Welcome,
This is the first message to go to the new list. We are in the
process of getting everyone moved over from the listbot list to this
one. I may take a few days for the change to be complete. I invite
you to explore all the possibilities of this new list server at
egroups.com. I'm learning about it, too.
Patrick J. Janis
Technology Committee Chairman
CZECH HERITAGE SOCIETY OF TEXAS
Hello everyone,
The membership list from texasczechs@... has been
successfully moved to texasczechs@egroups.com. Please send any
future messages to texasczechs@egroups.com. Also, I invite you to
explore the features of this new listserver. I have set up two
databases that are accessible from the site: Czech Recipies and
Czech Immigrant Database. I havn't added any recipies yet, but there
are two names in the Immigrant Database. Please feel free to add to
both of these and suggest any others. Both databases are sortable by
any of the fields.
The message archive is also searchable. Egroups will assist in
moving our archive over to this list, but that may take them a
while. For now, the archives are still available at listbot.com.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Janis
Technology Committee Chairman
CZECH HERITAGE SOCIETY OF TEXAS
Dear Listers,
As you noted in a recent announcement from Patrick Janis, technology
chairman for the Czech Heritage Society of Texas, we all have a new home
at egroups.com.
I just Czeched it out and there are some very nice features.
Please take a moment to revise your e-mail address book for sending your
messages to the list as follows:
OLD ADDRESS: texasczechs@...
NEW ADDRESS: texasczechs@egroups.com
The only difference is in the last name,
change from listbot.com to egroups.com
The web address is:
http://www.egroups.com/group/texasczechs
You can view the features at this address. If you want to add to your
public profile, for example, adding the names you are researching in the
misc area of your profile, or add names to the immigrant database you
will need to sign in (click Sign In in upper right corner).
The program will ask you to enter your e-mail address. This is the
address you receive mail from the list. It will then ask you to enter
your password. This was the password you first entered when you first
signed on to the list. If you've forgotten your password (like I did),
just click on the "forgot password" link and it'll ship out a code number
for you to enter and then you can supply a password to access all the
features.
May I suggest you access the immigrant database and enter the information
you have on any of your immigrant ancestors as soon as possible. This
way you and the other listers can stop in to see who's got who in their
trees instead of having to save all their e-mail messages.
As they say in Czech Texas, "Have Fun, Y'all!"
Sharing. It's What It's All About!
Rick Garza
http://www.garza-zattler.homepage.com/
NameSearch: GARZA, ZATTLER, REYNA, FOSTER, SCHACHTNER, STOPFER,
HOLLMAIER, VOGEL, VOGL, WEINZIERL, FINK
Bavarian Towns: Koetzting, Kötzting, Beckendorf b. Kötzting, Muenchen,
Oberreit b. Vilshofen, Schönerting b. Vilshofen, Munich, Germany
________________________________________________________________
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This is my first message on the new group e-mail system. I want to share
with you the family story of the Great Hurricane of 1919. I know it is a
lengthy tale; however, much more could be written about what happened in
Corpus Christi where there was a large settlement of Czech Texans. Thank you
for your time and I dearly appreciate hearing any other storm tales which are
out there.
Forever on the flat coastal prairies of Texas, the winds have been at war.
One day a fierce sustained wind of 35 mph, with gusts over 40, rushes from
the south to the north. The next day an equally fierce wind rushes savagely
from north to south. In our times, the same litter can be seen coming and
going for days (just kidding, sort of). These wind battles between high and
low pressure areas usually occur in the spring, fall, and some of winter.
The summer gales and thunderstorms usually move inland from the Gulf of
Mexico. It must have added a whole new set of circumstances for the Texas
Czech settlers who moved down here after the land opened up for development.
They came because the black clay soil was thought to be so fertile that it
could be farmed and fertilizer would never be needed. In addition, the land
was basically flat which made it easier to farm and less likely to erode.
By 1919, my paternal Grandparents, LOUIS REKTORIK AND JENNIE MRAZEK REKTORIK,
had been married and living on their farm for over 10 years. They had three
sons: Frank; born in 1911, Julius; born in 1913, and Edward, born in 1915.
They had a house, large barn, several outbuildings and even a garage for
their first car, a Model T Ford. My grandfather was a forward looking man
and he always strove to have the newest technology. While the family home
was constructed of wood and set on a pier and beam foundation (due to the
shifting clay soil), the construction of the garage for the Model T relied
heavily on the use of concrete and brick. This would become important when
the family feared that the house would collapse on them during the worst of
the great storm.
AGNES AGATHA REKTORIK was one of Louis Rektorik's younger sisters. In 1915
she had married RUDOLPH E. HRNCIR, one of the sons of FRANK HRNCIR and JULIA
HOLUB HRNCIR. Their first son, Wilson was born in 1918 in Lavaca County.
Rudolph, Agnes, and their baby son made the move to South Texas in early
1919. At first they stayed with Louis and Jennie Rektorik and then they
rented a farm adjacent to the Louis Rektorik farm which was owned by the
JALUFKA family. This land had been picked by the Jalufkas because it was
free of the "running mesquite" which was the bane of early settlers. It was
only after a house was built and the rains came that they learned that the
land was clear of mesquite because it would stand water for month and months
at a time. A number of young Czech families rented the house and farm and it
was said that anyone who lived there went on to be successful.
Again, unless you have lived on a farm on the coastal prairies of Texas, you
cannot realize how constant a factor the weather is. Young Rudolph planted
his first cotton crop that year. In early September, it was still in the
field. Over the years, the Czech cotton farmers would learn to pick the same
field of cotton several times as the bolls opened. This diminished the
amount of cotton which would be lost if a hurricane came.
The farms of the Coastal Bend were isolated. Back then anyone who lived
within 25 miles was considered a close neighbor. The Weather Bureau Office
in New Orleans issued hurricane advisories via the telegraph. The advisories
were read in the nearest city, Corpus Christi, but no warning was made to
those in the outlying area. And, in truth, those advisories were of little
use for they usually told of where a storm had been and there was no way then
to predict where it would go. Louis Rektorik was, as were many farmers of
that time, a keen observer of the weather and nature. He had noted during
the week starting on September 9th, 1919, the appearance of high clouds which
we know as "Mare's tail's" or Cirrus clouds. These clouds usually only
appear down here during the winter. About midweek the wind shifted and blew
to the northeast. For three days this unusual wind blew. And, towards the
end of the week, flocks of sea birds could be seen flying inland. Until this
very day, we look for these signs to alert us to coming of a hurricane.
Saturday night the winds grew in intensity. Early Sunday morning, September
16th, 1919; Rudolph, Agnes, and Wilson, went to the home of Louis and Jennie
Rektorik. Sunday dinner was the weekly gathering time for the extended
family. Jennie and Agnes began to make kolaches. In a big, heavy crockery
bowl, they placed cakes of yeast, sugar, and warm water. The earthy scent of
the yeast filled the kitchen as it dissolved, fed on the sugar, and
multiplied. Squall lines of heavy rain overran the farm with greater and
greater frequency. By the time the scalded milk, salt, and flour had been
added to the yeast mixture and kneaded into dough, there could be no doubt
that they would be hit by a hurricane...they just didn't know how hard. The
dough doubled beneath a clean white cloth. Jennie and Agnes pitted the still
steaming prunes with which they would make the filling for the kolaches. The
sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla were worked to proper consistency for the
popsika while the men silently watched the storm. Sheets of rain fell. The
wind ripped the leaves from the trees and plastered their shredded remains
against the windows of the house. The women punched down the dough and began
working it into egg-sized balls which they placed into the baking pans. A
drumming sound came from under the house as the wind funneled and surged
through the pier and beam foundation. The men looked out but could see
nothing but dark. The kolaches were filled, buttered, and rising when Louis
truly became alarmed. He had been through the hurricane of 1913; but, it had
not reached this intensity. The house groaned and cracked. It felt as if it
would rise off the very foundation. The decision was made, they would wait
until the kolaches were baked, and then they would move to the garage which
would be able to stand more than the house could. It must have been around
11:00 that morning when the last coat of melted butter was dabbed on the
still hot kolaches and the popsika sprinkled.
At about this time in Corpus Christi, Texas, some thirty miles to the east,
the strongest part of the storm was just hitting North Beach. This was a
Class Four Hurricane packing winds of up to 150 mph and a storm surge of what
is believed to be over 20 feet. Buildings not shattered by the wind were
crushed by the surge. There was no sea wall then. The devastation caused by
this storm still gives it the dubious honor of being named the third most
deadly hurricane to hit the mainland of the United States between 1900 and
1996 (latest records to which I have access). The bodies of its victims
would was up for months after the storm. Mass graves became necessary.
The Rektorik and Hrncir families bundled up and headed for the garage. The
littlest of the boys were carried. It was only with great difficulty that
progress was made towards the garage against the force of the wind. They
walked through quickly rising water and the rain stung like a swarm of
hornets as it hit them. Once in the garage, they all climbed into the Model
T Ford which kept them above the water level. They listened as the wind
shifted from north to west, and finally south. For hours after hours after
hours they sat in the car. The sound of the wind was so loud and intense
they could not hear the nearly constant crack of thunder. The rain fell so
heavy and was driven so fiercely by those hurricane force winds that the
great white-light bolts of lightening which hit all around could not be seen
if one were adventurous enough to look out. The storm finally passed and by
Monday morning calm prevailed.
When daylight came, the two families found that the houses and other
buildings were still standing. The cotton fields were flattened, the cotton
ripped from the bolls, and standing in water. Rudolph silently observed the
scene while he himself stood in the dirty, debris-filled water. "Rudolph,
please say something!" beseeched Agnes again and again. Not a word did
Rudolph say.
"If this is what life is like in South Texas, I think it would be best to
move back to Moravia (Texas)!" is what Rudolph was actually thinking at that
time...according to family lore. Rudolph and Agnes stayed. They had two
more sons and a good farm of their own. Uncle Rudolph died early so I do not
recall him but dear Aunt Agnes was one of the highlights of my childhood.
This is exciting news. I am so glad we are now with egroups.com. I have had
excellent responses and very informative information from within egroups.
paul mekaska
This is truly a wonderful story....I forgot where I was as I was reading it....I felt I was there in that house....Thank you so much for sharing this with us...I guess it behooves all of us to try and get our family stores written down and circulated....its the only way the future generations can understand what the beginning was like for our great grandparents and other relatives.....and it sure makes me appreciate them even more.....
Regards,
Jan Ammann
-----Original Message----- From: SRektorik@... [mailto:SRektorik@...] Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 6:56 PM To: texasczechs@egroups.com Subject: [texasczechs] A Czech Texan Family Rides Out the Great Hurricane of 1919
This is my first message on the new group e-mail system. I want to share with you the family story of the Great Hurricane of 1919. I know it is a lengthy tale; however, much more could be written about what happened in Corpus Christi where there was a large settlement of Czech Texans. Thank you for your time and I dearly appreciate hearing any other storm tales which are out there.
Forever on the flat coastal prairies of Texas, the winds have been at war. One day a fierce sustained wind of 35 mph, with gusts over 40, rushes from the south to the north. The next day an equally fierce wind rushes savagely from north to south. In our times, the same litter can be seen coming and going for days (just kidding, sort of). These wind battles between high and low pressure areas usually occur in the spring, fall, and some of winter. The summer gales and thunderstorms usually move inland from the Gulf of Mexico. It must have added a whole new set of circumstances for the Texas Czech settlers who moved down here after the land opened up for development. They came because the black clay soil was thought to be so fertile that it could be farmed and fertilizer would never be needed. In addition, the land was basically flat which made it easier to farm and less likely to erode.
By 1919, my paternal Grandparents, LOUIS REKTORIK AND JENNIE MRAZEK REKTORIK, had been married and living on their farm for over 10 years. They had three sons: Frank; born in 1911, Julius; born in 1913, and Edward, born in 1915. They had a house, large barn, several outbuildings and even a garage for their first car, a Model T Ford. My grandfather was a forward looking man and he always strove to have the newest technology. While the family home was constructed of wood and set on a pier and beam foundation (due to the shifting clay soil), the construction of the garage for the Model T relied heavily on the use of concrete and brick. This would become important when the family feared that the house would collapse on them during the worst of the great storm.
AGNES AGATHA REKTORIK was one of Louis Rektorik's younger sisters. In 1915 she had married RUDOLPH E. HRNCIR, one of the sons of FRANK HRNCIR and JULIA HOLUB HRNCIR. Their first son, Wilson was born in 1918 in Lavaca County. Rudolph, Agnes, and their baby son made the move to South Texas in early 1919. At first they stayed with Louis and Jennie Rektorik and then they rented a farm adjacent to the Louis Rektorik farm which was owned by the JALUFKA family. This land had been picked by the Jalufkas because it was free of the "running mesquite" which was the bane of early settlers. It was only after a house was built and the rains came that they learned that the land was clear of mesquite because it would stand water for month and months at a time. A number of young Czech families rented the house and farm and it was said that anyone who lived there went on to be successful.
Again, unless you have lived on a farm on the coastal prairies of Texas, you cannot realize how constant a factor the weather is. Young Rudolph planted his first cotton crop that year. In early September, it was still in the field. Over the years, the Czech cotton farmers would learn to pick the same field of cotton several times as the bolls opened. This diminished the amount of cotton which would be lost if a hurricane came.
The farms of the Coastal Bend were isolated. Back then anyone who lived within 25 miles was considered a close neighbor. The Weather Bureau Office in New Orleans issued hurricane advisories via the telegraph. The advisories were read in the nearest city, Corpus Christi, but no warning was made to those in the outlying area. And, in truth, those advisories were of little use for they usually told of where a storm had been and there was no way then to predict where it would go. Louis Rektorik was, as were many farmers of that time, a keen observer of the weather and nature. He had noted during the week starting on September 9th, 1919, the appearance of high clouds which we know as "Mare's tail's" or Cirrus clouds. These clouds usually only appear down here during the winter. About midweek the wind shifted and blew to the northeast. For three days this unusual wind blew. And, towards the end of the week, flocks of sea birds could be seen flying inland. Until this very day, we look for these signs to alert us to coming of a hurricane.
Saturday night the winds grew in intensity. Early Sunday morning, September 16th, 1919; Rudolph, Agnes, and Wilson, went to the home of Louis and Jennie Rektorik. Sunday dinner was the weekly gathering time for the extended family. Jennie and Agnes began to make kolaches. In a big, heavy crockery bowl, they placed cakes of yeast, sugar, and warm water. The earthy scent of the yeast filled the kitchen as it dissolved, fed on the sugar, and multiplied. Squall lines of heavy rain overran the farm with greater and greater frequency. By the time the scalded milk, salt, and flour had been added to the yeast mixture and kneaded into dough, there could be no doubt that they would be hit by a hurricane...they just didn't know how hard. The dough doubled beneath a clean white cloth. Jennie and Agnes pitted the still steaming prunes with which they would make the filling for the kolaches. The sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla were worked to proper consistency for the popsika while the men silently watched the storm. Sheets of rain fell. The wind ripped the leaves from the trees and plastered their shredded remains against the windows of the house. The women punched down the dough and began working it into egg-sized balls which they placed into the baking pans. A drumming sound came from under the house as the wind funneled and surged through the pier and beam foundation. The men looked out but could see nothing but dark. The kolaches were filled, buttered, and rising when Louis truly became alarmed. He had been through the hurricane of 1913; but, it had not reached this intensity. The house groaned and cracked. It felt as if it would rise off the very foundation. The decision was made, they would wait until the kolaches were baked, and then they would move to the garage which would be able to stand more than the house could. It must have been around 11:00 that morning when the last coat of melted butter was dabbed on the still hot kolaches and the popsika sprinkled.
At about this time in Corpus Christi, Texas, some thirty miles to the east, the strongest part of the storm was just hitting North Beach. This was a Class Four Hurricane packing winds of up to 150 mph and a storm surge of what is believed to be over 20 feet. Buildings not shattered by the wind were crushed by the surge. There was no sea wall then. The devastation caused by this storm still gives it the dubious honor of being named the third most deadly hurricane to hit the mainland of the United States between 1900 and 1996 (latest records to which I have access). The bodies of its victims would was up for months after the storm. Mass graves became necessary.
The Rektorik and Hrncir families bundled up and headed for the garage. The littlest of the boys were carried. It was only with great difficulty that progress was made towards the garage against the force of the wind. They walked through quickly rising water and the rain stung like a swarm of hornets as it hit them. Once in the garage, they all climbed into the Model T Ford which kept them above the water level. They listened as the wind shifted from north to west, and finally south. For hours after hours after hours they sat in the car. The sound of the wind was so loud and intense they could not hear the nearly constant crack of thunder. The rain fell so heavy and was driven so fiercely by those hurricane force winds that the great white-light bolts of lightening which hit all around could not be seen if one were adventurous enough to look out. The storm finally passed and by Monday morning calm prevailed.
When daylight came, the two families found that the houses and other buildings were still standing. The cotton fields were flattened, the cotton ripped from the bolls, and standing in water. Rudolph silently observed the scene while he himself stood in the dirty, debris-filled water. "Rudolph, please say something!" beseeched Agnes again and again. Not a word did Rudolph say.
"If this is what life is like in South Texas, I think it would be best to move back to Moravia (Texas)!" is what Rudolph was actually thinking at that time...according to family lore. Rudolph and Agnes stayed. They had two more sons and a good farm of their own. Uncle Rudolph died early so I do not recall him but dear Aunt Agnes was one of the highlights of my childhood.
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
Is anyone familiar with any books, newspaper or magazine articles that
discuss the early settlement of Lavaca County by Czech Pioneers?
My great-great grandfather Matous Pustka was one of these pioneers and is
referred to in Clinton Machann's book, Krasna Amerika, but I was just
curious as to whether or not anyone knew of similar writings.
Mark Pustka
Yes, I have seen Lavaca County cemetary records in a book...also, I believe, a census record book....they are in public libraries....
Regards,
Jan
-----Original Message----- From: Mark Pustka [mailto:mpustka@...] Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2000 12:27 PM To: texasczechs@egroups.com Subject: [TexasCzechs] Lavaca County Early Pioneers
Is anyone familiar with any books, newspaper or magazine articles that discuss the early settlement of Lavaca County by Czech Pioneers?
My great-great grandfather Matous Pustka was one of these pioneers and is referred to in Clinton Machann's book, Krasna Amerika, but I was just curious as to whether or not anyone knew of similar writings.
Mark Pustka
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
Looking and needing information on Frank Vasko oand or Joseph Veselka Chicago
area late1800s-----to mid 1900s
Robert Veselka rmv31@...
paul mekaska wrote:
> This is exciting news. I am so glad we are now with egroups.com. I have had
> excellent responses and very informative information from within egroups.
>
> paul mekaska
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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> Just one of 1000 great reasons to visit eGroups!
> Click here:
> http://click.egroups.com/1/2865/5/_/_/_/954944839/
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> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
I got a notice today regarding the McLennan Hill Cahpter Czech Heritage
Society of Texas. They will hold their membership meeting and social April
9, 2000 at 2:00 pm at the West Community Center.
Main Speaker: Daniela Kukrechtova from Brno, Cech Republic
Followed by : Patrick Janis from Brazos Valley Chapter, Bryan, Texas
Accordion Music
Door Prizes Donated by Members
Social and Fellowship will follow. Guests Welcome
Members are asked to bring a dessert, sandwiches, etc.
The Membership drive is still on. Dues are still only $12.50 per person
(adult) and $2.00 per youth. Send you payment to Evelyn Stuckly, Rt. 3,
Box 208, West, TX 76691
Thank you very much
Jerome A. Havel
Secretary MHCCHS
Hope to see and meet many of you at the meeting!
Kathy Horak Smith
Frank and Mariana BARTEK-children Agnes, Franz J (my g-g-grandfather), Mariana, Johanna-they came from Palkovice in Moravia in July 1871. I have information on descendents of Franz J but not the other children. They settled in Moulton, Lavaca, TX when they came to TX.
Frank BOHAC and Agnes PUSTKA-children Matej (Mike) (my g-g-grandfather), Agnes Mary, Frank, Jr., Ottilie, Cecilie, Jaromir, Vojtech, Marcela and Edith. I do not know when they came over from Cz or where in Cz they came from. I have information on some of the children. They lived in Fayette County.
F. Karel NAISER and Frantiska VASICEK-children Anastasia, Charles, Francees, Hermina. NAISER came from Rakovec, Silesia, Cz but I have no information on birth/death dates.
John VASICEK and Mariana BROZ-born in Vratimov, Silesia, Cz. Children Frantiska, Gabriela, Johanna, Mariana, and Joseph John. I have sketchy informtaion on birth/death dates etc. for the entire family.
Johann DUCHO-born 1823 in Horice na Sumava, Cz. Married to Katherinae WURZINGER.
Louis SCHACHERL-born 1864 in Cz village and parents unknown. Married Maria BIEHUNKO born 1873 in Cz village and parents unknown.
Howdy all,
Here is the address to go to for the Czech Immigrant Database:
http://www.egroups.com/database/texasczechs
Please visit this area to add your immigrant ancestors to the
database and search those already there. Would be nice if we could
have 1,000 entries by the end of the year. You can sort the database
by any of the fields by clicking on the field heading (i.e. surname,
fullname, village of origin, date of entry to U.S., etc).
Let me know if you have any questions about it. Just a reminder:
the database becomes public information. Since nearly all of our
immigrant ancestors are deceased, privacy is probably not an issue.
Also, feel free to submit names of immigrants that are not YOUR
ancestors (i.e. entries for friends who don't have access to the
internet).
Enjoy the new list. Remember to post all messages to
texasczechs@egroups.com.
Thanks,
Patrick
p.s. We also have a recipe database. Please add you favorite Czech
recipes to the collection. If you have suggestions for other
databases, let me know.
Patrick,
I tried to get on the data base and it wouldn't let me. I typed in my
e-mail address and made up a password and it told me I wasn't a member of
the texasczechs. What do I need to do? I've been a member of the
listserve since the first of the year.
Kathy Horak Smith
----------
> From: Patrick J. Janis <pjjanis@...>
> To: texasczechs@egroups.com
> Subject: [TexasCzechs] Immigrant Database Submissions
> Date: Thursday, April 06, 2000 12:28 PM
>
> Howdy all,
>
> Here is the address to go to for the Czech Immigrant Database:
>
> http://www.egroups.com/database/texasczechs
>
> Please visit this area to add your immigrant ancestors to the
> database and search those already there. Would be nice if we could
> have 1,000 entries by the end of the year. You can sort the database
> by any of the fields by clicking on the field heading (i.e. surname,
> fullname, village of origin, date of entry to U.S., etc).
>
> Let me know if you have any questions about it. Just a reminder:
> the database becomes public information. Since nearly all of our
> immigrant ancestors are deceased, privacy is probably not an issue.
> Also, feel free to submit names of immigrants that are not YOUR
> ancestors (i.e. entries for friends who don't have access to the
> internet).
>
> Enjoy the new list. Remember to post all messages to
> texasczechs@egroups.com.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Patrick
>
> p.s. We also have a recipe database. Please add you favorite Czech
> recipes to the collection. If you have suggestions for other
> databases, let me know.
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup
> Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.
> Install today:
> http://click.egroups.com/1/2344/5/_/_/_/955038679/
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
Kathy,
The program is looking for your old password, I think. Had the same
problem. Just click on the "forgot my password" and it will send you a
message with a code number. Once you enter the code number it will let
you choose any password you want. Write your personal password down so
you can access the extra features.
Sharing. It's What It's All About!
Rick Garza
http://www.garza-zattler.homepage.com/
NameSearch: GARZA, ZATTLER, REYNA, FOSTER, SCHACHTNER, STOPFER,
HOLLMAIER, VOGEL, VOGL, WEINZIERL, FINK
Bavarian Towns: Koetzting, Kötzting, Beckendorf b. Kötzting, Muenchen,
Oberreit b. Vilshofen, Schönerting b. Vilshofen, Munich, Germany
On Thu, 6 Apr 2000 21:10:50 -0400 "Kathy Horak Smith"
<khsmith@...> writes:
> Patrick,
> I tried to get on the data base and it wouldn't let me. I
> typed in my
> e-mail address and made up a password and it told me I wasn't a
> member of
> the texasczechs. What do I need to do? I've been a member of the
> listserve since the first of the year.
>
>
> Kathy Horak Smith
>
> ----------
> > From: Patrick J. Janis <pjjanis@...>
> > To: texasczechs@egroups.com
> > Subject: [TexasCzechs] Immigrant Database Submissions
> > Date: Thursday, April 06, 2000 12:28 PM
> >
> > Howdy all,
> >
> > Here is the address to go to for the Czech Immigrant Database:
> >
> > http://www.egroups.com/database/texasczechs
> >
> > Please visit this area to add your immigrant ancestors to the
> > database and search those already there. Would be nice if we
> could
> > have 1,000 entries by the end of the year. You can sort the
> database
> > by any of the fields by clicking on the field heading (i.e.
> surname,
> > fullname, village of origin, date of entry to U.S., etc).
> >
> > Let me know if you have any questions about it. Just a reminder:
>
> > the database becomes public information. Since nearly all of our
> > immigrant ancestors are deceased, privacy is probably not an
> issue.
> > Also, feel free to submit names of immigrants that are not YOUR
> > ancestors (i.e. entries for friends who don't have access to the
> > internet).
> >
> > Enjoy the new list. Remember to post all messages to
> > texasczechs@egroups.com.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Patrick
> >
> > p.s. We also have a recipe database. Please add you favorite
> Czech
> > recipes to the collection. If you have suggestions for other
> > databases, let me know.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
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Patrick Janis, I have a couple of questions for you or for whom ever is
working on The Czech Immigrant Database:
1. Is there a standard format we are using for names? Are we using all
capital letters? I know this is standard in genealogical research; however,
in a database that sure takes up space.
2. Do we have a standardized format for entering dates? Do we want one?
3. I noticed that there are only one or two entries for each last name. I
don't know about everyone else but my folks came with from one to eight
children. Each of them are immigrants. Are these to be added to the
database?
I think we might want to standardize now before we get much more data
entered. What do you think?
Susan Rektorik Henley
I also want to ask if this is strictly to be done for Czech immigrants
or are we to add all immigration information that we have proof of? I noticed
they wanted a 1000 entries soon and I have all nationalities and I don't
want to enter any until I know it is okay. Lois Petter Pereira
SRektorik@... wrote:
Patrick Janis, I have a couple of questions
for you or for whom ever is working on The Czech Immigrant Database:
1. Is there a standard format we are using for names?
Are we using all capital letters? I know this is standard in genealogical
research; however, in a database that sure takes up space.
2. Do we have a standardized format for entering dates?
Do we want one?
3. I noticed that there are only one or two entries for each
last name. I don't know about everyone else but my folks came with from one
to eight children. Each of them are immigrants. Are these to
be added to the database?
I think we might want to standardize now before we get much more
data entered. What do you think?
Susan Rektorik Henley
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
1. Do not use all capital letters. Use capital letter for initial letter as customary.
2. For dates. I think is would be best if we used the following format for dates. This will allow easy searching when sorting by date:
YYYY-MMM-DD
So, March 14, 1867 would be listed as : 1867-MAR-14
If it were sorted by date, all the years for 1867 would be listed next to each other, and within that group, all months of March in 1867 would be listed next to each other. If you have only the year, just enter the year. If you have only the year and month, use 1867-MAR with no date.
3. EACH immigrant should be listed. If your great grandfather came with his wife and 9 children, he would get an entry for himself. His wife would get an entry, and each of his children would get an entry. For women, list their maiden name in the surname column, then use what ever full name they used after they were married in the full name column. For example, my great great grandmother, Rosina Fojt Laza would be listed under the surname Fojt, but her full name would be listed as Rosina Fojt Laza. I think we should stick to the masculine form for the surnames, so instead of Rosina Lazova, use Rosina Laza. This will keep it simple and yet make it useful.
We are maxed out on the number of columns available, so that is all we can have.
I think the real use will be when you sort, for example, by ship name. When the database is "complete", you will be able to sort by ship name and get a list of all the people on that ship. You won't necessarily know their relationship to each other, but it will be useful.
Also, by including the submitter's name and email address, you will allow others to contact you for more details. We have needed something like this for a long time. Let't watch it grow. At last check we were up to 26 entries. Let's shoot for 1,000 by the end of 2000.
Patrick Janis, I have a couple of questions for you or for whom ever is working on The Czech Immigrant Database:
1. Is there a standard format we are using for names? Are we using all capital letters? I know this is standard in genealogical research; however, in a database that sure takes up space.
2. Do we have a standardized format for entering dates? Do we want one?
3. I noticed that there are only one or two entries for each last name. I don't know about everyone else but my folks came with from one to eight children. Each of them are immigrants. Are these to be added to the database?
I think we might want to standardize now before we get much more data entered. What do you think?
Susan Rektorik Henley
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
I think we should stick to those from the area now known as the Czech Republic or Slovak Republic. If you want, we can set up databases for other nationalities. Let me know what you think. It is really easy to set these up, so it is not a problem.
By the way, I will go into the database myself and reformat all the dates that are currently in the database sometime this week, unless the submitters get to it before me. Thanks, and keep the comments rolling in. We are up to 32 sumissions.
I also want to ask if this is strictly to be done for Czech immigrants or are we to add all immigration information that we have proof of? I noticed they wanted a 1000 entries soon and I have all nationalities and I don't want to enter any until I know it is okay. Lois Petter Pereira
Patrick Janis, I have a couple of questions for you or for whom ever is working on The Czech Immigrant Database:
1. Is there a standard format we are using for names? Are we using all capital letters? I know this is standard in genealogical research; however, in a database that sure takes up space.
2. Do we have a standardized format for entering dates? Do we want one?
3. I noticed that there are only one or two entries for each last name. I don't know about everyone else but my folks came with from one to eight children. Each of them are immigrants. Are these to be added to the database?
I think we might want to standardize now before we get much more data entered. What do you think?
Susan Rektorik Henley
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
Patrick,
Thanks for the recommendations. I will adjust my entries to reflect these
standards. I also thought of another issue when I read your comments about
sorting by ship name. One immigrant may have come by the Bark Jeverland
while another by the S.S. Rhaetia. Again, when one sorts, would it be better
if all were listed the ship as just "Jeverland" and "Rheatia" or is there a
reason to include The "bark" and "S. S."?
Susan Rektorik Henley
Another good point made here. For ships, list them by the name without the designation. the Bark Jeverland should be listed as "Jeverland" or "Jeverland, Bark". Again, this will help sort them properly.
Thanks for the recommendations. I will adjust my entries to reflect these standards. I also thought of another issue when I read your comments about sorting by ship name. One immigrant may have come by the Bark Jeverland while another by the S.S. Rhaetia. Again, when one sorts, would it be better if all were listed the ship as just "Jeverland" and "Rheatia" or is there a reason to include The "bark" and "S. S."?
Susan Rektorik Henley
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
No problem, I just didn't want to start putting names that I shouldn't.
There were a few Germans in my tree so I will leave those out. Thanks....Lois
Patrick Janis wrote:
Lois, I
think we should stick to those from the area now known as the Czech Republic
or Slovak Republic. If you want, we can set up databases for other
nationalities. Let me know what you think. It is really easy
to set these up, so it is not a problem. By the
way, I will go into the database myself and reformat all the dates that
are currently in the database sometime this week, unless the submitters
get to it before me. Thanks, and keep the comments rolling in.
We are up to 32 sumissions. Patrick
I also want to ask if this is strictly to be done for Czech immigrants
or are we to add all immigration information that we have proof of? I noticed
they wanted a 1000 entries soon and I have all nationalities and I don't
want to enter any until I know it is okay. Lois Petter Pereira
Patrick Janis, I have a couple of questions
for you or for whom ever is working on The Czech Immigrant Database:
1. Is there a standard format we are using for names?
Are we using all capital letters? I know this is standard in genealogical
research; however, in a database that sure takes up space.
2. Do we have a standardized format for entering dates?
Do we want one?
3. I noticed that there are only one or two entries for each
last name. I don't know about everyone else but my folks came with from one
to eight children. Each of them are immigrants. Are these to
be added to the database?
I think we might want to standardize now before we get much more
data entered. What do you think?
Susan Rektorik Henley
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
I, although designated a moderator, really haven't figured out all the ins-and-outs of it yet, but I am working on it.
I do know, and will as soon as I can figure out how with Patrick Janis's help, set up databases for all the info I have in my own files, i.e. the Czech stories, pickles recipes, other recipes, etc. so they're available in archive form at all times.
Here are the current topics of discussion:
1. Postings on the Czech Immigrant Database-This is awesome. This is going to be such a great help for us all. I haven't made my postings, but will in days to come. We all need to submit our records ASAP. This has the potential to be an unbelievably wonderful research tool for all of us.
2. Czech stories-They've slowed. I know there's more good ones out there..
3. Pickle recipes-More needed for sharing.
4. Czech recipes in general-More needed.
5. Sausage places--Need to know the best places in Texas to buy sausage.
Come on folks, let us hear your stories or you will have to read (or delete)
just those I submit such as this one which is about my paternal great-grand
parents. Their son, Alois (Louis), was my grandpa.
Coming to America by Gary Rektorik
The reason FRANK REKTORIK brought his family to America has been forgotten
with time. Many feel, however, the inexpensive land and virtually unlimited
opportunities which could be obtained in Texas by those who wished to work
for it, was the main driving force in Frank's quest for a new beginning.
In the old country Frank owned about nine acres of land and was considered to
be a substantial land owner. However with no ability to increase his land
holdings and with his family growing ever larger his desire to provide a
better life for his family grew increasingly stronger. So strong that in
1885 he decided to come to America and see for himself this so called "land
of opportunity".
Frank's first trip to America was on the ship "S. S. Wieland" which left port
in Hamburg, Germany under Captain C. Hebich and arrived in New York on
October 17, 1885. Frank traveled alone on this trip, carried no luggage and
could neither speak nor understand English. He entered the United States
through Castle Gardens since Ellis Island was not established as an immigrant
center until 1892.
From New York City Frank took a four day train ride to the Houston, Texas
area. He first looked at property in Harris County but decided the land was
too low and swampy for farming. He then proceeded on to the Fayette County
area where he established contact with Mr. FRANZ RUSSEK, a noted immigrant
agent in the Schulenburg area. Russek was an immigrant from Hustopece,
Moravia in 1869. It was with Mr. Russek's help that Frank was able to find a
small rent house to which he would eventually bring his family. This house
stood where now is the west side of the Schulenburg City Cemetery.
Frank traveled back to his homeland to convince his wife Maria that they
should uproot their family and move to Texas. Maria originally would have no
part of leaving her family and friends to travel to an unknown land. However
Frank remained persistent and after much persuasion Maria agreed to come to
America.
So in the fall of 1886, Frank, Maria who was eight months pregnant, and their
five small children (Mary, John, Josephine, Alois and Frances), left Hamburg
on their journey to the United States. They traveled on the ship "S. S.
Rhaetia" under Captain Vogelsang and arrived in the port of New York on
October 19, 1886. Two people accompanied the Rektorik family from MORKOVICE.
Mr. FRANZ MINKS, who worked as their farmhand and JOSEFA STUIPCAK (?) who
became the family maid. These two eventually married and lived north of
Schulenburg.
After being processed through Castle Gardens they made the four day train
trip to Schulenburg, Texas where they settled into their small rent house.
It was in this house that their sixth child, Frank, was born on December 4,
1886.
Sometimes during the following year Frank purchased two plots of land. One
plot of 25 acres was from the original tract of W. R. HENSLEY and a second
plot of 193 acres from the original tract of S. G. Hanks. From tax records
it appears Frank paid approximately $8 an acre for the property.
The above story was researched and written by a cousin of mine, Gary
Rektorik. It is contained in a family published book, Descendants and their
Families of Frank Rektorik and Marie Matous, written by Gary Rektorik and
printed in 1997. My great appreciate goes to Gary for all his efforts.
Unless there are great outcries of "NO MORE!", I will soon submit Chapter
Two, Living in Texas.
Susan Rektorik Henley
If people should say no more then suggest they use the delete key. I for
one want to hear more.......Lois Petter Pereira
SRektorik@... wrote:
Come on folks, let us hear your stories
or you will have to read (or delete) just those I submit such as this one which is about my paternal
great-grand parents. Their son, Alois (Louis), was my grandpa.
Coming to America by Gary Rektorik
The reason FRANK REKTORIK brought his family to America has been
forgotten with time. Many feel, however, the inexpensive land and virtually
unlimited opportunities which could be obtained in Texas by those who wished
to work for it, was the main driving force in Frank's quest for a new beginning.
In the old country Frank owned about nine acres of land and was
considered to be a substantial land owner. However with no ability to increase
his land holdings and with his family growing ever larger his desire to
provide a better life for his family grew increasingly stronger. So
strong that in 1885 he decided to come to America and see for himself this so
called "land of opportunity".
Frank's first trip to America was on the ship "S. S. Wieland" which
left port in Hamburg, Germany under Captain C. Hebich and arrived in New
York on October 17, 1885. Frank traveled alone on this trip, carried
no luggage and could neither speak nor understand English. He entered the
United States through Castle Gardens since Ellis Island was not established as
an immigrant center until 1892.
>From New York City Frank took a four day train ride to the Houston,
Texas area. He first looked at property in Harris County but decided
the land was too low and swampy for farming. He then proceeded on to the
Fayette County area where he established contact with Mr. FRANZ RUSSEK, a noted
immigrant agent in the Schulenburg area. Russek was an immigrant from
Hustopece, Moravia in 1869. It was with Mr. Russek's help that Frank
was able to find a small rent house to which he would eventually bring his family.
This house stood where now is the west side of the Schulenburg City Cemetery.
Frank traveled back to his homeland to convince his wife Maria that
they should uproot their family and move to Texas. Maria originally
would have no part of leaving her family and friends to travel to an unknown
land. However Frank remained persistent and after much persuasion Maria agreed
to come to America.
So in the fall of 1886, Frank, Maria who was eight months pregnant,
and their five small children (Mary, John, Josephine, Alois and Frances),
left Hamburg on their journey to the United States. They traveled on the
ship "S. S. Rhaetia" under Captain Vogelsang and arrived in the port of New
York on October 19, 1886. Two people accompanied the Rektorik family
from MORKOVICE. Mr. FRANZ MINKS, who worked as their farmhand and JOSEFA STUIPCAK
(?) who became the family maid. These two eventually married and
lived north of Schulenburg.
After being processed through Castle Gardens they made the four
day train trip to Schulenburg, Texas where they settled into their small
rent house. It was in this house that their sixth child, Frank, was born on
December 4, 1886.
Sometimes during the following year Frank purchased two plots of
land. One plot of 25 acres was from the original tract of W. R. HENSLEY and
a second plot of 193 acres from the original tract of S. G. Hanks.
From tax records it appears Frank paid approximately $8 an acre for the property.
The above story was researched and written by a cousin of mine,
Gary Rektorik. It is contained in a family published book, Descendants
and their Families of Frank Rektorik and Marie Matous, written by Gary Rektorik
and printed in 1997. My great appreciate goes to Gary for all
his efforts.
Unless there are great outcries of "NO MORE!", I will soon submit
Chapter Two, Living in Texas.
Susan Rektorik Henley
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
I'm going to make my first attempt at making kolaches this week. I've already made poppyseed rolls and feel comfortable with them. Does anyone have tips about how to make the fruit filling? As far as I can tell you simply take canned fruit and cook it with a little cornstarch to thicken it.
Does anyone know how to make "Povidl" for the kolaches.
My wife Lois would like to know what goes into the plum povidl.
much obliged, Frank
*********** REPLY SEPARATOR ***********
On 4/10/00 at 8:43 PM Wendy and Greg wrote:
I'm going to make my first attempt at making kolaches this week. I've already made poppyseed rolls and feel comfortable with them. Does anyone have tips about how to make the fruit filling? As far as I can tell you simply take canned fruit and cook it with a little cornstarch to thicken it.
I'm
going to make my first attempt at making kolaches this week. I've
already made poppyseed rolls and feel comfortable with them. Does
anyone have tips about how to make the fruit filling? As far as I
can tell you simply take canned fruit and cook it with a little cornstarch
to thicken it. Thank
you. Wendy and
Greg Wittenbrook
wengreg@...
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
Wow...when I started to enter my family on the database, there where only 26
entries. Now there are at least 120. This is great. It does the soul good
to see those names...and each a story!
First, kudos to all of you have taken time to make the entries.
Second, perhaps some of you will remember me as the one who asked questions
about the consistency of entries...you know, date format, name of ship..etc.
Well, here I go again. I know many of you have worked hard to find time to
even make the entries so please bear with me. To some of us, just listing
the family is enough. To others, compiling, sorting, and analyzing the
information contained therein is an honorable task within itself. For those
of us (myself included) who just want the information logged, we need to pay
heed to the format of the entries. It is a courtesy to those to whom being
able to "sort" is important. There is room for us all in this world if we
just take a little more time...just moments!
I cannot speak for Patrick Janis with whom I discussed the ability to "sort"
the data...but I saw several date entries which began with "c" for circa or
"about". From what Patrick wrote, I believe that we should always put the
most important information first. So, if we only think we only have
reasonable belief as to the year, we should enter 1881 c. instead of c. 1881.
Perhaps Patrick could provide further guidance but I think that if we all
remember to put the most important information first, all will be served best.
I do really, really appreciate the database. So familiar are those names.
In a way, it has eased my mind too. For you see, a distant relative
contacted me via e-mail about one clan of relatives. I provided her with all
information and then I heard no more...I feared the worst...coma..death...or
somthing even more horrible. And now I see that she has made numerous
entries concerning the other branches of the family. No longer do I fear for
her well being. I am pleased to see that she is okay.
But seriously, some of you probably will want to throw cabbages, kohlrabi,
and sugar beets at me for wanting to pay attention to detail; but, truly it
is important to some of us. (And; as a side point, even if you could and did
throw cabbages, kohrabi, and sugar beets at me, I would simply sort them and
stack them into neat piles, though I be bruised and battered!)
Anal Attentively Yours,
Susan Rektorik Henley
Wow...when I started to enter my family on the database, there where only 26 entries. Now there are at least 120. This is great. It does the soul good to see those names...and each a story!
First, kudos to all of you have taken time to make the entries.
Second, perhaps some of you will remember me as the one who asked questions about the consistency of entries...you know, date format, name of ship..etc. Well, here I go again. I know many of you have worked hard to find time to even make the entries so please bear with me. To some of us, just listing the family is enough. To others, compiling, sorting, and analyzing the information contained therein is an honorable task within itself. For those of us (myself included) who just want the information logged, we need to pay heed to the format of the entries. It is a courtesy to those to whom being able to "sort" is important. There is room for us all in this world if we just take a little more time...just moments!
I cannot speak for Patrick Janis with whom I discussed the ability to "sort" the data...but I saw several date entries which began with "c" for circa or "about". From what Patrick wrote, I believe that we should always put the most important information first. So, if we only think we only have reasonable belief as to the year, we should enter 1881 c. instead of c. 1881. Perhaps Patrick could provide further guidance but I think that if we all remember to put the most important information first, all will be served best.
I do really, really appreciate the database. So familiar are those names. In a way, it has eased my mind too. For you see, a distant relative contacted me via e-mail about one clan of relatives. I provided her with all information and then I heard no more...I feared the worst...coma..death...or somthing even more horrible. And now I see that she has made numerous entries concerning the other branches of the family. No longer do I fear for her well being. I am pleased to see that she is okay.
But seriously, some of you probably will want to throw cabbages, kohlrabi, and sugar beets at me for wanting to pay attention to detail; but, truly it is important to some of us. (And; as a side point, even if you could and did throw cabbages, kohrabi, and sugar beets at me, I would simply sort them and stack them into neat piles, though I be bruised and battered!)
Anal Attentively Yours,
Susan Rektorik Henley
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: texasczechs-unsubscribe@egroups.com
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