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Amelia “Emily” Mogilka was born March 11, 1915 in Chicopee, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Leon and Stephaina (Skwisz) Mogilka. At the time of her birth they lived at the Skwisz family home at 34 Bertha Avenue. Leon was then employed by the A.G. Spaldings Co. Stanley Mogilka was their second child born on May 18, 1916 at Chicopee.

Emily’s early years were filled with contrast. When her father Leon did not drink he was a warm and caring father. When he drank Leon frequently became violent, especially against his wife Stefania. Emily and her brother would witness these beatings. She would do her best to protect her brother from harm. During these alcoholic binges the family often went without necessities, as Leon’s earnings would be spent on alcohol.

Emily described her mother Stefania as being a very sensitive, emotional, and caring woman. Emily and her mother were very close, as was Stanley. Despite his problems Emily loved her father very much. Her family was important to her.

Unfortunately the violence against Stefania and the children continued. During the late 1920s Stefania left Leon. She took Emily and Stanley and moved to a relative’s home near Detroit, Michigan. Not long after their separation Leon followed them to Michigan and persuaded Stefania to take him back convincing her that he had changed his ways. The family returned to Massachusetts.

Despite his promises the alcohol and violence resumed. Stefania began to despair. On the night of December 7, 1929 Leon Mogilka returned home after drinking. At the time the family lived in a third floor apartment at 32 Morgan Street in Springfield. He demanded that Stefania make him coffee and became argumentative with her. Leon struck Stefania repetitively. While being beaten she yelled that she was going to “end it all” and rushed to a window, opened it, and threw herself out. Stefania fell to the frozen ground three stories below. Leon summoned doctor E.A. Gates who had her transported to Springfield Hospital. Stefania’s injuries consisted of a fractured skull, two broken legs, a broken jaw, and internal injuries. Springfield Police lieutenants John P. Fleming and Thomas M. Moriarty were assigned to investigate the case. When they interviewed Stefania she told them “She was tired of constantly getting beat up and wanted to end it all”. Thirty-five days after her jump Stefania died at Springfield Hospital on January 11, 1930 from the injuries she sustained.

Fourteen-year-old Emily was now at one of the darkest points in her life. Her family was tragically broken apart. She was separated from her brother Stanley who was placed with a relative. Emily was bounced from one relative to another but was not wanted.

Finally she found kindness from her mother’s sister Josie who took her in at the Skwisz family home on Chicopee Street. Josie, her husband Frank, and young son Peter now resided at the family home. Emily’s grandfather Michael Squisz had died in 1925. Her grandmother Catherine had remarried and moved away. Through her aunt Josie’s love and caring Emily found a home and second mother. Most importantly to Emily was that Josie also loved and missed Stefania. The strong bond with her aunt lasted a lifetime.

In March of 1930 at age 15 Emily began to work in the mills at the F.W. Sickles Co. just across the river from her aunt’s home. She assembled flashlights.

In the years that followed her mother’s death Emily did her best to continue on with life. {more photos}