[Folks Reel #3: 1952-1953]

1952 – 1953

Home movie shot by Elmer and Erna Wittman, depicting trips to Mackinac Island, Sault St. Marie, and Springfield, IL, as well as scenes around Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, St. Simon's Lutheran Church in Humboldt Park, and the Wittman home in Logan Square.

1. Summer 1952, visit to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Swimmers on beach. Elmer Wittman walking across a hanging bridge in the woods. Boat ride, large building. View of a town. Elmer goes into a building. View of horse drawn carriage. Erna Wittman walking up the steps of the Grand Hotel, a big white building. View of exterior of the building with flags flying. View of lake and at the foot of the building, a pool with swimmers. More views of horse drawn carriages. In a garden, view of harbor. Next are views at Sault St. Marie, Michigan, “the Soo.” On a boat ride. Views of large ocean-going cargo ships; industrial area (stone piles?); cargo ship goes through the lock; and tour boat goes through lock.

2. Trip to the Ozarks, fall 1952. Woods and cabin. Elmer at the car, then goes into cabin. View looking over a valley from observation tower, then view looking back up at tower. More views of woods and trees. Ruth Wittman (daughter of Erna and Elmer) and friend (or cousin?) in Springfield, Illinois. Ruth at an overlook. Then visiting Lincoln’s Tomb and presumably Salem Village. Oxen and covered wagon go by.

3. Lincoln Park Zoo, 1952? Young boy in film could be one of Erna’s nephews. Elephant, bears, flamingos, parrot or macaw. Garden with fountain and Lincoln Park Conservatory in background.

4. St. Simon’s Lutheran Church, 1540 N Spaulding, Chicago, August 17, 1952. People singing with hymnals coming out and going down the stairs. They are going to the empty lot next door (3306 W. Pierce). Various persons dig a shovelful of dirt. This is groundbreaking for the new parsonage to be built next to the church. Rev. Walter E. Wittman speaking and making a blessing. Again, on May 10, 1953, robed choir members come out of St. Simon’s, singing, followed by Rev. Wittman and Dr. R.R. Belter (President of the Wartburg Synod of the United Lutheran Church in America, to which St. Simon’s was affiliated). Then the rest of the congregation comes out and goes over to the parsonage site, filling the yard and sidewalk in front. On the porch, Dr. Belter conducts the dedication of the parsonage with Rev. Wittman. After that concludes, people are invited to go inside the house for a tour. Camera operator pans the crowd. Some relatives are seen: Erana Skalla with granddaughter Janet Hertel and Anna Knudten, as well as other congregation members. The camera operator goes across the street to show the size of the crowd. Ruth Wittman walks towards the camera. The camera operator goes back over to the parsonage. The family about to move in stands together: Walter, Norma, Sara and Miriam Wittman. More views of the crowd, including Erna Wittman and Elaine Skalla.

5. At the home of Erna and Elmer Wittman, 3738 W Palmer, Chicago. Men washing dishes. Walter washing; Carl Skalla, Art Hertel and unknown man drying. Sara comes in briefly with Janet (Art and Marilyn’s daughter).

18 min 19 sec

8mm

225 feet

Color

Silent

1/1

Yes

Reversal Positives

Home Movies

Travel
Boats and Boating
Lincoln Park Zoo
Religious services
Lutherans
Cleaning