Linda Mages was born on December 10, 1947, the first of 16 children raised by Alphonse (1928) and Barbara (1929) Mages of New Ulm, Minnesota. Being the oldest, most of Linda's adolescent life was spent assisting with the upbringing of her siblings as well as common household chores. The girls tended to the indoor cooking and cleaning while the Mages boys could be found in the barn, earning their keep through farm chores.
Sixteen kids meant fifteen friends in most cases. The Mages children often took advantage of this unique situation and played many sports, especially softball, being that each position could be filled. Cards were also a popular choice of entertainment, resulting in heated competition with one-cent bets at stake. There were many good memories made, however, as expected, the Mages had plenty of inner-sibling disputes. Whethe it was fighting over bathroom time or the boys pulling pranks on the girls, the Mages house was always full of excitement. However, through 18 years of ups and downs, Linda Mages credits the easy going lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s for an overall stress-free, enjoyable childhood.
As difficult as it would seem to be, Linda still found time and interest for a personal life. At a time when sports were not offered for girls, Linda was instead actively involved in Future Homemakers of America. Some of Linda's distinct childhood memories include family recreation, watching and helping with the growth of each of her siblings, and attending the junior/senior prom three times.
Linda eventually graduated from a vocational institution with a licensed practical nursing degree and is currently living and employed in Mankato, Minnesota.
| Videos | Transcripts |
|---|---|
| Growing Up(WMV) | Growing Up |
| Family(WMV) | Family |
| Financial Problems (WMV) | Financial Problems |
| Getting Ready(WMV) | Getting Ready |
| Restaurant(WMV) | Restaurant |
| Family Gatherings (WMV) | Family Gatherings |
| Drivers License (WMV) | Drivers License |
| Dating, Curfew, and Parents(WMV) | Dating, Curfew, and Parents |
| Sports and Activities (WMV) | Sports and Activities |
| Jobs and Spending Money(WMV) | Jobs and Spending Money |
| Family Relationships(WMV) | Family Relationships |
| Pros and Cons (WMV) | Pros and Cons |
| College and Marriage(WMV) | College and Marriage |
| Growing Up and Puberty(WMV) | Growing Up and Puberty |
| Children(WMV) | Children |
| TV and Radio (WMV) | TV and Radio |
| Pranks(WMV) | Pranks |
| Privileges(WMV) | Privileges |
| Dislikes(WMV) | Dislikes |
Note: Videos play best in Windows Media Player version 9 or newer.
Group Members Crystal Waas, Nicole Drache, Christy Mae, Hollie Consler, Cassie Wolpern, Janice Determan, Lindsey Reddemann
