LOVE articles are featuring a brief history of the daughters of Mathilda Pusch. Two weeks ago we feature her daughter, Gertrude. Today we feature Henrietta and Wilhelmina.
All attended the University of Arizona and were quite prominent in Tucson social circles.
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Henrietta Pusch Ballinger (1888-1954)
She married Hugh Ballinger of Liberty, Ohio, who was also a University of Arizona student. Etta was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority in 1907.
Etta and Hugh had one child, Louise. The Ballingers were lifelong Tucson residents. Etta was a member of the American Legion auxiliary and the Old Pueblo Club and popular in many social circles.
Etta was the superintendent of Arizona Children’s Home the four years preceding her death on December 22, 1954.
Wilhelmina Pusch Knabe (1890-1958)
Wilhelmina was born at the Pusch home on Jackson Street in Tucson in 1890. She attended Safford School and the University of Arizona before she married Gustav (Gus) Knabe on March 14, 1917. The couple married at the Pusch family home (428 S. Fourth Avenue). Her sister, Maybelle, was the bridesmaid. Though a rancher, Gus entered the military service as a private in 1909 and it became his career.
At the time of their marriage he was a Second Lieutenant Alabama Infantry. Gus was promoted to Colonel in 1945. Wilhelmina periodically stayed with her parents when Gus was stationed in other parts of the world. Wilhelmina and Gus had one son, Robert, a geologist.
At the time of their marriage he was a Second Lieutenant Alabama Infantry. Gus was promoted to Colonel in 1945. Wilhelmina periodically stayed with her parents when Gus was stationed in other parts of the world. Wilhelmina and Gus had one son, Robert, a geologist.
Like her mother, Wilhelmina was a member of the Arizona Pioneers Historical Society and took part in many Tucson civic and social events. The couple resided at 1927 E. Hawthorne Street, Tucson at the time of Wilhelmina’s passing on May 5, 1958 after a short illness.
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The Oro Valley Historical Society will resume exhibits and tours in September. Until then we are “gone fishing” for the summer. Hope to see you when we return but keep up to date with future activities and announcements on our website: www.ovhistory.org or our Facebook page.
