Caroline Wilkinson
queenie@strauss.udel.edu

My mother's family is English, Irish, German, Dutch and French. My grandmother Donges's family is Irish, English and Scottish. My grandfather's family is German, Dutch and French. My father's family is Scottish and Austrian. My grandmother Wilkinson being both and my grandfather being Scottish. Both families have been here for about 200 years. Not much is known about the Wilkinson's side. There is allegedly a family bible floating around somewhere. In some type of mix up 50 years ago it was taken by a family member who no one can seem to find. It is supposed to have the family history for over 300 years. The woman who has the bible got married and no family member knows her married name. This is something that I would find interesting.

My grandmother Donges is currently in her late 80's and lives with us. She is a very interesting woman to talk to. She was born before everyone owned there own cars. She grew up in an Irish neighborhood in the city and loves to tell stories about her childhood. Like me, she to grew up with red hair and freckles. She was also teased the way I was. Whenever I would come home upset about it she would tell me "Freckles are kisses from angels and the other kids are just jealous about how much the angels kiss you". She has a old wives tale for everthing you can think of. It always makes me laugh about how superstitous she can be.

I also find it interesting to know that my grandfather Donges grew up in a fishing village on an island in New Jersey.