I’ve got Wisconsin in my blood. No, really, I do. My great grandmother’s family settled there after emigrating from Germany sometime before the US Civil War. I’m not sure where the man she married, Silas Koeser, was from, perhaps Michigan since my grandmother was born there, but he eventually moved to Two Rivers, the town where his wife was born. She bore nine children and died when some of the children were very young. Silas remained in Two Rivers the rest of his life, as did most of his children.
As many times as I’ve been to Wisconsin, I’ve only been in Two Rivers once. When I was about three years old. And had a bad case of the measles. I don’t remember it at all, but I’ve seen photographs of me at a beach, and perhaps a video or two. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I realized it was not an ocean beach in the photograph, but Lake Michigan.
Starting this summer, I want to visit some of the places in Wisconsin that have meaning for me. I might not start with Two Rivers, but someday I’ll go back and see where I’m “from”.
*Neshotah Beach photo originally uploaded by Lester Public Library
Clutch Cargo Lips 
Dona, I think this is a wonderful idea. My opportunity to do this came when daughter moved to Chicago where my dad’s family lived after emigrating from Sweden. I felt so at home there despite never having been there before…I’d be curious to see whether your experience is similar.
Tina’s last blog post..Maybe you’d better take it with you after all…
LikeLike
That will be an exciting trip…
LikeLike
Yes, great idea.
LikeLike
It would take about half an hour on the subway and bus to revisit where I grew up. I’d like to throw a stone over the bridge into the creek as my father and I always did and maybe this summer I will.
LikeLike
for the gal who wants to go Two Rivers, I’m a 1st cousin to your mother and have lots of information on the Koeser’s, and their obituaries. Your great grandfather Silas was born in Two Rivers…contact me.
LikeLike