Martha Mahler

Birth: She was born in 1927 at Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

Family Information: Daughter of Ludwig "Louis" and Mrs. Hulda Mahler.

Sister of Hulda, Wayne, Carl, Esther and Joe Ann Mahler.  

Description:  

Pre-Colony History: In April 1932 the family came to the colony from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

Home in Colony: In May 1932 the family were living in a house recently vacated by the Kilroy family.

In April 1934 she, her mother and two sisters went to the Gila unit to join her father and two brothers. She deserved a travelers prize -- no matter where they suggested she sit, she was perfectly fine with it and very agreeable all the way.

Job in Colony: Most evenings in June 1934 she and her sisters entertained Donald Ray, son of Madeline and Carl Van Buskirk, while his mother and her aunt, Opal Layer, prepared the evening meal. Sometimes they played the Victrola to keep him happy.  

Other Info: In early March 1934 she was a member of the Pathfinders club in the colony. Later that month Mr. Lewis, Dr. Cecil and Mrs. Fay took the first graders including: Joan Wooley, Opal Ogden, Violet Quipp, Blair Pickett, Roy Peecher, Martha Mahler and Martha Lentz to Leesville to give a demonstration of their singing to an audience that included around twenty-five Leesville teachers plus Superintendent Honeycotte.

Each child stood and introduced themselves as they did each morning, with name, address and rule. For example: My name is ...; I live in Newllano (Noo-yah-no); Vernon Parish, Louisiana, on Highway 171; My rule is the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Mrs. Harlow-Fay then demonstrated her method of teaching with the children.

Post-Colony History: In March 1936 the Mahler family were the only colonists left at the one-time Gila unit, the people having scattered to the 4 winds as best they could. Mr. Mahler has so far succeeded in finding enough employment to keep them in the same location.

In 1940 she was living in New Mexico with her parents and siblings.

At some point between 1940 and 1990 she married a Mr. Crosby.  

Death: She died in 1990 and was buried at Silver City, New Mexico.  

Sources: Photo Archives; "Llano Colonist": April 9, 1932, May 7, 1932, March 3, 1934, March 31, 1934, April 7, 1934, April 21, 1934, May 5, 1934, June 2, 1934, March 7, 1936; US Census: 1940; US SS Applications and Claims Index; US SSDI; FindAGrave.com