“Hungary” For Family History: A Research Proposal
“Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety, and a better future. It is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family” -Ban Ki-moon
Ever since I was a little girl, I can vividly remember my mother working in the kitchen as the scents of cabbage, sauerkraut, tomatoes, and ground beef fill the room. She is working to fix a traditional Slovakian dish by the name of holubky, which is cabbage stuffed with ground beef, rice, onion, egg and sauerkraut, which is then cooked in tomato sauce. Not only is this dish tasty, but it is also represents a key piece of family heritage. My mother can remember eating this dish that her father made her. Before that, my grandpa Andy grew up eating holubkys that were deeply encrusted into his Slovakian roots. This traditional meal is a representative of my Slovakian heritage, and passes along customs that are directly related to my family history.
It is very possible to be confused when I simply state “Slovakian” roots. A question that one may ask is “Where exactly is Slovakia” or “What are Slovakian roots?” When I first started out my research for this project, I was actually confused as well, so it is completely understandable to be confused.
Well, here is the spill to clear any confusion. During the time in which my great grandparents came over to the United States, the area that they came from was divided into Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. The area previously mentioned, however, was controlled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which encompassed the country of Slovakia as well. This problematic area of land in Central Europe can be difficult to comprehend and discuss due to the issues it has had dealing with changes in empires and governments. The area of these three countries can often be confused with one another as they are so close in range, and have ultimately been all apart of the same empire.
When I discovered that the English 1102 class I am in was devoted to researching and writing about family history, I immediately thought about my grandparents. This class was the perfect opportunity to delve into discovering more about them, and ultimately learn about my family history overall.
I never got to meet my maternal grandparents, but throughout my life, I have heard so much about them. My mother constantly reminds me of how much I am a mixture of them both. There have been many times, in which, I can remember my mom saying “You are just like your grandmother” or “Gosh, you sure do remind me of my dad.” Since I did not get to meet the two individuals, it has been a mission of mine to find out more about their lives, past history, and personalities. I want to know why my mom constantly says that I do things daily that are just like them. It is so weird to think that three people that have never met each other can be so similar in various ways.
The Background of the Fedak Family:
1720–1840:
Few Slovaks migrated due to Magyarization, which was the assimilation and acculturation of non-Hungarian people. These non-Hungarians were forced to adopt Hungarian culture, language, and social aspects. Most individuals agreed voluntarily to abide by the new culture; however, some were forced to surrender their “old” ways as a result of social pressure, and if one refused to embrace the new culture, then they often left and migrated to a new area. Although the process of Magyarization was one event that raised immigration rates, the more common reason most people immigrated was due to an economic downfall within the area. In 1720, the population was 1 million, and by 1840, the population more than doubled its size to 2.4 million.
The nobles of this area did not want to industrialize or fix the issue of too little of land. There was no way to accommodate this surplus of people; therefore, this left many people landless and without jobs. Due to having no land nor job, the only way to survive was to emigrate. Luckily, if one was willing to travel to such far lands, America offered numerous jobs as a solution to this problem.
Civil War (1861- 1865):
After the Civil War, industrialization of the United States was inevitable as innovation was on the rise and the establishment of the Transcontinental Railroad allowed even the most remote areas to become a part of the industrial economy. Because of the industrialization growth within American society, thousands of jobs were created. The creation of these jobs placed America as an area to draw immigrants in to perform hard labor at cheap wages. The 1880’s and 1890’s immigration noticeably increased; however, in 1905, immigration from Slovakia to the United States increased greatly due to the expansion of jobs, and the immigrants that were willing to accept them.
Hungary 1877:
“Andre, Andre. Come quick.”
As Andre rushed into the room, he was greeted with the cries of a newborn child. His wife had just given birth to their first born son, Andrew John Fedak (who was my great grandfather). The proud new parents were ecstatic as any new parents would be, and were ready to take on the challenges of life with their new baby boy by their side.
Austria 1887:
*Sounds of a crying baby are heard*
A mother is cradling a tiny baby wrapped in a bundle of blankets as she tries to soothe her newborn child while her husband stands by her side admiring their precious gift of God. This tiny bundle of joy was baby girl by the name of Mary Remak (my great grandmother). These two new parents are soaking in the new feelings and emotions as they are delighted to have a baby girl of their own.
United States 1905:
Scared, but hopeful for a new start on life, Mary Remak boards a ship heading to the United States. She arrives, and eventually settles in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania. This area was a popular place for immigrants as it was not too far from Ellis Island, and it offered a surplus of jobs.
United States 1907:
Seeking a new lease on life to find freedom and the “American Dream”, Andrew John Fedak, decides to come to the United States, in hopes to have a steady job with reasonable wages. He would do anything to get out of the overpopulated, under industrialized country that had a shortage of jobs. He too, also immigrated to Bridgeport, Pennsylvania.
Shortly after Andrew Fedak’s arrival he married Mary Remak, and started a family in the new country. They eventually had four children: Johnnie, Mike, Mary, Annie, and Andrew.
The second name in the list of children, Andrew, is one that will prevail over the entire research project. Andrew John Fedak II, or as most know him, Andy, is my grandfather. He was born on August 3, 1917 in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania to Slovakian immigrants: Andrew and Mary. As a child of immigrant parents, he had to work diligently for everything that he earned. With a high school education under his belt, young Andy joined the workforce in the steel mills around the outskirts of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania. He worked hard in this manual labor job to help support his parents and family. Small in statue at only 5’5", he was known for his tremendous athleticism and brute strength, which ultimately helped him endure the harsh environment of the steel mills.
As tension grew between the Allies and Axis powers, a war was eventually started that grew into the most deadliest and global war in history, this war was known as World War II. In hopes to help defeat Nazi Germany and the Axis powers, the United States joined forces with the Allies in order to mobilize against the atrocities that the Axis Powers were committing. Because the United States ultimately got involved in the war, it called upon thousands of men and women to help in the support of the war. My grandfather was drafted on November 6, 1940, where he fought for his country in various places across the world such as the jungles of New Guinea, Australia, and the Philippines. He was also stationed at the Schofield Barracks in Hawaii when the attack on Pearl Harbor happened. As cruel and unjust as war may be, this is where Andy met the future love of his life, Anita Puckett.
After the war, Andy and Anita got married, and moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee where they started a family. They had three boys, Andrew, David, and Mike, and one girl, Frances (my mother). Four children and numerous grandchildren later, their legacy lives on. Even though, my grandparents passed away before I met them, I am reminded everyday of how they have influenced me although we have never met. I am truly thankful for who they were and the lives that they lived, for it has instilled a legacy that will be remembered in our family for generations to come.
As I continue to try to discover more about my grandparents, more specifically my Grandpa Andy, I will interview my uncle, Andrew Fedak III, in hopes to gain more knowledge.
Interview Questions:
- Did Grandpa Andy ever talk about his parents?
- Did he know much about his parent’s immigration, or their past in the old country?
- Were you able to meet your grandparents? If so, what were they like?
- I remember from past stories about our family history that there is a possible scandal? Could you tell me more about that?
- Did Grandpa Andy ever talk about what it was like to be the son of an immigrant family?
- I know that Grandpa Andy fought in World War II. Did he talk about the war, or was it not brought up much?
- As for the war, do you know any back stories about his times in service?
- I know that there is a neat story on how he met Grandma Anita. Can you give me more details about it?
- After my grandparents got married, how did they make their way to Tennessee?
- I know that Grandpa Andy was a small individual at only 5’5”, but his personality made up for it in many ways, can you describe what he was like?
Thernstrom, Stephan. “Slovak” Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups. Cambridge, MA: Belknap of Harvard U, 1980. N. pg 926–934. Print.
