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Posts by gjene  

Joined: 4 May 2008 / Male ♂ 		Last Post: 4 Jun 2021
Threads: Total: 14 / Live: 11 / Archived: 3
Posts: Total: 204 / Live: 169 / Archived: 35 		From: Canada, Ontario, London
Speaks Polish?: n/a

Displayed posts: 180 / page 5 of 6
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gjene   
27 Jul 2012
Genealogy / Re: Obtaining records from Wlodawa [6]

To Muegre

I plan on visiting that area again, so I can ask about such paperwork. I do have a copy of their marriage certificate.

To Harry

If I can arrange a transport to visit Wlodawa, then I will have to locate the office and request the paperwork. Otherwise, all I can do is download the appropriate forms in order to request a birth certificate for my grandmother. Right now, I do not have squat 1 in regards to the exact date when her 1st marriage took place or the church. Unless my family is more forth coming with any papers that they have in their possession that might give me clues I am basically s.o.l. on that point. Unless the other clue in Germany might provide something.

Gary
gjene   
12 Jul 2012
Genealogy / I have Jewish DNA, but only know of Polish ancestry . [120]

Here is another theory that might be more plausible then marriage. Could be that one of your ancestors could have been an orphan Jew and was adopted out of sympathy because of one of the many wars that happened over the centuries. Maybe or maybe not, but it is something else to consider if there might not have been any known immediate family. of the orphan.
gjene   
8 Jul 2012
Genealogy / My Grandfather was born in Poland and migrated abroad - Can I get a Polish Passport? [68]

Mleko

If you want to attempt at getting Polish citizenship and passport based on your grandmother take a look at the website: I found my Poland.

Once there, click on forums and look for Poland, once in there look for pt 3 of the Polish citizenship. Ask for Poland expat. He will direct you to a previous post of his as to the paperwork you will need in order to try and prove connection to Poland and thereby citizenship. Also, look into the citizenship acts of 1920 and 1951. Chances are if your grandmother married a foreigner and moved to the U.S. prior to 1951, you may be out of luck. While on the website you can also look into the Irish forum and see what people there have to say about what your chances are for obtaining Irish citizenship based on your grandfather.

But in order to do that, you will need to find out when and where he entered the U.S. and then when he naturalized as an American citizen. Then from there to check when which ever parent is his child was born. Was your parent born before or after your grandfather got naturalized as an American? By knowing that as well, will help to determine if you might be eligible or not.
gjene   
25 Apr 2012
Law / Palestinian / Jordanian. How can I apply for a Polish passport or nationality ? [7]

Nadine:

Unless you can prove direct ties to Poland through parent(s) and grandparent(s) you will not have any luck in getting a passport or nationality. The only way you will get this would be to live and work in the country of Poland for a minimum of 5 yrs. or be maried to a citizen of the country, then the wait may be less than that.

With Poland in the process of getting into the EU, your chances will become even slimmer. Check the website known as Poland for Expat and look in the forum for Poland. There, you will find 3 different threads dealing with others proving their links to Poland.

Kadie:

Have you checked the local civil registration office about the requirements for applying for citizenship? That would be a start. If not check the same website that I have mentioned already about Poland for Expat. You will find some answers to your questions about the requirements and where to apply. Good luck. Having been married to a citizen of the country as you claim for 4 yrs and living in the country for over 3 may be on your side. But chances are they may require proof of this. So if you can back up your claims to marriage and having lived in the country for the said times may help you get the required goal you eventually want.
gjene   
17 Apr 2012
Genealogy / Re: Obtaining records from Wlodawa [6]

I am wondering about obtaining marriage records from Wlodawa. I do not know the exact date of marriage or the church. All I know so far is the woman would have been 18 yrs old as of Feb. 1922 and the last name I have for the man she married is Slyzsko. One child of theirs that I am aware of since she is still alive was born in August of 1928.

I can estimate the she would have been married as early as 1920 at the age of 16 and as late as 1925 at the age of 21. My aunt is trying to say that there was a possibility of my grandmother having been married young, but not at what age. I am just trying to go on what I think what would be the youngest age permissible within reason for that time frame that may have happened here in North America as well. And that would be the age of 16. Where would be the best place to go to try and trace where the marriage took place and obtain a copy of said records?

A couple of other clues that I have is that there was another child, (date of birth unknown and was male) and that the lady in question was or may have been of Russian Orhodox faith. The other issue I have from what I have been told from family members is that the grandfather I knew of was her 2nd husband and he apparently had to write to the Catholic church in order to marry my grandmother in 1949 in Germany.

I have inquired through a Catholic church here about the 'divorce' aspect, but without knowing the church in Germany or other matters in that part they (Catholic church) were not able to provide me any assistance as to how or where to write to obtain the necessary papers in regards to the 'divorce' that my grandfather was requesting in order so that he could marry my grandmother. I do have the copy of the marriage certificate for when they got married in Nov. 1949 in Germany. But that is about it so far. I do know that my grandmother was born in the town of Wlodawa in Feb. 1904.
gjene   
17 Apr 2012
Genealogy / Vintage Photos of Polish ancestors [144]

To ShawnH

Yes, I may be showing my age, but so are you. :) Regardless of the fact, if their catalogues survived it still helps to see the clothing styles they carried in comparison to their competitors for the same time frame. Not only that, a person might be able to draw an inference from the different lines each store carried in order to help date photos. Sometimes women did modify their dresses to have something that was different and yet original from other outfits that their friends, family members and counterparts wore.

That is why i suggested looking for reproduction catalogues or getting museums to provide cd/dvd of the catalogues they have on hand for sale for the same purpose. Because sometimes, we don't have access to the originals because of the condition of same and limited supply. By convincing the museums to do this helps them and us. Because of the fact one museum may havea catalogue that is damaged and another may have a complete catalogue, the museums can benefit each other by sharing the same. Then we visit these places, the museums can have an area set aside so we can see the catalogues.

I do have a reproduction catalogue from Sears & Roebuck 1900 and 1906, and an original catalogue from the Eatons Co. dated 1912. These three have helped me to date some photos I have from the 1st qrtr of the 20th century and a couple of photos from the last qrtr of the 19th.

Before I forget, Simpson's has been gone from the market since the late 1970's. From what I remember I think it was between 1978-1980. Eatons has been gone for over 15 years. Time is catching up with us sooner than we expect.
gjene   
17 Apr 2012
Genealogy / Vintage Photos of Polish ancestors [144]

How many of us have photos that are undated? No doubt many of us. Here is a suggestion that may help to narrow down the dating game for photos. The suggestions is to use (reproduction) catalogues from stores like Eaton's, Simpsons, Sears &Roebuck. The catalogues should be at least a minimum of 5 years apart in order to help establish a change in clothing styles. Especially womens fashion. This way you can date the photo(s) to within the 5 yr time frame of the catalogues.

For any catalogues that date before 1920 that may be in a museum, maybe someone can convince the officials to reproduce the catalogue on cd or dvd and make it available for the cost of having it done. This way, they can make a couple of dollars, so to speak, in their favour, for improvements and other purposes. Then we benefit by having such things made available that normally wouldn't be. When it comes to genealogy, aids like that would definitely be an assistance. Even from some minor stores that the rest of us haven't heard about or the stores are more localized, like Macy's in comparison to Sears & Roebuck or Eaton's (here in Canada). I certainly would not mind getting my hands on scanned copies of different catalogues like that, if some of them predate 1900 in order to 'date' some photos I have in order to match the photo to a person in the family. Or at least narrow down who the photo may have been of.
gjene   
27 Mar 2012
Genealogy / Kuras & Gulczynski 1872 Polish immigrants that lived in Toledo, Ohio [7]

Have you tried the closest census records that are available to the time frame that is available for Toledo? The reason I suggest it is there might be something in it that might point you in the direction as to where they may have entered the states. Also, there might be some old records from the city from that time frame that could also indicate from where they may have lived before. Because of his age being 11 or so he no doubt came with his parents. So by starting with the census and city directoriesfor that time frame should get you started. Also, use the microfilm of the various local papers for death notices for their parents. Chances are, the death notices may be similar to ones of today and indicate where an individual immigrated from if they were not born locally.
gjene   
27 Mar 2012
Genealogy / Being ashamed of Polish ancestry? [156]

A lot of families did their best to keep their heritage alive and well in a foreign land. That way they have a little something of 'home' for a security blanket. In the process it gave them stability while making a new life. Also, in this process, by bringing the children up with it gives the kids the best of both worlds. Other families just wanted to get away from the horrors and hardships of the past. If it meant breaking away from and forgeting about family that stayed behind, guess who loses. The following generations that grow up are wondering where their families originally came from.

That is what I did at the end of September 2010 rychlik. I had a chance to meet family I never knew about because the old folks never talked about them before they died. As I have said, I am trying to play catch up and plan to visit them again this year. Hopefully at the end of June this year. It will give me a chance to dig up some paperwork that I want in order to fill in other paperwork to see if I qualify for dual citizenship. For I would like to return and settle down there and work.
gjene   
26 Mar 2012
Genealogy / Being ashamed of Polish ancestry? [156]

I understand that now Peter. But even then when I was growing up, it still would have been nice to have been informed a lot better about the family heritage and where the grandparents grew up and whatever else that other families have managed to pass on before the old folks were dead and buried. Now that they are, I don't have the stories or whatnot about the family. I know my grandfather and a brother of his fought for the Polish military, but I don't even have any information as to what units either one belonged to or if either earned any medals.

Right now, all I have is a couple of conflicting stories about my grandfathers military service and without the military unit I can not verify what the truth is. All because everybody kept their mouths shut. Now all I can do is hope that I can obtain copies of his letters to a cousin that there might be clues in there for me to do my family tree and maybe obtain his military records.

Despite what happened between the WW2 and 1991, those of Polish descent in other countries did their best to keep alive their heritage and language skills with the kids. That way the kids, when growing up could be proud to be of Polish stock and where ever they are living now. That way, they have the best of both worlds. What of those that were not told of the family history? They lose out and most that have discovered the family secret most are struggling to find their way back and not have a clue as to where the family lived before emmigrating to foreign lands and not knowing the language. Or even knowing what kind of jobs the ancestors did during their lifetime. I am lucky I had a few clues to figure out and meet relatives I never even knew about after 30 years since my grandparents died. It certainly would have been nice to know about them long time ago. Now I have to play catch up to make up for the lost time. And I certainly would have loved to have visited sooner after the fall of communism. But even then, I was the first of the family to pay a return visit after all these years.
gjene   
26 Mar 2012
Travel / Traveling within Poland into my destination city - Lublin (from Warsaw airport) [43]

That might be true Shamalah. But for some reason when I landed in Germany, continued by train into Warsaw and then flew out of back to Amsterdam to make a connection back to Canada my passport never got stamped nor was I asked where I was going or for how long. But I did have a trick up my sleeve about that and I still get a chuckle out of it after all this time since I only have the airline stubs and the train ticket and a few other odds and ends from the trip to prove I was there in Europe.

Best to ask to have the passport stamped anyways to make sure there is no problems if you don't have dual citizenship with a country that is part of the EU.
gjene   
25 Mar 2012
Genealogy / Getting records from Poland (are records of Poles moved from churches to the archives)? [21]

I know my grandmother was married once before and all I have is the last name. I know when and where she was born and I can extrapolate when she would have gotten married. But I do not know what church it would have been in or if the civil registry would have access to the marriage records. She would have turned 18 in 1922 and the 1st child was born by 1928. Would the archives in Wlodawa help if I gave them whatever information I have? What is their address?
gjene   
25 Mar 2012
Genealogy / Being ashamed of Polish ancestry? [156]

My mothers' side of my family came from Poland and emigrated to Canada in the early 1950's. When I was growing up I wanted to learn Polish, but my aunts had said what do you want to learn Polish for? it's a dead language. It seems they were embarrassed to be of Polish descent. I tossed that back in their face and they were not happy when I reminded them of their comments from years gone by. Especially now that I have re-established contact with family members there 2 yrs ago.

And I certainly could have used it more than French.
gjene   
21 Feb 2012
Genealogy / Looking for family in Poland: Włodarski. [13]

Eduardo

Have you been able to find any reference to where he may have stayed in Germany after the war and emigrating to Brazil in 1949? If you can find that out, you may be able to request a copy of the inhabitants registry in regards to your great grandfather. That is what I did for my grandparents. But then I had a photo with their address and the town that they lived in and the year that they were there. If you can not read Polish, there may be someone here that may be able to translate for you.

Also, if he emigrated to Brazil, enquire through the Brazilian Immigration and Naturalization Bureau. You may be able to obtain a copy of his entry form when he entered and/or obtained Brazilian citizenship. But as far as the translation goes, you will have to see about getting whatever letters you have scanned or photographed in order to upload for the person doing the translation for you to see what is written in the letters.
gjene   
29 Oct 2011
Genealogy / Great Uncles' military records (and medals?) He died in 1939/40. [2]

Since my grandfathers' brother also served in the military and as far as I know was not married and did not have children, how easy it would be to get his records as well as my grandfathers? What I am trying to get at is this, would the military give me a copy of my great uncles' records since he never had any children? Besides my grandfather, there was another brother who had children. As far as I know those children may not be interested in the records or any medals this individual may have earned. Since I may be one of the few living relatives that are close enough of a relation to him and asking about him. All I know is that he was captured by the Soviets in 1939 or 1940. The only other information is that he died in 1940 after being released from a POW camp and was attempting to make it back home before dying somewhere enroute. So if there are any medals he earned, would the military issue them to me as the next closest relative?

While I may not have found out what unit or regiment my great uncle may have served with, I have finally broke through the wall and obtained information on the regiments my grandfather belonged to. I sent a request with that information to the Military Archives in Warsaw 2 weeks ago. How long would it take for them to respond to this request? If my grandfathers' brother served during the same time frame, even with a different unit or regiment would the Archives be able to retrieve the brothers' service records as well? thanks.

I am under the impression that the military archives is doing some renovation work and currently not answering emails. I am hoping someone can direct me towards a site where I can look up the history of the 1st or 4th Signals Regiment/Battalion. My grandfather served with the 4th Signals regiment of the Polish Armed forces from 1919-1922 (discharged in 1922) and then with the 1st Signals during September of 1939. The letter that I now have in my possession does not give any indication if he was a P.O.W. of the Russians or Germans. Nor does it indicate if and when he was discharged. He does mention some locations that he was in during his service in September. The last place is now called Cortkov, Ukraine. I can provide the names of the other locations if needed in order to track down the correct unit.
gjene   
19 Oct 2011
UK, Ireland / UK citizen visiting Poland - any restrictions on entering the country? [22]

If your passport is due to expire less than 6 months from the travel date, would it not be better and safer to get a new passport anyways? Even if the UK may be part of the EU/Schengen zone why risk it if something happens while on holidays. If in doubt, double check with the appropriate authorities to make sure since they are (or may be) better informed than most people on any given website. Otherwise make sure that any and all id is up to date that you need and use in the UK.
gjene   
23 Sep 2011
Travel / Would I have to worry about organ thieves when traveling into Poland alone? [36]

You have more to worry from having your wallet stolen more than your organs. The only time you have to worry about your organs, it will be to late to do anything about it, because what makes you will no longer need a physical body. Keep on your toes and a hand on your wallet and you will be fairly safe while traveling in Poland. I was there last year for 2 weeks and I had no problem whatsoever even with the problem with language. But then again, I did not advertise that I was tourist. I dressed down and acted like I belong there and I enjoyed the trip. Since I was the first of the family to return to the old country.
gjene   
8 Aug 2011
Language / Too many English words in the Polish language! [709]

Why complain about a few English words in the Polish language? Chances are those words may not translate very well, if at all. Since sometimes a translation of a word may come out as something completely different in meaning than the original word. English is full of foreign words in it and you do not hear those people complaining. Study up on the history of the English language and the various languages that make it and you will see what I mean.
gjene   
22 Jun 2011
News / RUSSIA TO MAKE PUBLIC THE KATYN FILES... [274]

It would be nice to get the P.O.W. files to look over the names for those that survived to see if there are any names that can be recognized. I have relatives that claim my grandfather (as a non com) may have been a witness to the massacre. But because he knew German and Russian besides Polish may have saved his life.

So he spent some time as a P.O.W. But not sure for how long or where. Hopefully someone will make the Katyn files and other attachments in regards to names of those shot or as P.O.W.'s available as a PDF.
gjene   
30 Mar 2011
USA, Canada / Dual citizenship - US doesn't care if you don't give up Polish passport [103]

I have dual citizenship and I am loyal to both countries. The only time that it might be an issue is if one country declares war on another, which then involves other countries. Like the 1st or 2nd world war or what is happening in the middle east. Then having citizenship from a country like that might cause you issues.

There are plenty of people in the U.S. and elsewhere that have dual and be loyal to the country they live in without having to give up their citizenship from the country of their birth.
gjene   
20 Nov 2010
Genealogy / Americans of Polish descent. How many of us are on Polish forums? [216]

Patrycja19

While I am not American but Canadian. I did not know of or was aware of family in Poland until I started doing the genealogy over 6 yrs ago. I was going on just a couple of letters, 2 pieces of paper that provides a typed address for 2 different people with the same last name that matched with the letters and an individual who married my great grandmothers' sister.

Not only that, there was some photos as well. It was by pure chance that I was contacted by a relative from there because I had made a posting in regards to the letters and trying to determine if that individual was a relative to the husband of my great grannys' sis. That is the first contact with this part of the family since my grandparents died over 30 years ago.

As for me, I have Canadian, German and am trying to prove Polish. The traditions are just the ones you would find here in Canada.
gjene   
30 Oct 2010
Genealogy / Vintage Photos of Polish ancestors [144]

The photo I posted that is on pg 4 I was able to get names to some of the others in that photo from relatives that I finally connected with in Wegrow, Poland this yr. After 50 yrs. since the family left Poland I was the first to return. Just wish I had done this over 15 yrs ago. I could have met up with my great grannies nephew before he died in 2000. He no doubt would have been able to recognize some of the people and places that his daughters were not able to recognize.
gjene   
26 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Giving up canadian citizenship for a Polish one? Cant be true! [20]

Hi LeAnne

You do not have to give up your Canadian citizenship in order to get the Polish. There are a few on the Polish forum found on 'Poland Foreigner' that obtained Polish citizenship and they did not have to give up their Canadian or American.

One way of your grandfather losing his citizenship would have been to join the Canadian military or to take a political office. Also, check the Polish citizenship acts of 1920 and 1951 and see how they affect your grandfather. One way of checking out if your grandfather renounced his Polish citizenship would be to enquire through the Polish Embassy or Consulate and make a request for that information. Check the 'Poland Foreigner' website and you may find further help there. Good luck.
gjene   
19 Oct 2010
Law / Polish Citizenship for a foreigner whose parents was born in Poland [174]

Kath

Check the website known as 'Poland for All'. Then click on forums and scroll down to find 'Poland'. In that forum you will then find a 3 parter in regards to Polish citizenship. There, you will find others who are in the same boat as you. There you will find some who are older than you that have been able to prove citizenship based on one or the other parent. Or in some cases both.

As one known as 'Know Poland' to refer you to his posting in part 1 about the documents you will (or may) need to document your connection to Poland and then obtain citizenship. In a similar related issue, I was able to prove German citizenship less than 5 yrs ago, long after the 21st birthday issue. Since obtaining the German citizenship is almost similar, but less complicated than the Polish.

Good luck.
gjene   
23 Aug 2010
Genealogy / Re: Marska family connections [14]

Thanks anyways for all your help. I have made contact with a relative that recognized the photo and was able to inform me as to whom the deaceased was and what relation this individual was to me.

So, to the others that are looking for cpnnections, be patient. It will happen when it is least expected. That connection gives me the needed excuse to visit.
gjene   
6 Aug 2010
Genealogy / Re: Marska family connections [14]

Thanks all for the help. I finally made contact with a Klemm clan member and the writing was explained. That also includes the other posting I have made in regards to the Klemm family. Now both sides have some catching up on 30 years.
gjene   
28 Apr 2010
News / RUSSIA TO MAKE PUBLIC THE KATYN FILES... [274]

From what my relatives are finally and slowly telling me about my grandfather and his military service was that the unit that he was with, he may have been in the vicinity of where the Katyn Massacre happened. My grandfather and a brother of his served in the Polish Armed Forces.

But right now I am still having problems in obtaining his military records.
gjene   
12 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / Toronto Job Prospects [5]

Have you tried doing a google search for legal assistant in Toronto? I was able to find quite a few websites that might help to find jobs like that in Toronto. One was paralegal.job.ca. Otherwise that is the one method I can think of off hand and immediately.
gjene   
9 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / I WANT TO LEARN TO SPEAK POLISH IN TORONTO ?? ANY SUGGESTIONS [13]

Check the store at 191 Roncesvalles Ave. It is called Artus. They have some books on learning Polish. There 5 different levels starting with A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1. It will cost about $150after taxes. Or go to the Biggest Bookstore on Edward St. It is just east of Bay St. within sight of Yonge.