I went fishing today at a little pond not too far from my house. Caught a few small bluegill and a nice big catfish. The pond is “catch and release” so no taking anything home. 

But I got to thinking about a picture in my collection of my Great Grandfather, Herman Beiersdorf (1895-1983).

Herman is the one in the center who seems to be dressed a little too formally to go fishing. The picture was taken sometime after he was married in 1916 as he is wearing a wedding ring. 

I don’t know who the other two men are, but I wonder if the one on the right is his brother, August C. (1884-1974).

Herman is holding basic fishing gear—bamboo poles. No reels or bobbers. Just a pole, line and hook. I wonder what they used for bait? I expect they fished in the Sheboygan river. Looks like they managed to catch a good “mess of fish.” And I bet that was dinner for the day. 

I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that they went fishing frequently. I hope they had fun. 

©MJM 2025