Tell us about your family’s roots.

My ancestors are from Poland and Bohemia.

What is your family’s migration story?

My fathers parents came to America in the early 1900’s. My father was born in 1907 in Rhode Island. An uncle to my dad also came with them. They moved to Omaha to work in the packing plants. My dad quit school very early to also work in the packing house to help support his 6 siblings.

My grandmother on my moms side was born in 1896 on a farm south of Omaha where Hanson lakes are now. My great grandparents came here from Bohemia.My grandfather came here from Bohemia with his 3 brothers in 1914. I believe they also came here to work in the packing houses.

What’s one memory, story, recipe, or item you and your family have carried with you?

My best memories came from my mom telling me about her childhood. She grew up very poor with her 3 siblings. She told me that one christmas there were no presents under the tree for her or her sister because her parents couldn’t afford any. They went to bed hoping Santa would come. When they woke up in the morning there were 2 dolls under the tree. She later found out the dolls were from their aunt who lived across the street. My mom always made sure our tree was full of presents for me and my 7 siblings.

One more story from mom was she couldn’t speak English when she went to kindergarten. The school made her go home until she could speak English. My grandparents had to stop speaking Bohemian so mom could learn English. Mom also dropped out of school in the 10th grade because she had no decent clothes to wear like the other girls.