Regan Family News Vol 2 #11

Here is the link to RFN Vol 2 #11 January - February 1965

Today, on this autumnal equinox 2016, I write to share with you Ross' early 1965 edition of the Regan Family News. I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful summer and here's wishing all the best for a safe and productive fall. As the weather turns cooler, our thoughts turn toward sharing good times with family and friends. My thoughts are with you all and I look forward to reconnecting once again.

This issue contains a great cover from Barbara Regan with a wonderful personal note on page 2 from grandpa Ross. This 9 page issue also contains a note from the editor, family news, address changes, a vacation tip, and a 4 page story from Brother Dan on why monastic life was the right choice for him.

NEWS

The Hollis Regans

Ross reports on health concerns of the 4 surviving children of Peter Regan I. All are having difficulties as they neared the end of their days and Ross requested prayers for all.

The Harry Wellingtons

Slow progress with Joan's health issues

The Roy Johnstons and Ross Regans

They make winter plans for sunnier climes

From Helen Mulherin

Christmas travel news from the Mulherins'

The Vernon Lee Watts

Someone please tell me who this is!

John J Regan, Jr

News from California

Leddy Family News:

On our homefront there is not much new. Diane and I spent 2 weeks at Mount Tremblant north of Montreal with our good friends and traveling companions Ted and Nancy Smith. We hoped to escape the heat by traveling north but we had 90 degree temps the whole time!

I'm busy with my bar band, Gray Matters Band (like us on Facebook!), playing concert band gigs, and staying connected to the Stony Brook University Marching Band in my Emeritus position. Lot's of fun! Also, Hoptron Brewtique Running Club has become an important part of my life. Every Tuesday I drive to Patchogue to go for a 5k run and craft brew taste with new friends. We all seem to have a lot in common and it's a great hang for us all.

I sold the house I grew up in in Huntington, NY. It's still a beautiful town and we have many memories of such great times. It was difficult to say goodbye.

Maggie continues to work at Johnson Strings in Boston and study for her MBA at Northeastern University part time. It's a long haul but we're so proud of her progress.

James is living in Astoria, Queens and working at Bloomberg in Manhattan. Still living the good life in the city. Someone' got to do it! He plays occasional gigs on violin too, and of course, we're proud of him too!

If you have anything to share about your life, send it along to me and I'll be happy to include it in future blogs.

Bye for now!

Regan Family News Vol 2 #10

Here is the link to RFN Vol 2 #10 December 1964

Hi Family and Happy Summer 2016 to you all!

I know, you've been waiting for this post with baited breath since the most recent one posted back during the dark days of last winter. There are a couple of reasons why I've been on hiatus.

First, Diane and I spent 2+ months touring South America. We learned long ago that it's summer in the southern hemisphere when it's winter here, and I've finally gotten wise enough to take advantage of that fact. (Interesting tidbit: It's true!). Anyway, here's a photo of a penguin from the Falkland Islands: (To see more click here).

Also, this whole blogging business is a bit confusing to me. I got into this for the purpose of making this valuable document, The Regan Family News, available to my kids. Our paper copies are getting old and I fear they'll someday be lost. It's now nice to know they are preserved for future research, but I'm dismayed that they are, frankly, hard to find. The domain name is not memorable so I fear that these posts will also get lost. It's a dilemma and I'll continue to work to solve it.

Finally, I'm nearing the finish line in posting the RFN. There aren't many issues left and the remaining issues seem to be a bit dry and lacking in good information. Nevertheless, I'll soldier on and work to complete this project

As always, your opinions are valued so be sure to send them along.

This is the Christmas edition of the RFN 

and Ross goes all in. The cover is a simple, lovely drawing by Sarah Postier. Unfortunately, I had to use grey scale to upload this edition so the colors are not featured. I hope you have access to the original because it is beautiful

Ross takes the opportunity to write a Christmas message remembering a trip to the Holy Land and wishing peace to all. We're off to a happy, uplifting start!

NEWS

Rosemary T. Bohm

Peter lost his sister-in-law (Vera's sister) Rosemary. The funeral Mass was at St. Anselm's Church, 4th Avenue Brooklyn, a longtime parish of the Regan Family.

Joan Wellington

There is an update on Joan's condition. She was struggling mightily at this time. I had little contact with Joan, Harry, and Brian through the years. If anyone is able to tell more of Joan's story I would welcome the input on these pages.

From the Manhassett Peter Regans
There was a nice reunion if the Peter Regan family in Buffalo! Again, I have no contact with Peter's progeny so I welcome any contact information of stories anyone might have.

The Roy Johnstons
Lot's of talk of Thanksgiving and hunting! Tis' the season!

From Helen Gundersen
Good to read and hear the voice of my godmother, Helen. She and Ray were very close to our family and this was a nice report to review.

The final page is devoted to Ross explaining some new editing procedures and telling the story of Sarah's cover.

Regan Family News Vol. 2 #9

Here is the link to RFN Vol. 2#9 October-November 1964

Well, nearly three four(!) months have passed since I last posted so I presume you are all waiting with baited breath for this latest edition of the Regan Family News blog! I appreciate your sitting quietly on your hands and passing the time with nary a compliant. A demonstration of extraordinary patience and understanding, I must say! (Or else no one noticed?)

Not to fear, I'm back for our ninth installment of the second volume of the old RFN. Perhaps my lapse in posting reflects Ross' diminishing interest in publishing this august old rag. I sense a lack of direction and interest on his part and the fact is that we are nearing the end of the publications.

I write this in early January, 2016 so my thoughts are with you all as we head into a new year together. I hope you and yours are all well and happy and I wish everyone the best in 2016!

Diane and I will be traveling in South America for the next two months (it's summer there!) so I may be out of touch again, though I will make an effort to stay on top of the RFN publications!

On to the news:

This issue has a cover page, and what a cover it is! Take a close look (I won't describe it here). I'd like to know your thoughts. Actually, I'd like to know Ross' thoughts as he prepared this edition, though perhaps he is abundantly clear? But, on to the...

News

• The Ross Regans suffer a loss
• There is room for optimism concerning Joan Wellington's health
• Something about a certain Daniel Johnston Mulherin entering the world? Anyone know anything about this? Anyone?
• Seven paragraphs of news from the John Leddys, including word of my upcoming tests for admission to one of our fine Catholic high schools! Spoiler alert: I didn't pass! Much to my mother's chagrin...
• The Robert Postiers move to Greenwood Lake
• The Senior John J Regans played hosts...
• As do the Thomas Regans (pinochle all around)
• And there's more news from Ross' family

Our Covers

Ross addresses the fact that the holiday issues covers are spoken for and he then asks us to "ponder" the cover with this, the Thanksgiving issue. He acknowledges that it is not "apropos of Thanksgiving at all".

That's it! Happy days to all!

For those interested in genealogy, a final note: my own...

Things Everyone Should Know

We know from Vol 1 #1 that Nellie (Mom) Regan was born Helen Broderick in 1870 and that her parents died when she was an "infant".  I have found a John and Mary Ann Broderick buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn. Mary Ann died in 1871 and John died in 1873. That fits the narrative that Nellie lost her parents while she was a baby. Also buried in that grave is Elizabeth, and again, the RFN references a sister Elizabeth (as well as a brother Thomas). Is this the burial place of our ancestors? It's not definitive, but that is a coincidence.

And related: the 1870 census lists a Broderick family in New York Ward 6 with Elizabeth and other siblings included (Nellie isn't born until after the census, so she is not listed). The previous page lists a Russell family with Ann as matriarch. They appear to be neighbors of the Brodericks. Is this the Ann Russell who is Nellie's godmother and future guardian? Again, more research needed. 

Any comments? Please feel free to add them!

Regan Family News Vol. 2 #8

Here is a link to RFN Vol 2 #8 August-September, 1964


I continue to do light genealogical research and have found it to be most interesting. As I've mentioned earlier, I haven't discovered many ancestors other than those who have already been documented, especially here by Ross, but I have found a few new cousins on the Leddy side. If you haven't done family research, I recommend you to give it a try and don't forget to share your Regan family knowledge with us all! It's great fun.


I have learned that all 8 of my great-grandparents were Irish immigrants and I have located their Brooklyn and Queens grave sites. Well, all except for the graves of John and Mary Broderick, Nellie Regan's parents. I can't find any information about them despite what Ross has mentioned in Volume 1 #1. They remain a mystery as records of their existence in NY seem difficult to come by. A trip to the New York City Archives is my mission, so let's hope for the best.


This issue of the Regan Family News follows the most interesting of Ross' publications and, by comparison, it's rather lackluster. Nevertheless, there's always a smile or memory involved, so take a look!


Meanwhile, Diane and I are enjoying a week on the beach near Scituate, Ma. where we were able to visit Maggie and see her concert with the Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra. We went whale watching and saw this:




Happy Fall 2015 everyone!

RFN Vol. 2 #8 in a nutshell

NEWS

• We begin with difficult news regarding Joan Wellington's health. I wasn't close to my cousin Joan, but I have memories of her being unwell at this time. My family search records indicate that she passed in 2005, so she remained with us for many more years than I knew. And it seems that her husband Harry pre-deceased her by 2 years. I don't know what became of Bryan. We met a few times as kids and got along well. If anyone would like to add more information, please feel free to comment below.
• Greg Mulherin enters 1st grade and other fun Mulherin items
• The Gundersen's summer at Lake George (again)
• John and Elberta Regan spend time in Clayton
• John Regan, Jr does great work in California
• Tom Regan's family swims!

TALK TO EACH OTHER

This is like "letters to the editor". The 2 Helen's; Gundersen and Mulherin write their thoughts to share with us all. Helen G recommends the World's Fair.

OUR COVERS

Ross provides insight into his artwork

ARE YOU MISSING ANY RECENT RFN ISSUES?

Self explanatory. Now we know we just have to click on the link at the top of this page!

RFN REFLECTIONS

Words of Wisdom from our editor, Roswell Regan

Regan Family News Vol 2 #7

Here is a link to RFN Vol 2 #7 June-July 1964

Here we have the issue from the summer of 1964. It was a busy 2 months! The Beatles movie, A Hard Day's Night, was a sensation in theaters, and the Rolling Stones played their first American gig at a high school in Lynn, MA! And there was racial unrest in the south as the nation confronted segregation. Three civil rights workers were murdered in Mississippi, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Law, and Barry Goldwater accepted the Republican presidential nomination. ...And... Ross Regan delivered his latest edition of the Regan Family News.

NEWS

This issue kicks off with a story about me! It's interesting to see what I was up to as I approached teenager-dom. And great to see that my Mom made a contribution to the RFN. Good work, Mom!

Elsewhere:

• Siblings Vera and John Regan reconnect at John's place in Clayton, NY
• Vera and Jim Farrell had a class reunion and Mary Johnston visited a new state
• The putting green at Roy Johnston's was enlarged
• Tommy Regan's family escaped to Swago for the summer
• Brother Matthew got a visit in Elmira
• Ross and Jo vacationed at Briars Inn and Country Club in Ontario, Canada
• Ross made a plea (demand?) for news. I admit, I see a pattern with those who send in news regularly

TALK TO EACH OTHER

Once again, we get a glimpse into some family dynamics through anonymous posts. And once again I ask, is this stuff for real?

INFORMATION WHICH EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE 

GRAVE NO. 12 IN CALVARY CEMETERY, SECTION 8, RANGE 34, PLOTT FF

Another view of the Peter Regan plot in First Calvary Cemetery,
Queens. St. Raphael's Church, between the LIE and
Hunters Point Ave is in the background

It turns out that the grave site photo I posted last month was a bit premature because here is the important information about who is buried in that plot! This may be the most important and relevant genealogical information about the Regan clan that we have, making this issue and RFN Vol 2#6 the two most important issues of the RFN. Keep this information close if you want to pursue your Regan family story. We learn about Peter Regan's death and about his two wives and children. Great and important stuff here!

WE MIGRATE NORTH AND VISIT WEST

By Sarah Postier
Here is a lovely story about the Postier's trip to California and Disneyland. Bill was a young tyke and I'm sure he enjoyed the trip. Kathy had not yet arrived on the scene. All in all, a delightful and timely reminiscence from Sarah. Give it a read.

HINTS TO OUR READERS

Ross has one of his stream of consciousness moments and writes 2 pages of information about everything from Underwriters Laboratory to Cornell Extension publications; from US meat inspection to oyster cultivation, to the purchase of liquor outside the country. A real time period piece. Enjoy!

And enjoy the rest of your summer as we head toward fall 2015. As always, feel free to comment, share a story, or alert us to relevant family documentation you might have. Bye for now!

Regan Family News Vol 2 #6

Here is a link to RFN Vol 2 #6 April - May 1964

What follows is a brief description of the wackiest and most eclectic issue of the Regan Family News yet. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It really makes for a terrific and interesting read. Be sure to follow the link above (or here) to read for yourself and, as always, enjoy!

(I feel a need to apologize for the inconsistent and difficult to read text in this issue. As mentioned in the first of these publications, my scanning skills leave something to be desired...)

NEWS

• Ross and Jo visit Sister Elaine in Massachusetts
• An explosive evening in Mt Kisko! (No word on how roast grouse tasted)
• The Regan girls fought the measles!

INFORMATION WHICH EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE

Very important and interesting information regarding the founder of the American Regan Family: Peter Regan, Pop's father. I have done some family research, but I haven't found much more about Peter Regan than what Ross prints here. Census records seem to indicate that he settled in Five Points in Manhattan. That being the case, there must be an interesting story connected to his arrival! How did he avoid being drafted into the Union Army when he stepped off the boat? Did he see action in the Civil War? I've not found any records to indicate that he was a Veteran.

Diane, James and I did visit the gravesite of PR and it was fascinating to be there with Manhattan in view to the west and the Koskiosko bridge formidably standing guard to the east.

Peter Regan is buried at this site in Calvary Cemetery.
More in a future issue

I, for one, am intrigued by this story, and I urge anyone who might have additional information regarding our family history to please share it with us! Meanwhile, this is all we have concerning our origin story in the US, making this issue one of the most valuable issues of the RFN.

Editors note: My research into the US census records of 1870 and 1880 indicate that Peter Regan was born in Ireland in 1840 not, as Ross consistently states, 1847.

THE JOHNSTONS by Rob Roy

Roy Johnston's history of the Johnston clan. This is 3 pages and a MUST read! It can't be explained. Great stuff. These guys were witty!

TALK TO EACH OTHER

Jim Farrell lodges a complaint!

Wow! Is the testiness exhibited in this department real or tongue in cheek? 

HINTS TO OUR READERS

Yes, these are really the topics!

• Aspirin usage
• Poison control
• Booklets published by the Department of Agriculture
• Tax advice for drivers
• Mixing household chemicals
• Getting your car inspected

Regan Family News Vol 2 #5

Here is a link to RFN vol 2 #5

Here is a link to photos from Sarah Postier's memorial

This past weekend provided us with an opportunity to visit with one another. While we descended on the village of Warwick, NY to commemorate the life and mourn the loss of Sarah Postier, we also celebrated our familial bonds. Bill and Catherine were wonderful hosts and we thank them both for including us in the memorial process. Select the link above (or here) for more photos. Special thanks to Tom Farrell for sending along his photos. If anyone else has photos to contribute, please send them to me or try uploading them to the Google Photo site. That might work.

 
On to this month's issue of the Regan Family News. As always, Ross never disappoints and this issue is filled with interesting new developments. It seems like he was on a mission to continually improve his documentation, even while scolding his siblings for not contributing more. He clearly wanted a partner in this project, but one was never to emerge.

First Things First

It's the Easter Issue, hence one of the rare "covered" issues. "The Editor" is credited so I guess Ross produced this. He did a nice job picturing 12 of the 14 stations of the cross, and if you have the original, you'll enjoy the colors, which didn't reproduce.

News

• Vera Johnston continued to have health woes
• Bob Postier and family make a big move
• The Mulherin's get a visit
• Helen and Ray play host
• A birth announcement for Collen Marie Regan
• Ross reaches a dead end in his search for information regarding our immigrant ancestor, Peter Regan

Page 3 and then some...

Ross goes off on a 3 page patented yarn detailing what can only have been a wild winter weekend in Swago. It's classic "Reporter Ross" writing under a name de plume and it involves quite the cast. Read it; your family is in there somewhere, I guarantee.

Talk To Each Other

Here, Ross posts the readers' comments in regard to a topic he previously suggested: The government roll re: cigarettes. He then suggests a new topic for an upcoming issue: "Should children be transferred to other schools to promote integration?" Pretty crazy stuff for a family newsletter, but he wanted to spark political debate. Interesting, right?

Dilute Hysteria With Common Sense

The final page is an editorial regarding the stock market and suggestions for investing. Great stuff, as one might imagine.