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The Grandchildren Meet

The reason this first meeting was so memorable was because Eck and Ben…

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This last weekend I, Jeremy B. Strang a grandson of C.B. Strang (aka “Ben”), was privileged to meet in person with Lisa Imhoff, granddaughter of Eskil Swenson (aka “Eck”), at the home of my parents Charles P. and Marian Strang (aka “Phil”). Lisa recently reached out through a series of providential events that led her to our website and to reading our little book, “Memoirs of C.B. Strang: Blacksmith and WWI Veteran“. Along with Lisa, my parents and myself, were family members and friends, many of which actually grew up in Lindenwood, Illinois.

The reason this first meeting was so memorable was because Eck and Ben were friends and co-laborers. Eck is the founder, of what is still called to this day, Swenson Spreaders. Ben was not only a friend and the first employee of Eck’s but built the first spreader in the family blacksmith shop. Eck purchased the Strang Brother’s Garage and Swenson Spreaders began. The bricks for the garage were hand poured by the Strang family back at their home and built large brick by large brick on the south edge of Lindenwood.

Eck with his stereo camera.

Ben with Eck’s three brothers.

Lisa brought actual photos that Eck took with his stereo camera and an original electric stereo viewer that was Eck’s and we all had the privilege of sharing and viewing photos from days gone by – what a treat this was! We swapped stories for hours and hours. Below are just a few photos from our meeting.

We hope to one day soon meet again and gaze into the magnificent and captivating 3D photos. It was tremendous blessing to connect with people and share stories from our family’s history, an era passed by, yet still living today and not forgotten.

If you have never read our book, you can download a FREE copy or purchase a paperback copy on Amazon. We would love to hear from you!

Most sincerely,
Jeremy B. Strang

FREE Digital Copy: Memorial Day 2019

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In light of Memorial Day 2019 we have decided to give away digital copies of this for free. To receive your FREE download, simply click here. Just over 100 years ago, a young C.B. Strang decided to enter the war after meeting with his friends in Lindenwood, IL.

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Below is the video book trailer. Be sure to download your FREE Digital Copy and to explore the website. Share this with all and we would love to hear from you!

 

NOW OUT! Memoirs of C.B. Strang: Blacksmith & WWI Veteran

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NOW OUT!

Memoirs of C.B. Strang: Blacksmith & WWI Veteran

Purchase on Amazon / Request a Free PDF

https://youtu.be/i-qg_qa2-ak

On Sunday, April 28th, 1917, a young 19 year old C.B. Strang, Jr. met with several other young men in Lindenwood, IL to see about entering the war via enlistment or waiting for the draft to come. On May 2nd, 1917, C.B. Strang, along with two of his friends, arrived at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.

“When I got back I reported to General Penn again. He said, ‘That is better. Is it loaded?’ I said, ‘Yes sir. It would not do me very little good if I wasn’t, I could not throw it far.’ He asked if I could hit anything and without thinking I said, ‘Throw up you hat.’ He laughed and said, ‘By God, I believe you would!‘” – C.B. Strang

My name is Jeremy Benton Strang (J.B.). I am one of Charles Phillip Strang’s (C.P.) two sons. C.P. was the only son of C.B. Strang. We, along with my only son Isaac Andrew, have decided to put together a few of my grandfather’s memoirs in the hopes of sharing some authentic history of a simple man during the World War One era.

The true author is my grandfather, for he is the one who lived his own life and left us the stories. My mother, Marian C. Strang, wife of Charles P. Strang, first transcribed C.B.’s WWI memoirs in 1977 and then his general life story in 1979. Much of this book has already been written, and although I have never done a book of this genre before, I have performed some minor editing. I have left the exact order as it was told and most of his direct original language. I feel that it is important for the reader to hear and experience just how the 81 year old C.B. told the story, with an edge of early 19 century wit.

 

Getting Closer…

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Over the last year, many people have reached out and said, “When will this book be completed? We want to read it!” Well, we are happy to announce, we are back in the grind full swing. We hope to get this book out soon. So, hold fast and stay tuned! Hope to have more news very soon!

 

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Sneak Peek…

Below is a letter and poem from C.B.’s sister Grace to him less than a month before the attack on Pearl Harbor, 06 Dec 1941. Be sure to follow us here (left) or on Facebook to stay tuned for the soon to be released book!

 

Memorial Day 2016

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Memorial Day 2016

give honor to whom honor is due

3dJust over 99 years ago, C.B. Strang, Jr. joined into the World War One action. At 19 years old, and already with hard work and innovation of learning to be a blacksmith with his father, C.B. Strang, Sr., the young C.B. entered into the fight with two of his friends. If you want to know more, your gonna have to wait for the book. Learn more about WWI here.

Today, as Memorial Day 2016 weekend has come upon us, we want to salute ALL of the men and women who have served, suffered and died for our country. Although America has become a vastly changing landscape, we feel it still is important to “give honor to whom honor is due.”

Below are a few videos, of mixed variety, for honoring those of past and those of present. I understand if you do not agree nor like the genre, but that is partly why we honor our veterans today. Continue reading “Memorial Day 2016” →