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Archiver > HUNGARY > 1998-11 > 0910990647


From: Judy <>
Subject: Re: [HUNGARY-L] Re: mysterious trunk
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 15:57:27 -0500


Regarding your photo of the dead guy in a coffin, I have a photo of a
dead woman in a coffin with a crowd of people standing around posing for
the picture. The coffin is propped up so the deceased is just about
upright and the whole group is in the front yard of a house. The ethnic
background of this group is Hungarian, of course, with some other
Eastern European countries represented. The photo was taken in Lebanon,
PA and some of my ancestors were in it. Looked a tad strange to me but,
I guess that's the way they did it back then. This was taken probably
after WWI.
Judy

W. David Samuelsen wrote:
>
> I am forwarding this to appropriate lists since the surname is Polish.
>
> It is very likely the trunk was thrown out by creditors because they had
> no heirs. The "dead man in coffin" is a custom usually mostly of Eastern
> Europe region people. I have seen pictures of funerals with open coffin
> shown.
>
> And in the meanwhile hold on to those items! I am sure somebody on any
> of those of 5 lists I am forwarding this message to will contact you on
> how to handle the items. Maybe a distant relation.
>
> W. David Samuelsen, listowner of Hungary-L
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi everyone:
> >
> > I'm taking a chance and putting this info on the list only because I'm
> > not sure what else to do. I know I'm grasping at straws. Here goes:
> >
> > My friend found in some rubbish today, an old U.S. Navy trunk. It
> > contained WWII medals (fear and freedom....a striped pin, and a little
> > bity pin) , photos of many navy guys (and gals!) ...wedding photos, baby
> > photos, A navy group photo from (I think)...1943 Camp Friendship,
> > OH....and another from IL.
> >
> > There was also a faded big box which looked like it may have come from a
> > memorial. Also (and this is sorta gross) there was a photo of a dead man
> > in a casket. (Shiver!)
> >
> > Theres also a confirmation cerif from 1937.
> >
> > The name on this stuff is EDWARD J. POLKEVACIK
> > The confirmation certif is spelled: Edward Polewaczyk
> >
> > I called and got the death notice for him from March 7, 1972. (Cleveland,
> > OH)
> > Wife is Delores (nee: Perdian or Perdlan)
> > No children listed. Brother: August Palau and deceased sister Veronica
> > Leo.
> >
> > Of course I've already checked the local phone books and operater
> > listings with no luck.
> > If anyone happens to be searching on any of these names, let me know.
> > Sheila
> >
> >

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