10-Year Old Lucas Muratore On His Great-Grandfather, Mark Przdecki
Lucas Muratore is a third-gen Klodawa descendant. His grandfather, Mark Przdecki, emmigrated from Klodawa to the United States, arriving at Ellis Island. Lucas was recently asked by his school class to cast himself as an immigrant as part of "Immigration Day." He chose to play his grandfather. Although Lucas was assigned to make an oral presentation, he and his mom, Judy, shared with us his informal notes.
Hi!
My name is Mark Przdecki. The trip was really long from Klodawa, Poland. That's the place I was born. I left my beautiful country because my Uncle Aron lived here in America. He wrote to me when I still lived in Klodawa and he told me how wonderful America was, and all the new opportunities there. Also, in Poland things were getting rough so I decided to come here to America. I wanted to leave all the people who were being mean to all us Jews! I hope to work in my Uncle's business as a tailor and have a better life. Also, I want to get my other family members over here. I plan to live in Boston with my Uncles and Aunts.
I hurried to the ship running. I carried my suitcase which I have here. Let me show you some things. This boot represents the salt mines in Poland. This cap is called a Yamaka and it is used to pray. I used it a lot on the ship praying to get to American safely. Here is my family photo. I just can't wait until I get enough money to bring the rest of my family over. I always read books during the ship ride. It is my favorite thing to do. Polish salami is a great food, and it will not spoil. Mmmm....
The voyage was crowded and noisy, but I don't think it was as bad as steerage. By the way, I was in second class. I slept on a top bunk. When I saw the Statue of Liberty I felt excited because I was finally going to see America. I met up with my Uncle Julius from New Jersey. Then I went off to Boston. Life in the U.S. is different because all these people are speaking a different language. But, I think life in America is going to be great. Oh, look at the time. I'm going to be late for my train. Bye!
Lucas,
What a creative way to celebrate your grandfather's arrival in America. It is wonderful to know that you are familiar with your family history and carrying the flame forward another generation.
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interesting...
My name is also Lucas Muratore, but I'm an Argentinean citizen with no jewish connections...I guess.. I just happened to google my name and found this website
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Hi Lucas Muratore:
My son is going to be SO excited to see this comment! How unusual. It's not as if it's a very popular name at all.
Muratore is from my husband's side of the family. He is 100% Italian. His father is from Naples, and his mother is from Calabria. As far as we know, no Jewish blood. Although, from what I hear, his great-grandfather was an orphan, so you never know!
Thank you for writing in with this tid-bit of information.
Adios!
Judy Muratore
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contact your cousin, David (me)
pizerdavid@yahoo.com
pizerdavid@yahoo.com
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I love your story, Lucas. I'm sure your grandfather is very proud of you for keeping the stories alive.
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Hi Lucinda-
I'm Judy Muratore, Lucas' mother. I'm glad you liked his story. It is actually MY grandfather he was writing about--his great-grandfather. I will pass on your comment to him. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to see it.
How did you stumble upon this site? Do you have any connections to Klodawa, and/or Poland. I noticed your name, Lucinda, so perhaps Lucas' story came up if you were looking for something under your own name?
Whatever the reason, thank you for taking the time to take a glance and
write your very nice comment in.
Judy Muratore
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