A look in Grandma Joan's Baby Book

Over the past few years, it has become my job and passion to preserve and find all the fascinating history, stories, and photographs from my family's past. A few months ago I was ecstatic to receive a box of memories from my grandma Joan Van Wert, within which I was happy to find a collection of photographs bound lovingly in a book by my grandma's mother, Frances Gustafson-Van Wert. This post contains all of these photos as well as descriptions and some labels of who appears inside them.

People featured and their relationship to me, as well as a numerical identifier which is used to identify them alongside their name in the photograph descriptions:

• Allen, Carolyn, (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P1)
• Allen, Marion Blanch (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P2)
• Anderson, Evert (Unknown Relation) (P3)
• Anderson, Maria (Unknown Relation) (P4)
• Arnette, Judy (No Relation) (P5)
• Arnette, Mrs. (No Relation) (P6)
• Bengtson, Don (Nephew of Husband of 2nd Great Aunt) (P7)
• Bengtson, Gilbert Eddie (Husband of Sister-in-law of 2nd Great Aunt) (P8)
• Bengtson, John (Nephew of Husband of 2nd Great Aunt) (P9)
• Boddie, Laura Linda John (Wife of Great Uncle) (P10)
• Burbank, Judy (No Relation) (P11)
• Case, Lainey Virginia (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P12)
• Collins, Barry (No Relation) (P13)
• Ekeberg, Blanche Aurora (2nd Great Grandma) (P14)
• Falagrady, Nancy (Wife of Great Uncle) (P15)
• Folansbee, Sharon (No Relation) (P16)
• Folansbee, Mrs. (No Relation) (P17)
• Gardner, Janet (No Relation) (P18)
• Gardner, Mrs. (No Relation) (P19)
• Goedert, Marcia (No Relation) (P20)
• Goldberg, Carole (No Relation) (P21)
• Gustafson, Alva Ruth Elizabeth (2nd Great Aunt) (P22)
• Gustafson, Ann Ester Dorothea (2nd Great Aunt) (P23)
• Gustafson, Faith Elaine (2nd Great Aunt) (P24)
• Gustafson, Florence Evangeline (2nd Great Aunt) (P25)
• Gustafson, Frances Elsie Caroline (Great Grandma) (P26)
• Gustafson, Frans Oscar Wilhelm (2nd Great Grandpa) (P27)
• Gustafson, Frans Von (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P28)
• Gustafson, Gretchen (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P29)
• Gustafson, Ingrid L. (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P30)
• Gustafson, Paul Oscar Emanuel (2nd Great Uncle) (P31)
• Gustafson, Thure (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P32)
• Johnson, Peggy (No Relation) (P33)
• K., Clair (No Relation) (P34)
• Larsdotter, Malena Wilhelmina (3rd Great Grandma) (P35)
• Leaf, Kitty Belle (No Relation) (P36)
• Lipnick, Michael (No Relation) (P37)
• Magners, Melvin (Husband of 1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P38)
• Male, Marie (P39)
• Male, Susan Huskin (3rd Great Grandma) (P40)
• Neff, ? (No Relation) (P41)
• Neff, Mrs. (No Relation) (P42)
• O., Donna (No Relation) (P43)
• Osborne, Jessica (Wife of 2nd Great Uncle) (P44)
• Rudd, John (Husband of 1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P45)
• Segerhammar, Carl William (Husband of 2nd Great Aunt) (P46)
• Segerhammar, Karen Elizabeth Segerhammer (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P47)
• Segerhammar, Kathleen (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P48)
• Segerhammar, Kathryn (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P49)
• Segerhammar, Margaret Irene (Sister-In-Law of 2nd Great Aunt) (P50)
• Segerhammar, Paul Kempton (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P51)
• Shue, Glen M. (2nd Cousin 3x Removed) (P52)
• Smith, Carrie Blanch (2nd Great Grandma) (P53)
• Stafford, Susan (No Relation) (P54)
• Tilton, Roberta (No Relation) (P55)
• Van Wert, Barry (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P56)
• Van Wert, Beverly Ann (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P57)
• Van Wert, Everette Clayton (Great Uncle) (P58)
• Van Wert, Forrest Richard (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P59)
• Van Wert, Harold Benson (3rd Great Uncle) (P60)
• Van Wert, James Cordell (Great Uncle) (P61)
• Van Wert, Joan Elaine (Grandma) (P62)
• Van Wert, Reuben Everette (Great Grandpa) (P63)
• Van Wert, Ruth (2nd Great Aunt) (P64)
• W., Jimmie (No Relation) (P65)
• Waldmann, Eric Eugene (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P66)
• Waldmann, Eugene John (Husband of 2nd Great Aunt) (P67)
• Waldmann, Sonja C. (1st Cousin 2x Removed) (P68)
• Wikgren, John Arthur (Husband of 2nd Great Aunt) (P69)
• ?, Jackie (P70)
• ?, Kay (P71)
• ?, Penny (P72)

 Pictured above are the identical Segerhammar twins in 2nd grade at the age of 7 yrs in Longmont, Colorado with their mother Ruth. From left to right those shown in the image are Kathleen Segerhammar (P48), Alva Ruth Elizabeth Gustafson-Segerhammar (P22), and Kathryn Segerhammar (P49).

This was the childhood home of my grandma Joan; although she wasn't born here it is the place she grew up in. The house still stands today. The address is:

4552 Utica

Denver, Colorado

This is a family photo taken at 4552 Utica. From left to right the people depicted are Ann Ester Dorothea Gustafson (P23), Karen Elizabeth Segerhammar (P47), Alva Ruth Elizabeth Gustafson-Segerhammar (P22), Carl William Segerhammar (aka Seger) (P46), Faith Elaine Gustafson (P24), Paul Kempton Segerhammar (aka Kempy) (P51), Eric Eugene Waldmann (P66) in the arms of his father Eugene John Waldmann (P67), Florence Evangeline Gustafson (aka Flo) (P25), Sonja C. Waldmann (P69), Lainey Virginia Case (aka Elaine) (P12), and on the far right (almost hidden) Blanche Aurora Ekeberg (aka Grandma Gus) (P14).

This is another photo Taken in the same location and time as the one before it. The caption reads "Aug 1962 Before the cabin was started". This refers to the cabin my Grandma's parents lived in in the Colorado mountains in a later year. The people pictured from left to right are Ann (P23), Karen (P47), Ruth (P22), Seger (P46), Faith (P24), Kempy (P51), Eric (P66), Gene (P67), Flo (P25), and Elaine (P12).

The picture above shows a family picnic. The seating order at the table from left to right is Flo (P25),  John Arthur Wikgren (aka Art) (P69), Faith (P24), Reuben Everette Van Wert (listed as 'Dad') (P63), Frances Elsie Caroline Gustafson (listed as 'Mother') (P26), Sonja (P68), Eric (P66), and Blanche (P14).

This photograph from April 1942 pictures James (P61) next to his sister Joan Van Wert (P62).

August 5, 1940, Joan (P62) is held in her mother Frances' (P26) arms.

Aug 26, 1940, at the age of 11 weeks Joan Elaine (P62) is held by her cousin Marion Blanch Allen (P2) in Steamboat Springs, Colo.

In the back row is Florence (P25) and Ruth (P22), and in the front are Reuben (P63), Harold Benson Van Wert (aka Ben) (P60), and Seger (P46). They appear to be relaxing on a sandy beach in full suits and professional wear.

A close-up side view portrait of Florence (P25). The caption reads "Our mouths look alike!".

Ruth (P22) plays at the piano while Karen (P47) sings. In the top right corner of the photo a print of one of Birger Sandzén's pieces. Ruth's Mother, Blanche Ekeberg, had studied art under him when he worked at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. The caption reads " 'Sing another song, Karen!' Aunt Ruth at the Piano 1945 in Longmont".

A close up of my grandma's childhood neighbor, Barry Collins (P13), sitting down.

Another Photo of Barry Collins (P13).

Beverly Ann Van Wert (P57) aged 3 years, Taken at Stillwaters, Yampa, Colo.

One of Beverly Van Wert's (P57) School Pictures.

From left to right the people pictured are Bill (I am unsure of who this Bill is), Faith (P23) , and Gene (P67). The caption reads "The photographers!".

A front-facing portrait shot of Blanche Aurora Ekeberg Gustafson (P14). The caption reads "My Grandmother".

This is the newspaper article announcing the marriage of Laura Linda John Boddie (P10) to my Great Uncle James (P61).

Clair K. (P34), one of my grandma's schoolmates during the years 1946-47.

A family photo of the Gustafson family in Colo. Springs. The two adults in the back row, from left to right, are Blanche Ekeberg (P14) and Frans Oscar Wilhelm Gustafson (P27). The children in the front row from left to right are Paul Oscar Emanuel Gustafson (P31), Frances (P26), Ann (P23), Flo (P25), and Ruth (P22).

I am not entirely sure who all the children in this photograph are, however, I do know that the girl second from the left and the girl at the end of the row are twin sisters Kathryn(P49) and Kathleen (P48), however, I am not sure which is which.

A schoolmate of my grandma's named Donna O. (P43) in the years 1946-47.

Elaine Case (P12) at the age of 22 mo.

Elaine Case (P12) at the Case's Apartment in 1944. The caption reads "What's happening?".

From left to right; Elaine (P12), Karen (P47), James (P61), and Joan (P62) in Longmont Colorado. The caption reads "Aren't we having fun with the twins buggies."

Everette Van Wert's (P58) school picture from the years 1953-54. 

A picture of Everette Van Wert. (P58)

The caption reads "Our baby brother Everette Clayton (P58). Oh, those eyes!"

Everette Van Wert's (P58) school picture from the years 1956-57.

Everette Van Wert's (P58) college photo.

One of Everette Van Wert's (P58) school photos.

A school photo of Everette Van Wert (P58).

The caption reads "My baby brother, Everette". (P58)

From left to right; Carrie Blanch Smith (P53) and Everette Van Wert (P58).

From left to right; Faith (P24), Sonja (P68), Joan (P62), and Frances in 1959 (P26).

The fathers of the girl scout troop in 1954.

The caption reads "Mock Wedding- Flo's Shower". (P25)

Another picture of Flo (P25) at her shower. The caption reads "Wasn't this fun".

Frances (P26) in 1965.

Frances (P26) holding her son Everette (P58).

A photo of Frances Gustafson-Van Wert (P26).

From left to right; Frances (P26), James (P61), Joan (P62), and Ann (P23).

From left to right; Frances (P26), Joan (P62), James (P61), Reuben (P63). The caption reads "Our family- we are expecting a baby soon".

The first picture on the left features Frances (P26) with her son Everette Clayton (P58). The caption reads "No glasses? Where's daddy? Ah, taking the picture". The second photo on the right features James Van Wert (P61) with the caption "Smile, oh smile".

The two adults in the back from left to right are Frances (P26) and her husband Reuben (P63). The children in front from left to right are Joan (P62) and James (P61).

From left to right Frans Von Gustafson (P28), Ingrid L. Gustafson (P30), and Gretchen Gustafson (P29) in Milwaukee.

From left to right, Frans Von (P28), Gretchen (P29), and Ingrid Gustafson (P30).

"Our cousin Frans Von Gustafson". (P28)

Garden of the Gods

Colo. Springs, Colo.

Florence (P25) in the back row, front row left to right; Joan (P62), Everette (P58), James (P61).

From left to right: Gilbert Eddie Bengtson (P8), his wife Margaret Irene Segerhammar (P50), and their children, Don Bengtson (P7) and John Bengtson (P9).

"Girl Scouts"

A picture of the girls in my grandma's childhood girl scout group.

From left to right: Janet Gardner (P18), Mrs. Gardner (P19), Kitty Belle Leaf (P36), Sharon Follansbee(sp) (P16), Judy Arnette (P5), Mrs. Follansbee (P17),? Neff (P41), 1st row Carole Goldberg (P21), Susan Stafford (P54), Mrs. Neff (P42), Mrs. Arnette (P6).

Glen Shue (P52) teaching Everette Van Wert (P58) to walk plus a cane.

Getting on the train to college.

Front row from left to right, Blanche Ekeberg (P14), Karen Segerhammar (P47), Paul Segerhammar (P51), Ruth Gustafson (P22). In the back row are twins Kathryn (P49) and Kathleen (P48) Segarhammar, although I am unsure which is which.

Blanche Ekeberg (P14) holding her grandson Everette Van Wert (P58).

Malena Wilhemina Ekeberg (Larsdotter) (P35)

A picture showing 4 generations of Van Werts, taken at Valley View Lodge, Steamboat Springs.

From left to right: Susan Huskin Male (P40), Reuben Van Wert (P63) holding his daughter Joan Van Wert (P62), and Blanche Smith (P53).

The caption reads  "look at the red curly locks!" Gretchen Gustafson (P29).

"Our Home, 4552 Utica Denver, Colorado"

In the picture on left is Ingrid Gustafson (P30), then in the picture on the ride is Thure Gustafson (P32) standing in front of Jessica/Jessie Gustafson (Osborne) (P44) (Left) and Gretchen Gustafson (P29) (Right).

James Van Wert's Kindergarten Photo 1946-47 (P61)

A school photo of James Van Wert. (P61)

From left to right, James Van Wert (P61) with his sister Joan (P62), 1943

James Van Wert (P61) and his sister Joan (P62).

From left to right, James Van Wert (P61) and his sister Joan (P62). The caption reads "Who's big feet?".

James Van Wert (P61) on a pony at 10 Months old. The caption reads "Isn't this fun? We could really ride!"

From left to right: James Van Wert (P61), Blanche Ekeberg (P14), Everette Van Wert (P58), Evert Anderson (P3), and Maria Anderson (P4). The caption reads "These were cousins from Sweden."

James Van Wert (P61), Joan Van Wert (P62), Everette Van Wert (P58), and Reuben Van Wert (P63).

One of James Van Wert's (P61) School Photos.

James Van Wert (P61) School Photo , 1950-51

James Van Wert (P61) School Photo 

The Van Wert Family at James' Wedding Day, July 1, 1967

From Left to right: Joan Van Wert (P62), Reuben Van Wert (P63), Frances Gustafson (P26), James Van Wert (P61), and Everette Van Wert (P58).

Jimmie W. School Picture (P65), 1946-47

Joan Van Wert (P62) in her crib, age 7 months, Karen Segarhammar (P47) age 2 weeks being held by Carl William Segerhammar (P46)

Joan Van Wert (P62) at the age of 8 weeks, 6 days on Aug 5, 1940 being held by her father Reuben Van Wert (P63).

Joan (P62) and James Van Wert (P61)

The caption reads: "Am I giving my brother some advice? Brotherly Love???"

Joan Van Wert (P62) and James Van Wert (P61) on April 1, 1943

Joan Van Wert (P62) and James Van Wert (P61)

A picture of Joan Van Wert (P62). The caption reads "I'm a big girl".

Both pictures are of Joan Van Wert (P62). The caption reads "Dec 1940. In the back bedroom at the longmont residence-- What a dog!"

Joan Elaine (P62) at the age of 2.5 months in their apartment in Oak Creek, Colorado.

A baby picture of Joan Van Wert. (P62)

In the front row from left to right: Everette Van Wert (P52) and James Van Wert (P61) who is holding their dog Sammy. In the back row is Joan Van Wert (P62) with her mother Frances Gustafson (P26).

From left to right: Joan Van Wert (P62) holding Everette Van Wert (P52), their dog Prince, and James Van Wert (P61).

The caption reads "In the backyard".

Joan Van Wert (P62) standing in front of railroad tracks.

Joan Van Wert (P62). The caption reads "I'm cold!".

The caption reads "Joan on a sled in front of our house in Oak Creek". (P62)

"Joan, Me again!" (P62)

"Stop posing, Joan!" (P62)

A picture of Joan Van Wert (P62). The caption reads "What sun!".

Joan Van Wert. (P62)

A picture of Joan Van Wert (P62) at the age of 1 yr and 2 mos. in 1941.

Joan Van Wert. (P62)

Joan Van Wert. (P62)

Joan Van Wert. (P62)

Joan Van Wert. (P62)

Joan Van Wert. (P62)

Joan Van Wert. (P62)

A school picture of Joan Van Wert (P62) at 10 years old.

A school picture of Joan Van Wert (P62) at 12 years old.

A school picture of Joan Van Wert (P62) at 13 years old.

A school picture of Joan Van Wert (P62) at 14 years old.

A school picture of Joan Van Wert (P62) in 1946-47.

A college pic of Joan Van Wert (P62) in college.

A picture of Joan Van Wert's (P62) confirmation class. My grandma is in the 2nd row third from the left. The pastor is Pastor Johnson.

Joan Van Wert (P62) in Girl Scout Uniform.

Joan Van Wert's (P62) graduation from North High School in Denver, Colo.

"Ground Breaking". Joan Van Wert (P62) is on the left side holding a shovel. 

Joan Van Wert (P62). The caption reads "Serious Me!". 

The caption reads "Joan, Waiting for this to be over?". (P62)

"Joan's Smile" Oct. 14, 1940, 4.5 mos old. (P62)

Joan Van Wert (P62)

The caption reads: "That Tongue! Oct 14, 1940"

John Rudd (P45) with his Wife Beverly Van Wert (P57).

The caption reads: "Married Sept 14, 1958"

The back row of adults from left to right: Blanche Ekeberg (P14), Frances Gustafson (P26), Blanche Smith (P53). In the front row of children from left to right: Kathryn Segerhammar (P49), Joan Van Wert (P62), Kathleen Segerhammar (P48). Taken on July 14, 1940 in Longmont, Colo.

From left to right: Blanche Ekeberg (P14), Frances Gustafson (P26) holding Joan Van Wert (P62), and Blanche Smith (P53). Taken on July 14, 1940 in Longmont, Colo.

Ann Esther Gustafson (P23) holding Joan Elaine Van Wert (P62). Taken on July 21, 1940 in the backyard of Ann's Cabin in Colo. Springs Colo.

Reuben Van Wert (P63) and Frances Gustafson (P26) holding their daughter Joan Van Wert (P62). Taken on July 21, 1940 in Colo. Springs, Colo.

Florence Gustafson (P25) holding Karen Segerhammar (P47).

The caption reads: "Where is Karen, all covers!"

Karen Segerhammar (P47) and Joan Van Wert (P62).

The caption reads: "Taken on Joan's second birthday June 1942".

Seger (P46) holding baby Karen (P47).

Karen Segerhammar. (P47)

Caption reads: "1/2 yr. younger than me."

Kathryn Segerhammar (P49), Frans Oscar Wilhelm Gustafson (P27), and Kathleen Segerhammar (P48) in Colo. Springs Colo.

Kathryn (P49) and Kathleen (P48) in 1936.

Kathryn (P49) and Kathleen (P48) in front of the First Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colo.

From left to right: Kay ? (P71), James Van Wert (P61), Joan Van Wert (P62), Jackie ? (P70)

Caption reads: "Taken at Slutz home, March 1944"

Lainey Case (P12), Kitty Belle Leaf (P36), and Joan Van Wert (P62)

Marcia Goedert (P20) School Picture, 1946-47

Marie Male (P29) with Frances Gustafson (P26) who is holding Joan Van Wert (P62).

The caption reads: "Joan 4 1/2 months, Out on the ranch near Trout Creek"

Marion Allen (P2), Melvin Magners (aka Shorty) (P38), Carolyn Allen (P1), Ruth Van Wert (P64)

School Photo of Michael Lipnick (P37)

Nancy Falagrady (P15)

"My sister in law as of July 15, 1967"

Nancy Falagrady (P15)

Both pictures are of Joan Van Wert (P62) in Nov. 1940 at the age of 5 months. The caption reads: "Oh! for the outing on a cold day! Oak Creek Colorado".

A school picture of Penny, 1946-47 (P72)

"The Primary Sunday School - Highlands Lutheran SS. April 1946 Easter. Skinner Jr. High in background where I went to school later."
Identified in the picture are Joan Van Wert (P62), James Van Wert (P61), and Peggy Johnson (P33).

Reuben Van Wert (P63)

A family picture. The two adults are Reuben Van Wert (P63) and Frances Gustafson (P26). The kids from left to right are James Van Wert (P61), Everette Van Wert (P58), and Joan Van Wert (P62).

Reuben Van Wert (P63), Joan Elaine Van Wert (P62), Frances Gustafson (P26)

"Taken at Valley View Lodge, Steamboat Springs, Colo. Joan- 1 month 1 day old. July 4, 1940"

Reuben Van Wert (P63), Joan Van Wert (P62), and Frances Gustafson (P26).

"Taken after being baptized in Longmont Colorado, Grandma Van and Grandma Gus were Godparents. July 14, 1940"

Left to right: Roberta Tilton (P55), Peggy Johnson (P33), Judy Burbank (P11)

Back row left to right:Ruth Gustafson (P22), Florence Gustafson (P25), Frances Gustafson (P26), Reuben Van Wert (P63)

2nd row left to right: Karen Segerhammar (P47), Joan Van Wert (P62), James Van Wert (P61)

1st row left to right: Everette Van Wert (P58), Kempy Segerhammar (P51).

Back row from left to right: Ruth Gustafson (P22), Carl William Segerhammar (aka Seger) (P46), Bob + ?, Friend, Carrie Smith (P53), Blanche Ekeberg (P14).

Front row from left to right: Joan Van Wert (P62), Karen Segerhammar (P47), Paul Kempton Segerhammar (aka Kempy) (P51), Everette Van Wert (P58)

Reuben Van Wert (P63) holding Joan Van Wert (P62). Taken in front of the apartment in Oak Creek Colorado in Sept. of 1940.

Frances Gustafson (P26) holding Joan Van Wert (P62), Taken by the car in Sept. 1940.

School Photo of Sharon Folansbee (P16), 1946-47

From left to right: Forrest Richard Van Wert (aka Skip) (P59), Joan Van Wert (P62), and Barry Van Wert (P56).

"Slumber Party, Kitty Belle" (P36)

"Another Couisn, Sonja W." (P68)

Sonja. (P68)

"Sonja , my cousin, are you going to eat all that bread?" (P68)

"The Spensers- an Oak Creek Playmate"

A poster in the back of the picture reads: "I have a baby brother born Jan 29 '43 Oak Creek Colorado. Weight 8 lbs.

"The twin cousins

Kathryn (P49), Kathleen Segerhammar (P48)

Council Bluffs Iowa"

"The twins

Kathleen (P48) and Kathryn (P49)

They are doing a good job!"

The Twins (Kathryn (P49) and Kathleen (P48) although which is which I'm not sure).

Background: Thure Gustafson (P32), Jessica Osborne (P44), James Van Wert (P61), Gretchen Gustafson (P29).

Foreground: Joan Van Wert (P62) and Ingrid Gustafson (P30).

Caption reads: "They are my cousins"

Paul Gustafson (P31) holding Ingrid Gustafson (P30), Jessica Osborne (P44) behind Frans Von Gustafson (P28).

Seger (P46) holding Karen Segerhammar (P47) with Joan Van Wert (P62) in the crib. Taken in January 1941 when Karen was 1 mos. old and Joan was 4 mos. old.

Although we are unsure exactly who this is, my grandma recalls that she was voted queen of the camp.