Elder Interview-Gerald Kurowski
A.2008.001.256 PP
Name/Title
Elder Interview-Gerald KurowskiEntry/Object ID
A.2008.001.256Tags
Missing, Needs Accession Sheet, Needs Location, Needs PhotoDescription
Kurowski, Gerald Leland Born 11/13/1941 Parents: Grace Margaret (Skenandore) Kurowski and Peter Paul Kurowski Paternal grandparents: Alexander Kurowski and Mary (Olenejeck) Kurowski Maternal grandparents: Homray Skenandore and Essie Mae Skenandore Grandparents on Mother’s side divorced and Grandfather passed away before Jerry was born. Mother had a 6th grade education; she worked on a farm as a house keeper and cook. I have 1 brother and 4 sisters. Aunt Leona is one of the few remanding sister’s from father’s side that, survived the T.B. diseases that was going around. In 1940 father lost his right arm in a farming accident. We had electricity, but no running water. Rosa Monika Hill was our family Doctor. Use to pay be food for their Doctors bill. Mother never spoke the Oneida language. Father and his family was Polish. When I was younger I didn’t know anything about my heritage, or that I lived on the reservation. I went to school at Silver Summit School and then to Seymour Grade School. Played Baseball while in school. When he was in High School he played football for four years and Baseball. Graduated in 1960, and then join the Marines in 1960 of July. While in the Marines I learned a lot about guns and stuff I was a Machine Gun Operator. I like the experience of being a teacher. Came home from the Service in 1967, and then went work at the Paper Mill, worked there for 2 years. Then went to work in Construction; until 1980. In 1982 went to school at N.W.T.C. for EMP Cornatier, the in 1983 started working for the Tribe until now. Got married in 1964, my wife’s name is Gloria Hill. We have 2 children and 7 Grandchildren. Lived in Green Bay for a little while after the Service. Moved back to Oneida and lived there until the place was sold. Now lives on County Trunk U, with my Wife, we own our land. Working for the Tribe for 22 years and don’t plan on retiring not to soon. Avid fisherman, not too much on hunting, enjoys being outside. Coached youth football up too 2years ago. Recommends the youth of today, stay in school and get an education. We should have a better Per Capita, then what we now have. Don’t see the people of Oneida, benefiting any money off from these Enterprises going on right now, especially the ones out of State.Recording Type
Audio/VisualCollection
Elder InterviewsCataloged By
Gerzetich, Courtney (Cottrell)Category
Digital Media, Military