Mary Krumal Eddy Interview

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 Highschool 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.

Saratoga Springs Public Library

10-05-2007

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MP3

English

WSONP.0020.a.1

Mary Ann Cardillo Fitzgerald

Mary Krumal Eddy

Cassette Tape

00:64:58

Tape 1 Side A Notes
00:00:40 Mother born in what is now Czech Republic
00:02:15 Siblings: Louis Jr., Frank 1911, Mary 1913, Betsy 1915
00:03:00 Traveling to Saratoga Springs from South Dakota
00:07:30 Education, learning English
00:11:40 Graduated from Saratoga High School in 1931
00:13:00 Nursing training
00:14:15 Graduated from nursing school in 1935
00:14:30 Went to Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago
00:15:35 Two brothers who were surgeons
00:16:05 Stayed in Chicago for 6 months
00:16:15 Returned to New York, applied to Bronx Hospital
00:16:40 Worked there for 6 months
00:18:10 Glens Falls
00:19:05 Was in Glens Falls for about 2 years, was married
00:20:30 Husband - Rex Lee Eddy
00:20:45 Father – Cyril Krumal, Mother - Otsak
00:22:50 Father slipped, fell, broke hip
00:24:30 Walking
00:27:20 Tuna fish for lunch
00:29:15 Brother wanted to join the Navy, father said no

Tape 1 Side B Notes
00:32:45 Pictures from Prague
00:37:05 Kramer house
00:40:55 Her children
00:43:05 Grand Canyon
00:45:30 Wilton
00:47:25 Eastern Star