"Andrej Rusnak" sailed on the SS Breman from Breman, Germany in September of 1902. He was 24 and was headed to Uniontown, PA to stay with a cousin in Smock, PA.

Andro worked in the soft coal mines in southwestern Pennsylvania. After he had earned enough money, he sent a letter to Julia asking her to come to the U.S. and marry him. At this time, Andro was 27 and Julia was 18. Julia hesitated because her mother was a widow and Julia felt that she should stay with her. A brother of Julia’s said that he would look after Mom and urged Julia to go. Julia arrived in 1905 and was married two weeks later.

A child named John was born in 1906 but did not live. Mary was born in Crabtree in 1907. The family then moved to the hard coal fields in eastern Pennsylvania and Anna was born in 1908. Julia was born in 1910 and lived 14 months. Julia continued to have children: Helen in 1912; Gizella in 1914; Andy in 1917; Margaret in 1919; Adele in 1920; Carl in 1922; Agnes in 1925; Joe in 1927.

Andrew worked in the mines until he was overcome by black damp (mine gas). It was thought that he had tuberculosis. He worked for the county for a while, became caretaker of the church cemetery and later became church sexton where he continued to work until his death at the age of 69. When Andrew was overcome with mine gas, Julia did day work as a domestic or worked for local farmers. Chickens, rabbits, duck, and vegetables were raised at home. Coal was obtained by the nearby culm bank.

The Rusnak home in Swoyersville was close to the Slovak church. Slovak friends and relatives who walked to church from a distance stopped at the Rusnaks to rest and to use the facilities. On Sundays, there were always visitors who were made to feel welcome. Members of Julia’s family – two brothers and cousins – lived nearby.

If the children were unable to get jobs in the Wilkes-Barre area, they moved to New Jersey or New York. They were always welcome when they came home to visit.

Julia died at the age of 56 in 1945. After the death of Andrew in 1947, Carl suggested that the family have reunions. He discussed this with Agnes and Dan and Dan discussed it with his mother and stepfather, who invited the family to have the reunions at Harcharick Cottage at Harvey's Lake. In 1973, the cottage was purchased by Helen and Leo Wojnar, and Mary Ann Gaydos. Reunions were held there for nearly 40 years until the family outgrew the cottage location. The nearby Beach Club, with its pavillion, continues to host the annual event.