The topic for week #2 is “Origins”. As I write this, I’ve just arrived in Sydney, Australia. I’m starting the first leg of trip between Australia and New Zealand. I don’t have family origins in this part of the world, although I do have distant relations. It’s beautiful and warm here! The flight was long, but uneventful, with no delays. Sun, warmth, pleasant people, and now genealogy. I truly have nothing to complain about!

Anyway, back to the origins theme. As a genealogist, so far I’ve discovered my family has origins in three communities.  My maternal grandfather can lay claim to two of them. One is Windsor, Connecticut, that I’ve mentioned before. Windsor is the place where my immigrant ancestor arrived in 1637 as a young apprentice. His role was to build houses for the “Lords and Gentlemen” that would follow later. Two centuries later, this same line would have moved from Connecticut to Massachusetts, and on to New York, where they were one of the founding families necessary to incorporate the town of Elba, New York.

On my dad’s side, I’ve talked about the small Alberta community of Hay Lakes. This is where my Pelz clan immigrated as part of the Dominion Lands Act. My great-grandfather, Albert, immigrated with his two brothers. He later chose to come to America, thinking it was a bit warmer in Western New York! Ironically, he too ended up in Elba. Last year I mentioned how Elba has some beautiful farm land known as the mucklands. It’s wet, rich soil, perfect for growing onions, cabbage, and potatoes.

I feel so fortunate to have such roots in these communities. Tell me about the origins your families have by commenting on this blog.

The topic for week 3 is “Favorite Photograph”. Last year, I wrote about Albert Pelz and his two brothers in their dapper clothing. This year, I’m writing about my mom, and a favorite photo I have of her. Until then, I’ll be exploring this side of the world!