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Mihelich Family and Farm History

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Mihelich Family and Farm History

History of the Joseph and Margeta (Sečen) Mihelich families and historic farm / house in Paw Paw, MI

02/06/2026

Congratulations, Diane, but I don’t think I’ll be able to attend - I won’t be born for a few more years.

01/02/2026

Went out to St. Mary’s cemetery Christmas (and took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather). Uncle John - the 2nd oldest of my great grandparents Joseph and Margaret’s children - died at the farm his senior year of high school due to a burst appendix. This was at least the 3rd child great-grandma had lost (after one with her first husband, and Aunt Clara - the last of her children). Uncle John’s tombstone was covered in much moss and scale, so I did the best I could to clean all of the Mihelich family’s stones off - I plan to go back in the spring and do a better job. I always thought the marker faced the grave, but here I see it’s on the opposite side of the marker. Also, look at how desolate and “unkempt” the cemetery was in 1925 (last picture). First picture is of Margaret and Aunt Dorothy (who would have been 7) - assuming this was taken in 1925. If it was later, this would be Aunt Helen.

11/06/2025

Not going to lie. This mundane photo is the 2nd-most exciting thing in my family search to date (after going to Croatia and meeting family) - Joseph’s (and Margaret) saloon in Calumet. That’s my great grandfather (Joseph) behind the bar. I’ll be honest - I didn’t think this existed. Lots of great stuff in the picture (of which I believe I have several items seen here)

11/05/2025

This is Draga Lukovdolska - what there is of it. I’ve seen conflicting reports of how many people actually live here today. I saw 2 “older” people in town, and I believe 6 people live in the Mihelić house. At least one of the other older houses looked lived in, and one newer house on the east side had people there. So anywhere from maybe 10-18 people? When Joesph and William left, there were about 120.

11/02/2025

Been a while since I posted. Still have a LOT of stuff to post, I’ve just been slacking. This is the Mihelić house in Draga Lukovdolska, where my great grandfather (Josip / Joseph) and his brother (Valentin / William) were born in the 1870s. Sadly, it burned during WWII, but was rebuilt, and is still owned by the Mihelić family. Of the 13 or so houses in Draga Lukovdolska, it’s the nicest and apparently best-cared for. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize this was the family house until it was too late, so these pictures are from Google street view. The picture of the people standing in front of it must be 1950s-ish, and included several Mihelić family members - with a few neighbors.

09/08/2025

This is the Catholic Church in Lukovdol where the Mihelić family worshipped. Unsure if the Sečen family attended here, or if there was a closer Catholic Church to Močile. This wouldld have been about 1.7 miles for the Mihelić family, 3.5 miles for the Sečen family. A long walk as its unlikely either had a horse or other means of transportation.

09/06/2025

Emil Mihelich - a cousin (his father was Emil, and his father Dragutin, who my great grandfather was writing to in the 1920s). I know the family connection now, but still have to piece together the full lineage). That is one of his sons, Dorian. Emil lives in Močile were my great grand mother Margaret Sečen was from. He is still part owner of the house where my great grandfather Joseph Mihelich was born and raised. His sister lives there now. Had a nice conversation with him today, and he gifted me these two books (in Croatian, so I better study faster to learn the language). Have a LOT more pictures and information to share!

09/04/2025

Beyond excited! Tomorrow is the day. I’m so hyped, I hope I can sleep tonight! Vrbovsko, Lukovdol, Močile, and Severin na Kupi! ❤️❤️❤️

09/01/2025

I got this coke bottle at dinner in Trogir. Draga is where the Mihelich family is from. Is this a sign, or what?

08/30/2025

Meeting with a Mihelić family member in Croatia Friday or Saturday…..

08/10/2025

A little history lesson today. As previously posted, my great father, Joseph Mihelich, ran a successful saloon in Calumet, MI before moving to Paw Paw. They bought the farm in 1919, and moved here late winter / early spring of 1920. I had always assumed that he ran the saloon until they moved here, but found evidence that he had closed up and moved from 325 5th St, where my grandmother (Elizabeth Mihelich) and uncle Bill (Wm. E) - along with several others - were born and raised. He had closed up somewhere 1917-1918 and moved with 7 kids. What he did for those 2-3 years is unknown, but I found out why he had closed early. Prohibition came into effect Jan 1920, and again, had assumed the declining mining business and looming Prohibition was responsible - but not years early. But in reality, Michigan became the first state - in 1917 - to enact an outright ban on manufacture, sales, and consumption of alcohol in the Damon act. This is the definitive proof of why the saloon closed prior to moving to the farm. Now…. To find out what he did for 2-4 years. 👍

07/02/2025

All my Croatian family, friends, and history lovers. This former church - while not the Croatian church - desperately needs donations help restore it to its former glory and as a valuable resource for ALL peoples who came through Calumet and wish to preserve their stories and history. Please donate! Every $5 or $10 helps. Thank you!

Address

52077 38th Street
Paw Paw, MI
49079

Website

facebook.com

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