Mary Krumal Eddy Interview
Mary Krumal Eddy (1913-2018) was born in Belford, South Dakota, and raised in Saratoga Springs, New York. In this interview Mary recalls the moving history of her family and her path to a profession in nursing. Mary’s parents emigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia and met in Chicago. Their immigrant background as well as their Czech heritage played an influential role in Mary Eddy’s childhood. Mary’s immigrant family searched for different farming opportunities to support their family. The Krumal family settled in Saratoga Springs after seven years of hardship farming in South Dakota. Mary has two siblings, an older brother named Frank born in 1911, and a younger sister named Betsy born in 1915. Mary and her siblings started their schooling in Saratoga Springs where they learned English. Mary was a part of a Saratoga area Sokol group—a type of gymnastic dance native to the Czech region. After graduating from Saratoga High School in 1931, Mary studied nursing at Saratoga Hospital. Her professional career as a nurse and her education led her to study at several different hospitals in the state of New York as well as Chicago. In addition to her career, she discusses motherhood and building a family. Mary’s narrative demonstrates the deep history of her family and their experience as residents of Saratoga Springs.