Family Tree (1800+)
Our family roots in the USA stretch back to the early 1600s, forming the foundation of the Hess and Dickinson lines all the way to the Mayflower.
Mother Born — Jean Louise Dickinson (1928)
Jean Louise Dickinson entered the world in Montgomery, PA, the daughter of William A. and Blanche Murphy. Her strength, resilience, and warmth would become defining influences in my childhood. She lived to 88.
Father Born — Thomas Blaine Hess (1930)
Born in Trout Run, PA, Thomas Blaine Hess, father Curtis George (whom I never met) and Florence Mumma - Gram Hess, who owned her own corner store and restaurant. He died in 1966 from a congenital kidney failure.
Stepfather Born — Carl Thomas Woehlcke (1938)
Corky met our mother in 1964, the day after his discharge from USMC. His love for our mother gave her a solid foundation of life and her happiest 53-years. He was a very good man indeed.
Your Birth — William Curtis Hess (1948)
Born in Williamsport PA on November 24th (the day before Thanksgiving) and named after both grandfathers, my father insisted I be called “Curt” unless I was in trouble, then “William Curtis.”
Family Move — Wmsport to Cape May (1955)
In 1955, your family relocated to Cape May after doctors advised your father to seek a healthier climate. Williamsport was a declining town and Cape May was just a small town on the southern tip of NJ becoming a place for hundreds of B&B by 1980.
Many Residences — Frequent Moves
We were quite poor, so we moved often, cycling through Washington St, Corgie St, Decatur St, York Ave, and finally 492 W. Perry. Each home carried its own memories, challenges, and small adventures.
Birth of Tracey Moe (1955)
Tracey Moe, born in October 1955, would become my wife in 1997. Her early life unfolded far from yours, yet destiny would eventually bring your paths together - for more than 30-years.
312 Decatur St
I have more memories of Cape May while living here. Just 3-blocks to the beach, we occupied the floor above the pool hall below. So many stories…
ERA 1 — Pre-Navy — Cape May, NJ (1955–1966)
I grew up with the Atlantic Ocean at the end of every street. First job at age-7 delivering Western Union telegrams. Sold the Cape May Star & Wave for 7¢ (2.5¢ profit each), and had a job every summer (and sometimes after school), from Cape Pharmacy stock boy to Amoco attendant to Plumber Helper to Glass Factory union worker. Small town, good schools, formative years spent on the water before I knew the water would define most of my adult life. The seeds of everything — curiosity, stubbornness, an early comfort with technology — were planted here.
First Methodist Church
Attended Sunday School, Children’s Choir, and Altar-boy (lit the altar candles). Attended Summer Bible School at the competing Presbyterian Church on Decatur. Ah, religion!!
Lower Cape May Regional - Class of 66
We transferred from Cape May Elementary 7th grade in Jan61 and became the first class to complete all 6-years there. Rode the bus from CM.
Class of ‘66 Trip to Washington DC
My first travel outside of PA & NJ. Saw the DC sights and Dr. Zhivago. I remember making out on the bus trip back home. Joanne Franco?