Lydia was the second of two children born to:
Edward Daniel Beese, b. Aug. 9, 1874 in Deerfield, Steele County, MN. and d. of typhoid on Nov. 9, 1910 in Valley City, Barnes county, ND. &
Emma Louise Von Sien, b. Dec. 23, 1873 in Waseca county, MN. and d.
May 18, 1947 in San Bernardino County, CA.
On March 17, 1897, 23 yr. old Emma married 22 yr. old Edward Daniel Beese.
Edward was born on Aug. 9, 1874 in Deerfield Twp., Steele Co., MN.
Edward and Emma Beese had two children:
1) Clarke Edward Von Sien Beese, b. Jan. 08, 1898 and d. Jun. 22, 1908.
2) Lydia Emma Beese, b. Jul. 16, 1901 and d. Sep. 6, 1991 in Long Beach, L.A., CA. Lydia married Clarence Beekman.
Lydia and her mother, Emma, moved from Minnesota to Valley City, North Dakota, when Lydia was seven.
In the Jun. 7, 1905 Minnesota Territorial and State Census, 3 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, b. in MN., was living on Elm St. in Waseca Ward 1, Waseca, MN. with her
31 yr. old father, Edward D. Beese, a clerk, b. in Germany (MN.)
31 yr. old mother, Emma Beese, b. in Germany (MN.)
7 yr. old brother, Clark E. Beese, b. in MN.
20 yr. old aunt, Anna C. Von Sien, a clerk, b. in Germany (MN.)
On June 22, 1908, a few weeks before Lydia's 7th birthday, her 10 yr. old brother, Clarke Edward Von Sien Beese, died, tragically, in Valley City, ND. He had been playing on a bridge, squirting water with a squirt gun at people driving across the bridge in carriages. One lady stopped her carriage, and got out with a buggy whip in her hand. Young Beese, who was standing on one of the concrete piles of the bridge, jumped for the shore, but missed, falling into the river. Unable to swim, he drowned.
In the Apr. 21, 1910 U.S. census, 8 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, b. in MN., was living in a rented home on Eighth Avenue South Valley City Ward 3, Barnes, ND. with her
36 yr. old father, Edward B. Beese, a traveling salesman in the lightning rods business, b. in MN.
36 yr. old mother, Emma L. Beese, b. in MN.Emma's father was b. in Germany and her mother in MN. (Germany)
This was a first marriage for both Emma and Edward. They had been married for 13 years. Emma was the mother of two children, only one still alive by this census.
Almost seven months later, on Nov. 9, 1910, Lydia's father, Edward Beese died of typhoid fever in Valley City, Barnes county, ND.
Emma and Lydia moved from Minnesota to North Dakota in approximately 1911. Emma was the head of a dormitory at Valley City State College, Valley City, ND. Her daughter, Lydia, stayed there with her as a girl.
Lydia's mother, Emma, married, second, Robert Fehmer who died quickly of cancer on Nov. 8, 1918 in Valley City, Barnes county, ND.
In the 1920 U.S. census, 18 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, no occupation, b. in WI. (MN.), was a lodger at 181 Clerk Ave. in St. Paul Ward 4, Ramsey, MN. in the home of
57 yr. old Alfred Spencer , an engineer at an electric plant, b. in England
his 31 yr. old wife, Emily O. Spencer, a restaurant cashier, b. in MN.
49 yr. old widowed lodger, Mary E Newell, a domestic working in a kitchen.
Lydia's parents were both b. in MN.
Lydia and her mother, Emma, traveled more than once from Minnesota and North Dakota to California to visit Emma's sisters, Lydia (Von Sien) Brown and Claire (Von Sien) Perdew and mother, Kathryn VonSien, and decided at some point to move to California.
Emma and Lydia lived for a while on Heliotrope Drive in Hollywood a few blocks from UCLA where Lydia studied to become a music teacher (vocal and instrumental.) Lydia also attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. and the University of Minnesota.
In 1921-22, Lydia Beese was living with the E.E. Perdew family on Eli and Euclid in Ontario, S.B. Co., California to the west of the Perdew dairy, which was separated by an alfalfa field.
In about 1923-24, Earnest E. Perdew, Lydia's uncle by marriage, was giving her driving instruction in his beautiful 4 seater Phaeton Studebaker. While making a right hand turn from Eli into the driveway, she failed to neutralize the steering wheel, continued to turn and collided with the row of Eucalyptus trees doing substantial damage to her uncle's car.
E.E.'s two eldest children, Dorothy 'Doss' and 'Jack' were in the back seat without seat belts - which they didn't have in those days, and Dorothy was thrown forward, crying and suffering minor injuries at the most, but it was upsetting for poor Lydia. The instructor (E.E.) and the driver both remained calm throughout the incident considering all that happened, but it must have been embarrassing for her.
Shortly after that, she met her future husband, Clarence Beekman, probably at the dairy. He was an inspector who took periodic samples of the milk to test it for tuberculosis as required by law.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 1, Apr. 23, 1929
Excerpt from: Glee Clubs to Present "Captain Crossbones"
The operetta, "Captain Crossbones", will be presented by the combined girls' and boys' glee clubs Friday evening, April 26, at 8 o'clock, in the High School Auditorium.
Mrs. Clarence Beekman (nee Lydia Beese), former director of our High School Glee Clubs, will do the accompanying Friday night.
In the 1930 U.S. census, 28 yr. old wife, Lydia Beekman, b. in MN., was living in Cucamonga, San Bernardino, CA. with her
34 yr. old (head of household) husband, Clarence Beekman, a 'county man' and milk tester, b. in NJ.
71 yr. old widowed father-in-law, Van Doren Beekman, retired, b. in NJ.
And 41 yr. old sister-in-law, Bessie Beekman, a child's nurse, b. in NJ.
Clarence's and Van Dorn's parents were all b. in New Jersey
Lydia's parents were both b. in MN.
Clarence was 32 yrs. old and Lydia was 26 when they married.
Van Dorn Beekman was 28 when he married.
Clarence and Lydia Beekman's only child - Bruce Edward Beekman, was born two days after the census was taken, on Apr. 18, 1930 at the San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, San Bernardino, CA.
(Bruce Beekman later married Marge and may have moved out of state.)
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 6, Dec. 14, 1934
Excerpt from: Teachers Entertained
A number of Chino teachers were delightfully entertained on Thursday evening, December 6, at the home of Mrs. Clarence Beekman of Cucamonga. Mrs. Beekman was formerly Miss Lydia bees, music supervisor in the Chino schools.
The Christmas spirit was abundant in the house and table decorations. A delicious supper was served at small tables where tiny Christmas trees with tallies attached, served as place cards. Candles and lights from a large Christmas tree completed the Christmas atmosphere.Following the supper, the guests made Christmas presents, with materials provided, for the person whose name she had drawn. These were put on the Christmas tree and later were distributed. The rest of the evening was spent in playing progressive games.
In the 1940 U.S. census, 38 yr. old Lydia Beckman (Beekman), b. in MN., was living in a home (not on a farm) at 431 Archibald in Cucamonga, San Bernardino, CA. with her
44 yr. old husband, Clarence Beckman, a milk tester, b. in NJ.
9 yr. old son, Bruce Beckman, b. in CA.
The family was living in the same place in 1935.
Clarence was a high school graduate and Lydia had completed four years of college. Bruce had finished 4th grade.
Clarence worked 70 hrs. in the week prior to the census and 52 weeks in 1939.
He was working on his own account, had an income of 0 - but had income from other sources.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 10, Col. 4
Tue., Sep. 22, 1942
Excerpt from: Society Holds Benefit Event
CUCAMONGA, Sept. 21 - Members and guests of the Woman's Society of Christian Service held a benefit luncheon at Cucamonga Methodist church with the victory garden theme being carried out in menu and decorations, directed by Mrs. John Stoebe.
Baskets of red, white and blue flowers, decorated the dining room and the tables were lighted with red candles in tri-colored V holders.
Community singing was lead by Mrs. Carl Doss, followed by readings.
Members and guests present were Mmes. Clarence Beekman, Clifford Beekman (and 42 others).
Lydia had a grand piano and was an accomplished pianist. Her abilities at the piano were hampered by the development of arthritis in her fingers in later years.
The San Bernardino County Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Jun. 1, 1943
Excerpt from: Alta Loma Women Close Club Year At Gala Gathering
ALTA LOMA, May 31 - The spacious ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. William B. Hutton was the scene of the final gathering of the year for Cucamonga Alta Loma Women's Club when they met for lunch and installation of new officers.
Mrs. Clarence Beekman succeeds Mrs. L.J. Thomas, who has been president for the past year.
Mrs. Ernest O. Lee, county president of the federation of women's clubs and president-elect of the district, installed the new officers, including Mrs. Clarence beckman, president, Mrs. Homer Stipe, vice-president; Mrs. Leslie Foster, secretary; Mrs. William Cooper, treasurer; Mrs. Ray Ford, auditor; Mrs. William Harvey, parliamentarian.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 1, Oct. 17, 1952
Excerpt from: Employment Approved
Mrs. Lydia B. Beekman, grades 1-8, and Mrs. Matilda Hesse, grades 7-12, were approved for on-call substitute duty.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 5, Apr. 17, 1953
Resigned teacher Given Shower
Mrs. J.M. Walker, sixth grade teacher at Newman school, who has recently resigned, was given a pink and blue shower by the school staff at the home of Mrs. Pearl Beckley, 169 South Seventh street, Wednesday of last week.
Guests gathered for a tea after school. The many gifts were tied to the bill of a large stork.
Mrs. Lydia Beekman will succeed Mrs. Walker on the Newman staff.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 3, Thu., Aug. 11, 1955
Like Christmas in July, Say Teachers of Mexican Party
Attending a Mexican 'Las Posadas' was like Christmas in July for Miss Willora Williams and Mrs. Lydia Beekman who were entertained by the pageant complete to piñata when guests of Mexican teachers during their recent 31-day trip to Mexico.
Miss Williams, principal of Newman elementary school and Mrs. Beekman, who teaches sixth grade there, were in a party of 21 persons who traveled by motor coach, seeing the byways and parts of the country not usually visited by tourists. They left Chino on June 27, to return July 28, as part of a tour conducted by Joseph Condia, Spanish instructor at Compton high school, sponsored by the National Education Association.
During the tour, they met the governor of Zacatecas and the minister of education for Mexico and were entertained by Mexican teachers at Zacatecas and at Mexico City. Traveling down the Pan-American highway from El Paso, in addition to visiting Mexico City they saw Cuernavaca, Taxco and Puebla, the Aztec pyramids and the Shrine of Guadalupe, to name but a few of the points of interest.
It was the second trip to Mexico City for Miss Williams. They took many colored films and brought back many interesting souvenirs of their trip.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 3, Thu., May 3, 1956
Excerpt from Mexican Trip Talk Entertains Members of Thimble Club
The highlight of the East Side Thimble Club's social meeting April 26, at the Clubhouse, was a travel talk about Mexico, given by Miss Willora Williams, principal of Newman School, and colorfully illustrated with slides of her tour last summer. Mrs. Lydia Beekman, a teacher at Newman School, who made the tour with Miss Williams, operated the projector. The Mexican Tour, sponsored by the National Educational Association, was made by bus and the twenty-one teachers taking it represented many states.
Following the unusually interesting talk, Club members and their guest, Mrs. Susan Atkins of Jamestown, a former Club member here, were delighted to see the display of articles which Miss Williams and Mrs. Beekman brought back from Mexico. The varied handicrafts were represented by wood carvings, tin-ware, hand-woven cloth, paintings, jewelry, and leather goods.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 5, Jun. 4, 1964
(-See her photo from this article among the other photos of her posted on this memorial)
Nine Retire From Chino School District Faculty
Mrs. Lydia Beekman bids farewell to Newman Elementary where she taught sixth grade. Many years ago, she was in charge of musical instruction. In the last 11 years, she has taught reading, writing and arithmetic.
The retiree has done graduate work at Los Angeles, Redlands, Scripps and Minnesota. She is active in PTA and delta Kappa Gamma, honorary education sorority. Her favorite affiliation is the "Grandparents club" which she qualifies for three times over.
Mrs. Beekman plans to spend part of the summer at the beach. She has had two very long trips the last two summers: last year through the South East and through Canada. She will take another trip in the fall, she says.
Redlands Daily Facts (Redlands, CA.), P. 5, Mon., Feb. 19, 1968
Excerpt from: Women in education meet here
Mrs. Ruth Mosbeck, chairman of the committee on professional affairs, was panel moderator for a discussion of "New Books and Controversial Writing" during the recent meeting of Alpha Pi chapter of Delta kappa Gamma international society for women educators. Miss Gertrude McCourtney, 1509 Margarita drive, was hostess.
On the panel were Martha Herrington and Elinor Neafsey from Colton, Lydia Beekman from Chino and Katharine Van Dyke from Redlands.
Lydia's husband, Clarence Beekman died Oct. 16, 1976.
In her later years, Lydia moved to Long Beach and lived down the street from her cousin, Olive (Von Sien) Larson. They enjoyed a close relationship. According to Olive, Lydia's mind was very sharp until the end but she was too weak to do much other than prepare her meals and spend a lot of quiet time.
Edward Daniel Beese, b. Aug. 9, 1874 in Deerfield, Steele County, MN. and d. of typhoid on Nov. 9, 1910 in Valley City, Barnes county, ND. &
Emma Louise Von Sien, b. Dec. 23, 1873 in Waseca county, MN. and d.
May 18, 1947 in San Bernardino County, CA.
On March 17, 1897, 23 yr. old Emma married 22 yr. old Edward Daniel Beese.
Edward was born on Aug. 9, 1874 in Deerfield Twp., Steele Co., MN.
Edward and Emma Beese had two children:
1) Clarke Edward Von Sien Beese, b. Jan. 08, 1898 and d. Jun. 22, 1908.
2) Lydia Emma Beese, b. Jul. 16, 1901 and d. Sep. 6, 1991 in Long Beach, L.A., CA. Lydia married Clarence Beekman.
Lydia and her mother, Emma, moved from Minnesota to Valley City, North Dakota, when Lydia was seven.
In the Jun. 7, 1905 Minnesota Territorial and State Census, 3 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, b. in MN., was living on Elm St. in Waseca Ward 1, Waseca, MN. with her
31 yr. old father, Edward D. Beese, a clerk, b. in Germany (MN.)
31 yr. old mother, Emma Beese, b. in Germany (MN.)
7 yr. old brother, Clark E. Beese, b. in MN.
20 yr. old aunt, Anna C. Von Sien, a clerk, b. in Germany (MN.)
On June 22, 1908, a few weeks before Lydia's 7th birthday, her 10 yr. old brother, Clarke Edward Von Sien Beese, died, tragically, in Valley City, ND. He had been playing on a bridge, squirting water with a squirt gun at people driving across the bridge in carriages. One lady stopped her carriage, and got out with a buggy whip in her hand. Young Beese, who was standing on one of the concrete piles of the bridge, jumped for the shore, but missed, falling into the river. Unable to swim, he drowned.
In the Apr. 21, 1910 U.S. census, 8 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, b. in MN., was living in a rented home on Eighth Avenue South Valley City Ward 3, Barnes, ND. with her
36 yr. old father, Edward B. Beese, a traveling salesman in the lightning rods business, b. in MN.
36 yr. old mother, Emma L. Beese, b. in MN.Emma's father was b. in Germany and her mother in MN. (Germany)
This was a first marriage for both Emma and Edward. They had been married for 13 years. Emma was the mother of two children, only one still alive by this census.
Almost seven months later, on Nov. 9, 1910, Lydia's father, Edward Beese died of typhoid fever in Valley City, Barnes county, ND.
Emma and Lydia moved from Minnesota to North Dakota in approximately 1911. Emma was the head of a dormitory at Valley City State College, Valley City, ND. Her daughter, Lydia, stayed there with her as a girl.
Lydia's mother, Emma, married, second, Robert Fehmer who died quickly of cancer on Nov. 8, 1918 in Valley City, Barnes county, ND.
In the 1920 U.S. census, 18 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, no occupation, b. in WI. (MN.), was a lodger at 181 Clerk Ave. in St. Paul Ward 4, Ramsey, MN. in the home of
57 yr. old Alfred Spencer , an engineer at an electric plant, b. in England
his 31 yr. old wife, Emily O. Spencer, a restaurant cashier, b. in MN.
49 yr. old widowed lodger, Mary E Newell, a domestic working in a kitchen.
Lydia's parents were both b. in MN.
Lydia and her mother, Emma, traveled more than once from Minnesota and North Dakota to California to visit Emma's sisters, Lydia (Von Sien) Brown and Claire (Von Sien) Perdew and mother, Kathryn VonSien, and decided at some point to move to California.
Emma and Lydia lived for a while on Heliotrope Drive in Hollywood a few blocks from UCLA where Lydia studied to become a music teacher (vocal and instrumental.) Lydia also attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. and the University of Minnesota.
In 1921-22, Lydia Beese was living with the E.E. Perdew family on Eli and Euclid in Ontario, S.B. Co., California to the west of the Perdew dairy, which was separated by an alfalfa field.
In about 1923-24, Earnest E. Perdew, Lydia's uncle by marriage, was giving her driving instruction in his beautiful 4 seater Phaeton Studebaker. While making a right hand turn from Eli into the driveway, she failed to neutralize the steering wheel, continued to turn and collided with the row of Eucalyptus trees doing substantial damage to her uncle's car.
E.E.'s two eldest children, Dorothy 'Doss' and 'Jack' were in the back seat without seat belts - which they didn't have in those days, and Dorothy was thrown forward, crying and suffering minor injuries at the most, but it was upsetting for poor Lydia. The instructor (E.E.) and the driver both remained calm throughout the incident considering all that happened, but it must have been embarrassing for her.
Shortly after that, she met her future husband, Clarence Beekman, probably at the dairy. He was an inspector who took periodic samples of the milk to test it for tuberculosis as required by law.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 1, Apr. 23, 1929
Excerpt from: Glee Clubs to Present "Captain Crossbones"
The operetta, "Captain Crossbones", will be presented by the combined girls' and boys' glee clubs Friday evening, April 26, at 8 o'clock, in the High School Auditorium.
Mrs. Clarence Beekman (nee Lydia Beese), former director of our High School Glee Clubs, will do the accompanying Friday night.
In the 1930 U.S. census, 28 yr. old wife, Lydia Beekman, b. in MN., was living in Cucamonga, San Bernardino, CA. with her
34 yr. old (head of household) husband, Clarence Beekman, a 'county man' and milk tester, b. in NJ.
71 yr. old widowed father-in-law, Van Doren Beekman, retired, b. in NJ.
And 41 yr. old sister-in-law, Bessie Beekman, a child's nurse, b. in NJ.
Clarence's and Van Dorn's parents were all b. in New Jersey
Lydia's parents were both b. in MN.
Clarence was 32 yrs. old and Lydia was 26 when they married.
Van Dorn Beekman was 28 when he married.
Clarence and Lydia Beekman's only child - Bruce Edward Beekman, was born two days after the census was taken, on Apr. 18, 1930 at the San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, San Bernardino, CA.
(Bruce Beekman later married Marge and may have moved out of state.)
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 6, Dec. 14, 1934
Excerpt from: Teachers Entertained
A number of Chino teachers were delightfully entertained on Thursday evening, December 6, at the home of Mrs. Clarence Beekman of Cucamonga. Mrs. Beekman was formerly Miss Lydia bees, music supervisor in the Chino schools.
The Christmas spirit was abundant in the house and table decorations. A delicious supper was served at small tables where tiny Christmas trees with tallies attached, served as place cards. Candles and lights from a large Christmas tree completed the Christmas atmosphere.Following the supper, the guests made Christmas presents, with materials provided, for the person whose name she had drawn. These were put on the Christmas tree and later were distributed. The rest of the evening was spent in playing progressive games.
In the 1940 U.S. census, 38 yr. old Lydia Beckman (Beekman), b. in MN., was living in a home (not on a farm) at 431 Archibald in Cucamonga, San Bernardino, CA. with her
44 yr. old husband, Clarence Beckman, a milk tester, b. in NJ.
9 yr. old son, Bruce Beckman, b. in CA.
The family was living in the same place in 1935.
Clarence was a high school graduate and Lydia had completed four years of college. Bruce had finished 4th grade.
Clarence worked 70 hrs. in the week prior to the census and 52 weeks in 1939.
He was working on his own account, had an income of 0 - but had income from other sources.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 10, Col. 4
Tue., Sep. 22, 1942
Excerpt from: Society Holds Benefit Event
CUCAMONGA, Sept. 21 - Members and guests of the Woman's Society of Christian Service held a benefit luncheon at Cucamonga Methodist church with the victory garden theme being carried out in menu and decorations, directed by Mrs. John Stoebe.
Baskets of red, white and blue flowers, decorated the dining room and the tables were lighted with red candles in tri-colored V holders.
Community singing was lead by Mrs. Carl Doss, followed by readings.
Members and guests present were Mmes. Clarence Beekman, Clifford Beekman (and 42 others).
Lydia had a grand piano and was an accomplished pianist. Her abilities at the piano were hampered by the development of arthritis in her fingers in later years.
The San Bernardino County Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Jun. 1, 1943
Excerpt from: Alta Loma Women Close Club Year At Gala Gathering
ALTA LOMA, May 31 - The spacious ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. William B. Hutton was the scene of the final gathering of the year for Cucamonga Alta Loma Women's Club when they met for lunch and installation of new officers.
Mrs. Clarence Beekman succeeds Mrs. L.J. Thomas, who has been president for the past year.
Mrs. Ernest O. Lee, county president of the federation of women's clubs and president-elect of the district, installed the new officers, including Mrs. Clarence beckman, president, Mrs. Homer Stipe, vice-president; Mrs. Leslie Foster, secretary; Mrs. William Cooper, treasurer; Mrs. Ray Ford, auditor; Mrs. William Harvey, parliamentarian.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 1, Oct. 17, 1952
Excerpt from: Employment Approved
Mrs. Lydia B. Beekman, grades 1-8, and Mrs. Matilda Hesse, grades 7-12, were approved for on-call substitute duty.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 5, Apr. 17, 1953
Resigned teacher Given Shower
Mrs. J.M. Walker, sixth grade teacher at Newman school, who has recently resigned, was given a pink and blue shower by the school staff at the home of Mrs. Pearl Beckley, 169 South Seventh street, Wednesday of last week.
Guests gathered for a tea after school. The many gifts were tied to the bill of a large stork.
Mrs. Lydia Beekman will succeed Mrs. Walker on the Newman staff.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 3, Thu., Aug. 11, 1955
Like Christmas in July, Say Teachers of Mexican Party
Attending a Mexican 'Las Posadas' was like Christmas in July for Miss Willora Williams and Mrs. Lydia Beekman who were entertained by the pageant complete to piñata when guests of Mexican teachers during their recent 31-day trip to Mexico.
Miss Williams, principal of Newman elementary school and Mrs. Beekman, who teaches sixth grade there, were in a party of 21 persons who traveled by motor coach, seeing the byways and parts of the country not usually visited by tourists. They left Chino on June 27, to return July 28, as part of a tour conducted by Joseph Condia, Spanish instructor at Compton high school, sponsored by the National Education Association.
During the tour, they met the governor of Zacatecas and the minister of education for Mexico and were entertained by Mexican teachers at Zacatecas and at Mexico City. Traveling down the Pan-American highway from El Paso, in addition to visiting Mexico City they saw Cuernavaca, Taxco and Puebla, the Aztec pyramids and the Shrine of Guadalupe, to name but a few of the points of interest.
It was the second trip to Mexico City for Miss Williams. They took many colored films and brought back many interesting souvenirs of their trip.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 3, Thu., May 3, 1956
Excerpt from Mexican Trip Talk Entertains Members of Thimble Club
The highlight of the East Side Thimble Club's social meeting April 26, at the Clubhouse, was a travel talk about Mexico, given by Miss Willora Williams, principal of Newman School, and colorfully illustrated with slides of her tour last summer. Mrs. Lydia Beekman, a teacher at Newman School, who made the tour with Miss Williams, operated the projector. The Mexican Tour, sponsored by the National Educational Association, was made by bus and the twenty-one teachers taking it represented many states.
Following the unusually interesting talk, Club members and their guest, Mrs. Susan Atkins of Jamestown, a former Club member here, were delighted to see the display of articles which Miss Williams and Mrs. Beekman brought back from Mexico. The varied handicrafts were represented by wood carvings, tin-ware, hand-woven cloth, paintings, jewelry, and leather goods.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 5, Jun. 4, 1964
(-See her photo from this article among the other photos of her posted on this memorial)
Nine Retire From Chino School District Faculty
Mrs. Lydia Beekman bids farewell to Newman Elementary where she taught sixth grade. Many years ago, she was in charge of musical instruction. In the last 11 years, she has taught reading, writing and arithmetic.
The retiree has done graduate work at Los Angeles, Redlands, Scripps and Minnesota. She is active in PTA and delta Kappa Gamma, honorary education sorority. Her favorite affiliation is the "Grandparents club" which she qualifies for three times over.
Mrs. Beekman plans to spend part of the summer at the beach. She has had two very long trips the last two summers: last year through the South East and through Canada. She will take another trip in the fall, she says.
Redlands Daily Facts (Redlands, CA.), P. 5, Mon., Feb. 19, 1968
Excerpt from: Women in education meet here
Mrs. Ruth Mosbeck, chairman of the committee on professional affairs, was panel moderator for a discussion of "New Books and Controversial Writing" during the recent meeting of Alpha Pi chapter of Delta kappa Gamma international society for women educators. Miss Gertrude McCourtney, 1509 Margarita drive, was hostess.
On the panel were Martha Herrington and Elinor Neafsey from Colton, Lydia Beekman from Chino and Katharine Van Dyke from Redlands.
Lydia's husband, Clarence Beekman died Oct. 16, 1976.
In her later years, Lydia moved to Long Beach and lived down the street from her cousin, Olive (Von Sien) Larson. They enjoyed a close relationship. According to Olive, Lydia's mind was very sharp until the end but she was too weak to do much other than prepare her meals and spend a lot of quiet time.
Lydia was the second of two children born to:
Edward Daniel Beese, b. Aug. 9, 1874 in Deerfield, Steele County, MN. and d. of typhoid on Nov. 9, 1910 in Valley City, Barnes county, ND. &
Emma Louise Von Sien, b. Dec. 23, 1873 in Waseca county, MN. and d.
May 18, 1947 in San Bernardino County, CA.
On March 17, 1897, 23 yr. old Emma married 22 yr. old Edward Daniel Beese.
Edward was born on Aug. 9, 1874 in Deerfield Twp., Steele Co., MN.
Edward and Emma Beese had two children:
1) Clarke Edward Von Sien Beese, b. Jan. 08, 1898 and d. Jun. 22, 1908.
2) Lydia Emma Beese, b. Jul. 16, 1901 and d. Sep. 6, 1991 in Long Beach, L.A., CA. Lydia married Clarence Beekman.
Lydia and her mother, Emma, moved from Minnesota to Valley City, North Dakota, when Lydia was seven.
In the Jun. 7, 1905 Minnesota Territorial and State Census, 3 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, b. in MN., was living on Elm St. in Waseca Ward 1, Waseca, MN. with her
31 yr. old father, Edward D. Beese, a clerk, b. in Germany (MN.)
31 yr. old mother, Emma Beese, b. in Germany (MN.)
7 yr. old brother, Clark E. Beese, b. in MN.
20 yr. old aunt, Anna C. Von Sien, a clerk, b. in Germany (MN.)
On June 22, 1908, a few weeks before Lydia's 7th birthday, her 10 yr. old brother, Clarke Edward Von Sien Beese, died, tragically, in Valley City, ND. He had been playing on a bridge, squirting water with a squirt gun at people driving across the bridge in carriages. One lady stopped her carriage, and got out with a buggy whip in her hand. Young Beese, who was standing on one of the concrete piles of the bridge, jumped for the shore, but missed, falling into the river. Unable to swim, he drowned.
In the Apr. 21, 1910 U.S. census, 8 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, b. in MN., was living in a rented home on Eighth Avenue South Valley City Ward 3, Barnes, ND. with her
36 yr. old father, Edward B. Beese, a traveling salesman in the lightning rods business, b. in MN.
36 yr. old mother, Emma L. Beese, b. in MN.Emma's father was b. in Germany and her mother in MN. (Germany)
This was a first marriage for both Emma and Edward. They had been married for 13 years. Emma was the mother of two children, only one still alive by this census.
Almost seven months later, on Nov. 9, 1910, Lydia's father, Edward Beese died of typhoid fever in Valley City, Barnes county, ND.
Emma and Lydia moved from Minnesota to North Dakota in approximately 1911. Emma was the head of a dormitory at Valley City State College, Valley City, ND. Her daughter, Lydia, stayed there with her as a girl.
Lydia's mother, Emma, married, second, Robert Fehmer who died quickly of cancer on Nov. 8, 1918 in Valley City, Barnes county, ND.
In the 1920 U.S. census, 18 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, no occupation, b. in WI. (MN.), was a lodger at 181 Clerk Ave. in St. Paul Ward 4, Ramsey, MN. in the home of
57 yr. old Alfred Spencer , an engineer at an electric plant, b. in England
his 31 yr. old wife, Emily O. Spencer, a restaurant cashier, b. in MN.
49 yr. old widowed lodger, Mary E Newell, a domestic working in a kitchen.
Lydia's parents were both b. in MN.
Lydia and her mother, Emma, traveled more than once from Minnesota and North Dakota to California to visit Emma's sisters, Lydia (Von Sien) Brown and Claire (Von Sien) Perdew and mother, Kathryn VonSien, and decided at some point to move to California.
Emma and Lydia lived for a while on Heliotrope Drive in Hollywood a few blocks from UCLA where Lydia studied to become a music teacher (vocal and instrumental.) Lydia also attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. and the University of Minnesota.
In 1921-22, Lydia Beese was living with the E.E. Perdew family on Eli and Euclid in Ontario, S.B. Co., California to the west of the Perdew dairy, which was separated by an alfalfa field.
In about 1923-24, Earnest E. Perdew, Lydia's uncle by marriage, was giving her driving instruction in his beautiful 4 seater Phaeton Studebaker. While making a right hand turn from Eli into the driveway, she failed to neutralize the steering wheel, continued to turn and collided with the row of Eucalyptus trees doing substantial damage to her uncle's car.
E.E.'s two eldest children, Dorothy 'Doss' and 'Jack' were in the back seat without seat belts - which they didn't have in those days, and Dorothy was thrown forward, crying and suffering minor injuries at the most, but it was upsetting for poor Lydia. The instructor (E.E.) and the driver both remained calm throughout the incident considering all that happened, but it must have been embarrassing for her.
Shortly after that, she met her future husband, Clarence Beekman, probably at the dairy. He was an inspector who took periodic samples of the milk to test it for tuberculosis as required by law.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 1, Apr. 23, 1929
Excerpt from: Glee Clubs to Present "Captain Crossbones"
The operetta, "Captain Crossbones", will be presented by the combined girls' and boys' glee clubs Friday evening, April 26, at 8 o'clock, in the High School Auditorium.
Mrs. Clarence Beekman (nee Lydia Beese), former director of our High School Glee Clubs, will do the accompanying Friday night.
In the 1930 U.S. census, 28 yr. old wife, Lydia Beekman, b. in MN., was living in Cucamonga, San Bernardino, CA. with her
34 yr. old (head of household) husband, Clarence Beekman, a 'county man' and milk tester, b. in NJ.
71 yr. old widowed father-in-law, Van Doren Beekman, retired, b. in NJ.
And 41 yr. old sister-in-law, Bessie Beekman, a child's nurse, b. in NJ.
Clarence's and Van Dorn's parents were all b. in New Jersey
Lydia's parents were both b. in MN.
Clarence was 32 yrs. old and Lydia was 26 when they married.
Van Dorn Beekman was 28 when he married.
Clarence and Lydia Beekman's only child - Bruce Edward Beekman, was born two days after the census was taken, on Apr. 18, 1930 at the San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, San Bernardino, CA.
(Bruce Beekman later married Marge and may have moved out of state.)
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 6, Dec. 14, 1934
Excerpt from: Teachers Entertained
A number of Chino teachers were delightfully entertained on Thursday evening, December 6, at the home of Mrs. Clarence Beekman of Cucamonga. Mrs. Beekman was formerly Miss Lydia bees, music supervisor in the Chino schools.
The Christmas spirit was abundant in the house and table decorations. A delicious supper was served at small tables where tiny Christmas trees with tallies attached, served as place cards. Candles and lights from a large Christmas tree completed the Christmas atmosphere.Following the supper, the guests made Christmas presents, with materials provided, for the person whose name she had drawn. These were put on the Christmas tree and later were distributed. The rest of the evening was spent in playing progressive games.
In the 1940 U.S. census, 38 yr. old Lydia Beckman (Beekman), b. in MN., was living in a home (not on a farm) at 431 Archibald in Cucamonga, San Bernardino, CA. with her
44 yr. old husband, Clarence Beckman, a milk tester, b. in NJ.
9 yr. old son, Bruce Beckman, b. in CA.
The family was living in the same place in 1935.
Clarence was a high school graduate and Lydia had completed four years of college. Bruce had finished 4th grade.
Clarence worked 70 hrs. in the week prior to the census and 52 weeks in 1939.
He was working on his own account, had an income of 0 - but had income from other sources.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 10, Col. 4
Tue., Sep. 22, 1942
Excerpt from: Society Holds Benefit Event
CUCAMONGA, Sept. 21 - Members and guests of the Woman's Society of Christian Service held a benefit luncheon at Cucamonga Methodist church with the victory garden theme being carried out in menu and decorations, directed by Mrs. John Stoebe.
Baskets of red, white and blue flowers, decorated the dining room and the tables were lighted with red candles in tri-colored V holders.
Community singing was lead by Mrs. Carl Doss, followed by readings.
Members and guests present were Mmes. Clarence Beekman, Clifford Beekman (and 42 others).
Lydia had a grand piano and was an accomplished pianist. Her abilities at the piano were hampered by the development of arthritis in her fingers in later years.
The San Bernardino County Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Jun. 1, 1943
Excerpt from: Alta Loma Women Close Club Year At Gala Gathering
ALTA LOMA, May 31 - The spacious ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. William B. Hutton was the scene of the final gathering of the year for Cucamonga Alta Loma Women's Club when they met for lunch and installation of new officers.
Mrs. Clarence Beekman succeeds Mrs. L.J. Thomas, who has been president for the past year.
Mrs. Ernest O. Lee, county president of the federation of women's clubs and president-elect of the district, installed the new officers, including Mrs. Clarence beckman, president, Mrs. Homer Stipe, vice-president; Mrs. Leslie Foster, secretary; Mrs. William Cooper, treasurer; Mrs. Ray Ford, auditor; Mrs. William Harvey, parliamentarian.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 1, Oct. 17, 1952
Excerpt from: Employment Approved
Mrs. Lydia B. Beekman, grades 1-8, and Mrs. Matilda Hesse, grades 7-12, were approved for on-call substitute duty.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 5, Apr. 17, 1953
Resigned teacher Given Shower
Mrs. J.M. Walker, sixth grade teacher at Newman school, who has recently resigned, was given a pink and blue shower by the school staff at the home of Mrs. Pearl Beckley, 169 South Seventh street, Wednesday of last week.
Guests gathered for a tea after school. The many gifts were tied to the bill of a large stork.
Mrs. Lydia Beekman will succeed Mrs. Walker on the Newman staff.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 3, Thu., Aug. 11, 1955
Like Christmas in July, Say Teachers of Mexican Party
Attending a Mexican 'Las Posadas' was like Christmas in July for Miss Willora Williams and Mrs. Lydia Beekman who were entertained by the pageant complete to piñata when guests of Mexican teachers during their recent 31-day trip to Mexico.
Miss Williams, principal of Newman elementary school and Mrs. Beekman, who teaches sixth grade there, were in a party of 21 persons who traveled by motor coach, seeing the byways and parts of the country not usually visited by tourists. They left Chino on June 27, to return July 28, as part of a tour conducted by Joseph Condia, Spanish instructor at Compton high school, sponsored by the National Education Association.
During the tour, they met the governor of Zacatecas and the minister of education for Mexico and were entertained by Mexican teachers at Zacatecas and at Mexico City. Traveling down the Pan-American highway from El Paso, in addition to visiting Mexico City they saw Cuernavaca, Taxco and Puebla, the Aztec pyramids and the Shrine of Guadalupe, to name but a few of the points of interest.
It was the second trip to Mexico City for Miss Williams. They took many colored films and brought back many interesting souvenirs of their trip.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 3, Thu., May 3, 1956
Excerpt from Mexican Trip Talk Entertains Members of Thimble Club
The highlight of the East Side Thimble Club's social meeting April 26, at the Clubhouse, was a travel talk about Mexico, given by Miss Willora Williams, principal of Newman School, and colorfully illustrated with slides of her tour last summer. Mrs. Lydia Beekman, a teacher at Newman School, who made the tour with Miss Williams, operated the projector. The Mexican Tour, sponsored by the National Educational Association, was made by bus and the twenty-one teachers taking it represented many states.
Following the unusually interesting talk, Club members and their guest, Mrs. Susan Atkins of Jamestown, a former Club member here, were delighted to see the display of articles which Miss Williams and Mrs. Beekman brought back from Mexico. The varied handicrafts were represented by wood carvings, tin-ware, hand-woven cloth, paintings, jewelry, and leather goods.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 5, Jun. 4, 1964
(-See her photo from this article among the other photos of her posted on this memorial)
Nine Retire From Chino School District Faculty
Mrs. Lydia Beekman bids farewell to Newman Elementary where she taught sixth grade. Many years ago, she was in charge of musical instruction. In the last 11 years, she has taught reading, writing and arithmetic.
The retiree has done graduate work at Los Angeles, Redlands, Scripps and Minnesota. She is active in PTA and delta Kappa Gamma, honorary education sorority. Her favorite affiliation is the "Grandparents club" which she qualifies for three times over.
Mrs. Beekman plans to spend part of the summer at the beach. She has had two very long trips the last two summers: last year through the South East and through Canada. She will take another trip in the fall, she says.
Redlands Daily Facts (Redlands, CA.), P. 5, Mon., Feb. 19, 1968
Excerpt from: Women in education meet here
Mrs. Ruth Mosbeck, chairman of the committee on professional affairs, was panel moderator for a discussion of "New Books and Controversial Writing" during the recent meeting of Alpha Pi chapter of Delta kappa Gamma international society for women educators. Miss Gertrude McCourtney, 1509 Margarita drive, was hostess.
On the panel were Martha Herrington and Elinor Neafsey from Colton, Lydia Beekman from Chino and Katharine Van Dyke from Redlands.
Lydia's husband, Clarence Beekman died Oct. 16, 1976.
In her later years, Lydia moved to Long Beach and lived down the street from her cousin, Olive (Von Sien) Larson. They enjoyed a close relationship. According to Olive, Lydia's mind was very sharp until the end but she was too weak to do much other than prepare her meals and spend a lot of quiet time.
Edward Daniel Beese, b. Aug. 9, 1874 in Deerfield, Steele County, MN. and d. of typhoid on Nov. 9, 1910 in Valley City, Barnes county, ND. &
Emma Louise Von Sien, b. Dec. 23, 1873 in Waseca county, MN. and d.
May 18, 1947 in San Bernardino County, CA.
On March 17, 1897, 23 yr. old Emma married 22 yr. old Edward Daniel Beese.
Edward was born on Aug. 9, 1874 in Deerfield Twp., Steele Co., MN.
Edward and Emma Beese had two children:
1) Clarke Edward Von Sien Beese, b. Jan. 08, 1898 and d. Jun. 22, 1908.
2) Lydia Emma Beese, b. Jul. 16, 1901 and d. Sep. 6, 1991 in Long Beach, L.A., CA. Lydia married Clarence Beekman.
Lydia and her mother, Emma, moved from Minnesota to Valley City, North Dakota, when Lydia was seven.
In the Jun. 7, 1905 Minnesota Territorial and State Census, 3 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, b. in MN., was living on Elm St. in Waseca Ward 1, Waseca, MN. with her
31 yr. old father, Edward D. Beese, a clerk, b. in Germany (MN.)
31 yr. old mother, Emma Beese, b. in Germany (MN.)
7 yr. old brother, Clark E. Beese, b. in MN.
20 yr. old aunt, Anna C. Von Sien, a clerk, b. in Germany (MN.)
On June 22, 1908, a few weeks before Lydia's 7th birthday, her 10 yr. old brother, Clarke Edward Von Sien Beese, died, tragically, in Valley City, ND. He had been playing on a bridge, squirting water with a squirt gun at people driving across the bridge in carriages. One lady stopped her carriage, and got out with a buggy whip in her hand. Young Beese, who was standing on one of the concrete piles of the bridge, jumped for the shore, but missed, falling into the river. Unable to swim, he drowned.
In the Apr. 21, 1910 U.S. census, 8 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, b. in MN., was living in a rented home on Eighth Avenue South Valley City Ward 3, Barnes, ND. with her
36 yr. old father, Edward B. Beese, a traveling salesman in the lightning rods business, b. in MN.
36 yr. old mother, Emma L. Beese, b. in MN.Emma's father was b. in Germany and her mother in MN. (Germany)
This was a first marriage for both Emma and Edward. They had been married for 13 years. Emma was the mother of two children, only one still alive by this census.
Almost seven months later, on Nov. 9, 1910, Lydia's father, Edward Beese died of typhoid fever in Valley City, Barnes county, ND.
Emma and Lydia moved from Minnesota to North Dakota in approximately 1911. Emma was the head of a dormitory at Valley City State College, Valley City, ND. Her daughter, Lydia, stayed there with her as a girl.
Lydia's mother, Emma, married, second, Robert Fehmer who died quickly of cancer on Nov. 8, 1918 in Valley City, Barnes county, ND.
In the 1920 U.S. census, 18 yr. old Lydia E. Beese, no occupation, b. in WI. (MN.), was a lodger at 181 Clerk Ave. in St. Paul Ward 4, Ramsey, MN. in the home of
57 yr. old Alfred Spencer , an engineer at an electric plant, b. in England
his 31 yr. old wife, Emily O. Spencer, a restaurant cashier, b. in MN.
49 yr. old widowed lodger, Mary E Newell, a domestic working in a kitchen.
Lydia's parents were both b. in MN.
Lydia and her mother, Emma, traveled more than once from Minnesota and North Dakota to California to visit Emma's sisters, Lydia (Von Sien) Brown and Claire (Von Sien) Perdew and mother, Kathryn VonSien, and decided at some point to move to California.
Emma and Lydia lived for a while on Heliotrope Drive in Hollywood a few blocks from UCLA where Lydia studied to become a music teacher (vocal and instrumental.) Lydia also attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. and the University of Minnesota.
In 1921-22, Lydia Beese was living with the E.E. Perdew family on Eli and Euclid in Ontario, S.B. Co., California to the west of the Perdew dairy, which was separated by an alfalfa field.
In about 1923-24, Earnest E. Perdew, Lydia's uncle by marriage, was giving her driving instruction in his beautiful 4 seater Phaeton Studebaker. While making a right hand turn from Eli into the driveway, she failed to neutralize the steering wheel, continued to turn and collided with the row of Eucalyptus trees doing substantial damage to her uncle's car.
E.E.'s two eldest children, Dorothy 'Doss' and 'Jack' were in the back seat without seat belts - which they didn't have in those days, and Dorothy was thrown forward, crying and suffering minor injuries at the most, but it was upsetting for poor Lydia. The instructor (E.E.) and the driver both remained calm throughout the incident considering all that happened, but it must have been embarrassing for her.
Shortly after that, she met her future husband, Clarence Beekman, probably at the dairy. He was an inspector who took periodic samples of the milk to test it for tuberculosis as required by law.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 1, Apr. 23, 1929
Excerpt from: Glee Clubs to Present "Captain Crossbones"
The operetta, "Captain Crossbones", will be presented by the combined girls' and boys' glee clubs Friday evening, April 26, at 8 o'clock, in the High School Auditorium.
Mrs. Clarence Beekman (nee Lydia Beese), former director of our High School Glee Clubs, will do the accompanying Friday night.
In the 1930 U.S. census, 28 yr. old wife, Lydia Beekman, b. in MN., was living in Cucamonga, San Bernardino, CA. with her
34 yr. old (head of household) husband, Clarence Beekman, a 'county man' and milk tester, b. in NJ.
71 yr. old widowed father-in-law, Van Doren Beekman, retired, b. in NJ.
And 41 yr. old sister-in-law, Bessie Beekman, a child's nurse, b. in NJ.
Clarence's and Van Dorn's parents were all b. in New Jersey
Lydia's parents were both b. in MN.
Clarence was 32 yrs. old and Lydia was 26 when they married.
Van Dorn Beekman was 28 when he married.
Clarence and Lydia Beekman's only child - Bruce Edward Beekman, was born two days after the census was taken, on Apr. 18, 1930 at the San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, San Bernardino, CA.
(Bruce Beekman later married Marge and may have moved out of state.)
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 6, Dec. 14, 1934
Excerpt from: Teachers Entertained
A number of Chino teachers were delightfully entertained on Thursday evening, December 6, at the home of Mrs. Clarence Beekman of Cucamonga. Mrs. Beekman was formerly Miss Lydia bees, music supervisor in the Chino schools.
The Christmas spirit was abundant in the house and table decorations. A delicious supper was served at small tables where tiny Christmas trees with tallies attached, served as place cards. Candles and lights from a large Christmas tree completed the Christmas atmosphere.Following the supper, the guests made Christmas presents, with materials provided, for the person whose name she had drawn. These were put on the Christmas tree and later were distributed. The rest of the evening was spent in playing progressive games.
In the 1940 U.S. census, 38 yr. old Lydia Beckman (Beekman), b. in MN., was living in a home (not on a farm) at 431 Archibald in Cucamonga, San Bernardino, CA. with her
44 yr. old husband, Clarence Beckman, a milk tester, b. in NJ.
9 yr. old son, Bruce Beckman, b. in CA.
The family was living in the same place in 1935.
Clarence was a high school graduate and Lydia had completed four years of college. Bruce had finished 4th grade.
Clarence worked 70 hrs. in the week prior to the census and 52 weeks in 1939.
He was working on his own account, had an income of 0 - but had income from other sources.
San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 10, Col. 4
Tue., Sep. 22, 1942
Excerpt from: Society Holds Benefit Event
CUCAMONGA, Sept. 21 - Members and guests of the Woman's Society of Christian Service held a benefit luncheon at Cucamonga Methodist church with the victory garden theme being carried out in menu and decorations, directed by Mrs. John Stoebe.
Baskets of red, white and blue flowers, decorated the dining room and the tables were lighted with red candles in tri-colored V holders.
Community singing was lead by Mrs. Carl Doss, followed by readings.
Members and guests present were Mmes. Clarence Beekman, Clifford Beekman (and 42 others).
Lydia had a grand piano and was an accomplished pianist. Her abilities at the piano were hampered by the development of arthritis in her fingers in later years.
The San Bernardino County Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 11, Jun. 1, 1943
Excerpt from: Alta Loma Women Close Club Year At Gala Gathering
ALTA LOMA, May 31 - The spacious ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. William B. Hutton was the scene of the final gathering of the year for Cucamonga Alta Loma Women's Club when they met for lunch and installation of new officers.
Mrs. Clarence Beekman succeeds Mrs. L.J. Thomas, who has been president for the past year.
Mrs. Ernest O. Lee, county president of the federation of women's clubs and president-elect of the district, installed the new officers, including Mrs. Clarence beckman, president, Mrs. Homer Stipe, vice-president; Mrs. Leslie Foster, secretary; Mrs. William Cooper, treasurer; Mrs. Ray Ford, auditor; Mrs. William Harvey, parliamentarian.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 1, Oct. 17, 1952
Excerpt from: Employment Approved
Mrs. Lydia B. Beekman, grades 1-8, and Mrs. Matilda Hesse, grades 7-12, were approved for on-call substitute duty.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 5, Apr. 17, 1953
Resigned teacher Given Shower
Mrs. J.M. Walker, sixth grade teacher at Newman school, who has recently resigned, was given a pink and blue shower by the school staff at the home of Mrs. Pearl Beckley, 169 South Seventh street, Wednesday of last week.
Guests gathered for a tea after school. The many gifts were tied to the bill of a large stork.
Mrs. Lydia Beekman will succeed Mrs. Walker on the Newman staff.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 3, Thu., Aug. 11, 1955
Like Christmas in July, Say Teachers of Mexican Party
Attending a Mexican 'Las Posadas' was like Christmas in July for Miss Willora Williams and Mrs. Lydia Beekman who were entertained by the pageant complete to piñata when guests of Mexican teachers during their recent 31-day trip to Mexico.
Miss Williams, principal of Newman elementary school and Mrs. Beekman, who teaches sixth grade there, were in a party of 21 persons who traveled by motor coach, seeing the byways and parts of the country not usually visited by tourists. They left Chino on June 27, to return July 28, as part of a tour conducted by Joseph Condia, Spanish instructor at Compton high school, sponsored by the National Education Association.
During the tour, they met the governor of Zacatecas and the minister of education for Mexico and were entertained by Mexican teachers at Zacatecas and at Mexico City. Traveling down the Pan-American highway from El Paso, in addition to visiting Mexico City they saw Cuernavaca, Taxco and Puebla, the Aztec pyramids and the Shrine of Guadalupe, to name but a few of the points of interest.
It was the second trip to Mexico City for Miss Williams. They took many colored films and brought back many interesting souvenirs of their trip.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 3, Thu., May 3, 1956
Excerpt from Mexican Trip Talk Entertains Members of Thimble Club
The highlight of the East Side Thimble Club's social meeting April 26, at the Clubhouse, was a travel talk about Mexico, given by Miss Willora Williams, principal of Newman School, and colorfully illustrated with slides of her tour last summer. Mrs. Lydia Beekman, a teacher at Newman School, who made the tour with Miss Williams, operated the projector. The Mexican Tour, sponsored by the National Educational Association, was made by bus and the twenty-one teachers taking it represented many states.
Following the unusually interesting talk, Club members and their guest, Mrs. Susan Atkins of Jamestown, a former Club member here, were delighted to see the display of articles which Miss Williams and Mrs. Beekman brought back from Mexico. The varied handicrafts were represented by wood carvings, tin-ware, hand-woven cloth, paintings, jewelry, and leather goods.
Chino Champion (Chino, CA.), P. 5, Jun. 4, 1964
(-See her photo from this article among the other photos of her posted on this memorial)
Nine Retire From Chino School District Faculty
Mrs. Lydia Beekman bids farewell to Newman Elementary where she taught sixth grade. Many years ago, she was in charge of musical instruction. In the last 11 years, she has taught reading, writing and arithmetic.
The retiree has done graduate work at Los Angeles, Redlands, Scripps and Minnesota. She is active in PTA and delta Kappa Gamma, honorary education sorority. Her favorite affiliation is the "Grandparents club" which she qualifies for three times over.
Mrs. Beekman plans to spend part of the summer at the beach. She has had two very long trips the last two summers: last year through the South East and through Canada. She will take another trip in the fall, she says.
Redlands Daily Facts (Redlands, CA.), P. 5, Mon., Feb. 19, 1968
Excerpt from: Women in education meet here
Mrs. Ruth Mosbeck, chairman of the committee on professional affairs, was panel moderator for a discussion of "New Books and Controversial Writing" during the recent meeting of Alpha Pi chapter of Delta kappa Gamma international society for women educators. Miss Gertrude McCourtney, 1509 Margarita drive, was hostess.
On the panel were Martha Herrington and Elinor Neafsey from Colton, Lydia Beekman from Chino and Katharine Van Dyke from Redlands.
Lydia's husband, Clarence Beekman died Oct. 16, 1976.
In her later years, Lydia moved to Long Beach and lived down the street from her cousin, Olive (Von Sien) Larson. They enjoyed a close relationship. According to Olive, Lydia's mind was very sharp until the end but she was too weak to do much other than prepare her meals and spend a lot of quiet time.
Family Members
Siblings
