Graveyard Gossip: April
This monument, found in the Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California, is dedicated to Lillian Leitzel (Cadona), a world-renowned acrobat who performed with her mother, Nellie Pelikan, and the Leamy Ladies, an all-female acrobatic troupe, and with Barnum and Bailey Circus, where she became the headline performer.
All of 4'9” tall and known for "…a feat called the one-arm plange, or swing-over, in which she would perform a nearly vertical rotation while hanging from a ring by only one arm…" in her death-defying acrobatic routine — Lillian was a STAR. So much so that Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr. followed her around, begging her to come work for him until she finally agreed to perform for Ziegfeld Midnight Frolic.
In 1928, Lillian met and married Alfredo Codona, a member of the world-famous circus family, the "Flying Codonas."
Their marriage was short-lived because three years later, performing in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 13 February 1931, Lillian's equipment failed, and she fell, fracturing her skull. Alfred had been performing separately in Europe, and when he heard of her fall, he rushed to her side. At first, Lillian appeared to be on the mend, and she sent Alfredo away, but then she took a turn for the worst.
She succumbed to her injuries on 15 February 1931.
Aryn is a dedicated genealogist and researcher passionate about uncovering family history and social history. She helps people connect with their heritage and explore historical narratives that shape their identities. Aryn also assists clients in using their research to craft engaging nonfiction and historical stories about their ancestors and other figures. To learn more about this Substack and my love of history, family history, and genealogy — head here! To learn more about the From Research To Novel webinar and Substack — head here.
This Months Focus: Woman who Shaped History
While it’s no longer women’s history month, I’m still concentrating on how to learn more about our female ancestors. Often left out of records, researching our female ancestors can prove to be daunting — but if there is a will, there is a way!
Last month I discussed The Dutch Resistance! More specifically, sharing information about Hannie Schaft, Truss and Freddie Oversteegen and their time working with the RVV. If you missed the post — check it out now!
Continuing with more stories of rebellion and standing up to the those working hard to keep you down — I’ll be discussing Clara Lemlich.
I am one of those who suffers from the abuses described here, and I move that we go on a general strike. - Clara Lemlich, November 22, 1909
Clara Lemlich is famous for her speech at a 1900 meeting that sparked the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory strike which lead to the Uprising of the 20,000 for better working conditions. She was a Ukrainian-born American labor leader known for activism in the early 20th century. She advocated for workers' rights, especially for female garment workers.
Also stayed tunned for more posts about:
Growing up I heard stories about a lot of my ancestors! How they immigrated from Italy and Bohemia, how they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps to succeed in America, and even how my great uncle fought Nazis in the Army during World War II.
But there was always one part of my family that no one spoke of. I have dubbed this: The Branch that Time Forgot! Join me as I break down the family history of my paternal Great-Grandmother.
Check out my first post:
Post two: Ellis Island: Coming to America dropping April 10th (April 3rd for Paid Subscribers)
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Tips for Tracing Your Ancestors Who Participated in the Garment Strikes
Research Tip:
The ILGWU Archives at Cornell University. International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) founded in 1900, was a major labor union that represented workers in the women's clothing industry in the United States and Canada
The Tenement Museum. Their collection includes “…objects related to the buildings at 97 and 103 Orchard Street and to its inhabitants, including residents, shopkeepers, landlords, and neighbors. Additionally, our collection includes items used to interpret the Museum’s stories and present educational programs.” If you’re not in New York City — you can check out their Digital Exhibits to learn more about what it was like to live in a Tenement Building during the second Industrial Revolution.
Organized Labor Since the 19th Century: A Research Guide. Specifically their Research Guide titled “Garment & Textile Unions.” This guide discusses the history of the strikes, talks about the different unions who took part, and more. Note: It doesn’t include names. If you’re specifically searching for your ancestors name — head over to the archives at Cornell University. (above)
Need help researching your family history? Schedule a consultation today!
From Novel to Research: Webinar
If you are looking to learn more about using your genealogical research to write creative nonfiction and historical fiction novels — check out one of my upcoming webinars.
Also check out my paid level which includes posts on using genealogical research to write creative nonfiction or historical fiction, a writer’s critique group meetup, and more!
Right now, paid posts will be shared for free a week after the initial post. Starting September, all paid posts will be behind a paywall.
What’s Coming Next?
April 8th From Research to Novel Webinar (free edition) via the Genealogy Center at the Allen County in Fort Wayne Indiana.
April 30th From Research to Novel - 90 minute Webinar - via Zoom. Early Bird Registration now available. (Tickets are 20% off through April 6th)
September 4th From Research to Novel Webinar (free edition) via the Avon Lake Library in Avon Lake, Ohio. (MIS)
TBD - In-Person class at The Village Well Books & Coffee in Culver City, CA.
Want to learn more about using genealogical research to write creativity? Follow:
For quick “how to” tips and free resources — follow me on Instagram, Bluesky, or here, on Substack!
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What You Missed
If you haven’t already check them out:
The Story of Hannie Schaft and Truus & Freddie Oversteegen
When we hear "teenager" and "Nazis," our minds drift to Anne Frank, as it should. Her diary has been educating us on the German occupation of the Netherlands for decades. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl has been required reading in most school districts for the last 60 years, but she wasn't the only teenager in the Netherlands evading the occupyin…
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Genealogy News
23andMe declares bankruptcy. This has been a long time coming. If you, or someone you know, has taken a DNA test with 23andMe — you are being encouraged to delete your Genetic Material from their site. NOTE: You can download your RAW DNA and your results BEFORE you delete your genetic data. Raw DNA can be uploaded to sites like: MyHeritage, FTDNA, and GEDMatch, but regardless if you want to continue using your DNA for Genealogy Research, take the time to delete it now. Lear more here.
Forensic genealogists who help to identify U.S. Soldiers killed in combat have been told they can no longer do their job. The new formed DOGE cut the spending limit of the program designed to help learn the identities of soldiers killed in combat. A program that brought closure to the loved ones of the missing military personal.
Brittan’s Who Do You Think You Are has announced it’s new guests! And who doesn’t want more Genealogy TV? (I do!)
Speaking of Genealogy TV — if you have NatGeo (and you love food) check out No Taste Like Home with host, Antoni Porowski! It’s only 6 episodes long and a lot of fun. Watch as celebs learn about their family history while eating their way across their ancestors homelands.
Writing & Genealogy Specials & Services:
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Until next time!! -Aryn
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For more information about my Genealogical Services visit GenealogyByAryn.com or email me at aryn.genealogy@gmail.com. For more information on Writing Services - visit ASYounglesAuthor.com