Seuss Connections to Longmeadow

Dr. Seuss U.S. Postage Stamp
2004

During the first few days of March many of us remember the children's author and illustrator Theodor S. Geisel.  He wrote numerous children's books using the pen name of Dr. Seuss.  Many of us also know that Seuss was his mother's maiden name.  He was born in Springfield, MA on March 2 in 1904, so today we celebrate his birthday!

When Ted Geisel was 4 years old his father's cousin Anna Geisel married Alfred E. Stuckert.  The Stuckert family lived in Longmeadow at 909 Longmeadow Street.  They owned a large area of land including a section called "Stuckert's Grove".  It was located near their home and was a destination for large gatherings and picnics at the time.  The parents of both the bride and the groom were born in Germany and had immigrated to the United States. 

The Geisel- Stuckert wedding took place on the evening of January 25, 1908 at the home of Theodor Geisel.  This gentleman was the uncle of the bride and also Ted Geisel's (Dr. Seuss') grandfather.  The home where the wedding took place was 162 Sumner Avenue in Springfield, MA.  The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Henry Lincoln Bailey- the Pastor of the First Church in Longmeadow.  

As time moved on Ted Geisel's mother Henrietta died in 1931.  In 1946 his father Theodor Robert Geisel remarried.  This newly married couple Theodor R. and Merle D. Geisel lived at 125 South Park Avenue in Longmeadow.

As we celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday it is interesting to remember the connections that his family had to Longmeadow.     

Sources: Springfield Republican- Jan 27, 1908; Mar 9, 1931; Feb 23, 1946, 1908 Longmeadow, MA Marriage Records,