Connie's Headline-Making Birth

The birth of Connie Stoep (1925-1952), my father's first wife, was so newsworthy that it made it into the newspaper in Detroit, Michigan on January 6, 1926. She was off to an auspicious start! 

Here's the clipping from Connie's photo album, along with a transcription.


HERE'S THE BABY "COINCIDENCE"

[photo]
Mrs. Oma Stoep and Connie, Mrs. Bessie Sellers and Donnie

These two young mothers, who share the same apartment, gave birth to a child on the same day. Each has been married three years and their husbands are employed at the same place.

Strange Coincidents [sic] Mark Birth of Two Babies

Two babies, born the same day in the same apartment and whose respective parents have been married the same length of time are the center of interest today at 3742 Wabash avenue.

One is Donald Walter Sellers, son of Daniel A. Sellers and his wife, Bessie. The other is Constance Marie Stoep, daughter of Arne C. Stoep and his wife, Oma.

Donald is 19 days old, a blond, and is called Donnie. Constance is 19 days old, a brunette, and is called Connie.

SAME DOCTOR
Connie was born at 3:25 p.m., Dec. 18, Donnie arrived exactly eight hours later. Dr. Hugh R. Hildebrandt, of 11926 Indiana avenue, attended both mothers.

Both couples have been married three years. Both husbands work for the same firm, a hat company on Gratiot avenue. Stoep is manager and Selles [sic] is assistant manager.

The two families met last February and have been living together since March.

Mrs. Sellers says: "I am glad my child is a boy."
Mrs. Stoep says: "I am glad my child is a girl."

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