Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - December 2010

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for December 2010 include:

** Saturday, 4 December, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Bonita Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- CVGS Genealogy Workshop meets in the Community Room to hear Susi Pentico speak on "Genealogy Charts and Forms."

** Wednesday 8 December, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room, led by Randy Seaver. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.

** Wednesday, 15 December, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Chula Vista South Library (389 Orange Avenue) in the Conference Room. This is the CVGS Holiday Luncheon and Officers Installation.  There will be another notice on this blog and an email with more details. 

** Monday mornings (11 a.m. to 1 PM) - December 6, 13, 20 - Genealogy Table Talk with Dearl Glenn in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. He is ready and willing to help people with their research, discuss a research problem or success, or just tell stories.

** Wednesday mornings (11 a.m. to 1 PM) - December 1, 8, 22 - Genealogy Table Talk with John Finch in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. He is ready and willing to help people with their research, discuss a research problem or success, or just tell stories.

** Wednesday evenings (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) - December 1, 8, 15 - Genealogy Help with CVGS members in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. They are ready and willing to help people just starting on their genealogy research, discuss a research problem or a success.

The Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways). The Bonita Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road.  The Chula Vista South Library is at 389 Orange Avenue (southeast corner on Fourth Avenue) - parking lot is off of Orange east of Fourth.

We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.

Please contact Barbara (email baribai@cox.net, phone 619-477-4140) for more information.

Friday, November 26, 2010

CVGS Program Summary - Georgie Stillman and "Heirloom Discovery Day"

One of the highlights of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society year is the November program meeting with Georgie Stillman, ASA, who presents an "Heirloom Discovery Day" with members' heirlooms as the subjects.  You can read about Georgie's credentials in CVGS Program on Wednesday, 24 November - "Heirloom Discovery Day" with Georgie Stillman, ASA.   This is CVGS' own "Antiques Road Show" program. 

Georgie provided basic appraisal advice, noting that "values are a reflection of what rich people and collectors will pay for an item."  In many cases, collectors items are status symbols and trappings of wealth, although items handed down by family may be well used.  Each person provided a brief summary of what they brought for appraisal and its' known provenance.  Georgie then described what the item was, the approximate time it was created, and its approximate value.  There were 12 items explained, evaluated and appraised:

*  Sidnie had 6 demitasse spoons handed down from her grandparents.  Georgie noted that they had Sheffield crown and leopard marks, were probably made in the early 1940's in England, and that the price of silver is now $29/ounce.

*  Helen brought a wooden potato masher or pestle, which was probably made in the 19th century.  It is handmade of hardwood and well used.  She also brought a handmade glass bottle with a leather cover and a stopper.   The cover has brand marks on it.  Georgie thought that it might be the booze bottle of a western cowboy or rancher, made in the late 19th century.

*  Donna shared a decorated ceramic pot handed down from her great-grandmother, who was born in Ireland.  It has a transfer decoration of four muses, and was probably made in the late 19th century in Bohemia or Austria.

*  Bob showed his "monkey band" figurines (8 figures about 1 inch tall holding different instruments) on a small platform with match trays.  His uncle bought them in Europe in the 1960s.  Georgie said the figurines were probably lead, made in Vienna before World War I, and were quite valuable, especially as a set.

*  Bobbie presented a stereopticon with a number of view cards, handed down from her husband's German ancestors.  The stereopticon was from the late 19th century, and the view cards from the early 19th century.  Georgie said the stereopticon was fairly common, but the view cards may have significant value, and that Bobbie should check online sites like eBay for values.

*  Susi had a "History of Monroe County, Iowa" book that may be one of a kind.  It was self-published in 1896, and it is not in the Monroe County library or historical society.  She also had a small child's toy table with a typewriter (about 1 inch high and wide) with some moving parts.  Georgie said it was German made in the 19th century, was gold finished brass, probably for a dollhouse, and fairly valuable to collectors.

*  Susan brought a 1929 World Series program (Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Athletics) in pristine condition, with player pictures and advertisements.  Georgie advised her to go online and determine the scarcity of it, and the value of it to someone interested in sports ephemera.

*  Mary presented a Christmas Tree music box ("Silent Night").  Georgie said it was high quality, but less than 50 years old, and may have more value in the future.

*  Janice showed her father's small Ronson silver plated lighter.  Georgie said it was a classic collectors piece because there is interest in smoking items.

*  Jaye shared her father's small pistol.  Georgie said that it was probably made in Germany in the 1960s, was in good condition, but she couldn't value it, and suggested finding a gun appraiser.

*  Marta had a long gold chain with charms and gems handed down from her family in Mexico.  Georgie said she was not a gemologist, and would need metallurgical tests to appraise the metal parts.

*  Joan brought a 6 inch ceramic plate of her grandmother's.  Georgie noted that it was handmade pottery, made in the 19th century in Germany, and of modest value.

This was a fascinating tour of some of our member's family heirlooms and a wonderful display of Georgie's knowledge and expertise. 

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

2011-2012 CVGS Officers Elected

The 2011-12 slate of officers to lead the Chula Vista Genealogical Society was elected at the Wednesday, 24 November society meeting.  The 2011-12 officers are:

*  President -- Gary Brock

*  First Vice-President, Programs -- Virginia Taylor

*  Second Vice-President, Membership -- Bobbie Lane

*  Treasurer -- Jaye Wright

*  Secretary -- Mary Lou Montez

The President, with the approval of the Board, will appoint Committee Chairpersons.  We will announce these appointments after they are made.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

CVGS Program on Wednesday, 24 November - "Heirloom Discovery Day" with Georgie Stillman, ASA

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society program meeting on Wednesday 24 November (12 Noon at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library, (365 F Street, Chula Vista) Auditorium) will feature Georgie Stillman, ASA, who will present an “Heirloom Discovery Day.”

Georgie will evaluate, provide some historical background and estimate a value of family heirlooms brought in by CVGS members. Her expertise is in evaluating and appraising silver, China, glass ware, furniture, artworks,quilts and samplers.

Georgie Stillman (http://georgiestillman.com/bio.htm) has worked as a professional appraiser in London, England, Phoenix, AZ and San Diego since 1971. She served as president of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), vice president of the San Diego chapter, and was founding director of the International Society of Appraisers. She has received numerous awards for her outstanding service, including Appraiser of the Year.

Besides being a professional instructor at various colleges, she has made many radio/TV guest appearances and written articles for many publications, teaching audiences about antiques and art.

If you would like your item evaluated by Georgie, please contact Barbara I (619-477-4140, or email baribai@cox.net)  to get on the evaluation list -- there are a limited number of spaces on the list. Barbara has a form for you to complete and return by November 19th.

Please enter through the Conference Room door on the East hallway in order to register your attendance, pick up a program, buy a drawing ticket and have a snack before going into the Auditorium.

There will be a short business meeting before the program, including election the 2011 slate of officers.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

New or Updated Databases at Ancestry.com

The new or updated historical data collections at www.Ancestry.com , listed between early Oxtober and early November, include:

*  United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Caribbean Obituary Collections


*  California, Mortuary and Cemetery Records, 1801-1932

*  Canadian Legal, Medical, College, Church and Business Directories

*  Quebec, Canada Land Grants, 1763-1890

*  Lubeck, Germany Draft Registration Lists for Persons Born 1807-1902

*  New South Wales, Australia, Register of Coroner’s Inquests, 1796-1942

*  Cancale & Hirel, France Census, 1836-1900

*  Brittany, France Court Records 1600-1790

*  Alcatraz, California, US Penitentiary Prisoner Index, 1934-1963.

*  Leavenworth, Kansas US Penitentiary Index to Inmate Case Files, 1895-1931

*  McNeil Island, Washington, US Penitentiary Photos & Records of Prisoners, 1875-1939

*  US Naturalization Records (Original Documents) 1795-1972

*  England registers and magazines

*  London, England, Baptisms, Marriages & Burials, 1538-1812

*  Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont, Italy Indexed Marriage Records, 1896-1938

*  Queensland Government Gazettes, 1903-1910

*  Australia Historical Postcards

*  Fife, Scotland Voters Lists, 1832-1894

See all New and Updated Ancestry databases at http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/recent.aspx

Monday, November 15, 2010

New or Updated Databases on Beta.FamilySearch.org

FamilySearch.org has added new or updated databases, between early October until early November, for:

*  Germany, Ludwigshafen Church Record Extractions and Family Registers


*  Germany, 1890 - Mecklenburg-Schwerin Census

*  Ghana, 1982-1984 - Census

*  Norway, 1875 - Census

*  Puerto Rico, Civil Registration, 1836-2001

*  U.S., Arkansas County Marriages, 1837-1957

*  U.S., Idaho, County Marriages, 1864-1950

*  U.S., Minnesota State Census, 1905

*  U.S., Minnesota, State Census, 1865

See all Volunteer-indexed databases on the FamilySearch Beta site at http://beta.familysearch.org/

Friday, November 12, 2010

Research Group Summary - 10 November 2010

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group met on Wednesday, 10 November at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library.  There were eight members and guests in attendance.

Randy started the meeting with introductions around the table, and then announced the upcoming November CVGS activities, and the need to complete the Member and Program Surveys.  Several attendees filled them out during the meeting.  The round table discussion included:

*  Ruth wondered about copyright issues for her January talk and her forthcoming book.  The group suggested that she use a release form for text or images she wants to use in the talk handout and the book.

*  Helen found an obituary for her brother that said he had 11 grandchildren, but Helen knew of only five.  It turned out that they were counting children of spouses of the children.  She added the information to her database for clarity.

*  Sylvia found wrong information in an Ancestry.com Member Tree and wants to correct it.  She will try to contact the submitter.

*  Shirley found family papers (dated 1927) in her file that contained four generations of her Sweet family data, including Bible pages that included a great-grandmother's maiden name.  However, one sheet claimed a Revolutionary War Pension File for her Benjamin Sweet (born ca 1780) that must be conflated with another Benjamin Sweet. 

*  Virginia reviewed Ancestry.com, Footnote.com and the index for the Southwest Pennsylvania newsletter for information about her Robert Dunlop of Washington County PA, with no luck whatsoever.

*  JoAnn talked to her aunt, who sent her research done by an uncle 40 years ago, but it was lost in the mail (empty and torn envelope).  We suggested that she contact the Post Office to see if they can be found. 

*  Gary is investigating the persons in the will of Timothy Roff that mentions many nieces and nephews, including his (?) Solomon Roff. 

*  Randy discussed his trip to Salt Lake City, and the two days in the Family History Library where he found Whittle baptism, marriage and burial data in English parish registers, searched for Vaux land records in Marshall County, Kansas, and the Revolutionary War damage claims in New Jersey.

The next meeting of the Research Group will be on Wednesday, 8 December at 12 noon in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

November 2010 CVGS Newsletter is Available

The November 2010 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society is available in PDF format on the CVGS Newsletter web page - http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cacvgs2/page04.html.

The Newsletter Table of Contents includes:

Page 1 -- November 24th Program Meeting

Page 2 -- President’s Message
Page 2 -- October 27th Program Review
Page 3 -- October 9th Saturday Workshop Review
Page 3 -- October 24th Weekenders Review
Page 3 -- 2011-12 Board of Directors Nominations
Page 3 -- December 4th Workshop at Bonita Library
Page 4 -- Research Group News
Page 4 -- Computer Group News
Page 5 -- General Meeting Minutes – October 27th
Page 5 -- Board Meeting Minutes – November 3rd
Page 6 -- Board Meeting Committee Reports

Page 7 -- Computer-Related Genealogy News
Page 8 -- Sunshine Corner
Page 8 -- Program and Member Surveys
Page 8 --Lemon Grove Research Group News
Page 8 -- Historic Display at La Vista Cemetery
Page 9 -- CVGS Society Information
Page 9 -- San Diego Genealogy Events
Page 10 -- Genealogy Days in Chula Vista

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Ancestry.com has Military Collections FREE from 11-14 November 2010

Ancestry.com announced that they are offering FREE access to their entire Military Records collection from 11 November through 14 November.

The link to this collection is http://www.ancestry.com/militaryrecords?o_iid=44911&o_lid=44911

The page says: 

"Before they were heroes, they were family.  Maybe even yours. In honor of Veterans Day, we remember the sacrifices made by our military every day, for hundreds of years. Who are the heroes in your family tree? Find out in the world’s largest online collection of historical military records, spanning from before the Revolutionary War all the way up to Vietnam."

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Saturday Workshop on 6 November - "Research Trip Planning"

The next Chula Vista Genealogical Society Saturday Workshop will be this coming Saturday - 6 November at 12:15 p.m. at Bonita Library (4375 Bonita Road) in the Community Room. The workshop on "Research Trip Planning" will be presented by Susi Pentico.


Susi submitted this description of this workshop:

"This presentation will outline the items one needs to look at when planning a trip and wanting to garner more family information and vital records.

1.  Planning ahead is key

2.  Preparing your files for what you are looking for,

3.  Reaching out to those you will see, so they are ready for queries

4.  Enjoy the time, do not stress, you will miss to much that way

5.  Thank everyone in the end when you have completed your journey. This applies to family, library, courthouse, or any other agency you will come in contact with. It applies to parties, family reunions or libraries, and government agencies."

Monday, November 1, 2010

Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - November 2010

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for November 2010 include:


** Saturday, 6 November, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Bonita Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- CVGS Genealogy Workshop meets in the Community Room to hear Susi Pentico speak on "Preparing for a Research Trip."

** Wednesday 10 November, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Research Group meets in the Library Conference Room, led by Randy Seaver. We will review the latest genealogy news, share success stories and information, and discuss members research problems, and potential solutions, based on the collective knowledge and wisdom of the group.

** Wednesday, 17 November, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. We will visit some helpful genealogy web sites. This is an opportunity for those members who haven't used computers for genealogy research to practice with a mentor to guide them.

** Wednesday, 24 November, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) in the Auditorium. After a brief business meeting, the presenter will be Georgie Stillman, who will appraise members family heirlooms in an "Heirloom Discovery Day" program.  If members want their heirloom appraised, they should sign up with Barbara I (phone 619-477-4140, email baribai@cox.net).
** Monday mornings (11 a.m. to 1 PM) - November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Genealogy Table Talk with Dearl Glenn in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. He is ready and willing to help people with their research, discuss a research problem or success, or just tell stories.

** Wednesday mornings (11 a.m. to 1 PM) - November 3, 10, 17, 24 - Genealogy Table Talk with John Finch in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. He is ready and willing to help people with their research, discuss a research problem or success, or just tell stories.

** Wednesday evenings (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) - November 3, 10, 17, 24  - Genealogy Help with CVGS members in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. They are ready and willing to help people just starting on their genealogy research, discuss a research problem or a success.

** Sunday afternoons (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) - November 7, 14, 21, 28 - Genealogy Help with CVGS members in the Family Research section of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library. They are ready and willing to help people just starting on their genealogy research, discuss a research problem or a success.

The Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library is located at 365 "F" Street in Chula Vista - between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, midway between I-5 and I-805 (take the "E" Street exit from the freeways). The Bonita Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - just west of the Otay Lakes Road intersection with Bonita Road, on the north side of Bonita Road.

We welcome guests and visitors to our CVGS programs and events - if you are in the greater San Diego area and want to attend our events - please come and introduce yourselves.

Please contact Barbara (email baribai@cox.net, phone 619-477-4140) for more information.