The beginning for the Peck Family in America was similar to that of tens of thousands of other immigrants who fled from Russia at the turn of the century. Eva and Samuel and their children, came to Baltimore, Maryland, where Eva's sister and brothers, the Dorman family, had previously settled. Lubah, Morris, Julius, Willie, Earl, Rose, Zelda and Paul were children when their young father, Samuel, was killed in a terrible construction accident.

What is remarkable in the history of our family is the fact that although impoverished, without influence and without a father, the brothers and sisters remained close for so many years. That special closeness continued and expanded to include spouses and children. Uncles worked together, played tennis and cards together, aunts cooked and played canasta or mah jongg together. In both cities, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law served on synagogue and Jewish community Boards together, families traveled together, everyone vacationed together. A typical Saturday night at either Suburban or Lakeside Country Club included all the Pecks -- and all others marveled at this incredibly close-knit family. What made each Bar Mitzvah and wedding an occasion to remember was the attendance of every family member at every affair, in every city inhabited by Pecks. Cousins were friends, attended camp together, double-dated and visited each other at college.

Why the family was originally brought together was largely due to one man. With all due respect to each of the eight children of Eva and Samuel Peck, and with special regard for the matriarch Eva, it was Uncle Edel (Julius) who insisted that the family join him in Virginia. Why the family remained together was due to all of Eva and Samuel's children and their imbued loyalty and the feeling that there was nothing more important than our family. Nothing was tolerated which threatened to break up the family. To avoid discord, anything was excused and forgiven.

We dedicate this web page to all our uncles and aunts who raised their children together and who worked and played, laughed and grieved and fought and celebrated together for these many precious years; and to the blessed memory of those who are not with us today. We thank them all for bringing us together and for keeping us together.

Use the menu above to explore the Peck Family website, where you will find stories, interesting old documents, recipes, and photos.