After the war my Grandma Carroll’s sister Ada married John Maehl and they moved out to Los Altos, California. Ada was the closest sister in age to Grandma, 5 years younger. She had joined the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, a branch of the Naval Reserve) during the war and that’s where she met John, a California native. Another sister, Mary and the two youngest brothers, Robert and Harold went to live in California as well. Ada sent several batches of photos to grandma over the years. I’ve colored and compiled some of those here, including many of the handwritten notes on the back.
Back says “Harold Bob & 2 boys he brought with him.” Early 1950s Los Altos CaliforniaBack says “Mary and I setting up the table for the picnic we were weary I look it” – Ada Maehl and Mary @1951 Palo Alto CABack says “here she is sitting on our front porch waiting for the kids to come to the party. She was a swell little girl and we certainly missed her when she left “Back says “This is taken down to Jersey in Walter’s flower bed Anna Marie Catton”back says “Both my gems”Ada Radcliff on the tarmac in front of a plane holding Stephen. Nov 1958Ada, sons Stephen and David front of school in Palo AltoWannita and little Mary Carroll, Ada Mahel and Aggie Carlson @1946. Aggie’s home in Rockford. Aggie would have been pregnant with her first child.Ada Maehl visiting Aggie’s house in Rockford @1946 – they were both in the armed forces during the war and married shortly after, Ada and John moved to California, Bob and Aggie to Rockford.Ada on end, picnic near Los Altos California in early 1950s.Ada and John Maehl and Robert Radcliff behind the counter of their shop, Maehl’s Village Bottle and Smoke Shop in Palo Alto, CA @1950
