The mission of LowellIrish is to collect and preserve the history and cultural materials, which document the presence of the Irish community in Lowell. As the first immigrant group in a city that continues to celebrate its immigrant past, LowellIrish will serve as an advocate to support a better understanding of the historical, political, religious, and social function the Irish played in the formation of the city.
Please use the comment box below to post to the message board. Common courtesy is appreciated, and we thank you for your comments, questions, and suggestions.
So many of the old lovely traditions have g one by the wayside. When you reach my age (92) you have so many memories completely foreign to the present even middle aged generation. So many lovely pictures from the past, never to be repeated.
North common , pictures , First communion day and more on steps of church and in yard. Irish step dancers, and a of course St Patricks burial grounds. Best years of my life...almost forgot TH
I am looking for information regarding the Michael Crowley and Catherine "Kate" Finnegan Crowley family. Michael was from Kilcronan, Cork, Ireland (Blarney Parish). Kate I have not placed yet. They arrived in Boston in 1889 and located to Keene, NH for about 10 years where they had six children, 5 survived infancy and the family of 7 moved to the Grove area of Lowell where they lived at 614 Gorham Street. Given the names of their children I strongly suspect that Kate was connected to the other Finnegan families living in that area at that time. I can trace most of their children forward but I cannot find death or burial information for the parents. Patrick Murphy padraig_murphy@hotmail.com
My "Lowell Ancestors" arrived in the city (by way of Portsmouth, Lawrence, Manchester) mid 1870s to - obviously - find employment in the Mills. After hiring two genealogists, my cousins and I feel that the needle hasn't moved much. Repeatedly, however, the leads suggest a connection with St. Patrick's Church and Cemetery. My growing obsession germinated decades ago when my mother presented me with a family album from the late 1800's. Beyond the most basic declaration, received as a suggestion, really, - that "these are your McKenna relations", I am only able to say that the majority of the cabinet cards and CDV's advertise Lowell photographers. My mother was pretty certain about one of the faces that seemed to be gazing (contemplatively?) wide of the photographer 's left shoulder. Your great-grandmother, Margaret T. McKenna, she assured me. So, I've been chasing Margaret T. McKenna, her four siblings, and her parents ever since. With each tiny piece that we can add to the narrative, our sorrow expands over their profound struggles. Tewksbury Almshouse. . . pauper graves. . . dissolution of family. As any family researcher knows, you never really abandon your pilgrimage. It's an imagined restiveness, I'm sure, but until we can arrange in our mind's eye their final resting place, we'll not be at peace.
Amazing blog. I read it religiously. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo many of the old lovely traditions have g
ReplyDeleteone by the wayside. When you reach my age (92) you have so many memories completely foreign to the present even middle aged generation. So many lovely pictures from the past, never to be repeated.
I may have things from my father and my family for you also.
ReplyDeletePaul Corcoran
Paul, would greatly appreciate it if you could contact me. dadumc@comcast.net
DeleteDeb Ruitet class of 1966 St Patrick School !
ReplyDeleteNorth common , pictures , First communion day and more on steps of church and in yard.
ReplyDeleteIrish step dancers, and a of course St Patricks burial grounds.
Best years of my life...almost forgot TH
The rag man and the fruit man , just part of the neighborhood !
ReplyDeleteKick ball until the street ,light came on !!! Then you best be home or else!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this message board
I am looking for information regarding the Michael Crowley and Catherine "Kate" Finnegan Crowley family. Michael was from Kilcronan, Cork, Ireland (Blarney Parish). Kate I have not placed yet. They arrived in Boston in 1889 and located to Keene, NH for about 10 years where they had six children, 5 survived infancy and the family of 7 moved to the Grove area of Lowell where they lived at 614 Gorham Street. Given the names of their children I strongly suspect that Kate was connected to the other Finnegan families living in that area at that time. I can trace most of their children forward but I cannot find death or burial information for the parents.
ReplyDeletePatrick Murphy
padraig_murphy@hotmail.com
I always enjoy the articles on this site, so thank you very much. The recent post about Irish gardener John Green was especially enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteMy "Lowell Ancestors" arrived in the city (by way of Portsmouth, Lawrence, Manchester) mid 1870s to - obviously - find employment in the Mills. After hiring two genealogists, my cousins and I feel that the needle hasn't moved much. Repeatedly, however, the leads suggest a connection with St. Patrick's Church and Cemetery. My growing obsession germinated decades ago when my mother presented me with a family album from the late 1800's. Beyond the most basic declaration, received as a suggestion, really, - that "these are your McKenna relations", I am only able to say that the majority of the cabinet cards and CDV's advertise Lowell photographers. My mother was pretty certain about one of the faces that seemed to be gazing (contemplatively?) wide of the photographer 's left shoulder. Your great-grandmother, Margaret T. McKenna, she assured me.
ReplyDeleteSo, I've been chasing Margaret T. McKenna, her four siblings, and her parents ever since. With each tiny piece that we can add to the narrative, our sorrow expands over their profound struggles. Tewksbury Almshouse. . . pauper graves. . . dissolution of family.
As any family researcher knows, you never really abandon your pilgrimage. It's an imagined restiveness, I'm sure, but until we can arrange in our mind's eye their final resting place, we'll not be at peace.