Eleo,

It has brought tears to my eyes to have made contact with you. My grandfather emigrated from Cuba so long ago, and he passed away in 1956. I know my father did know and keep up with a few relatives, but he kept no notes or addresses. Neither did my uncle Manuel. So, since my dad passed away in 1980 my sister and I have had no contact with anyone from our Cuban family. I truly thought that connection was lost to me. I have some papers about the Drogueria Johnson building and when it was seized and its value at that time, etc. I also have some amazing photos of Manuel and Mercedes from the late 19th century. I also have some newspaper articles about Theodore Johnson (my great-uncle) when he was President of the University of Havana. I just came across an article that said there was a huge fire this last March in the Drogueria Johnson building and the exquisite woodwork was all lost. It had been restored in 2000. Anyway, I had never known the Larralde name, but there it was in the article as Manuel Johnson Larralde as the founder. So, I was just beginning to look things up when I came across your posting right in front of me. Imagine my surprise and excitement!

I would be honored to have a copy of the family tree and to know more about you and who your grandmother was (was she Victor's sister?), etc. My direct email is: johnson2@uillinois.edu

Kathy