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Archiver > POLAND-ROOTS > 2009-11 > 1258854920


From:
Subject: Re: [POLAND] Family clues through heirlooms
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:55:20 EST


My great-grandparents came to Cleveland from West Prussia in the 1880's.
Around 1900 they moved to Kazimier Avenue. Around 1925, their daughter (my
grandmother) and her husband had a house built on the lot next door.

The great-grandparent's house was owned by the family until the 50's.
Briefly it was sold 'outside' the family, but then an uncle re-purchased it in
the 60's. My grandparents' house had always stayed in the family.

About 8 years ago, my uncle decided to retire to Florida and both houses
when up for sale. Family members were encouraged to take family pieces. In
the attic was a black and white picture with names written in Latin on the
bottom. I finally realized the names were my great-grandparents and had
been "Latinized". The picture was an artist's conception drawing of the
future Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. My great-grandparents had donated money
for its construction. I believe the date is 1911 . This is my 'heirloom'
from the Grucza family. It's amazing that no one threw it out in all of
those years!

In a message dated 11/21/2009 3:24:44 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
writes:

The recent discussion about baby rings was very interesting and it made
me wonder about what clues people have gotten about their Polish family
history from inherited jewelry or other heirlooms. Some heirlooms can
give really valuable information. For example, we have our Polish
greatgrandparent's wedding bands. Inside each one is inscribed the
other one's initials. Both have the number 89 engraved inside too. It
is likely that 1889 was the year that they married. Our grandfather was
born a year later. That is quite a bit of information inside of a
ring. Others can give just a little bit of information but it helps us
know a little more about them. I'm wondering what kind of clues others
have gotten from their Polish heirlooms.

Michele

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