This exchange captured the voice of one of the oldest known Elcik descendants still living at the time of contact. Gene Elcik, writing from Maine at the age of eighty-seven, brought perspective shaped by military service, professional life, and earlier, often frustrating attempts to trace the family’s European origins. His message reflected both the urgency of legacy and the resilience required for long-term genealogical work.
At a Glance
- First Contact: October 17, 2020
- Primary Surname: Elcik
- Medium: Email
- Role in Project: Senior family witness; historical context contributor
Correspondence Log
Contact #1 — October 17, 2020, 3:21 PM — Email
Gene Elcik:
Thanks, John,
I’m happy to see I’m not the only Elcik remaining in this world. At my age of eighty-seven and a half, life is hanging on the edge. As you are a Doctor, I assume that is a Ph.D. labeling, not an MD or DO? Do you visit Maine often?
Gene Elcik:
As a retired military person and owner of a commercial appraisal operation, I did get to travel around this wonderful land of ours. However, the magnetism of Maine brought me back to roost. Before all this, I worked at the Brunswick Naval Air Station as a civilian Special Service Officer, operating their Recreation Department. Best job I ever had. Unfortunately, the base closed, thus requiring me to return to college and commercial appraising. At times, I teach the appraisal course at a couple of local colleges.
Gene Elcik:
Beth Gamache asked if I could provide her with some of the Elcik history. I provided her with the same photograph you have of my grandfather’s Durham family. We identified all in that photograph.
Gene Elcik:
Before that, I attempted to obtain information via the Czech Republic. That was no help at all. When Germany invaded the Czech Republic, all records were destroyed. Discouraged, I didn’t resume my history of the Elciks.
Gene Elcik:
My father, Andrew J.; my brother, Andrew W. II; and his son, Andrew Elcik III (all deceased).
Gene Elcik:
Keep up the SEARCH,
Gene
Why This Contact Mattered
Gene’s message underscored both the fragility and importance of lived memory. His earlier unsuccessful attempts to access European records explained why so much knowledge stalled for decades, while his encouragement affirmed the necessity of continuing the work before firsthand voices were lost. This contact grounded the project in generational urgency and historical realism.