Walking in Dido & Babas footsteps

Melvin Cooper takes us on an exploration, 
looking for the Shimsky family homesteads in Mt. Pleasant, PA.
We find, possibly, the Cooper home foundation and pine trees and,
possibly, the area where Dido's & Baba's home was. 
These were company homes, owned by the coal company they worked for, 
so the houses were eventually torn down for strop mining.

Part 1 ~ https://youtu.be/EVJK6U5vwbQ

Part 2 ~ https://youtu.be/IgPQbSk8O6Q

2018 map showing our walk of Mt. Pleasant, PA.

An 1875 map of Mt. Pleasant, PA.

Sorry this has taken a while to post. I have been under the weather. 

I'll get photographs up soon. 

If the videos are too small, follow the links to YouTube.

Unexpected changes for a few.

Only a few days left. I hope you all are as excited as I am.
A few of us have had unexpected changes of plan and will not be able to join us.
Sad, because without their commitment, this reunion may not have happened.
We will miss all of our family that can't join us.
For everyone else, I'll see you in a few days.

Rain or shine, the picnic goes on.

Saturday Night Dinner ...

... will be at Roma Pizza Pottsville, 6:30/7:00 PM.

It is only a few short blocks from our hotel. Easy walk for those that would wish to do so.

Family Tree Book

As you all know, I have been working on a Family Tree Book for our Shimsky family. 

My plan was to have it ready for the reunion, but I will need more time. 

At our reunion I hope to record many family stories and take many photos,

 so I will incorporate those into the the book. 

The book will be viewable online and in traditional book form. 

I know this is a disappointment, 

but I am doing due diligence in making sure all my information is correct. 

Thank you for your understanding. 

💜 Susan

P.S.- I can't wait to see everyone next week.
Don't forget to bring lawn chairs (I will bring extra)
and closed shoes, if you decide to go to Yuengling or the Pioneer Coalmine Tunnel. 

See you in 2 weeks!

I can't believe that two weeks from today, our Shimsky Family Reunion will be almost over, but let me digress. Why worry about good bye when we have not yet said hello?
I can't wait to come together and hear the stories of our elders, make new memories, and share the love of family.

Unless there are any last minute changes, this is who is attending at least part of the reunion
and who may attend, with a question mark (?).

Susan Ledford
Marianne Blumenberg & Brian
Pearl DiSabatino & Richard + 1
Jerilyn & Jerry Nardella + son?
Michelle & husband + son?
Laurie & Jack Sears
Nick & Margit Anne Shimsky
Dan & Sylvia Shimski
Melvin & Judy Cooper + 2 granddaughters?
Nadine Minnichback ?
Christine & John Emel
Charmaine Colosimo
Nancy Gulbrandsen ?

Living in Minersville is Carol Shimsky, the wife of John Shimsky 3rd. Hopefully we will see her and a child or two. Her children are Meghan, Tyler & CJ and  2 of the 3 live in North Carolina.
Pauline Shimsky Gulas lives about 1 1/2 hours north of Pottsville.
Her son Ken, & Janet, live close, but I have not had contact, though I have left messages.
Nadine Catherine Smith, from what I understand, now lives in Colorado. I have left messages with no reply.
I hope everyone else was found and notified. A few relations were exciting about the reunion, but attending plans fell through or they had other plans for this weekend. Then there are those that live too far away. We will miss all those that will not be joining us.

A video message from Susan...

One month from today, we will be joining together to celebrate family and heritage. 

I can not wait to see everyone, and meet those we have lost touch with.

Bring lawn chairs, if you can. I will have some extra. 

Bring closed shoes, if you decide to visit the Yuengling Brewery or the Pioneer Coal Mine Tunnel. Safety reasons requires closed shoes for their tours. 

If you wish, bring family photograph albums. 

I need a head count for Saturday evening dinner. If you have not done so, 

please text, call, leave a comment or email me as to how many will be joining us for dinner. 

Sunday is the 84th Annual Ukrainian Day at the 

St Nicholas Picnic Grove, Primrose, PA. (11AM-8PM)

If you have ANY questions or concerns, please contact me. 

You Have 9 Days to Make Your Hotel Reservation!

Our Shimsky Family Reunion is 39/40 days away, 

depending upon what day you plan to arrive in Pottsville, PA. 

PLEASE be sure to make your reservation

before June 28th!

You have 9 days to make your reservation!  

It is better to make the reservation now, and cancel 48 hours before the check in, if you must, then to not reserve and be stuck without a room. Don't wait a minute longer. I know, you say "I'll remember to do it tomorrow." Will you? Do it now! 

Pick up the phone and call 1-570-622-4600!

Then, please, message/email me and let me know when you are coming and how many are coming. When I know how many will be there on Saturday night, I'll find a nearby restaurant and make reservations for a family meal. 

Found some photos to share...

Please comment and help me identify the people in some of these photos.

1.

Is that Julia, 5th from the left?

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

June 1, 2018 Update

Our Reunion is less than 2 months away, and I do not know how many people will be attending. Please help me keep organized, and tell me if you will be attending. You have until June 30th, to book your stay at the Ramada Pottsville Hotel, using our blocked hold. After that, you may find it difficult to get a room.

Saturday will be a do what you want to day, hopefully, with dinner together. Once we have a headcount, we'll be able to find a dining place for a large group. If you wish, it will be a day of exploring the area. Visit a coal mine or brewery. (Be sure to wear closed shoes for safety) Go to the cemetery of our ancestors or explore Mt Pleasent, Minersville, Pottsville where our family grew up.

Sunday, we will attend the Seminary Ukrainian Day picnic and enjoy our ethnic heritage. Bring lawn chairs. There are some picnic tables, but there will also be a lot of people, so best to be prepared.
If you are not able to attend the whole weekend, I do hope you can fit us in for a day.

I am still looking for your help with the collection of family photos, basic personal and historical information, family memories, etc. to include in the family tree book collection. Without your help, I will be using information and photos I find on Facebook and other computer resources.

So far, we have attending commitments from:

Jack & Laurie Sears, Colorado
Dan & Sylvia Shimski, Canada
Marianne & Brian Blumenberg, Maryland
Susan Ledford, Maryland
Nancy Nevius Gulbrandsen, Florida
Mel & Judy Cooper, Pennsylvania
Jerry & Jerilyn Nardella, New Jersey
Charmaine Cooper, North Carolina

Maybes include:

Pearl & Richard DeSabatino, New Jersey
Eric, Marian & Eli Blumenberg, Maryland
Nick & Margit Shimsky, New Jersey
Bill & Betty Menzel, Massachusetts
Kim Gosiminski, Massachusetts
Christine & John Emel, Pennsylvania
Carole Shimsky family, Pennsylvania
Nikki Cooper Minnichbach, Pennsylvania

I'm sorry if I've missed anyone. I will continue to push reminders these next two months. You can message me, through Facebook, or email me at SusanLedford13@gmail.com. If you would like my cell number, just ask, but I will not post it online.

I have shared this event with everyone I could find on Facebook, Whitepages, and through family connections. Hopefully, you have also shared with family, as I do not know everyone.
I'm so excited!
💕Susan

Activities in Schuylkill County

Of course, the main activity for this weekend is to be together as a family and have fun. 

Learn about each other, listen to family stories, and share love.

Maybe, share a Saturday evening meal.

The other major activity is the 84th Annual Ukrainian Day on Sunday afternoon July 29th. 

Below is a map of the area where our reunion will take place, with the activity areas circled.

We will be staying in Pottsville, just blocks from the Yuengling Brewery. 

The picnic is in Primrose, just west of Minersville. 

The family home was in Buck Run, just west of Primrose. 

Then follow Route 901 & Route 64 West to Ashland where the Pioneer Coal Mine Tunnel is located. Then, follow Route 42 to the S.S. Peter & Paul Orthodox Cemetery.   

You are in no way obliged to do all these activities. 

They are suggestions that will enlighten us of our family background.

If you do decide to tour the Brewery or tour the coalmine, be sure to wear closed shoes.

3 MONTHS TO GO

It's your turn to share family information. 

Here is what I have, as so far. To make our family tree complete, I need your help to fill in the blanks. Please share the photos that you want included, or I will use Facebook photos that I find. Please share dates, emails, and current residence and phone numbers. Please share family stories and favorite recipes. Our family tree book will be AWESOME, but only with your help. Please do not wait until the last minute and possibly be left out. 

My goal is to make the book available in a secure eBook format, where you can also publish it into a hardcover book, if you wish. I am working on making it as secure as possible. Possible access with a shared link, for family only. 

Send your photos and family information to SusanLedford13@gmail.com 

As Soon As Possible. 

Also, remember to book your rooms, as we have them on hold, at the Ramada Pottsville, until June 30th, 2018. After that, their up for grabs. It would be nice if we can all stay at the same lodging. Please be sure to give us so a have a head count. We want everyone in the loop.

Our Shimsky Family Tree

This is part of our family in Kulaszne, Sanoki, Podkarpackie, Poland, which was also part of
 Galicia, Austria or Ukraine, depending upon who won which war at any given time.
This is in the lower Carpathian Mountain Range.

When our Petro & Mary came to America, they left Galicia.
At that time Galicia was part of the Austria Hungarian Empire.
In 1918, after World War One, their Galicia became part of Poland.
Rose and Steven never had children.
Mary is living in a nursing home, in Frackville, I believe. 

First born, son Teddy, settled in Canada, after he was allowed to leave Poland in 1927.I am looking forward to meeting my Canadian cousins, at the reunion. 

Second born, 10 month old daughter Fena, arrived in Baltimore, 

with her mother, Marya, on October 6, 1909.

They joined her father Petro, in Foster, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA.

Their children stayed in Pennsylvania, but some grandchildren have settled out of state.

I believe everyone on this tree branch knows about the reunion, 

so I hope to see many of you there. 

The only way I could get in touch with Nadine, was by text, 

so if anyone can reach out to her, please do so. Thank you.

I can't wait to meet Melvin and his family, as Mom has fond memories of Melvin and Jack. 

The first American born child was John, born on March 30, 1910.I have talked to Carol, the wife of the 3rd John Shimsky, and she lives in Minersville.Her two oldest, Meghan & Tyler, live in North Carolina, and her youngest, CJ,  lives in PA.I hope that some of this branch of the family will join us for the reunion. I've texted with Tyler. Send me photos.I know nothing of Pauline.

I know nothing of Peter Shimsky, so if anyone can enlighten me with information and photos, please do so. I would love to have stories of Peter and Charles. My Mother loved her uncle Wash and talks about him, but what do you know about him?

I have talked to the older Margit Shimsky, in New Jersey. Older Nick is in  poor health. They won't know until the last minute, if they can come to the reunion. 

Hoping their children can join us.

Please send photos and family information.

This is the part of the family I know the most about, but I do not know all. Please share photos and information, that you want to be shared, or that horrid Facebook photo may be used. Are you listening children of Pearl, Ellen and Billy? I hope to see you all at the reunion, but if you can't make it, please share family information.

Unfortunately, I don't expect to see many of Julia's children at the reunion, as almost half live on the other side of the world, but I hope to see as many as can attend. The Stones will be having their own December reunion in Australia, so I understand if they can't make it to Pennsylvania.
I would still like family information and photos from all of you. Thank you.
Laurie and Jack are the only committed attendees, at this time. 

Here are our Florida Cousins. Unfortunately, we lost Van late last year, but I hope Debbie decides to accompany Nancy to Pennsylvania in July. Would love to see some of their children, also.

Jerilyn & Jerry were the quickest to respond positively, to the reunion. 

Please share photos and family information. 

Can't wait to meet you.

We have lodging available.

We have 28 rooms blocked for the SHIMSKY FAMILY REUNION at the Ramada Pottsville. Information is in the photos below. If you make a reservation, and find you must cancel your plans, you can do so up to 48 hours prior to arrival. The link to the Ramada website is below. 

I can't wait to have these rooms filled with cousins. 💞

Ramada Pottsville Website Link

Headcount Update

This is our response, so far. We are working on lodging and should have that ready for you very soon. The Ukrainian Festival is our main social event, on Sunday. Saturday, suggestions are a trip to the Pioneer Coal Mine Tunnel, an exploration of Buck Run & Minersville, an exploration of local cemeteries, and a trip to the Yuengling Brewery. Also, a collective meal in there sometime. You may want to make this a 3-4 day weekend. I know I am. I'm so excited! 🤗

Please Help Us

We are creating a family tree book 📚 for the reunion. We need your help. We would like this book to be the most updated family tree to date. Even if you can not attend the reunion, we need your input.

We need information about your branch of our tree. You and your family. Start with the founders of our family, their child that started your branch, their children, and so on, down to the youngest person in your family. We need names, dates of birth and location, dates of marriage and location, date of death and location. Please add any stories and memories, employment, accomplishments, favorite recipes, photographs and anything else you would wish to include. Contact information is also requested.

The deadline for this information is May 1st. That will give Susan time to put the information together, create the book, collect money once the cost is known and get it published. It will also be available in digital form.

If we don't hear from you, we will hunt you down until we get what we want. 😉 Just kidding, or are we? 😏

Please send your information to SusanLedford13@gmail.com.
Thank you for your help and cooperation. 💕

As an example, these are the people I would include in my "branch." I would give more detailed information for the people lower on the branch.

We Need Family Information, Please

     Since this reunion is all about FAMILY, we will need family information. While working on the family tree, we have the basic information on Peter & Mary (1st generation). This includes name, date of birth, place of birth, date of death, place of death, jobs, and photographs. If you have anything to share, please do so.

     We also have this information for most of their children (2nd generation). The information starts to get lost for their children (3rd generation) as the family starts to spread out and some family contact is lost. This is also true for their children (4th generation) and their children (5th generation). 

     We would like to have a complete family history, starting with Peter & Mary Shimsky all the way down to our newest family member. Our goal is to have a take home gift of a complete family tree of historic information, photographs, stories, maybe a favorite recipe, and current names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.
     Anything posted in the contact form comes directly to me so feel free to share anything you have to offer for this project. I have also posted my e-mail address on the home page statement for your convenience. This is a group effort, and the sooner you can help, the more prepared we will be next year.
     Thank you to all,     Susan

Welcome Shimsky Family!

     Nancy & I are working on the lodging for everyone that wishes to attend this reunion. We will need a headcount as soon as possible, as the hotels are filling up fast. So many people attend the Annual Ukrainian Day from out of town, and we will be many of them. 

     The Ukrainian Day is on Sunday, so we thought people would want to arrive in the Minersville area on Friday, wander around Minersville on Saturday and have a group lunch/dinner together, and leave on Monday. We know this may not work for everyone, but we hope at least part of the weekend will be accommodating for you. 

      We want the weekend to be fun and informative about our family history. Nancy, Laurie, and I have been working on the family tree through Ancestry.com. We want to share our findings with everyone, but we would also like your input. What family stories and traditions do you know that you would like to share? The older you are, the more important your stories are. We also need family photographs. Maybe share a favorite family recipe, also. We want to have a family souvenir for everyone to take home with them. 

     Please share this BLOG site with family and save the date. If you have any questions, suggestions, ideas, or anything else related to our family, please share.