John Pape and Gertrude (Kramer) Pape (in back) with (left to right) sons Paul, Walter, and Lee, probably taken in October or November 1918, as Walter (born 1900) is recorded as having enlisted in the Army on October 5 and released November 14 of that year. Written on the back of the original photograph is "3 service stars in the window," and indeed, if you look in the window to the right, you can see a small banner with three stars. Lee (born in 1893) served in the Navy from July 19, 1917 to February 15, 1919. I could not find a record, but it appears that Paul (my paternal grandfather, born in 1896) served in the Navy as well. This photograph is among those saved by sibling Martha and now in the possession of her grandson Bill, my second cousin. It was taken in front of the Pape family home at 1043 Sherman Avenue in Evanston, Illinois. The house still stands today and is now numbered 1086.
[NOTE: In November 2012, my cousin-in-law Cathy Dietz sent some information about snowfall in the Chicago area in 1918 and 1919. There was no snow in October 1918, and only half an inch total in November 1918. However, there was 8.8 inches in December 1918, and 1.8 inches in January 1919. Daily snow depth was at least two inches for the last part of December 1918 and first part of January 1919. I think the picture was probably taken during the Christmas holidays, perhaps while Lee (and perhaps Paul) were home on leave from the Navy.]
© Amanda Pape - 2010
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