Matthew V. & Sue Z. Sisak Collection
Inclusive Dates
1961 – 1968
Bulk Dates
1961 – 1968
Abstract
This collection of home movies documents the Sisak family of Racine, Wisconsin. The films capture family gatherings, family travels as well as their short stay in Washington State during the 1961 Berlin Crisis. The films include scenes from Sherwood Point Lighthouse in Door County, Wisconsin, The Basilica Shrine of Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wisconsin, The Washington State Capital in Olympia, Washington, and a family picnic in Saunders Park in Racine County, Wisconsin.
Collection Items
Film
1968: Skating - Jeff 4th Birthday - Judy 6th Birthday - Pete's 1st Birthday - Doll Buggy Parade
1968
To request more information about the items in this collection, please contact the archive at
info@chicagofilmarchives.org.
Items with Viewable Media
- 1961-1962: Seattle
- 1962: Baby Shower - Halloween
- 1963: Judy 4th Birthday - Racine July 4th Parade
- 1964-1967: 1967 Little Pete - 1964 Milwaukee Zoo - Holy Hill - Christmas
- 1965: Summer - Christmas - Jeff's 5th Birthday - Judy 7th Birthday - Halloween
- 1968: Skating - Jeff 4th Birthday - Judy 6th Birthday - Pete's 1st Birthday - Doll Buggy Parade
- Student Films: Ebb Tide (Jeff) - Live and Let Die (Jeff) - Ebb Tide (Pete)
Collection Identifier
C.2013-05
Extent of Collection
7 reels of 8mm film totaling 1675 feet
Language Of Materials
English
Subject
Custodial History
The movies were kept in shoeboxes on a shelf in the basement family room of the Sisak family home until they were donated to Chicago Film Archives in 2013.
Related Materials
The Russell V. Zahn Collection (http://www.chicagofilmarchives.org/collections/index.php/Detail/Object/Show/object_id/15177) contains home movies shot by Sue Sisak's father, Russell V. Zahn.
Access Restrictions
This collection is open to on-site access. Appointments must be made with Chicago Film Archives. Due to the fragile nature of the films, only video copies will be provided for on-site viewing.
Use Restrictions
Chicago Film Archives holds the copyright for the films in this collection.
Creators
Sisak, Matt
(was created by)
In 1961, Matt Sisak was an assembler at Hamilton Beach Appliance in Racine, WI and was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard 32nd division. That same year, he and his unit were activated and they were transferred to Fort Lewis Washington during the Berlin Crisis. While at Fort Lewis, he purchased an 8mm Bell & Howell movie camera to document his young children and to film some of the sights while in Washington State. Matt was born March 28, 1935 in Racine, WI, the youngest son of Matt & Agnes Sisak and later worked for many years for Wisconsin Natural Gas Co, where he retired from.
Sisak, Sue
(was created by)
Sue Sisak (born April 2, 1935) was the daughter of Russell V. & Leona Zahn, whose collection of home movies also reside at CFA. Prior to her marriage to Matt Sisak, she was employed by Zahn's Department Store in downtown Racine. After she married she was a homemaker until she passed away April 12, 2011.