Frechtling Window History

Pr. John,

Had a few grammatical and factual errors in previous email so I am forwarding a corrected version..

Here is the best that I can do to support the probability of my family tie to the Frechtling window.  The information on the attached family chart is documented in various historical records.  My maternal Great Great Grandfather Henry Sr. was probably a member of Zion although the records only mention that he was a member of a Lutheran church in Hamiton. Of his 5 children the records indicates 2 of them, Henry Frechtling  Jr and Caroline Frechtling Ziliox, were also probably members of Zion.  The literature says that Henry was a member of a Lutheran church in Hamilton and that Caroline was a member specifically of Zion Lutheran Church.  Also the fact that their funeral was conducted by Rev CFW Allwardt, who I think may have been a pastor at Zion, is a substantial tie in.  You would know that.  

Also the families, being successful business owners and established members of the community, should have had the means to support the window project.  Also their ages and death dates would be consistent with the 1910 installation of the windows.

As I said, I do not have any record that indicates that such a donation took place.  However the circumstantial evidence might lead one to draw that conclusion.  So possibly my Uncle Henry and/or Aunt Caroline, 3 generations removed on my mothers side, had this tie in to Zion and the window.  

If I can provide any more information for you do not hesitate to ask.  Also you have my permission to use this information as you wish in the window talk.

Hope this helps.

Sandy 

Packed up and Heading Home - Day 64

Tom and I are now off to Quebec to spend a week at Lac des Piles recovering and rejoining the real world.  This then completes what started out as a wish and a thought 2 years ago.  In summary I would highly recommend the experience we had to any and all.  Cycle America with Greg and his crew was well organized and presented a memorable experience for all of us.  The accommodations were typically in good locations and the food was local, tasty and plentiful.  The daily routes were well marked and the route sheets and daily route meetings provided all the information we needed to maximize our experience.  The baggage handling and luggage transportation went smoothly and were never a concern for us.  The weather cooperated nicely with only a few wet days and generally comfortable riding temperatures throughout the trip.  And of course we had good luck and plenty of it.  Even with all the preparation by Greg and the riders, a lot of things must go right for a successful trip and they did.  In closing thank you to all who helped and supported me in the preparation for the ride and throughout the experience.  Finally I wish to acknowledge all the riders, too many to name individually, whose pictures I have taken the liberty of including in my story. 

THE END 

The End of the Day and Closure for the Trip - Day 63

 After cleaning up and packing up back at Gloucester High School, Ingrid, Susan, Tom and I enjoyed a lobster dinner at The Gloucester House on the waterfront in Gloucester.  Of  course we ran into several riders during dinner.  That is Michael, Tony, Margaret and Deidra in the picture.  After dinner and a walk through town, we boarded the Seven Seas Whaler for a 2 hour harbor cruise.  It was our final chance to reminisce and say our goodbyes.

Celebration at the Atlantic Ocean

This is the completion of our journey as we dip our front tires into the Atlantic after having dipped our rear tires into the Pacific 64 days ago.  We opened a bottle of champagne and toasted the accomplishment.  Altogether I rode 4350 miles over 9 weeks with 55 riding days.  I met and shared the experience with 38 fantastic people from all over the world who rode the total nine weeks during which we became friends. 

Parade to the Ocean

Here we are all together on our final mile to the ocean with a police escort.  The draw bridge that we had to cross over on the way to the ocean was up so we had to wait about 10 minutes just outside the school before proceeding.  It gave us an opportunity to savor the moment and stretch out the wonderful time we were having.

Sharing the Bonds of Our Common Accomplishment

These are some pictures of us sharing the moments after arrival at the school and before the parade to the ocean.  Sandy-Mike-Tom, Tom-Tony-Sandy, Sandy-Philippe, Greg-Dan, Philippe-Scott-Martin, Dan-Steve-Glenn.

Arrival at Gloucester High School

Stats: We rode 62 miles on our last day under blue skies with perfect 75 degree temperatures.  Upon arrival at the high school we crossed the almost-there finish line.  It was "almost there" because we still had the 1 mile ride to the ocean and tire dip to complete the ride.  At the school we were given leis and all the riders already in, staff  and families cheered for each of us as we arrived.  It was exciting to arrive with Ingrid, Scott and Susan there and all the families and riders cheering for Tom and I as we pulled in.  After arriving we hugged and congratulated each other with feelings of relief and euphoria while we waited at the school for all the riders to arrive before parading to the ocean.  Seeing Scott there was very special and totally unexpected.