Gangolf Bauer

Came to America in 1855.

Can read, write and speak english.

Home owner.

Gangolf built the first altar for St Joseph Parish, Wilmette, IL when he was 18 or 19, with the help of his father Adam. This was the second of four churches built at this location.

Gangolf was a carpenter by trade. He was the superintendent of construction on the first buildings for new Trier High School. He built his own house at 2125 Old Glenview Road. as he did many houses in the area. Most of his workmanship is still visible in the house, including a small hidden door built into the stairwell. The original front door went in the basement and the stairs to the first floor was in the front room.

Newspaper article from Jan 1935.

An interesting event of the opening month of the New Year was the celebration on January 25, by Mr and Mrs Gangolf Bauer, 2139 Glenview Road, Wilmette, of the 65 th Anniversary of their marriage. The occasion brought together a large company of relatives who were guest of the happy couple in the home which they have occupied together for the past 61 years.

Mr and Mrs Bauer have been residents of Wilmette since they were children. Mr Bauer, now 87 years of age was born in Germany coming direct to Wilmette when he was but 7 years of age. Mrs Bauer was born in St Louis, Mo. 84 years ago, moving here with her parents when but a small child. Shortly after their marriage they established their present home, where their children , ten of whom are living, were reared. There are 111 living decedents, 66 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. The son and nine daughters are: M. Bauer, Detroit; Mrs C. Steiner, Chicago; Mrs. Krueger, Mrs. M. Frake, and Mrs. Beiderer, Glenview; Mrs G. Rau, Niles Center; Mrs. M Steiner and Mrs. C. Whitehouse, Wilmette, and two nuns, Sr. M. Bernadine, Aurora, and Sr. M Imengard, Kenosha, Wis. Both Mr. and Mrs Bauer are active in duties about the home, where they always take great delight in welcoming friends and relatives.

One of the most pleasing features of the celebration and source of great gratification to the aged couple was the receipt of letters of congratulation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Governor Henry Horner.