I recently found a photograph an old envelope that was sent to Katarzyna KNUREK of Springfield, Massachusetts from Barycz, Poland? in 1914. You can see the envelope on http://philgen.org (search on KNUREK, click on View, and scroll to the bottom of the page), or click on the link below. I am unable to find Katarzyna KNUREK in a census or similar source and wondered if someone more familiar with Springfield can locate her. I believe that Barycz may be the birthplace of Katarzyna KNUREK (or her parents) and this envelope will be helpful to someone in their genealogical research. The reason I have a photo of the envelope is because of my interest in using old envelopes and postcards in genealogical research. I have an article in the spring 2009 issue of New England Ancestors entitled Philatelic Genealogy (viewable on the philgen website) and have started the philgen website. I do not know if the letter that was in the envelope still exists.

Here is a direct link to the photo of the envelope: http://philgen.org/index.php?option=com_fabrik&c=form&am...

I found this listing in the 1916 Springfield, MA Directory.

1916 Springfield MA Directory
KNRUK, CATHERINE emp 392 Main bds 27 Hubbard Ave
Carolyn

Thanks Carolyn-She's also present in the 1917, 1918, 1920, and the 1922 Springfield, MA directories.

Thanks again.
Jim Miller

Dear Jim,

The envelopes are surely one of the valuable resources. The one you found says not only 'Barycz', but also 'Wesoła'. There is 10 places called 'Barycz' in Poland and ca. 11 called 'Wesoła'. The two nearest ones are in the former Galicia and now in podkarpackie county, see: http://maps.google.pl/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=pl&...

The information itself is not very useful however, as you do not know the sender of that letter. But if you look at the distribution of the name Knurek in Poland: http://www.moikrewni.pl/mapa/kompletny/knurek.html you will find that it is most popular in the Brzozów district - the same where Barycz is located in.

We can therefore with high probability state two things:
1. The letter was posted in Barycz/Wesoła, near Brzozów, podkarpackie county, Galicia, during WWI,
2. Katarzyna Knurek came most probably either from Brzozów or from Wesoła.

You did not specify the question however and we don't know what we are looking for therefeore it is difficult to say how useful the information is. If you would like just to provide that information 'to whom it may concern' I would suggest you post it on the Poland/unknown board with the subject: 'Katarzyna Knurek from Barycz/Wesoła to Springfield, MA, 1914' and specifying the surname Knurek in the appropriate field.

Hi Borys_Czerniejewski,

Thanks so much for your analysis and suggested next step. A query has been posted on the general Poland message board. I believe Wesola (or Wesol) is a location within a larger area named Barycz.

Thanks again.
Jim Miller