My Genealogy and Family History Services

Here are the six values that guide how I help individuals find, tell, and share their family history stories in unique, engaging, and personally meaningful ways.

Pic of the Week (#124) - Bonne Année (France, 1915)

Pic of the Week (#124) - Bonne Année (France, 1915)

This 1915 French postcard came from the same lot as Pic of the Week (#123). It is beautifully colored and has a nice inscription on the back. Can you help me find and tell the story behind it?

Pic of the Week (#123) - "See you soon. Lots of Love - Cécile" (France, 1933)

Pic of the Week (#123) - "See you soon. Lots of Love - Cécile" (France, 1933)

Here is a beautiful French postcard from 1933 showing a young woman in a green and gold dress and holding a bouquet of purple flowers. Does the translation of her French letter on the back help us tell her story?

Birth of The Psychogenealogist: Every Ancestor Has a Story

Birth of The Psychogenealogist: Every Ancestor Has a Story

This is the story of how The Psychogenealogist was born. Every ancestor has a story. I believe that finding and sharing them can be of great benefit to you and your family. What stories would you like to tell?

Pic of the Week (#122) - German Boy Celebrates with Chocolates and Paints

Pic of the Week (#122) - German Boy Celebrates with Chocolates and Paints

A German boy celebrates with chocolate and paints. Is it his birthday? Christmas? Can you help me find and tell his story?

From Greece to Detroit: A Brief History of the Karatzis Family

From Greece to Detroit: A Brief History of the Karatzis Family

From Greece to Detroit: A Brief History of the Karatzis (Karr) Family.