Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

Some of the photographs in this post were originally shared December 28, 2015. Several additional holiday photos have been incorporated into the new post. At attempt has been made to place the photographs in chronological order based on labeled photographs, ages of children and common elements in the photographs. 

The Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection contained vintage Christmas photographs that appear to have been taken at different holidays. The Mary Eugenia McDonald Collection also included several holiday photographs.

1951 Vintage Christmas Photograph - The Murosky Family

These photographs were most likely taken at the home of Helen Tillie Bukowski which was located at 729 East 24th Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

This photograph of Marian Elaine Murosky was taken December 25, 1951. The back of the photograph has a hand written label that reads "Marian Dec 25 1951". The photograph was most likely labeled by her mother Helen. Marian would have been 16 years old in this photograph.  Note the framed photograph of Marian on the piano. 

1951 Murosky Family Christmas
Marian Elaine Murosky

The next photograph is of Kenneth Niemi, the son of Rita Ann Murosky and Walter E. Neimi. Kenneth would be the grandson of Helen Tillie Bukowski. Kenneth would have been 3 years old when photographed. 

1951 Murosky Family Christmas

Kenneth Niemi in front of the Christmas Tree

1953 Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

These photographs were most likely taken at the home of Helen Tillie Bukowski which was located at 729 East 24th Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

The first grouping of photographs feature Helen Tillie Bukowski with her grandchildren. Helen's daughter Rita Ann Murosky is also featured. The parlor in these photographs has floral wall paper. This grouping of photographs is estimated to have been taken in 1953 based on the ages of the grandchildren. 

1953 Murosky Family Christmas

Helen Tillie Bukowski with her grandson - Ronald Murosky, son of Edward V. Murosky and Margaret Forgash. Helen's husband, Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr., is the man in the framed photograph on the far left side of the piano.

1953 Murosky Family Christmas

Helen Tillie Bukowski with her two children. The boys are Ronald Murosky, son of Edward V. Murosky and Margaret Forgash (center) and Kenneth Niemi, son of Rita Ann Murosky and Walter E. Niemi (right).

1953 Murosky Family Christmas

Helen Tillie Bukowski watches Kennth Niemi, her grandson, open a gift with assistance of his mother Rita Ann Murosky. The woman her back to the camera is currently unknown.

1953 Murosky Family Christmas
Helen Tillie Bukowski stands adjacent to an ironing board. Her grandson, Kenneth Niemi, plays below the Christmas tree on the left side of the frame. Ronald Murosky is on the right side of the frame wearing a cowboy hat. Helen's daughter Rita Ann Murosky is standing on the right side of the photograph.

1955 Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

Helen Tillie Bukowski photographed with her grandchildren. The photograph was estimated to have been taken in 1955 based on the ages of the children.  

1955 Murosky Family Christmas
Helen Tillie Bukowski with her Grandchildren
Back: Karen Murosky, Mary Helen Murosky, Kathleen Marie Murosky, James Arthur Murosky and Barbara Jean Murosky 
Middle: David Anthony Murosky, Christine Elaine Murosky, 
Helen Tillie Bukowski holding Thomas Charles Murosky, Robert Murosky 
Bottom: Kenneth Niemi and Ronald Murosky

1957 Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

These photographs were most likely taken at the home of Helen Tillie Bukowski which was located at 729 East 24th Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

This grouping of photographs features Helen Tillie Bukowski with her daughter Marian Elaine Murosky. This grouping of photographs appears to have been taken in 1957 based on the age of the baby in the photograph. 

1957 Murosky Family Christmas
Marian Elaine Murosky holding her daughter Janet.

1957 Murosky Family Christmas

Helen Tillie Bukowski with her daughter Marian Elaine Murosky.

1957 Murosky Family Christmas 
Helen Tillie Bukowski carries a poinsettia. Note the rotary phone in the photograph.

1957 Murosky Family Christmas 

Helen Tillie Bukowski
Note the old radio behind Helen.

1957 Murosky Family Christmas

Marian Elaine Murosky with a stocking

1962 Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

Helen Tillie Bukowski photographed with her grandchildren. The photograph was estimated to have been taken in 1962 based on the ages of the children.

1962 Murosky Family Christmas
Helen Tillie Bukowski with her Grandchildren
Back: Mary Helen Murosky, Kathleen Marie Murosky, Ronald Murosky, James Arthur Murosky, Kenneth Neimi 
Middle 1: David Anthony Murosky, Robert Murosky, Christine Elaine Murosky, Karen Murosky 
Middle 2: Helen Tillie Bukowski, Thomas Charles Murosky, Barbara Jean Murosky holding child 
Front: Janet Kubeja, Cheryl L. Murosky, James Michael Petrone, Jr., Joyce Kubeja, Donald Murosky (on Barbara's lap)

1962 Murosky Family Christmas
Joyce Kubeja (dark dress), Janet Kubeja (white dress), Arthur Murosky, Barbara Jean Murosky holding James Michael Petrone, Jr., Helen Tillie Bukowski, Karen Murosky

1962 Murosky Family Christmas

Back: Unknown Woman (facing away), David Anthony Murosky (handing the gift), Joyce Kubeja (dark dress), On Sofa (left to right): Donald Gregory Murosky (small boy), Arthur Murosky, Janet Kubeja, Barbara Jean Murosky holding James Michael Petrone, Jr. 

Front: Kathleen Marie Murosky with Cheryl L. Murosky

1962 Murosky Family Christmas
On Sofa (left to right) Donald Gregory Murosky, Arthur Murosky, Janet Kubeja Joyce Kubeja is sitting on the ottoman. 

The photographs were part of the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection and the Mary Eugenia McDonald Collection. Helen was married to Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr.

Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are their daughters. Rita Ann Murosky married Walter E. Niemi - their son Kenneth Niemi is included in several of these photographs. The photographs also include Marian Elaine Murosky's daughters - Janet and Joyce Kubja.

Anthony and Helen's son Edward V. Murosky married Margaret Forgash. Their sons Ronald and Robert Murosky are included.

Anthony and Helen's son Arthur Murosky married Mary Eugenia McDonald. Their children James Arthur, Barbara Jean, Mary Helen, Kathleen Marie, Christine Elaine, David Anthony, Thomas Charles, Donald Gregory and Cheryl L. are included.

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

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. Her son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are my great aunts. Edward V. Murosky is my great uncle. 

Long Standing Dream Comes True As District Woman Visits Germany

On June 26, 1906 Philomena Selker departed Germany with her Uncle Joseph William Selker. Her arrival is recorded at Ellis Island on July 3, 1906.  Philomena lived the rest of her life in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. On September 21, 1909 she married Augustine Benedict Lauer at St. Michael's Church in Fryburg, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. 

In the fall of 1957 Philomena and her husband traveled back to Germany to visit with her family. This was her first and only visit back to her birth country. The local newspaper, The Derrick, wrote an article which was published on Friday, January 24, 1958. The newspaper borders indicate the readership at that time was Oil City, Franklin and Clarion, Pennsylvania.

The original text of the article has been retyped and is shown below:

Long Standing Dream Comes True 
As District Woman Visits Germany
By Jack Baker
Derrick Staff Writer

An original copy of the newspaper article.

The Family of Mrs. Lauer in Germany
The relationship in italics is the relationship of the individual to Philomena Selker. 
Front row, left to right: Hermann Selker (brother), Mrs. Hermann Selker (sister-in-law), Mrs. Mary Schulde (Mary or Maria Selker, sister), Mrs. Lauer (Philomena Selker), Wilhelm Selker, (brother), Mrs. Wilhem Selker (sister-in-law)
 Back row, left to right: Hermann Schulde (brother in law) and Mr. Lauer (Augustine Benedict Lauer - husband)
 In the inset: Mrs. And Mrs. George Selker (brother and sister-in-law)

Shippenville – A dream of many years standing became a reality for a Knox Township woman in Clarion County during the last three months of 1957, the period spend visiting with her family in her native land of Germany, from where she came to America 52 years ago.

She is Mrs. Augustine “Gust” Lauer, Sr., who lives with her husband on a farm in Knox Township. Making the trip with her was her husband who was born on the farm where they reside, and whose parents migrated from Germany many years before.

Mrs. Lauer’s maiden name was Philomena Selker, and she came to America when she was 19 years old. Her parents were Gearhart and Agnes Raker Selker. In telling of her dream coming true and her visit to her homeland, she said “it was most wonderful and words could never express my enjoyment. It was a beautiful dream that came true for me and my husband.”

The Lauer couple were married in St. Michael Church, Fryburg, by the late Rev. August Hoeing on September 21, 1909, and next September they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Mr. Lauer was born in Knox Township, Clarion County on January 2, 1886, while Mrs. Lauer was born in Furstenani, Germany, on January 27, 1887. The parents of Mr. Lauer were John and Frances Loll Lauer.

Telling of their enjoyable voyage and visit with their folks in Germany, the Lauers pointed out that they left Clarion via bus for New York on October 7, 1957, arriving there the following day. At 11 a.m. October 8, they sailed on the Narddentacha Llyod Bremen MS Berlin liner and 10 days later on October 18 they arrived at Bremerhaven, Germany.

After their arrival they spent their time from October 18 to December 14 with sisters and brothers of Mrs. Lauer, who all reside in the area of Furstenani, in western Germany. On the return trip they chose to make the voyage on the world’s largest ocean liner, the SS United States. They sailed for America on December 14 and arrived back in the USA on December, 20.

Speaking of their return trip on the SS United States, Mrs. Lauer said “oh, my oh my, it was just wonderful. Something I shall never forget. That liner was just like a city. There were 2,000 passengers aboard. We were able to attend mass aboard the liner every morning, either at 7 o’clock or 7:30, whichever we chose to do.”

“We did have two rough days at sea coming back,” said Mr. Lauer, “and lots of people got seasick. But the wonderful trop made up for all that. In the next words of Mr. Lauer, he said “we visited a lot of the country while in Germany, and it is building up over there at a fast pace. Hundreds of new beautiful homes, business places and new industries going up everywhere.”

“One cannot see any aftermath of the war,” the Lauers pointed out. “There does not seem to be any unemployment. Everybody works. We could buy anything there just like we can here at home. And the weather was beautiful all the while we were there. When we left the flowers were blooming everywhere.”

Mrs. Lauer said she attended St. Mary’s church in Furstenani where was baptized when a baby and the church she attended until the time she came to America. She explained “that was a wonderful occasion for me and my husband.”

In conversation with the Lauers, Mr. Lauer explained, “there is one thing I do not want to forget to tell you about the people of Germany that I think the people of our country should know. The Germans have a great love and admiration for President Eisenhower. His name is mentioned many, many times in conversation of the German population. Ike is considered by the Germans as a great statesman and a kind, religious and outstanding man. Our German relatives say, “We Love Ike.”

The sisters and brothers of Mrs. Lauer who they visited are Mr. and Mrs. George Selker, and Mrs. And Mrs. Hermann Selker, of Furstenani both building contractors; Mr. and Mrs. Herman Schulde, Lingen, Germany, and Mrs. And Mrs. Wilhelm Selker, of Lengerich, Germany.

The Lauer children are William Lauer, Parker; Mrs. Lawrence Fasenmyer, Shippenville RD; Mrs. William Dechant, Clarion; Andrew Lauer, Shippenville RD; Augustine Lauer, Jr., Shippenville RD; and Paul Lauer, Shippenville RD. They also have 16 grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Lauer are members of St. Michael Church of Fryburg.

The Derrick
Friday, January 14, 1958 - Page 10
A copy of the original article.

The original copy of the this article is in the care of Leopold George Selker. Special thanks to Leopold for bringing this article to my attention. Leopold is my 2nd cousin 1x. He is a descendant of Leopold George Selker, Sr. the oldest son of Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. From the Leopold George Selker Collection. The digital copy of this article was published at Ancestry.com. 

Joseph William Selker is my 2nd great grandfather. Philomena Selker and her siblings are my 1st cousins 3x removed.

References:

1. Ancestry.com. New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Year: 1906; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 0736; Line: 2; Page Number: 87
2. "Pennsylvania, County Marriages, 1885-1950", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFWP-YC8 : 24 June 2016), Augustine Lauer and Minnie Selker, 1909
3. Ancestry.com. Derrick (Oil City, Pennsylvania) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Friday, January 25, 1958. Page 10. "Long Standing Dream Comes True As District Woman Visits Germany"

Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

December 28, 2015 This blog post has been updated. The names of the children have been determined and their ages have been used to identify the dates of the photographs. The blog post has also been updated to show the photographs in chronological order. The first grouping of photographs is estimated to have been taken in 1953. The second grouping of photographs is estimated to have been taken in 1957. 

The Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection contained vintage Christmas photographs that appear to have been taken at different holidays. Some of the photographs may have been taken in the late 1940's.

The photographs were most likely taken at the home of Helen Tillie Bukowski which was located at 729 East 24th Street in Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The photographs were taken in the same location as the piano and carpet are common elements.  The first grouping of the photographs feature wall paper in the parlor. The second grouping of photographs feature painted walls in the parlor.

1951 Vintage Christmas Photograph - The Murosky Family

This photograph of Marian Elaine Murosky was taken December 25, 1951. The back of the photograph has a hand written label that reads "Marian Dec 25 1951". The photograph was most likely labeled by her mother Helen.She would have been 16 years old in this photograph.  

Marian Elaine Murosky

1953 Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

The first grouping of photographs feature Helen Tillie Bukowski with her grandchildren. Helen's daughter Rita Ann Murosky is also featured. The parlor in these photographs has floral wall paper. This grouping of photographs is estimated to have been taken in 1953 based on the ages of the grandchildren. 

Helen Tillie Bukowski with her grandson - Ronald Murosky, son of Edward V. Murosky and Margaret Forgash. Helen's husband, Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr., is the man in the framed photograph on the far left side of the piano.

Helen Tillie Bukowski with her two children. The boys are Ronald Murosky, son of Edward V. Murosky and Margaret Forgash (center) and Kenneth Niemi, son of Rita Ann Murosky and Walter E. Niemi (right).

Helen Tillie Bukowski watches Kennth Niemi, her grandson, open a gift with assistance of his mother Rita Ann Murosky. The woman her back to the camera is currently unknown.

Helen Tillie Bukowski stands adjacent to an ironing board. Her grandson, Kenneth Niemi, plays below the Christmas tree on the left side of the frame. Ronald Murosky is on the right side of the frame wearing a cowboy hat. Helen's daughter Rita Ann Murosky is standing on the right side of the photograph.

1957 Vintage Christmas Photographs - The Murosky Family

The second grouping of photographs feature Helen Tillie Bukowski with her daughter Marian Elaine Murosky. This grouping of photographs appears to have been taken in 1957 based on the age of the baby in the photograph. 

Marian Elaine Murosky holding her daughter Janet.

Helen Tillie Bukowski with her daughter Marian Elaine Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski carries a poinsettia. 
Note the rotary phone in the photograph.

Helen Tillie Bukowski
Note the old radio behind Helen.

The photographs were part of the Helen Tillie Bukowski Collection. Helen was married to Anthony Harry Murosky, Jr. Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are their daughters. Rita Ann Murosky married Walter E. Niemi - their son Kenneth Niemi is included in several of these photographs. Anthony and Helen's son Edward V. Murosky married Margaret Forgash. Their son Ronald is shown in several of the photographs. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky.

Helen Tillie Bukowski is my great grandmother. Her son Arthur Murosky is my paternal grandfather. Rita Ann Murosky and Marian Elaine Murosky are my great aunts.