Mum's family

My Mother's family and friends in Poland 

1920's - early 2000's.

There are gaps in my knowledge here, because I only ever knew my grandad, uncle, mum's friends she grew up with and people I met on the way.

They came from a town called Glinno then moved to Lodz.

Lodz is basically Polish Manchester a large industrial town that made its fortune in textiles and heavy industry.

I visited every year from age 6 months until 1978. 

Not long after, Solidarity started and then the fall of the Berlin wall, both amazing cornerstones of history not to mention a Polish Pope ! 

It was finally Poland's time to recover its identity and regain its freedom. 

Instead there was mass unemployment, the Communist old guard still in high positions of power so change was slow.

This was probably the first mass  emigration from Poland since the war?

Future in Poland lacked promise. 

Lots of companies propped up by the Government died, although Poles were resourceful and many private companies started up. 

My parents were overjoyed when Solidarność finally won.

I remember their reaction to this day. 

My mum did visit Poland by herself in the 80's, 90's  and lastly in the early 2000's.

Finally my dad visited in the early 90's for the first time since 1939!

It must have been a very emotional trip for him, sadly it was to be his last, his health turned and he died a couple of years later, although he did intend to go again saying  'Stas come on lets get in the car and drive to Poland'

Click the images to enlarge.