FAIRPORT FINNISH FAMILY HISTORIES PROJECT

PURPOSE: to preserve the important family histories of the Finns of Fairport.

First, some ground rules. These stories will not be a formal genealogy, but will be an anecdotal account of your family. For clarity however, a generational listing is of course appropriate. Too many times, "Jussi" is often the name of father, son, and grandson which makes the story confusing. Thus, a genealogical listing is needed.

Your story could start simply with "Jussi Maki arrived in Fairport, Ohio in February of 1895, and started work by talking to men on the dock. They sent him to...and he began by cutting ice blocks out of Lake Erie." Thus Jussi has established a work record in Fairport even before mentioning where he was to lay his head. With Finns, it was work first, then the rest would be arranged.

How much of your family history should you include? That answer is up to you, but remember the story will be part of a larger historical picture and should include the most important things such as:
1. First person of your family in Fairport: where he or she lived, worked, attended school, attended church, had activities, and raised a family.
2. Names of wives and husbands and children and year they were born. Include salient facts of thier lives also. "Jussi's wife Helena was a go-getter and quickly joined the church and set up their first Sunday School, while raising a family and being active in the Kasvi Temperance Society." These types of activities give substance and life to your story.
3. Relate stories that illustrate the times of the day. "Jussi always loved music and his first real acquisition was an old upright piano which he discovered was going to be discarded because the varnish had faded, blistered and peeled. A well to do family in Painesville was going to buy a new one and this one sat on the porch just out of the rain. Thus, Jussi found his love, and not only learned how to play and sing, but also required all four children to learn how to play."
4. Most importantly, have fun digging for information and writing it down. Include pictures whenever you can.
5. Here is the most important part: START. Get a notebook and START. Don't put it off, START.

HISTORY DEMANDS AN AUDIENCE, WHILE WONDERFULLY BUSY PEOPLE FORGET TO WRITE.