(as told to Mark and verified by Linda.)
When we moved to Federal Twist and Strimples Mill Roads in October 1985 our house was covered by a seller’s warrantee for the plumbing and electrical systems against failure within the first year. Unfortunately, within a month the loud, jet-style, water-well-pump failed and when informed, seller-representative Duchess Bohle, told us to call plumber (and neighbor) John B. Hoff to come and repair it. John came on an emergency basis, and repaired the pump, but he didn’t seem to be fully aware of the business arrangements. Linda and I submitted the bill to Duchess and the insurance company.
One month later, during the business day, Linda was home with our three young children when an indignant woman, who turned out to be John’s wife, Mary (Sicak) Hoff, came to the house and in a pushy way, entered our home and demanded to know why we hadn’t paid for our emergency pump repair that had been performed. She went on about how John had reacted to our need, and it was disrespectful not to pay the bill. She also demanded to know, “Who are you anyway?” Linda told her, “Linda Zdepski, my husband is Mark Zdepski.”
Mrs. Hoff’s demeanor immediately changed. She asked in a much quieter manner, “Are you related to Walt Zdepski?” Linda said, “Walt is Mark’s Uncle.” She then apologized for her attitude and told Linda the following story:
“During the Depression, when I was a little girl, my family lived along Federal Twist Road. Harry Zdepski would occasionally stop by our house as he walked home from work at the quarry on Quarry Road. One day when Harry stopped by our entire family was sitting around the kitchen table, hungry, without anything to eat. Harry understood the situation and gave my parents $1.00. This gift saved our family from hunger, and I’ve never forgotten it. I’m very, very sorry,” and she quickly left.
This act of generosity by Pop had to have taken place during 1932 or ‘33, because that is when the Chas. T.Eastburn, Co. Raven Rock Quarry shut down. During the quarry employment years Pop Zdepski worked for $1.00 per day. (Grandpop’s wage at the quarry was provided by Cousin Walter John Zdepski, as he learned it from his father, Walt.) Pop must have stopped by the Sicak family’s home on payday, with cash in his pocket. Mary Sicak was born in 1927 and would have been about 5 or 6 years old when this life-long memorable event occurred (She died in 2024).
As for the no-payment of the bill, the next day I called the insurance company and was informed the failure of the electric water pump was not a covered expense. According to the insurance company the water pump was not part of the electrical system, nor the water system! Duchess Bohle was informed of this, and she paid the bill.
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