Bio: Parkel, Frank J. & Theresa

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Parkel, Gorenc, Barr, Cesnik, Podobnik, Babich, Wene, Singer, Miller

----Source: Family Scrapbook

Frank Joseph Parkel was born October 1, 1878 in Mirna Pec, Jugoslavia. He came to America in 1903 and settled in Frontenac, Kansas. A year later Theresa Gorenc from Biska Vas came to Frontenac. The two were married on January 19, 1904.

Frank worked in the coal mines in Kansas. Later he started a coal mining operation of his own. He soon gave up mining. He went into wholesale liquor business in Burgess, Missouri, which was on the state line, just across from Kansas which was a 'dry' state at the time.

While living in Kansas the following children were born to them: Theresa, Frank, Ann, Mayme and Helen. Mildred and Donna were born after they moved to Wisconsin. The family came to Wisconsin in 1917 by train, bringing along a cow, a horse, a 1915 Chevrolet and a barrel of whiskey. This was later given to many friends and neighbors as medicine during the flu epidemic.

Frank bought 160 acres of land through Cesnik in the town of Eaton, Section 18 and 80 acres in the town of Hendren, Section 13. There were no roads at the time, but a road was built to the land from the south so that lumber and brick could be brought in to start building a home. Many years later the road, which was on the town line, was completed. That road separated the house from the barn. Indians were paid to help clear the land of brush so the land could be developed.

The children went to West Eaton School and had to walk through the woods as it was a much shorter distance by going cross country. Later Mrs. Barr hauled the children, along with others from the area, with horse and covered sleigh.

Fourth of July was a day all remembered. It started early in the morning with each farmer setting off a large blast of dynamite, the bigger and earlier the better; each trying to be the first and loudest to proclaim our country's independence. Everyone had the flag proudly displayed on that day. Then came the annual Fifth Road Picnic which all the people of the area attended. A lamb was always roasted over an open fire.

Coming to Willard and riding with Ignac Cesnik in his Model T was a great treat. As night approached he'd get out to light the carbide lights so they'd light the road ahead. Many times it was impossible to drive up a steep hill; especially a hill on Rock Dam Road and one near North Mound with the Model T. Then it was put into reverse and backed up the hill. If the Model T tipped over, which it did on occasion, one seldom was hurt because it didn't travel that fast.

Frank and Theresa Parkel retired from the farm in 1948 when they moved into Greenwood and lived on 209 Miller Street. Son Frank took over the farm in 1948. Fie farmed until 1964 when the farm was sold to Fred J. Barr.

Mayme died in 1948. Frank Sr. passed away in March 1970. Theresa died in May 1977. Theresa (Mrs. August Podobnik) lives in Greenwood. Ann (Mrs. Nick Babich) lives in Loyal. Flelen (Mrs. Joe Wene), Millie (Mrs George Miller) and Donna (Mrs. Bud Singer) all live in Milwaukee. Son, Frank Jr. lives in Willard.