2013 International Fristensky Family Reunion

DATE:
July 20-21, 2013 (Saturday, Sunday)

PLACE:
New York City, Reception, exposition and lunch or dinner at the Bohemian Hall & Beer
Garden (29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, New York

PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES:

Registration, reception, getting know each other.
Checking your family tree (USA & EU).
Introduction of participants, remembering our ancestors (John, Joseph, Frank, Charles) and their families personal stories.
Current Fristensky families in the USA.
Remembering Gustav's tour of the USA in 1913.
Remembering Frank Fristensky, NYPD First Deputy Commissioner (1912-1953).
Gustav's picture, and movie show presentations.
Cultural show.
Visitation of place where our ancestors lived and went to church.
Visitation of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Activities and program will be refined as we move closer to the event's date.

2013 will mark the 100 year anniversary of Gustav and František Frištenský’s successful wrestling tour of the USA and Canada in 1913/14. It is our intention to celebrate this anniversary with an International Fristensky Family Reunion in 2013.

The first Fristensky known to us was Václav Frištenský (b. 1786, d. 1835) in Bohemia, now the Czech Republic. Four of his sons emigrated to their dream land of America between 1880-1890. Some of the brothers were married with little children. They all settled in NYC.

This special event should recognize the brothers Gustav and Frantisek with a visual presentation showing their accomplishments around world as they are still recognized in the Czech Republic. Also, we would like to recognize another well known family member, Frank Fristensky Jr. (b. 1888, d. 1971). He was the Assistant Chief Inspector with the NYPD, a veteran of 38 years as a bluecoat. There were many other family members who greatly contributed or are contributing to the Fristensky name tradition. As we will gather more information on each member it will be a part of the reunion’s event.

We believe, however, the exciting part may be bringing American and European family members together. Some of the Europeans may not speak English and the American Fristenskys may or may not speak Czech. I believe some Czech beer and Czech food may ease the conversation. For most of us this event may be the first opportunity to meet another Fristensky and realize we all are descendents of the Vaclav Fristensky introduced above.

This invitation is being extended to all men carrying the name Fristensky and all women either born with the Fristensky name or who are married to one and to all relatives.

We are committed to plan and run this event. It will require some intense work and communication among family members on both continents. Time is of the essence. So we would ask you to provide us with your level of interest to participate and your suggestions for the event. Thank you!

Family Registration (RSVP) Form:

I/we would like to participate in the 2013 Fristensky Family International Reunion in New York 2013