Ancestry Chapter 46
The Decade Beginning with the Year of 1930
1930-1934 1930 Census, Photographs
The 1930 Census
The Norek family is interviewed for the census on April 16, 1930. They are living at 3931 N. Mozart Street, which will be the family home for many more decades.
Michael J. Norek is listed as a tool and die maker and his age is listed as 65. This is correct. Of note is that this census listing is the first document seen which includes the middle initial in his name. Antonia is listed correctly as 42.
Language spoke at home before coming to the U.S. -- German listed for both Antonia and Michael. Where born -- Pommerellen, Poland listed for both. (The area that had been West Prussia is now a territory of Poland.) Both are naturalized. Year came to U.S. -- 1890 (wrong) for Michael and 1903 (wrong) for Antonia. Again, Michael and Helena arrived in 1892, and this "1890" nonsense will persist in family legend. Antonia arrived in 1904.
On the first floor, in addition to Michael J. and Antonia, are Michael Jr. 21, print shop apprentice, Josephine 18, stenographer, Peter 17, errand boy - electric motors, Gertrude 13, Dolores 11, Ruth 9, Thomas 7, and George 4 ½.
On the second floor are Steve and Ruth Norek, now married six years, and a boarder named Charles Wahlbank. Steve is correctly listed as a WWI veteran and a painter (exterior and interior).
Page from the 1930 Census.
Photo right. Marked "Explosion__ Grove House Burnt 1931" and two gals seem to be named Donna and Doreen. Any further identification of event or people would be appreciated.
1931-33, Scholarships and Seminary
Gertrude wins a scholarship to Alvernia High School. Peter decides against an invitation to play baseball in the minor leagues and instead enters the seminary.
1933. Prohibition ends, and the first episode of the Lone Ranger airs on radio.
Left photo. A 1930's
innovation?
Double photograph, as printed.
Clearly a Norek outing.
Left frame from left - Marian,
Mike, & Antonia. Right frame from
right - Cecelia, Dolores & Gertrude.
Right photo. The Norek and Tibus families do Holy Hill. (Holy Hill is in Wisconsin.) Alfons is standing by the automobile. Michael Jr. is laying on the grass on the right. Steve Norek is sitting or kneeling on the left. Then Olive and Rosemary and their younger brothers.
Left photo.
Peter Weber and Mike (Michael Jr.)
Marked on the back as 1932.
Peter Weber was a friend of Mike's who then dated Josephine, and they remained friends through the years. Peter and his wife Leona would be known to Jo's children as Uncle and Aunt Weber.
Right photo. Peter Norek at St. Paul's Academy in Epworth, Iowa, 1933, while studying to become Uncle Father Pete.
Left photo.
Peter Norek.
Marked 12-18-33.
Bottom left photo.
Marked Sacred Heart College,
Girarda, Pa.
Walk among the Pines.
Showing Peter, Tommy, Sis. Ruth and Ruth.
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