Holtzman Store, 1912-1916.
1208 E. Fourth, in Sterling, Illinois.
Back of photo: "The store. I took. It's Paul, Leroy, and his pony. You can see our cherry tree where I stand and ??? (illegible). 1919." (Grandma's house was to the right. Notice woman standing in store door to the left. Lettering: "Patent Medicines & ???")
"After 3 years at Perkins Grove I was assigned to Sterling Mission. Here I found the church in awful condition. Those that lived here at the time know of the affair of Rev. Ebert and some of the female characters. However we held out under great distress and trials here. March 1904 I was married to Ginga Johnson, and in the years of evil and labor we built up a nice congregation. From here we went to Davis.... After a year's service my health failed me and I resigned and retired. Moved to Sterling started in business." (J.L.'s memoir) (Complete memoir.) "...married to 'Ginga'..." Well, a teacher asked Zwaantje her name. Since the name seemed strange and difficult to the teacher, the teacher said that she was reading a book about an Indian named Ginga and that now her student would be Ginga. The nickname outlived the classroom.
Holtzman Store
"Holtzman's Store" listed in Sterling Directory at 1208 E. 4th from 1915-1918. No 1919 Directory. 1920 Directory lists Earl Holtzman (Grandpa's son) as the grocer, 1208 E. 4th. Same listing in 1922 Sterling Directory.
According to a Sterling Gazette article, there was a fire in the Holtzman store, June 20, 1922. Evidently, Ezra was running the store and lived above it. The fire awakened the family about 12:30 am, and they were able to escape.
