This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/JGB.2ACI/631.1 Message Board Post: Hi Kelley, I am originally from Manistee, Michigan. It is a very small town on the shores of Lake Michigan. There are alot of Polish/German people who have settled in the upper half of the lower peninsula of Michigan. The only thing that I can think of is that the climate resembles that of Poland/Germany. St Joseph parish was my home parish and it is one of three Catholic Churches in Manistee. It is the "Polish" church! You can contact the parish at 231-723-2619. Address is St Joseph Church 254 6th Street Manistee, Michigan 49660. I have not looked into records in town but they have a historical society at 425 River Street Manistee, Mi. 49660. The polish people built St Joe's church, rectory and school in the late 1880's. They also lived around those buildings, which is located southeast of the town of Manistee on Manistee Lake. It also was part of the industrial section of the town. I live in Traverse City, Michigan which is about 70 miles north of Manistee presently. Happy! hunting!!