Story of Frank Mast (Balys Mastauskas) told by his sister Veronica
My brother, Advokatas Balys Mastauskas on August 16, 1961 followed our Blessed Mother, the day after her Assumption, to obtain his last reward.
He was born March 13, 1889 in Zasliai, county of Trakai, Vilnius of Bajoris ancestry. In addition to his wife, Dr. Constance O'Brietus, he was survived by four sisters, Veronica, Amelia, Victoria and Constance, also a brother Joseph. (All are now deceased). Other relatives include Sisters of Saint Casimir, Sister Teresa and Sister Cunegundes, the former Cyzauskaites, who knew the Mastauskas family closely in lithuania and later in Forest City, PA, to which both families immigrated. A first cousin, Father Miselis, is in Lithuania.
Our parents, Michael Mastauskas and the former On a Kurganas, in response to the call of America, arrived in Forest City about 1895 to a frightening environment of wilderness and coal mines. Michael, like his illustrious son, over six foot tall, and his wife Ona, slightly over five feet tall, were dismayed.
While traveling through Germany, Teutons' high prices provided no financial reserve for use in America. Young Michael, who wore a beard and looked like a young Bajoras, although penniless, promised his wife On a that he would work in the coal mines only unit her earned enough money to obtain passage for his young family to Wisconsin.
He had dreamed of a large Dvaras of his own. He had lost half of a Lithuanian estsate through misfortune.
In the interim, new immigrant candidates for the coal mines were continually arriving. Spiritual requirements were important. Michael recognized tis and helped organize a Lithuanian Parish. In fact, he selected the land on which the present St. Anthony de Padue Church in Forest City is situated.
I remember only one incident concerning my father. It seems we were crossing a railroad track, and I fell down, my father tenderly picked me up. Balys was the oldest. I was next in line.
On one very sad day my father's dream died when he did not return from the coal depths. My noble father was brought home ignominiously to a barren basement. Friends donated money to buy pine boards to build a casket for his burial. His st. Anthony's was not built yet and he was buried some distance away at an Irish Parish in Carbondale.
The struggle now belonged to Michael's wife, my mother. Her answers to pointed questions were that if God had taken our father prematurely, God, Himself would protect our family.
Today it is difficult to comprehend the difficulties a young immigrant widow had to contend with in the coal regions. 80 years ago there was no compensation for injury or death, no welfare, no aid of any kind.
Cousin Sister Teresa of Saint Casimirs relates that her father, Mr. Cyzauskas, when he arrived in America in the late 1800s, had no money and because of the language barrier could not tell anyone. He cried to Heaven for help. Immediately a stranger appeared and without saying a word passed him a hat, collected money and bought him a ticket to Forest City. In those days a Lithuanian without faith had no right in America. Mr. Cyzauskas was sure this stranger was an angel from God.
Young Balys became like his father. He was good, inspired, energetic, confident, tall and an extrovert. The world presented a challenge and he was curious. Balys could not go to school full time like the other children. He had to take the place of his father. At the age of nine he worked in coal mines picking slate with his hands from moving crushed coal. The particular type of work was considered one of the black marks on American History of Child Labor. Subsequently Balys, through his enterprise and initiative, and also upon installation of electricity in the coal mines, was given a job at the age of sixteen, operating electric driven coal cars. These electric cad were replacing the mule driven cars. During the periods of frequent labor strikes, BAlys tried to obtain more schooling. Mother, who studied under a parish priest in Lithuania, taught him "Lives of the Saints," "Catholic History," Poetry, Pasakas, Latin, Polish and Russian.
In Forest City, the Poles recognized his talents and tried to adopt him. Balys, to the end, could recite poetry in great lengths, which his mother taught him sixty years ago.
Even though"foreigners" were labeled contemptuously as such, Balys refused to recognize this barrier and made many friends.One of his boyhood friends, with whom he was friendly with for many years, was Supreme Court Justice George W. Maxey of Pennsylvania. In fact, he visited Attorney Mast and his wife Dr. O'Brietus in Chiago.Another boyhood friend was Monsignor Joseph Miliauskas of Scranton, PA.
His assistance to the young Lithuanian cleric can be attested to by others.
My mother worked and read "The Lives of the Saints" and sang her chains as her problems grew greater. Balys was determined that he would become an educated man even though for all practical purposes he did not go to school. He digested numerous books which he obtained from school teachers who took a personal interest in him. Whenever he became frustrated, mother always provided the necessary guidance. Balys, Amelia and I worked, while mother literally saved pennies.
One day, when he was still sixteen, Balys came home from work early, threw his mining cap behind the coal stove and bitterly complained that he was fired for no reason at all. Mother told him that the outcome would be good for him in view of her unusual experience, and directed him to school.
She had been looking at my Holy Communion picture and had seen in a half-dream half-vision a crucifix, and then the Blessed Virgin,
a symbol of protection.
That day everyone in that section of the coal mine was killed. Several years ago Balys named each he had known.
Balys, at the insistence of my mother, took High School examination dreseven though he seldom attended school. He had no difficulty in passing with merit. Again, through mother's spirit, Balys was given the family fortune, our blessings and a bon voyage to law school. Amelia and I continued to work to support the younger members of our family.
The entire community, Lithuanians and other, recognized him as an outstanding man. Balys, though he did not remember Lithuania, dreamed of a liberated Lithuania. He was an American officer during World War I. Later he visited Lithuanian Parishes. I recall visits with Dr. Pakstas, Professor Bretas and others. He went to dance on Lithuania's behalf when he was barely 30 ears old. He was a delegate to Lithuania under President Woodrow Wilson. He was the first American graduated attorney of Lithuanian extraction, the rest of his biography may be found in Encyclopedia Lithuanica. He is also known for his successful law areer, professorship at Loyola, his work for Lithuana's independence at the Lithuanian Legation, his verbal bouts with Polish Paderowski in behalf of Lithuania's work at the Hague, his interview with President Wilson, his religious affiliations and contributions.
Balys, in his visits and correspondence, exerted a strong influence on his nieces and nephews. Many nieces and nephews have pursued higher education which include doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyer, engineers, priests, just to mention a few careers. Lithuanian background and direction, the Lithuanian circle and tradition was preserved.
I felt I had to write this to indicate the heritage which my brother received and passed on to others. He proved that one could be modern and still preserve the old traditions; be a Catholic and a man of the world, be American and still remain true to Lithuania.
Two years after his death, in 1963, Constance A. O'Britis M.D. , Balys's wife, compiled a collection of his poems, The Poetic Works of Frank B. Mast.
from his poem Mother Earth:
Dear Mother Earth, you treasure store --
You meet our needs; man needs no more.
Never should he find need for need,
If her sweet breast his use not bleed.
From Adam's time and long before
She gave us all, why ask for more. ............
A Century in America by Bernadette Slick; 1995
Factually accurate (based on author's life and reminiscences of numerous families) historical novel about the travails of a family of Lithuanian immigrant coal miners, in Forest City, Pennsylvania (Wilkes-Barre-Scranton area) from their arrival in the 19th century, through strikes, World War I and II, the Great Deprssion, the transformation of the local economies (including opening of Elk Mountain Ski Resort) , and the eventual fundraisng for the construction of the Anthracite Miners' Memorial. Modern first; history; immigration studies; Lithuania; biography; Rotary Club.
https://www.abebooks.com/9781570871290/century-America-Slick-Bernadette-M-1570871299/plp
The Slick family in America began in the late 1800s with the children of Stephen Slikta and Anna Jaceviciute emigrating from their home in Kaunas, Lithuania in 1892. It is believed they were married in 1863.
Includes full-name indexes.
Includes Slick, Slikta, Bildo, Tokarchick, Atkinson, Fotusky, Schilling, Trusky, Gulbin, Kretchick, Lazar, Wyskowski, Gerdus, Novasitis, Valenches and related families.
https://familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=820670&disp=A+century+in+America
New York Times 1987 article that incorporates relevant information about the area:
http://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/31/travel/a-colorful-corner-of-pennsylvania.html?pagewanted=all
A Granddaughter Remembers her Father and Grandparents from Forest City with Poignant Family Photos
Eileen Bachofen's website
Stanley Paukstis reading a Lithuanian newspaper in Browndale section of Forest City
http://www.brigs.us/portfolio/Lithuania.htm
http://www.brigs.us/portfolio/historical-photos-Browndale-PA-1.htm
http://www.brigs.us/portfolio/historical-photos-index.htm
Anthracite Coal Miners' Memorial - Honoring Miners of All Ethnicities
http://susqco.com/courthouse/photo-album/forest-city/
FOREST CITY AREA ROTARY CLUB ANTHRACITE COAL MINER’S MEMORIAL MARCH 11, 2015
BY FORESTCITYNEWS
by Martin Heffron
Artist/Sculptor
This project of the Forest City Area Rotary Club pays homage to the miners and families of the coal region while exhibiting the inherent characteristics unique to Forest City, Pennsylvania.
Our ancestors’ journeys to the coal region were economical, social, political and/or personal. For whatever reason, the fact remains, coal miners and families from diverse cultures began a hard working way of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They established the heritage the world acknowledges as the “coal region” and it is appropriate to commemorate their livelihood.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Forest City’s memorial for the miners and families depicts anthracite coal mining life. The memorial is a cast bronze high relief panel 3’9” x 17’, segmented into four sections and arranged in a semi-circular configuration. The project is situated on Main Street in front of the William Penn Apartments.
The visual information of the design is composed making use of exaggerated perspective and a dramatic organization of space. The very nature of this “panoramic collage” allows for the vast amount of information to be exhibited in a seemingly limited space. To enhance the bronze relief, the elements within the panel are emphasized and de-emphasized according to importance and artistic judgment. All information within the design will be sculpted in their respective places.
THE PANEL DESIGN
In the early days of mining, as today, women played a vital role ensuring that home life was maintained. While young boys and men would work many hours mining, women would work many hours diligently taking care of daily chores.
Rising very early every morning, they would have breakfast and lunch pails prepared for boys and men, as well as other boarders residing in the company-owned homes. The nature of the mining industry left the women with the never ending task of cleaning and washing.
On the far left of the design, two women are viewed on the porch. While one watches her husband set off for the day’s work, the other helps scrub the dirt from her husband’s back. The panel is a custom design unique to Forest City. This is evident as the viewer recognizes the many churches and homes found in the wooded landscape of the area.
To the right of the landscape, a detailed view of the Clinton Breaker and train station, once landmarks of Forest City, are now preserved in bronze. Above the landmarks and within the clouds, are the indications of supporting timbers and a series of miner’s faces. The miners are wearing oil, carbide and electrical lamps typical of various time periods.
The coal region is a melting pot of many cultures; every possible ethnic background has in some way contributed to its history. However, certain towns and patches were developed and are known to be dominated by specific cultural heritages. The Forest City Miners’ Memorial displays miners and families of different ethnic backgrounds. To further enhance Forest City’s uniqueness, individuals who resided in Forest City were used for some of the faces within the memorial. These individuals represent the pride and ethnic diversity found within Forest City.
To become a Miner, many tasks were required. Young boys, approximately 7-12 years of age, would begin to work as Slate Pickers or Breaker Boys. As displayed in the design, below the miners, these boys would spend their time removing debris from the anthracite. The spraggers, also displayed, were usually teenage boys who would have the dangerous jobs of stopping the coal cars. By running along side of the moving car and jamming a piece of wood into the wheels, they accomplished their task. The Mule Driver was assigned to the care and welfare of the mules. Many young men and boys were hurt or killed before they were considered “Coal Miners.”
On the far right of the design as the experienced miner sends coal down the chute, the apprentice loads the coal car by hand. Like most of the people who grew up in the coal region, I could recall my father coming home covered with coal dirt, or listening to the many stories miners would tell. These are important memories that enhance the quality of this memorial’s design.
The concept for the memorial was generated by the people who recognized and respected our rich heritage. Personally, my family and friends have inspired me in this endeavor. In fact, they have been the richest sources of research and development for me. The coal region environment has allowed me the access to original tools, equipment and clothing as well as the experiences of the people, for which this memorial is being created.
http://forestcitynews.com/forest-city-area-rotary-club-anthracite-coal-miners-memorial/
BY FORESTCITYNEWS
by Martin Heffron
Artist/Sculptor
This project of the Forest City Area Rotary Club pays homage to the miners and families of the coal region while exhibiting the inherent characteristics unique to Forest City, Pennsylvania.
Our ancestors’ journeys to the coal region were economical, social, political and/or personal. For whatever reason, the fact remains, coal miners and families from diverse cultures began a hard working way of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They established the heritage the world acknowledges as the “coal region” and it is appropriate to commemorate their livelihood.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Forest City’s memorial for the miners and families depicts anthracite coal mining life. The memorial is a cast bronze high relief panel 3’9” x 17’, segmented into four sections and arranged in a semi-circular configuration. The project is situated on Main Street in front of the William Penn Apartments.
The visual information of the design is composed making use of exaggerated perspective and a dramatic organization of space. The very nature of this “panoramic collage” allows for the vast amount of information to be exhibited in a seemingly limited space. To enhance the bronze relief, the elements within the panel are emphasized and de-emphasized according to importance and artistic judgment. All information within the design will be sculpted in their respective places.
THE PANEL DESIGN
In the early days of mining, as today, women played a vital role ensuring that home life was maintained. While young boys and men would work many hours mining, women would work many hours diligently taking care of daily chores.
Rising very early every morning, they would have breakfast and lunch pails prepared for boys and men, as well as other boarders residing in the company-owned homes. The nature of the mining industry left the women with the never ending task of cleaning and washing.
On the far left of the design, two women are viewed on the porch. While one watches her husband set off for the day’s work, the other helps scrub the dirt from her husband’s back. The panel is a custom design unique to Forest City. This is evident as the viewer recognizes the many churches and homes found in the wooded landscape of the area.
To the right of the landscape, a detailed view of the Clinton Breaker and train station, once landmarks of Forest City, are now preserved in bronze. Above the landmarks and within the clouds, are the indications of supporting timbers and a series of miner’s faces. The miners are wearing oil, carbide and electrical lamps typical of various time periods.
The coal region is a melting pot of many cultures; every possible ethnic background has in some way contributed to its history. However, certain towns and patches were developed and are known to be dominated by specific cultural heritages. The Forest City Miners’ Memorial displays miners and families of different ethnic backgrounds. To further enhance Forest City’s uniqueness, individuals who resided in Forest City were used for some of the faces within the memorial. These individuals represent the pride and ethnic diversity found within Forest City.
To become a Miner, many tasks were required. Young boys, approximately 7-12 years of age, would begin to work as Slate Pickers or Breaker Boys. As displayed in the design, below the miners, these boys would spend their time removing debris from the anthracite. The spraggers, also displayed, were usually teenage boys who would have the dangerous jobs of stopping the coal cars. By running along side of the moving car and jamming a piece of wood into the wheels, they accomplished their task. The Mule Driver was assigned to the care and welfare of the mules. Many young men and boys were hurt or killed before they were considered “Coal Miners.”
On the far right of the design as the experienced miner sends coal down the chute, the apprentice loads the coal car by hand. Like most of the people who grew up in the coal region, I could recall my father coming home covered with coal dirt, or listening to the many stories miners would tell. These are important memories that enhance the quality of this memorial’s design.
The concept for the memorial was generated by the people who recognized and respected our rich heritage. Personally, my family and friends have inspired me in this endeavor. In fact, they have been the richest sources of research and development for me. The coal region environment has allowed me the access to original tools, equipment and clothing as well as the experiences of the people, for which this memorial is being created.
http://forestcitynews.com/forest-city-area-rotary-club-anthracite-coal-miners-memorial/