"The Patch"

My Mom grew up in the "Patch". What's the Patch? Well in short, back in the days when coal was king all the miners and their families were housed in company built homes. These homes were all basically the same. Side by side duplexes constructed of clapboard, with a nice airy front porch and a modest commode of sturdy construction out back. Mom often comments these days about how they didn't have much, but life was good. She tells me that she was Grandma Franciska's favorite. That's quite an honor I tell her since Grandma F had seven others from which to choose. "Well", she says, "anytime Mom needed something from the store she would call me in Polish." Kaczmirka, I think I'm not spelling that correctly, but say it as it sounds, and you'll have a good understanding as to how it would have sounded. Off to the company store she would go. Smiling all the way, not a care in the world, except to do some good. If you know my Mom, you know that this is her finest attributes.

Yes, life in the patch must have been good. Simple,but good. Considering Grandpa Joe mined the coal for H.C.Frick,who owned the store as well as held the mortgage on the house. This home remains in the family to this day nearly one hundred years later!

For some nostalgic fun today, Google this: "Buffington Coke Works" .While you visit the old miner you will see updated information regarding Grandpa Joe and some photos of "The Patch". I am grateful to Mr. Washlaski the editor/historian and Penn State University/Fayette for including the information I was able to provide. The information basically is who the actual owner was of Coal Patch House #95. My Mom and the other nine members of her household lived at #92. Three houses down!!

I'm glad that my sleuthing was helpful. It feels really good. Maybe I share one of my Moms attributes?

Why?

I often wonder why. That's puzzling in itself. Why? There are some simple answers to the question. Why? Just because, that's always a good one, although I'm not quite sure it answers the question. How about the answer, "Because I said so, that's why". I'll never understand that one. Whether or not the speaker has any clout or influence what so ever, I'm still a bit hesitant about the beginning of that statement. Gosh, why would they say that? I sure hope it's not because!! I'm going to figure out why. Yes, that's what I'm about.

My friend, I call him Bob. You already know why I call him Bob. See how simple that was? No reason to wonder there. Anyway, upon hearing that I was embarking on researching my roots, says to me: " I don't know why?" Oh boy I say to myself, here we go. Whats my answer? Because it's there that's why!!! No, I can't do that! Not me the guy who wonders why. I say: "Bob, aren't you at all interested in your Greek links?"He of course says: "why"., and so it begins, back to why.

You may also wonder why I am doing things the way that I am. It should be noted I have become immersed in my origins. Why? Because I can figure it out. There are many of us, like Bob, who really don't care much about such things. I would think the only aspect about ones genealogy that was important to him would be " What's my life expectancy?" Shameful at best in my opinion. So once again, I don't know why he/they would feel that way.

There is a big story to tell. Something, we are all pretty much in the dark about. I am talking to you. Yes...you. " Why?" I'm hoping you stay with the blog. Enough for todays entry. Let me leave you with just one thought. My brother once said to me: " I've often wondered and don't know why, they used to huddle up and speak Ukrainian."

Discovering Anna

Place yourself at the time of your youth. A teen, seventeen to be exact. Crossing the great Atlantic ocean. Children staring bright eyed at the billowing smoke stacks of the ship. The biggest vessel you have ever seen for sure. Perhaps the group of boys huddled in the bow are ogling you. Teasing each other, daringly. Who would be the bravest to sheepishly approach you to ask your name. You are after all a very beautiful young woman. Setting out on your own for a new world, A better place, as they've said. You are more than likely a bit scared and excited at the same time. What about home? Alone on a huge boat with five hundred other people. Strangers all. What will your Mother and Father do without you? Will you ever see them again? You begin to cry.

In the Beginning

God created Gulas' Welcome to my blog! For those interested, I am embarking upon a journey to find my family roots. Some will find this blog a bit boring. Others will find it quite interesting as the days go by. I hope most of my readers, will at best find it entertaining and enjoyable. Feel free to comment and or add verifiable content as you see fit. Some days will be better than others. I'll add content regarding my research of course, but some days, will no doubt run off in another direction. So much for my first entry. Stay tuned, I'll see you later