[1969: Astronauts in Chicago, Elisabeth's Confirmation, Miriam's High School Graduation]

1969

This home movie begins with footage of a Chicago parade celebrating the Apollo 8 crew, and is followed by scenes of the Wittman family celebrating Elisabeth's confirmation and Miriam's graduation from high school.

January 14, 1969, sign on a light pole, “Chicago Welcomes Apollo 8 Crew.” The crew had just returned from their mission to orbit the moon in December 1968. Two large hook and ladder trucks make an arch over State St. at Madison. Walter, Elisabeth and Joanna Wittman are among those watching the parade. The Chicago Theater and the Picasso Statue at Daley Plaza are visible. It has been snowing. The Loop Theater marquee says: “Welcome [Frank F.] Borman II, [James A.] Lovell, Jr. and [William A.] Anders.”

The parade starts, with police on motorcycles, then a band, possibly from the nearby Naval Station Great Lakes, or from the Chicago Police or Fire Departments, Shriners on horseback in white coats, police cars and news trucks go by just before the three astronauts are next riding in a convertible and waving to the crowd.

Next is a view of LaSalle St. and the parade is going by again. Joanna and Elisabeth are holding streams of ticker tape. There is a sign over the LaSalle St. entrance to City Hall: “L.B.J. SAYS YOU’RE THE GREATEST AND CHICAGO AGREES 100%.” The parade goes by again and the astronauts arrive at City Hall and get out of their car.

Next is a view of Calvary Lutheran Church, 6149 S. Kenneth, Chicago, which is the congregation that Rev. Walter E. Wittman was serving. There is scaffolding on the parish hall attached to the Church. It is June  2, 1968 and Elisabeth is getting confirmed at Calvary.  Confirmands in white robes are outside and Pastor Wittman is handing out certificates to them. Joanna and Elisabeth’s friend Gail McGrath are in the crowd.

At the Wittman home, 6147 S. Kenneth, Chicago, the family is gathered at the dinner table. Among those present were: Erna, Alfred, Walter, Norma, Miriam, Elisabeth and Joanna Wittman; Erana Skalla and Carl and Alyce Skalla; Art, Marilyn, Janet and Barbara Hertel; and family friends Ed and Evelyn Vockeroth. Elisabeth is opening presents.  

Next, later in June 1969, Miriam is graduating from high school. With Walter, she is coming out of the Wittman home wearing her robe. Just inside the house, Joanna is sitting in Walter’s wheelchair. He was recovering from back surgery and temporarily using a wheelchair. Miriam has taken off the robe and is walking over to a car where friends are waiting to go to the ceremony. They drive off and Walter and all come down the stairs to leave.

The ceremony took place at Orchestra Hall, Michigan Ave., in downtown Chicago. There is a view looking across the street at the Art Institute and then up Michigan Ave. towards the John Hancock Building. Elisabeth and Joanna are in front of Orchestra Hall, along with Ralph Pote, Miriam’s boyfriend. Miriam walks across the stage to receive her diploma. Joanna is seen after the ceremony outside.

Another view of Calvary Lutheran church, this time without scaffolding, but still under construction. Joanna appears briefly and the film ends.

8 min 14 sec

8mm

99 feet

Color

Silent

1/1

Yes

Reversal Positives

Home Movies

Parades and processions
Christianity
City and town life
Commencement ceremonies
Construction
Lutherans
Religious services
Space flight