[1964: Miriam's Confirmation and Graduation, Niagara Falls]

June – August 1964

Home movie featuring Miriam Wittman's confirmation and a trip to Niagara Falls.

At St. Simon’s Lutheran Church, 1540 N. Spaulding, Chicago, June 1964. Miriam Wittman is one of those being confirmed. Her father, Rev. Walter Wittman, comes out the side door and leads the confirmands up the steps into the church. After the service, the confirmands are seen on the steps with Walter. In addition to Miriam, some of the other confirmands are: Linda Lee, Carol Bach, Jackie Dome, Cathy Martin and Howard Neborowski. Other congregants come out to greet the confirmands.

At the Wittman home, 3306 W. Pierce, Chicago, there is a gathering for lunch. On the steps Linda and her mother are going in, as well as Miriam, Sara, Linda and another friend of Miriam, Marta Fakuya. Inside Miriam, Linda and Marta are sitting together. Joanna comes in and waves. At the dinner table are: Mrs. Lee; Erana Skalla; Erna, Elmer, Alfred, Walter, Norma, Sara, Elisabeth and Joanna Wittman; and Jimmy Lee, Linda’s brother. Presents are brought in for Miriam. Among the gifts is a record player.

Later, the same month, people are walking down the street. Miriam and Linda walk up to the Wittman home, go in and come out with their graduation robes. They are graduating from James Russell Lowell Elementary School at W. Hirsch and N. Homan. Another friend is there as well, Linda Smelzer. The three girls start the walk over to the school. Sara and Norma come out, stumble on stairs.

Next are students wearing their red robes, standing outside the school. Miriam is with Linda Lee and Marta Fakuya. Norma and Joanna Wittman are there along with Jimmy and Mrs. Lee. After the ceremony, people are walking by, including another of Miriam’s friends Cathy Martin.  Walter is also seen.

Next is a celebration at Plentywood Farm Restaurant in Bensenville, IL. Family are there:  Erna, Elmer, Alfred, Walter, Norma, Sara, Miriam, Elisabeth and Joanna Wittman. Ruth and Fred Sinn are also there. View of building, then of the family coming out.

Next is a camping trip, August 1964, Niagara Falls, New York. Miriam’s friend Linda Lee joins the Wittmans: Walter, Norma, Elisabeth, Miriam and Joanna. First seen is Horseshoe Falls, with mist rising above the river. A “Maid of the Mist” boat is seen below. Family goes for a ride on “Niagara Viewmobile.” Family and Linda, except for Norma, put on yellow slickers and foot covers. Next is the walk down to the base of the falls, “Cave of the Winds.”  Views of falls along the boardwalk. Rainbow Bridge is in the distance. The water is cascading down. Back on top, everyone is dripping and trying to get dry again. More views of falls from above.

Next stop is Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown, New York. Views of the fort and Norma, Miriam, Elisabeth and Joanna Wittman and Linda Lee go into the fort via a drawbridge entrance. More views of inside the fort, walking around the canons and on top of the fort wall. From the top is a view of Lake Ontario.

The Wittmans are now in Buffalo at the Zoo. Joanna and Elisabeth are seen. Views of many animals: elephants, polar and brown bears, birds, kangaroos, more birds, an ostrich, zebras, goats, bison and monkeys.

17 min 57 sec

8mm

215 feet

Color

Silent

1/1

Yes

Reversal Positives

Home Movies

Commencement ceremonies
Lutherans
Religious services
Travel
Zoos