Magyar News, 1990. november-1991. augusztus (1. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
1991-07-01 / 9-10. szám
DO YOU REMEMBER? UNICORN Woodcut by Józef Dómján. Hungarian. THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART Do you remember the days of funeral and wakes from the home of the deceased? The flower wreath on the front door while the body was being waked? Walking to the church or cemetery accompanied by the Rákóczi Band following the horse-draw hearse? Probably not!! But your parents or grandparents probably would. The Frank Polke & Son Funeral Directors have records and photographs of just such memories of the “old days”. Frank Polke & Son Funeral Directors started business as a furniture store on S tratford Avenue at the bridge, and in 1890 combined in the funeral business with a small casket displayed in their front w indow. Infant mortality was very high in those days and, as records show, many babies died soon after birth or within the first few years of life. Many Hungarian couples settling here in Bridgeport purchased their first furniture from the Polke Furniture Store and also used the funeral business when needed. In the early 1900's, Frank M. Polke and his wife Mary moved to 409 Hancock Avenue, where a stained-glass “Frank Polke & Son-Undertaker” in the bay-window of the south side of the four-family house became a landmark. People gathered to talk, socialize or just pass the time of day in the midst of “THE” Hungarian Community. People didn’t have much money in those days, so Frank Polke would go house-tohouse each week to collect 100, 250, or whatever one could afford to pay on their funeral bills. He was loved by all and became known as a very generous man. Most people died in their homes during the turn of the century and embalming and dressing had to be done in the bedrooms and the wakes were held in the parlors, where people gathered and stayed for days and nights; the men playing cards, neighbors and friends bringing in food, everyone talking about “old-times”, trying to console and comfort the family. After the funeral, people would return to the home as was the custom. Hungarian foods were prepared, Hungarian songs were sung and during this time the family got very little sleep. In 1923 Frank Polke & Son moved to 773 State Street where larger parlors were available, caskets were displayed and convenient facilities were accessible. During the 1930's Mr. Polke tried to get the Hungarian people to break tradition of “Home funerals”, which was very difficult since most people felt it was a dishonor to remove the deceased from his home. But soon people started to realize the convenience of having the funerals from the Funeral Home where sandwiches and beer were still a part of the wake and people gathered to talk about old family stories, sometimes until midnight. In 1938 the Polke's purchased SL Peter's Rectory, a beautiful park-like property at Fairfield and Hancock Avenues and gradually persuaded the Hungarian and other ethnic people that it was in the best interest of all concerned to have the funeral from the funeral home, which would assure the family of some rest during this period of mourning. By 1950, funerals from a person’s home were rare. With the increasing popularity of cars over walking, the paik-like comer had to give way to parking lots and additions to the home were necessary. At the present time, calling hours now are left up to the wishes of the family, but the same atmosphere exists as the Hungarian people talk over old times with school friends and relatives they might not have seen for years. The wake is still a getting-together. Frank Polke & Son, now in its fifth generation and its 101 st year, has continued to serve Bridgeport and the surrounding communities. Although the area has changed, due to redevelopment, the homelike, personal service still continues. TO THE READER As you know the Magyar News is free and you can pick it up at the Hungarian churches at the end of every month. If you wish to receive it to your home send 5-6 or more self addressed, stamped envelopes at a time. We can’t do the addressing. We asked for some token contribution if you so desire but you still have to send the envelopes. / Editor/.
