Steve's Genealogy Blog

More Churches in the Old Town of Vilnius

Posted on November 16, 2007 by Steve

The Old Town of Vilnius is one of the largest in Europe, and the churches of the Old Town seem to appear wherever one’s gaze wanders. Some of the churches have been breathtakingly restored. Others remain in a state of disrepair.

The Church of Saint Anne was contsructed in the Late Gothic style over a period of 100 years and was completed in 1581. Napoleon is said to have been so enchanted with the Church of Saint Anne that he wished he could carry it back to Paris in the palm of his hand. Whether Napoleon ever made such a statement is debatable. In fact, he stationed some of his cavalry in the church during the Napoleonic Wars, during which time most of the stained glass was broken and the wax ceilings destroyed by the soldiers’ campfires.

The Church of Saint Anne

SOURCE: The Church of Saint Anne in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The Bernardine Church, properly the Church of Saints Francis and Bernardino, was constructed by Bernardine monks atÂ the beginning of the 16th century. Nestled behind the Church and Belltower of the Church of Saint Anne, the Bernardine Church still contains most of its original Gothic polychrome murals.

The Bernardine Church

SOURCE: The Bernardine Church in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Southeast part of the Old Town is apparently part of the Convent of the Visitants. Both the church and the convent are protected inside a walled courtyard and are in some degree of disrepair.

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

SOURCE: The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

In Vilnius, there are two churches named for the Assumption. The Church of the AssumptionÂ in theÂ Southeast part ofÂ the Old Town of Vilnius is close to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Missionary Monastery is adjacent to the church.

The Church of the Assumption

SOURCE: The Church of the Assumption in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Lithuania | 3 Comments

More Annotations on Immigrant Passenger Manifests

Posted on November 15, 2007 by Steve

Back in June 2006, I wrote an articleÂ entitled A New Look at Immigrant Passenger Manifests whereÂ I discussed various annotations frequently seen onÂ early 20th century passenger manifests .

I received a question from Jeff E. who noticed some annotations on the passenger manifest for his great grandmother.

Jeff’s great grandmother traveled from Russia to the United States with a six year old son. The pair arrived at Castle Garden in 1885 on the S.S. Hammonia.

On the line with Jeff’s great grandmother’s name were the numbers 16 and 18 in the column entitled “Date and Cause of Death”. Jeff wondered what these numbers meant and if they might indicate the death of the six year old child. (Look for the numbers 16 and 18 in the lower half of the manifest page, below.)

Page 11 of the Passenger Manifest of the SS Hammonia
27 June 1885

Even though the numbers 16 and 18 appear in the column for “Date and Cause of Death”, these numbers don’t, in fact, refer to a death. Rather, the numbers are a subtotal of the numbers of male and female passengers from a particular country, in this case, Russia.

In most cases, the numbers are a subtotal of the male and female passengers from aÂ given country listedÂ on each page. In the case of Jeff’s grandmother, the numbers are a subtotal of the number of male and female passengers from Russia on pages 5 through 11 of the manifest.

Similar numbers appear throughout the manifest.

An actual death at sea was recorded on page 15 of the manifest. (Look for the notation of death on the lower half of the manifest, below.)

Page 15 of the Passenger Manifest of the SS Hammonia
27 June 1885

Page 15 shows the information for a 70 year old passenger from Germany crossed out. In the “Date and Cause of Death” column, the manifest states “died on sea drowned”. No date was provided.

Passenger manifests were usually completed at the port of departure. The names of passengers who did not arrive at the destination in the United States, therefore, were crossed out. Such was the case for the German passenger who died at sea.

Because relatively few passengers died at sea, the “Date and Cause of Death” column was largely left blank. Officials frequently entered statistical information in unused spaces on the manifest and, thus, the “Date and Cause of Death” column was used to keep subtotals of the numbers of male and female passengers from different countries.

So, it appears that Jeff’s great grandmother and her six year old son arrived safely at Castle Garden at the conclusion of their journey.

Posted in Daily Journal | 1 Comment

The Samsanavicius House in Seirijai

Posted on November 14, 2007 by Steve

On Wednesday, 24 October 2007, my cousins Vitas, Liliana, and I visitedÂ Seirijai, LithuaniaÂ where Vitas’ and Liliana’s grandparents Jonas Samsanavicius and Ona ChmielewskaÂ lived. Ona was the sister of my own grandmother, Helena Chmielewska.

The original foundation of the Samsanavicius house is still visible a short distance from the place where the house is now located.

Original Foundation of the Samsanavicius House

SOURCE: Original Foundation of the Samsanavicius House in Seirijai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

The house has been significantly expanded since the time Jonas and Ona lived there. Two things that haven’t changed, however, are the woodburning stove in the kitchen and the toilet facilities in an outhouse a short distance from the dwelling. The Samsanavicius family no longer lives in this house.

Present Appearance of the Samsanavicius House

SOURCE: Present Appearance of theÂ Samsanavicius House in Seirijai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

The present owner of the house grows black currants (Ribes nigrum). Black currants are highly favored in central and northern Europe and are used to produce juice, jam, jelly, cordial, liqueur, candy, and ice cream. Black currants were once cultivated in the United States (although not native to the United States), but cultivation was banned in the early 20th century when scientists discovered that species of Ribes serve as the alternate host to White Pine Blister Rust and, as such, were a threat to the White Pine forests of the eastern United States. Most North Americans are unfamiliar with black currants.

Black Currant Shrub (Ribes nigrum)

SOURCE: Black Currant ShrubÂ (Ribes nigrum)Â in Seirijai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

Not far from the Samsanavicius house is PirÄiuko Lake. When Vitas and Liliana were young, their grandmother made them run from the house to the lake for exercise. Seeing PirÄiuko Lake for the first time since they were children brought many fond childhood memories back to Vitas and Liliana.

PirÄiuko Lake near Seirijai, Lithuania

SOURCE: PirÄiuko Lake near Seirijai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 24 October 2007.

Posted in Chmielewski/Meleski, Daily Journal | Tagged Lithuania | 3 Comments

The Hill of Three Crosses and Gediminas Hill

Posted on November 13, 2007 by Steve

Two popular stops for tourists in Vilnius, Lithuania are the Hill of Three Crosses and Gediminas Hill.

The Hill of Three Crosses commemorates 14 monks who were killed by pagans in the 14th century. Seven of the monks were killed outright and the rest were tied to crosses and floated down the River Neris. The crosses were removed in 1950 by the Soviet government. The Hill of Three Crosses offers an impressiveÂ view of the Old Town of Vilnius.

The Hill of Three Crosses

SOURCE: The Hill of Three Crosses in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Providing a backdrop to the Vilnius Cathedral, the Higher Castle isÂ reached by a cobblestone path up Gediminas Hill. The walk up the hill was particularly pleasant on this sunny and warm day in Autumn, with leaves changing color and falling to the ground, littering the path up the hill.

Atop Gediminas Hill

SOURCE: Atop Gediminas Hill in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The top of Gediminas Hill is home to the ruins of the Higher Castle. Originally a wooden structure, the Higher Castle was replaced with a brick and stone Gothic castle in the 14th and 15th centuries. Originally the Higher Castle boasted three towers, only one of which remains.

The Higher Castle

SOURCE: The Higher Castle in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The only remaining tower of the Higher Castle has been partially renovated. The tower is home to the Castle Museum which displays armor and models of Vilnius in medieval times. At the top of the tower is an observation platform from which most of the old town of Vilnius can be seen.

The Western Tower of the Higher Castle

SOURCE: The Western Tower of the Higher Castle in Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Lithuania | 3 Comments

World War II Draft Registration Card for Michael Danko

Posted on November 12, 2007 by Steve

My grandfather, Michael Danko, registered for the World War II draft in the fourth registration conducted in 1942.

The fourthÂ registration, alsoÂ known as the old man’s registration, was officially conducted on 27 April 1942 . All men born on or between 28 April 1877 and 16 February 1897Â (between 45 and 64 years old) were required to register.

WWII Draft Registration CardÂ – Michael Danko – Front

WWII Draft Registration CardÂ – Michael Danko – Back

SOURCE: “U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942,” digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 November 2007), Michael Danko, serial no. U3085, order no. not stated, Draft Board 166, Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts; citing Selective Service Registration Cards, World War II: Fourth Registration, NARA microfilm publication M2090, roll 36.

Click on the link for a PDF copy of the World War II Draft Registration Card for Michael Danko. This card provides the following information:

Michael Danko of 15 Henchman St. Worcester, Worcester, Mass. was registered on 26 April 1942 by Ellen M. Gilligan, Registrar for Local Board #166 Worcester, Mass.
His Serial Number was U3085; no Order Number was provided
His mailing address was the same as his place of residence
He had no telephone
He was 64 yrs old and was born on 22 Sept. 1877
He was born in Nienadrwa (sic) Poland
The person who would always know is address was Mrs Mary Danko, 15 Henchman St. Worcester, Mass.
He was unemployed
He was of the White Race; he was 5 ft 8″ tall and 140′
He had Blue Eyes, Brown Hair, and Light Complexion
He wore glasses

Although the registration was officially conducted on 27 April 1942, my grandfather registered on the 26th of April. His place of birth is listed as Nienadrwa, Poland. The name of the village is misspelled and the name of the country where he was born is technically incorrect. The correct spelling of the village is Nienadowa . Grandfather was born in 1877 inÂ Galicia (Austria) which, in 1942, was indeed Poland.

My grandfather did not serve in World War II, but three of his four sons did. His son Michael Jr. served as a ShipfitterÂ First ClassÂ in the US Navy, his son JosephÂ served asÂ a Sergeant in the US Army, and his son Francis served as a Seaman First Class in the US Naval Armed Guard. All three sons survived the war.

Posted in Daily Journal, Dańko | 3 Comments

The Vilnius Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika)

Posted on November 11, 2007 by Steve

The Roman Catholic Vilnius Cathedral is built on the site of an ancient pagan temple dedicated to Perkūnas, the god of thunder and fire. Five different cathedrals have been built on this site, each one destroyed by war or natural disaster.

The Vilnius Cathedral

SOURCE: The Vilnius Cathedral, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Under Stalin and Soviet rule, the statues of Saints Helena, Casimir, and Stanislaus on theÂ roof were destroyed. The CathedralÂ was used as anÂ auto repair shop. After Stalin’s death, the Cathedral was converted to an art gallery. In 1988 the structure was returned to the Roman Catholic Church andÂ eight years later the statues of Saints Helena, Casimir, and Stanislaus were replicated and replaced.

Altar of the Vilnius Cathedral

SOURCE: Altar of theÂ Vilnius Cathedral, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

In Cathedral Square, surrounding the cathedral itself, there exists one paving stone that is different from all the others. On it is the word “stebuklas”, the Lithuania word for “miracle”. Local legend says that you must search for the miracle stone yourself – no one can reveal the exact location. When you find the stone, you can make a wish while turning 360 degrees clockwise.

The Miracle Stone

SOURCE: The Miracle Stone in Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Like other cathedrals, the Vilnius Cathedral contains many small chapels. One such chapel is the 17th Century Baroque Chapel of St. Casimir which survived the destruction of the previous cathedral and was incorporated into the present one. This chapel contains the remains of St. Casimir, patron saint of Lithuania, who died of Tuberculosis in 1484 at the age of 25. Casimir was the son of Casimir IV Jagiellon and grandson of Władysław II Jagiełło both of whom, in their respective times, served as Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland.

Click on the photograph of the Chapel of St. Casimir and look closely at the white plaster depiction of the Madonna and Child behind the altar and notice how oddly broad the Blessed Virgin’s smile is. Though not clear enough in this photograph to notice, the silver portrait towards the bottom of the photograph shows St. Casimier with three hands, depicted in this way to emphasize his generosity.

The Chapel of St. Casimir

SOURCE: The Chapel of St. Casimir in the Vilnius Cathedral, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 October 2007.

Outside the cathedral stands the Clock Tower. The lowerÂ tier of the Clock Tower was part of the 14th century fortifications of the Lower Castle and contains many gunports. Two additional tiers were added in the 1520s to convert the structure to a bell tower. A fourth tier, added still later, contains a clock.

The Vilnius Cathedral and Clock Tower at Night

SOURCE: The Vilnius Cathedral and Clock Tower at Night, Vilnius, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 22 October 2007.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Lithuania | Comments Off

Russian Orthodox Churches in Vilnius

Posted on November 10, 2007 by Steve

As a whole, Lithuania’s population is Roman Catholic, but as a result of the strong Russian influences throughout history, Vilnius is home to several Russian Orthodox Churches, including the Church of St. Nicolas and the Church of the Holy Spirit.

The Church of St. Nicolas (Exterior)

SOURCE: The Church of St. Nicolas (Exterior). Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The Church of St. Nicolas is located on a busy part of DidÅ¾ioji Street, close toÂ a bustling flea market. Candlelit and serene, this small church is a quite respite from the activity outside.

The Church of St. Nicolas (Interior)

SOURCE: The Church of St. Nicolas (Interior). Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

In stark contrast to St. Nicolas, the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit is a busy destination for tourists. The exterior courtyard is currently being renovated, but the modest exterior of the church belies the opulence inside.

The Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit (Exterior)

SOURCE: The Orthodox Church ofÂ the Holy SpiritÂ (Exterior). Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

The focal point of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit is a glass topped case containing the bodies of Saints Anthony, Ivan, and Eustace, martyrs killed when they refused to renounce their faith.

The Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit (Interior)

SOURCE: The Orthodox Church ofÂ the Holy SpiritÂ (Interior). Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 25 October 2007.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Lithuania | 3 Comments

Trakai and the Karaites

Posted on November 9, 2007 by Steve

In Trakai, a group of people called the Karaites have had a significant influence on local architecture and culture. The Karaites are an offshoot of Judaism, although they are not Semitic. Karaites are of Turkish origin and were living in the Crimean peninsula when Grand Duke Vytautas brought them to Lithuania (some as prisoners of war).

View of Lake GalvÄ— in Trakai, Lithuania

SOURCE: View of Lake GalvÄ— in Trakai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

In Lithuania, the Karaites were allowed to practice their own religion. They served as guards in the fortresses and as personal bodyguards to Vytautas. The Karaites culture has permeated daily life in Trakai and many restaurants serve kibinai, a delicious pastry filled with mutton or mushrooms or other delicacies.

Karaites Houses in Trakai, Lithuania

SOURCE: Karaites Houses in Trakai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Karaites still live in Trakai. Their houses are distinctive with three windows facing the street. In fact, the houses are typically constructed sideways to the street, with the length of the houses extending away from the street and the entrance on the side. Many of the houses are built on stone foundations.

More Karaites Houses in Trakai, Lithuania

SOURCE: More Karaites Houses in Trakai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Just down the street from the houses of the Karaites stands the Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. The church was consecrated on 22 September 1863 in commemoration of the defeat of the Polish-Lithuanian Uprising against the Russian government.

Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary in Trakai, Lithuania

SOURCE: Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary in Trakai, Lithuania. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Lithuania | 7 Comments

The Island Castle in Trakai, Lithuania

Posted on November 8, 2007 by Steve

On Tuesday, 23 October 2007, my cousin Liliana and I traveled to Trakai to visit the Trakai Historical National Park, the smallest of Lithuania’sÂ five national parks.

We traveled from Vilnius to Trakai by bus and then walked the remainder of the distance to the Island Castle on Lake GalvÄ—. The Island Castle was left in ruins after the 17th century wars with the Russians, but was restored between 1951 and 1962. The Island Castle is one of Lithuania’s most famous sights.

Trakai itself dates back to the 12th century. The city was conquered by the Teutonic Knights, but later became one of Europe’s strongest fortresses under Grand Duke Vytautas.

The Island Castle across the Water – Trakai

SOURCE: The Island Castle across the Water – Trakai. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

The Island Castle – Trakai

SOURCE: The Island Castle – Trakai. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Interior Courtyard of the Island Castle – Trakai

SOURCE: Interior Courtyard of theÂ Island Castle – Trakai. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Artifacts in the Island Castle – Trakai

SOURCE: Artifacts in the Island Castle – Trakai. Photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 23 October 2007.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Lithuania | 1 Comment

The Lithuanian Parish of Butrimonys

Posted on November 7, 2007 by Steve

While living in the Lithuanian village of LikiÅ¡kÄ—s, my grandmother’s family attended church in Butrimonys, although some records show that, at times, they attended church in StakliÅ¡kÄ—s.