Coronado Eagle and Journal, Volume XVII, Number 1, 2 January 1929 — ‘ ‘Swap’ ’ Whole Families [ARTICLE]

‘ ‘ Swap ’ ’ Whole Families

New Auburn, Win.—Two Chippewa count; farms are the scene of a strange trade. The deal involved eleven children, two husbands, two wives, and untold quantities of household furniture. Mrs. Lizzie Heldelberger, forty years old, has (lacked up her household goods and six children and moved to the home of William Brown, forty. Mrs. William Brown, forty years old, also packed her bods and frying pan, and, taking three of her live chll dren to Edward Heldelberger, thirty-

nine, announced; “This will be your new papa." The Heidelhergers and the Browns had been Intimate friends for years. But Mrs. Heldelberger believed her husband was Just a little more cruel than Mr. Brown. And Mrs. Brown believed that Mr. lleldelberger was an angel compared to her own husband. So Mrs. Brown sued her husband for a divorce on grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, and Mrs. Heldelberger followed suit against her mate, making the same charges. One morning Mr. Brown said to Mrs. Brown: “Mrs. lleldelberger Is coming to keep house for me and she Is bringing her sis children. You can do ns you please, but It would he best If you went away.” Mrs. Brown look the hint. On the way out she met Mr. Heldelberger. Said Mr. Heldelberger: “Well, you might as well come and keep house for me. Bring the three boys along to do the chores. It's too bad that your two grown girls aren’t here to help with the housework." Other than the numerical disadvantage suffered by Mr. Heldelberger In the exchange of children —and they are considered an asset around a farm—the deal was consummated

amicably enough. The two husbands helped each other In moving the heavy furniture and they conversed In friendly terms. Mr. Brown paid Mrs. Brown to relinquish the engagement ring which he gave her 20 years ago and the circlet' now flashes on the hand of Mrs. Heldelberger. Mrs. Brown shows no Jewelry to designate her new status, although Mrs. Heldelberger says she also gave up the ring which her husband placed upon her finger when they were betrothed 17 years ago. Neither husband Is contesting hts wife's divorce suit Mr. Brown has been ordered by court to pay his wife *25 a month for the support of the children. "We have never been happier In our lives, and the children also,” the wives agreed. The six Heldelberger children are from one to sixteen years old, four boys and two girls. Charles Brown, fourtgen; Illchard, twelve; and Billy, seven, will have to do most of the work around the Heldelberger place. Their sister. Bessie, sixteen, was married three weeks ago, and Mary, seventeen, Is attending New Auburn high school and working.