Monthly Archives: December 2011

Nashville blizzard 1951

In 1951, my family lived at 1702 Ashwood Avenue in Nashville, Tenenssee, which was the house where my father and his brothers were raised (Simon and Dora Ghertner had lived there since at least 1920). When the storm struck we ran … Continue reading

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Given (first) names

In Jewish families, it was customary to name children after their ancestors and we have continued that tradition. In our family tree we have deceased Solomon’s (4), Eduard’s (2), Avraham’s (2), Emile’s (3), Emma’s (2), Samuel’s (2), John’s (2), Lynton’s … Continue reading

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EL Scharff and Elvis Presley

In October 2008, my uncle Lt. Col. Eduard Lynton “EL” Scharff (Ret.) told me that when Elvis Presley was inducted into the Army (in 1958), he was to have been assigned to (then) Capt. Scharff’s company. However, “EL” refused to … Continue reading

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Xmas break at Club Ozark

Little Rock, Arkansas was ground zero for the Block family in the 1950s as all the children of Joseph & Fay Block (Raymond, Samuel, Emma, Lewis and Grace) lived there. During Christmas break, the great grandchildren, the Block family Baby … Continue reading

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Block’s jobs, some not so widely known

Many  family members know that Joseph Friedman “Bompa” Block and Raymond and Sam Block started Block Realty. Few of us have any clue as to Pappy’s jobs. Office Clerk – Wholesale dry goods (1920 Census in Harris County Texas) Real … Continue reading

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Simon Ghertner’s autobiography (1st partial post)

In the fall of 2011, a 13 page, typewritten ‘autobiography of Simon Ghertner’ was found in his son’s (Alven Simon Ghertner) papers. Here are some interesting highlights. It was apparently written shortly before his death on 5 Feb 1945. Simon … Continue reading

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