Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1890-2008 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
2 boxes, 1.1 linear feet
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Gieser family, according to family history, are the descendants of the Duke de Guise in France. The family immigrated to Highland Park from Germany in the late 18th century. Adolph August Gieser ran a grocery store business in Highland Park and served as chief of the volunteer fire department. Adolph was married to Annie Christensen, originally from Denmark, and they one surviving child, William [Windsor] Gieser. William married Elise Weisenberger in 1932.
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Weisenberger family in the U.S. was headed by Albert Weisenberger, born in Germany. After emigrating at 20 years old, Albert worked as the gardener at the Ed V. Price estate, Bonita Vista, in Ravinia. Albert was married to Elise (nee Widmer) and they had two daughters, Elise Weisenberger Gieser and Marion W. Parker. The girls were raised on the estate and attended Ravinia School and Deerfield Shields High School.
Repository
Archival history
2017 accession from Anne Hunt
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection regards the Gieser family, their descendants, and extended relatives from the turn of the 19th century to the present day in Highland Park. This collection pertains to the members of this family, as well as those who would eventually marry into the family, specifically Elise Weisenberger who married William Gieser. The collection contains a significant number of photographs and albums, Deerfield yearbooks, and other artifacts such as Adolph Gieser's fire chief medallion, and a DVD containing an interview with Elise Weisenberger Gieser about her family and her life on the Bonita Vista estate as the daughter of the gardener.