Tracing the roots of the Nygard and Nave families from Europe to the United States in the 1800's and early 1900's

 

 

(L) Carl Nygard with his future brother-in-law (R) Salvatore Melchiorre prior to their departure overseas to serve in WWII.

(L) Carl Nygard with his future brother-in-law (R) Salvatore Melchiorre prior to their departure overseas to serve in WWII.

Virginia DeSantis sledding with a grandchild circa 1935. Notice the dog on the sled to the right.

Virginia DeSantis sledding with a grandchild circa 1935. Notice the dog on the sled to the right.

Catherine Nygard at the World Fair circa 1940.

Catherine Nygard at the World Fair circa 1940.

 

 

Memories of a Forgotten Way of Life

 

This site was built as a remembrance of the simple things some of us were fortunate enough to experience, and sadly, often took for granted. Long before Facebook and other social media outlets, communication was a more personal and special art and a photograph was almost always well-rehearsed. 

Within this site are photos and stories of a generation that had values, morals, loyalty and integrity. They were dedicated to their families, friends and most importantly, God.

 

 
A day at the beach in Atlantic City, NJ circa 1945. Pictured are Catherine Nygard and her daughter Catherine Nygard Hasson.

A day at the beach in Atlantic City, NJ circa 1945. Pictured are Catherine Nygard and her daughter Catherine Nygard Hasson.

Cousins Cathy Nygard (L) and Diane Sheib (R) enjoying a Sunday outing at their grandparents Virginia and Andy DeSantis' home circa 1945.

Cousins Cathy Nygard (L) and Diane Sheib (R) enjoying a Sunday outing at their grandparents Virginia and Andy DeSantis' home circa 1945.

Catherine and Carl Nygard with a young Sheib circa 1946 in the backyard of Virginia and Andy DeSantis' home in Swarthmore, PA.

Catherine and Carl Nygard with a young Sheib circa 1946 in the backyard of Virginia and Andy DeSantis' home in Swarthmore, PA.

CCC camp 1930's, Carl Nygard 2nd row left. The CCC camps provided work, hope and future careers for many young men during the Great Depression. 

CCC camp 1930's, Carl Nygard 2nd row left. The CCC camps provided work, hope and future careers for many young men during the Great Depression. 

History

Catherine Melchiorre Nygard and Carl Nygard met in Ridley Township somewhere around 1939. Their first date was at a local roller skating rink and at the end of the date Carl asked Catherine for a goodnight kiss. Catherine’s answer was a resounding no. Frustrated but ever persistent, Carl continued to pursue Catherine and she eventually agreed to date him again. The more Catherine and Carl were togehter the more their connection grew stronger.

Carl was particularly fond of Catherine’s immediate family given his family life was less than ideal. However, Catherine’s mother, Virginia, was less than excited about the developing relationship as Carl came from a broken family and many of his immediate family were alcoholics. Carl, however, was so used to being the provider and leader of his family that Virginia began to see a responsible and dedicated person who would take good care of her daughter.

Carl and Catherine were engaged after about a year of dating and were married at her local church, Our Lady of Perpetual Health, on April 29, 1942. As was customary, Catherine purchased a gold Elgin watch for her husband as a wedding present. That watch is still in possession of the family and was restored to original condition. A simple but elegant reception was held at Virginia’s house with a large homemade cake and a large buffet. Catherine’s wedding dress was borrowed from her cousin Frances in Norristown.

The newlyweds settle in their first apartment and enjoyed just a brief time together before Carl was summonded to protect his country overseas in World War II.