CVGS workshop on Saturday, 3 January 2015 at Bonita-Sunnyside Library

The next CVGS Workshop is at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) on Saturday, 3  January 2015 from 1 pm to 4 pm.

CVGS members Gary Brock and Sam Seat will be presenting "Wild Apricot."  This is the online service for the updated CVGS webpage, meeting notices, Board member information, and member interactions.  

They will also be explaining the changes to our CVGS webpage. It's important for all to come learn how this site will help you to help the society and yourself.

CVGS Annual Holiday Luncheon Highlights

The CVGS Annual Holiday Luncheon was held on Thursday, 11 December 2014 at the Chula Vista South Branch Library in Conference Room B.  There were about 40 people in attendance.

1)  President Virginia Taylor called the meeting to order at 12 noon, with these highlights:

*  She asked for a moment of silence for the two members who died during 2014 - Geni Powell and Kevin Brown.

*  She then noted that over 50% of CVGS members have joined since 2010.  She read a list of members who have been members since 2009, 2004, 1999, and 1994. 

*  She presented certificates of appreciation to the 2013-2014 Board members.

*  She narrated a slide show for four longtime CVGS Members - the attendees had to guess who they were from photos.  The four were Nancy Yates, Sandy Palumbo, Mary Nelson and Margaret Peters.

*  She announced that longtime member and Board Member Shirley Becker was awarded a Life Membership for her service to the Society.

*  Finally, she asked the newly elected 2015-2016 Board Officers to come forward to be installed.  Randy Seaver read the description of the duties of each office, and then each individual was instyalled one at a time by:

**  Susi Pentico installed Treasurer Gary Brock
**  Shirley Becker installed Secretary Karen Yarger
**  John Finch installed 2nd Vice President/Membership Chair Karen Smith
**  Randy Seaver installed First Vice-President/Programs Chair Jane Strawn
** Gary Brock installed President, Virginia Taylor.

Lastly, Randy Seaver asked the attendees to pledge their support to the 2015-2016 Board of directors and the Society.

Here is a photo of the 2015-2016 Board Officers:

2)  It was time to eat the delicious ham and turkey (provided by the Society), the finger foods, salads, vegetable and potato dishes, rolls and butter, and desserts brought by the attendees.  

3)  After the delicious meal, it was time for the drawings:

*  The Door Prizes (every attendee had one ticket) - a Santa Claus (Joan Largey won), an Angel (Wendy Falkenhan won) and a Popcorn Christmas Tree (Fran Cornell won).

*  The Opportunity Drawing for the table decorations - poinsettias and other arrangements.

*  The Gift Exchange - every one who brought a gift received a ticket to select a gift from the table.

4)  Many attendees to the Annual Holiday Luncheon brought unwrapped toys and canned food to donate to the Salvation Army.  

This was a fun and happy occasion with lots of great food and fellowship, plus recognition of the volunteers who help make the society function well.

December Research Group Highlights

The CVGS Research Group meeting on Wednesday, 10 December had 12 attendees.  

In the first hour, Randy discussed:

*  The Member Survey and the Program Survey, and handed copies to all in attendance.

*  A short summary of the Heritage Books Genealogy Cruise with photographs.

*  Legacy Family Tree Webinars - genealogy education available for free or by subscription.  See www.FamilyTreeWebinars.com.

*  Ancestry.com's Free State Research Guides - see Tuesday's Tip - Collect Ancestry.com's FREE State Resource Guides.

*  Ancestry DNA matches have been updated to eliminate many false positives.  See http://dna.ancestry.com/

*  RootsMagic 7 was released, with a WebHints feature for MyHeritage and FamilySearch record matches.  See www.rootsmagic.com.

In the second hour, the attendees shared their questions, challenges and successes, including:

*  Karen Y.'s neighbor wrote a book titled Journeys Home published by National Geographic; Karen passed a proof copy around the group.  

*  Shirley received an FamilyTreeDNA match contact who said she was related to John Howland of Plymouth, but provided no other information.

*  Shirley also described finding Phelps and Bickle family information in a book on www.Archive.org.  

*  John found information about his Shed family in Massachusetts on Ancestry.com.  It is also available on google Books.

*  Diane says that she is an "eclectic researcher" and enjoys going off on research tangents.  She looked for records of an old boyfriend and found a Find A Grave memorial for one of his parents with an obituary mentioning him.

*  Diane is going to Mexico next week to research her husband's family - the church records for the town are not available on FamilySearch.

*  She has ordered more 23andMe autosomal DNA kits as Christmas gifts so she can test her son and several cousins.  With them, she will have tested 14 family members.  A previously tested cousin recently died suddenly, but she has his DNA results.

*  Ana has several family members with the same first name and surnames, and wondered how she should sort these out to keep the families straight.  The group suggested using Family Group Sheets, talk to family members, and use an online tree or genealogy software to organize all of the information.

*  Karen S. asked about passenger lists of persons to colonial Virginia.  The group suggested the FamilySearch wiki for Virginia immigration, and to read the reference books listed there.  Also read Virginia history and immigration on Wikipedia.

*  John was frustrated by duplicate families in his Ancestry Member Tree - he can't seem to merge them.  The Ancestry.com Help page was explored to find the correct process to use.

*  Virginia mentioned the FamilyTreeDNA upgrade sale, and recently has received more matches.

*  Karen Y. described the day at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park at the CVGS table.  She took the two Glen Abbey Cemetery books published by CVGS, which elicited admiration and interest in the society.

The next CVGS Research Group will be on Wednesday, 14 January 2015 starting at 12 noon in the Conference Room of the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street in downtown Chula Vista).  

December 2014 Issue of CVGS Newsletter is Available

The December 2014 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) Newsletter was published this week.  You can read it online, in a PDF format - use the Newsletter link at www.CVGenealogy.org.

The Table of Contents lists:

page 1 - December 11th Holiday Luncheon
page 2 - President’s Message 
page 2 - Membership and Program Interest Surveys 
page 2 - Membership Dues for 2015 
page 3 - Election of 2015-2016 Officers 

page 3 - January 3rd Workshop 
page 3 - Computer Group Review 
page 3 - Lemon Grove Research Group News 
page 3 - San Diego Central Library Hours
page 4 - SDGS Family History Seminar on 1/10 

page 5 - Free Online Genealogy Newsletters 
page 5 - Genealogy News for November 2014 
page 6 - November 12th Research Group Review
page 7 - November 26th Program Review 
page 8 - New Genealogy Books Available 

page 9 - CVGS Society Information 
page 9 - San Diego Genealogy Events 

page 10 - Genealogy Days in Chula Vista 

CVGS Holiday Luncheon Meeting is Thursday, 11 December at South Library

 THURSDAY, December 11th HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At Chula Vista South Branch Library Conference Room (389 Orange Avenue)

The annual Holiday Luncheon will have turkey, ham, and drinks provided by CVGS.  The pot luck breakdown for the rest of the meal will be coordinated by JoAnn (phone 619-421-3628, email jabonner13@gmail.com) and Jane (phone 619-434-4051, email jstrawn2@cox.net)– please contact them by 12/7 to coordinate potluck dishes.   The potluck schedule is:

A to F Surnames:  Potatoes (Irish or Sweet), Veggies, Casseroles

G to K Surnames:  Desserts

L to P  Surnames: Salads, Rolls, Butter 

Q to Z Surnames:  Snack trays, Condiments, Olives, Pickles, Cranberry Sauce, etc.

The program will be installation of the newly elected officers for 2015-2016, plus some society historical reviews.

There will be a free door prize drawing, and a bring one/get one gift exchange ($10 limit). 

 Attendees are requested to bring canned food and/or unwrapped toys for donation to the Salvation Army. 

CVGS Workshop is Saturday, December 6

The Saturday, December 6th Workshop at Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) is in the Community Room from 12 noon to 3 p.m.  

Susi Pentico will lead the discussion on “Planning Next Year's Events and Goals.” 

Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - December 2014

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for December 2014 include:

**  Saturday, 6 December, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Saturday Workshop:  Susi Pentico will lead a workshop on "Sharing the Holiday With Friends." 

** Wednesday, 10 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, 17 December, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- The CVGS Computer Group will not meet this month.

** Thursday, 11 December, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chula Vista South Branch Library (389 Orange Avenue).  CVGS Annual Holiday Luncheon will be in the Conference Room.  The program will be 2015-2016 Officer Installation and CVGS historical highlights.  This is a potluck luncheon - see more details in CVGS Holiday Luncheon Meeting is Thursday, 11 December at South Library.

**  Saturday, 3 January, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- 
CVGS Workshop.  Susi Pentico will moderate a discussion on "TBD" 

**  Wednesdays, 3, 10, December, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) --Research Assistance in the Family Research area.  John Finch will help you with your research problems.  Bring your laptop if you want to do online research.

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-Sunnyside (County) Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - turn north on Billy Casper Way, 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.  All CVGS events are FREE to attend, except for some seminars and picnics.

"Heirloom Discovery Day" Program Summary

Georgie Stillman conducted her eighth annual "Heirloom Discovery Day" for the Chula Vista Genealogical Society program on Wednesday, 26 November.  In this program, CVGS members presented some of their heirlooms to Georgie for her expert evaluation and appraisal.

She noted that markets reflect what people will buy, and that values of heirloom items have changed in recent times.  She said that "Insurance companies now pay for replacement market costs, not for new item costs, and places like eBay, AmVets, and Goodwill Industries are sources for heirlooms and antiques."  She also said "for wealthy people now, old things don't signify class and wealth."

For each item, 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.  The CVGS members who had their heirlooms evaluated included:

*  Helen described her father's green cigarette case from the 1940s.  Georgie noted that it was made of aluminum, a collectible, and was worth $10 to $15.

*  Helen also presented a dented copper oil can that was used by her father in the 1910 time frame.  Georgie noted that it was heavy, well made, used in an industrial setting, and worth $25 to $35.  She noted that "Americana things are not selling well."

*  Jane had an oil lamp cap with the words "Imperator" and "Caligula" stamped on it - the family story was that it was from Roman times.  Georgia said that wasn't that old, was made of clay and not metal or terra cotta, and had some corrosion due to dissimilar materials.

*  Karen S. presented her aunt's small doll - a "bisque doll" - with jointed arms and legs, found in a trunk.  Karen made the clothing.  Georgie said it was from the 1890 time period, was not especially valuable, perhaps $50 to $70.

*  Carol had three linen and lace garments from the 1920s.  Gerogie said they were machine made, have some value (perhaps $60 to $70 each) because collectors, museums and historical societies have an interest.

*  Debbie brought a Carnival glass dish and a beautiful copper enamel candy dish, both from the 1950-1970 time period.  The latter was probably bought in Spanish Village in Balboa Park and is worth about $35.

*  Maryvette's friend's grandmother made a large quilt with butterflies.  Georgie said it was from the 1920-1940 time frame, was stitched by a machine, and was worth $45 to $65 because the market is low at this time.

*  Susan had four barber bottles of her husband's grandfather and great-grandfather, who migrated from Germany to Chicago in the late 19th century.  Georgie noted that these bottles probably held colognes and other liquids used in the late 19th century by barbers.  They may have been from Bavaria or England, and had a value of $300 to $500.

*  JoAnn presented an antique bowl found in a trash can by her son in Fresno.  Georgie said it was carnival glass, with a design that was not rare.  It may be worth $35 to $50.

*  JoAnn also had three framed San Francisco scenic prints by Don Daly, a well known artist.  They might bring $35 on eBay.

*  Gerry brought her father's green shaving mug, made of bone china.  

*  Gerry also brought some old school books from the late 19th century.  Georgie referred her to an old book dealer.

*  Diane described her large tray with actual butterfly wings, and she thought it might be from Brazil.  Georgie said it was from the early 20th century, perhaps from Asia or Central America.  There are now laws about items like real butterfly wings being sold.  She thought it might be worth $50.

*  Carol presented an 1850 era framed drawing done by her ancestor, who was born in Germany and came to San Diego in the 1880s.  Georgie noted that the market probably doesn't care, but the family cares, and a local historical institution might care because of the important family associations.

*  Sandy brought an encased Ax that belonged to Chet Norman, an early Chula Vista landscaper and parks director.  Again, Georgie noted that a local historical institution might be interested.

As always, the time went very quickly, and Georgie displayed her ability to assess and discuss a wide variety of heirlooms.  Georgie's style is informal, enthusiastic and interesting - she really enjoys seeing these types of artifacts and "stuff" because they are, in the main, from middle-class homes from the Victorian era and later. She is used to appraising high-end items for collectors and estates. It is fascinating to see an expert appraiser at work - the words seem to flow effortlessly and I am awestruck by the knowledge level. 

CVGS Program on 26 November is "Heirloom Discovery Day" with Georgie Stillman

 WEDNESDAY, November 26th PROGRAM MEETING

from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

At Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library Auditorium (365 F Street)

Georgie Stillman, ASA – “Heirloom Discovery Day”

      Our November 26th program will feature Georgie Stillman, ASA,presenting 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, and San Diego since 1971. She has 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. Georgie 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 heirloom to be evaluated by Georgie, please contact Ralph Munoz (619-421-7251, or email Munoz1951@ cox.net) to get on the evaluation list -- there are a limited number of spaces on the list. Ralph has a form for you to complete and return by November 19th.

CVGS Computer Group Meeting - November 19, 2014

The November Computer Group Meeting for the Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) is on Wednesday, 19 November 2014 at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) in the Computer Lab.


     Shirley will make a short presentation on Email Scams and Phishing, followed by discussion.  The meeting will also find online websites to research our own genealogy, if at all possible without subscribing to the provider.  This is getting harder to do so, please attend and bring any new websites you have found or used for your research. 

November CVGS Research Group Review

The monthly Chula Vista Genealogical Society Research Group meeting on 12 November had 10 attendees.  

1)  In the first hour, Randy discussed:

*  Requesting and receiving two Find A Grave photos from Pennsylvania and Ontario.

*  Requesting a microfilm image from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City - see  http://www.geneamusings.com/2014/10/requesting-microfilm-image-from-fhl.html.

*  Finding useful books published by local genealogical societies - in this case, San Diego Genealogical Society books at the San Diego Central Library.  Historical and genealogical societies all over the country may publish books like these.  See  http://www.geneamusings.com/2014/11/tuesdays-tip-look-for-local.html

*  Answering a reader's question about finding online records on websites for free - it just takes some effort sometimes.  See  http://www.geneamusings.com/2014/10/dear-randy-how-can-i-find-free-records.html

*  Finding green leaf Hints in a specific database (e.g., the 1940 U.S. census) for persons in your Ancestry Member Tree - video and directions in  http://www.geneamusings.com/2014/10/demonstrating-adding-ancestrycom-hints.html

2)  In the second hour, the attendees asked questions or described research problems, including:

*  Gary demonstrated how the new website for CVGS on Wild Apricot would look and work.  You can see the temporary site at https://chulavistagenealogysociety.wildapricot.org/events.  There will be a members only section for access to the membership list, seminar reservations, member surnames, etc.  

*  Linda could not find some family members born in the 1920s in Los Angeles in the California Birth or Death Index.  One name was Eduvijes Acosta or Valdez.  A search on Ancestry in the meeting did not find them.  There were other given names that she recognized in the databases, but not the specific one she was looking for.

*  Jane is planning a trip next summer to New England (for a nephew's wedding), to Nova Scotia (for research) and the Troy, New York area (for research).  She asked how much time should she plan on in each location, what to ask about before the visits, etc.  She hopes to visit public libraries, state archives and local historical or genealogical societies.  The group suggested that she contact each repository in advance concerning open days and hours, what can be brought into the repository, camera/photo policies, copy charges, etc.  Shirley offered to help with the New York State Archives which may provide Jane with death records of her DelVecchio ancestors.  

The next CVGS Research Group meeting will be Wednesday, 10 December, at 12 noon in the Conference Room at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street in downtown Chula Vista).  

November 2014 Issue of CVGS Newsletter is Available

The November 2014 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) Newsletter was published this week.  You can read it online, in a PDF format - use the Newsletter link at www.CVGenealogy.org.

The Table of Contents lists:

page 1 -- November 26th Program Meeting 
page 2 -- President’s Message 
page 2 -- Elections for 2015-2016 Officers
page 2 --  Membership Dues for 2014
page 3 -- 2014 Season of Finding Your Roots Coming
page 3 --  December 11th Holiday Luncheon

page 3 -- December 6th Workshop
page 3 -- Lemon Grove Research Group News
page 4 -- June 2015 Global Family Reunion
page 5 -- 2014 Season of Finding Your Roots
page 5 -- Requesting a Microfilm Image from the FHL

page 6 -- October 8th Research Group Review
page 7 -- October 29th Program Review
page 7 -- RootsTech and FGS 2015 Registrations
page 8 -- PERiodical Source Index (PERSI)
page 8 -- CVGS Member Kevin Brown Passes Away

page 9 -- CVGS Society Information 
page 9 -- San Diego Genealogy Events 
page 10 -- Genealogy Days in Chula Vista

Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - November 2014

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for November 2014 include:

**  Saturday, 1 November, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Saturday Workshop:  Susi Pentico will lead a workshop on "Maryland Genealogy Research." 

** Wednesday, 12 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, 19 November, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. Bring your laptops to sharpen your computer skills and investigate online genealogy resources.

** Wednesday, 26 November, 12 noon  to 2 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street).  CVGS Program Meeting meets in the Auditorium.  The speaker will be Georgie Stillman on "Heirloom Discovery Day." Refreshments before and after the meeting.

**  Saturday, 6 December, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- 
CVGS Workshop.  Susi Pentico will moderate a discussion on "TBD" 

**  Wednesdays, 5, 12, 19, and 26 November, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) --Research Assistance in the Family Research area.  John Finch will help you with your research problems.  Bring your laptop if you want to do online research.

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-Sunnyside (County) Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - turn north on Billy Casper Way, 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.  All CVGS events are FREE to attend, except for some seminars and picnics.

October Program Review - Annette Hubbell's "Witness to Gettysburg"

Annette Hubbell, in a mid-1800s period costume, wowed the 45 CVGS attendees in the 29 October program with her spellbinding enactment of "Witness to Gettysburg."  In two sessions, she brought Miss Hattie Elizabeth Turner to life as she relives the Battle of Gettysburg and a small town’s courageous efforts to care for 30,000 Union and Confederate casualties suddenly left in its aftermath, weaving into it stories of historic characters. 

She states "I remember everything as though it was yesterday" as she described the times before and during the early years of the Civil War.  Her husband was a Captain in the Pennsylvania 90th regiment of the Union Army, and she and two other women followed the regiment to help, sew, and pray for their men, who ended up in Gettysburg in June 1963.  On June 29th, Gettysburg was a lovely green town with rolling hills and orchards, with 90,000 Union soldiers and 70,000 Confederate soldiers lined up preparing for the fight.  The battle erupted, it's noisy, hot, bloody, and fearful for Hattie and others caught up in it.  She said "We are strong women, but no one is prepared for this."  Then she's notified that her husband is one of the dead.

By 4 July, the battle is over, and there were 8,000 wounded left on the battlefield.  There were 23,000 Union dead, and 28,000 Confederate dead, plus 5,000 dead horses, fouling the streams.  The stench of rotting corpses was pervasive.  What would the people of Gettysburg do?  They burned the horses, buried the dead where they lay, and set up temporary field hospitals in houses and barns within a 30 mile radius.  Those wounded soldiers that could walk went to the train station to recuperate at home.  Those with a hope for survival were treated, operated on, bandaged, and hoped to recover.  Those with no hope of survival were comforted until they died.  

By 22 July, there were 500 tents on 80 acres, and each person like Hattie had 50 to 80 persons to care for.  There were only 3,000 patients by 2 August, and only 100 by early November.  President Lincoln came to Gettysburg on 16 November, and Hattie was there.  She went home on the train, but was not the same person who came to Gettysburg.

After a break, Annette returned for her second presentation in dark clothing.  Set some years later, she noted that the Civil War tore the fabric of social and political America.  The people of Gettysburg did what they had to do and did it well.  Hattie described the 7 layers of dress that she wore, noted that the shackles of traditional activity for women had been reduced, and that, because of the work of women after the battle in Gettysburg, nurses were able to serve in the military after the war.  She discussed the mourning and burial traditions prevalent at the time - boiling and dyeing clothes black, wearing a black cockade, etc.  She told several stories of Gettysburg residents who helped the soldiers, and read several letters from soldiers about their experience.  

Hattie's final words were "We who survived are haunted by what we saw."  What a powerful story!

For more information about Annette and her program, visit www.annettehubbell.com.

After the program, Annette answered numerous questions about Miss Hattie, the Civil War, and Annette's journey in presenting this one-woman dramatic presentation.

Saturday Workshop on Maryland genealogy on 1 November 2014

The November Saturday Workshop for the Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) is Saturday, 1 November 2014 at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

\Susi Pentico will lead a discussion of Maryland Genealogy resources.  

CVGS Program Meeting on 29 October - "Witness to Gettysburg"

 WEDNESDAY, October 29th PROGRAM MEETING

from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

At Bonita-Sunnyside Library Community Room (4375 Bonita Road)

Annette  Hubbell – “Witness to Gettysburg”

     The pursuit of family history includes the desire to carve out a place for one's family in the larger historical picture, a sense of responsibility to preserve the past for future generations, and a sense of self-satisfaction in accurate storytelling. 

     It is that last point, storytelling, which brings Miss Hattie to our October meeting. Behind the discovery of dates and family lineage are the stories of family. Miss Hattie Elizabeth Turner was a witness to the Battle of Gettysburg. Inspired by the diary of Hattie Elizabeth Unangst, Miss Hubbell spent nearly two years researching and writing this performance after spending time in Gettysburg in 2007. Miss Hubbell also draws upon the words and experiences from other witnesses to the war’s fearful struggle, weaving a compelling story of American grit and determination that cannot help but leave one with a renewed appreciation for the sacrifice our forefathers made to preserve the ideals of this Country. The women, the soldiers, the boys who found themselves in uniforms, and how the sheer number of the war’s dead forever changed our burial customs and traditions is told.

     Writer and actress Annette Hubbell takes us back to Gettysburg and its frightful aftermath. Thousands of soldiers converged, fought, and just as suddenly left, leaving 30,000 casualties. Just what does a town of 2,400 do when suddenly faced with this calamity? “Witness to Gettysburg” opens on the eve of the battle and ends with President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. “I love to tell her story,” Annette says. “It is one of courage and conviction and character.”

     Annette reinvented herself, acting and writing after retiring as General Manager from a San Diego North County water district. Currently she is performing in Witness to Gettysburg (over 120 performances) and as Eleanor Roosevelt in Tea with Mrs. Roosevelt. Witness to Gettysburg is also available on DVD. Adapted from the stage play, the film adds music and original photographs to this dramatic story.  The DVD will be available at the meeting for a special performance price of $10.00.

Research Trip to San Diego Central Library on Wednesday, 22 October

    John Finch will lead a Research Trip to the San Diego Central Library (330 Park Blvd., San Diego) on Wednesday, 22 October.  As, we have done before, we will meet at the Chula Vista parking structure off F St. and car pool, leaving at about 11:30 am. The library opens at 12 noon.  Return time will be about 3 p.m.   Instead of using the trolley for this trip, John thought it might be helpful if everyone learned how to access that $3.00 a day parking in the Padres tailgating parking lot.  Please contact John at jan27@cox.net to save your seat in the car pool.  

     Unfortunately, the SDGS docents will not be available, but the library staff will help patrons with questions and problems.  There are a number of computers to use with several commercial genelaogy databases for those who want to do online research.  

Not all of the books that were in the SDGS Library have been catalogued at the Central Library.  Check the SDGS Research Catalog web page (http://casdgs.org/libraryRecords.php) before you go and ask to have the items of interest pulled for you by library staff when you are at the library. 

CVGS Computer Group Meeting - 15 October 2014

The October Computer Group Meeting for the Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) is on Wednesday, 15 October 2014 at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) in the Computer Lab.

Since Shirley iso ut of town, Gary will be the leader for this meeting.

Research Group Review - 8 October 2014

The October 8th meeting of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) Research Group had 14 attendees.

In the first hour, Randy reviewed the upcoming CVGS events, and then reviewed how to obtain a Social Security Application.  He showed some of the photographs of CVGS member dorothy on her trip to Denmark from Facebook.  Lastly, he described the new website, www.FamilyTreeNow.com, which has U.S. census and vital records, including a People Finder database that looks free and useful.

In the second hour, the research challenges, questions and successes were shared by the attendees, including:

1)  Kathleen had several questions, including how to obtain a Marriage  record and a Divorce decree in Oregon.  The group suggested searching online databases on Ancestry and FamilySearch, for the marriage record, and checking Oregon county court records for information about divorce record access.

She also asked how she can find more information about her great-grandmother, born in 1817 and died in 1908 in Oregon.  A search on Ancestry.com revealed a Find A Grave entry that helped, but few census records, perhaps due to the variable spelling of the surname.  

2)  Arlene noted that a gravestone for Joseph Hartman (1753-1831) has several generations on the stone (found on Find A Grave), but it's not her Joseph Hartman.  Too bad!

3) Linda met with Ceasar at San Diego Central Library to work on Mexico records for some of her ancestors.

4)   Jane's friend insisted that she open the box in her craft room.  When she did, she found family pictures, her father's report card with her grandfather's signature.

5)  Kathleen found a photograph of her grandmother in another person's Ancestry Member Tree.

6)  Sylvia was told that her Hoover ancestor was a Rough Rider with Theodore Roosevelt in the Spanish-American War.  A check on Wikipedia and other sites did not list the name.

7)  Diane noted that, based on the Anderson Cooper episode on Finding Your Roots, that you never know what you're going to find, and that you should contact relatives to see what they know.

8)  Gary laid out several pictures from his step-father to determine if they were the same person, and some had writing on the back with identifications.  He found some matches.

9)  Virginia's neighbor's daughter wanted to tear up a family photograph because the picture showed an ancestor in a Nazi Youth uniform.

10)  Susi noted that a change to the number of AncestryDNA matches is coming soon.

The next CVGS Research Group meeting will be Wednesday, 12 November at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library in the Conference Room.

October 2014 Issue of CVGS Newsletter is Available

The October 2014 issue of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society (CVGS) Newsletter was published this week.  You can read it online, in a PDF format - use the Newsletter link at www.CVGenealogy.org.


The Table of Contents lists:

page 1 -- October 29th Program Meeting 
page 2 -- President’s Message 
page 2 -- Nametags
page 2 --  Membership Dues for 2014page 3 -- 2014 Season of Finding Your Roots Coming
page 3 -  Obtaining a Social Security Application

page 4 -- Lemon Grove Research Group News
page 4 -- Computer Group Review 
page 4 -- Research Trip to San Diego Central Library
page 4 -- Barbara Zaragoza Book Signing   on 10/18
page 5 -- October 4th Workshop Highlights

page 6 -- Research Group Review
page 7 -- September 24th Program Review
page 7 -- RootsTech and FGS 2015 Registrations
page 8 -- Preserving My Family History for Posteritypage 9 -- CVGS Society Information 

page 9 -- San Diego Genealogy Events 
page 10 -- Genealogy Days in Chula Vista

October 4th Saturday Workshop Review (by Susi Pentico)

     The “Engaging Your Family in Your Family History” workshop at Bonita-Sunnyside Library had 20 attendees, including 4 visitors.  

     We were happy for those who came and shared and shared and cared.  We all went home happy and tired but felt that the attendees were really getting what we were attempting to share with them.  Research is always easier when you can share and cross-check and discuss the potentials of information. It can be regionally, locally or distantly - it makes a difference to share.

     Much credit goes to the Chart Chick, Janet Hovorka of Family ChartMasters, for her ideas and thoughts and the charts she provided.  

     The first session (of five) was “Create a Keepsake” led by Susi Pentico.  A society tablecloth was signed by the attendees. If you signed it, just think - your name is going to kick around for quite some time. A suggestion was for small families to use a pillow for the signatures.  Wedding gifts, family reunions, baby shower gifts, birthday party gifts could use the same theme idea. 

     The second session was “Storytelling.”  Each attendee told a family story about their own life or that of an ancestor. As one person said, “if we did this question every four years, the stories would change.”  It would almost be like a running diary of their growing up and living life from a small child to an adult.  

     After lunch, the third session, “Design a Family Crest,” was led by Karen Yarger.  She talked about heraldry, and then demonstrated how to inspire family members to make a family crest, based on their interests and creativity.

     In the fourth session, Karen demonstrated “Pictures With Captions.”  Everyone had great fun adding funny captions to sample family photographs using “speech bubbles” and “thought balloons.”

     The fifth and last session was “Family Genealogy Charts,” led by Susi.  The handout packet contained five helpful genealogy charts – a pedigree chart, a family group sheet, a census chart, a research log, and a record type list.  In addition a large multi-generational family tree chart, provided by Janet Hovorka, was given to each attendee.  

     I am hoping the 20 attendees will share in January how these ideas helped to get the family to think a little more about family history and how we lived in the past. Even if the past was only 20 years ago, it makes a difference. 

CVGS October 4th Workshop: "Engaging Your Family in Your Family History"

 FREE October 4th  Workshop

“Engaging Your Family in Your Family’s History”

10 a.m. to 4 p.m, in the Community Room

at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road

 Genealogy can be a solitary hobby. How often have you tried to interest your family in their family history and your genealogy research? If you’ve been greeted by “ho hums” and “I don’t have time,” we have the perfect workshop for you. The CVGS Seminar Committee has planned a day of ideas and projects to spark that interest in your family, with special focus on getting the kids ‘hooked.’

 The first of five sessions, “Create a Keepsake” will show you how to have your family help create an heirloom that’s fun and practical. You will laugh when you see what it is.

 The second session is titled “Storytelling.” Bring a short episode to share with the group - just a minute or two. It can be funny or dramatic, from your life or a distant relative’s. You’ll learn how the sharing of stories around the dinner table will get your family to open up. And how the children love to hear of their parents’ misadventures! Family history can be fun!

Bring a sack lunch, and we’ll eat picnic-style on the patio (weather permitting). Coffee, tea and water will be provided.

 After lunch you can try your hand at an artistic project in “Design a Family Crest.” We will offer a brief overview of heraldry and show how you can get your family to design their own coat of arms. If your ancestors had a family crest, please bring it; perhaps you will learn something about its symbolism. And, here’s more fun for the kids – you’ll get some good tips on getting them to design their own personal coat of arms. What little boy wouldn’t want a crest with a T-Rex on it?

 The fourth session, “Pictures with Captions,” will show how old family photos can provide a fun family activity. Bring copies of old photos (the ones from the 1950’s can be a hoot!). We will show you how comic-style ‘speech bubbles’ will get the family giggling and trying to top each other with funny captions.

 We will cover “Family Genealogy Charts” in the final hour. You will receive a packet of useful charts with instructions on how to use them. If you’re a genealogy beginner, bring information on your parents and grandparents and our member experts will assist you. For the more advanced, we will offer useful information; and everyone will take home a large family tree chart to impress your family.

We will provide materials. This will be a great interactive event, so don’t forget to bring a short family story, copies of old photos, a sack lunch, a family coat of arms if you have one, and information to fill out a family tree.

 All this, and a great Door Prize, too, supplied by Janet Hovorka (the “Chart Chick” and owner of www.FamilyChartMasters.com), who is providing the large family tree charts! And it's FREE!!

 This is a FREE workshop for all persons to attend, intended to help beginners and seasoned 
researchers engage with their family members in learning about their family history.

 For more information, contact Susi Pentico at susicp@cox.net or (619) 623-5250. Thank you to Karen Yarger for writing this article! 

Genealogy Days in Chula Vista - October 2014

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society events for October 2014 include:

**  Saturday, 4 October, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- Saturday Workshop:  Susi Pentico will lead a workshop on "Engaging Your Family in Family History."   Bring a bag lunch.

** Wednesday, 8 October, 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 October, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) -- CVGS Computer Group meets in the Library Computer Lab, led by Shirley Becker. Bring your laptops to sharpen your computer skills and investigate online genealogy resources.

** Wednesday, 22 October, 10 a.m.  to 2 p.m., San Diego Central Library  -- CVGS Field Trip.  Contact John Finch to sign up for car pool.

** Wednesday, 22 October, 12 noon  to 2 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- CVGS Program Meeting meets in the Community Room.  The speaker will be Annette Hubbell on "Witness to Gettysburg." Refreshments before and after the meeting.

**  Saturday, 1 November, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Bonita-Sunnyside Library (4375 Bonita Road) -- 
CVGS Workshop.  Susi Pentico will moderate a discussion on "Maryland Research." 
**  Wednesdays, 1, 8, 15, and 29 October, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library (365 F Street) --Research Assistance in the Family Research area.  John Finch will help you with your research problems.  Bring your laptop if you want to do online research.

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-Sunnyside (County) Library is located at 4375 Bonita Road in Bonita - turn north on Billy Casper Way, 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.  All CVGS events are FREE to attend, except for some seminars and picnics.

September Program Review - Ceasar Castro on Mexican-American War - Part 2

Part 2 of Ceasar Castro's presentation on "California and the Mexican-American War From a Genealogical Point of View" was attended by 30 CVGS members and guests on Wednesday, 24 September at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library.

Ceasar noted that historians want to highlight leaders and events, but genealogists want to find information about individuals - not only the leaders, but the soldiers and residents also.

In this talk, Ceasar provided a detailed history timeline of the events that covered the second capture of Alta California in late 1846, the battles in Baja California, and the end of the war in California in mid-1848.

In San Diego County, Colonel Stephen Kearny and his dragoons fought the Californios at the Battle of San Pasqual in December 1846, arrived in San Diego, and soon went to Los Angeles.  In the meantime, Major John Fremont moved south from Monterey to meet Kearny in Los Angeles.  Commodore Robert Stockton also moved from San Diego to Los Angeles to quell the Californios.  The last battle for Alta California was in early California, and the Treaty of Cahuenga was signed with the Californios on 13 January 1847.  

 Kearny claimed command of California at the end of hostilities, and had a rivalry with Stockton.  Fremont was named Governor of California, but was succeeded by Kearny as Governor in Monterey on 1 March 1847.  

In the mean time, other military units arrived overland and by sea to help in California, and were soon directed to the southern tip of Baja California, traveling by sea.  There were battles at San Jose del Cabo, La Paz and Mulege, with the Americans eventually subduing the Mexicans.  The Battle of Todos Santos ended the fighting on 30 March 1847.  

The fighting in Mexico ended in early 1848, and the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo was signed in Queretaro on 2 April 1848.  The treaty made Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California part of the United States, and Mexico received $15 million.  Mexican residents of the captured territories were free to remain or go to Mexico, their property rights and land grants were respected.  Some Baja California residents were granted transportation to Monterey and to make property claims in late 1848.

During this presentation, Ceasar highlighted the names of many of the members of the American forces who served in the different military units, and the Californios who fought with them.

Ceasart's handout was a general description of his two presentations, with a bibliography of published books and local places of historical interest.

New Books in the CVGS Collection

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society has over 1,800 titles in the book and periodical collection at the Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library at 365 F Street in Chula Vista, California.

 Thanks to the generosity of some of our members, and thanks to the Friends of the Library for looking out for us as genealogy books are donated to them, and thanks to our own Society for purchasing books in order to continually improve our collection, we have added several new books to our shelves. In case you are interested, you might want to take a look:

359.7097 MCH San Diego & Honolulu: A PhotoJournal through a Sailor's Eye, 1920-1943, by 
Petei McHenry

929.1072 KEN Genealogical Records in Texas, by Imogene Kinard Kennedy & J. Leon Kennedy

929.1072 KRU A Guide to Chicago & Midwestern Polish-American Genealogy by Jason Kruski

929.1072 PET Raking the Ashes: Genealogical Strategies for Pre-1906 San Francisco Research,
by Nancy S. Peterson

929.3 DOB The French in the Americas, 1620-1820 by David Dobson

929.373 ARO Wanted: US Criminal Records, by Ron Arons

976.4004 ZES The Captured: A True Story of Abduction by Indians on the Texas Frontier, by 
Scott Zesch

978.1 RIL Pioneers of the Bluestem Prairie, compiled by Riley County Genealogical Society

979.478 CHU Chula Vista-The Early Years, Vol. 1, compiled by the Chula Vista Historical 
Society