Some Jakubowski Family History
This portion of the website has lasting value to everyone in the family... and maybe a tinge of excitement. It is certain that, within not-too-many generations back (from the family immigation to the USA), there was a royal title to be found. The title of Countess is within your, not too distant, tree. Namely, Bronislawa Szpengel Jakubowska. This according to a letter written by B.E.'s sister Helen and one written by Bronislawa. It's not clear yet if it's a Polish or Austrian title. In the letters there were references to a Prince in the Szpengel lineage, Prince Ossolinski.
The following is a copy of an original letter written by Helen Jakubowska to her "step cousin", Viola. As it is difficult to read and follow, a semi-corrected, typed version follows it below. The reference to Prince Osolinski (Ossolinski) is quite telling.
Elma, N.Y.
Dear Viola !
You are asking me if my mother was your mother's step sister. Yes, she was one father, different mothers. My mother, as my Grand Mother, was titled. She came from Prince Osolinski family so she was the last countess from Spengel family. It is some thing to talk about our family. It would take a book to read the life of our family. Your mother is from Swortha family, thats all German. As you know our grand father married twice widows that's when the title was lost. Why don't you ask your aunt Kuchnia she would know. All I know my mother loved your mother very much and they lived like good sisters. Now how are you and family, because I am getting old and time is getting short. I am feeling pretty good and I thank God that I can see, hear and write yet so it is not so bad. I am staying by my nephew John Jakubowski. They are treating me good and I got easy life. That's all I do is sit. They don't want me to work. Well I told my niece that I need exercise so I want to dry dishes at least. That I can do. I need a little walk and stretch. I lost my last brother Frank. Now I am left alone just nieces and nephews that's all. And it's pretty hard walking but I do it. I am going to a Christmas party to my sister in law. She is the widow now. Well I have to end this writing and wish you best of health, good luck and happiness.
Love
Helen Jakubowska
Ossolinski Coat of Arms
From Ron's letter
I will refer to my father as "Bill", because his family did. Incidentally most of his friends referred to him as "Jake", because of the American pronounciation of his last name ("jake- ah-bow-ski"). First, I'll give you some insight about his family and then something about him.
Generally, I don't believe that Poles remain family-bound as much as some others, but Bill's family was extremely close. "Tight" is the best word for it. I think the fact, that their father died young, drew them together. After their father died, they continued to live in the flat above a liquor store at 218 Gibson St. in Buffalo.
Helen Jakubowska helped support the family by operating "Helen's Beauty Shop" (later to become "Jacob's Beauty shop") next to the liquor store. After her mother, Helen became the family matriarch. Helen never married.
The youngest brother, Victor, seemed to be the least attached and, consequently, I remember very little of him.
The Jakubowski clan had a character about it that was kind of different. Much of that character was very enjoyable. The brothers were all macho but Bill, Louie and Frank (in that order) were very macho and Victor, Bill and John (in that order) were the charmers. Interestingly, Bill clearly fell into both categories. I'm not sure about Helen but, all the brothers went to church (Catholic) regularly and would visit with each other every Sunday after church. I remember many Sundays on Gibson when Bill would take us to visit Grandma Jakubowska, but rarely with Sophie. Many times he would just take me. I believe that there was "acrimonious tension" between Sophie and both Helen and Grandma Jakubowska. Maybe Sophie called her mother-in-law, "Bronislawa", one day in a heated moment.
Bill's loyalty to Gibson was unshakable and he went there whether Sophie liked it or not, which of course did not help their marriage. Frankly, I can recall an impression about Helen and Grandma Jakubowska that would have made Gibson a very hostile environment for any outsider female. I think they were very possessive about their "boys".
The Jakubowski(s) were all fluent in Polish and were strong traditionalists. They were very formal in their relationships, very proud and a very private family. The brothers always greeted each other with a handshake. They always wore a necktie on Sundays, and when they socialized.... and especially when they visited with each other. There was a lot of mutual enjoyment, they joked, drank dessert wine (typically Tawny Port or Sherry) and smoked cigars. They also loved to philosophize and debate with each other.
Sophie always enjoyed visits with her brothers-in-law and their families. I'm telling you this because it's unfortunate that, as grandchildren, you didn't know the magic of John's house at Christmas or being with any of the Jakubowski family on the traditional, Polish Easter Sunday. Your impressions would have made a lasting contribution to your family experience and the understanding of what it's like to be (in part) Polish.
