What we know about Lydia
Lida (or Lydia as she later called herself) was not a good mother. Much of her behavior is based on drinking and she tended to find men who shared her love of alcohol. She gave birth to 13 children and gave them all away. This is not her story. It is the never-ending story of how these children found each other. It started decades ago in the 1940's but the search for the Gaulthair Children still continues.
Much of the information about Lydia comes from other family members who still have trouble talking about her. All the people who should have told the children about their mother, either lied or refused to talk about her.
We do know facts. She was born in La Farge, Wisconsin on September 30, 1925. Her parents, Mable and Frank Gaulthair appear to be normal and yet, the family was dysfunctional. The records for much of their lives are sealed. Lydia's brother Frank, called Jackie by the family, had several run-ins with the law. Lydia's sister Violet died in childbirth at age 24. Frank divorced Mable when she was in the Racine County Insane Asylum.
Lydia lived in La Farge, Wisconsin. Two or more of the men she married grew up there too. When she tired of Wisconsin, she traveled to New Mexico and on to Texas. We know that she was involved with seven men because there are the children. We know the names of four but are still looking for the fathers of Frances and David. From Karolene, we hear that there might have been more.
Lydia Mary Gaulthair passed away in 2002. Gerold and Karolene were at her side. We have so much more to learn.
Much of the information about Lydia comes from other family members who still have trouble talking about her. All the people who should have told the children about their mother, either lied or refused to talk about her.
We do know facts. She was born in La Farge, Wisconsin on September 30, 1925. Her parents, Mable and Frank Gaulthair appear to be normal and yet, the family was dysfunctional. The records for much of their lives are sealed. Lydia's brother Frank, called Jackie by the family, had several run-ins with the law. Lydia's sister Violet died in childbirth at age 24. Frank divorced Mable when she was in the Racine County Insane Asylum.
Lydia lived in La Farge, Wisconsin. Two or more of the men she married grew up there too. When she tired of Wisconsin, she traveled to New Mexico and on to Texas. We know that she was involved with seven men because there are the children. We know the names of four but are still looking for the fathers of Frances and David. From Karolene, we hear that there might have been more.
Lydia Mary Gaulthair passed away in 2002. Gerold and Karolene were at her side. We have so much more to learn.