Back to School, Masuk Revisited
Welcome back, Monroe history lovers. I hope you all enjoyed your summer. I know I certainly did. You may recall, back in mid-March we posted an article on the history of Masuk High School, authored by our capstone student, Liam Whalen. A member of the Masuk family reached out, and although they enjoyed Liam’s effort, there were some minor discrepancies in his article. Of course, the goal is always to present our town’s history as accurately as possible, and in this case we were a bit off target. Actually, this turned out to be a great lesson for Liam and me as it presented an opportunity to revisit the subject and to set the record straight. We are sincerely grateful to the Masuk family for working with us to resolve any inaccuracies, and what better time to present these corrections than the first day back to school for Monroe students? And, speaking of school, Liam is now off pursuing his major in history at UMass Amherst. We wish him well in his educational endeavors. Never forget where you came from, Liam.
Regards,
Kevin Daly
Historian, Monroe Historical Society
www.monroecthistory.org
Our Past is Always Present
Prior to his immigration to America, Semyon Masuk lived in Russia and worked as a cabinetmaker before being forced into compulsory military service. During his time in the military, he served as a member of Czar Nicholas II’s private guard. However, as a Russian Orthodox Christian, Semyon believed that life should not be wasted in the destruction of war and had a bigger meaning. So, in 1913, at the age of 24, with his passport, and cash assets matching his age, Masuk left Russia, landing in the Port of Boston.
Upon arriving in Massachusetts, Masuk spent two weeks working in a factory in Maynard, Massachusetts, ultimately deciding that it wasn’t for him, and left. Upon hearing of the large amounts of building happening in the city of Bridgeport, he moved from Massachusetts and worked as a carpenter for three years. Afterward, he served as a gun inspector in the UMC during the First World War.
Following the war, Semyon married his betrothed, Dameneka Masuk, who had emigrated from their village of Masty in the province of Grodno, White Russia. Together, the couple settled in Bridgeport, where they first operated a delicatessen on Hallett Street in the heart of the city’s Russian community. Later, they opened a meat market at Hallett and Berkshire Avenue before eventually purchasing the property that became the longtime home of Masuk Brothers Hardware on East Main Street. Known for his strong work ethic, Semyon continued to work full days at the store well into his later years.
In 1953, the Masuk family moved to Monroe, settling on Barn Hill Road. Semyon and his family quickly became active members of the community, with the younger generation attending local schools and building lives in the area. Deeply appreciative of the opportunities America had given him, Semyon believed strongly in giving back to his adopted country and community. That belief ultimately led to the Masuk family, specifically Semyon and his two sons, Peter S. and Paul S. Masuk, donating 22 acres of land to the Town of Monroe for the construction of a new high school.
When asked about the donation, Semyon famously stated, “The thanks, rather, are mine to offer. America gave me the opportunity to prosper from hard work. I want to give the American people something valuable in return.” He also emphasized the importance of education, saying, “There is nothing more important than schools, which are the foundation of our democracy.”
Today, the Masuk name remains permanently connected to Monroe through Masuk High School, serving as a lasting reminder of one immigrant family’s gratitude, generosity, and dedication to the community they proudly called home.
Stay Curious,
Liam Whalen
