CHELMNO

Such a peaceful, serene ride to a such a terribly, horrific place.
ALL REMAINING FAMILIES IN KLODAWA IN 1942 WERE SENT TO CHELMNO, INCLUDING MOST OF MY FAMILY, THE PRZEDECKI'S. THE NEIGHBORING TOWNS WERE ALSO SENT HERE. PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.


"You're Stronger Than You Think"-- my visit to Chelmno.
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I did not think I had the heart to make the trip to Chelmno. It is the place most of my family, as well as most of the Jewish population of Klodawa, lost their lives due to the close proximity and railroad access. I was greeted by Bartlomiej Grzanka, the curator of the museum, and was treated with the utmost respect. He showed and told me about the work he and his team are doing to rebuild the museum at Chelmno. Bartolmiej is from Klodawa, so there was even more of a connection There are boxes and boxes of personal items left behind by the victims, all of which are being inventoried and categorized. There were only a handful of survivors, the first of which is a descendant of the Buks family, my maternal great-great grandmother's family. His name is Abraham Roy, and there is a plaque erected on one of the walls in his memory. I was given a tour by a young museum staff member, and it was an unforgettable experience.

Abraham Roy and his parents Icek Majer Ruje (Roy) and Malka Marjem Buks. I met up with Sara Roy, Abraham's daughter, and another Buks descendant in Boston after returning from Poland.

Plaque in memory of Abram Roy at Chelmno placed by his daughter Sara Roy and family.


Going over some details with the museum staff. Bartek Granka on the far right.
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Bartlomej, showing me a sample of some of the victims' possessions. These are from the chilren.


This bridge was built so that you are not walking directly on the land of mass graves.
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Being shown around the grounds of Chelmno by a staff member.
Partial List of Chelmno Deportations Showing the Dates of the Liquidation of Klodawa. [Middle column refers to the ghetto the town was sent to.] Click here to see full list.
Kalisz Czachulec Dec. 13 – Dec. 14, 1941
(Kowale PaÅ„skie) July 20 – July 21, 1942
Kalisz Kalisz July 4 – July 6, 1942
KieÅ‚czygÅ‚ów KieÅ‚czygÅ‚ów Aug. ??, 1942
Kleszczew BeÅ‚chatów Aug. 11 – Aug. 15, 1942
Klodawa Klodawa Jan. 10 – Jan. 12, 1942