2. Introduction I interviewed my father, grandpa on my father’s side, and my grandpa’s sister. I focused on my Czech heritage (father’s side). I wrote about my ancestors struggles, immigration, and their new lives in America. The name “Smetanka” is Czech for “sour cream”. My ancestors were dairy farmers.

3. My Great, Great Grandparents Andrew Smetanka Anna Verespey Dairy farmer back in home country. Came to Ellis Island from Austria. Settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Became a farmer in the U.S. Moved to Donora, Pennsylvania with wife, Anna. Farmer in old country Came to Ellis Island from Austria at 15 years old. Settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania as a farmer. Moved to Donora, Pennsylvania with husband, Andrew. Gave birth to John Andrew.

4. 2 nd Pair of Great, Great Grandparents Andrew Von Mueller Anna Martahaus Born in 1854 in Hungary. When going through Ellis Island, U.S. immigration changed his last name to Miller. Settled in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Married Anna at age 30 and they moved to Donora, Pennsylvania. In U.S. he owned a 2 nd hand thrift store. Born in 1869 in Czechoslovakia. Her family owned inns and hotels. Came to Ellis Island at age 7, spoke 7 different languages but could not read or write. Settled in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Married Andrew at age 15 and they moved to Donora. In U.S. she operated a bakery and managed a frat house. Gave birth to Margaret Miller.

5. My Great Grandparents John Andrew Smetanka Margaret Miller Born in 1889. Attended St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to become a priest. Hired to play baseball in the minor leagues for a Texas team. During WWI, worked as the manager for American Steel & Wire. Married Susan Wassel, had one daughter, then Susan died in childbirth of 2 nd child. Met Margaret at his job and they later married. Born in 1896. Owned a beauty salon for 20 years. Married John in 1919. Gave birth to Bernard Smetanka. Divorced John, then remarried him. Moved to Florida in 1945.

6. My Grandparents Bernard Smetanka Ilean Shields Born in 1921. Served as a marine in WWII. Earned 2 purple hearts during the war, was shot once. Moved to Fort Lauderdale after serving. Married Ilean in 1949. Met Bernard at a veteran’s dance. Married in 1949. Gave birth to William (1949), Martin (1951), and Elizabeth (1951).

7. 2 purple hearts earned by my grandpa in WWII

8. Parents Martin Smetanka Leonora Forte Born in 1951. Grew up in Fort Lauderdale. Served in the Navy during Vietnam Became a firefighter and paramedic, flew air ambulance. Born in New York in 1964. At age 7 moved to South Florida. Went to Broward College and became an NICU nurse. Gave birth to Taylor Smetanka (1995) and Blake Smetanka (1998).

9. Traditional Dress Babushka Czech folk dress

10. Traditional Meals Beef stroganoff Bramboraky Goulash Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

11. Conclusion I learned a great deal of information on my ancestors from doing this project. I am now able to appreciate my life for what it is as I look back at my family’s past struggles.