The original Elf on the Shelf, circa 1964

This is the 50th year, that this little fellow has adorned the family Christmas tree. He brings back many childhood memories.

One holiday season, many years ago, Joe and Norma had a holiday party to attend. Because of the hustle and bustle of the season, a babysitter was difficult to find. Grandma Rose agreed to watch the children, but she did not drive. Joe went and picked her up to bring her to our house. We always enjoyed every minute with Grandma, so were looking forward to the evening. It was a cold December day and the snow laid thick on the ground.

Joe and Norma were off, and Grandma was left with my brother and I. While we sat and talked, she relayed how she wanted to buy us a gift for Christmas. So we bundled up in our winter clothes and walked in the cold and snow to U-tell. The store was warm, so we unzipped our jackets and walked the isles. We were both young, and money did not mean much to us. We would stop and say to Grandma, 'oh, I would really like this', but Grandma only had $2 and would say, I just don't have the money for that.

My brother and I finally settled for these elves, mine green, my brother's red. When we returned home, we hung them on the tree. Every Christmas they have returned to adorn the tree and bring back all those precious memories of Christmas past and Grandma Rose.

Rose Pruseks Tusek Forrai Bockay, 1960's

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Subject: Rose Pruseks Tusek Forrai Bockay.

Date: 1960's.
Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: Unknown.
Relationship to me: Paternal Aunt and Grandmother

 

In the next few weeks, I will be sharing photographs of my paternal grandmother that were provided to me by my cousin Maria Sworske, that were from her mother Dawn and grandmother Margaret's collection.

 

This photograph was taken in the 1960's or early 1970's. I recognize the apartment of my grandmother. I recognize the wrist watch that she always wore. This photograph was taken in the small kitchen of her apartment. I remember the pots and pans hanging by the small stove and the dinette set to the right that sat by a window. I also remembered she lived near the airport and and you could hear the planes taking off and landing. I know this was an upstairs apartment in a home. I can not remember if it was on Sommers Avenue or Ramsey in Cudahy. I have many fond memories of visiting her and my aunt.

 

I welcome any additional comments or information from family and friends about this photograph.

Rose Pruseks Tusek Forrai Bockay, 1965

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Subjects: Left to Right: Maria Sworske and Rose Pruseks Tusek Forrai Bockay.
Date: 1965.
Location: Greendale, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Christmas.
Photographer: Albin Paskowicz.
Relationship to me: Paternal Cousin and Grandmother.

In the next few weeks, I will be sharing photographs of my paternal grandmother that were provided to me by my cousin Maria Sworske, that were from her mother Dawn and grandmother Margaret's collection.

This photograph was taken in 1965. I recognize the house of my Aunt Margaret. I can also remember when Maria was this age. My parents lived close to my Uncle Al and Aunt Margaret, so we spent quite a bit of time together. I have many fond memories of these visits.

I welcome any additional comments or information from family and friends about this photograph.

Rose Pruseks Tusek Forrai Bockay, 1940's

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Subjects: Rose Pruseks Tusek Forrai Bockay.
Date: 1940's.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: S.Z. Grand Studio, 409 West Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, WI
Relationship to me: Paternal Grandmother

In the next few weeks, I will be sharing photographs of my paternal grandmother that were provided to me by my cousin Maria Sworske, that were from her mother Dawn and grandmother Margaret's collection.

This photograph was taken in the late 1940's. It is one of the few photographs that I have of my grandmother during this era.

I welcome any additional comments or information from family and friends about this photograph.

Rose Pruseks Tusek Forrai Bockay, 1970's

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Subjects: Left to Right: Mary Forrai Nowakowski and Rose Pruseks Tusek Forrai Bockay.
Date: 1970's.
Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: Unknown.
Relationship to me: Paternal Aunt and Grandmother

In the next few weeks, I will be sharing photographs of my paternal grandmother that were provided to me by my cousin Maria Sworske.

This photograph was taken in the late 1970's. I recognize the house of my Aunt Mary. During this time, my grandmother spent quite a bit of her time with Aunt Mary. I have many fond memories of visiting her and my aunt.

I welcome any additional comments or information from family and friends about this photograph.

Unknown Wedding

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Subjects: Unknown couple.

Date: 1950's.
Location: Wisconsin.
Occasion: Wedding.
Photographer: Joseph F. Forrai.

 

I came across this 8 x 10 photograph amongst my father's belongings. I have emailed it to several of my cousins to see if they could identify the couple.  My father considered himself an amateur photographer, and this might have been an extra print from a wedding that he photographed.

 

I welcome any additional comments or information from family and friends about this photograph.

 

My Cousin Dorinne Green wrote on a facebook comment: It might be Mary Benson and Donald Borgwardt. Donald would be a second cousin to Caroline and me. Donald and Mary divorced, don't know when, and both are deceased, don't know date. Caroline might be able to make a more positive ID. Cheers.

 

I have since sent the photograph to my Cousin Caroline, but have not received a response.

Peace On Earth, 1972

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Subject: Louis and David Forrai.

Occasion: Christmas.

Date: 1972.

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Photographer: Joseph Frank Forrai.

Relationship to me: Brother.

For the first four weeks in December, I decided to post the Christmas cards that my parents started sending in 1960. I think almost everyone is familiar with the photo holiday cards that some folks choose to send.

You may wonder where my father had these cards made? My dad had a dark room in the house where we lived. Photography was my dad's hobby since the 1940's. Each one of these cards were hand made.

How was the photograph taken? In the early years my dad used a portrait camera. There was a long cable attached to the camera. He routed it so it would not appear in the photograph. He would squeeze the button to take the photograph. In later years, he had a 35mm camera with a built in timer. My father always used a tripod, and it would take him a good deal of time for the set up for these annual photographs.

This photograph was taken in the hallway of our home on Scharles Avenue.  We moved into this house a few days before Christmas 1968. The cat in the picture is of Fluffy, our yellow tabby cat. He was a sweet, smart cat. My father taught him to fetch. There were a couple of large poinsettia flowers at the top of the signs that were cut out of the photograph.

It amazes me, how many of my relatives and friends of our family have hung onto these photographs. I am not the only one with a collection!

Cheers 1971

Merry Christmas 1970

Happy Holidays 1969

Greetings Forrai's 1968

Season Greetings Forrai's 1966

Season's Greetings Forrai's 1965

Greetings Forrai's 1964

Season's Greetings Forrai's 1963

Season's Greetings 1962

Merry Christmas 1961

Best Wishes 1960

Cheers! 1971

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Subject: Louis and David Forrai.
Occasion: Christmas.
Date: 1971.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Photographer: Joseph Frank Forrai.
Relationship to me: Brother.

For the first four weeks in December, I decided to post the Christmas cards that my parents started sending in 1960. I think almost everyone is familiar with the photo holiday cards that some folks choose to send.

You may wonder where my father had these cards made? My dad had a dark room in the house where we lived. Photography was my dad's hobby since the 1940's. Each one of these cards were hand made.

How was the photograph taken? In the early years my dad used a portrait camera. There was a long cable attached to the camera. He routed it so it would not appear in the photograph. He would squeeze the button to take the photograph. In later years, he had a 35mm camera with a built in timer. My father always used a tripod, and it would take him a good deal of time for the set up for these annual photographs.

This photograph was taken in the basement of our home on Scharles Avenue.  We moved into this house a few days before Christmas 1968. It was during this year that my father finished off a room in the basement with wood paneling and a tile floor. This room was considered the office and work room for most of the year. When we had a large gathering, we even used it as a dining room, as the kitchen was at the top of the stairs. The cat in the picture is of Fluffy, our yellow tabby cat. He was a sweet, smart cat. My father taught him to fetch. The Santa heads were stockings that my grandmother gave us one year, filled with candy and small toys.

It amazes me, how many of my relatives and friends of our family have hung onto these photographs. I am not the only one with a collection!

Merry Christmas 1970

Happy Holidays 1969

Greetings Forrai's 1968

Season Greetings Forrai's 1966

Season's Greetings Forrai's 1965

Greetings Forrai's 1964

Season's Greetings Forrai's 1963

Season's Greetings 1962

Merry Christmas 1961

Best Wishes 1960

Merry Christmas 1970

Subject: Louis and David Forrai.
Occasion: Christmas.
Date: 1970.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Photographer: Joseph Frank Forrai.
Relationship to me: Brother.

For the first four weeks in December, I decided to post the Christmas cards that my parents started sending in 1960. I think almost everyone is familiar with the photo holiday cards that some folks choose to send.

You may wonder where my father had these cards made? My dad had a dark room in the house where we lived. Photography was my dad's hobby since the 1940's. Each one of these cards were hand made.

How was the photograph taken? In the early years my dad used a portrait camera. There was a long cable attached to the camera. He routed it so it would not appear in the photograph. He would squeeze the button to take the photograph. In later years, he had a 35mm camera with a built in timer. My father always used a tripod, and it would take him a good deal of time for the set up for these annual photographs.

This photograph was taken at our new home on Scharles Avenue.  We actually moved into this house a few days before Christmas 1968. It was not quite completed, as rooms still needed to be painted and there was no carpeting or flooring on the first floor. The Luther Avenue house sold quickly, and we lived with my Uncle Leo and Aunt Elizabeth for several weeks before this house was complete.

My father was very proud of the blue spruce he planted in the front yard. 1970 was also the year that we took a fishing trip to Ontario, Canada. My dad had a friend who ran a fishing camp there.

It amazes me, how many of my relatives and friends of our family have hung onto these photographs. I am not the only one with a collection!

Happy Holidays 1969

Greetings Forrai's 1968

Season Greetings Forrai's 1966

Season's Greetings Forrai's 1965

Greetings Forrai's 1964

Season's Greetings Forrai's 1963

Season's Greetings 1962

Merry Christmas 1961

Best Wishes 1960

Happy Holidays 1969

Subject: Louis and David Forrai.
Occasion: Christmas.
Date: 1969.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Photographer: Joseph Frank Forrai.
Relationship to me: Brothers.

For the first four weeks in December, I decided to post the Christmas cards that my parents started sending in 1960. I think almost everyone is familiar with the photo holiday cards that some folks choose to send.

You may wonder where my father had these cards made? My dad had a dark room in the house where we lived. Photography was my dad's hobby since the 1940's. Each one of these cards were hand made.

How was the photograph taken? In the early years my dad used a portrait camera. There was a long cable attached to the camera. He routed it so it would not appear in the photograph. He would squeeze the button to take the photograph. In later years, he had a 35mm camera with a built in timer. My father aways used a tripod, and it would take him a good deal of time for the set up for these annual photographs.

This photograph was taken at a Christmas tree lot that was close to our home. I do not remember if this was the actual picture used on the holiday greeting card, but I do know it was from the photographic shoot.

It amazes me, how many of my relatives and friends of our family have hung onto these photographs. I am not the only one with a collection!

Greetings Forrai's 1968

Seasons Greetings 1966

Seasons Greetings 1965

Greetings Forrai's 1964

Season's Greetings Forrai's 1963

Season's Greetings 1962

Merry Christmas 1961

Best Wishes 1960

At the Schroeder Hotel, 1957

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Subjects seated at the table: Unknown couple, Joseph Frank Forrai(age 44) and Norma Elsbeth Waswo(age 35).
Date: 1957.
Location: Schroeder Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Patrick Cudahy Company Function.
Photographer: Unknown.
Relationship to me: Father and Mother.

Once my mother retired, she went through the boxes of photographs and created historical photo albums. She made one for myself and one for my brother. This is a photograph from the album she made for me.

There was little written on the photograph or the on the album page itself. My mother wrote that this was a company function at the Schroeder Hotel that is located in downtown Milwaukee. The Schroeder was also the location of the Junior Prom that I attended during high school.

This also could be an Elk's club function, as my father was a member during this time. It appears to be a formal occasion and I love the dress and purse my mother was wearing. My father was well known for his bow ties. I remember him wearing a straight tie occasionally, but there was always the remark of, 'what happened, no bow tie?' I am also not sure if this photograph was before or after my parents wedding, as they were wed November 16, 1957.

I welcome any additional comments or information from family and friends about this photograph.

Fourth of July, 1958

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Subjects: Lucy Traulsen Waswo(age 67); George Daniel Waswo III (age 10) and Florence Allen Desenis(age 54).
Date: July 1958.
Occasion: 4th of July.
Location: National Avenue, West Allis, Wisconsin.
Photographer: Unknown.
Relationship to me: maternal grandmother and maternal cousins.

I have very little information regarding this photograph. Once my mother retired, she went through boxes of photographs and created historical photo albums. She made one for myself and one for my brother. I am posting and commenting on the photographs from this album.

This is one of my favorite photographs and about the only one that I have of Daniel as a child. I have many fond memories of my grandmother and Cousin Florence. Florence would always make sure to make the trip to visit the Milwaukee relatives during the summer, and some of the Milwaukee relatives would make the trip in the Fall to Illinois to visit her.

Albert Emil Reichardt, 1958

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Subjects: Albert Emil Reichardt (age 72) and unknown boy.
Date: May August 1958.
Occasion: Unknown.
Location: Unknown.
Photographer: Unknown.
Relationship to me: husband of grand aunt.

I have very little information regarding this photograph. Once my mother retired, she went through boxes of photographs and created historical photo albums. She made one for myself and one for my brother. I am posting and commenting on the photographs from this album.

The 'unknown boy' in this photograph is most likely a neighbor's child. I remember my grandmother relaying this information. My Grand Uncle Albert passed away at age 73 seven months after I was born. Albert was the man that introduced my father Joseph to my mother Norma. Albert and my father were both members of the Elk Club in Milwaukee. They would meet there for lunch and play cards. I am sure at these boy's clubs there was some matchmaking going on. This is one of the few photographs that I have of my Grand Uncle Abby.

My Grand Uncle and Aunt lived on a corner lot with the front of the house facing Grant Blvd in a two story white frame home. They had a large screened in front porch. My dad in the summer would occasionally sleep on the porch when he did not want to venture home after a hot card game down at the club.  As a very young child I remember spending a summer weekend with my Grand Aunt and sleeping on the front porch as well.

Caroline Alma Traulsen

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Subject: Caroline Alma Traulsen.

Date: Circa 1948.
Location: Madison, Wisconsin.
Occasion: University Graduation.
Photographer: Unknown.
Relationship: Maternal 1st cousin 1x removed.

While going through boxes, I found this photograph. I believe it is either Cousin Caroline's 21st birthday photograph(popular with my family) or her college graduation. I have asked Caroline to comment and it is posted below.

This is her reply: Hello Louis, This photo was taken in 1948, a year before I was graduated from The University of Wis. in Madison. I am fairly sure that it was used for the University yearbook. I still wear my hair in the same style! I remember that I gave a photo to your mother!

 

I welcome comments from friends and family members who can provide information about this photograph.

Paul and Ann

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Subject: Paul August Bockay and Ann L. Schoblocher.
Date: 1940's.
Location: Grant Park, shores of Lake Michigan, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: Unknown.
Relationship: Paternal uncle and aunt.

This photograph was provided by my Cousin Gail, daughter of Paul and Ann. The information above was provided by her. I really appreciate receiving photographs of my family from this era.

I welcome comments from friends and family members who can provide information about the photographs.

Wedding of Paul and Ann

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Subject: Paul August Bockay and Ann L. Schoblocher.
Date: February 16, 1946.
Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Wedding.
Photographer: Joseph Forrai.
Relationship: Paternal uncle and aunt.

While going through boxes, I found this photograph in an envelope. It is a small photograph approximately 1 x 2 inches.

I welcome comments from friends and family members who can provide information about this photograph.

Margaret and Dawn Paskowicz

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Subject: Margaret and Dawn Paskowicz.
Date: late 1940's.
Location: Greendale, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: Al Paskowicz.
Relationship: Paternal aunt and cousin.

While going through boxes, I found these photographs in an envelope with Al Paskowicz’s name on it. They are small photographs approximately 1 x 2 inches. I am thinking they are of Al, Margaret and Dawn about 1947 or 1948? I believe these photographs are in front or near their home in Greendale, WI.

I sent the photographs to my Cousin Dawn and her response is below:

Those pictures for sure were from the Botanical Gardens at Whitnall Park. I was there just a few years ago with my mother. Even though I haven’t seen the picture of the man with his back facing us, I’m pretty sure it’s your dad. Since I look about four years old in those pictures, I’d guess them to be from 1947. I’ll check my photo album where I saw some of the same ones.

I welcome comments from friends and family members who can provide information about the photographs.

A day at the Rose Garden, part 2

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Al and Dawn Paskowicz

Joseph Forrai(back side) and Al Paskowicz(far right)

Subject: Top: Al and Dawn Paskowicz. Bottom: Joseph Forrai and Al Paskowicz.
Date: late 1940's.
Location: Boerner Botanical Gardens, Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: Margaret Paskowicz.
Relationship: Father, paternal uncle and cousin.

While going through boxes, I found these photographs in an envelope with Al Paskowicz’s name on it. They are small photographs approximately 1 x 2 inches. I am thinking they are of Al, Margaret and Dawn about 1947 or 1948?

I sent them to my Cousin Dawn and her response is below:

Those pictures for sure were from the Botanical Gardens at Whitnall Park. I was there just a few years ago with my mother. Even though I haven’t seen the picture of the man with his back facing us, I’m pretty sure it’s your dad. Since I look about four years old in those pictures, I’d guess them to be from 1947. I’ll check my photo album where I saw some of the same ones.

I welcome comments from friends and family members who can provide information about the photographs.   For more information on Boerner Botanical Gardens and Whitnall Park, click link below:     Boerner Botanical Gardens

A day in the Rose Garden

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Subject: Dawn Paskowicz.
Date: late 1940's.
Location: Boerner Botanical Gardens, Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: Al Paskowicz.
Relationship: Paternal cousin.

While going through boxes, I found these photographs in an envelope with Al Paskowicz’s name on it.  They are small photographs approximately 1 x 2 inches. I am thinking they are of Al, Margaret and Dawn about 1947 or 1948?

I sent them to my Cousin Dawn and her response is below:

Those pictures for sure were from the Botanical Gardens at Whitnall Park. I was there just a few years ago with my mother. Even though I haven’t seen the picture of the man with his back facing us, I’m pretty sure it’s your dad. Since I look about four years old in those pictures, I’d guess them to be from 1947. I’ll check my photo album where I saw some of the same ones.

I welcome comments from friends and family members who can provide information about the photographs.

For information on Boerner Botanical Gardens and Whitnall Park click the link below:

Boerner Botanical Gardens

A lesson in photography, circa late 1940's

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Dawn Paskowicz



Ann Bockay

Subject: Dawn Paskowicz and Ann Bockay.
Date: late 1940's.
Location: Cudahy, Wisconsin.
Occasion: Unknown.
Photographer: Joseph Forrai.
Relationship: Aunt and Cousin from paternal side.

My father Joseph hand wrote the captions on the photographs. Per my cousin Dawn via email the young photographer was her, Dawn Paskowicz. The photographs were taken at Mary Nowakowski's house. Dawn remembers the chair.

I welcome comments from friends and family members who can provide information about the photographs.