When we left off, my grandfather, Charles Drexler, was being born. Now he's getting married. You see I know nothing about his formative years.
He married Bertha Mae Casper on Wednesday evening, November 21, 1906 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace reformed Church, 11th & Huntingdon Sts., Philadelphia. People could call on them at their home after January 5, 1907, at 318 N. Percy St., Philadelphia, PA.
At that time, Louis Drexler, my great-grandfather lived at 824 W. Huntingdon St., Philadelphia. I get all this information from a wedding invitation and return envelope, which my niece Lori so wonderfully sent to me about a year ago. Thanks Lori!
Apparently, they honeymooned in Atlantic City. There is a photo labeled "honeymoon" which has Bertha Mae and Charles in it. I have in my home Bertha Mae's dresser set (brush, mirror, clothing brush -- the comb is missing). The couples bedroom suite is in the possession of my daughter. You see how long things lasted back then. You repaired, you didn't throw away and get a new one. Not that I'm against getting something new, I just think we have lazed into trashing anything that gets shabby or that we tire of. Not a good thing. Not being a good steward of what God has given us. And, I'm as guilty of that as anyone.
I have to say, though, I've had permission to purchase a new couch -- out couch is so bad, it sags and its material is not presentable -- for over three years and I still haven't done that. Why? It's not because I haven't found one that I really, really like. It's because I still think there is use left in the couch. Now, I could send it over to my son and his family or to my daughter, but I'm reluctant at this point to buy anything that costs over $1,000, even a cruise.
Back to the Drexlers.
My father was born at home, as well as his father. He was born on January 31st, 1908, at 3618 Percy Street. He was delivered by Frank D. Harris, MD. My Grandfather, Charles at that time was a PO Clerk, he later went on to be the postmaster of a Philadelphia post office. I don't know which one. My father was named (on this birth certificate) Charles John Drexler, now whether that is correct or not, I don't know. His parents are listed as Charles John Drexler and Bertha May Drexler. Notice the difference in the spelling of "Mae" for the birth certification. All other records we have of Bertha, have her middle name spelled "Mae", not "May." My father's wedding certificate names him as Carl J. Drexler, and his social security card, also names him as Carl John Drexler. So when the switch was made from Charles to Carl, I don't know. It may be a typo on the birth certificate.
I told you about my father's graduation from 8th grade. He did graduate from High School, but I don't know which one. It was one of the Philadelphia public high schools. He then went on to work at The Philadelphia Enquirer and then the Link Belt Company. Then he went to the Bible Institute of Pennsylvania, which became the Philadelphia Bible Institute, which became Philadelphia College of the Bible, which is now Philadelphia Bible University (I think that's what they're calling it). Then he went to Reformed Episcopal Seminary.
My father's first church was in Newport, NJ, then he went to South Philly for a couple of years, before ending up in Runnemede, where he stayed for the rest of his pastoral life.
That's all I have folks. The rest is in the Bible which resides with my daughter. Someday, when I'm at her home, I'll get it out and write up a report.
TTFN
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1 comment:
Thanks for writing all that you knew about them. I am always so fascinated about where we come from - WHO we come from - and what their lives were like. I wish I had had the sense to ask more questions when they were all alive. I know Aunt Anne would tell stories, but I can't remember all the details. But, looking at pictures and finding pieces of the puzzle that gives us glimpses into their lives is so fantastic and I thank you for helping answer some of my questions and more. :-)
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