Lars "Louis" Syversen Hanson

His father spelled the name as Hansen but all his siblings that came to American eventually spelled it as Hanson. Even the records show his Americanized given name as either Lewis or Louis.

about 1890 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Helena "Lena" Catherine Kramer

Turned somersaults at 86 years of age. Slipped while ice skating and later died of pneumonia.

about 1890 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Louise Kramer

There is no date on this photo but research on the name of the photography studio, F. W. Mould, indicates that this business address was used from 1883-1893. This means that Louis was not yet married and no older than 20 at the time.

about 1893 at La Crosse, Wisconsin and Location not known

Lena Louise Hanson

Written on back "My little Lena Louise 3 (or8) months"

NOTE - The original image is very badly faded.

1894 in Galesville, Wisconsin

Patrick Drugan and Elizabeth Jane O'Keefe

Children: William tallest, Edward (in middle), David (front). They had five children but only 4 are shown in this picture; Anne wasn't born yet. The baby on the lap was Harry, born in 1890.

estimated to be about 1894 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Louise Kramer

If the date on this photo is correct, then it was taken about one year before she married Heinrich (Henry) August Verkins in Trempealeau, Wisconsin. Both she and Henry were born in Winona, Minnesota but by 1880 her family had moved to the Trempealeau area. Soon after they were married in 1895, they moved back to Winona where they spent the rest of their lives.

March 14, 1894 at LaCrosse, Wisconsin

Front: Louise Possin and husband Christian Kramer
Baby: unknown
Back row: probably Amelia Kramer (wife of William Crivits); either Emma or Lena Kramer.

Unknown who the men are. Perhaps Louis Spier and Julius Kramer

If the woman holding the baby was Emma Kramer, then the baby could have been Lydia Spier. If the woman was Lena Kramer, then the baby could have been Lena Hanson.

Christian died in 1910 at age 81 so his age in the photo is probably somewhere in his 60-70s.

about 1895 - Probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

One person says Ada and Lydia Spiers. But they were 7 years apart in age so I doubt if this was them. Otherwise, this would date the photo to about 1895.

about 1895 - Location not known

Lena and Amelia Kramer

Amelia was about 3 years older than Lena so it is probably Lena on the left and Amerlia on the right, although to me it appears that the one on the right looks at least 10 years older. They were born in Lewiston, Minnesota in 1862 and 1865 respectively. If their ages are about 35 and 38, then this photo was taken about 1897

about 1897 - Location not known

Louise Kramer-Verkins and Henry Verkins

They were married in 1895 at Trempealeau, Wisconsin at age 24 and 22. In this photo they appear to be not much older than when they were married. By 1900 the US Census shows that they had moved to Winona, Minnesota. Because the photography studio was in Arcadia, Wisconsin, this was probably taken shortly after they were married and before they moved to Winona.This photo is probably dated about 1898.

estimated to be about 1898 at either Trempealeau, WI or Winona, MN

Lena Louise Hanson and Martha "Mattie" Louise Hanson

about 1903 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Louise Possin and husband Christian Kramer

Taken inside the original Kramer house. Christian died in 1910 at age 81. His age in this photo is probably somewhere in his late 70s. The portrait on the wall is of their deceased daughter, Emma.


about 1905 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Children of Christian Kramer and Louise Possin

Thought to be:
(BACK) Lena, Louise, Minnie, and Amelia
(FRONT) Eda, Julius, Clara

estimated to be about 1905 at Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Children of Christian Kramer and Louise Possin

Thought to be:
(BACK) Lena, Eda, Julius, Clara, Amelia
(FRONT) Minnie, Photo of Emma, Louise

estimated to be about 1905 at Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Julius Kramer

Assuming that he appears about 30 years old in this photo, that would date it to about 1905.

about 1905 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Marie Lydia Hanson

Written on back: (Post card) "Miss Olga Verkins - From Miss Marie Hanson - Dear Cousin Olga: Here is a picture of my big doll. how do you think she looks? Let me know if you get this. Olga. From your little cousin Marie. PS - When are you coming down to see me, Olga?"

NOTE - Marie Hanson was born in 1905 and was about 6 years younger than Olga Verkins. The photo cannot be a picture of Marie’s daughter (her “doll”) because the card was addressed to MISS Olga Verkins from MISS Marie Hanson. That means the writing on the back of the card was actually done by her mother, Lena Kramer-Hanson. Marie appears to be 6-9 months old in the photo which means it should be dated in 1928 from Trempealeau, Wisconsin. The reference to “coming down to see me” was because Trempealeau is downriver to the south from Winona, Minnesota where Olga lived.

1905 at Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Believed to be Lydia and Ada Spier

Lydia and Ada were half-sisters. Their mothers were Emma and Eda respectively with their common father being Louis Spier. Lydia was born in 1885 while the younger Ada was born in 1892. This photo appears to show Lydia about 21 years old and Ada about 14.

about 1906 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Marie Hanson

Written on back: "To Aunt Louise and Uncle Henry (Verkins) - From Big Marie Hanson"

She looks to be about 9 months old which would date this photo to 1906.

1906 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Martha "Mattie" Hanson

about 1907 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

William John Keefe, Anna Johnson, and Carl Michael Keefe; Dog named "Queenie"

about 1907 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Photo courtesy of Matt Bowen

Wilhelmine "Minnie" Kramer and Norris Northup

Wedding Photo

May 27, 1907 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Augusta Possin, 2nd from left on bottom row of the kneeling woman (with head turned to the left away from the camera).

I am guessing her age in the photo to be about 60 years old. She was born in 1848 so that would date the photo to be about 1908.

Note that all are wearing some sort of name tag so this suggests that thig could have been some kind of family reunion.

estimated to be about 1908 - Location not known

Harry L. Hanson

Harry is on the right side sitting on ladder; unknown who the other person is.

about 1910 - Location not known

Marie Hanson

Written on back: "Marie Hanson"

Marie was born in 1905. Assuming she is about 5 years old in this photo, that would date it to about 1910.

about 1910 - probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

David Glenn Drugan

David is belived to be the one that is sitting; unknown who the standing person is...possibly a brother?. I've never received a firm confirmation from any of the Drugan family members that David is definitely the one that is sitting down.

about 1910 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Lars "Louis" Hanson

Working in his leather and bicycle shop

about 1910 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Mattie and Marie Kramer

Written on back: (postcard apparently sent to Henry Verkins) "From your loving nieces, Mattie and Marie, Nov. 4, 1910"

November 4, 1910 probably at Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Marie Hanson

born in 1905 so she is probably about 6 years old

about 1911 - probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Lena Hanson

On the left with the glove; at age of 17 or 18 when she had college scholarships but gave that up to marry David Drugan. Unknown who the young gal on the right side with the bat was.

estimated to be about 1911 probably in Winona, Minnesota

Marie Hanson

born in 1905 so she is probably about 7 years old

about 1912 - probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Lena Hanson

Age 18

about 1912 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Wedding Invitation for David Drugan and Lena Hanson

April 13, 1913 in Winona, Minnesota

Photograph of invitation belonging to Marge Koch-Drugan

Harry L. Hanson

(L-R): Unknown, Harry L. Hanson (with small cap on head, Ed Keeffe, Don Huttonhow).

Identification courtesy of Sally Drugan-Mandrella

about 1915 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Minnie Kramer, wife of Norris Northup

Born in 1880 in Trempealeau; age about 35 in this photo

about 1915 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Possible Julius Kramer but not sure which one could be him

Notice the uniforms say Trempeleau and Elroy. I can find no information about the local baseball teams from either Trempealeau or Elroy. Estimated to be dated about 1915.

about 1915 - Location not known

Lars "Louis" Hanson's Leather Goods Shop

(L-R): Mr. Hoff, Louis Hanson, Mr. Groves, Bill Schindler

about 1915 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Norris Northup and Minnie Kramer-Northup

wedding photo

February 5, 1915 in Winona, Minnesota

Paul D. Sperra; Paul Dunbar; Esther Polchow; Ida Possin (sister-in-law to Paul Sperra); Florence Sperra (daughter of Paul Sperra); Bertha Mathilda Possin-Sperra

about 1915 - Location not known

Bernice and Margaret Drugan

December 1916 in Winona, Minnesota

Colorized version of the photo of Bernice & Margaret Drugan

Date: December 1916

Location: Winona, Minnesota

NOTE the colorizing brings out the extensive use of rings, bracelets, broaches, and necklaces.

Geraldine Hamernik and Margaret Drugan

about 1919 probably in Winona, Minnesota or Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Carl Michael Keefe Sr

about 1920 - Location not known

Picture courtesy of Matt Bowen

Louise Emilie Possin, wife of Christian Friedrich Kramer

Written on back: "Bob's mother's mother - Grandma Kramer"

The "Bob's mother's..." notes on the bottom and back refer to Robert Verkins relationship (his mother was Louise Kramer, sister of Lena Kramer-Hanson.

She is sitting on the small covered porch of the original Kramer house.

about 1920 - Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Julius Kramer

Written on back: "Uncle Julius Kramer"

In front of the original Kramer house. Although this photo was not dated, it appears that Julius is about 45 years old. He was born in Lewiston, Minnesota in 1875 thus this photo was from about 1920.

about 1920 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Believed to be David Glenn Drugan, Sr. holding up one of his infant children. The actual date could be as early as 1915 with Bernice or as late as 1929 with William P. Drugan.

estimated to be around 1920 probably in Winona, Minnesota

Original photo belonging to Marge Koch-Drugan

Zella Hamel-Keefe, Carolyn Mae Keefe, Carl Michael Keefe Jr, and Arlene Elizabeth Keefe

about 1922 probably in Nebraska

Photo courtesy of Matt Bowen

David Glenn Drugan Sr

In his uniform as "Brakeman"

estimated at be about 1927 - Location not known

Message to David Glenn Drugan Sr about the President Calvin Coolidge train

NOTE - The term "brakeman" meant the same as "conductor".

September 8, 1927 in Winona, MN or Trempealeau, WI

The original Kramer House

The other photos which show this same view of the house differ in that there is a roof covering over the screen door on the left and a large tree out past where the dog is sitting on the chair.

Between the differening photos, I don't know for sure which is the oldest. Was the roof covering added or was it removed and the tree cut down?

It appears that one flower pot to the rightof the dog on the chair seems to be elevated off the ground; it may be sitting on top of the stump of that removed tree. This would suggest that the roof and tree were removed and this photo would be the newest. That might date this photo to about 1930.

about 1930 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Harry R. Drugan and Sally Sikorski

Wedding Photo

May 15, 1930 in Winona, Minnesota

David Glenn Drugan and Lena Hanson-Drugan

estimated to be about 1930 probably in Winona, Minnesota

Original photo belonging to Marge Koch-Drugan

Eli Motschenbacher and Mattie Hanson-Motschenbacher

Eli was only 1 year older than Mattie who was born in 1897. If Mattie's age was about 35 in this photo, then it is dated 1932.

Written on back: "Bob's cousin (Robert Verkins) - Mattie and hubby Eli Motschenbacher - Tremplo"

about 1932 at Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Norris Northup

on the left wearing the overalls. He looks to be about 65 years old in the photo which would date it to about 1933.

estimated to be about 1933 - Location not known

The Drugan Family - At funeral for David Glenn Drugan

Front: David Drugan, Ruth Drugan, Martha Drugan, John Drugan, William Drugan; Middle: Ora and Florence Dubois, Lena Hanson-Drugan, Lena Kramer-Hanson, Harry Hanson, Margaret Drugan

Rear: Marie Hanson-Vose, Bernice Drugan, Louis S. Hanson, Ruth Hart-Hanson

October 8, 1934 in Winona, Minnesota

The Drugan Family - At funeral for David Glenn Drugan

Lena L. Drugan and her children
Front: William, John, Martha, Ruth
Rear: Margaret, Bernice, Lena Hanson-Drugan, David, Martha

October 8, 1934 in Winona, Minnesota

Lars "Louis" Hanson and wife Lena C. Kramer-Hanson

If the date on this photo is true, then Lewis died about 9 days later in Madison, Wisconsin probably visiting his son, Harry, who lived in Baraboo.

March 25, 1935 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Minnie Kramer-Northup

Born in 1880 in Trempealeau; age 57 in this photo

1937 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Minnie Kramer-Northup

Born in 1880 in Trempealeau; age 57 in this phoo

1937 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Vinson Rice and Lena Hanson-Drugan

Wedding Photo

November 12, 1938 in Winona, Minnesota

William John Keefe

about 1940 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Photo courtesy of Matt Bowen

Wayne Verkins and Minnie Kramer-Northup

Written on back: "Aunt Min Northup and Wayne Verkins - Apr 1940"

April 1940 - Location not known

Martha Drugan

"Going to Business School"

about 1941 in Winona, Minnesota

Vinson A. Rice and Frank Lightfoot Jr

April 1941 in Winona, Minnesota

Lena Hanson-Rice and Frank Lightfoot Jr

June 1941 in Winona, Minnesota

Frank Lightfoot Jr and Bernice Drugan

about January 1942 in Chicago, Illinois

Margaret Drugan

March 1942 in Winona, Minnesota

Photograph belonging to Marge (Koch) Drugan

Margaret Drugan-Lightfoot, Bernice Drugan, and Frank Lightfoot Jr

Written on back: "Porky" (nickname of Frank Jr.)

May 1942 probably at Wicker Park in Chicago, Illinois

Margaret Drugan-Lightfoot, Bernice Drugan, and Frank Lightfoot Jr

May 1942 probably at Wicker Park in Chicago, Illinois

Bernice Drugan and Frank Lightfoot Jr

1942 probably Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois

Lena Hanson-Rice and Frank Lightfoot Jr

August 1942 in Winona, Minnesota

Frank Lightfoot Jr and Martha Drugan

about August 1942 in Winona, Minnesota

William Drugan, Lena L. Hanson-Rice, and Lena C. Kramer-Hanson

about 1943 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Frank Lightfoot Jr. and Martha Drugan

about 1943 probably Chicago, Illinois

Margaret Drugan-Lightfoot and Bernice Drugan-Petrasek

Written on back: "I don't know what's hanging on Margaret. Maybe her ribs fell."

June 1943 at North Avenue Beach in Chicago, Illinois

Martha Drugan

July 1943 in Winona, Minnesota

Carolyn May Keefe-Allerton and Carl Michael Keefe Jr.

about 1944 - Location not known

Photo courtesy of Matt Bowen

Jack Drugan

about 1944 - Location not known

Lena Hanson-Rice, Vinson Rice, Cheryl Miller, and Linda Petrasek

Lena holding Cheryl Miller; Vinson holding Linda Petrasek. Photo probably taken at house of Ruth and Willard Miller right after the birth of Cheryl.

February 1944 in San Diego, California

Frank Lightfoot Jr and Martha Drugan-Westphal

1944 in Winona, Minnesota or Baraboo, Wisconsin

Lena Hanson-Rice

about June 1944 in Winona, Minnesota

Lena L. Hanson-Rice

29 Oct 1944 in Winona, Minnesota

Lee Lightfoot and Ruth Drugan-Miller

December 1944 in Fort Dodge, Iowa

Believed to be Lena Kramer-Hanson and either David or Jack Drugan

about June 1945 probably in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Lee, Margaret, Frank Lightfoot Jr, Martha Drugan-Westphal, and Cheryl Miller

June 1945 in Baraboo, Wisconsin

Cheryl Miller, Lee Lightfoot, and Martha Drugan-Westphal

June 1944 in Baraboo, Wisconsin

Margaret Drugan-Lightfoot, Frank Lightfoot Jr, and Lena Hanson-Rice

about 1945 probably in Winona, Minnesota

Margaret Drugan-Lightfoot, Frank Lightfoot Jr and Lena Hanson-Rice

about 1945 probably in Winona, Minnesota

Linda Petrasek and Frank Lightfoot Jr

about June 1945 in Winona, Minnesota

Linda Petrasek and Frank Lightfoot Jr

about June 1945 in Winona, Minnesota

Lee and Frank Lightfoot Jr, Cheryl Miller

June 17, 1945 in Baraboo, Wisconsin

Margaret Drugan-Lightfoot and Bill Drugan

June 17, 1945 in Baraboo, Wisconsin

Ruth Drugan-Miller and Cheryl Miller

1946 in Winona, Minnesota

Brian Lightfoot and Ruth Drugan-Miller

August 5, 1947 in Winona, Minnesota

Brian Lightfoot and Ruth Drugan-Miller

Written on back: "3 months"

5 August 1947 in Winona, Minnesota

Amelia (Annie) Louise Kramer-Crivits and son Theodore John Crivits

about 1948 - Location not known

Photo Courtesy of Ginger Law

Cheryl Miller

with dogs Tinker and Skippy

1948 - Location not known

Photo Courtesy of Cheryl Miller

Apprears to be Lena Hanson-Rice and perhaps Whitey Rice

Written on back: "at Gulf Port Beach"

January 1, 1948 - Not sure if this is Gulf Port Beach near St. Petersburg, Florida or the beach at Gulf Port, Mississippi.

Seymour, Sally, Dennis, and Robert Drugan

Seymour was an accomplished guitarist and played for Don McNeill's "Breakfast Club" heard over ABC radio stations. This photograph appeared in a booklet entitled "Don's Dairy, the Breakfast Club...1949 Yearbook" and is now in the possession of Brian Lightfoot.

about 1949 probably in Chicago, IL

William P. Drugan

about 1949 in Baraboo, Wisconsin

Jackie McDaniels-Drugan and William P.Drugan

about 1950 - Location not known