Wentz family papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-1104

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The papers of the Wentz family of Bowling Green, Ohio consist of family photos with a few related personal printed items.

Dates

Creation: 1890-1942
Creation: Majority of material found within 1920-1930

Extent

1 Cubic Feet (2 letter manuscript boxes, 1 half letter manuscript box, and one flat box)

Creator

Wentz family (Family)

Scope and Contents

The Wentz Family Papers consists primarily of photographs, both in albums and loose, as well as a couple of printed items including Marjorie’s diploma from Bowling Green High School and the marriage certificate of George and Effie Wentz.

Although very few of the people in the photos other than Leota Wentz are clearly identified, many of the locations are known, including scenes around the Wood County Courthouse, Court Street, and the Women’s Club Building. Some activities include a parade on Court Street that features a boys’ band, some views of picnics and groups from the United Brethren Church, and a few shots of various places the family went, including the Chicago “Century of Progress” World’s Fair in 1933 and a couple of shots of Ohio tourist destinations, Mac-o-Chee Castle and Ohio Caverns.

Biographical Sketch

The family of George Edward and Effie Burk Wentz of Bowling Green, Ohio, married 14 March 1906, included older daughter Helen Leota Wentz born 15 June 1907 and younger daughter Marjorie M. Wentz, born 29 March 1913. Edward was born 25 February 1883 in Deshler, Ohio, the son of Louis and Belle Ketzenberger Wentz. For a number of years he operated a farm in Weston, Ohio, moving to Bowling Green in 1924 where he worked at the Court St. Garage. At that time the family lived in a home at 133 N. Prospect, by the Wood County Courthouse, and that location is reflected in a number of the photos. Edward died on December 12, 1954 and Effie died on January 15, 1964.

Leota worked for many years as a cook at the Bowling Green Women’s Club, located on Prospect right across from the family home, and later as a baker and cake decorator at Peterson’s Bakery in Bowling Green, Ohio. She died on 23 Sept. 1993. Her sister Marjorie was on the staff of the Bowling Green Public Library for forty-two years before retiring in 1976. Marjorie died on January 6, 2009.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.