Finally I get to see the inside of a current day poor Polish farm house. The kitchen and living room are the same room and is more than half of the first floor, maybe 10' x 15'. It has a crucifix hanging over the doorway to the outside. On the wall is a large picture of Pope John Paul II. In one corner of the room is a family prayer center: standing crucifix, handmade very colorful paper flowers decorate the corner. There is not a book in sight. In Warsaw and Krakow it seems a book store is on every block and everyone is reading something. Same thing for Lomza, a small town. There was a satellite dish for TV outside, a small TV is located in the corner opposite the crucifix.
A small table by the one window viewing the pretty front yard is quickly offered to us as a place to sit and spread out our documents. Now everyone gathers and joins the conversation: 95 year old grandfather, son and wife, 3 children and, of course 86 year old Dziadzio. The old man, for whose input we came, does not seem to follow what we are after.
He leaves the room. We think all think he is after some pictures. Nope, it's a medal he has just been awarded for his participation in a Underground unit's attack of a Nazi position. With Rising Day approaching, delayed awards the Soviets would not grant are being extended. He is very proud of his medal! We all look closely at the medal and ribbon. It is becoming very obvious, if he did know any Mozdzens, he long ago lost any reliable information.
However, the mother combined with Dziadzio put together where the Mozdzen/Lajzer farm was located in Antonia. From church records we had viewed earlier this day, we knew Mikolai Lajzer and his family were located in Antonia. It matched! So let's go see it!
Dziadzio directs us to the spot. It now is part of a field. Two large trees are where the house was. We take pictures. If we had time we now have the information to search Antonia's property records in detail: size of land owned; how used; how long they owned land; why did they leave and for where. There are many Lajzers in the local cemeteries. Are they related? There are many still in and around the villages around Antonia and Piatkowizna. We are told there are a few Mozdzens in Zalas. Which ones are us?
We return to Dziadzio's farm. As we approach the farm, he asks if Linda and I have a place to stay. He offers a room for the night and dinner. An evening that would be much fun and a party. However,we have to move on. Dziadzio is very disappointed. I suspect the family is readying a festive meal. He wants to know when we will be back. When we come back he wants us to be sure and see him and his family. A truly welcoming Pole in the Kurpie tradition. We must keep in touch!
The community officials do not fully recall Mozdzens; however they gave me their email address and want to be kept informed of our findings. They will also continue their search; beginning with what has been found by them, my genealogical team, and me. I think they are as interested as we are. At one point we had 4 people in the records office searching records and the Powiat President came in and joined in for awhile. Linda liked him. He kissed her hand and bowed when she was introduced to him.
The fabled Kurpie Polish welcoming to all who come was very evident. They all were openly friendly, willing to help, and genuinely concerned with our efforts. They made our problems their own!
It was a terrific day! We have a very good start on answering many questions. The Polish citizens we have established relationships with, want to do Skype calls to further the effort. Rose, you have to get your system up and functioning. I promised them I would get the Polish speakers of our family on Skype with them!
One more thought: Without the family genealogical search I would never had the opportunity to meet the average Pole. An experience not to be missed.
Dziadzio Mozdzen
Sent from my iPad
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