Special Occasions

Worship was an important feature of life on the camp. Residents attended Sunday mass in their smartest attire.

Grove Park residents leaving mass in their Sunday best. The unoccupied Iver Grove Lodge is pictured here in the background. (Source: Emilia Fursewicz)

The Grove Park community used the on-site church for Catholic ceremonies. Babies were christened and children received First Holy Communion when they reached 7 or 8 years old.

Children at Grove Park celebrating First Holy Communion led by Father Świętoń (pictured in the centre). (Source: Frania Creech)

Christening of baby Krysia Fursewicz, held by Kasia Charowska. She is pictured here with her older sister, Emilia, her dad, Bonawentura, and family friend, Józef. Kurowski. (Source: Emilia Fursewicz)

Children at Grove Park receiving First Holy Communion present their Paschal candles, which represent the entry of Christ’s light into their lives. (Source: Emilia Fursewicz)

Wanda Mrówka (right) pictured with Barbara Miśkier (left) on the day of her First Holy Communion. (Source: Wanda Mrówka)

Weddings were another cause for celebration at Grove Park Camp.

Grove Park residents Bonawentura and Anna Fursewicz on their wedding day.  (Source: Emilia Fursewicz)Grove Park residents gather to celebrate a Polish-Italian wedding, the union of Florinda and Józef Kurowski. (Source: Emilia Fursewicz)

Source: Wanda Mrówka

Photographs gathered from different family albums provide a panoramic view of the dining table as the residents celebrate the marriage of Maria & Mikołaj Kozakiewicz. (Source: Frania Creech)

Residents including Władisław & Constance Lewkowicz raise a glass at a wedding party. (Source: Emilia Fursewicz)

Every year on the 3^rd May (Constitution Day), Polish people come together to celebrate the formation of Poland as a nation. This was no different for residents at Grove Park camp. The children performed folk dances wearing home-made traditional Polish costumes.

Source: Wanda Mrówka

Children of Grove Park performing traditional folk dances in celebration of 3^rd May. (Source: Frania Creech)

Children of Grove Park dressed up in the traditional Polish folk costume associated with the region of Krakòw.  
(Source: Frania Creech)

The residents gathered together to celebrate religious festivals, including Christmas. The huts were decorated accordingly.

Christmas celebration at Grove Park camp. (Left to right: Piotr and Elgenia Jurkiw with their son John, Bonawentura with his daughter Emilia). (Source: Emilia Fursewicz)

Emilia Fursewicz posing in front of the decorated Christmas tree at Grove Park camp. (Source: Emilia Fursewicz)

Stefania Nowagiel posing in front of the decorated Christmas tree at Grove Park camp. (Source: Frania Creech)