linwoodcemetery.org.nz

Exciting Book Launch

Martha Szymanska, R.N.D.M., D.C. St.S., promoted her new book to 60 people in three sessions at the NZSG Room, Richmond School, Perth St, Christchurch on Wednesday 28th March 2012.

This wonderful collection of stories and letters collected from the descendants of the SCHIMANSKI family, ensures that the contribution to the development of Christchurch by early Polish immigrants is documented and acknowledged.

Focusing on her ancestors who farmed the challenging Marshland area at a time when the new city was expanding rapidly, this delightful collection of memories is Martha’s third book and the first of several volumes on Marshland that she is initially self publishing.

There are approximately 16 families of Polish descent in Linwood Cemetery.  They are buried mainly in the Catholic blocks 38-45.  There are 4 different spellings of Szymanski: SCHIMANSKI, SHUMANSKI, SHEMASKI and SHEMANSKI.  The earliest arrival to NZ of these is probably Annie SCHUMANSKI born in 1847.  She arrived from Poland in 1875 at the age of 26.  Her address, on her death, was 473 Marshland Road.

Copies of Martha’s book are available by contacting us.

B20P261 SAYLES

American Minstrel Irving SAYLES is the subject of a new one-person play that will be shown in North Island this year.  Mr SAYLES, a huge celebrity of his time, died unexpectedly in Christchurch on 8th February 1914 and is buried in Linwood Cemetery in Block 20 Plot 261.  Click on link to hear a recent interview with the actor and author of the play which aired on Radio New Zealand on Sunday 5th February 2012.

Wednesday Walks