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
World War One Memoirs 