Genealogy isn’t just about tracing names on a family tree. It’s about knowing stories, rediscovering legacies, and connecting with the past in ways that shape how we understand ourselves today. In Beverly Schultz Csordas’ THE OLDEN DAYS: My Mother’s Family History 1594 – 1997, we witness such a journey through Rockland County, New York, as the author traces her family’s lineage back over 300 years. For anyone curious about exploring their family history, the journey through Rockland County’s past can offer an inspiring blueprint.
Returning Home Through Research
For Csordas, the process of rediscovering her family’s roots began with a simple request as a child: asking her mother to tell her stories about the olden days. Though those early stories may have faded from her memory, her yearning to reconnect with her family’s history never did.
Decades later, as Csordas notes, she found herself “spending countless hours reaching back further than I could have imagined.” Her family’s genealogy led her to find the names, dates and the cultural and historical context that shaped her ancestors’ lives.
What makes Csordas’ research especially interesting is the sense of place it evokes. Born and raised in Pomona, New York, the author shares how her family’s presence in Rockland County stretches back over three centuries. From the early Dutch settlers to the Revolutionary War and beyond, her ancestors were deeply connected with the region’s history. The Concklin family farm, for instance, is an enduring connection, a farm still operating today after more than 300 years.
Family Stories Brought To Light
In tracing her family history, Csordas shares family documents, letters, diaries, and photos. These personal items lend an authentic and emotional touch to her narrative, allowing readers to feel connected to the past. Through her exploration, we meet ancestors like Ervin Concklin, who worked on the family farm in Pomona, and Josiah Concklin, who played a role in local farming and community life. These stories are of everyday life in early Rockland County, from the struggles of farming to the joys of family gatherings.
But more than just chronicling the lives of her ancestors, Csordas reflects on how genealogy helped her better understand her family’s past and, ultimately, her own identity. She writes about the twists, turns, and surprises she encountered along the way.
For instance, learning how certain family traditions were passed down or learning about the hardships that her ancestors endured gave her a deeper sense of pride and connection.
Lessons for Aspiring Genealogists
For anyone interested in starting their genealogy journey, Csordas’ approach offers valuable lessons. One of the most important takeaways is the idea of perseverance. Genealogy research can often be a slow and challenging process, especially when documents are difficult to locate or when certain historical records no longer exist.
However, as Csordas’ story shows, the rewards of finding even small pieces of your family’s history are well worth the effort.
Moreover, the use of personal documents can provide insight that no birth certificate or census record could offer. These pieces bring history to life, allowing future generations to understand not just who their ancestors were but how they lived, what they believed, and what they valued.
Conclusion
For those looking to rediscover their roots, whether in Rockland County or elsewhere, the journey can be a deeply rewarding experience. Csordas’ story in THE OLDEN DAYS shows the power of family history to bridge the past and the present. It serves as a reminder that, while we may be separated by time, the lives of our ancestors continue to shape who we are today.
To learn more about Beverly Schultz Csordas’ genealogical journey and the rich history of Rockland County, read her book, THE OLDEN DAYS: My Mother’s Family History 1594 – 1997. Let her story inspire your exploration of family history.
