Life History

Notes

• A Journey of Ninety Years
  
  1915Mary Amelia Gruenwald was born. The Gruenwald’s changed their last name to Greenwald after World War I when English settlers began to taunt and harass the family. The Greenwald’s homestead and farm was located at Eureka and Pardee. The family house has since been moved to Heritage Park as a historical site.
  
  1928Confirmed from St. Paul Lutheran Church (currently St. Paul UCC, Taylor) Mary and her two sisters, Edna and Frances were baptized and attended St. Paul from infancy. The girl’s early journeys to St. Paul were made in horse drawn buggies. Bricks were heated in the winter to keep the girls feet warm during the winter months. The girls were excused from Worship Service once a month when the service was delivered in German.
  
  1929Graduated from the 8th grade in Wyandotte, MI.
  
  1932Began teaching Sunday School at St. Paul. Mary taught for 32 years.
  
  1935Accepted her first job working for Dr. Foley. Mary worked for Doctor Foley for one year.
  
  1937Married Frederick George Garrett.
  
  1938Purchased and moved into their first home (a small garage house) in Taylor.
  
  1942Purchased and moved into their second and final home together located on Kensington in Taylor. Mary lived there for 60 years.
  
  1943Mary went to work a defense job for Bendex Aviation. Bendex shut down and moved to Indiana after the war ended.
  
  1968Mary accepted employment with the Taylor Schools working in the capacity of a cook. Mary worked for the Taylor Schools for eleven years.
  
  1977Mary retired
  
  1979Became president of the St. Paul UCC senior citizens group. Mary was president of this organization for 16 years.
  
  1980 Man was widowed when husband Freddie passed away.
  
  Other Points of Interest
  
  Winner of the 5th and 6th grade Spelling Bees
  Past or present member of:
  Dorcas Society
  Women’s Guild
  Cancer Sewing Society—Received 55 year award
  Memorial Committee
  Visiting Elders