Who are these gals?

Famous Doemling #2

John Carl Doemling was another one of our famous Doemling relatives.

Learn more about him here: Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Carl_Doemling

He and his wife were prominent artists in California during the 20’s. He also worked at the Pullman plant in Chicago and the Hoover Vacuum Company. His many hats included: painter, engineer, inventor, draftsman, and letterer. Here is an example of one of his inventions:

You can read all about it here: http://www.google.com/patents?id=-8lbAAAAEBAJ&dq=carl+doemling

Carl, as he was known, had many exhibits of his paintings throughout the country.

Here is an example of a newspaper article involving him:

1924 Cedar Rapids Republican

Aunt Joan once told me that she had a painting of herself done by J.C. Doemling. So…if any of Aunt Joan’s kids are reading this…see if you have that painting. I would love to include it in the Wiki page or here.

Friends Helping Friends

Times are tough. Families need to lean on each other more than ever. If you know of someone in business who could need some support, why not comment here and spread the word. I'll put out 2 suggestions here:My brother-in -law, John, retired from Ford, now runs a hot dog stand (13839 Cicero - Nifty 50's Redhots) in Crestwood, IL. If you're ever down South Cicero Ave. and want a quick bite...stop on in. Tell him your cousin Chuck sent you. It would sure boost his spirits.

Another good friend, Karl, went in together with a friend on a business in Orland Park, IL called Space Golf.

http://www.space-golf.com/index.htm

My family went last weekend for the grand-opening and had a ball. Drop on in and again, tell them Karl's Friend, Chuck, sent you.

Sometimes we just need a boost to motivate us to give a hand. My pastor would say "Be good to everyone...because everyone is having a tough time". That couldn't be more true today.

If there is one thing I have learned being part of the Doemling clan...that's Love.

I'm aware that many of you live in other cities...but take this time to promote a friend or family member. We all still go on vacations and can visit and partake. Leave a comment and perhaps we can have a side widget in this blog with a list of suggested sites.

Famous Doemlings

The Fresno Bee - Dec 22, 1933

Depression-Era
Radio Stars/Comedy Duo

Gill & Doemling

Frank Gill Jr. and William (Bill) Doemling formed a comedy duo that performed nationally from 1932 to the 1950’s. They started out in radio in Detroit and quickly moved to Hollywood where all the action was. They were part of the Merrymaker Comedy Family based in California. Ultimately they would branch out to burlesque and featured movie shorts. They served as Master of Ceremonies while interjecting comedy skits between other acts on the shows. They worked with many of the top performers of their time (such as Bing Crosby, Morey Amsterdam and later Doris Day)
Bill Doemling was the son (or grandson?) of George Doemling a prominent furniture maker of Detroit. George Doemling was Our Gustave’s brother. The Doemling girls (Elaine, Joan) conveyed to me that they remember a Bill Doemling to be involved with Fred Allen's “Showboat” (the first American Comedy-Musical) radio extravaganza as a script-writer. This is very consistent with his line of work.

Check out their performances:

http://randsesotericotr.podbean.com/category/nonsense-and-melody/

2009 Chicago Auto Show

Uncle Pat and I recently took a trip to the Chicago Auto Show. Here are a few pictures and a video of what we saw.

6 Door Ford Truck

Special Edition Dodge Challenger

2009 Chevy Camaro

Fun At St. Nicholas

(That's Mom, Mary Lois, far left)

Chicago Daily Tribune - Jan. 20th, 1946

Senese's Barrel Of Laughs

On Jan 30th, our cousin Dave invited me out to a comedy club. Senese’s Barrel of Laughs in Oak Lawn was the place and boy o’ boy did we have a good time. The MC, Bill Brady, was equally as funny as the 3 comedians presented. They were all funny but the last man…with his spot on impressions…was the best. I wish I remembered his name…perhaps Dave will read this and comment. It was good to see Dave and Rick. Surprisingly, Uncle Rich showed up before the show to wish his son Dave a Happy Birthday. It was such a pleasent surprise to see him. A great top off a long day for me.

WORKING STIFFS

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,

All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy.

---Irish novelist Maria Edgeworth

I am fortunate to have a job I like. For most I presume it may not be the case. But, I’m a lunch-bucket kind of guy. Bluecoller is all I’ve ever worked. There have been times I have had opportunities to work a white-collar job (Not saying there is a problem with that), but it’s just not my cup of tea. I relate to the Tim Taylor character on the old Home Improvement TV show. Maybe not as extreme as him but close. TOOLS…the more the merrier. Here are some examples of family members and their occupations:

1913 Chicago - Grandpa Charles Michielsen (my namesake) and his dad Louis in South Michigan Tavern appropriately called: Michielsen & Son. (man to right is Emil-half bro)

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Abt. 1960 Chicago - Grandpa Walter Doemling (my middle name namesake) Realtor

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2009 Chicago - Here I am at work this afternoon. I'm in a manhole (what I call a sewer to my grandson Caleb). I just started at this position in Aug 2008. I've been here 20 years this May. I'm a cable splicer. This winter has been brutal...but I love working outside.

Higg sisters

Little house on the prairie

They don't make em like they used to. Mom H. in her new home in Minneapolis 1950.

Higgs Bros

Dude . . .

What I did on my winter vacation

Having any fun this winter? Add some photos or tell us you have managed to be the cold and cabin fevor.

Something to Look forward to . . .

There has been talk about having another picnic this year. That is: Uncle Rich mentioned it to me and I am mentioning it here. It sounds good to me, but you can cast your vote on the blog. We don’t need a specific number in order to have one, but a good turnout would be great.

Wait till next year!

South End Reporter
Chicago, Illinois, Wednesday January 23, 1953

Richard Bernier
Is Wounded In Korea Action

Pfc. Richard H. Bernier, 22 son of Mr. And Mrs. Philippe J. Bernier of South LaSalle Street, was wounded in action in Korea on January 5.
The young man suffered shell fragment wounds in the right shoulder and a fracture of the right eardrum.
He wrote his mother that he is in the hospital in Japan. He described his shoulder wound as only a scratch and said he expects to regain hearing in the injured ear.
A graduate of De LaSalle High School, he was formerly employed by a grocery chain store. He went to Korea last June and was with the 11th Infantry division.