A historical fiction novel project, estimated completion date, late 2024
The Note in my Coat Pocket
In my family there was a legend about how my grandmother Margarette Baumann, or Gretel, came to live in the United States. The story was filled with war, loss, faith, love and a letter between unmet friends.
The story traces the rise of Germany as a world power, World War 1 and the utter desolation that was the result and the aftermath in the United States. The story touches, or rather is touched by immigration, nationalism, fascism, nazism, racism, antisemitism, patriotism, and love.
In other words, it’s a love story
Please click the arrows beside the images below to cycle through.
Reemt Rickelt Baumann his family and home, Vlotho Germany, circa 1920. Margarette is holding the child on the wall. The home was sold for food in 1923.
Margarette Bauman, engagement photo to Willhelm Flebecka (?) circa 1916. Wilhelm killed in France. This is a storm trooper's uniform, and an Iron Cross 2nd form tucked in his shirt
A walk through the Argonne Forest near Chateau Thierry, 1918.
American machine gun team, Argonne Forest, circa 1918
Abraham Family circa 1900. Patriarch William died in 1897. Paul was chosen to run the 160 acres in Gaylord, Minnesota
William Abraham 1897 - 1930. Co-owned Schlueter and Abraham Livery with cousin Louis until he sold it in 1926 because of injuries of WW1.
William and Margarette Abraham, 1926. Of note that William sits. He was weakened by shell shock and exposure to mustard gas in France duriing WW1
