At this meeting the group enjoyed the movie, "Slovakia: Treasures from the Heart of Europe," a film that highlighted numerous travel-worthy destinations in Slovakia. The DVD is part of the group's library and can be borrowed for your home-viewing pleasure. Contact Jo to arrange a loan.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 6 at 9:30 am at our usual location, Kirkland Fire Station #22.

RESEARCH SUCCESSES

Helen was able to find her father's original birth certificate and an interesting double passport. She also had a wood ornament with a star and the inscription "P F 2019." Here's the explanation from Wikipedia "Following the tradition established by the New Year cards of Charles Chotek of Chotkow, the highest Burgrave of Bohemia (function roughly similar to a prime minister) between 1826 and 1843, Czechs and Slovaks still use the old French inscription pour féliciter, or "P.F.", together with the number of forthcoming year, standing for "be happy in the forthcoming year". The author of many Chotek's New Year Cards was Prague painter and engraver Josef Bergler."

John reported that his great uncles fought on the side of the Empire in the Great War.

Tom's research revealed that his Bohemian grandfather emigrated in the 1870s and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1904, ultimately settling in Spokane where he was involved in a number of public works projects.

Mike's 23 Me DNA matches found a Calgary relative for his GG Grandfather. Mike's family settled in Fernie BC and he has found some good info there.

Carol P was able to visit Slovakia recently and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. She recommends searching the "books" files in FamilySearch.org. There are records from a number of town historical societies and other organizations. She was able to find books written by an ancestor and the town history of Belt MT, showing information a bout some of her relatives. Carol also found some good information in familysearch.org which helped make some lateral connections on her family tree. She will share some tips about the process at our next meeting.

JoAnn asked if anyone had information about the old slave markets in Moravia. She will do some research and will share her findings at the next meeting.

Finally, Helen reminded the group about the Northwest Accordion Society that entertains at 7:30 pm on the second Monday of each month at the West Seattle Senior Center on the corner of California & Oregon.

Jo Herber

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