Dear Editor:
I am trying to find out if any of your readers knew my mother, the former Virginia Seesle. She was born in Weehawken in 1922 and died in 1986 in Nebraska. Her name was originally Virginia Annamae Kaden. Her parents were William and Teckla Kaden, and the address on her birth certificate is 417 10th Street, West New York. Her father probably left the family early on, and her mother died in 1928. At that point, she was adopted by her mother’s parents, David and Mary Seesle, who lived at 422 Bergenline Avenue and who changed her name to Virgle Seesle. They were probably first generation Germans, and only German was spoken in their home. He was either an electrician or worked as a chandelier maker in NYC. Mary died in 1929 and David died in 1932. After that she went to live with a foster family (The Elders) in Jersey City, graduating from Dickinson High School in 1941. Many members of the Seesle and Kaden families are buried in the Grove Church Cemetery.
I do not know which school she attended, but it might have been #5. My mother did not speak very often about her childhood, probably since it was so traumatic and painful. I do remember her speaking about a teacher who wore the same clothes day after day, but that might have been in a school in Jersey City.
If someone remembers anything about my mother or even has a photograph of her, I would be greatly appreciative if they would contact me.
Bruce Cammack
3022 55th Street
Lubbock, Texas 79413
806-792-7968
libop@lib.ttu.edu