The Next Generations

Hansen Photos

My father's family, the Hansen's, came to America with the great wave of Danish immigration of the early 20th century. They probably came for many of the same reasons as other emmigrants - economic opportunity, religious pluralism and the chance for a generally better life. Hans Hansen arrived through Ellis Island on April 19, 1911. Apparently he spent some time with a brother who was living in New York. My father, Frank, and the rest of the family joined Hans in January of 1912. They settled in central Iowa around Fort Dodge and Webster City and for the most part they've remained, grown and thrived in the Midwest to the present day. Hardy Scandinavian stock! Sadly, one of Hans' brothers, Marinus Hansen, died in France during World War I fighting with the American Expeditionary Forces.

The earliest Hansen descendant we’ve found is Jens Nielsen, born in 1785 in Viborg, Denmark. Viborg dates back to 8th century viking settlements.

Anders Christian Andersen, my maternal great grandfather, born in 1853.

Soren Christian Frederiksen and Ane Kristine Larsen, second great grandparents.

Back row, L to R - Great Grandmother Ane Marie Justesen Thryso with (baby) Great Aunt Marie Elizabeth Hansen, Great Aunt Katherine Louise Hansen, Great Grandfather Andreas Hansen, Grandfather Hans Hansen. Front Row L to R - Great Uncle Christian Eljer Hansen and Great Uncle Marinus Hansen. This photo was probably taken in Aalborg, Denmark, around 1891/92.

Great grandmother Frederikke Frederiksen, with daughters Eleanora, the eldest and my paternal grandmother, and Gudrun, and Nanny, the youngest. There was also a son, Solomon, who died in infancy. Gudrun and Nanny both passed away at five years of age. Only Grandma Eleanora lived a long life, passing away in 1970 and the age of eighty six.

Anna Maria Thryso and Andreas Hansen - my great Grandma and Grandpa Hansen

The ship Oscar II that brought the Hansen family to the United States. My grandfather Hans passed through Ellis Island in 1911 followed on January 11, 2012 by his wife Eleanora, son Frank (my dad), and daughters Ella, Jessie, and Gudrun (aka Gertrude).

My Granduncle Marinus Hansen.

The home where my father was born - Absalonsgade 4, Aalborg, Denmark

Marinus’ grave marker in France

Eleanora Christine Andersen and Hans Peter Hansen, my paternal grandmother and grandfather. Both were born in Denmark and emigrated to the United States. Hans arrived in 1911 and Eleanora and children followed in 1912.

Christian Hansen and Frank Hansen, perhaps taken during their time together when the family was staying in Geneva, New York.

My dad, Frank Dane Hansen, with sisters Victoria (on his lap), Ella and Jessie. He was one of nine children and this picture was taken (probably in Geneva, New York) a few years after they arrived in the US.

My father’s sister - Gertrude Minne Hansen Harris, my cousin Robert Harris and his father, David Harris. This was taken sometime around 1935.

Ella Elizabeth Hansen and her brother Frank Hansen - circa early 1920's. This was probably taken on the family’s farm in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Frank was the oldest child, Ella the second oldest. She did much to hold the family together through some tough times. She was a loving sister, a businesswoman and, like all the Hansen girls, hard working and full of energy. When she and the family first arrived in Fort Dodge, she recalled how frightened she was of the wolves howling on the Iowa prairies. Reflecting at age eighty on their early days in America, she commented "there was an awful lot of sadness in the beginning. It makes an old lady out of you when you're ten years old." Despite the trials, she said "I'm happy with being here, it's been good to me. I'm glad I'm here, you're damn right!"

Hans Hansen at the grave of Marinus Hansen, his brother who died in France during the First World War.

Hans Hansen - my Grandpa Hansen. I met him but, unfortunately, too early to remember. Before coming to the US he was a highly ranked wrestling champion in Denmark. Unable to leave Denmark after the Nazi occupation, he was active in the Danish underground movement, gathering important information on munitions dumps and aircraft installations. The Swiss government arranged for his passage back to the United States.

My dad at the Eugene Field Memorial, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago. Taken in 1937.

My Dad and his mother, Grandma Hansen. I think he was her favorite, but I'll never know for sure. He was her first born. I think this photo must have been taken sometime in the 1930's.

Left to right - Mrs. Floyd Hansen, Frank Hansen and Dorothy Dane on their wedding day June 29th, 1940 in Fort Dodge, Iowa

Frank Dane, Hans Hansen and me - circa 1943

My dad at home in Half Day, Illinois. Not exactly sure of the date, but sometime in the early to mid 1940’s.

Aunt Jane, my Dad and Eleanora Christina Andersen, my Grandma Hansen

Jessie Christa Hansen - my Aunt Jane

Eleanora Christina Hansen (née Andersen). My Grandma Hansen at home in Cambridge, Minnesota. Her early years in the U.S. were a struggle. She and her oldest daughters cleaned houses, took in laundry and collected coal from the railroad tracks to stay warm in the winter!

Frank Dane (Hansen), Eleanora Hansen and Art - taken at their farm in Cambridge, Minnesota in the early 1950's

My Uncle Floyd, Aunt Ella, my father Frank, and Aunt Gertrude together in Ella’s home in Fort Dodge, Iowa in 1958. Happy days!

My dad, taken sometime around 1950.

My dad and I at his favorite vacation spot - Minocqua, Wisconsin. He was an avid fisherman and we spent some memorable summers on the water.

My dad had a long and active career in the early days of radio and television, primarily in Chicago. I’m not sure of the date this photo was taken, but I’m guessing sometime in the mid to late 1940’s.

Janyja Photos

Wojciech Janyja - date unknown. He looks like a genuine Bolshevik (which he might have been).

Wojciech Janyja in his WW-I uniform, circa approx. 1917. He served in Battery A of the 331st Field Artillery and was honorably discharged on 20 February, 1919.

Wanda Ricszczad - date unknown.

Donna's Grandma and Grandpa Janyja. Albert and Wanda Janyja (née Ricszczad) relaxing at the lake. They were married on May 29, 1919. According to one family legend (?) Albert transported liquor for the Capone mob during Prohibition.

Arthur John Janyja born May 27, 1921. Donna's father.

Wanda Janyja (née Ricszczad) and Arthur John Janyja at 3 months old. Taken in 1921.

Arthur, Wanda and Delores Janyja, around 1925. Delores died February 13, 1927 of meningitis or encephalitis, making Arthur an only child.

Arthur Janyja in his Coast Guard uniform.

Arthur John Janyja

USS Bangor - the Tacoma-class frigate on which Arthur Janyja served.

Arthur Janyja, November 4, 1950. Art had a natural aptitude for mechanical and electrical engineering. After graduating from Lane Technical High School in Chicago he turned that innate talent (plus plenty of hard work) into a successful career in manufacturing management.

Doris Janyja (née Lengyel) and Arthur Janyja on their wedding day, June 3, 1944.

The Janyja family circa approximately 1963. Left to right - Paul, Joel, Dan, Donna, Arthur, Mary and Doris

Arthur Janyja on his daughter Donna's wedding day - December 2, 1967.

Arthur Janyja with his grandson Joshua - taken the summer of 1975.

Lengyel Photos

The Lengyel Family around 1925. L. to R. - Anna Risek, Joseph Lengyel, Coloman Lengyel, Charles Lengyel, Alex Lengyel, Theresa Rose Lengyel (seated), Doris Lengyel and Josef Risek.

Koloman Lengyel's birthplace as listed on his Selective Service registration card - Ung Nyarad.

Doris Barbara Lengyel at her first communion. Date unknown. Doris was the second oldest, right after Joeseph. She was bright, articulate and took after her father Koloman.

Sgt. Joseph John Lengyel. 4 Nov 1920 - 9 Apr 1945. Died in action on Okinawa during WW II.

Joseph John Lengyel was the first born of the Lengyel children. His brother Chuck tried to convince him to join the Merchant Marines instead of the Army, but it was not to be.

Charles "Chuck" Lengyel, a Seaman in the Merchant Marines - date unknown.

Charles Lengyel on-board the William Brewster, the Liberty Ship that he served on during his U.S. Merchant Marine service.

Taken July 22, 1945 when the corner of Addison and Hoyne Avenues in Chicago was named in honor of Joseph Lengyel who died in action during WW II. L. to R. - Coloman Lengyel & Theresa Rose Lengyel (Joseph's parents), Anna Risek, Josef Risek and William Lengyel. A painful, grief stricken time for the family.

Doris Lengyel's high school graduation picture.

Theresa Lengyel's high school graduation picture. She was a dedicated and talented teacher, earning her PhD in Education later in life after her family had grown and made their own way in the world.

Doris Janyja (née Lengyel) with Daniel and Donna, my wife.

Josef and Anna Risek at the wedding of their grandson Charles Lengyel to Dolores Jacobs - November 4, 1950. My wife's great grandparents.

Coloman and Theresa Rose Lengyel at their son Charles' wedding - November 4,1950. My wife's grandparents.

Dolores Jacobs circa 1931. She grew up to be the wife of Charles Lengyel.

Dolores Lengyel (née Jacobs) and Charles Lengyel on their wedding day, November 4, 1950.

Theresa Rose and Theresa Lengyel - November 4, 1950.

William Lengyel was the youngest of the Lengyel children. I remember him having a wonderful sense of humor and a ready smile.

Charles Lengyel. Chuck was an amazingly creative guy with loads of innate engineering talent. Like many in his generation, he developed his professional skills in the service and in practical on-the-job experience. He was curious and creative throughout his life, always thinking about new and better ways to do things, including a US patent for an improved precision measuring device. He and his wife Dee were the "official host family" for all the cousins, nieces and nephews visiting southern California. Although they had no children of their own, they left a loving legacy for everyone in their extended family.

Doris Barbara Janyja (nee Lengyel) on her daughter's wedding day - December 2, 1967

The Lengyel family, December2, 1967. Left to right: Charles, Theresa, Theresa Rose, Doris and William.

Charles Lengyel - September 2003.

Friend Photos

Cathrine Morgan and John Smith, my maternal Great Grandma and Grandpa

Lucy May Smith, taken in the early 1900's.

Dorothy Pearl Friend, taken around 1914/1915

Lucy May Friend (née Smith) and Dorothy Friend, my mother. Taken about 1920.

Lucy May Friend (née Smith) and William Friend, my maternal Grandma and Grandpa

Left to right - my Uncle Gilbert Friend, Lucy May Friend, Uncle Raymond (William) Friend, my mother Dorothy Friend, Grandpa William Friend and Uncle Earl Friend. Taken in the late teens or early 1920's.

My Uncle Gilbert William Friend. Date unknown.

My Uncle Raymond Gordon Friend (a.k.a.) William. Date unknown.

Raymond Friend (my Uncle Bill), me and Dorothy Dane (née Friend), my mother. Taken in 1943 at our home in Half Day, Illinois

Dorothy Dane (née Friend) and me - at our home in Half Day, Illinois. Taken Christmas 1943.

Lucy May Priesman (née Smith) and John Priesman.

Dorothy Dane (née Friend) with our shiny new car. Taken in 1950.

Marilyn and Elaine Friend, my cousins and daughters of Earl and Marian Friend. Taken at their home in Wyoming, Ohio, date unknown. The 1941 Buick in the photo was won by my Uncle Earl in a drawing sponsored by the West Lockland Ohio Merchant's Association. It was advertised as a "fine, big 1941 Buick sedan".

Grandpa John Priesman, Steven Dane and Richard Dane, my brothers. Taken in 1958.

Earl Friend - my Uncle Earl - Marilyn Friend and Lucille Friend (née Smith) Marilyn's First Communion. Earl was bright, ambitious and hard working. He rose from modest beginnings to become a successful industrial engineer, plant manager and general manager - an all around self-taught professional that learned his craft from the ground up.

My Aunt Marian Friend, wife of Earl Friend. Date unknown.

Marian Friend (née Reeves) on her wedding day.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Founded on December 4, 1786, Mission Santa Barbara is the tenth mission established along the Camino Real. It was built about one and a half miles up the hill from the Santa Barbara presidio. The stone church was constructed between 1815 and 1820 with a neoclassical design based on an illustration in a Roman design book found in the mission library.

When I visited, the church was covered with scaffolding during a renovation project. So there are no images here of the beautiful twin bell tower facade. Neighborhood residential development, parking lots and other new construction has covered over many of the old buildings. Numerous earthquakes have also taken their toll. But restoration has always been carefully and lovingly done and the church and convent buildings have survived, although much rebuilt.

The patron saint, Saint Barbara was a third century Christian who, according to legend, was beheaded for her faith by her own father. Her Feast Day is December 4th, the day Mission Santa Barbara was founded.

Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission continuously operated by the Franciscans since its founding. It is an active Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Old Mission Santa Ynez

Mission Santa Inés lies about 160 miles northwest of Los Angeles. It is the nineteenth of twenty-one California Missions established by Franciscan priests and Spanish soldiers. Founded on September 17, 1804, it is named in honor of Saint Agnes, an early Christian martyr of the fourth century. The mission site is midway between Mission Santa Barbara and Mission La Purísima Concepción, and was designed to serve the Chumash Indians living east of the Coast Range.

Saint Agnes (Santa Inés) was a young Roman girl who accepted Christianity early in life. She rebuffed the marriage proposal of the son of a Roman governor, stating that she had dedicated her life and heart to Jesus. In 304 AD she was beheaded, and became one of the most honored of the early Roman martyrs. Her statue, circa 18th Century, is located in a niche above the main altar of the mission.

Much of the original church was destroyed in the Great Santa Barbara earthquake on December 21, 1812. The church was rebuilt with 5-to-6-foot-thick adobe brick walls and great pine beams brought from nearby Figueroa Mountain and was re-dedicated on July 4, 1817.

The mission survived through tumultuous periods of Indian revolts, earthquakes, secularization by the Mexican government, abandonment, and plain old physical deterioration. In spite of the hardships, restoration of the mission continues to this day, and Santa Inés remains an active parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles faithfully serving the souls of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Mission San Diego

On July 16, 1769 Fr. Junipero Serra raised the cross, said Mass at the site chosen for the chapel and formally founded Mission San Diego de Alcalá on a hill overlooking the bay. It was the first of twenty one missions that would eventually be established in the Spanish empire of Alta California. The original settlement consisted of very primitive brush covered huts. Resistance from the local Tipai people began almost immediately, leaving a number of dead on both sides just weeks after the mission was established.

In 1774, the mission was relocated to its present location about six miles northeast of the original site. By 1808 the population reached fifteen hundred and the construction of a new, larger church – the third one on the present site – was begun. In 1811 cracks in the church roof developed and the two buttresses at the front entrance were added to provide additional structural support. The church was completed around 1813.

From 1777 through the early years of the 1820’s, the mission grew but was never considered among the most prosperous of the California missions. It was quickly abandoned during the secularization of the missions by Mexico, and by 1836 the church and other mission buildings had begun to deteriorate, the adobe walls melting back into the earth. The arrival of Americans following California statehood only accelerated the neglect of the mission – distained as a foreign relic of a bygone culture. From 1849 to 1857, the American military used the old church as a barracks and stable. When they left, time and the elements began their grim work on what remained of the church and mission buildings. By the late 19th century, all that remained of the church was its façade, the two buttresses, the base of the bell tower, the baptistery arch, and one room of the convento (the priest's residence).

The turn of the century brought a revival of interest in the history of the missions and early Spanish culture of Alta California. Serious restoration of Mission San Diego started in the 1920’s. Restoration of the church in 1931 followed contemporary standards of historical accuracy and, whenever possible, used materials identical or similar to the original structure of 1813. Although it’s mostly a reconstruction, today’s church, both exterior and interior, represents as close as possible the dimensions and appearance of the original 1813 building.