1938 - Murosky Family Gathering

During our conversations about family history my grandfather, Arthur Murosky. told a story about how his family traveled from Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania to visit the Murosky relatives living in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. His Aunt Margaret Murosky and her husband John Chanis were living in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania in 1938 with their three children -  John E. Chanis, Jr., Irene Chanis and Margaret Chanis.

Shortly after arriving back in Erie my grandfather's family received word that Margaret Chanis had died after contracting meningitis.  My great grandfather, Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. then traveled back to Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania to attend the needs of his sister's family. Considering the times and how the family had just been in close contact it is remarkable none of the other Chanis children or Murosky children became infected with meningitis.

Given that the date on the photographs is 1938, the photographs were most likely taken during that visit. The distance would have made it challenging for the two families to visit often and the ladies and girls are wearing short sleeved dresses. The photographs would have been taken prior to Margaret's death on July 21, 1938. These are currently the last known photographs taken of Margaret Chanis. Prior to locating these photographs there was only one other known photograph of Margaret Chanis from her First Holy Communion.

1938 Murosky Family
Left to Right: Margaret Chanis (age 14), Margaret Murosky (age 40 or 41),
Helen Tillie Bukowski (age,37 or 38) Rita Ann Murosky (age 10),
Marian Elaine Murosky (age 2 or 3) standing in front.

1938 Murosky Family
Left to Right: Margaret Chanis (age 14), Margaret Murosky (age 40 or 41),
Helen Tillie Bukowski (age,37 or 38) Rita Ann Murosky (age 10),
Marian Elaine Murosky (age 2 or 3) standing in fron
Note this is the same photograph as above with slightly different labels. 

1938 Murosky Cousins
Harry Anthony Murosky (age 17) and Margaret Chanis (age 14)

1938 Murosky Cousins
Rose Surname Unknown, Helen Tillie Bukowski (age,37 or 38) 
and Margaret Murosky (age 40 or 41).

These photographs were part of the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen most likely recorded the names on the photograph. Helen was married to Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. Anthony was the brother of Margaret Murosky, Margaret is the mother of Irene Chanis and Margaret Chanis. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Margaret Murosky is my 2nd great aunt. Irene Chanis and Margaret Chanis are my 1st cousins 2x.  Margaret Murosky is the sister of Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. my great grandfather. Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. married Helen Tillie Bukowski. Their son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. Harry Anthony Murosky is my great uncle. Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are my great aunts.

References: 

1. Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002. Year: 1930; Census Place: Edwardsville, Luzerne, Pennsylvania; Roll: 2066; Page: 19A; Enumeration District: 0031; Image: 883.0; FHL microfilm: 2341800. Record for John Chanis.
2. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.  Record for Margaret Chanes.