The world is indeed getting smaller
everyday. Shirley Kelly Contreras of Arroyo Grande, California happened by
our website when she was searching on the subject of Forge Village Massachusetts.
She signed the Guest book and mentioned she was born there. I emailed her
to thank her and asked if she knew any Flatleys. A few hours later she
responded. She didn't know any Flatley's herself but she contacted
"Aunt Mickey" a friend of her family. Aunt Mickey's response was...
"Did I know any Flatley's???? dated
one for years! Their mother was my Aunt Rosie McKniff's sister.
Her name was Annie Molloy and she married Dave Flatley and I think they
had 15 children! They moved to Harrison, New Jersey and lived there the
rest of their lives. Tom just passed away this past year--we used
to correspond regularly and he would send me all sorts of Irish songs.
Rosie and Dolly were good friends of mine and spend many summers on
Orchard Street. The one I dated is Joe and he and his family come
to visit us all the time. He was in the Navy and always came to us
whenever his ship was in Boston. In fact they came to both the Forge
Village reunions that I ran. Also never missed a funeral in
the village if they could make it. Usually stayed with us and they
were great company. Sang every verse and song from way back.
One night, Rita Shackleton, Monica Brule, Genevieve Young, Fran, Len and
I--we sang til four in the morning after one of our parties!
We really do have the same memories, don't we?"
12/16/2002
Helena McKniff Crocker
Shirley Kelly asked me if I knew any of the
Flatleys in Forge Village and I cracked up. Your Dad and I have
been writing to each other for years and he has kept me supplied with
all kinds of Irish cassettes. Years ago I dated Tucker (your uncle
Joe) in fact, we still keep in touch. He and Myra used to visit
often before he became an old man. lol Tell him I said that
and get back!
I was so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, my
husband also died last New year's Eve so it has been a sad year for all
of us. Also my cousin, Joe Haran died just before Len.
Fill me in on where you live now. Is your mother
still in her own home?
Did you ever know your Aunt Rose McKniff from
Forge
Village. (she was your grandmother's sister) She was also my
aunt as she married John McKniff who was my father's brother.
small world isn't is?
I was just fascinated to see the Flatley name.
our families have been so close for so many years--and I never knew any
of your brothers and sisters. I was friends with your Aunt Rosie
Flatley, Dolly, Kay and Dave when they lived over the Humphreys on
Hamilton Street in Harrison. Joe and Myra used to stay with me in
the summer with their kids when they were little. I probably
wouldn't know them now, but Joe and I still call each other (now
and then).
I think you are to be congratulated on a great job
with your website and as there are so many Flatleys in the world, you
have your work cut out for you! have you ever done a family tree.
(with your family--it could turn into a forest!).
I wrote to Geri to ask about her Joe Rowan as that was my
grandparents name from Keighley, in Yorkshire. Just wondered if
there is a connection.
Loved looking at your family pictures--too bad you didn't get
your Dad on there [Editor's Note: Yes he is look for him].
12/16/2002
Mickey McKniff Crocker
So happy to hear back from you. I have
phoned Tucker and left messages but so far he hasn't got back to me.
I am sure he will as we do usually keep in touch and Myra too.
Are you or any of your family doing a family tree?
Did you know how many cousins you have on the McKniff side of your
family? Your Dad's Aunt Rose had five living children who are
scattered all over country. John and Thomas have both passed away,
but Skip (francis) is in Pennsylvania (has 7 kids grown up), Barbara is
at Cape Cod now that her husband has retired (was in Maryland for years)
and Joseph is in Bakersfield, California and has three sons. I
have lost track of the Molloy branch but maybe your Aunt Rosie would
know where they ended up.
I wish your Dad was still around --I miss him a lot. He
wrote regularly and he wrote some of the most enjoyable letters.
My parents had many a good time with Dave and Annie and my Dad used to
ride your Uncle Dave unmercifully. (all in good fun, but they
never let up on one another.) Did your Dad every tell you about
our Forge Village Reunions? He and Tucker and Myra came to them
all and stayed with my husband and I whenever they came to the Village.
Anyway, I think you are doing a great job with your web site and
it will so nice for all of your future Flatleys. I used to tease
Tucker about the Flatleys being like Ali Baba (may his tribe increase.)
He and I still rag on one another whenever we see each other.
Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas
and hope you all stay with your Mom this Christmas and New Year as it
will be a sad time for her, won't it?
My husband passed away last New Year's eve so all of our kids are
planning to be here with me. We had 48 years together so this year
will be a bit sad. We had seven boys and one girl and have 12
grandchildren, so the place will be jumping.
Keep in touch and give my best to all your aunts and uncles.
Ciao. Mickey"
12/22/2002
Well, that's a lot of information I didn't know
about! There is no question That the World is getting smaller for
us all. Merry Christmas Flatleys.
Merry Christmas to you Mickey and
Shirley, and a hope of a good New Year to us all.