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Whiting, Indiana: Generational Memory, 1991-1993

Interviewee
Palko, Ann; Badnarik, Elaine April 30, 1992 

Call Number
91-166

Physical Description

64 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 130 minutes; index; brief history of Whiting, Indiana

Interviewer
Bodnar, John

Access Status

Open

Scope and Content Note

Ann Palko, born in 1913, and Elaine Badnarik, born in 1934, each discuss the story of their antecedents' emigration to the United States from Slovakia, then part of Austria-Hungary. They speak of their youths in Hegewisch, Illinois, the process of Americanization as evidenced by family photographs, family values, and the importance of Catholicism in community life. Ms. Badnarik reveals her interest in genealogical research by relating many stories of her family and ancestors, both in Slovakia and America. Ms. Palko speaks of her work at Standard Oil, while Ms. Badnarik discusses being employed at Republic Steel. Both women emphasize generational differences in the Whiting community, including a lack of religious and traditional values in youth.

  • Keywords
    • Corporation Names
    • Daughters of Isabella
    • Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
    • Republic Steel
    • St. John's Catholic Church
    • St. Theresa Ladies' Parish Club
    • Standard Oil Company
    • Family Names
    • Grenchik
    • Personal Names
    • Gima, Mary Cerep
    • Gima, Michael
    • Kennedy, John Fitzgerald
    • Rajcany, Benedict
    • Palko, Andro
    • Place Names
    • Austria-Hungary
    • Hegewisch, Illinois
    • Orava, Czechoslovakia
    • Subjects
    • Americanization
    • Catholicism
    • cultural traditions
    • discrimination
    • family values
    • Fourth of July
    • Great Depression
    • immigrants
    • local controversy
    • Rosary clubs
    • Whiting centennial
    • World War II