Her mom dies and her dad travels for work.  She is an only-child and lives with her grandparents, who raise her as a sophisticated city girl only to fall in love with and marry a country boy who lives half-way across the country.  This requires leaving everyone she knows and changing her religion.  Then they move to Canada, but return.  Over the years they have a large family.  And, when they are grown, her dad who has worked all over the eastern half of the country moves in with her.  All these changes had to change her perspective on life — a lot!

The Early Years

Blanche Mabel Klinefelter was born September 27, 1887 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Judge Sharpless and Emma (Ackermann) Klinefelter.  On December 30, 1888, when Blanche was only 15 months old, her mother died in childbirth along with Blanche’s brother Daniel.

Blanche’s father worked in construction and later was a superintendent of large building projects.  His work took him all over the eastern half of the country.  Read more about Judge Sharpless Klinefelter.

Thus, Blanche lived with her grandparents, Joseph Gazzan & Caroline (Stetler) Klinefelter in the East Liberty/East End area of Pittsburgh.  She grew up at 5612 Harvard St.; however, the home no longer exists.

Her father would visit when able.  However, he remarried in 1896 to Lois Campbell.  He had two daughters with her: Carolyn Elmina and Hortense Lucille.  Now, she had to share her father with her half-sisters and his wife in addition to with his work.  Although Blanche knew her half-sisters, they lived in Ohio.  Thus, it wasn’t like having true sisters that lived in the same household.  Besides, the older of them was nine years her junior.

Despite all of this churn, Joseph and Caroline made sure that Blanche grew up to be a cultured young lady.  She graduated 8^th grade at the Highland School in the East End neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Upon graduation, she received a watch that could be worn on a chain or that could be pinned to a dress.

By this time, Pittsburgh was a very fast-growing metropolis.  By 1900, Pittsburgh had just over 320,000 inhabitants and in the next 10 years the population would grow to over half a million.

Marriage

In early September 1905, Blanche accompanied her grandparents to Denver Colorado.  Joseph made the trip to attend the National Encampment of G.A.R. (the Grand Army of the Republic) that was held the week of September 4.  Read more about Joseph Klinefelter and G.A.R.

At the same time, Herbert Thomson was also traveling.  He lived in Nebraska; however, he was returning from Alberta, Canada, where he owned property.

As fate would have it, Blanche and Herbert ended up in the same location at the same time.  They met at the train depot in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Herbert was thirteen years her senior, but Blanche and Herbert hit it off.

Blanche’s grandparents thought he would be a good catch for Blanche because he owned land.  One thing led to another and Herbert decided to make a trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

He ended up proposing and they married approximately three months after they first met.

The Wedding

On December 6, 1905, Blanche and Herbert were married in the parlor of the Shady Avenue Baptist Church.  It is unknown how many guests attended the wedding.  However, the invitation appears to indicate that it was a formal affair.  Of interest is that her grandparents names are on the invitation and not her father’s name although he was most likely in attendance as her half-sisters signed as witnesses to the wedding.  Her grandparents also sent out formal announcements of the wedding.

The photograph of the pastor must have been given to Blanche and Herbert at their wedding.  It was one of several gifts.  They later stated that the gifts that they had received were “useful, handsome, and valuable.”

The Wedding Dinner

Following the evening wedding, a six-course dinner was served at a nearby hotel.  The most likely location was the Hotel Schenley as it was just over two miles from the church and would have provided an elegant dinner. 

Based on their station in life, menus of that era, the location, the time of year, etc., Grok AI suggested the following as a possible menu.  I am sure that this is NOT the menu for their wedding dinner, but it gives a hint of what it might have been like.

“Hors d’Œuvres Blue Point Oysters on the Half Shell Celery Hearts · Queen Olives · Radishes · Salted Almonds Amontillado Sherry

Potage Cream of Green Turtle (a warming, celebratory classic for December gatherings) or Consommé with Julienne Vegetables and Fine Herbs Bread Sticks · Toasted Points

Poisson Broiled Shad à la Maître d’Hôtel (fresh Pennsylvania river fish, simply prepared and hearty) or Filet of Sole with Lemon Butter Cucumbers in Cream · Small Parisienne Potatoes Rhine Wine or Sauternes

Entrée Guinea Hen or Chicken Breast à la Maryland (breaded, fried crisp, served with cream gravy, corn fritters, and bacon—a substantial, festive Pennsylvania favorite) Asparagus Hollandaise · Green Peas

Rôti Roast Philadelphia Capon with Watercress and Currant Jelly (local poultry, roasted to perfection—symbolizing home and family pride) or Saddle of Lamb with Mint Sauce Mashed Potatoes · Glazed Sweet Potatoes · Cauliflower in Cream Sauce · Buttered String Beans Claret or Champagne (poured generously for toasts to the bride—raised as a daughter by her grandparents—and the couple’s new life together)

Entremets & Dessert Roman Punch (iced rum-citrus sherbet to refresh the palate) Bride’s Cake (a tall, richly fruited cake with marzipan, white icing, and sugared winter fruits/flowers—cut amid cheers and well-wishes) Charlotte Russe with Preserved Fruits Neapolitan Ice Cream · Petits Fours · Meringues Assorted Fancy Cakes · Fresh Fruit Compote Cheese (Roquefort and others) & Crackers Demi-Tasse (black coffee) · Liqueurs · Cigars for the Gentlemen”

Grok went on to suggest that a small orchestra may have played music while the guests ate, visited, and possibly danced in the seasonally decorated ballroom

Arrival in Nebraska

Once married, Blanche left her life in the bustling city behind and moved from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Herbert’s farm outside Palmyra, Nebraska.  Herbert and Blanche  arrived in Palmyra via train with Blanche in all her city finery.

Even if Blanche had visited farms or had other knowledge of them, nothing could have really prepared her for life on the farm, where the closest town had just over 300 people.  The roads were dusty, the prairie wide-open where you could see for miles, and wild animals were abundant.  It was quite a change.

The Nebraska Reception

Upon arrival in Nebraska in mid-December, Herbert’s parents, Arthur Reid and Margaret (Ronald) Thomson held a reception at their home for their youngest son and his new bride.  The event included a four-course dinner.  

Grok AI suggested that the  menu for this dinner would be quite different than the wedding dinner

Herbert & Blanche (Klinefelter) Thomson’s Family in 1915

“Soup / Starter Scotch broth (thick barley soup with root vegetables—carrots, turnips, onions—from the cellar, bits of mutton, beef, or chicken from the farm, and perhaps pearl barley …). Served with homemade bread, oatcakes/bannocks (simple flat oat breads baked on the stove), or biscuits. Side of homemade pickles, relishes, or canned beets for contrast.

Main Course / Roast … chicken, goose, or pork (fresh from the farmyard or hog-killing season—…. Stuffed with sage-onion dressing; served with rich gravy (pan drippings thickened with flour/milk), mashed potatoes (creamed with butter), candied sweet potatoes or glazed carrots, boiled cabbage or turnips …, and green beans or corn (canned/dried from harvest).

Sides / Vegetable Course Additional hearty accompaniments: Scalloped or creamed corn (Midwest staple), coleslaw or simple cabbage slaw (vinegar-dressed), applesauce (from stored apples), and more rolls, oatcakes, or cornbread passed around. Perhaps a small dish of buttered parsnips or onions if available.

Dessert Homemade pie (apple from stored fruit, pumpkin from preserved squash, or mincemeat with preserved fruits/meat…). Or shortbread cookies (buttery oat shortbread, a direct Scottish touch), spice cake, or fruitcake (spiced preserved fruits). Served with strong black coffee, fresh milk/buttermilk, or tea—warming for winter.”

Grok depicted the scene as was typical of rural family life in the early 1900s – no frills, but plenty of food and fellowship.

 

Big Changes

 

Blanche likely missed the fancy houses, places of culture, and nice stores.  However, it is said that Blanche missed wearing  large hats, fancy gloves, and hooped skirts more than anything else.  None of them were of any use on the farm.  Not all city women could make this transition.  One must assume that Blanche was open to accepting a new perspective and that she must have really loved Herbert!

In addition, despite having half-sisters, Blanche grew up effectively as an only child.  Her father was also an only child and her grandfather only had one living brother who lived hundreds of miles away.  Thus, it must have been quite a shock when she met Herbert’s large family.  Big family gatherings happened frequently and were quite contrary to the small family of which she was accustomed.

In the coming days and years, Blanche would experience the Presbyterian religion.  Leaving behind the Baptist Church, she would become very active in the Palmyra Presbyterian Church.  Read more about the Palmyra Presbyterian Church.

Besides family size, location, and religion, Blanche had to deal with culture shock of a different type.  She came from a family where many recent generations were from German immigrant families; whereas, Herbert’s family was Scottish through and through.

 

 

How often is it that a train coming through town is a reason for a family reunion?  That was the case for the Thomson family.

1915 Liberty Bell Tour

Trains played a big part in the history of the Thomson family, as Blanche Thomson, a city girl from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania had met her future husband Herbert Thomson on a train platform in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1905. 

So, it seemed appropriate that the family would visit any trains that related to their family. The first significant visit to a train was in 1915.

The Request

Blanche (Klinefelter) Thomson, Rod’s great-grandmother, heard that the Liberty Bell was going to be loaded on a train for travel across the county to an exposition in San Francisco.  She was very interested in this happening. She had seen the famous bell when she visited Philadelphia as  a child and it remained a special memory.  Moreover, she heard that it was going to make a stop in Lincoln, Nebraska, a few miles from their home near Palmyra.  So, she did what any descendant of the most famous bell ringer in the country would do when the most famous bell in the country came to town.  She put in a request for her family to attend the festivities.

Blanche wrote to the Lincoln Commercial Club asking if they could reserve seats for her family.  She explained her connection to the Liberty Bell and said that “[S]he wanted her children to see the world-famous emblem, this sacred relic which their direct ancestor had rung.”

William Hurrie Lineage

Blanche and family’s viewing of the Liberty Bell was nearly 140 years in the making.  It all started on July 8,1776 when Andrew NcNair was away from his role as doorkeeper to Congress for the day.  William Hurrie, who would later hold that position, substituted for Andrew.  And, it was on that day that Congress asked for the people of Philadelphia to be called together to hear the first official public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

William Hurrie rang the Liberty Bell to notify people of the reading and the rest is history. Read more about William Hurrie, the doorkeeper.  Read about WIlliam Hurrie’s family.

Guests of Honor

As a result of Blanche’s request, Blanche, her husband Herbert Thomson, and their children were guests of honor at the Commercial Club Luncheon.  The date of the event in Lincoln was 139 years and 1 day after Blanche’s ancestor rang the 2080 pound bell declaring independence.

They were guest of the president of the Commercial Club and were also greeted by the mayor and the secretary of the Commercial Club.  After the luncheon, the family was taken to the site of the Liberty Bell program and were seated on the platform where speeches were given.

The Program

Security was tight with National Guard and police in charge, but that didn’t stop people from pushing past others for their chance to see the famous bell.  The time allotted in Lincoln simply could not accommodate everyone who wanted an up-close view.  However, the number of people that got within a half-a-block from the bell and who were considered close enough to get a glimpse of it, range from 25,000 to 40,000.

The program that day was cut a bit short mostly because people simply could not hear over the crowd.  Of course, it was also 88 degrees and several people fainted or had heat-related issues.  No one was afforded the opportunity to hear the sound of the bell.  However, it had been rung the previous February to proclaim liberty throughout the land.  This time it wasn’t just heard in Philadelphia, instead, the tones of the bell were sent over the transcontinental telephone line, which had just been completed.  As the bell was struck with a mallet, the sound of the bell was heard in San Francisco.  It was also recorded. Note: In 1944, they rang the Liberty Bell again for D-Day. It rang out seven times – once for each letter in the word “Liberty.”

Liberty Bell 1915

Liberty Bell 2003

Photo taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during our visit in 2003.

1948 Freedom Train Tour

Having been honored guests when the Liberty Bell had come to town in 1915, many people were aware that the Thomson family had a connection to the days of the American Revolution.  So, when in 1948 the Freedom Train put Lincoln, Nebraska on their list of scheduled stops, it only seemed fitting that the Thomson family again be honored guests.  However, Blanche and Herbert’s children were now grown with families of their own.  Thus, it an opportunity for a family reunion.

Why An Exhibit

In 1948, the Attorney General of the United States “became concerned with the complacency of the American people, their lack of appreciation of the freedoms that have been won for them during the last 160 years…”  Thus, an exhibit traveling by rail called the Freedom Train was born.  It was to travel to 300 cities across the nation.

The train consisted of seven cars.  Three held exhibits, one was for baggage and equipment, and the other three were for the crew.  Thirty or forty men traveled on the train, with a significant majority of them being Marines that guarded the train 24 hours a day/7 days of the week.

The Museum

The Freedom Train was a “moving symbol of America’s year of rededication to the ideals and practices of democracy.”  This train carried 127 exhibits including many documents of American’s heritage: such as,

• The Declaration of Independence (Jefferson’s rough draft with changes marked on it)
• The Constitution (George Washington’s personal copy of the draft of Constitution with his corrections marked on it)
• The Bill of rights (original copy)
• The Gettsburg Address (actual copy he read when he gave the address) 
• A letter Christopher Columbus wrote about discovery of America
• WWI & WWII documents
• A flag that flew at Iwo Jima

To protect the precious artifacts, the train and everything on it was fireproof with the exception of the artifacts themselves. To ensure that the documents remained safe, they were put in envelopes that were waterproof, fireproof, and shatterproof.  Then they were placed in steel cases with multiple layers of glass that protected them from damage from light.

Rededication Week

Each city held its own activities focused on rededication to the principals on which this country was founded.  They held Rededication Week in the days leading up to the arrival of the Freedom Train at their location.  The goal was to remind everyone of the value of their heritage and their own responsibility in preserving those freedoms.

Daily Theme

In Lincoln, Nebraska each day had a specific focus with rallies, speeches, music, and other events planned around the specific topic.  The focus areas were:

• Sunday – Freedom of Religion
• Monday – American Justice
• Tuesday – Veterans
• Wednesday – Women
• Thursday – Labor and Industry
• Friday – Schools (Including both teachers and students)
• Saturday – Municipal
• Sunday – I am an American Day. Dedicated to those 21 and over that had been naturalized within the previous year.

The Pledge

During the weeks leading up to the arrival of the Freedom Train and for some time after, films were shown at clubs, organizations, etc. about the documents and history of the founding of the country.  There also were radio programs on the subject.  Additionally, the newspaper ran articles, not only about the event, but also focused on some of the key documents aboard the Freedom Train.  During the week, people were also encouraged to take the following pledge:

I am an American.

Free to speak – without fear.

Free to worship God in my own way.

Free to stand for what I think right.

Free to oppose what I believe wrong.

Free to choose those who govern my country.

This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold.

For myself and all mankind

After the week of rededication, the red, white, and blue Freedom Train was to be parked at the Missouri Pacific railroad station on Sunday.  The public could view the document from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but could only accommodate approximately 10,000 people.  Therefore, it was recommended that families only bring children age twelve and up as the documents would not be meaningful to youngsters and both time and space for viewing the exhibit were limited.

Viewing The Exhibit

Special Showing

A special showing between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. before the doors opened to the public was held for by-invitation-only guests. Most of the guests were city, county, and state officials, and the press.  However there were a few special guests.  Among them were Blanche, her father Judge Sharpless Klinefelter, and 24 of her descendants.  The only other guest with the distinction of having a connection to the documents on the train was a woman whose grandfather worked on the original draft of the 14th Amendment.

As the family exited the exhibit, they were invited to sign the rededication scroll.

The chairman in charge of the train said, “A family rich in American tradition as this one, certainly deserves a little special treatment.”  It was mentioned by someone present, however, that a history researcher claimed that Andrew McNair was the bellringer who called together the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.  To which, Judge scoffed and replied, “Andrew McNair, eh? Hump!”  Following the viewing of the exhibits on the Freedom Train, Judge and his descendants enjoyed a picnic dinner at Antelope Park.

The General Public

At 10 a.m. the public started boarding the train.  The first ones on had been in line since 5:45 a.m.  The line varied from two to three blocks in length.  However, with every Lincoln police office on duty and the fire department assisting, the crowd remained orderly.

High school bands played to entertain the people waiting.  Meanwhile veteran groups sold refreshments.  However, no peddlers or others who followed the train were allowed to sell their wares as it was considered a serious subject and the people organizing the events did not want a circus environment.

By the end of the day, 8,241 people would board the train and view the exhibits.  And, a half-hour after the last person exited the exhibit, the train was on its way to its next destination.

One More Freedom Train

The Bicentennial brought about another Freedom Train.  It was bigger.  Since it stayed longer at many locations, the train traveled in both 1975 and 1976.  This time, they charged admission ($2 for adults, $1 for children) to defray costs.

The Thomson family didn’t hold a big reunion for the Bicentennial Freedom Train.  This is likely because Judge and Blanche, who seemed to be the biggest voices for the family’s history in Philadelphia, had all died prior to this date.  Still, when the train came through Omaha, my husband’s mother took him and his siblings to see the Freedom Train. 

To learn more about this Freedom Train check out The Story of the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train and The American Freedom Train Comes to Pittsburgh.

Featured Image: Source: St. Louis Star-Times, St. Louis, Missouri , June11, 1948 via newspapers.com

Prompt: Reunion

#52ancestors52weeks