1982 – Back to the Navy & a Career Change

Posted on August 21, 2024 by Don Taylor

My History, My Memories
By Don Taylor

After being laid off from TRW, I worked for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Defense Contract Management Administration Services (DCAS). After a couple of years, I received the opportunity for a promotion and to return to the US Navy—as a civilian. On November 9, 1982, there was a Commissioning and Assumption of Command Ceremony for the Naval Plant Representative Office (NAVPRO), Minneapolis, and the Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant (NIROP), Minneapolis, Minnesota. Besides the DCAS office, the Naval Sea Systems Command Technical Representatives were incorporated into the new command.

Cover of NAVPRO Commissioning Program.

Most of the previous DCAS employees were transitioned to the new NAVPRO. As one of the first new hires of the new command, I was invited to attend the ceremony. I was excited to start. I was changing from a GS-9 Quality Assurance Specialist to a GS-11 Engineering Technician. My new job would be to review waivers, deviations, and ECPs (Engineering Change Proposals) and provide my analysis of the impact. I could approve minor waivers & deviations (those things were not to the requirements; however, they didn’t affect form, fit, function, reliability, or interchangeability).

The new NAVPRO had a new computer system, a Wang 2200. I was given programming access to the system and began using it to develop a database to monitor and manage waivers, deviations, and ECPs. I also started developing other programs that the Engineering staff used. The computer support team was having many difficulties getting programs to work well. Because my programs worked, the Commanding Officer (CO) asked if I’d take a temporary assignment to the computer group and help there. I took a 90-day assignment. At the end of the 90 days, the CO asked if I’d take another 90 days with the computer group. At the end of that TDY (temporary duty), he asked if I’d make the switch from a GS-0802 (Engineering Technician) to a GS-0334 (Computer Specialist). I agreed and made the life-changing career change. Some years later, I was changed to a GS-2210 (Information Technology Management). So, that TDY to help the computer team at NAVPRO Minneapolis, resulted in my working with computers and information technology for the rest of my life.

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Donna & Lyceum Theatre – In the News – 19 August 1921

Posted on August 19, 2024 by Don Taylor

Donna Darling at Lyceum Theatre, New London, CT, 19-20 August 1921.

Donna in the News
103 Years Ago
by Don Taylor

“Donna in the News” reports my newly found newspaper articles and advertisements regarding my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and Donna Darling). I am always excited when I find a new venue for my grandmother’s exciting show business career of the 1910s and 1920s. 

This week from The Day (New London, CT) newspaper, dated Aug 18, 1921, I learned that Donna played at the Lyceum Theatre in New London on August 19th & 20th, 1921.

AT LYCEUM THEATRE

Five Big Vaudeville acts will close Week’s Attractions.

When the popular Lyceum theatre returns to its recognized policy of B.F. Keith superlative vaudeville Friday and Saturday, local theatre goers will witness a delightful program of five extraordinary offerings.

…. Donna Montran and Madge Major, captivating maidens will offer an unusually meritorious song cycle….

Because of those newly available online articles, I was able to add another venue for Donna’s exciting vaudeville career.

New information added to her career list:

August 19-20, 1921 – New London, CT – Lyceum Theatre – “Donna Montran & Madge Major.”

Endnotes

My thanks to Newspapers.com for providing access to this clipping.

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Photo Friday – Dyer, McCann, McLain, Peabody, & Roche.

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Don Taylor

Linwood Dyer Collection – Part 028
Isabel Dyer Skillin Album
Photo Friday
By Don Taylor

These photos are from the Isabel Dyer Skillin photo album, courtesy of the Scarborough Historical Society, Linwood Dyer Genealogical Collection, and include people from the South Portland High School — 1899.

Ethel Dyer (later Jones), c. 1899.

Photo of Ethel Dyer, circa 1899.
Ethel Dyer, circa 1899

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Ethel Dyer.”

What I learned while researching this photo:

  • The 1900 U.S. Census enumerated E. Ethel Dyer, an 18-year-old who lived with her parents, Charles E & Elisa J Dyer.
  • My search of Ancestry family trees suggested this is Elizabeth Ethel Dyer. She was born on 21 Apr 1882 in Cape Elizabeth to Charles Eben and Eliza J (Thompson) Dyer. She married David John Jones in South Portland on 24 Jan 1903 and died on 26 Jul 1966.

I added this photo of Ethel to her FamilySearch profile, GMLM-GN2, and my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Gertrude McCann (later Newell), c. 1899.

Photo of Gertrude McCann, circa 1899
Gertrude McCann, circa 1899

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Gertrude McCann.”

What I learned while researching this photo:

  • My search of Ancestry family trees suggested this is Gertrude M McCann. She was born on 11 Nov 1881 in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, to Daniel Edward & Anne Elizabeth (Flanagan) McCann. She married Norman Crowell Newell in Portland, ME, on 6 Nov 1905 and died on 6 Jan 1974 in Portland, ME.
  • In 1900, she lived on Main Street with her parents and seven siblings in South Portland.

I added this photo of Gertrude to her FamilySearch profile, 9V8T-JFG, and my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Hattie Ella Peabody (later Johnson), c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “H. Ella Peabody.”

Photo of Hattie Ella Peabody, circa 1899.
Hattie Ella Peabody, circa 1899.

What I learned while researching this photo:

  • My search of Ancestry family trees suggested this is Hattie Ella Peabody. She was born on 9 Jul 1878 in Cape Elizabeth to Aaron P. and Ella Francis (Cole) Peabody. She married Edward H Johnson in Portland, ME, on 19 Oct 1904 and died in Portland, ME, on 31 Aug 1946.
  • In 1900, she lived at 1 Atlantic Street, South Portland, with her adoptive parents, Charles E and Hattie Peabody and their four children.

I added this photo of Hattie to her FamilySearch profile, KHRL-K5N, and my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Charlotte “Lottie” Roche (later Drinkwater), c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Lottie Roche.”

Photo of Lottie Roche, circa 1899.
Lottie Roche, circa 1899.

What I learned while researching this photo:

  • My search of Ancestry family trees suggested this is Charlotte Mae Roche. She was born on 19 Mar 1883 in Cape Elizabeth to George Wilford and Elizabeth Annie (Barker) Roche. She married Louis Percy Drinkwater in Washington, D.C., on 21 Jun 1913, and died in Portland, ME on 15 Sep 1968.
  • In the 1900 U.S. Census, Charlotte appears to live at home with her parents and two brothers at 1 D Street, South Portland, ME.

I added this photo of Charlotte to her FamilySearch profile, K8TL-LSR, and my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Dennis McLain, c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Dennis McLain.”

photo of a slip of paper with Dennis McLain written on it.
Dennis McLain written???
Photo of Dennis McLain, circa 1899.
Dennis McLain, circa 1899.

What I learned while researching this photo:

  • I was unsuccessful in finding a Dennis McLain in the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth area in the 1900 Census.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggested a Dennis Gove McLain, who was born in 1880 in Bristol, Lincoln County, Maine. However, I was unsuccessful in finding a link to South Portland or Cape Elizabeth for that individual.

I could not definitively determine who the Dennis McLain (or McLoin) in this photo is, so I uploaded the image to Dead Fred.

Conclusion

I would love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Ancestry and FamilySearch have a higher resolution than those here. Feel free to use these photos in your genealogical activities. Please cite “Photo Courtesy: Don Taylor Genealogy.”

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Photo Friday – Dyer, Fullerton, Hannaford, Hutchinson, & Smart.

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Don Taylor

Linwood Dyer Collection – Part 026
Isabel Dyer Skillin Album
Photo Friday
By Don Taylor

The album includes a clipping from the Portland Evening Express, dated 16 Jun 1949. The clipping indicates that the South Portland Class of 1899 had its 50th reunion.

Attendees include Miss Flores Smart. Kingston, R. I., & Mrs. Effie Dyer Alexander, Cape Elizabeth. This clipping provided the married surnames for two of the women in these photos.

Effie Dyer (later Alexander), c. 1899.

19 century photo of Effie Dyer
Effie Dyer, c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Effie Dyer.”

What I learned while researching this photo:

  • My search of Ancestry family trees suggested this is Effie Blanchard Dyer. She was born on 10 Sep 1880 in Cape Elizabeth to Sumner and Laura (Bean) Dyer. She married Samuel Alexander in Cape Elizabeth on 11 Jun 1907 and died in Portland on 14 Feb 1961.

I added this photo of Effie to her FamilySearch profile, L8W7-LLP, and my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Estella (Elsie) Hannaford, c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Estella Hannaford.”

What I learned while researching this photo:

Photo of Estella (Elsie) Hannaford, c. 1899.
Estella (Elsie) Hannaford, c. 1899.
  • My search of Ancestry failed to find an Estella, Essie, Estie, Stella, or Ellie Hannaford in either South Portland or Cape Elizabeth.
  • A review of South Portland 1900 Census records found two Hannaford heads of households:
    • Charles B Hannaford, whose wife was Hattie, and they had three young children.
    • Charles M Hannaford, whose wife was Bessie, were both 30 years old.
  • A review of Cape Elizabeth 1900 Census records found eight Hannaford heads:
    • Co Hannaford, who was a 47-year-old single man.
    • Lizzie Hannaford lived with her three sisters.
    • Louis Hannaford lived with his wife, Emma, and three daughters, including 17-year-old Elsi.
    • Jennie Hannaford lived with her six children, including 16-year-old Tena.
    • FNU Hannaford and her two children, including her 24-year-old daughter, Marion.
    • Albert Hannaford, his wife, and two children, including his 20-year-old daughter, Jennie.
    • George Hannaford, his wife, and son.
    • Philip Hannaford, his wife, Fergie, and three young children.
  • Only the Louis Hannaford family is a likely candidate. Louis was 51, and his wife, Emma, was 49. His daughter, Elsie, was born on 18 Mar 1883 in Cape Elizabeth.
  • Elsie’s obituary indicates she died on 15 Nov 1884 at 101. It says she graduated from South Portland High School in 1901 and was a Boston Post Cane recipient in Cape Elizabeth in 1981.

I am confident this photo of “Estella” is of Elsie about 1899.

I added this photo of Estella/Elsie to her FamilySearch profile, 9XMT-TFD, and to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Ethel Fullerton (later Hatch), c. 1899.

Photo of Ethel Fullerton (later Hatch), c. 1899.
Ethel Fullerton, c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is Ethel Fullerton/

What I learned while researching this photo:

  • The 1900 US Census lists Ethel M Fullerton as the 18-year-old daughter of Elihu and Christie Fullerton.
  • My search of Ancestry family trees suggested this is Ethel M Fullerton. She was born on 11 Aug 1881 in Cape Elizabeth to Elihu W and Christie M (Nicholson) Fullerton. She married Frederick W Hatch on 31 Mar 1919.

I added this photo of Ethel to her FamilySearch profile, L2DB-2PV, and my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Flores Smart, c. 1899.

Photo of Flores Smart, c. 1899.
Flores Smart, c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Flores Smart.”

What I learned while researching this photo:

  • My search of Ancestry family trees suggested this is Flores Isabelle Smart. She was born on 4 Jul 1991 in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, to Andrew and Harriet (Kincaid) Smart. She died in Rhode Island on 25 Dec 1976.

I added this photo of Flores to her FamilySearch profile, LV83-KFB, and to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Philip Hutchinson, c. 1899.

Photo of Philip Hutchinson, c. 1899.
Philip Hutchinson, c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Philip Hutchinson.”

What I learned while researching this photo:

  • My search of Ancestry family trees suggested this is Philip Hutchinson. He was born on 30 Aug 1881in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, to William and Martha (Jordan) Hutchinson. He died in 1945.

I added this photo of Philip to his FamilySearch profile, L67M-W12, and to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Conclusion

I would love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Ancestry and FamilySearch have a higher resolution than those here. Feel free to use these photos in your genealogical activities. Please cite “Photo Courtesy: Don Taylor Genealogy.”

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Photo Friday – Dyer, Evans, Melcher, Morrison, & Woods.

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Don Taylor

Linwood Dyer Collection – Part 025
Isabel Dyer Skillin Album
Photo Friday
By Don Taylor

This photo album from the Linwood Dyer Collection was a bit confusing. The spine has a modern label, “Graduation Class 1892, Isabel Dyer Skillin, So. Portland High.” South Portland was carved out of Cape Elizabeth in 1895. In 1892, the high school, established in 1874, was named Cape Elizabeth High School.[i]

The album includes a clipping from the Portland Evening Express, dated 16 Jun 1949. The clipping indicates that the South Portland Class of 1899 had its 50th reunion.

Attendees included Mrs. Mildred Woods Clark, South Portland; Leslie Evans, Cumberland Center; Mrs. Louise Melcher McBrady and Mrs. Helen Morrison Johnson, both of South Portland. This clipping provided the married surnames for three of the women in these photos.

Because of the clipping, I believe the album’s label’s date is incorrect. These photos are of South Portland High School students from the class of 1899, not 1892.

Isabel Eugenia Dyer (later Skillin), c. 1899.

Photo of Isabel Dyer.
Isabel Eugenia Dyer, c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Isabel Eugenia Dyer.”

What I learned while researching this photo:

  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest this is Isabel E Dyer. She was born on 24 Aug 1880 in South Portland to Howard E. and Ella (Adams) Dyer. She married Willis Burton Skillin in South Portland on 6 Dec 1905, and died in December 1972.
  • Isabel is Linwood Dyer’s great-aunt. Linwood was an avid genealogist, so it makes sense that he would have Isabel’s photo album.

I added this photo of Isabel to her FamilySearch profile, LT4V-9BV, and my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Helen Morrison (later Johnson), c. 1899.

Photo of Helen Morrison, c. 1899.
Helen Morrison, c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Helen Morrison.”

  • Ancestry Family Trees suggests this is Helen Cleveland Morrison. She was born on 29 Oct 1881 in Cape Elizabeth to Wallace W. and Almina (Taylor) Morrison. She married Jeremiah Marshall Johnson in South Portland on 4 Oct 1916 and died on 9 Dec 1977 in South Portland.

I added this photo of Helen to her FamilySearch profile, LYMC-RSR, and to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Leslie Evans, c. 1899.

Photo of Leslie Evans.
Leslie Evans, c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Leslie Evans.”

  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest this is Leslie Clark Evans. He was born on 13 May 1882 in Cape Elizabeth to Osmon and Philena (Clark) Evans. He married Marguerite Waldron on 28 Jun 1911 in Portland, ME. He married Alice Evelyn O’Brien on 18 Dec 1929 and died on 21 Oct 1958 in Falmouth, Maine.

I added this photo of Leslie to his FamilySearch profile, LTS6-W3Y, and to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Louise Melcher (later McBrady), c. 1899.

Photo of Louise Melcher, c. 1899.
Louise Melcher, c. 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Louise Melcher.”

  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest this is Louisa Libby Melcher. She was born on 25 Apr 1881 in Cape Elizabeth to Robert and Alsena (Harmon) Melcher. She married William Henry McBrady on 25 Feb 1908 in Portland, ME. She died on 26 Jan 1959 in South Portland, Maine.

I added this photo of Louisa to her FamilySearch profile, L61R-GSQ, and to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Mildred Woods (later Clark), c. 1899.

Photo of Mildred Woods, circa 1899.
Mildred Woods, circa 1899.

Handwritten on a slip of paper with the photo is “Mildred Woods.”

  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest this is Mildred Effie Woods on 22 Mar 1882  in Cape Elizabeth to Matthew and Margaret (Starrett) Woods. She married Frank Elmer Clark on 24 Jun 1909 in South Portland, ME. She died on 23 May 1956.

I added this photo of Mildred to her FamilySearch profile, LX9V-CFL, and to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree at Ancestry.

Conclusion

I would love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Ancestry and FamilySearch have a higher resolution than those here. Feel free to use these photos in your genealogical activities. Please cite “Photo Courtesy: Don Taylor Genealogy.”

Endnotes

[i] South Portland History – South Portland High School (history) – https://sphistory.pastperfectonline.com/bysitename?keyword=South%20Portland%20High%20School

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