1917 - August and Edla Swanson Family

In back is Ted, Daisy, Carl, Martin, Elmer, Emma, Paul,
In front is Minnie, Edna, August, Bessie, Edla (nee Benson), Lillian, Anna.
Edla wanted a family picture because Elmer was about to leave to fight in WWI.  (Elmer survived the war.)  I have a postcard from Bessie to Daisy postmarked January 12, 1912: "Dear Sis - 21 below here this morning at 12 o'clock.  Has been lower.  Have been sick for over a week with gruppe but am better now.  George putting up ice for Ericksons now.  From sister Bessie."  I can identify w/ the cold temps but I don't know what the 'gruppe' is.  (Thanks, Dan, for my great grandfather's first name.)