James Charles (Charlie) Bickford and his CDL truck drivers liscense photo

James Charles (Charlie) Bickford and his CDL truck drivers liscense photo
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

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James Charles (Charlie) Bickford and his CDL truck drivers liscense photo

Charlie, Monnie and Leo

Charlie, Monnie and Leo
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

TODAY IS THE BIG REUNION DAY AND WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE PICNIC! TO GO TO THE BLOG JUST TYPE http://charlieandleo.blogspot.com
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This blog is to honor this mother and two sons. Leo and Charlie had just finished painting Monnie's house in Aurora and posed in their work clothes for this picture. Papa Dorr had passed away several years earlier. The boys were taking care of their mom.

Bickford reunion 1981

Bickford reunion 1981
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

July 11th, Temperature 105 degrees.Far be it for the Bickford's to have a reunion too soon. This group met in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1981. (The other reunion was in 1961!)

Ella Mae and Earl's 25th with J.D. Darlene, Betty June and Cliff

Ella Mae and Earl's 25th with J.D. Darlene, Betty June and Cliff
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Taken in California at the event of Ella and Earl Broderick's 25th wedding anniversary (September 7, I think it was 1982). If I remember correctly, J.D., Darlene, B.J. and Cliff surprised them by showing up at their party.

Lillian and Charlie Bickford and turkey leg

Lillian and Charlie Bickford and turkey leg
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

This is a true Norman Rockwell. It was taken at Thanksgiving or Christmas at Monnie's house in town, 910 11th Street, Aurora, Nebraska. It was probably 1949 or 1950.

mother, Lillie

mother, Lillie
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Her name was Lillian Lois Larsen. She was born on January 25, 1906, to Lewis Larsen and Pearl Pillard Larsen (later Herbig). She married Charles Bickford (Charlie). She died Nov. 21, 1959. Her favorite flowers were Lilies of the Valley.

James Dorr Bickford's obituary (handwritten note by Monnie)

James Dorr Bickford's obituary (handwritten note by Monnie)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

I love you Dorr was handwritten across the top of this memorial card of Papa Dorr's funeral.

Family deaths and births written down by hand

Family deaths and births written down by hand
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

George M. Verbeck Born Nov. 29th, 1853
Ella M. Verbeck Born Feb. 26th, 1859
Nellie G. Verbeck Born July 7, 1878
Charles S. Verbeck Born August 16, 1881
Harry B. Verbeck Born March 30, 1890
Ione Ruth Verbeck Born January 6, 1895
Marriages
George Verbeck to Ella M. Barnett
Aug. 23, 1877
Deaths
Harry B Verbeck (son) died March 31, 1892
George M. Verbeck (father) died Dec. 27, 1925
Ella M. Verbeck (mother) died Sept. 27, 1941

daddy, Charlie

daddy, Charlie
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

His cigar in his mouth makes this a true portrait. I still think of him every time I smell cigar.

Nellie Grace (known as Monnie) Bickford

Nellie Grace (known as Monnie) Bickford
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

This was enlarged from the picture (posted later in this blog) when she was holding her new granddaughter Debbie. This is about 1952.

Cole's Park Bickford Family Reunion (about 1961)

Cole's Park Bickford Family Reunion (about 1961)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Another picture of the Cole's Park reunion. Monnie was telling us this would probably be her last time to see her. She was right. She died that December.
Use your cursor to click on this picture in the small boxes to identify each member.

Ella Mae, Betty June and Mother (Lillian Bickford)

Ella Mae, Betty June and Mother (Lillian Bickford)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Beautiful sunny day in Chicago. Mother poses with her two daughters.

Leo's Twins Ricky and Rita Bickford

Leo's Twins Ricky and Rita Bickford
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

On the back of this portrait Monnie handwrote the words, "my darlings".

Leo and Eileen Bickford's family early on before the twins

Leo and Eileen Bickford's family early on before the twins
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Cliff Ediger took this early family portrait of Leo and Eileen's children on our farm North of Hampton. Front row is Caroline, Cheryl, and Leona. Back row is Daryl and Jerry. To repeat...this is before the twins, Ricky and Rita, were born.

Leo with Monnie and Papa Dorr, and Monnie's mother Ella Mae Verbeck

Leo with Monnie and Papa Dorr, and Monnie's mother Ella Mae Verbeck
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Taken in Aurora at the Verbeck house at the end of L street. How glad we are that they made the effort to get great grandma Ella out of the house and down the steps to get her into the picture.

Burts, Bickfords and Barnetts

Evans, Bickfords and Barnetts
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

The four adults to the left of little Betty June are Barnetts., J.D. Jr, and Papa Dorr in the front row. Claribel and Sam Burt on the porch with Lillian Bickford holding Ella Mae. You can hardly see Monnie (top center) who is behind Claribel on the porch.

four generation, Charlie, Monnie with Debbie and J.D. (1952)

four generation, Charlie, Monnie with Debbie and J.D. (1952)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

This is one of the first times Monnie ever smiled for a photograph. Could it have been the new grandchild she was holding?

George Verbeck wonderful patriarch and father

George Verbeck wonderful patriarch and father
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

We were impressed with his obituary. It was so evident that the whole town loved him. Here are some excerpts: Mr. Verbeck has worked hard all his days and the words 'at rest' are especially fitting in his case. There are few in Aurora that did not know him and all testify to his faithfulness, integrity, and loyalty to every interest that comes to a citizen, neighbor and father. There is a distinct loss that cannot be fully measured in the death of such men. While it was not permitted to Mr. Verbeck to live the three score and ten yet he lived with an intensity that more than makes up the number of years. (He was 68 years old)

Ella Mae Barnett Verbeck (Monnie's mother)

Ella Mae Barnett Verbeck (Monnie's mother)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

This is taken in the front yard of the Verbeck residence in Aurora at the end of L street. Aunt Ione used to say, "We live on L street. The farther you go the tougher it gets and we live at the very end." (Aunt Ione was Monnie's younger sister)

Grandma Ella Mae Verbeck with great grandchildren, Betty June, Ella Mae and J.D.

Grandma Ella Mae Verbeck with great grandchildren, Betty June, Ella Mae and J.D.
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Grandma Ella Mae looks over the shoulders of her great grandkids. The story of Ella Mae Bickford being named after great grandma was for the sole purpose to get great grandma to give $20.00 as a present so that Charlie and Lillian could pay the doctor bill.

Aunt Leota with her brother, Papa Dorr Verbeck

Aunt Leota with her brother, Papa Dorr Verbeck
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Aunt Leota (we called her aunt Otie) came to visit us around her birthday, June 8th. Since it was the day before Betty June's birthday she always brought her presents like a new pencil or notebook.

George Verbeck as a young boy (Monnie's dad)

George Verbeck as a young boy (Monnie's dad)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Tin type of George Verbeck as a young boy. Estimation of age: 7/8 or 9/10

J.D. and Betty June with Ella visiting the farm 1942

J.D. and Betty June with Ella visiting the farm 1942
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Little sister, Ella Mae, comes to visit at the farm. Stories have it that she had many adventures there...thanks to big brother J.D. and big sister Betty June. Year? 1942?

Bickford family Charlie, Lillian, three kids with Monnie

Bickford family Charlie, Lillian, three kids with Monnie
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

This Charlie Bickford family portrait was taken some time after Papa Dorr died. Ella Mae is holding Monnie's hands. The back row has J.D., Lillian (Mother), Betty June, and Charlie (Daddy).

Young Adult Leo

Young Adult Leo
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Handsome and out standing in his field

Leo and Eileen Bickford

Leo and Ilene Bickford
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

As a Young couple; Leo and Eileen

Ella Mae Verbeck, John Barnett, Annie Barnett (siblings)

Ella Mae Verbeck, John Barnett, Annie Barnett (siblings)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Ella Mae Verbeck, John Barnett, Annie Barnett (siblings)

tin type of Monnie as 15 or 16

tin type of Monnie as 15 or 16
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

As young girls were changing into young women, it was normal for them to have a tin type made. Nellie Grace Verbeck sat for her portrait even though she would not smile.

James Charles (Charlie) Bickford and his CDL truck drivers liscense photo

James Charles (Charlie) Bickford and his CDL truck drivers liscense photo
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

James Charles (Charlie) Bickford and his CDL truck drivers liscense photo

Papa Dorr with two loads of corn in one day

Papa Dorr with two loads of corn in one day
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Leo Blaine Bickford and Beauty

Leo Blaine Bickford and Beauty
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

On the farm

Charlie Bickford with friends Earl Green and Glenn Wolff

Charlie Bickford with friends Earl Green and Glenn Wolff
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

I loved the story that goes with this picture. If I don't get it right, some one change it in the comment area. Supposedly these yay-hoos terrorized the school picnic by riding in on horses, stealing the picnic baskets, and riding away like the Jessie James gang.

Papa Dorr on the farm about 1938

Papa Dorr on the farm about 1938
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Monnie at the farm about 1938

Monnie at the farm about 1938
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Huff, Verbeck and Bickford Families

Huff, Verbeck and Bickford Families
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

To be described

Young family of James Dorr and Nellie Bickford and Leo Blaine Bickford

Young family of James Dorr and Nellie Bickford and Leo Blaine Bickford
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Young family of James Dorr and Nellie Bickford and Leo Blaine Bickford

George Verbeck as a young boy (Monnie's dad)

George Verbeck as a young boy (Monnie's dad)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Tin type of George Verbeck as a young boy. Estimation of age: 7/8 or 9/10 (Sorry about the placement of this photo...I thought it was a tin type of James Dorr Bickford.)

Monnie as 3 year old

Monnie as 3 year old
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Nellie Grace Verbeck
She hated having her picture taken all her life. She would always hide in the back row and barely peek out over other people's shoulders. This tin type looks as if she hated having her portrait done early in life.

Nellie with little brother Harry that died at age 3

Nellie with little brother Harry that died at age 3
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Ella Mae Barnett and George Verbeck married and had Nellie Grace and Harry. This tin type shows the young Nellie (Monnie as we like to call her) with that sweet brother who died sometime shortly after this photo was made.

Ella Verbeck's journal letter to deceased son, Harry

Ella Verbeck's journal letter to deceased son, Harry
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

My darling little boy Harry was born march 30 1890 and died March 31 1892. He was taken sickthe 27, on Sunday. and died Thursday evening at half past 6 o'clock. he looked like her was going to sleep but it was a sleep that knows no waking. his last words were 'Ma take me on your lap'

George and Ella Mae Verbeck's family (Monnie's immediate family)

George and Ella Mae Verbeck's family (Monnie's immediate family)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

The young George and Ella now have their family. Nellie Grace is standing behind her mother and father. She is far left.

Albert (Bert) Barnett (Monnie's Uncle Bert)

Albert (Bert) Barnett (Monnie's Uncle Bert)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Ella Mae (Barnett) Verbeck's brother, Bert.This portrait shows him as a young man probably before marriage. I always like to restate the obvious (for grandchildren) This would be Monnie's Uncle Bert.

Young Ella Barnett Verbeck (Nellie's Mom)

Young Ella Barnett Verbeck (Nellie's Mom)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

This tin type of young Ella Mae Barnett (soon to be Mrs. George Verbeck) shows the addition of pink cheeks and the word Ma written right above her head. Monnie adored her dad and respected her mom.

Young George Verbeck (Nellie's father)

Young George Verbeck (Nellie's father)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Although this tin type is very scratched one can see how stately and handsome young George Verbeck was! I think it has the wear and tear on it from carrying it in a pocketbook. Monnie was very fond of her father as were many people.

Samuel L. Barnett (Ella Verbeck's dad)

Samuel L. Barnett (Ella Verbeck's dad)
Originally uploaded by Zama Ree Do.

Please excuse the use of the star tran post it. We used it to identify the miniature tin type of Samuel L. Barnett. This would be Monnie's grandpa.