Herman William Lueddecke
8 August 1895-29 April 1984
Brother Louis' second birthday may well have been overshadowed by the imminent arrival of Otto & Katie's third child, Herman William. Also that month, the American frontier murderer and outlaw, John Wesley Hardin, was killed by an off-duty policeman in a saloon in El Paso, Texas. An electric generator at Niagara Falls produced its first power.
It is probably as a result of Herman's choice of career that we know so much about his adult life. School activities are always widely reported, and the activities of a headmaster even more so. However, there are gaps in his story.
The 1910 US census listed Herman as a farm labourer on Otto's farm, at Arcadia, yet in March 1912 the the Iron County Register reported that he had attended teachers' examinations the previous week. Life must have felt harsh, with his mother Katie having died before his 16th birthday.
In July 1914 the the Iron County Register reported that he had visited the newspaper offices, telling the tale of a local resident who had a preserved lemon, over five years old. The article concluded, "This is somewhat remarkable."
In January 1915, under the heading School Notes, the local newspaper recorded, "The term examinations were given Friday, January 15th. All students averaging 85, or above, in all of their subjects,and whose deportment grades did not fall below 90, were exempt from examinations and were not required to be in school Friday. Following is a list of those who were exempt:" Those very upright Lueddecke brothers Herman and Albert were included in the very short list.
A report in April recorded that Herman was one of only two seniors at his school to score 100 for deportment over a six year period. His younger brother, a freshman, achieved the same accolade.
October 1915 saw 4 students from Roselle School doing 9th grade work under Herman, the valedictorian of the previous year's Graduating Class. Roselle is five miles east of Ironton. A valedictorian is the student who has the highest grades in his or her graduating class in high school and who makes a speech at the graduation ceremony.
By November 1915 Herman had become a teacher, and attended the Teachers' association in Cape Girardeau, reporting the Association as "...most welcoming and are loud in their praise of the hospitality of the Cape folk." (Cape Girardeau is 120 miles south down the Mississippi from St Louis, and about 80 miles south east from Pilot Knob.)
In December 1916 the Scott County Kicker mysteriously recorded "Herman Lueddecke spent last Sunday with Dave Held."
The following summer, June 1917, the Iron County Register listed young men of Military age between 21 and 31, "They will not all be called at once, and many of them may not be called at all, but from the following names will be called those required to serve from Iron County." Herman and Louis, both from Henderson Precinct were included in the list.
On the fifth of that month, Herman duly completed his Draft card, revealing that he sought exemption from military service on the grounds "Yes, it is against my conscience to fight my relatives." It also gave his stature as tall and slender with blue eyes and light brown hair, and no disabilities.
In the July 4th 1918 edition, the the Iron County Register carried the following from Herman, based at Fort Monroe, Virginia, having not only failed to convince the military authorities that he should be exempt from service, but admitting that he was enjoying the experience:
My Dear Papa - I have been here about a week now and like it very well. I hope you have gotten the letter and cards, and book of photos of Ft. Monroe, so you can see what a nice place I am in.
We are getting very good meals. Of course we don't get such a variety of of delicacies as were used to at home, but we get good food cooked in a very appetizing way. We are served in a large mess hall where we have tables and benches. We have nice tents to sleep in and there are six men to a tent. We have nice cots with straw-filled ticks to sleep on and two woolen (sic) blankets to cover with. Our detachment of southeast Missouri boys Is certainly a jovial one, and we get along splendidly.
Our work hours are from eight o'clock in the morning till four-thirty P. M., with an hour off at noon. Besides this we have lectures or study periods two times per week from seven till nine P.M. At present we are learning to drive big three ton munition trucks. I am a pretty good chauffer (sic) after two days' driving.
We have various kinds of amusements and entertainments, -baseball, boxing, a piano, victrola, pool tables, checkers, etc., but swimming in the ocean suits me best.
There is no end to the interesting and educative things one can see: oyster farms, aeroplanes, hydroplanes, battleships, submarine-chasers, big canons, forts, balloons, and transports and merchantmen of the largest size. The "Fatherland" and several other of the large ships taken from our enemies have been here the past few days. Anyone who thinks Uncle Sam isn't prepared for home defense should just see the forts, batteries, and all kinds of war ships here and he would change his mind. I never knew that we were so well prepared, and am sorry to say that I didn't know more about my country. It makes one feel like having war when he sees he has something to make war with.
We can take lessons in higher mathematics, French, etc., in our spare time If we wish. I am going to take up French; I just signed up this evening.
I think I had better close for this time, for it Is getting dark, and we don't have light. In our tents. Believe me, It is pretty nice after a days work and night's study to lie down on your old "bunk" and have the ocean waves to sing you to sleep as they dash against the shore. Our tents are between 35 and 40 feet from the water.
Hoping that you will do all you can do at home to help us do our duty as good American citizens, I am as ever
Your loving son,
Herman
Ft. Monroe, Va., June 18, 1918.
[Note: Fort Monroe is a decommissioned military installation in Hampton, Virginia, at Old Point Comfort, the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula. Fort Monroe originally guarded the Chesapeake Bay navigation channel Until disarmament in 1946, the areas protected by the fort were the entire Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River regions, including the water approaches to the cities of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, along with important shipyards and naval bases in the Hampton Roads area. Surrounded by a moat, the six-sided bastion fort is the largest fort by area ever built in the United States. It housed artillery schools, including the Coast Artillery School (1907–1946). Former Confederate President, Jefferson Davis, was imprisoned at the fort.]
On January 16th 1919, the the Iron County Register reported that Herman had made it home for Christmas: "Corporal Herman Lueddecke was honorably discharged on December 3d from 2d Co. 1st Bn, Depot Brigade, Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky. Prior to being discharged he had been instructing in Auto School at Fortress Monroe, Va. Was assigned there last July, after taking a two months' course at St. Louis and at Chauffer Coast Auto School. This school is connected with the Coast Artillery. "
Note: Camp Zachary Taylor was a military training camp in Louisville, Kentucky. It opened in 1917, to train soldiers for U.S. involvement in World War I, and was closed three years later. Its name (and some of its buildings) live on as the Camp Taylor neighborhood of Louisville. It is named for Louisville resident and United States President Zachary Taylor.
His discharge record stated "WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY TNG DET ST LOUIS, MO TO 12 JUN/18; CA SCHOOL DET FT MONROE, VA TO DISCHARGE", Army serial number 998,758, Grades, with date of appointment: CPL10/19.
That summer, July 1919, the the Iron County Register said that the "Summer Session of the Southeast Missouri State Teachers College, Cape Girardeau had an unusually large enrolment." Included in the list was Herman of Pilot Knob. "The reports received from the faculty indicate that they are doing exceptionally good work and will go out into the schools this fall much better equipped for their work as teachers."
The local paper reported in May 1920 that Herman was in the Coast Artillery. This seems at odds with the December 1918 discharge. He did not appear on the 1920 census with Otto and brothers Albert and Gilbert, in Arcadia.
On the 1920 census, taken on 10th January, Eura, future wife of Herman is listed as still living in Pine Township, Ripley County, with her parents, James, a farmer and Nola, an older sister, and five younger sisters and a brother. Eura's name is unclear, but her middle initial is clearly 'A'.
Eura Moore Lueddecke is listed in the Doniphan High School Yearbook class of 1920, living in Gilman City, Missouri, 260 miles north west of St Louis, on the northern border of the state. There is no knowledge of the reason she was living in Gilman City.
27th August 1921 saw the marriage of Herman to Eura Adeline Moore of Doniphan, born 2nd September 1899 in Bennett, the county seat of Ripley County, Missouri. She was the daughter of Nola Ardella Whitwell Moore, age 20, and James Jackson Moore, age 25. Bureaucracy doesn't record how the couple originally found each other, but it seems likely that it was as a result of them meeting through their shared teaching profession.
In September 1921 Herman and new wife Eura were listed as teachers at St Mary's School, Ste Genevieve county. St Mary's is on the Mississippi-Illinois border, halfway downstream from St Louis to Cape Girardeau. It is immediately south west of Kaskaskia, that part of Illinois on the west bank of the Mississippi. Kaskaskia has a fascinating history, well worth separate research.
Oddly there is an eight-year gap before anything else is known about Herman, other than the birth of the first child, Elsie Louisa in 1923 and a sister, Nola June in June 1924. Peggy June arrived just before the 1930 census.
In 1925 Herman's father Otto, had lost his second wife, Emma.
October 1929 the Bloomfield Vindicator printed an article by Herman, the Superintendent of Schools for Advance, as follows:
VINDICATOR, Bloomfield, Mo.
ADVANCE SCHOOL NEWS
(By H. W. Lueddecke, Supt.)
How fine and accurate are the measurements made by a watch-maker in order tht the finished pro-duct may run. Also, how much finer than these are the measurements of machinists who make automobile and airplane engines in which the clearance between pistons and cylinder walls is correct to the ten-thousandth part of an inch. And again, our highly technical and scientific methods of measurements enable us to measure the speed of light as well as the wave lengths of different colors of light. And finer and more accurate yet are our measurements of the atoms,—the bricks with which nature builds,—atoms being a million times too small to be seen even when one attempts to examine them under our most powerful microscopes which magnify several millions of times. And finally, even though it takes many and many an electron to make one individual atom, the size of the electron has been measured, and the number of electrons in an atom of nearly everyone of the 92 odd elements has been definitely counted.
But, on the other hand, how crude, inaccurate, subjective, and probably biased are our measurements of the abilities and achievements of pupils. Scientific investigations prove that different teachers, when working independently, tend to assign widely varying marks to the same examination paper. Two investigators, Starch and Elliott, selected a final examination paper in Geometry. One hundred eighty exact copies of this pupil's paper were made as well as 180 copies of the questions which were given on this Geometry test, and a copy of each was sent to each of 180 high schools in the North Central Association. It was requested that this paper be graded according to the practice and standards of the school by the principal teacher of mathematics in the school. One hundred sixteen replies were received. The papers showed evidences of having been graded with n usual care and attention. The grades given were as follows: Two were above 90; one was below 30; 20 were 80 or above; while 20 others were below 60. Forty-seven teachers assigned a mark passing or above, while 69 teachers thought the paper unworthy of a passing mark.
In another case, a set of "model answers," written by a teacher, to a set of questions on history, accidentally fell into the hands of another • expert history teacher who thought it a student's paper at the university. The mark which this teacher assigned to these "model answers" of his colleague was below passing. Then this model was rated (graded) by a number of other experts in order to insure that it was properly marked. The marks assigned to it by these readers varied from 40 to 90. When considering the above, we should ask ourselves, why these discrepancies in grading? Can they be avoided? Haw can they be nearly eliminated? These questions, as well as others of this nature, will be answered in next week's issue of this paper. [This sequel has not been located.]
The same October 1929 Bloomfield Vindicator issue also recorded, "The following second grade children have made 100 each Friday in their spelling review—... and Elsie Louise Lueddecke. This means that they have mastered every word that has been given them in the spelling class. Each Friday they have all the words that they have had during the week in a review lesson. Many others have a grade of 90 or better. "
In November 1929 the Bloomfield Vindicator newspaper reported that he visited schools in Bloomfield where the paper cryptically said "...he learned some things by which they can profit." Also that month he was elected vice-president of the heads of county high schools.
Advance School news recorded Herman having Thanksgiving dinner with two couples, suggesting he did not spend this traditional family even at home.
In December, Herman was unable to visit rural schools due to a broken-down car. "If repairs can be received and made in time, he may, however visit the schools anyway." (Bloomfield Vindicator newspaper).
The Vindicator further showed that Eura and daughters Elsie Louis and Nola June spent Christmas with the children's grandparents in Doniphan. This would be Eura's parents, James and Nola Moore, as Otto Lueddecke had died in September 1928. Herman's whereabouts are not mentioned.
Little Vine and Toga No 2 schools were visited by Herman, and they received good reports.
The 1930 census shows Herman to be a public school teacher, living in Pike Township, Stoddard County, south west of Cape Girardeau. The town of Advance is in the very north of the county. Wife Eura is no longer described as a teacher, at home with three daughters. Notation on the census form appears to show that they were living in Glenn Street, but this street is shown but not named on contemporary maps, and is no longer a thoroughfare. It runs southward from the east end of Whitwell Street. (Note that Whitwell was the maiden name of Eura's mother, Nola Ardella.)
Friday April 25th, 1930 the Bloomfield Vindicator newspaper reported that 7 year-old Elsie Louise Lueddecke played a violin solo, between acts of the school play.
In September 1930 "Mr Lueddecke, Superintendant of Schools, at Advance, gave a presentation on 'Proper Child Accounting' at the state department of education at Bloomfield, 16 miles south of Advance.
That October, in an article headlined "Brownwood Items", the Bloomfield Vindicator newspaper cryptically revealed that "Our school may become a first class rural school, Mr. Lueddecke, our district superintendent, scored our plant, and Dr. Briney tells us that some slight sanitation work around the pump and toilets will make us a perfect school plant." Brownwood is 3 miles SW of Advance.
In April 1931 Elsie Louise was playing violin with the local choir.
On Thursday June 4 1931 the Dexter Messenger noted that Eura Lueddecke spoke on 'The Gospel among the "Red Men" ' at Puxico Baptist Church.
Research into the life of Herman Lueddecke uncovered many surprises, but the biggest one of all was finding the nationally-syndicated news that he was to sue the Chevrolet Motor Company and and General Motors Corporation. In July and August 1931 many newspapers across the United States carried details of Herman's legal action against Chevrolet and GMC. The news of the impending legal action revealed that he had designed modifications to cars, and that the company had used his ideas without paying him for them The amount in question was a stunning $2,500,000. Perhaps he was falling back on his military service experience, instructing in Auto School at Fortress Monroe, Va.
The petition (Dayton Daily News) "...stated that his suggestions were submitted in a letter of 27th June 1927, and had to do with what he termed the over-balancing of the steering apparatus, battery, starter and generator, all on the left side." The Jefferson City Post added "He said he had been forced to put an extra spring leaf in the left front and rear springs of his car to equalize the balance. Lueddecke alleges that the company made the changes shortly after receiving his suggestions. He asks that he be paid on the basis of 50 cents for every car manufactured since his ideas were submitted."
The petition alleges that the plaintiff sent the following letter to the companies:
"Dear Sirs: As the proud owner of a Chevrolet Sedan, and also with the knowledge of a man who knows automobiles, I am asking you a few questions and then making you a proposition.
"Do you know that a very serious error has been made in the general location of several of the individual units or mechanisms of the Chevrolet car? Do you also know that within another year or so this very error (unless corrected) will reduce Chevrolet sales by possibly a million or even several million dollars? And again, while I, as well as many others, have had and will still have this error of your designers overcome at considerable expense, it will within a short space of time possibly cause some other low-priced car to become more popular than the Chevrolet.
"While many car owners have gone to the trouble of correcting this defect, I have found neither an owner nor a mechanic who was able to discover the cause of the defect. And. unless corrected, the defect will mean considerable annual expense to the owner of the car, for which there is really no excuse at all.
"The cost of overcoming this defect in a car should not be over 20¢ to 30¢ to you as you build the car if you take the easiest and shortest way out of the difficulty. To the owner who has purchased his car the cost will vary from $3.00 to $7.00 depending on where he lives, in city or country.
"The best way out of the difficulty, however, would necessitate a change of design as suggested above, and that can be done without great expense or without sacrificing the essential features of the design of the car.
"Now, I shall not ask you for a one-eighth royalty on $500,000 or $1,000,000 of sales, but I would like to have you make me an offer stating what such information would be worth to you or how much you could offer and would pay for the same. Upon receipt *346 of your reply, if your offer is satisfactory, I will give you complete information of the above mentioned changes for the Chevrolet car.
"An early reply will be appreciated. "Yours truly,"
The case was resolved three years later. See below, March 1934
In November the Southeast Missourian declared that Herman and family were Sunday guests of his sister Elsie and husband Martin Roth, along with Mr & Mrs Gilbert Lueddecke.
In May 1932 the Vindicator announced that Peggy Jane Lueddecke of Advance was a 'Blue Ribbon Baby'.
July 4th entertainment was arranged by Herman in 1932, according to the Bloomfield Vindicator.
In March 1933 the Bloomfield Vindicator published Herman's Schools Crisis Letter, a rather ponderous comment on school staff's wages.
Parents, do you want to see the school for your children close? Do you know in whose power lies the ability to keep the school open? Every parent is interested in good schools, both grade schools and high schools, for the education of their children. When times were prosperous we did not think very seriously about our schools, except that we voted for the levy and for the ones who were to employ our teachers and secure the necessary materials for instruction. We attended ball games, programs and graduations; we were proud of it all; but we knew very little of the tasks of school directors, knew much less of the tasks of the teachers, and still less about what our children were doing at school, or what they were accomplishing.
And today Education Is Facing a Crisis,a financial crisis, and a cris as free public education has not faced since the beginning of tax supported schools over a hundred year ago. From everywhere comes the hue and cry, "What is going to happen to our school during the coming year? Will there be any schools? Will we have a high school ? What can we do to maintain our school for the coming year? etc., etc. ?"
Only two years ago it seemed that we were on the threshold of a new era which promised a continuation of our good grade schools, a centralization of rural schools into larger and more efficient units, and a high school education (with transportation included) for every rural boy and girl, and all of this almost entirely at state expense.
And why such a sudden crisis? And what can be done about it?
Briefly, financial difficulties are mainly due to the fact that district taxes have greatly decreased due to immense reductions in both the valuation and the tax rate for school purposes during the past two or three years, and also to the fact that districts have suffered a large reduction in State Aid the present year.
As for Advance Consolidated School District the facts are as follows: The assessed valuation has decreased 27.3% from 1930 to 1932, and the tax rate for teacher and incidental purposes has decreased from $1.00 to 65c or a reduction of 35%, both reductions together being equivalent to a reduction of 54.5% in taxes actually levied for teacher and incidental purposes. This together with a 56% reduction in State Aid during the present year is the cause of our difficulties here at Advance, and in at least half of the districts in Stoddard County the same is true.
Thus, while the public has to date enjoyed a tax reduction of over 55% for school purposes, it has become necessary for the teachers to assume a heavier load than formerly because of both a reduction in number of teachers, and, also, because of a 12% increase in the enrollment and attendance (due to city people coming back to the country during the depression), while at the same time the actual money received by our teachers has decreased 53% according to present prospects for the 1932-19 school year, which reduction will be in almost exactly the same ratio as the state and .district tax reductions.
For the 1933-1934 school year the figures and facts will be as follows: A further decrease in valuation to the extent of 18% will bring the total decrease in valuations from 1930 to 1933 included to 41%, and if only a 65c teacher and incidental tax rate were to be used, the tax payer would receive a total tax reduction equal to 61.3%. And with an anticipated reduction in State Aid of 78%, as we have been informed by the State Department of Education, teachers could not possibly expect over 20% as much salary (it might more appropriately be called wages) as in 1931. That would mean a wage of $14 to $16 per month for grade teachers, and from $20 to $25 per month for high school teachers, and $40 or so per month for the superintendent.
Does any sane person know where grade teachers may be secured for $15 per month and high school teachers for $22 per month ? If you do, then you can expect to maintain your school system for the 1933-1934 term on a 65c levy; and, if not, then better consider seriously the proposition of a $1.00 levy before casting your vote. This article is not being written with selfish motives in mind, for it is possible for teachers to go elsewhere or even to engage in other lines of work in many instances even under present depressed conditions, but this article IS being written in order to make clear to parents, who have children of school age, that the prospects for a school next year appear exceedingly gloomy at the present time. And the figures cited are ALL FACTS FROM THE RECORDS of our district, or from records to be found at the County Superintendent's office.
By way of further information I wish to state that many schools have been levying more than a dollar tax rate for school purposes for the last few years, and other districts are contemplating rates in excess of one dollar for the ensuing year.
If the schools in Advance Consolidated School District are to be kept open next year, the people must match in sacrifices and effort the sacrifices which the teachers have already made this year.
In January 1933 the Dexter Statesman revealed,
About 25 ex-service men and Legionnaires met at the High school building at Advance Wednesday nite. Prof Lueddecke, of Advance, gave a short talk and the boys held a regular meeting discussing problems of the Legion. Four new members were added to the Legion.
In March 1934 Herman heard that he had lost his case against the Chevrolet Motor Company. The court's full ruling, which is heavy on legal jargon and engineering terms, (3,300 words) is included in the "Lueddeckes in the Media" section. The cost of Herman's ill-fated foray into vehicular engineering has not been revealed. It would be fascinating to know what advice he was given by friends and family, especially wife Eura, before going ahead with his action. This is the summary:
NATURE OF CASE: Appeal of demurrer dismissing action for damages for breach of contract.
FACT SUMMARY: Lueddecke claimed that he was entitled to compensation for Chevrolet's incorporation into its auto design several unsolicited suggestions he had made.
RULE OF LAW: A party is not legally liable for incorporating unsolicited generalized suggestions into its product.
FACTS: Lueddecke forwarded an unsolicited letter to Chevrolet Motor Co. informing it of a design problem in a line of its autos and offering to provide suggestions to ameliorate the problem. When Chevrolet responded that it would only consider specific suggestions, Lueddecke informed it that the autos tended to sag to the left side, and he suggested certain common-sense solutions such as repositioning certain components. Chevrolet eventually alleviated the problem, doing several things Lueddecke had suggested. When Chevrolet refused to compensate Lueddecke, he sued for breach of implied contract. The district court sustained Chevrolet's demurrer, and Lueddecke appealed.
ISSUE: Is a party legally liable for incorporating into its product generalized suggestions made regarding the product?
HOLDING AND DECISION: (Woodrough, J.) No. A party is not legally liable for incorporating into its product generalized suggestions made regarding its product. For an idea to rise to the level of a property right, it must be novel and useful. While an idea need not necessarily be copyrighted or patented to be novel, it does need to be demonstrably new. Such an idea also needs to be specific A common-sense idea relating to a product in a generalized way is not novel. Here, the perceived problem with the autos was a left-side tilt. Lueddecke's proffered cure was the logical solution of redistributing weight, an idea which cannot be called novel. For this reason, Lueddecke could not obtain a proprietary interest in the idea sufficient to form the basis of an implied contract. Affirmed.
ANALYSIS As the present case illustrates, the road is not easy for one originating ideas only. Generally speaking. copyright and patent law protects those who originate and develop. An originator only is most likely to end up without recourse, as Lueddecke discovered.
Quicknotes
COPYRIGHT: Refers to the exclusive rights granted to an artist pursuant to Article I. section 8, clause 8 of the United States Constitution over the reproduction, display, performance, distribution, and adaptation of his work for a period prescribed by statute.
PATENT: A limited monopoly conferred on the invention or discovery of any new or useful machine or process that is novel and non-obvious.
PROPRIETARY INTEREST: An owner's interest and rights in property
The 1940 data, entered by Eura, shows them living in Centerville, Reynolds County in 1935, and in Como, New Madrid county in 1940, with the addition of 5-year-old Hermina W. Herman's occupation is selling, in the insurance business. [Nothing is known about the change from being an area school superintendent to insurance sales.]
In June, 1941 the Missourian reported as follows,
"Instead of a regular meeting in November, the First Baptist L.L.L. Class, in session Tuesday night at the home of the president, Miss Janis Pierce, 32 South Park avenue, planned a Thanksgiving dinner to be held at the church Nov. 18. Members will prepare the meal themselves. A general arrangements committee was appointed, to include ... June Lueddecke ... "
In April 1942, the local news was that June Lueddecke of 1411 Rose Street, telephone operator, left on vacation to Force Jackson, South Carolina, returning the following week.
In March 1994 Eura Lueddecke joined the 'Smith Circle' of the First Baptist WMU which decided to buy a war bond to apply on the church debt. An adjacent Southeast Missourian article reported on the reunion of Herbert Griffin, 14, and his dog, Flossie. Herbert lost his leg rescuing the pooch from a trolley car trestle. He saved the dog, but a passing car mangled his leg and it had to be amputated.
In 1944 Herman left the United States to work as an aircraft technician in Brazil. There are no records showing that his family accompanied him.
In June 1945 Peggy Lueddecke was one of the students named by the Southeast Missourian as having a 100% attendance record for 1944-45, obviously aware of Herman's views on 'Proper Child Accounting'.
In October 1945, Peggy, in her role as corresponding secretary of the SBC Club was busy organising a hay ride. The following February the Missourian reported that the SDC (sic) Club was to be renamed the Katzamuin Klub. Peggy was to continue as corresponding secretary. [As of July 2020, the internet does not reveal anything about this organisation...]
In May 1946 Peggy was rated in the district high school art contest and in December, Peggy, now 16, was one of several students to achieve 3 'E' Grades.
August 1947 saw Herman return from his sojourn in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The Missourian reported it thus, "Back From Brazil - H. W. Lueddecke. 1416 Rose Street, who has been In Sao Paulo, Brazil for the past 3 1/2 years employed as an Instructor In the electrical department of an aeronautical mechanics school, arrived In Cape Girardeau Saturday to spend a vacation with Mrs. Lueddecke. He also will spend two weeks in California with three daughters. Mrs.Harry Campbell of Los Angeles. and Mrs. John Sokolic and Miss Peggy Jane Lueddecke of Santa Monica.
Mr. Lueddecke said the normal rate of exchange of money of that country and the United States is 20 to 1, and said Inflation has made prices high In comparison with those of this country. He said prices there were about four times as high, citing as examples men's hose which sell for $1.05 to $1.10 per pair, and handkerchiefs which sell for 30 cents and a bottle of ink for 40 cents. He also reported that an extensive building program is in progress in Sao Paulo, but that apartments still rent for about $100 per month,
Mr. Lueddecke, who taught in southeast Missouri for 33 years will return Oct. 8, and will work for the Brazilian Air Ministry, the contract of the company for whom he formerly worked having terminated. "
[Nothing more is known about Herman's time in Brazil, nor when he finally returned.]
July 1948 saw Herman and Eura's daughter Peggy return to St Louis, after a year and a half working for the Western Electric Co. in Los Angeles.
A one-line entry in the Missourian in August 1950 told very little, "Wm. B. Evans to HW Lueddecke, lot, Cape."
By May 1951 Herman had resumed his position as a high school principal, as the Missourian reported that several seniors were to "...begin a Med Robbins tour which will take them through Mississippi, Florida, New Orleans and the Gulf Coast" including Herman.
July 1951, the Equalization Board reported "HW Lueddecke, lot, raised $1120 to $1500.
Hermina, now 17, joined the Cape Community Chorus of the First Baptist Church in September 1952. A year later she started at the Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing, having graduated from Central High School in January 1953. She was pictured in the Saturday Evening edition of the Southeast Missourian on 29th August.
In February 1955 it was certainly 'Hold the Front Page' time for the Cape Girardeau edition of the Southeast Missourian, "PURSE FOUND — Mrs. 11. W. Luddecke, 1411 Rose Street, has a small black Corde zipper purse, which her husband found near Vandeven's store on Broadway. The purse contains a little change and pictures of boys and girls."
A 1956 directory listed "Lueddecke Herman W (Eura A) tchr PS h1411 Rose".
Herman was admitted to the Southeast Missouri Hospital in February 1957, for unspecified medical care.
August 1957 saw the marriage of Hermina to Frederick D Hubert, This is how the Missourian reported it:
SHEBOYGAN Wis, — The altar of Trinity Lutheran Church graced with arrangements of pink and while gladioli, carnations and palms provided the setting for the marriage of Miss Hermina Lueddecke, daughter of Mr and Mr. Herman Lueddecke 1411 Rose street, Cape Girardeau to Frederick D Hubert. The Rev Karl Schulz, pastor of the church officiated at the ceremony which took place Saturday afternoon at 3. The bridegroom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Hubert of Sheboygan.
Escorted by Father.
The bride who was escorted to the altar by her father chose a gown of nylon tulle over satin. The slim pointed basque was topped with a yoke and thimble sleeves edged in Chantillly lace while tiers of pleated tulle, banded in lace, formed the bouffant skirt and cascaded into a cathedral train. Her imported illusion veil was caught to a tiara of tulle and seed pearls and her flowers, pink rosebuds, were carried on a white prayer book.
Mrs. Robert L. Harris of Paducah, Ky. sister of the bride was her matron of honor and Miss Myrna M Hubert, sister of the bride-groom, the bridesmaid. Their dresses of capri were fashioned with fitted sleeveless bodices and Italian necklines. The ballerina length skirts were flared at the back and their flowers, cascade bouquets of Fuigil chrysanthemums. were gathered with streamers matching the dresses, old rose for the matron of honor and cameo pink for Miss Hubert.
Supper Served.
A-2C [Airman 2nd class?] Ronald Hubert, brother of the bridegroom, was his best man. Gerard Isenberg of Chicago, Ill., the groomsman, and Milton Riemer of Cederburg. Wis., and Gerald Schudlich of Manistee. Mich., the ushers. Mr. Isenberg, Mr. Riemar and Mr. Schudlich are all classmates of the bridegroom.
Immediately after the ceremony a buffet supper was served in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Hall and this was followed by an open house at the home of the bridegroom's parents.
Upon their return from a wedding trip of two weeks in Michigan, the couple will live in St. Louis where the bride is a Registered Nurse at St Louis County Hospital. Mr Hubert will resume his final year of studies at Conordia Seminary.
The July 1961 report of the Golden Anniversary of the wedding of Elsie Lueddecke Roth and Martin did not include any of Herman's family as guests.
April 1963 saw Herman listed again as attending hospital, in St Francis Hospital.
In May 1965 the Missourian recorded an estate sale, HW Lueddecke to Jesse J. Englehart, lot, Cape Girardeau.
February 1970 Eura was discharged from hospital, no further details.
In March 1974, Herman made this genrous offer via the columns of the Southeast Missourian,
H. W. Lueddecke, 1411 Rose, a gardener for many years, has decided to give up some of his flower gardening to try his hand at raising more vegetables to beat rising grocery costs. Mr. Lueddecke said he is giving away approximately a dozen red rambler roses, seven years old, to anyone who would like to transplant them. The roses have been kept trimmed to about two feet. Anyone interested is asked to call the Lueddecke home.
November 1977 gave us another glimpse into Herman's life, courtesy of the ever-watchful Southeast Missourian, "Herman W Lueddecke vs. Gerald and Sally Bahr - Action on damages In amount of $150 for rent and utilities on apartment; appealed from Small Claims Court." No other details were available.
A year later this mystery was reported, "Herman Lueddecke, 1411 Ruse, Sunday reported black paint was poured on a porch at his residence. causing $200 damage." Again, no other details were available.
In April 1984, the Southeast Missourian sadly reported the death of Herman, at home, on Sunday 29th 1984. Six weeks later the Southeast Missourian carried the final article about Herman, giving details of his estate.
In The Estate of Herman William Lueddecke, Deceased Estate No. CV684-822P
To all persons Interested In the Estate of Herman William Lueddecke. Deceased:
On the 18th day of May. 1984, (The Last Will of decedent having been admitted to probate) Eura Moore Lueddecke was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Herman William Lueddecke. deceased. by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cape Girardeau County. Missouri. The business address of the Personal Representative Is 1411 Rose, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. and the attorney Is David S. Limbaugh, of Limbaugh. Limbaugh, Russell & Syler whose address and phone number are 2027 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 335 3316.
All creditors of said decedent are notified to file claims in court within six months from the date of the first publication of this notice or be forever barred.
The Personal Representative may administer the estate Independently, without adjudication, order, or direction of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court, unless a petition for supervised administration is made to and granted by the Court.
Date of first publication Is May 25, 1984. (SEAL)
Jean Seabaugh, Clerk (May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 1984)
Eura Adeline Moore Lueddecke died on 17th July 1988. The following was her obituary:
EURA LUEDDECKE Eura A. (Moore) Lueddecke, 88, 410 Edgeway Drive, Alexandria, died Sunday at her home after a brief illness. She was born in Bennett, Mo., and had been an Alexandria resident for three years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau, Mo.
She is survived by four daughters, Elsie Louise (Mrs. Harry) Campbell of Los Angeles, Nola June (Mrs. John) Sokolic of Branson, Mo., Peggy Jane (Mrs. Robert) Harris of Paducah, Ky., and Mina (Mrs. Fred) Hubert of Alexandria; three sisters, Irene (Mrs. Sherman) Jerrue of Santa Rosa, Calif., Lottie (Mrs. George) Erbes and Fern (Mrs. Wendell) Beal, both of Branson, Mo.; a brother, Rev. Woodrow H. Moore of Blue Springs, Mo, eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services will be conducted today at 8 a.m. at Noffze Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Hubert officiating. The body will be transferred to Cape Girardeau for final services and burial. [Rev. Fred Hubert was the husband of Herman's daughter Hermina.]
Fire members of the family of Herman W Lueddecke, superintendent of schools at Advance. were Injured, three of them seriously at 9:30 a. m. today when their automobile. going north on Pacific Street. and a motor car driven east on Independence Street by Jacob Oradea, a farmer, who resides northwest of Cape Girardeau, collided at the intersection. All five of the Injured were taken to Southeast Missouri Hospital where it was revealed that a daughter, Louise, 11 suffered concussion of the brain and was unconscious. Others Injured were: Mrs. Lueddecke, who suffered a wrenched back and scalp wound on the back of her head: Peggy. 3, deep cut about three Inches long over the right eye: June. 9. a wrenched hip, and Mr. Lueddeeke, a lacerated left hand and bruise on the right side of his forehead.
Oradea. who was accompanied by his wile on the way to market with eggs and milk, was not injured. Both cars were badly damaged. Both cars by force of the Impact, were piled up against a telephone pole at the northeast corner of the street Intersection. Oradea's car, according to Luddecke struck the latter's vehicle, about midway in the left side. Luddecke told a reporter at the hospital that he was driving his 1926 model Chevrolet sedan north on Pacific Street and as he neared the intersection he observed the other car, a 1927 model Chevrolet Touring, approaching from the west on Independence Street. He said he slowed down his car and that the driver of the other car did likewise.
Mrs. Herman W. Lueddecke and daughter, Elsie Louise, of Advance were dismissed late Monday from Southeast Missouri Hospital, where they had been since May 6, when they were hurt in an automobile collision at the intersection of Pacific and Independence Streets [Cape Girardeau]. Mrs. Lueddecke, who is the wife of the superintendent of schools in Advance, sustained a scalp wound and her back was wrenched. Her daughter had a concussion, which rendered her unconscious several days. Other members of the family who were injured in the accident were able to leave the hospital after the first day.
In September 1983, with echoes of his 1976 incident, the Bulletin journal said,
"A traffic accident in which injuries were reported occurred Tuesday at about 9:35 am In the 900 block of Normal. The accident involved a vehicle operated by Herman William Lueddecke of 1411 Rose, and a vehicle operated by Shirley Marie Kessler of Whitewater. Mo. Injuries were reported to Kessler, who was treated and released at St. Francis Medical Center. A summons was issued to Lueddecke for failure to yield. The accident apparently occurred as Lueddecke was northbound on Meyer Drive and lost his brakes as he approached Normal. He was unable to stop for the through street and struck Kessler's vehicle in the side, pushing it across the street and across the curb."
[Normal Avenue is one block south east of Herman's home.]
Children of Eura and Herman:
Elsie Louise Lueddecke. Elsie Louise was born in 1923.
Nola June Lueddecke. Nola June was born on 26 June 1924. She married John Sokolic on 2 February 1944 in California, United States
Peggy Jane Lueddecke. Peggy Jane was born in 1930 in Doniphan, Ripley, Missouri, United States. She married Robert Lee Harris on 26 June 1951 in Norfolk, Virginia, United States.
Hermina W Lueddecke. Hermina W was born on 16 February 1935. She died on 3 December 2007. She married Frederick D Hubert.
The 1910 US census listed Herman as a farm labourer on Otto's farm, at Arcadia, yet in March 1912 the the Iron County Register reported that he had attended teachers' examinations the previous week. Life must have felt harsh, with his mother Katie having died before his 16th birthday.
In July 1914 the the Iron County Register reported that he had visited the newspaper offices, telling the tale of a local resident who had a preserved lemon, over five years old. The article concluded, "This is somewhat remarkable."
In January 1915, under the heading School Notes, the local newspaper recorded, "The term examinations were given Friday, January 15th. All students averaging 85, or above, in all of their subjects,and whose deportment grades did not fall below 90, were exempt from examinations and were not required to be in school Friday. Following is a list of those who were exempt:" Those very upright Lueddecke brothers Herman and Albert were included in the very short list.
A report in April recorded that Herman was one of only two seniors at his school to score 100 for deportment over a six year period. His younger brother, a freshman, achieved the same accolade.
October 1915 saw 4 students from Roselle School doing 9th grade work under Herman, the valedictorian of the previous year's Graduating Class. Roselle is five miles east of Ironton. A valedictorian is the student who has the highest grades in his or her graduating class in high school and who makes a speech at the graduation ceremony.
By November 1915 Herman had become a teacher, and attended the Teachers' association in Cape Girardeau, reporting the Association as "...most welcoming and are loud in their praise of the hospitality of the Cape folk." (Cape Girardeau is 120 miles south down the Mississippi from St Louis, and about 80 miles south east from Pilot Knob.)
In December 1916 the Scott County Kicker mysteriously recorded "Herman Lueddecke spent last Sunday with Dave Held."
The following summer, June 1917, the Iron County Register listed young men of Military age between 21 and 31, "They will not all be called at once, and many of them may not be called at all, but from the following names will be called those required to serve from Iron County." Herman and Louis, both from Henderson Precinct were included in the list.
On the fifth of that month, Herman duly completed his Draft card, revealing that he sought exemption from military service on the grounds "Yes, it is against my conscience to fight my relatives." It also gave his stature as tall and slender with blue eyes and light brown hair, and no disabilities.
In the July 4th 1918 edition, the the Iron County Register carried the following from Herman, based at Fort Monroe, Virginia, having not only failed to convince the military authorities that he should be exempt from service, but admitting that he was enjoying the experience:
A Letter From Herman Lueddecke to his Father
We are getting very good meals. Of course we don't get such a variety of of delicacies as were used to at home, but we get good food cooked in a very appetizing way. We are served in a large mess hall where we have tables and benches. We have nice tents to sleep in and there are six men to a tent. We have nice cots with straw-filled ticks to sleep on and two woolen (sic) blankets to cover with. Our detachment of southeast Missouri boys Is certainly a jovial one, and we get along splendidly.
Our work hours are from eight o'clock in the morning till four-thirty P. M., with an hour off at noon. Besides this we have lectures or study periods two times per week from seven till nine P.M. At present we are learning to drive big three ton munition trucks. I am a pretty good chauffer (sic) after two days' driving.
We have various kinds of amusements and entertainments, -baseball, boxing, a piano, victrola, pool tables, checkers, etc., but swimming in the ocean suits me best.
There is no end to the interesting and educative things one can see: oyster farms, aeroplanes, hydroplanes, battleships, submarine-chasers, big canons, forts, balloons, and transports and merchantmen of the largest size. The "Fatherland" and several other of the large ships taken from our enemies have been here the past few days. Anyone who thinks Uncle Sam isn't prepared for home defense should just see the forts, batteries, and all kinds of war ships here and he would change his mind. I never knew that we were so well prepared, and am sorry to say that I didn't know more about my country. It makes one feel like having war when he sees he has something to make war with.
We can take lessons in higher mathematics, French, etc., in our spare time If we wish. I am going to take up French; I just signed up this evening.
I think I had better close for this time, for it Is getting dark, and we don't have light. In our tents. Believe me, It is pretty nice after a days work and night's study to lie down on your old "bunk" and have the ocean waves to sing you to sleep as they dash against the shore. Our tents are between 35 and 40 feet from the water.
Hoping that you will do all you can do at home to help us do our duty as good American citizens, I am as ever
Your loving son,
Herman
Ft. Monroe, Va., June 18, 1918.
[Note: Fort Monroe is a decommissioned military installation in Hampton, Virginia, at Old Point Comfort, the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula. Fort Monroe originally guarded the Chesapeake Bay navigation channel Until disarmament in 1946, the areas protected by the fort were the entire Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River regions, including the water approaches to the cities of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, along with important shipyards and naval bases in the Hampton Roads area. Surrounded by a moat, the six-sided bastion fort is the largest fort by area ever built in the United States. It housed artillery schools, including the Coast Artillery School (1907–1946). Former Confederate President, Jefferson Davis, was imprisoned at the fort.]
On January 16th 1919, the the Iron County Register reported that Herman had made it home for Christmas: "Corporal Herman Lueddecke was honorably discharged on December 3d from 2d Co. 1st Bn, Depot Brigade, Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky. Prior to being discharged he had been instructing in Auto School at Fortress Monroe, Va. Was assigned there last July, after taking a two months' course at St. Louis and at Chauffer Coast Auto School. This school is connected with the Coast Artillery. "
Note: Camp Zachary Taylor was a military training camp in Louisville, Kentucky. It opened in 1917, to train soldiers for U.S. involvement in World War I, and was closed three years later. Its name (and some of its buildings) live on as the Camp Taylor neighborhood of Louisville. It is named for Louisville resident and United States President Zachary Taylor.
His discharge record stated "WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY TNG DET ST LOUIS, MO TO 12 JUN/18; CA SCHOOL DET FT MONROE, VA TO DISCHARGE", Army serial number 998,758, Grades, with date of appointment: CPL10/19.
The local paper reported in May 1920 that Herman was in the Coast Artillery. This seems at odds with the December 1918 discharge. He did not appear on the 1920 census with Otto and brothers Albert and Gilbert, in Arcadia.
On the 1920 census, taken on 10th January, Eura, future wife of Herman is listed as still living in Pine Township, Ripley County, with her parents, James, a farmer and Nola, an older sister, and five younger sisters and a brother. Eura's name is unclear, but her middle initial is clearly 'A'.
Eura Moore Lueddecke is listed in the Doniphan High School Yearbook class of 1920, living in Gilman City, Missouri, 260 miles north west of St Louis, on the northern border of the state. There is no knowledge of the reason she was living in Gilman City.
27th August 1921 saw the marriage of Herman to Eura Adeline Moore of Doniphan, born 2nd September 1899 in Bennett, the county seat of Ripley County, Missouri. She was the daughter of Nola Ardella Whitwell Moore, age 20, and James Jackson Moore, age 25. Bureaucracy doesn't record how the couple originally found each other, but it seems likely that it was as a result of them meeting through their shared teaching profession.
In September 1921 Herman and new wife Eura were listed as teachers at St Mary's School, Ste Genevieve county. St Mary's is on the Mississippi-Illinois border, halfway downstream from St Louis to Cape Girardeau. It is immediately south west of Kaskaskia, that part of Illinois on the west bank of the Mississippi. Kaskaskia has a fascinating history, well worth separate research.
Oddly there is an eight-year gap before anything else is known about Herman, other than the birth of the first child, Elsie Louisa in 1923 and a sister, Nola June in June 1924. Peggy June arrived just before the 1930 census.
In 1925 Herman's father Otto, had lost his second wife, Emma.
October 1929 the Bloomfield Vindicator printed an article by Herman, the Superintendent of Schools for Advance, as follows:
VINDICATOR, Bloomfield, Mo.
ADVANCE SCHOOL NEWS
(By H. W. Lueddecke, Supt.)
Just Imagine
How fine and accurate are the measurements made by a watch-maker in order tht the finished pro-duct may run. Also, how much finer than these are the measurements of machinists who make automobile and airplane engines in which the clearance between pistons and cylinder walls is correct to the ten-thousandth part of an inch. And again, our highly technical and scientific methods of measurements enable us to measure the speed of light as well as the wave lengths of different colors of light. And finer and more accurate yet are our measurements of the atoms,—the bricks with which nature builds,—atoms being a million times too small to be seen even when one attempts to examine them under our most powerful microscopes which magnify several millions of times. And finally, even though it takes many and many an electron to make one individual atom, the size of the electron has been measured, and the number of electrons in an atom of nearly everyone of the 92 odd elements has been definitely counted.
But, on the other hand, how crude, inaccurate, subjective, and probably biased are our measurements of the abilities and achievements of pupils. Scientific investigations prove that different teachers, when working independently, tend to assign widely varying marks to the same examination paper. Two investigators, Starch and Elliott, selected a final examination paper in Geometry. One hundred eighty exact copies of this pupil's paper were made as well as 180 copies of the questions which were given on this Geometry test, and a copy of each was sent to each of 180 high schools in the North Central Association. It was requested that this paper be graded according to the practice and standards of the school by the principal teacher of mathematics in the school. One hundred sixteen replies were received. The papers showed evidences of having been graded with n usual care and attention. The grades given were as follows: Two were above 90; one was below 30; 20 were 80 or above; while 20 others were below 60. Forty-seven teachers assigned a mark passing or above, while 69 teachers thought the paper unworthy of a passing mark.
In another case, a set of "model answers," written by a teacher, to a set of questions on history, accidentally fell into the hands of another • expert history teacher who thought it a student's paper at the university. The mark which this teacher assigned to these "model answers" of his colleague was below passing. Then this model was rated (graded) by a number of other experts in order to insure that it was properly marked. The marks assigned to it by these readers varied from 40 to 90. When considering the above, we should ask ourselves, why these discrepancies in grading? Can they be avoided? Haw can they be nearly eliminated? These questions, as well as others of this nature, will be answered in next week's issue of this paper. [This sequel has not been located.]
The same October 1929 Bloomfield Vindicator issue also recorded, "The following second grade children have made 100 each Friday in their spelling review—... and Elsie Louise Lueddecke. This means that they have mastered every word that has been given them in the spelling class. Each Friday they have all the words that they have had during the week in a review lesson. Many others have a grade of 90 or better. "
Advance School news recorded Herman having Thanksgiving dinner with two couples, suggesting he did not spend this traditional family even at home.
In December, Herman was unable to visit rural schools due to a broken-down car. "If repairs can be received and made in time, he may, however visit the schools anyway." (Bloomfield Vindicator newspaper).
Early in 1930 The Vindicator reported an early Christmas present for the the Lueddecke family, with the birth of their third daughter, Peggy Jane, on the 23rd December 1929.
Little Vine and Toga No 2 schools were visited by Herman, and they received good reports.
The 1930 census shows Herman to be a public school teacher, living in Pike Township, Stoddard County, south west of Cape Girardeau. The town of Advance is in the very north of the county. Wife Eura is no longer described as a teacher, at home with three daughters. Notation on the census form appears to show that they were living in Glenn Street, but this street is shown but not named on contemporary maps, and is no longer a thoroughfare. It runs southward from the east end of Whitwell Street. (Note that Whitwell was the maiden name of Eura's mother, Nola Ardella.)
Friday April 25th, 1930 the Bloomfield Vindicator newspaper reported that 7 year-old Elsie Louise Lueddecke played a violin solo, between acts of the school play.
In September 1930 "Mr Lueddecke, Superintendant of Schools, at Advance, gave a presentation on 'Proper Child Accounting' at the state department of education at Bloomfield, 16 miles south of Advance.
That October, in an article headlined "Brownwood Items", the Bloomfield Vindicator newspaper cryptically revealed that "Our school may become a first class rural school, Mr. Lueddecke, our district superintendent, scored our plant, and Dr. Briney tells us that some slight sanitation work around the pump and toilets will make us a perfect school plant." Brownwood is 3 miles SW of Advance.
In April 1931 Elsie Louise was playing violin with the local choir.
On Thursday June 4 1931 the Dexter Messenger noted that Eura Lueddecke spoke on 'The Gospel among the "Red Men" ' at Puxico Baptist Church.
Research into the life of Herman Lueddecke uncovered many surprises, but the biggest one of all was finding the nationally-syndicated news that he was to sue the Chevrolet Motor Company and and General Motors Corporation. In July and August 1931 many newspapers across the United States carried details of Herman's legal action against Chevrolet and GMC. The news of the impending legal action revealed that he had designed modifications to cars, and that the company had used his ideas without paying him for them The amount in question was a stunning $2,500,000. Perhaps he was falling back on his military service experience, instructing in Auto School at Fortress Monroe, Va.
The petition (Dayton Daily News) "...stated that his suggestions were submitted in a letter of 27th June 1927, and had to do with what he termed the over-balancing of the steering apparatus, battery, starter and generator, all on the left side." The Jefferson City Post added "He said he had been forced to put an extra spring leaf in the left front and rear springs of his car to equalize the balance. Lueddecke alleges that the company made the changes shortly after receiving his suggestions. He asks that he be paid on the basis of 50 cents for every car manufactured since his ideas were submitted."
The petition alleges that the plaintiff sent the following letter to the companies:
"Dear Sirs: As the proud owner of a Chevrolet Sedan, and also with the knowledge of a man who knows automobiles, I am asking you a few questions and then making you a proposition.
"Do you know that a very serious error has been made in the general location of several of the individual units or mechanisms of the Chevrolet car? Do you also know that within another year or so this very error (unless corrected) will reduce Chevrolet sales by possibly a million or even several million dollars? And again, while I, as well as many others, have had and will still have this error of your designers overcome at considerable expense, it will within a short space of time possibly cause some other low-priced car to become more popular than the Chevrolet.
"While many car owners have gone to the trouble of correcting this defect, I have found neither an owner nor a mechanic who was able to discover the cause of the defect. And. unless corrected, the defect will mean considerable annual expense to the owner of the car, for which there is really no excuse at all.
"The cost of overcoming this defect in a car should not be over 20¢ to 30¢ to you as you build the car if you take the easiest and shortest way out of the difficulty. To the owner who has purchased his car the cost will vary from $3.00 to $7.00 depending on where he lives, in city or country.
"The best way out of the difficulty, however, would necessitate a change of design as suggested above, and that can be done without great expense or without sacrificing the essential features of the design of the car.
"Now, I shall not ask you for a one-eighth royalty on $500,000 or $1,000,000 of sales, but I would like to have you make me an offer stating what such information would be worth to you or how much you could offer and would pay for the same. Upon receipt *346 of your reply, if your offer is satisfactory, I will give you complete information of the above mentioned changes for the Chevrolet car.
"An early reply will be appreciated. "Yours truly,"
The case was resolved three years later. See below, March 1934
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
In November the Southeast Missourian declared that Herman and family were Sunday guests of his sister Elsie and husband Martin Roth, along with Mr & Mrs Gilbert Lueddecke.
In May 1932 the Vindicator announced that Peggy Jane Lueddecke of Advance was a 'Blue Ribbon Baby'.
July 4th entertainment was arranged by Herman in 1932, according to the Bloomfield Vindicator.
In March 1933 the Bloomfield Vindicator published Herman's Schools Crisis Letter, a rather ponderous comment on school staff's wages.
THE BLOOMFIELD VINDICATOR, Bloomfield, Mo
OUR SCHOOLS FACE CRISIS
Advance School Is No Exception, Says H. W. Lueddecke, Superintendent of Advance Schools
Parents, do you want to see the school for your children close? Do you know in whose power lies the ability to keep the school open? Every parent is interested in good schools, both grade schools and high schools, for the education of their children. When times were prosperous we did not think very seriously about our schools, except that we voted for the levy and for the ones who were to employ our teachers and secure the necessary materials for instruction. We attended ball games, programs and graduations; we were proud of it all; but we knew very little of the tasks of school directors, knew much less of the tasks of the teachers, and still less about what our children were doing at school, or what they were accomplishing.
And today Education Is Facing a Crisis,a financial crisis, and a cris as free public education has not faced since the beginning of tax supported schools over a hundred year ago. From everywhere comes the hue and cry, "What is going to happen to our school during the coming year? Will there be any schools? Will we have a high school ? What can we do to maintain our school for the coming year? etc., etc. ?"
Only two years ago it seemed that we were on the threshold of a new era which promised a continuation of our good grade schools, a centralization of rural schools into larger and more efficient units, and a high school education (with transportation included) for every rural boy and girl, and all of this almost entirely at state expense.
And why such a sudden crisis? And what can be done about it?
Briefly, financial difficulties are mainly due to the fact that district taxes have greatly decreased due to immense reductions in both the valuation and the tax rate for school purposes during the past two or three years, and also to the fact that districts have suffered a large reduction in State Aid the present year.
As for Advance Consolidated School District the facts are as follows: The assessed valuation has decreased 27.3% from 1930 to 1932, and the tax rate for teacher and incidental purposes has decreased from $1.00 to 65c or a reduction of 35%, both reductions together being equivalent to a reduction of 54.5% in taxes actually levied for teacher and incidental purposes. This together with a 56% reduction in State Aid during the present year is the cause of our difficulties here at Advance, and in at least half of the districts in Stoddard County the same is true.
Thus, while the public has to date enjoyed a tax reduction of over 55% for school purposes, it has become necessary for the teachers to assume a heavier load than formerly because of both a reduction in number of teachers, and, also, because of a 12% increase in the enrollment and attendance (due to city people coming back to the country during the depression), while at the same time the actual money received by our teachers has decreased 53% according to present prospects for the 1932-19 school year, which reduction will be in almost exactly the same ratio as the state and .district tax reductions.
For the 1933-1934 school year the figures and facts will be as follows: A further decrease in valuation to the extent of 18% will bring the total decrease in valuations from 1930 to 1933 included to 41%, and if only a 65c teacher and incidental tax rate were to be used, the tax payer would receive a total tax reduction equal to 61.3%. And with an anticipated reduction in State Aid of 78%, as we have been informed by the State Department of Education, teachers could not possibly expect over 20% as much salary (it might more appropriately be called wages) as in 1931. That would mean a wage of $14 to $16 per month for grade teachers, and from $20 to $25 per month for high school teachers, and $40 or so per month for the superintendent.
Does any sane person know where grade teachers may be secured for $15 per month and high school teachers for $22 per month ? If you do, then you can expect to maintain your school system for the 1933-1934 term on a 65c levy; and, if not, then better consider seriously the proposition of a $1.00 levy before casting your vote. This article is not being written with selfish motives in mind, for it is possible for teachers to go elsewhere or even to engage in other lines of work in many instances even under present depressed conditions, but this article IS being written in order to make clear to parents, who have children of school age, that the prospects for a school next year appear exceedingly gloomy at the present time. And the figures cited are ALL FACTS FROM THE RECORDS of our district, or from records to be found at the County Superintendent's office.
By way of further information I wish to state that many schools have been levying more than a dollar tax rate for school purposes for the last few years, and other districts are contemplating rates in excess of one dollar for the ensuing year.
If the schools in Advance Consolidated School District are to be kept open next year, the people must match in sacrifices and effort the sacrifices which the teachers have already made this year.
By H. W. Lueddecke, Supt.
In January 1933 the Dexter Statesman revealed,
LEGION TO ADVANCE WEDNESDAY NIGHT
About 25 ex-service men and Legionnaires met at the High school building at Advance Wednesday nite. Prof Lueddecke, of Advance, gave a short talk and the boys held a regular meeting discussing problems of the Legion. Four new members were added to the Legion.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
In March 1934 Herman heard that he had lost his case against the Chevrolet Motor Company. The court's full ruling, which is heavy on legal jargon and engineering terms, (3,300 words) is included in the "Lueddeckes in the Media" section. The cost of Herman's ill-fated foray into vehicular engineering has not been revealed. It would be fascinating to know what advice he was given by friends and family, especially wife Eura, before going ahead with his action. This is the summary:
Lueddecke v. Chevrolet Motor Co.
Car owner (P) v. Manufacturer (D)
70 F.2d 345 (9th Ca. 1930.
FACT SUMMARY: Lueddecke claimed that he was entitled to compensation for Chevrolet's incorporation into its auto design several unsolicited suggestions he had made.
RULE OF LAW: A party is not legally liable for incorporating unsolicited generalized suggestions into its product.
FACTS: Lueddecke forwarded an unsolicited letter to Chevrolet Motor Co. informing it of a design problem in a line of its autos and offering to provide suggestions to ameliorate the problem. When Chevrolet responded that it would only consider specific suggestions, Lueddecke informed it that the autos tended to sag to the left side, and he suggested certain common-sense solutions such as repositioning certain components. Chevrolet eventually alleviated the problem, doing several things Lueddecke had suggested. When Chevrolet refused to compensate Lueddecke, he sued for breach of implied contract. The district court sustained Chevrolet's demurrer, and Lueddecke appealed.
ISSUE: Is a party legally liable for incorporating into its product generalized suggestions made regarding the product?
HOLDING AND DECISION: (Woodrough, J.) No. A party is not legally liable for incorporating into its product generalized suggestions made regarding its product. For an idea to rise to the level of a property right, it must be novel and useful. While an idea need not necessarily be copyrighted or patented to be novel, it does need to be demonstrably new. Such an idea also needs to be specific A common-sense idea relating to a product in a generalized way is not novel. Here, the perceived problem with the autos was a left-side tilt. Lueddecke's proffered cure was the logical solution of redistributing weight, an idea which cannot be called novel. For this reason, Lueddecke could not obtain a proprietary interest in the idea sufficient to form the basis of an implied contract. Affirmed.
ANALYSIS As the present case illustrates, the road is not easy for one originating ideas only. Generally speaking. copyright and patent law protects those who originate and develop. An originator only is most likely to end up without recourse, as Lueddecke discovered.
Quicknotes
COPYRIGHT: Refers to the exclusive rights granted to an artist pursuant to Article I. section 8, clause 8 of the United States Constitution over the reproduction, display, performance, distribution, and adaptation of his work for a period prescribed by statute.
PATENT: A limited monopoly conferred on the invention or discovery of any new or useful machine or process that is novel and non-obvious.
PROPRIETARY INTEREST: An owner's interest and rights in property
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
February 1935 saw the birth of Herman and Eura's daughter Hermina.
In September 1935, in the Parma School News column the Dexter Statesman confirmed that school had commenced on August 19th, with H W Lueddecke as superintendent, formerly of Advance. Parma is 40 miles south of Advance.
In September 1935, in the Parma School News column the Dexter Statesman confirmed that school had commenced on August 19th, with H W Lueddecke as superintendent, formerly of Advance. Parma is 40 miles south of Advance.
January 1936 saw Elsie and June Lueddecke as guest at the distribution of the yearbook, reported by they Southeast Missourian.
May 1937, a quiet news month, saw the Southeast Missourian report that Herman was in St Louis on business, and to visit brothers Louis and Albert.
Exactly two years later the same publication reported that 16-year-old Elsie Louise Lueddecke had graduated as valedictorian of her class.
In August 1939, while most of the world was looking in a different direction, the Southeast Missourian announced that Herman received his master of arts degree.
In July 1940 the Southeast Missourian hinted at another aspect of Herman's life, with the following small advert. "FOR RENT Corner store, 25x80, ideal for general merchandise or cafe. joins postoffice; doctor. and lawyer upstairs. H. W. Lueddecke, Parma, Mo. " Nothing else is known about this activity.
On New Year's Eve, 1940, the Southeast Missourian pictured Herman Lueddecke and the National Youth Administration team. On that day Herman visited Elsie Lueddecke Roth and her husband Martin in Illmo.
The 1940 data, entered by Eura, shows them living in Centerville, Reynolds County in 1935, and in Como, New Madrid county in 1940, with the addition of 5-year-old Hermina W. Herman's occupation is selling, in the insurance business. [Nothing is known about the change from being an area school superintendent to insurance sales.]
In June, 1941 the Missourian reported as follows,
Class to Give Dinner Party
"Instead of a regular meeting in November, the First Baptist L.L.L. Class, in session Tuesday night at the home of the president, Miss Janis Pierce, 32 South Park avenue, planned a Thanksgiving dinner to be held at the church Nov. 18. Members will prepare the meal themselves. A general arrangements committee was appointed, to include ... June Lueddecke ... "
In March 1994 Eura Lueddecke joined the 'Smith Circle' of the First Baptist WMU which decided to buy a war bond to apply on the church debt. An adjacent Southeast Missourian article reported on the reunion of Herbert Griffin, 14, and his dog, Flossie. Herbert lost his leg rescuing the pooch from a trolley car trestle. He saved the dog, but a passing car mangled his leg and it had to be amputated.
In 1944 Herman left the United States to work as an aircraft technician in Brazil. There are no records showing that his family accompanied him.
In June 1945 Peggy Lueddecke was one of the students named by the Southeast Missourian as having a 100% attendance record for 1944-45, obviously aware of Herman's views on 'Proper Child Accounting'.
In October 1945, Peggy, in her role as corresponding secretary of the SBC Club was busy organising a hay ride. The following February the Missourian reported that the SDC (sic) Club was to be renamed the Katzamuin Klub. Peggy was to continue as corresponding secretary. [As of July 2020, the internet does not reveal anything about this organisation...]
In May 1946 Peggy was rated in the district high school art contest and in December, Peggy, now 16, was one of several students to achieve 3 'E' Grades.
August 1947 saw Herman return from his sojourn in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The Missourian reported it thus, "Back From Brazil - H. W. Lueddecke. 1416 Rose Street, who has been In Sao Paulo, Brazil for the past 3 1/2 years employed as an Instructor In the electrical department of an aeronautical mechanics school, arrived In Cape Girardeau Saturday to spend a vacation with Mrs. Lueddecke. He also will spend two weeks in California with three daughters. Mrs.Harry Campbell of Los Angeles. and Mrs. John Sokolic and Miss Peggy Jane Lueddecke of Santa Monica.
Mr. Lueddecke said the normal rate of exchange of money of that country and the United States is 20 to 1, and said Inflation has made prices high In comparison with those of this country. He said prices there were about four times as high, citing as examples men's hose which sell for $1.05 to $1.10 per pair, and handkerchiefs which sell for 30 cents and a bottle of ink for 40 cents. He also reported that an extensive building program is in progress in Sao Paulo, but that apartments still rent for about $100 per month,
Mr. Lueddecke, who taught in southeast Missouri for 33 years will return Oct. 8, and will work for the Brazilian Air Ministry, the contract of the company for whom he formerly worked having terminated. "
July 1948 saw Herman and Eura's daughter Peggy return to St Louis, after a year and a half working for the Western Electric Co. in Los Angeles.
A one-line entry in the Missourian in August 1950 told very little, "Wm. B. Evans to HW Lueddecke, lot, Cape."
By May 1951 Herman had resumed his position as a high school principal, as the Missourian reported that several seniors were to "...begin a Med Robbins tour which will take them through Mississippi, Florida, New Orleans and the Gulf Coast" including Herman.
July 1951, the Equalization Board reported "HW Lueddecke, lot, raised $1120 to $1500.
Hermina, now 17, joined the Cape Community Chorus of the First Baptist Church in September 1952. A year later she started at the Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing, having graduated from Central High School in January 1953. She was pictured in the Saturday Evening edition of the Southeast Missourian on 29th August.
In February 1955 it was certainly 'Hold the Front Page' time for the Cape Girardeau edition of the Southeast Missourian, "PURSE FOUND — Mrs. 11. W. Luddecke, 1411 Rose Street, has a small black Corde zipper purse, which her husband found near Vandeven's store on Broadway. The purse contains a little change and pictures of boys and girls."
A 1956 directory listed "Lueddecke Herman W (Eura A) tchr PS h1411 Rose".
August 1957 saw the marriage of Hermina to Frederick D Hubert, This is how the Missourian reported it:
Vows Taken
SHEBOYGAN Wis, — The altar of Trinity Lutheran Church graced with arrangements of pink and while gladioli, carnations and palms provided the setting for the marriage of Miss Hermina Lueddecke, daughter of Mr and Mr. Herman Lueddecke 1411 Rose street, Cape Girardeau to Frederick D Hubert. The Rev Karl Schulz, pastor of the church officiated at the ceremony which took place Saturday afternoon at 3. The bridegroom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Hubert of Sheboygan.
Escorted by Father.
The bride who was escorted to the altar by her father chose a gown of nylon tulle over satin. The slim pointed basque was topped with a yoke and thimble sleeves edged in Chantillly lace while tiers of pleated tulle, banded in lace, formed the bouffant skirt and cascaded into a cathedral train. Her imported illusion veil was caught to a tiara of tulle and seed pearls and her flowers, pink rosebuds, were carried on a white prayer book.
Mrs. Robert L. Harris of Paducah, Ky. sister of the bride was her matron of honor and Miss Myrna M Hubert, sister of the bride-groom, the bridesmaid. Their dresses of capri were fashioned with fitted sleeveless bodices and Italian necklines. The ballerina length skirts were flared at the back and their flowers, cascade bouquets of Fuigil chrysanthemums. were gathered with streamers matching the dresses, old rose for the matron of honor and cameo pink for Miss Hubert.
Supper Served.
A-2C [Airman 2nd class?] Ronald Hubert, brother of the bridegroom, was his best man. Gerard Isenberg of Chicago, Ill., the groomsman, and Milton Riemer of Cederburg. Wis., and Gerald Schudlich of Manistee. Mich., the ushers. Mr. Isenberg, Mr. Riemar and Mr. Schudlich are all classmates of the bridegroom.
Immediately after the ceremony a buffet supper was served in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Hall and this was followed by an open house at the home of the bridegroom's parents.
Upon their return from a wedding trip of two weeks in Michigan, the couple will live in St. Louis where the bride is a Registered Nurse at St Louis County Hospital. Mr Hubert will resume his final year of studies at Conordia Seminary.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
The July 1961 report of the Golden Anniversary of the wedding of Elsie Lueddecke Roth and Martin did not include any of Herman's family as guests.
April 1963 saw Herman listed again as attending hospital, in St Francis Hospital.
In May 1965 the Missourian recorded an estate sale, HW Lueddecke to Jesse J. Englehart, lot, Cape Girardeau.
February 1970 Eura was discharged from hospital, no further details.
In March 1974, Herman made this genrous offer via the columns of the Southeast Missourian,
FREE ROSES
A year later this mystery was reported, "Herman Lueddecke, 1411 Ruse, Sunday reported black paint was poured on a porch at his residence. causing $200 damage." Again, no other details were available.
In April 1984, the Southeast Missourian sadly reported the death of Herman, at home, on Sunday 29th 1984. Six weeks later the Southeast Missourian carried the final article about Herman, giving details of his estate.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY, MISSOURI
PROBATE DIVISION
HONORABLE MARYBELLE MUELLER. JUDGE
NOTICE OF LETTERS GRANTED
To all persons Interested In the Estate of Herman William Lueddecke. Deceased:
On the 18th day of May. 1984, (The Last Will of decedent having been admitted to probate) Eura Moore Lueddecke was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Herman William Lueddecke. deceased. by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cape Girardeau County. Missouri. The business address of the Personal Representative Is 1411 Rose, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. and the attorney Is David S. Limbaugh, of Limbaugh. Limbaugh, Russell & Syler whose address and phone number are 2027 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 335 3316.
All creditors of said decedent are notified to file claims in court within six months from the date of the first publication of this notice or be forever barred.
The Personal Representative may administer the estate Independently, without adjudication, order, or direction of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court, unless a petition for supervised administration is made to and granted by the Court.
Date of first publication Is May 25, 1984. (SEAL)
Jean Seabaugh, Clerk (May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 1984)
Eura Adeline Moore Lueddecke died on 17th July 1988. The following was her obituary:
EURA LUEDDECKE Eura A. (Moore) Lueddecke, 88, 410 Edgeway Drive, Alexandria, died Sunday at her home after a brief illness. She was born in Bennett, Mo., and had been an Alexandria resident for three years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau, Mo.
She is survived by four daughters, Elsie Louise (Mrs. Harry) Campbell of Los Angeles, Nola June (Mrs. John) Sokolic of Branson, Mo., Peggy Jane (Mrs. Robert) Harris of Paducah, Ky., and Mina (Mrs. Fred) Hubert of Alexandria; three sisters, Irene (Mrs. Sherman) Jerrue of Santa Rosa, Calif., Lottie (Mrs. George) Erbes and Fern (Mrs. Wendell) Beal, both of Branson, Mo.; a brother, Rev. Woodrow H. Moore of Blue Springs, Mo, eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services will be conducted today at 8 a.m. at Noffze Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Hubert officiating. The body will be transferred to Cape Girardeau for final services and burial. [Rev. Fred Hubert was the husband of Herman's daughter Hermina.]
Herman William Lueddecke, RIP
8 August 1895-29 April 1984
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Herman's Motoring Career
One recurring theme that has come to light during the research for this biography is Herman's exciting driving experiences. These events span a fifty-year period, and deserve to be recorded here separately.
6th May 1933 - Herman's first notable driving incident was without a doubt the most serious, as it left his daughter in hospital care for several days.
5 IN ADVANCE FAMILY HURT IN CRASH IN CAPE
School Head's Auto and Farmer's Machine in Collision Here.
Farmer, Wife Unhurt
Oradea. who was accompanied by his wile on the way to market with eggs and milk, was not injured. Both cars were badly damaged. Both cars by force of the Impact, were piled up against a telephone pole at the northeast corner of the street Intersection. Oradea's car, according to Luddecke struck the latter's vehicle, about midway in the left side. Luddecke told a reporter at the hospital that he was driving his 1926 model Chevrolet sedan north on Pacific Street and as he neared the intersection he observed the other car, a 1927 model Chevrolet Touring, approaching from the west on Independence Street. He said he slowed down his car and that the driver of the other car did likewise.
Tells of Crash
"By reason of being to the right of the other car I concluded I had the right of way and when he slowed down I started forward to cross the intersection. The other ear started at the same time and although I applied both the foot and emergency brakes I could not stop in time to prevent the other car from striking mine," Lueddecke said. He said his wife was thrown out of the left side door, her back striking the curbing and her head also hitting tho concrete and the force of the impact threw him on top of her. All three of the children were in the rear seat of the automobile, and the baby, Peggy, was thrown over into the front seat, he said. Louise was hurled against the left side of the car frame, her head striking the frame at the same time that part of the car body struck the telephone pole, giving her the most severe blow any of the family received, according to the father.
The other daughter, June, fell against the side of the car.
Mr. and Mrs. Lueddecke were coming into Cape Girardeau from Advance to do some shopping and afterward intended spending the remainder of the day at IIImo with Lueddecke's sister, Mrs. Martin Roth.
Two days later, 8th May the newspaper carried an update,
Louise, 11, the most seriously injured of the five members of the Herman W. Lueddecke family Saturday in an automobile accident at Pacific and Independence Streets, was in a serious condition today at Southeast Missouri Hospital. She sustained a concussion of the brain, but has regained consciousness and is rational at intervals, a report from the hospital today said. Her condition is not considered critical.
And again on 15th,
The condition of Louise Lueddecke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Lueddecke of Advance, who was injured May 6 in an automobile accident, is reported improved at Southeast Missouri Hospital.
Towards the end of the following month, Herman and family were involved in another incident, this time as Good Samaritans. They arrived at the scene of an accident and were able to help by taking the occupants of the car, which had turned over, to receive medical attention. The Bloomfield Vindicator reported it like this:
Mrs. Rachel Melcher and two sons, Edward and Oliver, of Ste. Genevieve, en route to Dexter on a visit with the Joe Guethley family, experienced a rather serious accident about five and one-half miles south of Advance, on Highway 25, Tuesday morning. Their car, a new Chevrolet, turned over when the driver lost control in trying to pass a wagon that was occupying more than its side of the road. The grader had thrown up a ridge of gravel in the road and the driver in trying to pass the wagon, ran into the loose gravel and the steering wheel was jerked away from him, the car, turned about and the front wheels went into the ditch. The car was badly damaged and Mrs. Melcher and Edward sustained cuts from flying glass. The other occupant was uninjured. Mrs. Melcher received a cut on the top of her head which required four stitches to close, and Edward had one ear almost severed. Three stitches were taken in closing the wound.
H. W. Lueddecke and family, en-route to Bloomfield from Advance, happened along very shortly after the accident, and brought the injured to Dr. Ford's office, where their wounds were dressed. Bill Mayo then took them on to their destination. The car was towed back to Advance to await the insurance adjuster.
GIRL STILL SERIOUS
Louise, 11, the most seriously injured of the five members of the Herman W. Lueddecke family Saturday in an automobile accident at Pacific and Independence Streets, was in a serious condition today at Southeast Missouri Hospital. She sustained a concussion of the brain, but has regained consciousness and is rational at intervals, a report from the hospital today said. Her condition is not considered critical.
And again on 15th,
The condition of Louise Lueddecke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Lueddecke of Advance, who was injured May 6 in an automobile accident, is reported improved at Southeast Missouri Hospital.
Loose Gravel Caused Bad Wreck Near Advance
Mrs. Rachel Melcher and two sons, Edward and Oliver, of Ste. Genevieve, en route to Dexter on a visit with the Joe Guethley family, experienced a rather serious accident about five and one-half miles south of Advance, on Highway 25, Tuesday morning. Their car, a new Chevrolet, turned over when the driver lost control in trying to pass a wagon that was occupying more than its side of the road. The grader had thrown up a ridge of gravel in the road and the driver in trying to pass the wagon, ran into the loose gravel and the steering wheel was jerked away from him, the car, turned about and the front wheels went into the ditch. The car was badly damaged and Mrs. Melcher and Edward sustained cuts from flying glass. The other occupant was uninjured. Mrs. Melcher received a cut on the top of her head which required four stitches to close, and Edward had one ear almost severed. Three stitches were taken in closing the wound.
H. W. Lueddecke and family, en-route to Bloomfield from Advance, happened along very shortly after the accident, and brought the injured to Dr. Ford's office, where their wounds were dressed. Bill Mayo then took them on to their destination. The car was towed back to Advance to await the insurance adjuster.
Reported by the 16th May Cape Girardeau edition of the Southeast Missourian:
LEAVE HOSPITAL
Mrs. Herman W. Lueddecke and daughter, Elsie Louise, of Advance were dismissed late Monday from Southeast Missouri Hospital, where they had been since May 6, when they were hurt in an automobile collision at the intersection of Pacific and Independence Streets [Cape Girardeau]. Mrs. Lueddecke, who is the wife of the superintendent of schools in Advance, sustained a scalp wound and her back was wrenched. Her daughter had a concussion, which rendered her unconscious several days. Other members of the family who were injured in the accident were able to leave the hospital after the first day.
The junction as it is today. Google StreetView
Herman seems to have driven trouble-free for many years, unless he had problems while in Brazil in the mid 1940s. However, late in 1950 the Southeast Missourian told us:
Cars driven by Hollis Burridge, 723 North Henderson Avenue, and Herman Lueddecke, 1411 Rose street. collided at 8:30 a. m. Monday on North Boulevard resulting in damage to both machines, police said today. [North Boulevard, not shown on current maps, may refer to North West End Boulevard, the road which runs north-south passing the eat end of Rose Street. It is one block west of Henderson Avenue.]
DAMAGE
Cars driven by Hollis Burridge, 723 North Henderson Avenue, and Herman Lueddecke, 1411 Rose street. collided at 8:30 a. m. Monday on North Boulevard resulting in damage to both machines, police said today. [North Boulevard, not shown on current maps, may refer to North West End Boulevard, the road which runs north-south passing the eat end of Rose Street. It is one block west of Henderson Avenue.]
In May 1970 Herman fell foul of the law when he was caught speeding by radar in the 1990 block of Bloomfield. He was charged with the infraction.
In February 1976 Herman William Lueddecke, 1411 Rose, was charged with failure to yield the right of way Tuesday when the car he was driving was involved in an accident al Boulevard and Broadway Operator of the other vehicle was David Bruce Aubuchon, 1234 West Cape Rock Drive. This was from the Southeast Missourian, once again.
In February 1976 Herman William Lueddecke, 1411 Rose, was charged with failure to yield the right of way Tuesday when the car he was driving was involved in an accident al Boulevard and Broadway Operator of the other vehicle was David Bruce Aubuchon, 1234 West Cape Rock Drive. This was from the Southeast Missourian, once again.
Then in September that year the same journal suggested that Herman hit a parked car outside a neighbour's house, "A car parked by Vicke Hisba, 1410 Rose, and a car driven by Herman W. Lueddecke, 1411 Rose, were involved in an accident Wednesday in the 1400 block of Rose."
In September 1983, with echoes of his 1976 incident, the Bulletin journal said,
Accidents
"A traffic accident in which injuries were reported occurred Tuesday at about 9:35 am In the 900 block of Normal. The accident involved a vehicle operated by Herman William Lueddecke of 1411 Rose, and a vehicle operated by Shirley Marie Kessler of Whitewater. Mo. Injuries were reported to Kessler, who was treated and released at St. Francis Medical Center. A summons was issued to Lueddecke for failure to yield. The accident apparently occurred as Lueddecke was northbound on Meyer Drive and lost his brakes as he approached Normal. He was unable to stop for the through street and struck Kessler's vehicle in the side, pushing it across the street and across the curb."
[Normal Avenue is one block south east of Herman's home.]
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Children of Eura and Herman:
Elsie Louise Lueddecke. Elsie Louise was born in 1923.
Nola June Lueddecke. Nola June was born on 26 June 1924. She married John Sokolic on 2 February 1944 in California, United States
Peggy Jane Lueddecke. Peggy Jane was born in 1930 in Doniphan, Ripley, Missouri, United States. She married Robert Lee Harris on 26 June 1951 in Norfolk, Virginia, United States.
Hermina W Lueddecke. Hermina W was born on 16 February 1935. She died on 3 December 2007. She married Frederick D Hubert.
