The Pohlman Family

Created by

Amanda Pohlman

Germany

• From what I understand, my ancestors on my father’s side immigrated from Germany. Although I do not know where exactly, my last name Pohlman is of German descent which derives from “Am Pohle” meaning: from swamp lands.

German DishesThese recipes have been passed down in my family and are foods that because my

ancestors brought with them I still eat to this day.

Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) Eintopf (German stew)

Kasespatzle  Sauerbraten

2nd Wave Immigration

• My father’s parents came to America during the second wave of immigration. Although I am not sure an exact time frame, based on age I would determine it to be the late part of the 1800’s.

The American Dream

• The Pohlmans first immigrated over here to America to start anew. They had heard about the American Dream and wanted a piece. They dreamed of the pursuit of happiness and decided that it was here in this land of opportunity that they wanted to start their family.

Extra!! Extra!!!Major headlines during the time my ancestors reached Ohio

• 1894 Oct 17, Ohio national guard killed 3 lynchers while rescuing a black man.    (MC, 10/17/01)

• 1897        Sep 11, A strike by some 75,000  coal miners in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia ended after 10 weeks. Concessions included an eight-hour work day, semi-monthly pay, and the abolition of company stores (which were famous for over charging workers). The day before, about 20 miners were killed when sheriff's deputies opened fire on them in Pennsylvania.    (AP, 9/11/97)(MC, 9/11/01)

• 1904        Sep 15, Wilbur Wright made his 1st controlled half-circle while in flight with Flyer II. On Sep 20 he flew a full circle for the first time.

Ohio

• The Pohlmans’ once in America settled in the state of Ohio near Cincinnati. It is there that my grandparents started their family and had 10 children, my dad being the youngest.

A large family

• Mr. and Mrs. Pohlman had 10 children, 6 boys and 4 girls, spanning over a 20 year span. John Pohlman (my father) was the youngest and therefore, took a lot of the teasing from his older siblings.

Indiana

Once most of their children were grown with families of their own the Pohlmans then moved to Indiana the state directly to the east of Ohio.

Catholic School

John Pohlman and the rest of his siblings went to all boys and all girls Catholic School. It was here that they were required to wear uniforms while under the strict supervision of the nuns and clergyman.

The Big Move

• John Pohlman Joined the Marine Corp at the tender age of 18 and was stationed to a California base. Having never been out of Ohio this was sure to be a major shift in the young John Pohlman’s life.

California

Love of his life

• It was in California that John Pohlman met the love of his life Pamela. They were together only a matter of months before tying the knot. They knew right away they would be together forever and the last 56 years proves they were onto something.

Building a life

• Over the next 20 years John and Pam lived in Southern California in the San Dimas area.

• They raised 4 beautiful children, but when their youngest daughter Sandra died tragically at the tender age of 20 they knew their carefree southern California days would never be he same.

• Left to raise their daughter, Sandra’s daughter, Pam and John moved.

Central CaliforniaSan Luis Obispo County

Templeton, CA

• John and Pam made their new home in Central California, in a small town by the name of Templeton. Only 2,500 population at the time they moved up there. The cultural change made a huge impact on them and the life they had been accustomed to in the hustle and bustle of Southern California.

Retirement

• John and Pam have since shifted into this final chapters of their lives living comfortably in a senior community in the Rancho Cucamonga area. Having always wanted to get back to the Southern California area, Rancho Cucamonga was just the place to retire to.

“Back East”

• Although John, the youngest of ten decided to plant his roots in Southern California area, some of his brothers and sisters kept to what they knew and stayed in the Ohio area and surrounding states. Our family refers to this area as “Back East”

Canada

• Many of John Pohlman’s siblings also moved into the Canada area and started their own families there.

What do I think of all this?

• I am very proud of my German heritage and am eager to continue with this family history project to find out even more that I didn’t already know. I have always wanted to be able and travel back to Germany and see where my ancestors came from and immerse myself in a cultural that is my birthright.