Jacob "Jake" Hoffman

1919 Craft family reunion

The pleased expression on Jacob Hoffman's face was captured in the snapshot by his daughter, Mrs. Elman (Betty) Atwood of Hammond, at a family gathering Sunday, April 2, which she planned to mark her grandfather's 80th birthday, as well as the 38th wedding anniversary of her parents. Sharing honors was her son, Bobby Atwood, who was celebrating his 16th birthday.

Two pretty birthday cakes, one with 80 lighted candles, the other with 16, enhanced the table appointed with roses and spring flowers and tall lighted tapers. Wishes for many more such happy occasions were made by both birthday celebrants as they blew out the candles on their cakes.

Present to enjoy the scrumptious buffet supper were Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hoffman, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Hoffman and daughters Cynthia and Judy, Louie Black, Mr. and Mrs, E.F. Whiting, all of Lowell; Mr. and Mrs. Elman Atwood and children Bobby, Becky and Betsy, Pat Hochstetler, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Clark and Dave Tudor, all of Hammond; Henry Hoffman of Griffith; and Mr. and Mrs. A.T. Hamala of Calumet City. The Hoffman's eldest son, John and family, of Washington, D.C., were unable to be present. Other relatives and friends called during the afternoon and evening to extend congratulations to the celebrating trio, and they were the recipients of lovely gifts.

Lifetime Resident Here

"Jake" was born in West Creek Township, the son of John and Mary Ann Hoffman. On March 31, 1917, he claimed as his bride Hazel Sanger, daughter of "Dub" and Ollie Sanger of Lowell. The couple were married at Kankakee, Illinois.

In earlier years Jake worked as a pattern maker for the Champion Rivet Co. in Gary. He also has worked in the Gary Steel Mills, and has done some farming.

For 16 years he served as night watchman in Lowell's business district.

Mentally and physically alert, Jake gardens and makes several trips a day down town to keep informed on the latest happenings.