In Globeville, most babies were born at home with one of these two women in attendance; Mrs. Margaret Gugger served Catholic women and Mrs. Emma Reisbick tended to German-Russian ladies. In addition to delivering the baby, these women provided care for two weeks following the birth, coming each day to check on the mother and infant. They also did some light housekeeping, washed the diapers, looked after the siblings if necessary, encouraged and advised the mother. Neighbors would bring chicken soup, angel food cake or fruit soup - meals considered nourishing and appropriate for the confinement. Margaret Gugger and Emma Reisbick were both widows, and their profession became their livelihood. To mothers in Globeville, these ladies offered valuable help and a welcome respite during a special time.
Margaret Gugger's home on 4559 Washington Street
is gone now. Photo DPL
is gone now. Photo DPL
Emma Reisbick's home at 4367 Sherman
is freshly painted
Photo ® Mary Lou Egan
is freshly painted
Photo ® Mary Lou Egan
6 comments:
Mary Lou, what years did these ladies deliver babies? I'd be curious to know if any of my family members may have been "caught' by them!
Unknown - Emma Reisbick passed away in 1944. Margaret Gugger was still delivering babies in the 1950s.
maryloudesign@comcast.net
I just spoke with my cousin David Sullivan who was born to William Sullivan and Victoria (Glineski)at 4621 Logan Street in either 1938 or 1939, and he said he was delivered by a Mrs Googer (I assume he just had the wrong spelling?)
This was so cool!!
Thank You
Dee (Jancan) Wood
Hey, I grew up in this house. How cool to hear about its history!
Wow I grew up in 4367 Sherman, how cool!
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