Sat, August 1, 2020, at 4:51 AM
Beth,
I’ve pieced together a part of the backstory of Aunt Gertrude’s letter dated April 24, 1961.
She is talking about Helen B. Mosko, her new stepmother. Helen and John Jr. were married on September 1, 1959.
John P Elcik, Jr. and Helen B. Mosko saw their spouses pass away (John in 1951 and Helen in 1953).
Helen lives five more years after John, Jr. died on March 31, 1963.
I think it is interesting that Helen speaks mostly Slovak. Aunt Gertrude says she likes her but can’t get herself to call her mother.
My Dad, in his papers, also shares the information that Helen is a naturalized citizen. Naturalization Certificate Number is 637181 issued at Bath, Maine, October 10, 1917. Both he and Aunt Gertrude reference the same Certificate number.
What is still a mystery for me is the reference to checks. I also don’t know who Auntie Gertrude writes this letter. Who would she call kids?
What do you think?
John, IV
P.S. I also am at a loss as to why my father did not acknowledge Helen’s existence when I asked him in a 2008 letter.
