When Hazel Quinn and Thure Bergquist said “I do” on May 19, 1933, it was more than just a romantic moment—it was an official genealogical milestone. This marriage record gives us fascinating insights into both Hazel’s life and the intersection of record-keeping practices in early 20th-century Massachusetts.
Fun fact—Hazel was married on her 24th birthday! May 19, 1933, wasn’t just a big day in her life for obvious reasons, but it also meant she and Thure shared a significant moment on an already special occasion.
💡 Genealogy Tip! Marriage certificates can be treasure troves of information, not just about the couple, but also about their families and the communities they were part of. This record, for example, reveals family names (including the groom’s Swedish roots) and offers insight into local church connections.
The Record Itself
This particular certificate was filed in Quincy (where the groom lived), and provides a snapshot of the union between 23-year-old Hazel and 33-year-old Thure. Let’s break it down:
- Groom: Thure Emanuel Bergquist, 33, born in Sweden and working as a machinist, living on Cranch Street in Quincy.
- The record notes his name was legally changed. On the surface this seems to reconcile the fact that his father is listed as Andrew Akerstrom. It’s apparent that Thure adopted his mother’s maiden name Bergquist. As any good detective or genealogist knows, there must be more to this story. Unfortunately, no leads in this record.
- Bride: Hazel Elizabeth Quinn, 23, from Brockton, residing on North Main Street in Randolph, where we know her parents had set up shop. Hazel’s occupation? “At home” (we can all relate to that).
- Hazel was the daughter of Marshall G. Quinn and Flora P. Sabean.
- Remember how I noted that Hazel was married on her 24th birthday? Why does this record give her age as 23? You may have guessed the answer already. This was because her age was given on May 10, the date the intention of marriage was filed.
The marriage ceremony took place at 528 North Main Street, Randolph, by Reverend Eugene S. Philbrook of the First Baptist Church. His connection to the family was more than just clerical—he had a history of involvement with the Quinns, appearing alongside them in local news articles. A sweet touch of community and family ties!
💡 Genealogy Tip! This marriage record doesn’t explicitly say the ceremony took place at the Baptist Church or that Rev. Philbrook was a Baptist minister. Some sleuthing was needed to confirm. It’s always helpful to learn more about the officiants and venues where our ancestors married. For instance, Google the Baptist Church in Randolph today, and you’ll find 518 N Main St. But look up 528 N Main St., and the church pops up again. In this instance, the church grounds includes multiple street addresses.
Record-Keeping Practices
The marriage certificate is from Quincy, but the ceremony was in Randolph. Why? Back then, marriage certificates were often filed in both towns where the bride and groom lived. So, in this case, a duplicate certificate was filed in Randolph—the town where the ceremony actually occurred.
What This Record Tells Us
This marriage certificate offers us a wealth of insight into Hazel and Thure’s union, along with a glimpse into their lives and the local practices of the time:
- Hazel’s Age and Birthplace: At 23, Hazel was at a typical marrying age for the time. Her birth in Brockton, Massachusetts, is confirmed, further solidifying her place in the local context.
- Thure’s Background: Thure’s Swedish roots and occupation as a machinist show us his immigrant background and steady work in a growing industrial society.
- Full Parents Names for Both: This tidbit is imperative for genealogists to connect one generation to the next.
- Family Connections Solidified: Reverend Eugene S. Philbrook, who officiated their wedding, had ties to the family through local community events, hinting at the close-knit nature of the Quinn family in Randolph.
- Record-Keeping: The marriage certificate was filed in Quincy, where the groom lived, but a duplicate was also filed in Randolph, where the ceremony occurred. This dual-record system was common at the time for couples living in different towns, and this record is a great example of that practice in action.
Together, these details piece together not just the specifics of Hazel and Thure’s marriage, but also provide a window into their lives, families, and the societal context they were part of. Plus, it’s a reminder that the best genealogical discoveries often come from the intersections of family, community, and historical paperwork.
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