Living Family Archive
← The family

Ethel Guild

known as Mom, Looker, Honey, Brownie, Ets, Tootsie

also written Ethel, Looker, Honey, Ethel Katherine, Ethel Guild, Brownie, Ets, Kathryn, Tootsie, Ethel Katherine Williams, Ethel Katherine Williams Guild, Ethel Red, Ethel Kathrine Williams, Mom, Gramma Guild in the book

Biography

Described as five foot two, naturally redheaded, with deep brown eyes. Loved reading, dressing up, coordinated jewelry and accessories, and manicured nails. Recalled blizzards burying the house and the devastation of The Year of the Grasshoppers. Named in the reference to Chris Bonney’s Ethel Guild family cookbook. Very fair complected, sometimes freckled, with big brown eyes, rimless glasses, full lips, a turned up nose, and fine bright-red hair. Described as well proportioned, with a great figure and legs, a soft, kind expression, a sweet, quiet voice, somewhat reticent, and graceful in movement. Bill Retzlaff remembered her as a friend and a good person to talk with. She prepared a box of candy and cookies just for him at Christmas and baked other things he enjoyed. birth date recorded both as “January 28, 1911” and as “January 28th (year not stated)” and as “January 28, 1911; she had believed her birth year was 1909” in the book; kept as written. birth place recorded both as “Newburg, North Dakota” and as “Newburg, (north of Minot) North Dakota” in the book; kept as written. death date recorded both as “April 22, 1988” and as “1988” in the book; kept as written. occupation also recorded as “Typist in a doctor's office; button sorter paid by the pound; telephone operator; candy factory worker.”, “Stay-at-home mom; never held an outside job after her first baby”, “Stay-at-home mom; managed cleaning, cooking, sewing, painting, and care of the children.”, “Telephone operator” in the book. education also recorded as “Attended Catholic school in North Dakota with Lloyd; graduated from tenth grade at 14, believing she was 16. Received a certificate qualifying her to attend any college in the state, but her father refused to support further education.” in the book. Met Floyd on a roller-skating blind date about 1926; married November 6, 1928. Both were described as fabulous ballroom dancers. Lived to see 18 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Buried beside Floyd at Riverside Cemetery. Firstborn of three children; petite with bright red hair, very fair skin and brown eyes. Learned to walk on tiny snowshoes. Helped care for Lloyd and her father after her mother's death. Learned the unspecified “bigamy” story from Mary after Iris’ birth in 1930 and told her own children only when they were adults. Birth date also recorded as “1911; headstone says 1909” (History of the Guild Family). Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. Loved dancing and fine clothes. Moved to Moline in 1926 at 15 and married in 1928 at 17. Nearly died of a goiter in 1934; underwent successful surgery and thereafter took thyroid tablets. Called her scar a 'thyroid necklace.' Enjoyed handcrafts, Christmas ornament making, cards, travel, and helping raise grandchildren. Died at 77 from complications of ovarian cyst surgery and congestive heart failure. Buried beside Floyd in Riverside cemetery in Moline Illinois. Learned her correct birth year while researching records for a U.S. Passport; her pre-engraved headstone retained the wrong year. Place of death also recorded as “Diana’s home in Hollywood Florida” (History of the Guild Family). Occupation also recorded as “Typist in a doctor’s office; button factory worker sorting buttons by the pound; telephone operator; Moline candy factory worker.” (History of the Guild Family). Education also recorded as “Attended Catholic school in North Dakota and graduated from tenth grade, described as the final grade. Received a certificate qualifying her to attend any college in the state, but her father refused to support further education.” (History of the Guild Family). Described as petite, with bright red hair, fair skin and brown eyes. The opening calls her the firstborn of three children, but the later birth list gives Lloyd as born in 1909, before her 1911 birth. Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. Married at 17 believing she was 19 because her parents had misinformed her about her birth date. Survived goiter surgery in 1934 and subsequently took thyroid tablets. Died from complications of ovarian cyst surgery and congestive heart failure. Buried beside Floyd in Riverside cemetery, Moline Illinois; her pre-engraved headstone incorrectly says Born 1909. Learned her correct birth year while researching records for a U.S. Passport. Called Mom. Diana Guild Brady questioned her about her early life and her father's life, using margaritas to encourage recollections. Identified in the narrative as Mom; “Ethel Red” is the name Lee gave her, not a stated full name. She and Lee shared early-morning coffee and cigarettes. Made Christmas ornaments for him, including a shamrock ornament and a gold fish ornament. On the morning of Lee's death, Diana felt that Mom was coming to take him with her. Identified as Mom in the narrative. Her baptismal record spells her middle name Kathrine, while Carol's birth certificate spells it Kathryn. She had no copy of her birth certificate, and the official records burned in a fire. Her grave marker was engraved at her husband's death before she learned of the birth-year error and remains incorrect. She never learned to drive. Carol remembers her boundless energy, devotion, hard work, nurturing, support, and guidance. Barbara heard that Mom was called “Brownie” in her youth. Made the children rest in the afternoon during August. No personal name is supplied in the passage. Said Iris and the narrator were the strongest children because they were never sick. Deliberately exposed the children to Bob's whooping cough to avoid successive illnesses all summer. Ran a sewing machine needle through her index finger on at least three occasions and said she would stop sewing if it happened five times. Never sunbathed again after severe sunburn at Rock River. Had painful shoulder bursitis. The passage does not give her personal name. Named jointly with Floyd Guild as the narrator's parents. Described as compassionate, kind, and very patient. Danced with Floyd at the Coliseum. Named all the children except Iris. Would have nothing to do with the elk Floyd brought home or with his retirement purchases. Twenty-nine years old when Carol was born. Began having contractions while trimming the Christmas tree on the day before Christmas Eve in 1938. Made household decisions independently. Helped Eilene Peterson with 4-H sewing projects. Lifelong strong Democrat who arranged rides and made reminder calls on election day; never failed to vote. Played cards frequently, including almost nightly with Florence Britz after Floyd died. Bernie's mother; twenty-five years old when he was born. The narrator's mother spelled her name in the air as E, T, H, E, L. Denied that the family was poor and stressed cleanliness, being well fed, and pride in oneself. Dreamed of traveling the world and having her name in lights when one of her children became rich. Sent the children to buy Marvel cigarettes. Said she would quit when the price rose from twenty to twenty-two cents. Worried about nighttime bicycle rides and new adventures. Joined Iris, Floyd, and Bill in making Glug. Reported the account of her father's first marriage long after his death. Reported the account of her father's discovery of his first wife's lover long after her father's death. Called Mom and Mother by the narrator and Gramma Guild in Jennifer's recollection. Had red hair until her death. Crocheted, hosted Club, played 500, sewed most of the children's clothes, and helped finish their 4H sewing projects. Had an unnamed brother with whom she skied over snow-covered fences on the way to school. According to Jennifer, she said she had to have her tonsils removed before becoming a telephone operator. Did not go to church until late in life but encouraged the children to attend.

Timeline

  1. January 28, 1911

    Birth of ETHEL KATHERINE WILLIAMS GUILD

    The Guilds

  2. January 28, 1911; previously believed to be 1909

    Birth of Ethel Kathrine Williams

    Carol gives Ethel's birth date as January 28, 1911. Ethel had believed she was born in 1909, and her grave marker was engraved before the error was discovered.

    Carol's Chapter

  3. January 28, 1911

    Ethel Katherine Williams is born

    The birth announcement incorrectly named her father Edwin.

    History of the Guild Family

  4. January 28, 1911

    Birth of Ethel Katherine Williams

    Firstborn of three children; her father's name was mistakenly recorded as Edwin.

    History of the Guild Family

  5. about 1919

    A frightened train journey to the grandparents

    Ethel, eight, and Lloyd, ten, stayed four or five months while Agnes was in a sanitarium with tuberculosis.

    History of the Guild Family

  6. about 1921

    Ethel and Lloyd stay with their grandparents

    A four- or five-month stay while Agnes suffered tuberculosis in a sanitarium. Ethel was ten and Lloyd nine; they were terrified during the train journey.

    History of the Guild Family

  7. 1922

    Eleven-year-old Ethel takes on family care

    Her father’s heavy drinking left her largely caring for herself, Lloyd and eventually Ed.

    History of the Guild Family

  8. 1922, after Agnes’ death

    Ed and the children move into a boarding house

    Mrs. Howe helped Ed raise the children. As he drank heavily, eleven-year-old Ethel increasingly cared for the family.

    History of the Guild Family

  9. 1925

    Ethel, Ed and Lloyd move to Moline

    Ethel was fourteen.

    History of the Guild Family

  10. About 1926

    Floyd and Ethel's roller-skating blind date

    Their courtship subsequently featured ballroom dancing at Turner Lodge and weekend picnics.

    History of the Guild Family

  11. 1926

    Ethel moves to Moline with her father and brother

    Ethel was 15.

    History of the Guild Family

  12. November 6, 1928

    Ethel and Floyd marry in Moline

    Elva and Frank Melton stood up with them. The four went out for dinner and a movie after the wedding; Ethel and Floyd did not go on a honeymoon.

    Carol's Chapter

  13. 1928

    Ethel marries Floyd

    She was seventeen but believed she was nineteen. Mary Hill had introduced them.

    History of the Guild Family

  14. November 6, 1928

    Floyd and Ethel's wedding

    Married by a Justice of the Peace with Frank and Elva standing up for them. All went to a movie afterward.

    History of the Guild Family

  15. 1928

    Ethel and Floyd marry

    Ethel was 17; Mary Hill had introduced them.

    History of the Guild Family

  16. May, 1930

    Iris is born

    First child.

    History of the Guild Family

  17. May, 1930

    Birth of Iris

    First child and daughter.

    History of the Guild Family

  18. 1934

    Ethel survives goiter surgery

    Nearly died at twenty-three. Called the scar her thyroid necklace and took thyroid tablets thereafter.

    History of the Guild Family

  19. about 1934

    Ed joins Ethel and Floyd permanently

    Stopped working, possibly from severe depression; remained with them until death.

    History of the Guild Family

  20. About 1934

    Ed joins Ethel and Floyd's household permanently

    Previously lived with them on and off. Remained until death and helped raise the children.

    History of the Guild Family

  21. 1934, at twenty-three

    Ethel survives goiter surgery

    Nearly died; successful surgery left her 'thyroid necklace.' Took thyroid tablets thereafter. Advised to wait five years before more children, but pregnant with Bernie two years later.

    History of the Guild Family

  22. 1936

    Bernie is born

    Second child, described as born after the Great Depression ended in 1936.

    History of the Guild Family

  23. After the Great Depression ended in 1936

    Birth of Bernie

    Second child and first son. Another statement says Ethel was pregnant with him two years after her 1934 surgery.

    History of the Guild Family

  24. Fifteen minutes after midnight, April 11th, 1936

    Birth of Bernie

    Born in the upstairs bedroom of his parents' rented house; weighed ten pounds.

    Bernie's Chapter

  25. 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 24, 1938

    Christmas Eve birth of Carol Mae

    Carol was born to Ethel, age twenty-nine, and Floyd Guild, age thirty-two. Her father named her Carol Mae in honor of the Christmas season.

    Carol's Chapter

  26. NOVEMBER FIRST, NINETEEN FORTY

    Birth of Delores Ann

    Born the third daughter and fifth child of seven, weighing a little over seven pounds. Her mother named her Delores Ann.

    Dee's Chapter

  27. April of 1945

    Roosevelt's death and the family's mourning

    Ethel cried when Roosevelt died, described as just before the war ended. The passage reports a full minute of halted radio transmissions throughout the United States in tribute.

    Carol's Chapter

  28. 1965

    Lloyd's lung surgery and missed funeral

    One of two surgeries for a collapsed lung. Passage says it prevented attendance at his father's funeral, upsetting Ethel, despite separately dating Ed's death to 1953.

    History of the Guild Family

  29. 1965

    Lloyd’s surgery prevents attendance at his father’s funeral

    One of two collapsed-lung surgeries. This funeral reference conflicts with Ed’s stated 1953 death.

    History of the Guild Family

  30. 1979

    Ethel's cherished European holiday

    Bernie sent Ethel to Germany to visit Carol's family, then joined them. They toured Germany and Denmark in a huge government-issued Mercedes.

    History of the Guild Family

  31. 1979

    Ethel’s dream trip to Europe

    Bernie sent her to visit family stationed in Mainz with the Army, joined her, and traveled with the group to Denmark in a government-issued Mercedes.

    History of the Guild Family

  32. 1988

    Mom's death

    Barbara states that Mom died in 1988.

    Barbara's Chapter

  33. April 22, 1988

    Death of Ethel during her Florida visit

    Died at 77 during a yearly visit to Diana's home, from complications of ovarian cyst surgery and congestive heart failure. Buried next to Floyd in Riverside cemetery in Moline Illinois; headstone says 1909 rather than 1911.

    History of the Guild Family

  34. April 22, 1988

    Ethel dies during her Florida visit

    Died at seventy-seven from complications of ovarian cyst surgery and congestive heart failure. Buried next to Floyd in Riverside cemetery, Moline Illinois; headstone incorrectly gives 1909 rather than 1911 as birth year.

    History of the Guild Family

  35. January 28th, 1995

    Lee's death and Diana's comforting vision

    Lee died of lung cancer on Mom's birthday. Two hours earlier, Diana saw white birds diving in the lake behind their home and felt that Mom was coming to take Lee with her.

    Diana's Chapter

  36. Not long before her death in 1988

    A secretly arranged perfect 500 hand

    While Mom went to the bathroom, the players arranged a perfect hand for her. Diana was visiting from Florida. Mom was delighted and was never told about the trick.

    Barbara's Chapter

  37. Yearly

    Yearly Club picnic

    Mom prepared fried chicken, pineapple upside-down cake, and scalloped corn. The ladies played cards while children played or swam, and watermelon followed.

    Barbara's Chapter

  38. Every year, from Thanksgiving through Christmas

    Christmas baking and ornament making

    Mom made daily batches of candy or cookies, decorated the house, crafted Christmas balls, and prepared cornmeal mush for frying on Christmas Eve morning.

    Barbara's Chapter

  39. During Mom's childhood

    Skiing over fences to school

    Mom recalled snow so deep that she and her unnamed brother could ski over fence tops on the way to school.

    Barbara's Chapter

  40. Before becoming a telephone operator

    Tonsil removal before telephone work

    Jennifer told Barbara that Gramma Guild said she had to have her tonsils removed before becoming a telephone operator.

    Barbara's Chapter

  41. During Mom’s childhood

    Mom skis to school

    Mom enjoyed skiing to school during long winters and did very well in school.

    Dee's Chapter

  42. The Year of the Grasshoppers

    The Year of the Grasshoppers

    Mom recalled a deafening noise followed by thousands of grasshoppers that ate everything, leaving no green leaf for miles.

    Dee's Chapter

  43. Before Mom married Dad

    Mom’s work before marriage

    Worked at a button factory and then for a telephone company as a telephone operator.

    Dee's Chapter

  44. While Mom was a telephone operator

    Schmidt Beauty Supply fire

    Mom transferred all the calls for the fire and stayed extra hours working the switchboard.

    Dee's Chapter

  45. Before marriage

    Courtship at Lagomarcino’s

    Dad courted Mom at the ice cream parlor and sandwich shop.

    Dee's Chapter

  46. date not given

    Mom and Dad’s wedding and celebration

    Elva Melton was Mom’s maid-of-honor and witness. Afterward, the couple went to the movies and to Lagos.

    Dee's Chapter

  47. As the girls were growing up

    An entire day of Toni home perms

    Mom and Virginia gave the girls Toni home perms. The narrator refused to attend school the following day because her hair was too curly.

    Dee's Chapter

  48. date not given

    A cherished western hunting trip

    Floyd went deer hunting, shot an elk, brought it home, and had it dressed out. Ethel would have nothing to do with it; Delores never knew what happened to the meat.

    Dee's Chapter

  49. After Dad retired

    Retirement purchases for enjoyment

    Floyd bought a motor scooter, a turquoise blue Comet, and a travel trailer. Ethel wanted nothing to do with them.

    Dee's Chapter

  50. Days later, after Dad insisted on seeing Bill

    A deathbed request to care for Ethel

    Bill visited Floyd, who wanted to make sure he would “take care of Ethel.” Delores admired her father’s devotion to her mother.

    Dee's Chapter

  51. date not given

    Ethel and Floyd's roller-skating blind date

    Mary Hill arranged their first date.

    Carol's Chapter

  52. After her birth in 1938

    Carol comes home to her siblings

    Carol went home to the apartment to join her sister Iris and brothers Bobby and Bernie.

    Carol's Chapter

  53. election day

    Ethel helps voters on election day

    Ethel phoned people to arrange rides to polling places and remind them to vote.

    Carol's Chapter

  54. When she needed a passport to visit Carol in Germany

    Ethel searches for her baptismal record

    With no birth certificate and official records destroyed by fire, Ethel located her baptismal record. It spelled her middle name Kathrine, listed her father's first name as Edwin rather than Edward, and established 1911 rather than her believed 1909 birth year.

    Carol's Chapter

  55. when we were very young

    Whooping cough exposure and quarantine

    Mom made Bob spit in the children's mouths so they would become ill together. The narrator says everyone caught it except him, but he was quarantined to the house.

    Bernie's Chapter

  56. after a long day at Rock River

    Mom's severe sunburn

    The skin on her sunburned back peeled off in one piece. She never sunbathed again.

    Bernie's Chapter

  57. On at least three occasions

    Mom's sewing machine injuries

    Ran the needle through her index finger and said she would give up sewing if it happened five times.

    Bernie's Chapter

  58. Once

    Mom endures shoulder bursitis

    Dad made Mom tough out severe shoulder pain sitting in a rocking chair. The narrator found her suffering unbearable to watch and disliked Dad's response.

    Bernie's Chapter

  59. When Diana was a little girl

    Diana's painful leg illness

    The narrator feared Diana would lose her leg and prayed nightly for healing. He remembers her courage as sustaining the family through the illness.

    Bernie's Chapter

  60. at Christmas

    Ethel's Christmas candy and cookies for Bill

    Ethel would prepare a box of candy and cookies just for Bill. He treasured it and hid it under his bed so he would not have to share.

    Iris's Chapter

  61. One Saturday

    Making Glug in the downstairs kitchen

    The four spent hours making Glug with port wine, raisins, and spices under Floyd’s direction; his reaction to tasting it suggested disappointment.

    Iris's Chapter

  62. Three months of the year

    Annual visits with Diana

    Ethel also often visited her other children's homes around the country.

    History of the Guild Family

  63. after Agnes’ death

    Ed moves his children to a boarding house

    Mrs. Howe helped Ed raise the children.

    History of the Guild Family

  64. date not given

    Ethel and Lloyd complete tenth grade

    Attended Catholic school. Ethel qualified for college but Ed said girls did not need further education.

    History of the Guild Family

  65. date not given

    Ethel works as a typist

    Worked in a doctor’s office and remembered being a good typist.

    History of the Guild Family

  66. After Ethel married Floyd and gave birth to a daughter, Iris

    Ethel’s factory and telephone work

    Sorted buttons for pay by the pound, next became a telephone operator, and also worked at the candy factory making Nibs Licorice Bits.

    History of the Guild Family

  67. date not given

    Ed funds room for seven teenagers

    Contributed $2,000 from postal savings toward two bedrooms and a bath.

    History of the Guild Family

  68. Later years, usually 'Forth of July'

    Minnesota family reunion trips

    Visited Floyd's siblings and parents. Floyd stopped going to Minnesota after his mother died.

    History of the Guild Family

  69. date not given

    Floyd and Ethel rest side by side

    Floyd is buried with Ethel right next to him.

    History of the Guild Family

  70. after Iris’ birth in 1930

    Mary tells Ethel the “bigamy” story

    The story itself is not given. Ethel waited until her own children were adults to tell them.

    History of the Guild Family

  71. Ethel was 14, though she thought she was 16

    Ethel and Lloyd complete tenth grade

    Attended Catholic school. Ethel received a college eligibility certificate, but Ed Williams said girls did not need an education.

    History of the Guild Family

  72. date not given

    Lutheran baptism and confirmation

    Both were baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church.

    History of the Guild Family

  73. Before moving to Moline

    Ethel works as a typist

    Worked in a doctor's office and often said she was a good typist.

    History of the Guild Family

  74. After Iris was born

    Ethel's factory and telephone work

    Sorted buttons for pay by the pound, next worked as a telephone operator, and also worked at the candy factory making Nibs Licorice Bits.

    History of the Guild Family

  75. date not given

    Ed helps enlarge the family home

    Contributed earnings and savings, including $2,000 from Postal Savings, for two bedrooms and a bath, saying the little house could not hold seven teenagers.

    History of the Guild Family

  76. After Carol's divorce

    Ethel welcomes Carol and Chris

    Ethel took them in after her children had left and Floyd had died.

    History of the Guild Family

  77. After Dee's divorce

    Ethel welcomes Dee and Susy

    Took them in after previously taking in Carol and Chris.

    History of the Guild Family

  78. during August

    Afternoon rest during the Dog Days of August

    Mom made the children rest in the afternoon. Barbara thinks this had something to do with Polio.

    Barbara's Chapter

  79. after Iris’ birth in 1930

    Mary tells Ethel the bigamy story

    Ethel did not tell her children until adulthood. The story’s details are not supplied.

    History of the Guild Family

  80. After all the children had left and Floyd had died

    Ethel welcomes family after divorces

    Took in Carol and Chris after Carol’s divorce, then Dee and Susy after Dee’s divorce.

    History of the Guild Family

  81. three months of the year

    Annual visits with Diana

    Ethel also made short visits to her other children’s homes.

    History of the Guild Family

Stories mentioning Ethel

In the family geneagram

Recorded in the geneagram kept with the book. Where the corrected pages and the master run differ, both readings are shown and the corrected one is the reading the archive follows.

Corrected record · Floyd Raymond Guild & Ethel Katherine Williams

Born
January 28, 1911, Newburg, North Dakota.
Married
November, 6, 1928, Moline, Illinois.
Died
April 22, 1988, while visiting Coral Springs, Florida Age 77 of complications of non-malignant ovarian cyst surgery and Heart Failure. Buried in Moline, Illinois at Riverside Cemetery. (Birth date on memorial stone is not correct by two years. It reads 1909.)
See this branch

Master record — superseded · Floyd Raymond Guild & Ethel Katherine Williams

Born
January 28, 1911, Newburg, North Dakota.
Married
November, 6, 1928, Moline, Illinois.
Died
April 22, 1988,while visiting Coral Springs, Fl. Age 77 of complications of non-malignant ovarian cyst surgery and Heart Failure. Buried in Moline, Il. at Riverside Cemetery. (Birth date on memorial stone is not correct by two years. It says 1909.)
See this branch

Referenced in

Family corrections

Notes sent in by the family and approved on review. They sit alongside the original record — the book's wording is never changed.

No corrections on file for this record yet.

Suggest a correction