18 Oct 1936, Poland

Wincenty BIENIECKI

18 October 1936

Dear John,

Why you forgot about us? I assume that you used all your energy on the cards that you sent from the ship, and now you will need to relax for about 20 years! But even that you plan to do it, it will not happen! Now that we know you and we fall in love with you, we will not let you to relax. You should know that our Ulisia is impressed with you and talks about you constantly. She always asks the mail man if there is a letter from you. But why I should talk about us. We believe that you had us time next to enjoy your family, but please you can share all this joy with us. You promised that you will send pictures of your wife and kids. If you don’t have it, just do it, and don’t wait too long; because we are waiting.

Please let us know how you feel, how did you resolve the problem that you were already nervous about when you were here? Did you find everybody at home in good health?

Our life goes as usually, we are very busy, lots of work. First, Duska always asked where you were and now when she sees you on the picture, she knows that it is you, her uncle. However, she talks about you less and less. Januszek (Jan) is growing and is well. He already smiles to us and stops to talk. He does not go outside too much, as the weather is not pleasant, it rains, is windy and cold. Nobody wants to go out.

This is all for now, we send hugs and kisses to all but especially to our favorite uncle John.

Janka and Witek

 P.S. We will be awaiting long and fast letter from you. We are sending some pictures.

NOTES

• The family surname is BIENIECKI and pronounced Bin-yes'-ki. My grandfather's birth name was Jan BIENIECKI, but when he came to the US, his name was changed to John BINIEWSKI.  The US surname is currently pronounced Bin-new'-ski.
• After WWI, Poland's government became a parliamentary democracy.  At the time of this letter, the era was known as the Second Republic of Poland.  WWI had a big impact on Poland's economy and they were slowing recovering.  Industrial cities had formed, but Rypin was considered a small town. The Nazis later invaded Poland in 1939.
• John BINIEWSKI immigrated to the US in 1911.  Visit my Wikitree to find out more about John's life.  Before leaving, his family had a photo taken (below).  The little boy in the photo is John's youngest brother Wincenty BIENIECKI. Wincenty's was also known as Witek.  His wife, Janina, was known as Janka, and she is likely the one writing this letter.

BIENIECKI Family, circa 1910

• In 1936, John returned to Poland to be Godfather to Wincenty's son Januszek (Jan).  Below is a photo from the christening.

1936 Christening of Jan BIENIECKI, Poland

This letter and family photo is from the collection of Uncle Peter J. BINIEWSKI. 
Special thanks to cousin Dan B. for sharing this letter and to my friend Ela N. for translating it.