1944 - Girls with Fr. Tellers

Father Tellers photographed with a group of young girls. The back of the photograph is labeled Betty Hess, Fr. Tellers, Madelyn McDonald, Shirley Kershaw. The photograph was dated 1944. The photograph was most likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Father Tellers is wearing a biretta. The biretta indicates he was dressed more formally and photograph was possibly taken to document a special occasion. When photographed Madelyn Ann McDonald would have been 11 or 12 years old.

Betty Hess, Fr. Tellers, Madelyn Ann McDonald, Shirley Kershaw

This photograph was included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have passed the photographs down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker. Frances' daughter Mary Eugina McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collections which is time were handed down to me. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Madelyn Ann McDonald, affectionately known as Aunt Midge, is my Great Aunt. Her sister Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother. 

1950's - Mary Eugenia McDonald & Arthur Murosky

Mary Eugenia McDonald and Arthur Murosky. The couple may have been photographed in the 1950's. The location of the photograph is currently unknown. 

Mary Eugenia & Arthur

The photograph was included in the Mary Eugenia McDonald Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Mary Eugenia McDonald and Arthur Murosky are my paternal grandparents.

Anna Gertrude Selker - Wedding Attendant

November 9, 2018 Post Correction. The formal wedding portrait has been identified. For details on how the portrait was identified see the post Wedding Announcement: Mary Selker & Bernard Martin Browsky. The bride is Mary Selker and the Groom is Bernard Martin Browsky. The officiant is Rev. A.A. Fisher. 

April 28, 2018 Post Correction. The man in the second photograph has been identified. The post was updated to include his name. The man is Frederick William Selker the brother of Anna Anna Gertrude Selker.  Another Selker descendant had a copy of the photograph with the two siblings that was labeled. The Bride and Groom are still unknown.

Mary Selker, a daughter of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, was born August 15, 1902 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. She married Bernard Martin Browsky on October 24, 1932.

Frederick William Selker, a son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, was born October 15, 1896 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. He married Eleanor E. Herman on June 19, 1933.

Anna Gertrude Selker, the youngest daughter of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth, was born August 11, 1907 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. At age 21, she married Francis Thomas Shannon Sr. on August 21, 1928.

Anna is included in a series of unknown wedding photographs as a wedding attendant. The other individuals in the photographs are currently not identified. The back of one of the photographs is stamped "Carl and Don Clarion, Pa". The portrait has been identified as the wedding of Mary Selker and Bernard Martin Browsky.

Wedding of Mary Selker & Bernard Martin Browsky

Left to Right: Bernard Martin Browsky (Groom), Frederick William Selker (Best Man), 

Rev. A.A. Fisher, Anna Gertrude Selker (Matron of Honor). 

The Bride, Mary Selker, is seated.

Wedding Snapshot
Selker Siblings: Frederick William Selker and Anna Gertrude Selker
The back of the photograph is stamped "Carl and Don Clarion, PA"

These photographs were included in the Frances Philomena Selker Collection. Frances Philomena Guth appears to have passed the photographs down to her daughter Frances Philomena Selker. Frances' daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald ended up with her mother's photo collections which is time were handed down to me. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Frederick William Selker is my 2nd Great Uncle. Mary Selker and Anna Gertrude Selker are my 2nd Great Aunts. Frederick, Mary and Anna are the siblings of Frances Philomena Selker my great grandmother. My paternal grandmother, Mary Eugenia McDonald, is the daughter of Frances Philomena Selker.

Bill

This group of photographs is part of The Unknown Photograph Collection. The photographs have been shared with the hope that in time some of the individuals will be identified. 

A grouping of unknown photographs that are labeled as "Bill". The handwriting on each photographs is similar. The identity of Bill and the location where the photographs were taken is currently unknown.

The first photograph shows a man chopping wood with a barn in the background

The second photograph shows barn with the same roof line in the background

The third photograph shows a man dressed up adjacent to a large pile of snow. 

The man in the third photograph has similar features to an identified photograph of William Murosky taken later in his life.

Identified Photograph of William Murosky

Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

1942 - Murosky Family Photographs

A few snapshots of the Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. family dated September 18, 1942. The photographs were taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The exact location of the photographs is unknown. On September 17, 1942 Harry Anthony Murosky enlisted with the United States Army. It is possible the family took these photographs together before he departed for service.

Family members included in the photograph are:

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr, age 46, and Helen Tillie Bukowski, age 41, photographed with their children Harry Anthony Murosky, age 21, and Marian Elaine Murosky, age 7.

Also included in the photograph is Mary Eugenia McDonald, age 20. Mary Eugenia was the wife of Arthur Murosky, Anthony and Helen's oldest son. Mary Eugenia was expecting her first child, James Arthur, who was born in October 1942.

Family Snapshot September 1942
Back: Harry Anthony Murosky and Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr.
Front: Helen Tillie Bukowski and Marian Elaine Murosky

Family Snapshot September 1942

Back: Harry Anthony Murosky and Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr.
Front:  Marian Elaine Murosky and Mary Eugenia McDonald (wife of Arthur Murosky)

From the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen likely recorded the names and dates on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. She married Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. my great grandfather. Their son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. Arthur married Mary Eugenia McDonald - my paternal grandmother. Harry Anthony Muroksy is my great uncle. Marian Elaine Murosky is  my great aunts.

References:

1. National Archives and Records Administration. U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Record for Harry A. Murosky. 

1945 - A Postcard from Oil City, PA

A postcard sent to Mr. & Mrs. A. H. Murosky & Marian. The postcard was postmarked July 25, 1945 out of Oil City, Pennsylvania. The post card was sent to Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr, his wife Helen Tillie Bukowski and his youngest daughter Marian Elaine Murosky.

The post card was sent by their daughter-in-law Mary Eugenia McDonald, age 23,  who was traveling with her oldest daughter Barbara Jean, age 1 year and 9 months.  They were most likely traveling vising McDonald family members.

Postcard Front

Postcard Back
From Jean & Barbie to Mr. & Mrs. A. H. Murosky & Marian

The Postcard Collection includes postcards from the 1940’s that were included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. In addition to saving photographs Helen also saved newspaper clippings, postcards and greeting cards. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. Her son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. Arthur Murosky married Mary Eugenia McDonald. Barbara Jean Murosky is my aunt. 

1941 - Rita Ann & Marian Elaine Murosky

Murosky sisters Rita Ann and Marian Elaine, the daughters of Harry Anthony Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski, photographed in 1941. Depending on when the photograph was taken Rita would have been 13 or 14 and Marian would have 5 or 6.

The location of the photograph is unknown. The photograph was most likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.  

Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky

The photograph was included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen most likely recorded the date on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. my great grandfather. Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. married Helen Tillie Bukowski. Their son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are my great aunts.

1942 - Theresa Filipkowski & Helen Tillie Bukowski

Helen Tillie Bukowski photographed with her sister-in-law Theresa Filipkowski. Theresa married John Frank Bukowski, one of Helen's older brothers. The ladies were dressed up to attend the wedding of Theresa's son Raymond H. Bukowski to Veronica A. Karpinski on June 6, 1942.

The photograph was taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The exact location of the photograph is unknown. When photographed Helen was 41 years old and Theresa was 44 years old.

Theresa Filipkowski & Helen Tillie Bukowski

The photograph was included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen likely recorded the names and date on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. She married Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. my great grandfather. Their son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. Theresa Filipkowski is my 2nd Great Aunt by marriage. Her husband John Frank Bukowski is my 2nd great uncle.

1942 - Wedding Guests

The Murosky ladies dressed up to attend the wedding of Raymond H. Bukowski and Veronica A. Karpinski on June 6, 1942. The photograph was taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The exact location of the photograph is unknown.

Helen Tillie Bukowski, age 41, the aunt of the groom Raymond H. Bukowski. Helen is the sister of John Frank Bukowski - the grooms's father.

Rita Ann Murosky, age 14, and Marian Elaine Murosky, age 6. The girls are the daughters of Helen Tillie Bukowski and are first cousins of the groom Raymond H. Buowski.

The ladies included in the photograph include Mary Eugenia McDonald, age 20, wife of Arthur Murosky. Arthur is the son of Helen Tillie Bukowski and was a fist cousin of the groom Raymond H. Buowski. Mary Eugenia was expecting her first child, James Arthur, who was born in October 1942.

Mary Eugenia McDonald, Helen Tillie Bukowski, 
Rita Ann Murosky, Marian Elaine Murosky standing in front 

The photograph was included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen likely recorded the names on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. She married Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. my great grandfather. Their son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. Arthur married Mary Eugenia McDonald - my paternal grandmother. Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are my great aunts.

1942 - Wedding of Raymond H. Bukowski & Veronica A. Karpinski

Raymond H. Bukowski and Veronica A. Karpinski photographed on their wedding day. They were married June 6, 1942 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Raymond H. Bukowski, the son of John Frank Bukowski and Theresa Filipkowski, was born February 28, 1920 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Veronica A. Karpinski, the daughter of Walter Karpinski and Veronica Smolenski, was born May 8, 1921 in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Raymond and Veronica photographed on their wedding day

Their marriage license  application was filed on May 8, 1942 in Erie, Erie County Pennsylvania. The license was issued on May 11, 1942. Raymond was working as a welder was living at 629 East 21st Street. Raymond's father John Bukowski was also working as a welder. His mother Theresa is recorded as a housewife. Her maiden name is recorded as Filipowski. The marriage license indicates Raymond's parents were born in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Veronica was living at 615 East 3rd Street. Her father Walter was recorded as a drill press operator. Her mother Veronica was recorded as a housewife. Her maiden name is recorded as Smolenski. The marriage license indicates Veronica's parents were born in Poland.

The couple were married June 6, 1942 and the duplicate record was returned June 8, 1942.

Application for Marriage License for
Raymond H. Bukowski and Veronica A. Karpinski 

The wedding photograph was included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen likely recorded the names on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Raymond H. Bukowski is my 1st cousin 2x. His father John Frank Bukowski is my 2nd great uncle. John Frank Bukowski is the brother of Helen Tillie Bukowski. Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. 

References:

1. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VF7M-JQ8 : accessed 13 February 2016), Raymond H. Bukowski and Veronica A. Karpinski, 06 Jun 1942; citing Marriage, Pennsylvania, county courthouses, Pennsylvania; FHL microfilm 2,260,336.

1942 - Murosky Siblings with Delores

The Murosky siblings photographed September 1942 with Delores. The identity of Delores is currently unknown. She may have been a family friend. The current records for the Murosky and Bukowski families do not include any cousins named Delores.

The Murosky siblings included in the photograph are Harry Anthony Murosky age 21, Edward V. Murosky age 17, Rita Ann Murosky age 15 and Marian Elaine Murosky age 7. The siblings are the children of Harry Anthony Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski. The oldest child in the family, Arthur Murosky, is not in the photograph.

The location of the photograph is unknown. The photograph was most likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. 

September 1942
Back: Rita Ann Murosky, Edward V. Murosky, Delores Surname Unknown
front: Edward V. Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky

The photograph was included in the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen most likely recorded the names and date on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

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 and Edward V. Murosky are my great uncles. Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are my great aunts. 

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. 

1937 - Murosky Family Gathering

Murosky family members photographed at a gathering in 1937. Family members included in the photograph:

• Esther Murosky the daughter of Anthony Murosky, Sr. and Eva Zielinski. Esther would have been 28 when the photograph was taken. 
• Esther is seated next to her sister-in-law Helen Tillie Bukowski. Helen, the daughter of Vincinety Frank Bukowski and Franciska Kwiatkowski, married Esther's brother - Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. Helen would have been 36 when the photograph was taken. 
• Helen is holding her youngest daughter Marian Elaine Murosky. Marian would have been 2 in this photograph. 
• Ester's niece Irene Chanis is seated to the far right, the daughter of John Chanis and Margaret Murosky, would have been 17 years old when this photograph was taken. 

The location of the photograph is unknown. The photograph was most likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. This photograph was likely taken at a Murosky family gathering. Esther and Helen are wearing the same clothing in this photograph and in a photograph from the gathering. To view photographs from the Murosky family gathering Family Photos: 1937 Murosky Family Gathering.

Esther Murosky, Helen Tillie Bukowski holding Marian Elanin Murosky, Irene Chanis

The photograph was part of the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen most likely recorded the names on the photograph. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Esther Murosky is my 2nd great aunt. She 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. Marian Elaine Murosky is my great aunt. Irene Chanis is my 1st cousin 2x.

1937 - Irene Chanis & Arthur Murosky

Murosky cousins Irene Chanis and Arhur Murosky photographed in 1937. Irene Chanis, the daughter of John Chanis and Margaret Murosky, would have been 17 years old when this photograph was taken. Arthur Murosky, the son of Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. and Helen Tillie Bukowski, would have been 18 years old when this photograph was taken. 

The location of the photograph is unknown. The photograph was most likely taken in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. This photograph was likely taken at a Murosky family gathering. Arthur is wearing the same clothing in this photograph and in a photograph from the gathering. To view photographs from the Murosky family gathering Family Photos: 1937 Murosky Family Gathering.

Irene Chanis and Harry Murosky

The photograph was 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, Irene's mother. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Margaret Murosky is my 2nd great aunt. She 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.

References: 

1. Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Year: 1920; Census Place: Forest City Ward 1, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1655; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 68; Image: 226. Record for John Chanis.
2. 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.
3. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.  Record for Margaret Chanes.