Guide to the The Romanyshyn Family Papers 1915-1965
- Repository
- Heinz History Center
- Title
- The Romanyshyn Family Papers
- Creator
- Romanyshyn Family
- Collection Number
- MSS 0619
- Extent
- 1 linear foot (1 box)
- Date
- 1915-1965
- Abstract
- At the age of 21, Mary Markevich Romanyshyn immigrated to America from Poland and settled in Pittsburgh. Upon her arrival, Mary became a student at the McCrum National Training School for Slovanic Young Women in Uniontown, Pa. The Romanyshyn Family Papers mostly consist of materials relating to Mary's time at the McCrum School. This collection also contains the citizenship papers and marriage license of Mary Markevich Romanyshyn and her husband, Nicolas Romanyshyn. Business records annotate Nicolas's work as a contractor and two personal diaries written by Mary chronicle significant moments in the lives of Romanyshyn family members from 1922 to 1965.
- Language
- The material in this collection is in English.
- Sponsor
- This collection has been made accessible as part of an NHPRC-funded Basic Processing grant.
- Publisher
- Heinz History Center
- Address
- 1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org
History
Mary Markevich Romanyshyn was born in 1892 in Poland. At the age of 21, Mary immigrated to America and settled in Pittsburgh. Upon her arrival, Mary became a parishioner at the Polish Methodist Episcopal Church in the Southside neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Members of this congregation urged Mary to attend the McCrum National Training School for Slovanic Young Women in Uniontown, Pa. While a student at this school, Mary received education in biblical studies, sewing and the English language in order to teach immigrant children the Christian faith. In May of 1915, Mary received certification to teach religion from the Pennsylvania State Sabbath School Association. On September 28, 1920, Mary Markevich married Nicolas Romanyshyn, an immigrant from Austria-Hungary, at the Polish Methodist Episcopal Church. In October of 1922, the couple settled into a home Nicolas constructed in McKees Rocks, Pa. Nicolas worked as a contractor, constructing homes in the areas surrounding McKees Rocks. While it appears that Mary never taught any Sabbath school classes, she did actively attend Methodist Conferences held in the Pittsburgh area. Nicolas and Mary had two daughters, Pearl Marie, born on April 2, 1923 and Eleanor Ann, born on September 17, 1927.
Scope and Content Notes
The Romanyshyn Family Papers mostly consist of materials relating to Mary's time at the McCrum National Training School for Slovanic Young Women. School books, notebooks, class notes and a diploma document Mary's education at the McCrum School while a scrapbook records the recreational activities associated with this program. This collection also contains the citizenship papers and marriage license of Mary Markevich Romanyshyn and Nicolas Romanyshyn. Business records annotate Nicolas's work as a contractor, in particular the expenses he incurred while constructing homes in the McKees Rocks area. Two personal diaries written by Mary chronicle significant moments in the lives of Romanyshyn family members from 1922 to 1965. These diaries also record major events that occurred in McKees Rocks and its environs. Also included in this collection is an 1889 polish bible that Mary brought with her when she immigrated to Pittsburgh.
Conditions Governing Access
None.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift from Pearl Hucko in 1994.
Archives accession # 1994.0023
Preferred Citation
The Romanyshyn Family Papers, 1915-1965, MSS 0619, Library and Archives Division, Senator John Heinz History Center
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Sierra Green on 10/26/2011.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Related Materials
A glass bottle that Mary Romanyshyn used to transport holy water is in the Museum's collection.
Subjects
- McCrum National Training School for Slovanic Young Women (Uniontown, Pa.)
- Polish Methodist Episcopal Church (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
- McKees Rocks,(Pa.)
- Methodist Episcopal Church-- Polish
- House Construction-- Pennsylvania-- McKees Rocks