Family History Writing Challenge Day 11

Note: A previous post stated that Michael Crusham and Mayme Metz were married at Resurrection Church in 1911. This is incorrect as Resurrection did not celebrate its first Mass until 1920. Their marriage application indicates that they were married by a priest, but his signature is illegible. Mayme's family lived in Delhi and as there are numerous Catholic churches located in that area, there are several possibilities for where the ceremony took place.

The end of WWI came when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28 June 1919. The country as a whole entered into an era of economic growth and prosperity driven by recovery from the war effort and postponed spending. Mass production made technology affordable to the middle class. The automobile, movie and radio industries experienced significant growth in the 1920s. The 19th Amendment was passed in 1920, giving women the right to vote. It was also the first year of Prohibition in the United States, making it illegal to sell, produce, import or transport alcoholic beverages. And for the first time, more Americans were living in towns of 2,500 or greater than were living in rural areas. Cincinnati followed this trend with a population increase of around 20% from 1920 to 1930.

Catherine ~1923

The Crusham family was increasing its population as well. Margaret was born in 1922; Charles in 1925; Elizabeth in 1927; and twins James and Michael in 1930. All the children were born at home, except perhaps the twins. The older children do not remember their mom giving birth to the boys at the house. Eight children and two adults shared the small, three bedroom house.

The family worshipped at Resurrection Church, where Michael was an usher and collected the offerings. The children all attended the church school as well. They would walk from their house, a distance of about .6 miles.

Back, left to right: Catherine, Marie & Catherine's friend
Front, left to right: Margie, Betty & Charlie ~1930

Michael continued to work as a pressman for a paper company. Besides being active in their church, he and Mayme were also volunteers for the Democratic Party in Price Hill, and enjoyed their relatives, friends, and the tight-knit community in which they lived. The 1920s were very good to the country and to the Crusham family.

Family History Writing Challenge Day 10

WWI Draft Registration

On 6 April 1917, the United States declared war on the German Empire. Up until this point, the country maintained only a small army. That all changed with the implementation of the Selective Services Act. Enacted in 1917, it drafted 2.8 million men into military service. All males aged 21-30 were required to register for military service. In 1917 and 1918, approximately 24 million men living in the United States completed a Draft Registration Card. Michael Crusham was no exception, registering at Local Board No. 9, 8th & Elberon on 5 June 1917. He described himself as being of medium height with blue eyes and black hair. As the sole provider for a wife and two minor children, he claimed and was granted an exemption from military service. On the registration card, Michael indicated that he was working as a printing pressman for Diem & Wing Paper Co. on Gilbert Avenue.

Diem & Wing Paper Co.

Cover of D& W Chats
Newsletter of Diem & Wing

Later that year, this notice appeared in the 22 October 1917 issue of the Cincinnati Enquirer newspaper. Even more perplexing is the fact that it also ran in the 5 November 1917 New Castle Herald paper in Pennsylvania. It could possibly be a political reference as both Michael and Mayme were active in the Democratic party, not as candidates but as campaign workers. Perhaps this is how Michael first became involved in politics? Another alternative is that it could be union-related, as there were several organizations that covered those working in the printing industry. The newspaper article below gives some insight into his political activities. He is listed as a Vice Chairmen at an event being held for Alvin V. Donahey in his successful run for governor of Ohio in 1922.

Donahey Campaign 1922

Crusham Family 1920

Meanwhile, back at the home on Rosemont Avenue Stella and Marie were about to have a Happy New Year in 1920 as they became big sisters. It had been nearly four years since the stillbirth of their sister, and it can be assumed that during those intervening years, Mayme had one or more pregnancies that did not have happy endings. But on 17 January 1920 Catherine was born at the house, joining 7 year old Marie and 5 year old Stella. In the photo above is Michael, Mayme (holding Catherine), Stella and Marie.

Things were looking up for both the United States and the Crusham family in 1920.