F A M I L YCelebrating a Century of Faith, Farm and Food

1911 - 2011

1911 was part of the Progressive Era - a period of unrest and reform. Monopo-lies continued in spite of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. Social problems flourished in the U.S. During the 1910’s, labor unions continued to grow as the middle class became more and more unhappy. Unsafe working conditions were underscored by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in which 145 female work-ers were killed. Children were hired to work in factories, mills, and mines for long hours in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Though efforts to pass a federal law proved unsuccessful, by the middle of this decade every state had passed a minimum age law. A commission found that up to 20% of the children living in cities were undernourished, education took second place to hunger and while children worked, only one-third enrolled in elementary school and less than 10% graduated from high school. The status of the African American worsened. Skilled African American workers were barred from the AF of L. Women were also striving for equality. The first suffrage parade was held in 1910 - the 19th amendment finally ratified in 1919.

The Over There decade meant more than just sending our ‘boys’ over to fight

1911 A Historical Perspective

The O’Leary farm purchased in 1911 by Charles and Mary Ellen O’Leary. The farm remains in the famiily today owned by Dick O’Leary.

during WWI. America became the most highly industrialized country dur-ing this time. Mass production of cars created a nationwide prosperity and resulted in one of the most profound social changes in America’s history. Popular culture became a lucrative national product for the United States. All over the world people were dancing our dance crazes, listening to our jazz tunes, wearing our fashions, falling for our pop fads, and buying our prod-ucts. Tobacco was a big business, with immigrants to New York City account-ing for 25% of the tobacco purchasing.

Historic events include the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912 when more than 1500 people lost their lives. The first moving assembly line began in 1914 and in 1915, the one millionth Model T ($345) rolled off the assembly line. Other news events included the initiation of the The National Park Service and Prohibition (1919). Jim Thorpe, an American Indian, won gold medals at the Olympics (although his medals were later taken away because he had played baseball for a salary earlier in his career), the first parachute jump was made, and the Girl Scouts of America were formed. Altogether, a decade to remember. This is where our story begins of Charles and Mary O’Leary.2

Charles Edward O’Leary was born February 1, 1886 in the Town of Rock, the youngest son of John Leary (the O was not used at that time due to discrimination towards the immigrant Irish) and Ellen Cranny. Charles had five older brothers, John, Hugh, Joseph, Michael (died at age 25) and Henry, and one older sister Kitty.

Mary Ellen Reed was born to Maurice and Margaret (Campion) Reed on March 30, 1889 on a small farm east of the Rock River in Rock Township. It is now known as S. Oakhill Ave. in Janesville, WI. She had four brothers and one sister named Thomas, James, Maurice, Edward, and Margaret.

Both Charles and Mary Ellen were raised in strong Irish Catholic families. They were united in marriage on Feb. 2, 1911 at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Goebel officiating. Shortly thereafter they moved into a new five bedroom home on Route Five Janesville in Rock Township where they resided their entire married life. Their busy farm life included raising their twelve children - James, Margaret, Charles, William, Mary Ellen, Kathleen, Agnes, Vernice, Elizabeth, Thomas, Richard, and Harry. They would go shopping every Saturday, go to church on Sunday mornings and would often go dancing at the Town Hall in Afton or at home. A devastat-ing experience occurred in early 1920’s when a diphtheria epidemic struck. This epidemic took the very young lives of three of their beloved children, William, Kathleen, and Mary Ellen.

Charles was a farmer his entire life. He supported his family by raising 22 Holstein dairy cows, 15 Duroc hogs, 200 Plymouth Rock chickens, a 24 tree apple orchard, a 50 foot grape vine, extensive rhubarb planting, and a large vegetable garden. They were quite self-sufficient on home grown food es-pecially as they struggled through the Great Depression of the 1930’s that

CHARLES & MARY ELLEN

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followed the stock market crash in 1929.

During the Great Depression, the Rock County Bank threatened to foreclose on their farm because they were unable to repay an $8,000 mortgage. A bach-elor neighbor, Edward Tracy, came to their rescue with a personal loan.

Although they had a new house when they married, it lacked indoor plumb-ing and electricity. Bathing was done either in the tank of water kept near the well for watering the animals, with a bucket, or by using the one sink in the house that served all family purposes. The toilet was a three-seater 100 feet from the house. The water supply at that time was by a hand pump that brought water up from a large cistern that held trapped rainwater from the house eave troughs. This was soft water used for washing. Drinking water was brought into the house by a pail from the well out on the farm. Everyone drank from a common dipper. Electricity came to the O’Leary home in the 1930’s when the Rural Electrical Association built power lines into the rural areas. Prior to that, the family used lanterns with an underground tank filled with lime and water that could generate a flammable gas piped into fixtures on the wall in the home, being the source of electricity later in the 1930’s. These fixtures could be lit like a candle to illuminate a limited area. A few years after that, a pressure water pump replaced the windmill as a source of water and a pipe was dug underground into the house to install a spigot over the sink in the house. Within a year, an addition was added to the house to accommodate a bathroom complete with tub, sink, and lavatory.

Charles was active in the affairs of the Town of Rock. He was the Tax Assessor for many years with Mary Ellen assisting him as record keeper. He also served on the Agricultural and Stabilization Commission (ASC) for many years. His son James succeeded him on this Committee and served as Chairman for many years. When the local roads were named, O’Leary Road was established in recognition of Charles’ prominence in the Township.

By 1940, the family’s financial condition had improved and they bought a new Chevrolet, a Surge milking machine, an Allis Chalmers tractor that could pull a two-bottom plow, and a new living room couch and chair. Charles bought an Allis Chalmers because his neighbor, Biddle Gunn,

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had an International, and John O’Leary had a John Deere. Back then, no self-respecting farmer bought the same brand of machinery as his neighbor. It had to be a different brand.

Charles O’Leary died August 30, 1955 at age 69 from a heart attack. This occurred the first night he and Mary Ellen were alone in their home as their last child left home seeking his future. Mary Ellen then moved into Janes-ville to live with her brother Morrie on Court Street. She died April 9, 1965 at age 76.

All nine of their children grew to adulthood, were married and raised fami-lies of their own. Their son Charles Jr., better known as Chick, died of heart disease at age 37, leaving behind a wife and three daughters. Their son Thomas died at age 34 following complications from diabetes, a condition he had since early childhood, leaving behind a wife and seven sons.

In the 1930’s, the annual family reunion tradition began when all the O’Learys would gather for a Sunday picnic at Riverside Park in Janesville. The men would attend dressed in full suit, white shirt and tie. The women and children wore their best fancy dresses. The crowd became so large that it became difficult to manage. It was in the 1960’s that the Charles O’Leary family began having their own reunion that has evolved today into a must-attend picnic on the fourth Sunday of June. Attendance has climbed to 125-150 relatives, with close to 200 expected for the Century Celebration at the farm on June 26, 2011. The dress has become casual, but the tradition continues today by rotating families as hosts who choose the location.

The Charles and Mary Ellen O’Leary farm is now owned by their son Richard and his wife of nearly 60 years Marion. The downstairs has been remodeled over the years, but the upstairs has remained essentially as built. They have lived there since 1973. Prior to that, Richard’s brother Tom, lived and farmed it until his death. The house rented for a few years after that.

This farm at 4726 O’Leary Road has been in the O’Leary Family for a century as of February 2011 and has been recognized as such by the State of Wisconsin. May the O’Leary Family continue to grow and flourish, knowing where their roots were firmly planted.

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John M. O’Leary FamilyFront Row Left to Right: Charles, Kittie O’Leary Montayne, Ellen Cranney O’Leary, John M. O’Leary

Second Row Left to Right:Henry P. Hugh, John, Michael, Joseph

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The O’Leary Homestead 1872According to the 1900 US Federal Census, John Leary (1833-1901) ar-rived in the US from Ireland in 1851. As a single man, he enlisted in Company F, Regiment 17 in March 1862 for 3 years. This regiment was recruited principally from the Irish population. His brigade was placed under the command of General MacArthur and later General Grant dur-ing the Civil War. Upon his return, he met and married Ellen Cranny.

John and Ellen O’Leary built a home 80 rod from the road in what is known as the little woods behind today’s home farm. While neither John nor Ellen could read or write, all of their children could. Charles had an eighth grade education.

The warranty deed is dated September 1872 with the mortgage of $880. Upon John O’Leary’s death, his last will and testament left the estate to his widow and children. A Quit Claim Deed dated June 1904 indicates that Ellen O’Leary deeded the land to John, Charles, and Kitty. Charles’ brother Michael had died and Joe, Hugh, and Henry had already received payment or other parcels of land. Since Charles was just 15 when his father died, he moved in with his old-est brother John’s family in the home pictured below at 4618 O’Leary Road. He lived there for 10 years, until he married and built his own home next door in what is now recognized as a century farm (at 4726 O’Leary Road). In February 1911 Charles bought his sister Kitty share for $3900. The mortgage was released in April 1920. Charles and Mary Ellen then paid the bank note of $2000 in Feb-ruary 1930 after receiving a loan from a neighbor.

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(Below): Mary Ellen (“Ma”) holding Jim.

Tom, Dick and Harry on their first day

of school.

(Left): Photo taken around 1935. From left to right: “Pa”Charles, Jim, Chick, Tom, Dick.

Photo pre 1955. “Dad always called her“Ma” remembers the family. He never used herfirst name.

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(Above): Ma and Pa with five kids. (Left to Right): Vernie, Ag, Margie, Tom (in front) and Harry being held by Pa.

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(Front Row): Bill, Joyce, Mar-lene, Jerry. (Back Row): Betty holding John, Ag holding Don, Marge, and Vernice holding Ron.

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Page 11Photo #1 (right): Front Row: Chick, Clarence McNally, Jim O’Leary, Jack Connor, Jim McCann, Bob Condon.

Back Row: Mary, Peg McNally, Mary Catherine, Margie Connor, Irene Mc-Cann, Veronica Condon.

Page 11Photo #2 (far right): Front Row: Vernie, Tom, Harry, Dick, Betty Jim.

Back Row: Margaret Henkamp, Uncle Morrie Reed, Aunt Julia Reed, Mary Catherine, Ma, Margie Connor, Chick, Pa.

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Family reunion photo at Riverside Park. (From Left): Aunt Ella (married to John), Aunt Kittie (married to Hank), Aunt Maggie (married to Joe), Ma O’Leary, Uncle John, Pa O’Leary, Uncle Hank.

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Marge, James, and Charles12

(Photo Left): Ma and Pa with nine kids

(Below): Betty, Vernie and Agnes in their Sunday best.

(Above): The farmer, the policeman and the military. (Tom, Dick and Harry)

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Ag and Pa on a special day.

G R O W I N G U P O ’ L E A R Y G R O W I N G U P O ’ L E A R Y

Margie, Ag, and Vernie. See the strong family resemblance to

Marlene, Becky and Linda.

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G R O W I N G U P O ’ L E A R Y

Cash Crop: Tobacco was raised to pay the taxes and the mortgage for the year.

Chick and his three younger sisters.

(Above): Ma and Pa in their home at Christmas.

(Below): Ma, Margie and her daughter Marlene.

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35th Wedding Anniversary

(Photo Left): This is the 35th wedding anniversary of Charles and Mary Ellen in 1946. The celebration took place at the Wagon Wheel in Rockton, Illinois.

First Row: Richard, Thomas and James O’Leaery, and Malcolm Cullen

Second Row: Harry, Charles and Mary Ellen, Betty O’Leary Cullen.

Third Row: Agnes O’Leary Brewer, Vernice O’Leary Oleston, Mary Catherine Ellis O’Leary, Margaret O’Leary Connor and John Connor.

Fourth Row: Conrad Oleston, Charles O’Leary Jr. (Chick), and Mary Fanning O’Leary

Horse and Riders

Photo taken March 16, 1938. From left to right: Betty, Vernice, Agnes, Harry, Dick and Tom.

The horse’s name was Dinah.

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As we recall being told, Jim met Mary Alice Fanning at a softball game west of Janesville, during the late 1930’s. They continued dating and meeting at ball games and local dances.

Mom and Dad were married at St. Mary’s original church in Milton Junction on June 23, 1939. Their reception was held at the John and Anna Fanning homestead in Johnstown where one of the in-laws managed to spread stinky limburger cheese all over the engine of Dad’s car. It smelled awful all the way over to Dickeyville, where they spent their honeymoon.

They started married life in a small house on Milwaukee Street in Janesville, with Dad working at General Motors and Mom at Parker Pen.

They later moved to a tenant farm in Whitewater and then east of Janesville on County A.

In 1950, they purchased the farm on Tarrant Road, in Milton. We became the O’Learys east of Janesville. In the late 1960’s a

second farm was purchased on County M in Milton, where Mom and Dad eventually moved in the 1980’s.

Jim O’Leary and Mary Alice Fanning married June 23, 1939

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O’LearysAbout the

Russ O’LearyBorn November 9, 1956

Bill O’LearyBorn December 15, 1952

Jim O’LearyBorn November 11, 1954

Describe the personalities in your family growing up as you remember favorite times together. We are very close knit and like to have a good time. Our favorite times together included Sun-day night’s family supper gatherings at Mom and Dad’s with Mom’s special hot dish. We are jolly, full of laughter and intensely fun. We are mainly extroverts and are quite social. We are compas-sionate and caring; however it may not seem like it on Saturday mornings butchering ducks and chickens. We are also hard-working, organized and efficient. Mom was always hard-working and dad very outgoing. He was busy going to AMPI meetings, the ASCS Office, and Washing-ton D.C. to lobby for milk prices and the farmer. Janey was in control and Bill more boisterous. Judy was the studious one. Jim is cavalier about things while Russ was and is sports-minded as he can answer questions about any sport….just ask him. The family, neighbors, and friends always gathered to play softball on Sunday afternoons at O’Leary Softball Stadium. The rule was that if you played on Sunday afternoon and wanted to play more on Sunday night, you had to help with milking which then included a hamburger or barbecue before the evening game.

Mary Jane HendricksBorn November 5, 1945

Judy SnyderBorn October 25, 1942

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J I M A N D M A R Y A L I C E F A M I LY

Family Photo Taken in May 2006

Row One: Mary Kate O’Leary, Elizabeth O’Leary, Patrick O’Leary, Keldon Snyder, Briana Krause, Deb Snyder, Judy Snyder, David Snyder, Ryan Krause.

Row Two: Denise Morgan, Mary Ellen O’Leary, Erika O’Leary, Peggy O’Leary, Jill Jones, Morgan Jones, Heidi Crull, Kathy O’Leary, Mary Jane Hendricks.

Row Three: Rich Morgan, Bill O’Leary, Ben O’Leary, Jim O’Leary, Greg Jones, Owen Jones, Baylin Crull, Jeremy Crull, Russ O’Leary, Duane Hendricks.

Braelyn Crull Madyn and Carter O’Leary

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J I M A N D M A R Y A L I C E F A M I LY

(Above): Jim O’Leary high school graduation photo.

(Left): Photo taken at a O’Leary reunion.

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(Left to Right) Jack Connor (Best Man), Charles O’Leary (Better known as Chick), Mary Catherine Ellis, Margie Connor (Matron of Honor)

Charles better known as Chick O’Leary married Mary Catherine Ellis on August 5, 1939 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Footville, Wisconsin. Their families lived close to each other. Margaret and Jack Connors, Chick’s sister and brother-in-law, were Matron of Honor and Best Man. The wedding reception was held at Mary Catherine’s father George’s home. Chick had an easy going personality. They had three children. Patricia, Janis and Carol. Carol O’Leary, a third grader at St. Patrick’s School, died of complications from diabetes. When Chick was young, he had rheumatic fever which caused an enlarged and weakened heart. He was too weak to travel to the Mayo Clinic, the only hospital that could perform the needed surgery, and as a result, died on May 13, 1951.

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O’LearysAbout the

What is your greatest achievement?

Patricia Van Horn: My Dad died when I was 9, so I don’t remember much about him. I was raised by a single Mom in what is now the 4th ward of Janesville. I graduated from high school and got a job. I married Pete Van Horn in 1963. We adopted 2 babies, BC in 1972, and Doug in 1977. Now in 2011 my greatest achievement is that the boys are adults and Pete & I will cel-ebrate 48 years married this year. Also, I’m going to be 70 years old this year.

Janis Hansen: Not only did Janis and Pat’s father die when they were young, but Janis’ husband Larry Hansen died in a tragic truck ac-cident on a foggy rainy morning near Orfordville while she was expecting their second child. She raised her son and daughter while working as a clinical psychologist. In her retirement, she now lives close to them and her granddaughter Brooke in Sheboygan. What a great achievement!

Patricia Van HornBorn December 5, 1941

Janis HansenBorn August 8, 1944

Carol O’LearyBorn April 16, 1947, Died 1956. 23

C H A R L E S A N D M A R Y C AT H E R I N E F A M I LY

Janis Hansen with granddaughter Brooke (right)

Stephanie Hansen

Erik Hansen

Larry Hansen: Died in a car crash while Janis was pregnant with her second child.

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C H A R L E S A N D M A R Y C AT H E R I N E F A M I LY

(Left): BC

Pauline and James Krutilla with Brooke.

Gracelyn and Dayne, children of Doug and Angie above.

Doug and Angie with son Dayne

Pat and Pete Van Horn

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Margaret O’Leary was the second child born to Charles and Mary Ellen O’Leary. Margie or Mug as she was known to those closest to her worked at the Rock Woolen Mills. She married John (Jack) Connor on May 24, 1940. Margaret and Jack lived with Jack’s parents and the rest of his family while Jack built their new home on the Connor property on Highway 14.

Jack farmed with his brother Joe. Margaret worked at the Rock River Woolen Mills.

Margaret had a hard time getting pregnant and when their first daughter Marlene was ready to enter the world, the doctor thought only one of them would live, but miraculously both survived. How fortu-nate they were when a second daughter Barbara was born. Back then the Connor family visited Grandma and Grandpa O’Leary every Sunday and it seemed like such a long way to travel.

When Jack went to work at General Motors, Margie helped her brother-in-law Joe milk cows on the farm.

He stopped at Vernie and Connie Oleston’s to pick up his girls who walked there from St. Wil-liam’s everyday after school. Jack eventually retired from General Motors. He died May 3, 1988.

There was a one room schoolhouse called Riverside School next door that Marlene at-tended in first grade. When she didn’t want to be at school, Marlene could run home, but her mother would walk her right back through the field. That schoolhouse was purchased and remodeled becoming the home of Barbara and Jay Jordan. They’ve raised their three children Mandy, Jason, and Michael there. Marlene built her home next door to Barbara, where she raised her two daughters Tara and Tonya. Margaret and Jack’s grandson Michael currently lives in the family home, that he is remodeling. He and his wife Stacey are raising their three children in the house that Jack built. Margaret died November 25, 1986 from complications due to diabetes.

Connor

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What do you remember most about your childhood?

Marlene King & Barb Jordan: When Grandpa O’Leary died, his coffin was on display in the living room at their house with everyone visiting all day and night. We went to family reunions at Morrie Reed’s cottage on Lake Kosh-konong every summer where we pumped water to drink. As a family, we said the rosary every night after supper during Lent, when we wanted to be outside playing.

There was lots and lots of strawberry picking ev-ery summer, helping plant tobacco at the O’Leary Farm, watching Ding Dong School on our new black and white TV, and mom talking on the phone to Betty and Vernie. Mom talked with Ag when she came to visit with Billy. Who could forget driving the hay baler every summer on the hottest days, but loving summer because Uncle Joe hired farm help who happened to be just the right age so that somehow at the end of summer – boyfriends! How convenient!

Extra time was always spent in the barn as we loved the animals and still do. We had a Col-lie named Teddy who got hurt on the road with everyone thinking he had died. After spending

ConnorsAbout the

Marlene KingBorn July 4, 1946

Barb JordanBorn May 10, 1951

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J O H N A N D M A R G A R E T C O N N O R F A M I LY

Michael and Stacey Jordan with Rylee, Ashlyn and Bryce.

Jason, Mandy and Michael Jordan.Barb and Jay Jordan with Mandy.

Tonya, Marlene King, Tiana Nordeng, Tara

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ConnorsAbout the

several weeks under our front porch, he came out one day and was fine.

Delivering eggs after school with Mom is such a fond memory. We would go from Harry’s to Dick’s to Vernie’s. By our last stops (which were non-relatives) we were getting pretty impatient because Mom would talk and talk. We had Thanksgiving at our house for years and years and at Christmas there was the big pot (and I do mean, BIG!) of boiling milk and oysters. All the O’Leary’s came. Eating Oyster crackers was pretty cool back then.

What do you remember most about your childhood?

J O H N A N D M A R G A R E T C O N N O R F A M I LY J O H N A N D M A R G A R E T C O N N O R F A M I LY

The Connor Family at Christmas. Barb, John, Marlene and Margie.

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Ralyn and Agnes met at a dance hall at Carver’s Rock, Janes-ville, Wisconsin. After dating for 4 years, Agnes was engaged April 9, 1944. The wedding date was set for August 25, 1945. The marriage took place at a Mass said at 9 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, Janesville, Wisconsin by Father Joseph DeLaney. Ver-nice O’Leary Oleston was Maid of Honor and James O’Leary was the Best Man. Richard O’Leary and Ben Gieseckie were the ushers. The Aunts and Uncles were invited to a dinner at the Vet’s Club in Janesville Wisconsin at noon, and all the cous-ins were invited to a reception at the home farm of Agnes on O’Leary Road in Janesville. Ralyn and Agnes left the reception at 5 p.m. to go on their honeymoon to the Wisconsin Dells.

They settled on a farm in Roscoe, IL. where they have lived for 65 years. They have five children named Bill Brewer, Joyce Brewer Werner, Donald Brewer, Larry Brewer and Becky Brewer Sayles.

Agnes and Ralyn Brewer were married on August 25, 1945.

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BrewersAbout the

What was most memorable about your family growing up?

Bill Brewer: When I used to stay at Grandma and Grandpa’s: Grandpa would always bring me an O’Henry candy bar from work at the ASCS office and put it in the middle of his bed, and I would have to find it. I always slept with Uncle Harry and he had a string from the light to his bed and that is how he turned the light off and on. Seems like that is the best light switch I’ve ever seen.

Joyce Werner: I always felt our family was very self-sufficient. We had chickens and eggs. We had beef cattle and pigs. We had two dairy cows for milk and to make butter. Then we had a huge vegetable garden for canning and freezing. That was a lot of work! On the more fun side, we really enjoyed holidays! For Easter, we all had new outfits. Becky and I had Easter hats, dresses, coats, gloves, shoes, and a purse! I think we have a picture from every Easter of us five kids all lined up in new outfits looking like fashion models:) And to this day, we still have Easter egg hunts with both adults and kids partici-pating!

Donald Brewer: When I was growing up, I remember Grandma O’Leary coming to visit the

Bill BrewerBorn July 16, 1946

Joyce WernerBorn August 13, 1948

Donald BrewerBorn February 19, 1950 31

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R A LY N A N D A G N E S B R E W E R F A M I LY

Memories of Growing Up Irish Being a member of the Brewer branch of the O’Leary Family...we always had the unique position of being from “across the border.” My Mom was the only one of Charles and Mary O’Leary’s children to marry a foreigner...albeit from Il-linois! However she was always drawn more to Wisconsin (Beloit) for shopping, doctors and enter-tainment, than to Rockford, which was closer.

I remember that 7 out of 8 years we would drive 40 miles north to attend the O’Leary Reunion...but we would get our revenge when the other 7 families would have to drive south, that one year out of eight...when we hosted the event.The Brewers are proud to represent Illinois at the O’Leary functions. While we don’t have 4 Super Bowl rings in the last 45 years...Illinois has won a Super Bowl, a World Series, 6 NBA Championships and a Stanley Cup in the last 26 years. And we take special homage that Wisconsin named their professional baseball team after our family...thank you again for that.

Laurie and Jason, Joyce and John, Joel and Kristin, Jeff and Elizabeth.

Ralyn and Agnes with five children, Bill, Joyce, Don, Larry, and Becky.

Kimberly, Beverly, Kathy holding Eric, Reba, Josh and Gretchen Kamps, Bill Brewer, Robbie Brewer and his wife Amy, Andy holding James and his wife Apple.

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Brewers for a week or so every summer. My most vivid memory is of her baking the most delicious cin-namon rolls in our kitchen. Their flavor and scent was unforgettable. You could smell them from the front yard, and by the time you entered the kitchen, you’d be literally drooling with anticipation. Everyone loved eating Grandma O’Leary’s hot-out-of-the-oven home-made cinnamon rolls ... and I don’t think I’ve ever eaten their equal since!

Larry Brewer: My best memories of being part of the O’Leary Family are attending the reunions, wed-dings and various celebrations over the years. There always seemed to be another celebration (and reason to get together) right around the corner. I believe this tradition has carried over to the Brewer Family as our own celebrations are usually the highlights of our year. The Brewer Family has now spread to Florida, Texas, Washington, Nevada, Ohio, North Carolina, and Maryland and even back to Wisconsin. But whenever we hear the lovely song “When Irish Eyes Are Smil-ing” we’ll always think of my Mother, the O’Leary’s and their love for life!

Becky Sayles: Growing up with lots of siblings, one always wondered what it would be like to be an only child. What was most memorable for me grow-ing up with three brothers and a sister would be when they left home one by one.

BrewersAbout the

What was most memorable about your family growing up?

Billy was the 1st to leave in January of 1966 when he was drafted into the army. Mom was very sad to see him leave and she cried a lot, but through the eyes of a 9 year old, I didn’t have to share the end of the table anymore at meal times!

In the fall of 1966 Joyce went off to college at the University of Illinois and I didn’t have to share my bedroom let alone my bed anymore! Yahoo!In 1968 one brother returned and one left. Billy was out of the army and in the fall Donnie was off to the campus of Northern Illinois University. That transi-tion was kind of a wash.

In the fall of 1972 Larry left for Brown Institute for broadcasting and I think the next week we got our 1st color TV! With one less mouth to feed I guess we could splurge a little! It was great!

In August of 1974 Billy left again, this time to marry Kathy. Finally I was the only child at home! Then, two weeks later I left for Illinois State University. Mom and Dad were finally empty nesters!

Larry BrewerBorn October 14, 1954

Becky SaylesBorn May 19, 1956

Aunt Ag’s 75th birthday.

Jimmy Liu, Robin Liu, Don Brewer, Don Wolf, Mary Brewer, Teddy Brewer, Melissa Brewer, Alex Brewer, Jill Brewer, Kelsey, Austin Liu, Christian Liu and in front of him is Ryan Liu, Owen, Micah, Noah and Elijah

Becky Sayles Family: Patrick, John, Becky, Phillip, Andrea GordonLarry Brewer Family: Tony Gilbert, Dustin Brewer, Courtney Brewer, Larry Brewer, Rae Ann Link

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Fun Facts About the O’Learys• That five first cousins were born in 1956.

Russ, Jim, Becky, Tom and Debby.

• The oldest first cousin is Patricia Van Horn (1941) and youngest is Timothy O’Leary(1969)

• There are four sets of twins: Steve’s sons Matt and Nick, John’s daugh-ters Katie and Krystal, Pat’s Eric and Erin, and Mary El-len’s granddaughters Ireland and Delaney Morris.

• That the name Charles has been used at least 10 times. Great Grandpa Charles Edward O’Leary, his son Charles Francis (Chick), Har-old Charles, cousin Charles Edward O’Leary (Chuck), Chuck’s son Andrew Charles, Pat Van Horn’s son Brian Charles, Carole Fibrow’s son Andrew Charles, Tim’s son Samuel Charles, Sue’s grandson Charles O’Leary Gunn, and Jeff’s Ashley’s husband - Charles Glissendorf.

• That the name Mary has been used at least 11 times. Great Grandma Mary Ellen O’Leary, her daughters Mary Ellen and Vernice Mary, cousins Mary Jane Hendricks, Mary Ellen Morris, and Mary Ann Brunhoefer, David’s daughter Mary Margaret, and Mary Ellen’s granddaughter Ire-land Mary. Bill married his Mary Ellen and has a daughter Mary Kathryn, and Don’s wife is Mary

Ann.

• The most Irish first cousin may be Patrick as he was born on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, with bright red hair. • Dick once bought a dozen of Mary O’Leary’s popular chocolate chip cookies for $75 at a fundraiser and recently Heidi O’Leary Crull used her Grandma’s recipe and sold a dozen for $700 at a Milton FFA

Alumni fundraiser! • After Ma and Uncle Morrie Reed died, Dick and

Harry razed the home and built an office build-ing on the corner of West Court and North Arch streets. It now is the Home of O’Leary Dental and the spot where many bags of tomatoes and dozens and dozens of sweet corn have been sold.

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Vernice graduated from Janesville High School in 1942 and started working at Parker Pen. Conrad’s family moved from Adam’s County to a farm in Darien in 1937. They met in 1942 at a popular hangout called Carver’s Rock Dance Hall in 1942. Conrad enlisted in the army in 1943 and fought in France and Germany dur-ing WWII. During the war, to remember his girlfriend back home, Conrad painted Vernice’s name on his truck. After three years, in 1946, he returned home. They were married the follow-ing year on October 4, 1947 at Saint Patrick’s Church in Janesville.

The newlyweds first home was a one room apartment at 337 N Jackson where they shared the bathroom with the owner downstairs. They stayed there for two years until they needed more space when their first child, Jerome, was born. Conrad built their first house himself at 1308 Purvis Ave. They stayed there for ten years, and Conrad built another new house at 2020 Bond Place in 1959. It was in a nice new

neighborhood near the new Saint William’s Catholic Church and school. This is the home where they would raise their four children.

Conrad started working for General Motors when he re-turned from the war in 1946. His career ended after 37 years when he retired in 1983. After that he continued his lifelong interest in working with wood, by making crafts and furniture. Vernice spent the first 18 years of their marriage as a homemaker. After the last of the four children were in school, she went back to work for a while as a book-keeper at Murils and later Bergner’s in the mall. Twenty-five years later in 1991, she retired. Vernice died on March 14, 1998 from an unexpected heart attack at home. Conrad still lives at their home on Bond Place. Conrad and Vernice were

married on October 4, 1947.36

Jerry OlestonBorn September 17, 1949

Ron OlestonBorn January 30, 1951

Linda HuberBorn June 9, 1954

Mary Ann BrunhoeferBorn July 4, 1959

OlestonsAbout the

What was your most vivid childhood memory?

Jerry: Being a city slicker it was a big deal to get out to “the farm”. I especially remember going to the O’Leary homestead farm grow-ing up. The highlight of the year was tobacco season. Early on it was just to ride the tractor and wagons. Later though, I actually could really help by working and it still was fun. I even remember taking Gloria out to “strip” tobacco when we were dating. I think that is what won her over.

Ron: Wow so many memories to choose from! The O’Leary picnics, spending 2 weeks every summer on the Cullen farm, Grandma O’Leary’s weekly visit every Sunday, planting and harvesting tobacco at Uncle Dick’s farm, helping Aunt Marg bale hay, having all the aunts and uncles stopping in to see what we got for Christmas, how the O’Leary family rallies after a disaster, like the time Uncle Harry lost a tree during a storm, the rivalry between the City Kids and the Country Bumpkins, all of the jokes at the family picnics, and all the food that you still love today. There are too many to choose just one. So guess I will just say having family that you know you can count on!

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C O N R A D A N D V E R N I C E O L E S T O N F A M I LY

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Linda: I think it would be going to the Rock County Fair with mom and dad all day on Wednesday, and then meeting up with Aunt Betty and Aunt Marg sitting in the style review tent watching, and then always having a picnic lunch together. I carried that tradition on with Matthew and Lauren when they were small and now am taking my grandkids on Wednesday to enjoy the fair.

Mary Ann: Our summer camping trips with our neighbors and Mr. Tangney catching a turtle and making turtle soup.

OlestonsAbout the

What was your most vivid childhood memory?

C O N R A D A N D V E R N I C E O L E S T O N F A M I LY

Photo Left

Front Row: Linda Huber, Alaina Stark; Second Row: Jerry, Mike Huber, Conrad Oleston, June Engen, Ron. Third Row: Gloria Oleston, Richard Grooms, Marissa Grooms, Lauren Husen holding son Ethan, Steve Krahn and his wife Carrie Oleston, Wendy Oleston, Ethan Husen, Lauren Husen. Back Row: Mike Brunhoefer, Mary Ann Brunhoefer, Kyle Grangaad, Shawn Oleston, Michael Oleston, Ryan Oleston and his son Brett, Matthew Husen.

Family Portrait

From Left to Right: Jerry, Mary Ann, Vernice, Linda, Conrad, and Ron.

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By Betty Cullen In Her Own Words....

My first boyfriend……..” I had two sisters, Ag &Vern. They dated two boys from Darien and they brought along an extra fellow for me. At the time there was a song called The Three Little Sisters that was very popular. My folks let me go because they figured I was in good company. My friend joined the Navy. When he came home on leave we went out a lot but then Malcolm came along and I said good-bye to him. I went with Malcolm quite a few years and at age 21 I got my diamond. I really saved money from 21 to 22 because I knew I was getting married. It came in very handy. We got married in September. I worked at Parker Pen from then until the next spring and then I quit to be a full time wife.”

I met Malcolm at a dance in Whitewater. He was cute, mannerly and a good danc-er. Our first date was at the Odd Fellows Hall and the flame was lit. He proposed on July 22nd (my 21st birthday) at Whitewater Lake Restaurant. He picked out the ring by himself. He sent me a beautiful corsage at the Parker Pen. Vern was just married 1 year and then I came out with ring which meant another wedding. I showed my folks the ring the next morning before I went to work. They always liked Malcolm because he was a farmer.

What I remember about dating…….”My folks always said, “What’s said after mid-night doesn’t amount to anything.” So they emphasized to be home by midnight. They were a little more lenient with me because I was with my sisters. We usually went to a lot of dances and the show on Sunday night. We also went bowling. We would go to the Odd Fellows Hall in Janesville on Friday night, Saturday night dancing at Whitewater and then Sunday night at Lake Geneva.”

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What was a favorite family tradition growing up?

John Cullen: One of the traditions that always made an impression on me was observing the four sisters, Ag, Margie, Vernie and my mother, Betty always taking time to celebrate each other’s birthdays. It seemed to me, as a kid, that it was rare whenever the four sisters did not make every effort to clear their schedules and get together for their birthday. It was very important to each of them that they could get together. Sometimes the kids were involved but most times it was “ladies day out”. For my mother, a trip to Roscoe or any-where off the farm was a big day. The celebrations varied but they always involved food and a lot of conversation. This tradition started as far back as I can remember, and continued right up until the year my mother died. As an adult I have come to appreciate even more the effort it takes to maintain those family bonds and the value received for the entire family. After these events, we always knew who was getting married, who was having a baby and who was having surgery. This was communi-cation before Facebook.

Carole Fibrow: The O’Leary Reunion was so important to mom that she NEVER missed ONE! When the reunions weren’t at a park, but they were at Uncle Dick’s house. Going to Janesville

CullensAbout the

John CullenBorn September 30, 1950

Jim CullenBorn February 21, 1956

Carole FibrowBorn September 24, 1952

Bob CullenBorn November 10, 1960

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M A L C O L M A N D B E T T Y C U L L E N F A M I LY

Grahn FamilyKellie, Eric, Chesney and Harper

Jim Cullen FamilyStanding: Dan, Jim and Shawn Seated: Stephanie Cullen, Kellie Grahn and Claire Hemmerling

Greg Cullen Family(Front): Rachel Moore, Greg, Jennifer (Back): Stephanie, Patrick, Casey

John Cullen FamilyMark and Krystal Boardman, Brett Burrs, Katie Burrs, Marty and Sara Koppes, Madeling Koppes, Debbie and John Cullen

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CullensAbout the

and visiting the city cousins was easy because Harry, Dick, Vernie and Colleen all lived right by each other. On Sundays (you would just stop over) and visit cousins, with many many ball games played at Jim and Mary O’Leary’s

Jim Cullen: Thanksgiving and Christmas with the Ole-stons or Connors are traditions I remember. Playing pool in the Oleston’s basement was a treat. The holidays at Uncle Jack and Aunt Margie’s always included Uncle Jack having two televi-sions going with two football games on at the same time. That was before remote controls were invented. Also as a little boy, my mom would take me to Janesville for shop-ping or whatever, and Grandma O’Leary would join us for lunch at either “The Cozy Inn” for Chinese or the “Aunt Jemima Pancake House” or just a visit to Grandma’s house where I was always fascinated by the stuffed fox.

Bob Cullen: EVERY morning for breakfast, 1 small juice glass of orange juice. Mom sitting at the bottom of the stairs while we got dressed go-ing over the schedule for the day. After we moved out - a recipe card for each of us with all the news.

When we called she could grab our card and relate all the news. At least 5 different pies during the holidays - each of our favorites. The Christmas Elf handed out the gifts.

Greg Cullen: I would say my favorite family tradition has been getting together at Christmas time. Although our camping trips have been fun in recent years, being the youngest, the house was often empty when I was growing up. Everyone

came home for Christmas and the house would fill up again. I especially enjoyed Mom’s cooking. Getting together that time of year has been the longest running favorite tradition.

What was a favorite family tradition growing up?

Greg CullenBorn August 29, 1968

Carole Fibrow FamilyMichael, Andrew, Dewayne, Carole, Angela and Coy Bradstreet; (Front): Kallie Bradstreet, Drew Cude, Brycelyn Bradstreet

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Mom was working at Kreske’s, a store downtown, and the ladies that she worked with, would go watch the guys play softball down by Beneddettis. One of the ladies was married to one of the McCanns and they decided to in-troduce Colleen to Tom at a softball game. Mom finally relented and agreed to go to the game where she met our dad. She always told us how they hit it off right away and were soon a steady couple. Six weeks into the rela-tionship Tom had a serious talk with Mom to inform her that if they were to continue seeing each other she would have to strongly consider turning Catholic as his family was adament about not marrying out of their religion. This was a difficult choice for mom as she was very involved in her church at the time. She, however; did know that she wanted a future with our dad and soon started classes to become Catholic. I always remember how much her Catholic faith meant to her and that she totally committed herself and taught all of us boys the virtues of being a strong Catholic. Her faith saw her through lots of adversity in her life.

Tom and Colleen were married April 19, 1952. As most know, or maybe not, their first child born in 1953 was a girl born 3 months pre-mature died at birth. After that my parents attented church every morning for months and prayed for healthy boys. They were rewarded with seven!

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What special times to do remember when you were growing up?

We bet Uncle Dick can still recite this just as fast as he used to when he would see us coming down the street to play: “Here comes Patty, Chuckie, Tommy, Stevie, Danny, Jeffy, Mikie. That still makes us laugh.

Pat: Mom would make pancakes and us boys would have a contest to see who could eat the most. When we would start getting full, she would tell us to go run around the house to make more room- which we would do. If the neighbors saw this, they probably thought we were crazy running around the house. I always won, it seems, with some crazy amount like 16-17.

Chuck: I remember helping my dad milk cows and one time hanging on to a calf’s tail and him dragging me around the barn. The tobacco days were special times. When you told Uncle Dick you would be there then, by God you better show up, even if you were so hung over you were puking in the rows.

Tom: We had this big long Formica topped table that suffered from a bad sag in the middle. Us boys always joked that the table sagged because of all the good food Mom would put on it. She loved to cook and making that special meal or favorite des-sert was her way of showing love.

O’LearysAbout the

Tom O’LearyBorn January 16, 1956

Steve O’LearyBorn May 3, 1957

Pat O’LearyBorn March 17, 1954

Chuck O’LearyBorn February 4, 1955

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A Family ConnectionI vividly remember how connected I felt to all my cousins and the special bond I truly believe we all share. How many people grow up with 20 first cousins in a 3 block area the way we did? I remember always feeling so connected to some-thing bigger. It gave me a sense of security and of who I was.

The O’Leary Road Farm was always such a special place because it told us where we had come from. My grandparents had built this farm, my Dad was born here and we were born here and even though I never got to know my Dad, we felt connected to him on that farm, making us a part of his world. When we would be out there working in the tobacco, walking through the shed or opening the barn door, we would be wondering when he had touched that door or walked this same way.

There is a famous quote that goes “ You can’t know where you’re going unless you know where you came from.” To us that is what the farm represents.

Our kids love to hear the stories about us growing up.

T O M A N D C O L L E E N O ’ L E A R Y F A M I LY T O M A N D C O L L E E N O ’ L E A R Y F A M I LY

The Jeff O’Leary Family:

From Left: Colin, Chuck, Ashley, (front) Alexis Glissendorf, Jeff with MaKayla O’Leary, Jenna and Mike Shepherd, Bob-bie Jo, Megan (front), Chad, Jessica, Kirsten O’Leary (front)

The Mike O’Leary Family:

Mike, Abby, Nanette and Adam.

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Steve: Walking to Grandma O’Leary’s house on Court Street after school for chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven is a special memory for me.

Jeff: Special times were playing kick the can and capturing the flag with the whole neighborhood. Sundays we would play football up at Franklin in the winter and go to the Jim O’Leary farm and play softball in the summer.

Mike: I remember when Dan was sick and the help from family that was always there. I remember going to Aunt Marion and Uncle Dick’s after school because Mom and Dan would be at the doctor’s or in the hospital. Aunt Marion was always driving us to Madison for Dan’s treatments. One cold snowy night we were just sitting down to eat and Dan started bleeding really bad and Mom called Uncle Harry who was there in like 5 minutes. We went and stayed the night at their house. Judy O’Leary and John Cullen also drove us up to the hospital in Madison to visit him. I remember like it was last week, the day we all had to be tested to see if we would be a bone-marrow match. Aunt Barb took Jeff and me to a little drug store on University Avenue and bought us a treat and Uncle Harry took us all for dinner afterward. We would go spend time out at Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary’s too.

O’LearysAbout the

Jeff O’LearyBorn September 23, 1960

Daniel O’LearyDied Age 11, Jan. 7, 1970

Mike O’LearyBorn December 6, 1961

T O M A N D C O L L E E N O ’ L E A R Y F A M I LY

What special times to do remember when you were growing up?

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T O M A N D C O L L E E N O ’ L E A R Y F A M I LY T O M A N D C O L L E E N O ’ L E A R Y F A M I LY

Pat O’Leary’s granddaughters Colleen and Ava

Connor Robert McQuillen - Born May 5, 2010. Son of Paul and Katie. Grandson of Steve and Doreen O’Leary.

Steve O’Leary Family: Paul McQuillen, Katie, Doreen and

Steve O’Leary, Cincy and Matt O’Leary, Audrey Ancheta, Nick O’Leary

Chuck O’Leary Family: Chris Hebble, Amy, Chuck, Ashley, Andy, Nancy, Tyler,

Brian, and Trisha O’Leary.

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More O’Leary Fun Facts • Ma’s favorite soap opera was “Edge of Night”

and Vernie and Betty would come watch with her.

• Do you know who Perno, Chick and Mug are?

They were Dick’s nickmanes for Vernie, Charles, and Margie.

• Did you know that Great Grandpa John Leary

was a unit member of Company F and fought in Vicksburg among other battles during the Civil War.

• When Betty died she left a fur coat that was used to make five teddy bears. When Malcohm died his bib overalls were used to make little bibs for the teddy bears.

• These first cousins share birthdays: July 4th: Marlene King and Mary Ann Brunhoefer July 16th: Mary Ellen Morris and Bill Brewer August 29th: Greg Cullen and David O’Leary September 30th: John Cullen & Timothy O’Leary

T O M A N D C O L L E E N O ’ L E A R Y F A M I LY

Pat O’Leary Family: Pat, Clara, Erin, Sarah, Rachel and Eric.

Six Brothers: Mike, Jeff, Steve, Tom, Chuck and Pat49

Richard Michael O’Leary was born August 11, 1930, the eleventh child of Charles and Mary Ellen O’Leary. Marion Madeline Fanning was born June 13, 1930 the second daughter of Botious and Frances Fanning.

One evening while attending a car-nival on E. Racine St. in Janesville,

which is now St. John Vianney Church, they met. They had known each other

through friends, but this conversation led to a date the following Saturday night. Both were sixteen at the time. Their first date was a dance in Whitewater, which became a weekly event for years to come. They dated all through their junior and senior years of high school, attending all school functions. They were married October 20, 1951 at age 21.

Richard farmed and Marion worked at Parker Pen and Borg Corporation. There

first child, Mary Ellen, arrived July 16, 1953. Their second daughter, Jack-

ie, came October 4, 1954 while they were living on a farm

on Hanover Road. Then came a monu-mental change

in career for Richard. He joined the Janesville Police Department in 1955 and retired after thirty-one and a half years with the rank of Lieutenant. However, becoming a police officer meant moving to town. They auctioned their personal farm equipment and bought a house at 222 N. Chatham St. in Janesville. Debra was born May 13, 1956 and Susan completed the family November 29, 1957.

With the children, Marion had become a homemaker, and Richard worked additional jobs to make that happen. They also became interested in developing the Sunnyside sub-division on the west side of Janesville. They built and sold twenty-three homes in that area. Richard moved his family into a one bedroom apartment in Morrie Reed’s home upstairs from where Richard’s mother lived on West Court Street in Janesville while they built a new home at 2207 Bond Place. It was completed in Sep-tember 1963. Richard and Marion resided on Bond Place with Harry’s family living directly across the street, Tom’s family up the street, and Vernie’s family a block away. They stayed neighbors until 1974 when city employees were allowed to live outside the city limits. With that change, Richard and Marion remodeled the O’Leary home farm and this is where they continue to reside today.

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Mary Ellen: Dad always came home for sup-per with his girls. He only had 15 minutes back then, but those were 15 minutes he wouldn’t have wanted to be any where else. He drove a police 3 wheeled motorcycle back then. So cool!! In the winter we would have to go to the tobacco strip-ping shed on the warm foggy days...we four girls would always be half crying in the back seat of the car because we didn’t want to go, but within minutes Dad and Mom would have us singing and laughing. I ‘m not sure it was public knowledge, but Dad thought that we were going to be the next Lennon Sisters!!! Singing “You are my Sunshine” carried us through many a car ride!

Shortly after Grandma O’Leary passed, Dad brought me her blue suitcase with her initials on it (which I happened to perfectly match ). Our family has taken that suitcase to the hospital every time a little one was born. It has now been passed to the next generation of expectant mothers. Whenever a baby seemed to be taking their time coming, I took the suitcase over and within a day, the baby made its arrival. The Power of the Blue Suitcase Never Fails!! It has been a great tradition and as an O’Leary, it’s all about sharing tradition.

O’LearysAbout the

What stories can you share about growing up?

Mary Ellen MorrisBorn July 16, 1953

Jackie BierBorn October 4, 1954

Susan GunnBorn November 29, 1957

Deb WuttkeBorn May 13, 1956

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D I C K A N D M A R I O N O ’ L E A R Y F A M I LY

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Jackie: We rented a cabin every summer and took Grammy O’Leary with us on vacation. Then we bought a Scamper and camped at Jordan Lake. Dad wore the same brown shirt everyday. We always held hands and ran into the water together the first time. We wouldn’t be out of town yet before I asked if we were there yet. Even though we were only driving up by the Dells, we always stopped to picnic and eat egg salad sandwiches at the rest stop on the way. When we got home, we raced down to Vernie’s to get our dog Doby and show her how tan we got.

Debby: We sang “Sailor Dress” in rounds and with harmony every night doing dishes with mom while

Dad would be laying in the chair offering a nickel to whoever would comb and part his hair down the middle. Sometimes we even put ponytails and bobby pins in it. If you combed his hair, you didn’t have to do dish-es. Since I was always encour-aged to just mouth the words during family sing-a-longs, I was the lucky one to not do the dishes the most . There were

O’LearysAbout the

What stories can you share about growing up?

times someone came to the door and dad would have to answer it wearing his lovely hairdo. When we would be riding around with dad and after helping him at the farm, he always asked if we could spit. If you said “No” a quick stop for pop always helped change that. I don’t think he order pop for himself.

Susie: One of the greatest gifts we received as kids was the knowledge that work equals fun. Mom and Dad had a knack of making even the most mundane of chores seem like a fun activ-ity. It might have taken a few years of stripping tobacco to actually realize this, but somewhere along the way, we did. We could be piling to-bacco, loading the wagons, stripping the tobacco with frozen feet, or eating hot dogs wrapped in tin foil but it didn’t seem like work since through-out the job we were learning the history of the O’Leary family, farming, the Town of Rock or perfecting our 4-part harmony. Putting up fence in “Ma’s Marsh” doesn’t sound like fun; but somehow it was. I guess the bottom line is that it is not about the job, but rather the people you are working with.

The Whole Gang

Front Row: Chelsea with Jamison Morris, Kellie with Tate Pearson, Mary Ellen Morris, Kelly with Delaney Morris, Marion and Dick O’Leary, Deb Wuttke

Second Row: Chad Pearson, Taylor Wuttke, Mike Morris, Ricky with Ireland Morris, Jennifer with Charlie Gunn, Sue Gunn, Emily Kreger, Griffin Wuttke, Laura Fuhrmann

Back Row: Dean Wuttke, Christopher Gunn, Daniel Gunn, Mark Gunn, Clayton Kreger, Ben Fuhrmann

Jackie Bier Family

(Back): Bre, Lyvia, Ross, Jackie(Front): Larissa, Lindsay, Parker, Dennis

Harry and Barbara met at a RN sponsored dance at the Mitchell Park Pavilion in Milwau-kee. Harry graduated from Milton College, spent 2 years in the Army, and was a junior at Marquette Law School. Barbara had received her diploma from Mercy Central School of Nursing, in Grand Rapids, passed her State of Michigan Nursing Board to become a Registered Nurse. She then enrolled at Marquette to obtain her BS degree.

They were married on November 21, 1959, at St. Adalbert’s Bascillica in Grand Rapids during Harry’s Thanksgiving break from Law School. Barb’s uncle, Rev. Henry Niedzwiecki, presided. Barbara had graduated and was working at Mt. Sinai Hospital. They honeymooned in Chicago and Harry returned to Law School the following week and Barbara returned to work at Mt. Sinai Hospital. They rented a bungalow at 40th and Fon du lac from a couple who were wintering in AZ. Upon Harry’s graduation, they moved to Janesville where Harry established his law practice, beginning with Ernest P. Agnew. Later he joined William Sutherland, Robert G. Krohn and finally his sons, Harry and David joined him He was appointed as Rock County District Attorney in 1962, and after his term expired, returned to the practice of law.

Barb was employed by Mercy Hospital, but later became a full time Mother to their five children, Julie, Harry, David, Kevin and Timothy. In her later years, she obtained her Master’s degree from George Williams College, taught at Blackhawk Tech and was employed by Hospice Care.

Julie graduated from UW-LaCrosse with a degree in Recreational Ther-apy and is now the Business Manager of the McMinn Medical Clinic, Bir-mingham, AL. Harry and David graduated from Marquette Law School. Harry is in private practice with his Father and David is the Rock County District Attorney. Kevin graduated from Marquette Dental School and has his own practice in Janesville. Timothy graduated from St Norbert’s College and in on the Janesville Police Department.

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Julie: Walking to St. Williams with my brothers and friends, then going across the street to Aunt Marion and Uncle Dick’s for afternoon treats. Aunt Marion had the best treats. Trips to Michigan to visit my Grandma Przekop crammed in a station wagon for hours. Oh and the smell of dad smoking a cigar to keep him awake during the long trip. Going to Uncle Dick and Aunt Marion’s to plant tobacco in the summer. Aunt Marion made the BEST lunch meals. Love and Cherish the hours of hard work and chatting with my cousins. Babysitting my brothers while mom and dad went on trips and Uncle Dick patrolling the house to ensure the party’s did not get out of control. Going to Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary’s farm and learning about the dairy business. Also going snowmobiling with cousins Jim and Russ. What a blast!

Harry: There are many activities to list including camping; trips to Washington D.C. and Disney-world; going to Grand Rapids, Michigan to visit Grandma Przekop for Christmas; playing basket-ball with my brothers in the driveway; or kick the can with all the kids in the neighborhood; but one thing I remember is the activities associated with our family when we lived at 2204 Bond Place being located right across the street from my Uncle Dick

O’LearysAbout the

What favorite family activities do you remember most?

Julie DunaganBorn September 21, 1960

Harry C. O’LearyBorn February 24, 1962

David O’LearyBorn August 29, 1963

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H A R R Y A N D B A R B O ’ L E A R Y F A M I LY

(from left): Julie, Terry, Levi Dunagan, Catie, Harry C., Connie, John, Harry J., Barbara, David, Maggie, Kris, Emily, Sam, Bobbi, Tim,

(Front): Grace with unbrella, Becky, Kevin, Daniel, Audrey

Harrision

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O’LearysAbout the

What favorite family activities do you remember most?

& Aunt Marion with Uncle Connie and Aunt Vernie 4 houses down the street. I remember us all driving around the neighborhood collecting picnic tables for the family reunion; I remember walking to where the old Sentry store was located, now Papa Murphy’s, to see Uncle Dick and Aunt Marion’s garden they grew there; I remember my sister walking me to Grandma O’Leary’s where Kevin’s dentist office is now located so we could get a cookie; I remember Aunt Marion making my sister and brothers’ lunch when our Mom was busy; I remember spending at least one night at Uncle Dick and Aunt Marion’s when I was very young...my cousins allowing me to watch the movie “The Birds”...and me not being able to get to sleep that night; I remember Uncle Connie and Aunt Vernie tak-ing me to see the 4th of July fireworks; and I remember everyone doing spring yard work together since Dad and Uncle Rich shared the yard tractor.

David: An activity that has been going on for as long as I can remember is that Dad and his associates would have a coffee break every business day at 10:00 AM. No matter what issues you were dealing with, they were put aside for the half hour so that more important issues like sports, politics, and most impor-tantly, whatever family stories occurred that one could brag about would be discussed among friends and family. Even as businesses closed, the group would find a new place for coffee break due to the highly im-portant nature of the matters discussed! When I began

to practice law with my father and brother, we con-tinued the tradition. As District Attorney, my office manager knows better than to schedule anything between 10:00 and 10:30 AM. Even retirement does not stop attendance as Uncle Dick and Harry Sr. continue to attend this most important daily meet-ing. Spending that time with my father, Uncle and brother is a special memory for me.

Kevin: A family memory I hold dear is ‘Saturday Morning Projects’. Once we borrowed Uncle Dick’s tractor, drove it into town and used it to help lift our tree fort up on railroad ties. I learned a lot of things in that tree fort...

Tim: Athletics were always a part of our child-hood. More specifically, basketball, from our brotherly driveway pick-up games, to Friday night Parker H.S. varsity games. Mom and Dad always made our holidays meaningful. To this day, we celebrate with all our family members with a large meal and valuable family time. I did not know that city kids were required to complete “chores”, but the farmer in Dad always woke us up early on Saturday mornings to wash windows, mow and rake the lawn, or paint some type of struc-ture. Regardless of the late night activities we may have experienced the night before -- we were still expected to help with the chores.

Kevin O’LearyBorn June 28, 1966

Tim O’LearyBorn September 30, 1969

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As in many families, the preparation and sharing of a meal has always held significant importance to the O’Leary family. Historically speaking, it was food, or the lack of it caused by the potato famine in Ireland that caused the O’Learys to flee to America and a better way of life.

The Charles and Mary Ellen O’Leary family had many mouths to feed but with hard work, creativ-ity, and many helpful hands, their needs were met through their own self-sufficiency. There is an old Irish saying that goes like this: “There were two things on my mother’s menu; Take it or Leave it.” According to the three remaining Charles O’Leary children, that rang true in Ma’s kitchen as well. Ag remembers the whole family coming home from Confession at St. Pat’s every Christmas Eve to Ma’s oyster stew. Whether you liked oysters or not, that is what you got. Some would take the liquid only and put oyster crackers in it. Oys-ter crackers were a big treat! There was never a special plate for those who may not like it. Family members ate or went hungry and there was never anyone who did that!

The food for the family was homegrown in a vegetable garden, stored in the basement or well for the winter, and plucked from the supply as needed. There would be a steer slaughtered in

the winter, hung in the shed, and as needed, a chunk was carved out for that day’s meal - a very efficient on-time supply source! About two times a month Ma would make bean soup. The family had three meals out of it. The first meal was the broth, the second was soup, and the third was the solid beans that were left.

Dick remembers Ma being an excellent cook. He re-calls his sisters, Betty and Vernie, staying in the house as Ma’s helpers and the two sisters doing much of the cooking and baking. Ag and Margie tended to be more outside workers helping Pa with chores. But whenev-er and wherever help was needed, they all responded. Sounds like O’Learys of today.

Ma made a noon meal everyday for all, followed by a nice evening dinner served before milking. While the crew was out doing the evening milking and chores, she then had the opportunity to clean up and prepare for breakfast the next morning. Breakfast would generally be leftovers from the previous evening’s supper whether it was roast beef or potatoes. Noth-ing went to waste. None of the children ever turned their noses up at what was being served. If Ma made it and served it, they ate it. Even after Dick was mar-ried, he wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings so he ate breakfast with Marion every morning before milking and with Ma after milking. Saying no to food and good company is not the O’Leary way. A big day on the O’Leary farm was the day the tobacco crop

was sold. Pa would come up the road with ice cream! What a treat that was and Dick believes the only time all year that ice cream would be served.

Food continued to be an important part of each of the O’Leary children’s family. Each daughter would be known for their “specialty” as they raised their own children. Vernie’s was best known for her lemon meringue pie , Betty often made Ma’s cinnamon rolls, Ag for her rhubarb pie (if you ask Dick) and Margie for carrying on the oyster stew tradition. As the boys mar-ried, some new family traditions joined with the old. There would be meatballs and some polish specialties by Barbara, lasagna by Colleen, Mary Fanning’s Sunday evening hot dish and her famous chocolate chip cookies, and the heaping tables of food served by Marion everyday of the tobacco harvest. Many cousins can attest to how much they enjoyed mealtime breaks on the farm at Dick and Marion’s while shedding tobacco all day. Keeping with tradition, the food was their pay along with a few life lessons.

This tasty tradition continues at the annual O’Leary Reunion on the fourth Sunday in June. Centered around a lavish smorgasbord, the fam-ily reunites to share the year’s highlights and of course, good food!

59

Linda Huber

Desserts

Ingredients

3/4 cup shortening1 cup brown sugar1 egg1/4 cup molasses (dark or light)2 1/4 cup flour2 tsp. baking soda1/2 tsp. cloves1 tsp. ginger1 tsp. cinnamon1/2 tsp. salt1/4 cup granulated sugar

Molasses CookiesDirections1. Cream both sugars and shortening together.2. Add eggs and molassas and mix well.3. Add rest of ingredients and mix well.4. Make into walnut-sized balls and roll dough in

granulated sugar.5. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350

degrees for 10 minutes

All of Our Favorites

Crust: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs5 Tbs. butter, melted1 Tbs. sugar

Filling:(3) 8 oz. pkgs. Cream cheese softened1 cup sugar1 tsp. vanilla1 cup canned pumpkin3 eggs½ tsp. cinnamon¼ tsp. nutmeg¼ tsp. allspiceWhipped Cream

Mix crust ingredients together, just till coated and crumbly. Press onto the bottom and 2/3 up the sides of an 8” spring form pan. Bake 5 minutes at 350. Set aside.

Combine cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl. Mix until smooth with an electric mixer. Add pumpkin, eggs, and spices. Beat until smooth and creamy. Pour into crust. Bake 60-70 minutes for till the top turns a bit darker. Remove from oven and allow to come to room temperature. Serve with whipped cream.

By: Barb JordanPumpkin Cheesecake

Lemon Poppyseed Cake 1 lemon cake mix, 1 package instant lemon pudding, 4 eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup water, 4 Tbsp of poppyseed. Mix all ingredients and pour into a greased bundt panand bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Mike O’Leary

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Red Velvet CakeLinda Huber

Cake Ingredients1/2 cup Crisco1.5 cups Sugar2 eggs2 cups cake flour1/2 tsp. salt1 tsp. cocoa1 cup buttermilk1 tsp. vanilla2 oz. red food coloring1 tsp. baking soda1 Tbsp. vinegar

Frosting Ingredients1 cup milk1/4 cup flourdash of salt1/2 cup crisco1/2 cup butter or margarine1 cup granulated sugar

Cake1. Cream Crisco and sugar together and add eggs.2. Combine cake flour, salt and cocoa. Sift together 3 times and add creamed mixture.3. Add baking soda, vanilla and food coloring. Beat well.4. Fold in 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1 tablespoon vinegar.5. Bake in two layers at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Frosting1. Combine milk, flour and salt in small sauce pan. Cook over low flame to pudding stage and set aside to cool.2. Cream crisco and butter for 4 minutes.3. Add sugar and beat an additional 4 minutes.4. Add vanilla and cooked pudding mixture and beat 4 more minutes.5. Frost cake and refridgerate 24 hours before serving.

Cookies & Cream Salad2 cups buttermilk2 small package of instant vanilla pudding (I use the white choc cheesecake instead of vanilla) 16 ounces of Cool Whip1 pack of crushed striped Fudge Cookies1 large can mandarin oranges that has been drained1 large can crushed pineapple that has been drained

Mix together the first 3 ingredients. Add remaining ingredients. This can be made the day ahead.

TIP: don’t crush the cookies too much-keep them in pieces...So easy and so good!!

Mary Ellen Morris

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Double Chocolate Bars1 package (16 ounces) cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed3/4 bup butter, melted1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk2 cups (12 ounces) miniture semisweet chocolate ships, divided Combine cookie crumbs and butter; pat onto the bottom of an ungreased 13 in. by 9 in. bak-ing pan. Combine the milk and 1 cup of the chocolate chips in a microwage-safe bowl. Cover and microwave until chips are melted; Stir until smooth. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with remaining chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until chips begin to melt but do not lose their shape. Cool bars on a wire rack.

DessertsAll of Our Favorites

Sue O’Leary GunnPumpkin Bundt Cake1 pkg. yellow cake mix2 eggs½ tsp. baking soda1 15 oz. can of pumpkin½ tsp. ginger1 tsp. cinnamon¼ tsp. cloves

Mix all ingredients and beat 4 minutes. Pour into a greased bundt cake pan or 9x13. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Top with vanilla powdered sugar frosting or cream cheese frosting.

Marion O’Leary

Cherry Cream Cheese Tarts2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened1 C sugar1 tsp pure vanilla extract2 eggs12 vanilla wafers1 (21oz) can cherry pie filling or filling of your choice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a cupcake liner in each cup of muffin pan then lay a vanilla wafer, flat side down, in each muffin cup.

Beat cream cheese with a hand mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla, beating well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Spoon cream cheese mixture over wafer. Bake 20 minutes. Allow tarts to cool completely. Serve with cherry filling on top.

I make the tarts the day before, refrigerate them and top with pie filling just before serving.

Doreen O’Leary

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Super Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies1 package (6 oz) pecan pieces1 ½ c. flour¾ tsp. baking soda½ tsp. salt½ c. butter or margarine¾ c. packed brown sugar1 egg1 tsp. vanilla1 package (12 oz) semi sweet chocolate chunks

In bowl combine flour 1 ½ ground pecans, bak-ing soda and salt; reserve.

In another bowl at med-high speed beat butter and sugar until smooth, 2-3 min-

utes. Add egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to medium. Gradually beat in flour mixture.

Stir in chocolate chunks and remaining pecan pieces.

Using ¼ cupfuls drop dough in mounds at least 4” apart, on ungreased baking sheet

with fingers flatten each mound until 3” in diameter. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 minutes or until edges are set. Cool on racks.

Katie O’Leary McQuillenChocolate Eclair Cake

16 oz. pkg. of graham crackers 2 small packages french vanilla pudding 3 cups milk9 oz. whipped topping

Beat the pudding 2 minutes with the milk, then add Cool Whip. Line bottom of 9 x 13 pan with whole graham crackers. Pour half the pudding mixture over graham crackers. Add more graham crackers, then rest of pudding, then more graham crackers. Frost with chocolate. Chocolate: 4-1 oz. premelted unsweetened chocolate 1/2 cup powdered sugar 2 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp light corn syrup 1 tsp. vanilla 3 Tbsp. milk Mix with an electric beater.....or just use canned chocolate frosting!

Sara Koppes

Colleen’s Rhubarb Cake

1/2c. Shortening 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 stick butter2 eggs 3 tsp. baking powder 1/2 c. brown sugar2 1/4c. Flour 3 tsp. vanilla 1/2 c. nuts1/4 tsp. Salt 3/4 c. milk butterscotch chips1/4 tsp. nutmeg 2c. rhubarb 1/2 c. sugar

CakeCream together sugar, shortening and eggs. Add 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 tsp. salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder, vanilla, and milk. Mix well. Stir

in 2 cups rhubarb and pour into greased cake pan.

ToppingMake topping of 1/2 stick melted butter and 1/2c. brown sugar. Sprinkle 1/2 cup nuts and butterscotch chips on cake. Pour

topping over cake. Bake about 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Cake should be brown on top when done.

Steve and Doreen O’Leary

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DessertsAll of Our Favorites

Aunt Vernie’s Lemon Meringue PieCrust 2 cups of flour 1 tsp salt 2/3 cup of shorting (crisco) 5 - 6 tbl water

With knife cut into small balls size of a pea. Roll out crust and place in pie plate. Bake @ 450 for 8 - 10 minutes.

Filling Before you start have ready: 2 egg yolks beaten in a bowl, lemon juice from a lemon and lemon rind in a bowl, and 2 Tbl of butter

Place 6 Tbl flour, 1 1/2 cups of sugar in a pan. Fold together dry ingredients. add 1 1/2 cups of water. Mix over medium heat while stirring until thick. then add quickly the egg yolks, butter, and lemon juice and rind. You may need to cook for a few more minutes to get the right thickness. Add to baked pie shell.

MeringueAfter pie has cooled beat 4 egg whites until thick. Add 3 Tbl sugar, one at a time until peaks form. Put on pie making sure that meringue is over the crust edge. Bake at 350 for 10 - 15 min-utes until crust is brown at tips.

Lemon Delight(Colleen’s favorite reunion recipe)

Dissolve 1 Pkg. (3 oz.) lemon jello, ¾ cup sugar in 1 ½ cups boiling water, stir well. Set in refrig until almost set, stirring occasionally.

Add juice and rind of one lemon. Whip 1 lg. can evaporated milk- which has been chilled overnight. Add jello mixture and whip an-other 2 minutes.

Pour over crumb crust which has been pressed into bottom of lg. cake pan. Crumbs made of thin chocolate wafer cookies and ½ c. (1stick) melted butter.

Reserve 2 Tbsp. crumbs for top of dessert. Chill dessert for 2 hours or overnight covered with Saran Wrap.

Mike O’Leary

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Strawberry CakeCake Icing1 box white cake mix 1 cup chopped pecans 1 stick butter, softened1- 3 oz. box strawberry jello 1 cup grated coconut 1-1 ½ lbs. powdered sugar1 cup vegetable oil ½ tsp. butter flavoring ½ cup crushed strawberries4 eggs ½ tsp. vanilla flavoring ½ cup chopped pecans½ cup of milk ½ cup grated coconut1 cup crushed strawberries ½ butter flavoring

After cleaning strawberries, put them in a food processor to measure 1 cup for cake and ½ cup for icing. In a large bowl mix cake mix and jello. In another bowl mix milk, oil and strawberries. Add to dry mixture. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. Add coconut, pecans and flavorings. Pour into 3 9” cake pans that have been sprayed well. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Let them sit to cool for a few minutes on cooling rack and then dump them unto the rack to cool.

Mix softened butter and strawberries in mixer. Slowly add powdered sugar. Although the recipe calls for 1lb., I usually use more because the icing is too thin .Add coconut, pecans and flavoring. You can let this sit in the refrig a while to help it thicken. Ice cake layers. I refrigerate mine after icing until I am ready to serve it. (I let it sit out at least an hour if it has been refrigerated.)

Julie DunaganRhubarb-Strawberry Pie Crust for a 9 inch pie 2 cups sifted flour 2/3 c. Crisco 1/4 tsp of salt

Cut shortening into flour until the size of a pea.Put in water and toss with a fork into a ball.Divide pastry in half. Roll pastry out on a lightly floured cloth until the size of the pan. Fold in half and put the pastry in the pie pan and unfold. 9 inch pie 1 1/3 sugar 1/3 c. of flour 2 c. of cut up rhubarb 2 c. of sliced strawberries 2 T. of butter ( put on top) Heat oven to 425 and bake 40- 45 minutes or until

crust is golden brown.

Agnes Brewer

Aunt Mary’s Hershey BrowniesCream together 1 cup sugar and 1 stick margarine.Then add: 4 eggs, 1-16oz can hershey syrup, 1 cup flour + 2T, 1/2 cup nutmeats, 1 tsp. vanilla.

Bake at 350 degrees 25 to 30 minutes in a 9x13 greased pan.

Frosting: 1 1/3 cups sugar, 1 stick butter, 6 tablespoons milkBring to a boil, boil for 1 minute. Take off stove & add 1/2 cups chocolate chips. Beat until chips are melted. Stir until cool. spread on brownies 65

Desserts MoreAll of Our Favorites

Ambrosia Cake1 box French vanilla cake mix (Duncan Hines)1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice½ cup unsalted butter, melted3 large eggs2 cups sweetened flaked coconut, divided1 jar (7.5 oz.) Marshmallow Fluff1 container (8 oz.) cool whip, thawed1 can (11 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry

CakeHeat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9” cake pans. In a bowl beat on low speed the cake mix, crushed pineapple, melted butter, eggs, and 1/3 cup water for about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add 1 cup coconut to batter, beat 2 minutes of medium spped. Divide the batter be-tween two 9” pans. Bake 28 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cakes comes out clean. Cool completely.

FrostingIn a bowl beat the marshmallow fluff and cool whip on medium speed for about 1 minute, or until combined. Place first cake layer on serving platter. Spread with ½ cup frosting mixture and ½ can of mandarin oranges. Place second layer of cake and frost with remaining frosting. Press remaining coconut onto top and sides of cake to coat. Garnish the top of the cake with fresh raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, or other fresh fruit.

Becky Sayles Chicken Casserole

2 cups cooked chopped chicken1 small onion chopped1½ cups celery chopped1 cup mayonnaise2 cans undiluted cream of mushroom soup4 hard cooked eggs (chopped)2 Tablespoons lemon juice1 package slivered almonds or water chest-nuts2 cups cooked rice

Mix all ingredients and put in 9x13 pan/cas-serole dish. Refrigerate.Remove from refrigerator one hour before

baking. Bake uncovered 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Sprinkle with grated cheese and crushed potato chips. Bake until cheese melts. Yield: 10-12 servings.

Joyce Werner

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Beer Margaritas 12oz can of frozen limeade 1 bottle of light beer12oz can Sprite 1 c. tequila

Stir together and serve over lots of ice.

Baked Oatmeal1 c. vegetable oil 1 1/2 c. white sugar 4 eggs - slightly beaten 2 c. milk 1/2 Tblsp salt 2 Tblsp baking powder 6 c. oatmeal 1/4 c. brown sugar 1/2 Tblsp cinnamon

Mix oil and sugar together. Mix in eggs, milk, salt, b. powder, and oatmeal. Pour into greased 9x13 pan. Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle on top. Cover with foil, refridgerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350. Bake covered, until firm, about 35-40 minutes. Serve with warmed half and half. You can set out bowls of yogurt, raisins, nuts, and dried fruit as add ins.

Taco Burger Bake 1 lb gound beef1 envelope dry taco seasoning3/4 cup warm water16 oz container sour cream2 cups shredded cheddar or taco-seasoned cheese1 egg8 count tube refrigerated crescent dinner rolls1 can refried beans Preheat over to 350 degrees. In skillet, brown ground beef. Drain, add taco seasoning and wa-ter. Simmer for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix together sour cream, cheese and egg. In a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan, spread out crescent rolls to form bot-tom crust. (Do not separate rolls.) Spread refried beans over rolls. Spoon ground beef mixture over beans. Spread sour cream mixture on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Serves 6-8.

MiscellaneousOnes we just can’t leave out

Marci Cullen Marissa Grooms

Sue Gunn

67

Irish Soda Bread

3 c. flour 1 tsp. salt2/3 c. sugar 2 eggs1 tbsp. baking powder 1 ¾ c. buttermilk1 tsp. baking soda 2 tbsp. melted butter

Combine dry ingredients. Combine beaten eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir all ingredients by hand until well mixed. Grease (2) 9” loaf pans or 4 small loaf pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

Katie O’Leary McQuillen

Grandma Cullen’s Rolls4 1/2 cups of flour 2 yeast cakes3/4 cup of milk 1/2 cup water1/3 cup shortening (I use butter) 1/2 tesp salt2 eggs 1/3 cup sugar

I measure out all the dry ingredients. Put two yeast cakes in 1/2 cup lukewarm water (not hot). Then I mix dry ingredients with the warm milk in a ball and let it rise in the warm part of the oven. I let it rise a couple of times and punch it down. Then I put into rolls. Let it rise again. Bake at 375 for about 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Deviled Egg Spread6 hard boiled eggs½ tsp. salt¼ tsp. pepper¼ tsp. ground mustard1 squirt yellow mustard½ tsp. white sugar3 Tbs. salad dressing or mayonnaise (can add a little cream to moisten mixture)¼ to ½ tsp. grated onion (optional).

Mash eggs with potato masher or food processor until finely mashed. Add remainder ingredients to eggs. Mix and stir until of spreading consistency. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 4 to 5 sandwiches.

Barbara O’Leary

Betty Cullen

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Seasoned PretzelsIngredients1/4 cup oil1 pkg. of Hidden Valley Ranch dressingPretzels

Directions1. Put the oil and package of dressing in a bag with the pretzels and shake to coat.2. Bake on a cookie sheet at 250 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Linda Huber

Grandma Mary O’Leary’s RollsCombine in a cup: ¾ c. warm water, 1 Pkg. dry yeast3 Tbsp, flour.

DirectionsIn large bowl, mix 2 cups boiling water, 1tsp. salt, ½ cup sugar, 1 scant cup lard. When cool, add 5 cups flour and yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly (Add 1 egg if desired). Let rise once. Knead down and form into rolls. Let rise til double in size. Bake at 375 in oven til golden brown.

Cowboy Cavier 1 can pinto beans1 can black eyed peas1 can shoe peg corn1 can black beans1 jar pimentos

Drain all & rinse well

1 chopped yellow pepper4 green onions chopped1 jalapeno dicedSalt & Pepper to taste

Add apple cider vinegar- about half way up in dish. Mix all together. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Drain off some of the vinegar if you wish before you serve.

Kelly Morris Mike O’LearySpinach, Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Pizza1 pouch or tube pizza crust mix2 c. spinach leaves1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil3 flat anchovy fillets in oil, drained and chopped(optional)2 garlic cloves, chopped2 oz prosciutto, chopped1 C. crumbled goat cheese1 tsp chopped fresh chives1 T chopped fresh basil¼ tsp. fresh cracked pepper

Prepare pizza dough. Move oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 425°. Press dough into a circle on ungreased cookie sheet or pizza stone using floured hands. Press dough from center to edge so the edge is slightly thicker than the center. Arrange spinach leaves on dough and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with remaining ingredients. Bake about 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Marissa Grooms

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Main DishHearty Favorites

Sunday Pot RoastSalt, pepper and lightly flour a 3-4 lb. chuck roast or any cut you like). Sear in pan until all sides are browned. Put in roaster, add the pan juices and scrapings off the bottom . Add either 1 envelope of Lip-ton French Onion Soup Mix and 1 1/2 cup of water...OR you can use 1 can of Campbell’s French Onion Soup and 2 cups of water. (whatever you have is fine).

Add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of ketchup or 2 teaspoons of tomato paste. Then add whatever root veggies your family likes. I use the traditional potatoes, carrots, celery and onions.

The key to this is LOW and SLOW. I cook mine 3-4 hours @ 300 degrees. Keep it covered tightly with foil..Try to check it only once for tenderness @ about 2 1/2 hours. I use the juice for a gravy. Make a basic roux (equal parts butter and flour) and add the pan juices.. You can so easily double this for your Family parties. All done ahead!

Texas Caviar

1 can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)1 can black eyed peas w/ jalapenos1 can white shoe peg corn (or 2 small cans)1 cup chopped green pepper1 cup chopped celery1 small onion, diced1 small jar chopped pimento

Bring to a boil:½ cup salad oil¾ cup cider vinegar¾ cup sugar1 tsp. salt½ tsp. pepper

Pour liquid over vegetables. Refrigerate over night. Drain before serving. Serve with Scoo-per Fritos.

Mary Ellen Morris

Barb Jordan

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Barbeque Sauce for Pulled Pork1 large onion1 large green pepper1 tsp. saltPepper2 tsp. prepared mustard1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce1 large bottle Catalina Sweet Honey DressingA small bottle of Ketchup½ cup brown sugar

This makes enough for 3-4 lbs. of pork.I buy loin ends that are cryovac packed.I get this at Woodman’s and have servedIt for sandwiches at Christmas Time.

MeatballsIngredients

2 lbs. ground beef1 cup bread crumbs1 egg1/2 tsp. sugar1/2 tsp. all spice1/2 tsp. nutmeg1 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions1. Mix all above ingredients together in large bowl

and shape into balls.2. Bake at 350 degrees. Cook 15 minutes on each

side.3. Pour two cans cans of beef consomme soup and

2 cans of water in crock pot. Cook for 1.5 hrs. on low heat.

Mary Ann Brunhoefer Chicken & Rice Casserole1 cup uncooked long grain rice (not Minute Rice)1 cut up chicken (or just chicken pieces – I use thighs)1 pkg. dry onion soup mix1 can cream of chicken soup

Grease 13x9 casserole dish. Spread rice in bottom – chicken on top of rice.

Sprinkle with salt & pepper and onion soup on chicken.

Mix 1-1/2 cup milk, cream of chicken soup. Pour over casserole.

Bake at 350 degrees for 2 hours – covered. Half way through I like to take off the foil and stir… add more milk if dry.

Barb Jordan Joyce Werner

71

Main DishHearty Favorites

Colleen O’Leary

Colleen’s LasagnaBrown 2lbs. lean hamburger and drain. Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1Tbsp Italian seasoning, 1tsp garlic powder. Add in a large container of low-fat cottage cheese; (1) 16oz bag of shredded mozzarella, 14 oz bag of shredded cheddar and 2 beaten eggs.

Meanwhile boil 12 lasagna noodles until tender and drain them well.

Place a layer of noodles in bottom of 15”x 9” cake pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Then place 1/3 of the meat mixture on top of noodles. Use a large jar of spaghetti sauce pour 1/3 of sauce over meat mixture. Repeat this twice ending with meat mixture on top and bake at 350 for about one hour or until nice and bubbly. YUM!

Chicken Divan3-4 Chicken Breasts1 lg. bag frozen broccoli1 can cream of chicken soup¼ cup milk¾ tsp. lemon juice½ c. miracle whip¼ tsp. paprika1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese1 c. bread croutons (onion & sage work great)

Boil chick and de-bone. Cook broccoli. Put broc-coli on bottom of dish and then add cut up chicken. Mix all other ingredients except for cheese & croutons. Pour mixture on top of chicken. Sprinkle croutons & shredded cheese on top. Bake ½ hour at 350 degrees.

This was a recipe that my high school friends would make when we had a gathering, or a shower. Serve with warm bread/rolls and a salad.

Chicken & Rice Bake1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cut green beans drained 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 small can sliced mushrooms 1 small can French fried onions 2 c. of milk2 c. cooked cubed chicken 1 small jar pimento 1 c. minute rice (uncooked)

Heat to boiling the soup and milk. Remove from heat and add other ingredients, but

reserve ½ the cheese and ½ the onions. Pour into a greased 2 quart casserole. Stir, cover, then bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and onions. Bake 5 minutes more uncovered May want to double it for the reunion.

Peggy O’Leary

Peggy O’Leary

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Easy Elegant ChickenThis next recipe is my family’s favorite. When Abby was born a neighbor brought this over for us for dinner and we have all loved it ever since.

6-8 chicken breasts (1) 10 oz. can cream of chicken soup2 Tbsp butter softened1 cup sour cream1 tsp pepper1-2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

Rinse chicken and pat dry. Grease cake pan and place chicken in pan. Combine rest of ingredients in bowl stirring together and pour over chicken. Bake at 325 for 1 hour. This is fantastic served with wild rice.

Lazy Man’s Style GolabkiSimplified Pigs In A Blanket

Layer in casserole or dutch oven: 2 to 3 cups shredded cabbage1 lb. browned and drained ground beef or ½ lb. ground beef and 1/2lb. ground pork browned1 small onion finely chopped¼ cup chopped green pepper (optional)2/3 cup uncooked Minute Rice Combine and mix liquids and spices in a bowl:1 15 oz. can tomato sauce 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes½ can cream of mushroom soup1 tsp. salt¼ tsp. pepper½ tsp. oregano½ tsp. chopped garlic1-2 tsp. brown sugar1 tsp. instant chicken bouillon

May add about 1 to 2 tsp, cider vinegar for tart-ness to the liquid mixture OR add ½ 15oz. can drained and rinsed sauerkraut to the layered mixture ingredients.

Stir Liquids and spices well. Pour contents of bowl over layered ingredients.

Cover contents. Bake at 325 degree for 2 hours, uncovering the last 30 minutes

Marci’s Prime RibFollow same instructions for ANY size roast. Let meat set at room temp. for at least 1 hr before cook-ing. Preheat oven to 375.

Rub meat (all sides and ends) well with salt, sprinkle with pepper. Place meat fast side up in shallow pan.

DO NOT cover, DO NOT add water! Cook just 1 hr at 375. Turn off heat, but DO NOT open door at any time until you are ready to serve.

Regardless of length of time meat has been in the oven, 30-40 minutes before serving, turn oven on again to 375. Cook meat 30-40 minutes more.

Open door and remove roast to serving plate. Let meat rest on platter for 5 minutes before slicing. Meat will be very brown on outside and pink on the inside. Put under broiler for several seconds if you would like it done more-careful not to over do it

Marci’s note - I’ve made this so many times and it always turns our PERFECT!! It’s best to cook the roast with the bones on, but have the butcher cut the bones off and then tie them back on for easy removal after cook-ing. Serve with sauted mushrooms and onions.

Barb O’Leary Mike O’Leary

73

Side DishesAll of Our Favorites

Mimi’s Twice Baked PotatoesPeel a 5 lb bag of potatoes. Boil in salted water until fork tender. Mash with mixer.Add one 8 ounce brick of cream cheese,2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese grated1/2 cup cour cream, 1 stick melted butter. Salt and pepper to taste.

Put the mixture in a Pam sprayed casserole dish. Top with diced cooked bacon and more shredded cheese. Bake until hot...approx. 1 hour @ 350.

Shortcut: If you don’t have time to peel potatoes, I have used the pre-mashed potatoes and sprinkled the top with the already cooked bacon. These ingredients save lots of cooking time and are just as delish!

Crock Pot Mac & Cheese8 ounces of cooked elbow macaroni (undercook this slightly)

1 12 ounce can of evaporated milk1 1/2 cups whole milk2 large beaten eggs1 stick melted butter1 teas salt and pepper2 10 ounce bricks sharp cheddar cheese grated ( or about 5 cups of pregrated cheese)

In large 4 qt Crockpot sprayed with Pam, mix all the ingredients together. Cook on low for 2 1/2 hours. Turn pot off, stir and eat.

Cowboy Potatoes 4- 8 patty boxes Shredded Has Browns (32)1/2 # Butter1 1/2 Pints Whipping Cream (3 1/2 Pts)1 Quart Half & HalfLowry Seasoning Salt Thaw Hash Browns. Crumble 1/2 the potatoes in a pan. Dot with 1/2 the butter. Sprinkle liber-ally with season salt. Repeat layer. Pour cream and 1/2 & 1/2 over top. Bake 400 for an hour. Check if getting too brown on the edges. Turn down to keep warm until ready to serve. I make this in a small Nesco. Can easily be doubled for a large gathering.

Mary Ellen Morris Mary Ellen Morris

Pat VanHorn

Original recipe card from Betty Cullen in her own hand writing.

74

Red Beans & Rice 1 green pepper cut into pieces1 onion cut into pieces3 celery stalks cut into pieces2 can red beans (undrained)¼ cup Worchester sauceAt least 5 smoked sausages cut into piecesA few drops of Tabasco sauce2-3 cups of rice

Add all but the rice to the crock pot and simmer on low all day. Scoop over cooked rice when ready to eat.

Cheesy PotatoesIngredients

1 Large bag of frozen hash browns1 8oz. french onion chip dip1 can cream of chicken soup3 cups cheddar cheese

DirectionsCombine all the ingredients above in a crock pot and cook for 4 hours.

For a large group, double the recipe and cook for about 6 hours.

Mary Ann BrunhoeferChicken Pot Pie1 c. diced peeled potatoes ¾ tsp pepper ¾ tsp. salt1 c. sliced tomatoes 1 ½ c. chicken broth ½ c. frozen corn1/3 c. chopped onion ¾ c. milk ½ tsp. dried thyme½ c. butter 2 c. cubed chicken ½ c. all-purpose flour½ c. frozen peas 9” Pastry for 1 double crust pie

Place potatoes and carrots in a large sauce pan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside. In a large skil-let, sauté onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, salt, thyme, and pepper until blended.

Gradually stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the chicken, peas, corn, potatoes and carrots; remove from heat.

Line 9 inch pie plate with bottom pastry; trim even with edge of plate. Fill pastry shell with chicken mixture. Roll out remaining pastry to fit top-pie, trim, seal and flute edges. Bake at 425 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting.

Katie O’Leary McQuillen

Wuttke Family Favorite Baked Hash Brown Dish4 c. frozen shredded hash browns 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese 1 lb cooked breakfast sausage (mild) 1/2 c. green onions (I don’t use) 8 beaten eggs 2-12oz cans evaporated milk 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/2 tsp salt

Layer hash browns, cheese and sausage in 9x13 greased pan. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour evenly over sausage. Cover and refriger-ate over night. Bake 350 for 1 hour.

Marci Cullen

75

Asparagus Supreme4 cups fresh (cut up) or 2-8 oz. frozen cut asparagus1 can condensed cream of shrimp soup1 cup dairy sour cream2 T. coarsely shredded carrots1 tsp. grated onion1/8 tsp. pepper1/2 cup herb seasoned stuffing 1 T. melted butter

Cook fresh asparagus in boiling water. Drain well. Combine soup, sour

cream, carrots, onion, and pepper. Fold in asparagus.

Turn into ungreased baking dish. Combine stuffing and butter. Bake uncovered 350 degrees, 30-35 minutes.

Broccoli Casserole1 lg. or 2 sm. Pkg. chopped broccoli (slightly cook and drain)Add 1 can mushroom soup½ c. mayonnaise1 egg (beaten)1 sm. Onion (chopped)1 c. grated cheddar cheese1/3 Pkg. croutons¼ c. melted butter or oleo

Combine first 6 ingredients in 2 qt. casserole. Top w/ croutons and melted butter. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Crunchy Lettuce Salad 1/3 c. sliced almonds 1/4 c. chow mein noodles2 tsp. sesame seeds1/2 c. vegetable oil1/4 c. sugar2 T. white wine vinegar1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. pepper8 c. torn romaine lettuce4 green onions with tops, chopped6 bacon strips cooked and crumbled In baking pan, combine almonds, noo-dles, and sesame seeds. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly toasted. Set aside. In a jar with a tight lid, combine oil, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Shake well. (This is best done the day before and refriger-

ated, but doesn’t have to be.) In a large bowl toss lettuce, onions,

and bacon. Just before serving, add almond mixture and

dressing.

Debbie Cullen

Mike O’Leary Gloria Oleston

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Taco Salad8-12 oz. pkg. Rotini noodles (cooked) 2 cups Dorito chips1 pkg. Taco seasoning 1 lb. hamburger browned1 large bottle French dressing 1 head lettuce8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese 1 tomato, cubed

Add taco seasoning and French dressing to the browned and drained hamburger. Cool overnight. Add the rest of the ingredients just before heading to the reunion.

Cindy’s Salad 2 small heads Boston Bibb lettuce1 Granny Smith apple diced1 red pear diced1/2 cup craisins1/2 cup cashews roughly chopped2 cup shredded Italian blend cheese Dressing1/3 cup sugar1/3 cup lemon juice2 teaspoons finely chopped onion1 teaspoon Dijon mustard1/2 teaspoon salt2/3 cup canola oil1 teaspoon poppy seeds Note: To serve 12 people, make 2 recipes of the salad and one recipe of the dressing.

Orange Salad3 oz. pkg. orange jello3 oz. pkg. cook and serve vanilla pudding3 oz. pkg. tapioca pudding 3 cups of water1 can mandarin oranges2 cups Cool Whip

Mix the water with the puddings and jello. Cook until thick. Cool. Add whipped topping and man-darin oranges. Chill until set.

Pretzel Salad8 oz. cream cheese1/2 cup sugar20 oz can crushed pineapple (drained)

Mix first three ingredients together.

Mix together1 cup crushed pretzels1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup melted butter Spread this mixture on a cookie sheet - bake at 350 for 7-8 minutes. When cool break apart. Mix cream cheese mixture with pretzel mixture just before serving.

Deb Wuttke Deb Wuttke

Pat VanHorn & Kathy Brewer

Gloria Oleston

77

(Front): Dick, Betty, Ma, Harry(Back): Malcolm, unknown, Jack, Colleen, Conrad, Margie, Marion, Barb, Vernie

(Far Left Photo): At the Oleston home - Back Row: Ron, Barb, Marlene holding Jeff, Jerry

Middle: Chuck, Pat, Mary Ellen, Jackie, Linda, Tom, Steve, Susie, Debby

Front: Mary Ann, Dan

(Photo Left): Harold, Barb, Julie, Harry, David, Kevin holding their dog Scamper

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This book is dedicated to past, present and future decendents of Charles and Mary Ellen O’Leary.O’Leary farm photo

taken April 2011.

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”