Passport to Austria
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Jonathan's Grand father Johann. J. Krach came to America in 1909 from Orzana, Austria hoping for a better life as a Black Smith and Carriage Builder. 

 

 

"This town could have been named Vienna"

Click here

to read this story printed in 1996 - Strange but true...

Vienna wasn't even a twinkle in our eyes!  Cindy Capillo is the daughter of longtime reporter and photographer Joe Capillo, she matted this story and gave it to us thinking we might find her father's story an interesting read.

 

Soon after he arrived in America the automobile was to become the newest mode of transportation - he believed unlike most people, he would need to re-invent him self to stay alive. The Black smith & Carriage maker was to become extinct.

He was later recruited by Henry Ford to work with him in Michigan - although He was not ready to leave his new home for the unknown in the Mid-west for a company not well known at the time.

Jon J. Krach became one of the first VW Authorized factory service center in the US in Westfield, MA. 

Volkswagens were first exhibited and sold in the U.S. in 1949.

Grandfather was married to Sophie Maria Swiathowski and soon settled in Springfield, MA in the Hungry Hill section of the City.  A City they loved until his early death when he was involved in a car accident as a pedestrian, how ironic - Just what had initially saved him in his new life as an US immigrant.

 

Above, the original passport of Johann Krach was saved nearly 100 years and given to Jonathan just days before his father Mitch's death in 2024.

 

For more information on the facinating Country of Austria click on these links below

Coat of Armor of Austria

 

In Loving memory of a dear friend John J. O'Connor 11/24/06

SteincollectorsInternational

A true friend of Mitch & Tess for nearly 70 years from the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, MA and one of the original founders of this wonderful club.

 

This fabulous vintage work badge was proudly worn & saved by the Jonathan's Grandmother because of some very scentimental reasons...

Click on it to find out why!

Vintage Student Prince /The Fort work badge earned in the 1940's & 1950's