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Frydrych (Frederick) and Mroz family photographs

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 515

Scope and Contents

The Frydrych (Frederick) and Mroz family photograph collection contains twenty-eight photographs, mainly formal portraits, taken in the early to middle part of the 20th century, of members of the Polish community in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Approximately half of the photographs include identifying information. A number of the photos are of the Frydrych and Mroz families, connected through the marriage of John Frydrych's sister, Stella, to John Mroz, Sr. Other family names identified in this collection are Galka, Kunish, Truszkowski, Dominski, and Zoppa.

Additional genealogical research might explain how the Frydrych and Mroz families are connected to the other individuals represented in this collection, as well as provide a better understanding of early 20th century life in this Grand Rapids community.

Dates

  • Majority of material found within 1900 - 1989

Biographical / Historical

John Frydrych (1894-1956) and his wife, Viola Biadasiewicz (1887- 1990), were both born in Poland. They immigrated to the United States in the 1910s. It is unclear where they met and married. They settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan and had four children; John (1919-1985), Joan (1921-2009), Harry (1923-2009) and Thomas (1934-2020). The Frydrychs attended St. Adalbert Basilica and John, Sr. was employed by American Seating.

John Mroz, Sr. (1889-1945) and his wife, Stella Frydrych (1890-1980), were both born in Poland. They were married in Grand Rapids and they had six children; twins Mary (1912-1986) and Marcia (1912-1985), John Jr. (1914-1967), Adam (1916-1985), Stanley (1921-1996), and Dorothy (1929-2008). John, Sr. operated a grocery and meat market, and the family attended St. Adalbert Basilica.

Extent

.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Frydrych (Frederick) and Mroz family photograph collection contains twenty-eight photographs, mainly formal portraits, taken in the early to middle part of the 20th century and left at the Grand Rapids Public Library by an anonymous donor. The people represented are members of the Polish Catholic community from the west side of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is unclear if all of the individuals represented are part of a larger family. However, the Frydrych (Frederick) family and the Mroz family were connected. John Stanley Frydrych and Stephania Mroz were siblings.

John Frydrych (1894-1956) and Viola Biadasiewicz (1887- 1990) had four children. John's sister, Stella (1890-1980), married John Mroz, Sr. (1889-1945) and they had six children.

Those researching the Polish community in Grand Rapids may find this collection of interest, as would those researching Polish genealogy.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Anonymous donor. Frydrych (Frederick) and Mroz family photographs 2022.047.

Title
Finding Aid for the Frydrych (Frederick) and Mroz family photographs
Status
Completed
Author
Jennifer Andrew
Date
2022-07-07
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository

Contact:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497