Published on 09/14/2006

Joseph M. Settich (left) was a student of St. Joseph Catholic School in St. Louis. This school was a part of St. Joseph Croatian parish and was closed in the 1980's. Joseph became a prominent attorney in St. Louis until his death in 1971. This photo was taken circa 1931. Photos submitted by Robert Settich.

Saving Our Past

Old Photos of Croatians

Submitted by Robert Settich

My father, Joseph M. Settich, when he graduated from St. Joseph's Croatian (grade) school in St. Louis, Missouri. I would guess that he's about 14 years old in this picture. He was born in 1917, so I'd estimate that this was taken in about 1931. My father went on to become a prominent attorney in the city and county of St. Louis. He pursued this profession until he died in 1971 at only 53 years of age.

My grandmother identified this photo as Sister Gertrude who taught at St. Joseph's Croatian (grade) school in St. Louis, Missouri in the 1920's and '30's. A conversation between my grandmother and this lady produced an enduring influence upon my family.

The interior of St. Joseph Croatian Church in St. Louis, MO. This church celebrated its 100th year anniversary in 2004 and continues to serve the Croatian community of St. Louis.

This photo appears to combine grade school graduates, in the back of the photo, with a First Communion group. This picture was taken at St. Joseph's Croatian (grade) school in St. Louis, Missouri in about 1924 or 1925. Joseph M. Settich is seated next to the priest.

This appears to be the full student body of St. Joseph's Croatian (grade) school in St. Louis, Missouri in about 1930. Joseph M. Settich is in the rear row at far right (behind a nun).

This is a class photo from St. Joseph's Croatian (grade) school in St. Louis, Missouri in about 1929 or 1930. Joseph M. Settich is in the front row at far right.

This is a class photo from St. Joseph's Croatian (grade) school in St. Louis, Missouri in about 1928 or 1929. Joseph M. Settich is in the front row at far right.