Jim -
I just came across your post. I occasionally check the boards, but since IDA seems to be so uncommon, there's usually nothing there. I live in Schaumburg, IL. My father and his family lived in Cicero, IL. My grandparents came to the US from Poland, in the early 1900s. My grandfather (John) was the gardener for the Polish royal family - so its hard for me to get much info since those records were destroyed during the war. When he came to the US, he started a florist business in Cicero, IL. My father, Stanley, was born in Chicago in 1917. After his father died, he took over the business. Its my understanding that during WW1, when my grandparents had to flee the palace, they moved to a small town, near the German border. Since, after the 2 wars there, the border has changed several times, so I guess its possible we're talking about the same town? I don't recall the name however.
Also, about a year ago, I traded message with another Robert Ida. He lived somewhere in Michigan. He also indicated that his family was from germany, but really didn't know much more.
My e;mail address, at home, is
datadude574@cs.com.
Let me know if I can be of any more help.
Bob
ps
Ida has never been shortened, from any other Polish name. In fact there is a folk story about a boy his grandfather (last names Ida) that froze to death in a cave. I really can't remember all the other details.