Grandma Margaret, circa 1917. Source: From the personal collection of Denise Muhammad
This morning, as I sat sipping my coffee, I realized that today marks 109 years since my grandmother was born. She was born on February 4, 1916, in Danville, Illinois. As I reflect on her life, I can’t help but smile at the many wonderful memories she left behind. She was a kind and loving soul with a gift for bringing family history to life through her stories. Those stories have always inspired my passion for genealogy.
One of my favorite stories she shared was about a day when she and her siblings were watching their parents, her "mama and papa," leave the house in their mule-driven buggy. As the buggy made its way down a slight slope at the end of the road, it tipped over completely! The mule, the buggy, and her parents all tumbled to the ground. She laughed so hard, recalling how she and her siblings couldn’t stop giggling as they watched the scene unfold from the window. Even though it must have been quite a mess at the time, her storytelling always made it a lighthearted and joyful memory.
What Was Happening in the World in 1916?
The world my Grandma was born into was quite different from the one we know today:
- World War I was ongoing. The war, often called "The Great War," had already been raging for two years, though the United States had not yet entered the conflict.
- The National Park Service was founded. In 1916, the U.S. government established the agency to protect and manage national parks, ensuring natural beauty for generations to come.
- Woodrow Wilson was President. He was in his first term and would soon lead the country into World War I.
- Advancements in transportation were shaping the future. The Model T automobile was becoming more common, and aviation innovations were laying the groundwork for modern air travel.
- The Chicago Cubs played their first game at Wrigley Field. Known then as Weeghman Park, it became a landmark in sports history.
Grandma Margaret’s kindness, humor, and deep love for family continue to inspire me. Today, I honor her memory and celebrate the remarkable legacy she left behind.
Happy heavenly birthday, Grandma. Thank you for the stories, the laughter, and the love. You are forever in my heart.
Warmly,
Denise
