Odds and Ends (Hansen)

Jack Klemmet Hansen 9 months old  (July 1907)

  Before I move on to the Burrows and Hurd Families, I wanted to share some odds and ends that didn't quite make it into the other stories of the Hansen family in Grass Valley.  I think these tid bits  add more to the story of what gives my family a unique place in the history of Grass Valley, California. 

Jack Klemmet Hansen 12 months old  (October 1907)

Antique child's rocking chair (1906?) used by the three Hansen Boys.  Referred to as "Uncle Jack's rocker" (still in the family).

The Nevada County Laundry owned by John Hartwig Hansen early 1900's.  He may be standing next to the horse and wagon.  It was possibly located on Bennett Street where the freeway currently crosses. 

Harold Hansen talked about moving to the ranch near the  Idaho Maryland Mine in  March of 1916 during a "blinding snowstorm".  He described how the family climbed aboard the express wagon with side blinds drawn to escape the blizzard conditions.  He said the draft horses had a hard time making their way out E. Main street to Idaho Maryland road.  I found this picture in the book Nevada County Narrow Gauge by Gerald M. Best (1965).  It sounds like the winter of 1916 was a tough one!

Harold Lloyd Hansen (before 1928?) 

Friday, May 29, 1942 the Del Oro Movie Theater  opened in Grass Valley.  The dedication was given by Mayor John Hansen of the City of Grass Valley.  Musical selections were  sung by the California Cornish Gold Mining Singers. 

The Gold Miners Chorus  (Jack Hansen third from left) 

This group was a subset of the Cornish Choir, and was a select group who performed professionally  throughout Northern California.  The group toured regularly, especially on weekends.  The sledgehammer and rock with a drill bit were used in one of the songs as a rhythmic accompaniment. They also used an anvil to strike with hammers.  Excerpt from When Miners Sang by Gage McKinney (2001) and information provided by Margaret Hansen Boothby. 

The Cornish Choir  (Jack Hansen first on left, second row from top, Harold Hansen far right, and Jim Holman bottom row, fifth from left)  1946

Squaw Valley Winter Olympics February 1960 Program Cover

These pictures were in Uncle Jack's things.  I am assuming that he was there and took these pictures.....

Upon further discussion with Mom (Margaret Hansen Boothby), these pictures may have been taken by my Auntie Claire (her sister) who did go to the Olympics with the High School Choir.  They were asked to sing at the opening.  The kids had to sit or stand on hay bales because the bleachers they were supposed to use were not finished.  A lady in Auburn wrote a song about the event and having heard Harold Hansen (their father) sing with the Carol Choir, she called and asked him to record it.  He went to Auburn to the new little radio station there and recorded the song which played over and over during the time leading up to the Olympics.  Margaret recalls that she didn't remember any of the words to the song except for "at Squaw Valleeeeee" at the end of each verse and sung with his (Harold's) usual theatrical flair!  That's a great memory. 

"Feb. 18th 1960. Song "Let's Meet at Squaw Valley".  Words and music composed and written by Effie Lois Humphrey.  Soloist-Harold Hansen. Organist-Dorothy Simmons.  All of Grass Valley, California."

An action shot of ski jumping at the Squaw Valley Winter Olympics February 1960

I thought I would end with this one...of Jack Hansen as a little guy in the summer of 1907.   He wrote on the back..."Isn't this one naughty. I think the one who took this picture ought to be arrested."  I chuckle every time I read the caption! 

School Days and Beyond (Hansen)

  I have so many pictures of the Hansen brothers growing up in Grass Valley and northern California; it  has been difficult to choose what to share.  I believe these pictures give a good sense of the unique place they grew up in, attended school, and continued to enjoy as young men before marriage, family, careers and the war.  Enjoy! 

Possibly taken at  the ranch off Idaho Maryland, Grass Valley.  Laddie the dog. 

Robley (Bob) Hansen in Grass Valley.

Possibly taken at the ranch off Idaho Maryland, Grass Valley.

Harold Hansen on the ranch, Grass Valley. 

Jack Hansen on the ranch, Grass Valley.

Jack Hansen (third row from top, far right) possibly Washington School, Grass Valley.

Either Jack or Robley Hansen (top row first on left) with possibly a young Miss Dillinger. Washington School. 

Jack Hansen (bottom row, second from right) possibly Miss George, Lincoln School. 

Jack Hansen (middle row, fourth from right).  Washington School with Miss Dillinger (fifth grade) confirmed by The Morning Union August, 1916 and his report card. 

Jack Hansen (top row, second from right) Grass Valley High School Football team (year unknown). 

"Uncle Jack's football helmet, which was made of leather, ended up on Grandma Hansen's (Vere's) clothes line that went from the upstairs back porch out to the plum tree fastened upside down on the line to hold clothes pins.  It was stiff as a board from being outdoors in all weather for so long, but was still recognizable." This was at the 418 West Main street house.  Memories of Margaret Hansen Boothby.       I remember the plum tree...it had the tastiest plums in the world growing on it!

Harold Hansen, Muriel and Neil 1928 hiking picture probably taken by Jack Hansen

Muriel was a school friend who graduated in '28 with Harold Hansen.  He kept her picture.

YMCA Hiking Club (sometime after high school) Manzanita Station, Mt. Tamalpais (Jack Hansen in front,  right) 

Jack at Bootjack Camp, Mt. Tamalpais,  1933

Bootjack Camp 1933 Jack on right.

This picture was taken in front of the PG&E Office around 1932 per Rick Cooper (FB group You Know You are From Nevada County if You Remember...).  I'm not sure if Jack worked on a crew as a summer job for PG&E or not.  

Robley (Bob) Hansen boating on Lake Tahoe 1929

Trip to Yosemite (year unknown; possibly in late 20's early 30's).

Jack Hansen Yosemite (year unknown; possibly late 20's early 30's)

Jack Hansen in Sacramento Capitol Park (date unknown; possibly late 20's early 30's).  Caption on back "I am surrounded by cactus plants."

Harold Hansen in Sacramento Capitol Park (date unknown; possibly late 20's early 30's)

Harold Hansen on the ranch with Laddie. He talked about Laddie throughout his life, so he must have been a very special dog. 

  I am very  glad this part of the family took so many pictures to document their lives.  The school pictures and report cards add more pieces to the puzzle and provide a clearer picture of my grandfather's and great uncles' lives  growing up in Grass Valley, California.  A place that I was lucky enough to grow up in , too! 

The Hansen Brothers in the Morning Union (Hansen)

                                                                              

   I found a wonderful resource on line the other day...The  California Digital Newspaper Collection has digitized  parts of the Morning Union which was published starting on October 28, 1864  and ran until 1945 as a morning paper in Grass Valley.  Only the years between 1865-1916 are available on line as of now, but those years give us a glimpse of what was going on in the early  lives of the Hansens on West Main Street.  I supposed you could compare the section The Day in Grass Valley with today's Face Book.  You read it to  find out who was doing what,  where, when and why, and of course, with whom, but without the selfies and group pictures! It was how people in the community kept tabs on each other and stayed in the loop.  These little snippets of information give us small snapshots in time; almost like opening a door for a few minutes to get a glimpse and a peak  before the door is shut again.  Here are a few selections....

Morning Union, 8 October 1911 LITTLE LAD HAD A BIRTHDAY PARTY  Fifth Birthday of Master Jack Hansen was a Very Jolly One...Friday afternoon 15 of the little friends of Master Jack Hansen gathered at the home of his parents on West Main Street and had one of the jolliest times of their lives. Master Jack was the proudest one of them all, it being the fifth anniversary of his birthday and he felt it was a high honor to have the little ones present as his guests on this occasion. The party lasted from two until five o'clock and every minute of the time was made to count by those present.  A birthday cake with five lighted candles representing his fifth birthday was the center of attraction at the table, as there was a coin baked in the cake which was to go to the guest receiving the lucky slice of cake. Little Ruth Hogan was the lucky one to secure the piece containing the coin.  Childish games were indulged in throughout the afternoon and the little ones enjoyed themselves as much as older persons do at similar gatherings.  The following were those who were present at the party:  Margueritet Skewes, Frank Skewes, Ruth Hogan, Catherine Hogan, Francis Hogan, Hoval Wayne, Earl Wayne, Richard Hosking, George Hosking, Myron Horan, Minnie Fraser, Marian McGuire, Jack Hansen, Bob Hansen and Harold Hansen. 

Morning Union, 30 January 1912 MORE MEASLES REPORTED.. Four cases of measles were reported yesterday, three of those afflicted being the family of W. Fraser of West Main Street, while the other case is the child of Mrs. John Hansen of Main Street.  The usual quarantine will be enforced.  (I don't know which of the boys was afflicted..)

Morning Union, 14 June 1912  Miners Accept Positions....Frank Williams and Peter Kelly, Jr. have accepted positions in Central America and left this city a day or two ago for San Francisco, from which place they will sail with Patrick Holland.  John Hansen is also employed at the same place and Mrs. Hansen and son are leaving for there on the same steamer with the three named above. 

Morning Union, 3 August 1912  TAKEN ILL WITH FEVER ON TRIP...Little John (Jack) Hansen Contracted Panama Fever While on Way to Salvador...Word has been received in this city by relatives of the arrival at Salvador of Mrs. John Hansen and son, John (Jack), also Patrick Holland, Peter Kelly and Frank Williams.  The party of Grass Valley left on the same steamer from San Francisco some time ago, and the men will be employed in the mines there.  Mrs. Hansen and child will visit with Mr. Hansen, who is at present employed there.  While on the trip down the coast little John (Jack) Hansen contracted a severe case of what is known as the Panama fever (presumably yellow fever) and when the party arrived at Salvador the little fellow was in a dangerous condition.  At the time the letter was written to this city there was no change in his condition and further news from Salvador will be anxiously awaited by the host of friends of the family in this city.  The other members of the party enjoyed the trip and arrived at their destination in perfect health. 

Morning Union, 6 August, 1912 LITTLE JOHN HANSEN RECOVERS FROM FEVER...Another letter has been received in this city from Salvador in which the news is given that little John (Jack) Hansen has recovered from the attack of fever  which the little fellow suffered while en route on the steamer for Salvador.  He was a very sick boy for awhile, but treatment he received by the boat physician and also upon his arrival caused the fever to leave and Mrs. Hansen stated in her letter that the lad was able to run about as usual.  Mrs. Hansen and child will visit with Mr. Hansen at Salvador for several months. 

Morning Union, 16 March 1913   Miss Nellie Loney has taken her departure for Hobart Mills, where she will teach in the schools there in lieu of Miss Faye Curtis, who is very ill at San Francisco........Mr. and Mrs. John Hansen and children, accompanied by Mrs. Hansen's sister, Miss Gladys Burrows, have returned from Salvador, where Mr. Hansen has been employed for some time.........Mrs. James Wales, who has been visiting at Alta with her daughter, Mrs. F. Foote, has gone to San Francisco , having been summoned there by the death of her cousin.......

Morning Union, 15 May 1913  Miss Gladys Burrows is confined to her room at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Hansen on Main Street, with a sever attack of crysipelas.  (possibly erysipelas; a serious bacterial infection of the skin)

Morning Union, 25 January 1914 GIVES "STAG" PARTY ON HIS 5TH BIRTHDAY  Robley Hansen, young son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hansen of Main Street, was host to a number of his young friends yesterday at the home of his parents.  The affair was strictly "stag" and was in the nature of a "peanut" party, the favors, place cards and games being suggestive of the idea.  Bob Hansen was five years old yesterday and he entertained in a manner which would do credit to those many years his senior.  Among those present were Myron Horan, Frank Skewes, Jack Hansen, Arthur Black, Ward Angilley, Richard Hosking, Harold Hansen, Francis Hogan, George Hosking and Robley Hansen. 

Morning Union, 26 August 1914  Mrs. John Hansen and children were incoming passengers on yesterday afternoon's train. 

Morning Union, 5 February 1915 Youth Under Knife...Little Harold Hansen, four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hansen, was operated upon at the Jones Memorial Hospital yesterday by Dr. Carl P. Jones for appendicitis.  An aggravated case was revealed and although the little fellow is doing well as can be expected he is by no means out of danger. 

Morning Union, 7 July 1915 PEACE IS URGED BY YOUTHFUL ORATOR  (this long article talks about the youth of Grass Valley who participated in the 4th of July patriotic and literary program at the Elks Hall)...Enormous crowds jammed Church and Main streets, the Elks' Hall lawn and the lawns of residences for a block or more in each direction.  Master Jack Ideal With Gavel...As presiding officer Master Jack Hansen leaves nothing to be desired.  He took charge of affairs like a veteran and carried the program through without the slightest slip.  Besides Master Jack made a little speech on his own account, calling attention to the significance of the day and the meaning which lay behind the activities of the boys and girls-future citizens of the United States. 

And of course, the class lists for the beginning of the school year. 

Morning Union, 28 August 1915 WHERE PUPILS WILL REPORT MONDAY A.M. ......The pupils of the Grass Valley schools will report to their respective rooms upon Monday morning, August 30th, 1915 as follows....Lincoln School...Fourth Grade: (Miss George, teacher) Jack Hansen....Bell Hill School Second Grade: (Miss Curtis, teacher) Robby Hansen 

  So, just a few glimpses of early life in Grass Valley for the Hansen boys.  I will share more pictures in the next post of the boys in school, growing up on the ranch, and excursions taken in their teenage years before marriage and the war. 

Clara Vere Burrows Stayed in Grass Valley (Burrows Hansen)

                     

 

                                    Clara Vere Burrows (number 38) Columbus  School Grass Valley, Ca 1893

  Clara Vere Burrows was the  Great Grandmother I never really knew.  The last few months I feel like I have gotten to know her a bit better through research and discovering never before seen pictures.  She was my Grandfather Harold Hansen's mother.  She was born and raised in Grass Valley, California, and except for a grand adventure to Central America with her husband John Hansen, she stayed in Grass Valley to raise her boys and put her own unique stamp on her family, church  and community. 

  Vere (as everyone called her) was born the fifth child out of 12 to Alexander and Elizabeth Jane Burrows.  Both Alexander and Elizabeth were lawyers; Alexander ran his offices out of the Holbrook Block as "A. Burrows, Attorney at Law" (The Daily Morning Union, Grass Valley, 1889).   I am not sure how much time Elizabeth Jane had to devote to her practice, with 12 children to rear.  Out of the surviving siblings Vere was the only one to stay in Grass Valley for remainder of her life.  

  Vere was born September 25, 1882 in Grass Valley.  She attended Columbus School,  elementary grades through high school.  I found the above picture at the Nevada County Historical Society (161 Nevada City Highway, Nevada City, Ca) while I was looking for other records last summer.  It was an amazing find, just sitting there in a large drawer.  I also found out that she was a charter member of the Nevada County Historical Society!   The 1880 Census lists the family as living in Grass Valley.  There is no street named; the census taker just listed and numbered each family as he wrote his records down in his flourishing handwriting.   The 1890 census is unavailable, so the next Census for 1900 lists the family as living on the West Side of Townsend Street (again no house number)  with  Elizabeth listed as head of household and occupation as lawyer.  

                                                           Ada Hooper went on to graduate from High School with Vere. 

                                 Maggie Woods and Clarence Grenfell  went on to graduate from High School                                                                                    with Vere. 

 

Columbus School 1917.  Beautiful Banner Mountain is in the background.  Betty, Fran and Dorothy Hayes attended school here, as well as Harold, Jack and Bob Hansen.              

The Columbus School was torn down and replaced by Hennessy Elementary.  It is now Grass Valley Charter School.  It is located at 225 South Auburn Street in Grass Valley.  Source: Rick Cooper Face Book Private Group You Know You're From Nevada County If You Remember...

    The Daily Morning Union, Grass Valley, Friday July 7, 1899 describes Vere as a bright student.  She had passed the examination to become a senior at Columbus School's High School Class with a score of 91.3.  She graduated high school in 1900. 

                    Graduating class of 1900.  Vere Burrows is third from right, seated on the wicker chair. 

                   Vere's essay "Use of History" still exists and will be archived with her family artifacts. 

                                                                            Senior Picture Grass Valley High School 1900

  According to her obituary printed in The Union October 19, 1974, Vere was a long time member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and sang in the church choir.  She was active in the Agricultural Extension Program of Nevada County and Chicago Park Canning Co. (a forerunner to the 4-H movement) and was past president of Manzanita Parlor, Native Daughters of Golden West.  She was also a founder of the PTA in Grass Valley Elementary Schools.  In front of one of the entrances to Hennessey School is a very tall redwood tree that was planted in her honor.  There may still be a bronze plaque.  I need to make a trip to investigate that tidbit of information! 

          Interior of The Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 235 South Church Street, Grass Valley, Ca. 

  As a young woman Vere had quite a patriotic interest, much like John Hansen.  She was among the hundreds crowded at the Colfax train depot to greet President Teddy Roosevelt on May 19, 1903.  I wouldn't be surprised if John Hansen was at this event, too!  The family story goes she handed Teddy a bouquet of flowers. 

T. R.'s 14,000 mile trip began in April, took him through 25 states and lasted 9 weeks. During this trip T.R. saw Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, the Redwoods and arranged a face to face meeting and  then experienced an impromptu camping trip with John Muir in Yosemite. T.R. did not just give speeches from the back of his train car, he also helped shovel coal, enjoyed visiting with the engineers and liked to blow the train's whistle in the middle of the night. From the TR Inaugural Site  www.trsite.org   "TR In California: The Whistle Stop Tour That Changed America"

  Vere Burrows became the happy bride of John H. Hansen at 4:45 am (in order to catch the train to the coast) on July 3, 1904.  The parlor home of Mrs. E.J. Burrows was decorated with a patriotic theme of bunting and flags.  This patriotic theme carried throughout their marriage and in the raising of their three boys on the ranch.   

  I have  surprisingly few pictures of Vere to share.  She seemed a little camera shy perhaps. Or she was the one taking all the pictures of her husband and boys.  Enjoy!

                                                     Clara Burrows Hansen 1930's or 40's

                  Vere and John Hansen with unidentified gentleman and Harold Hansen early  1930's

John and Vere Hansen at an unknown Grass Valley function.  They are 6 and 7 from the top left, under the window, second row. 

                                                            Betty and Harold Hansen with Vere Hansen  

                                                                           Harold, Vere and Jack Hansen 

   Vere's husband John passed away April 10th, 1945 while all three of their sons were serving in WWII.  It must have been a very difficult time for her.  Her  life as wife of adventurer, business man,  councilman and mayor was over.  Her boys wouldn't be home for a little while longer, and when they did get home Bob and Harold were married with children and living in their own homes.   When Jack came home he continued to live in the house on West Main Street with Vere.  He took care of her as she got older, never marrying.   She was known for her red geraniums on the sun porch and her continued work in Emmanuel Church.  Later in life she was in ill health and needed the care of Spring Hill Manor Convalescent Hospital.  She passed away at the age of 92 October 17, 1974.    She had four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  

  Although I don't have many memories of my Great Grandmother (I do remember the geraniums on her porch, and love growing my own) I feel a great appreciation for what she did in the community I eventually grew up in.