The genealogy section
of the Hackley Library was the gathering place for the listers and friends.
This area, reorganized within the last year or so, is located in the basement
of the historic library building. One of the assistant librarians on the
floor was asked to conduct a brief tour to acquaint the group with the
collection. Items of interest included local school books and memorabilia,
city directories (which used to be upstairs), the Samuel Atherton Collection,
Muskegon Chronicle archives on microfilm, and the Muskegon County Genealogical
Society's "Articles for Sale" sheet. Laura Sikkenga, sister of the listowner,
found a published genealogy that contained a list of her husband's Sikkenga
ancestors back to the old country! (Later in the day she was able to meet
the historian and compiler of the book.)
Around 12:30 p.m. six of the
researchers walked to the Frauenthal Center for lunch at the busy City
Cafe. (Donita Harrington had to leave early due to a family emergency.)
Research notes, genealogy experiences, and friendly conversation were on
the menu, along with delicious sandwiches, salads, and drinks. Following
lunch, the group met back at the library for a photo op. (see below)
Pictured on the steps of the
Hackley Library in downtown Muskegon are (back row) Kathy Coffee, Diane
Weaver, Charles (Charlie) Schaefer; (front) Carolyn Gabris, Jill Clark.
(Missing from photo: Donita Harrington, Laura Sikkenga)
The county courthouse was
the next stop on the tour and it was a busy day in the clerk's office.
Just when it looked as though the listers might not all get in to view
the records, table space was cleared and the kind volunteer from the MCGS
found a way to eventually get everyone in. Diane Weaver, who had driven
up from the Chicago area, said her good-byes before leaving for home by
way of the Muskegon Co. Intermediate School District records building where
she hoped to find some helpful resources. Jill Clark, conducting research
for an e-mail friend, located a couple of death certificates and one marriage
record. (If you ever encounter a notation in an index about something being
recorded at a later date, be sure to ask one of the office staff in the
clerk's office as it will probably be found in another book which they
can locate for you.)
The afternoon hours went by
quickly and there was no time to drive up to North Muskegon to visit the
FHC, however the day was profitable and fun for those who participated.
Jill Clark, MIMUSKEG-L listowner, coordinated the get-together and was
pleased with the turnout. "I'd like to try it again next year. I understand
the Ottawa County listers are planning a similar gathering at the library
in Holland sometime in the near future. That's pretty neat!"
Surname interests of those
participating in the research day-
Kathy Coffee -- kaocofaigh@ameritech.net
-- researching: DUTMER, MEDENDORP, SIEPLINGA, BROERSMA
Diane Weaver -- rootstou@aol.com
-- researching WIETON, WOLCOTT, MILLS, SCOTT
Charlie Schaefer --
researching
BEUSCHEL
Carolyn Gabris -- researching
SOWLES/SOULES, WILKERSON
Jill Clark -- Jilliemae@aol.com
-- researching SYERS, MONROE, FRANCISCO, DEWEY, SACKETT
Donita Harrington -- WMAN1239@aol.com
-- researching PUFFER, MOYER
Laura Sikkenga -- researching
SYERS, SIKKENGA
Anyone else have a story of
meeting those researching in Muskegon County? I'd love to hear from you-Patti
Graphics from
this page from-
See
Jill's report from the May, 2000 meeting
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Copyright © 1999 by
Jill Clark & Patti Norton