Legacy of Barbara Novosel

Barbara Novosel: A Legacy of Strength

Barbara Novosel’s journey is a testament to strength and devotion to her family. Born as Barbara Balaban on February 20, 1891, in the village of Kostanjevica (now part of Slovenia), her early life in Europe could hardly have foreshadowed the challenges and triumphs she would face in Pennsylvania’s lumber camps.

In 1909, at just 18 years old, Barbara married Nickola Novosel, who had already experienced life in America working at a lumber camp. Shortly after their marriage, Nickola returned to Pennsylvania, seeking to escape the threat of military conscription, while Barbara remained behind in Kostanjevica. Barbara gave birth to their first child, Nick, in 1910, and though Nickola sent for her, she initially hesitated to leave her homeland. It was not until 1914, after receiving another plea from Nickola, that Barbara made the courageous decision to leave behind the life she knew.

A New World

Barbara and her young son endured a 30-day voyage across the Atlantic aboard a cattle boat, finally arriving in New York City before making their way to Pennsylvania. From Kane, a horse and buggy brought them to Sackett, a remote lumber camp. Barbara later reflected on her arrival, telling her daughter Rose that she “thought she was at the end of the world.”

Her new reality was grueling. Immediately, she took on the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, and sewing for 30 men in the lumber camp. Over the years, the family moved frequently, following the lumber work across Pennsylvania’s forests. Despite these challenges, Barbara and Nickola’s family grew rapidly. Between 1915 and 1920, Barbara gave birth to six more children—Thomas, Steve, Rose, Frank, Mary, and John—while managing her work in the camps.

Endurance

Life in the lumber camps tested one’s endurance. Living deep in the woods, Barbara endured harsh conditions, a devastating flu epidemic, and the impact of World War I. In 1920, seeking stability for their growing family, Nickola purchased a farm in Lamont, Pennsylvania. The Novosel family moved once again, and Barbara gave birth to three more children—Ann, Joe, and Carl—before taking over the hard work of running the farm while her husband was away working. Barbara told her grandchildren that Nickola had always wanted a large family. By the time their final two children— Millie and George— were born they had established a family of 12 children. She raised her children at the farm as the family managed crops and cared for livestock while Nickola was away finding work at lumber camps. 

Even as the Great Depression struck, Barbara persevered. The family leased the farm temporarily to seek work in New York but returned four years later to a property in desperate need of repair. The eldest of their children, Nick, took up work with the Civilian Conservation Corps  in Idaho.
Steadily, the Novosels rebuilt their life. Nickola and the older boys worked tirelessly, cutting logs and taking on jobs with local mills. The family eventually paid off the farm’s mortgage and even established their own business, the Novosel Lumber Mill, through a loan secured by the family’s trustworthy reputation.

A Family United in Sacrifice

During World War II, Barbara’s family once again rose to the occasion. Her sons Frank, John, Joe, and Carl served overseas in the Navy and Army, while her daughters Mary, Rose, and Ann worked stateside to support the war effort. On the home front, the Novosel Lumber Mill supplied timber to aid the military. Tragically, John’s ship was sunk by a Kamikaze plane off Okinawa in 1945, and he never returned home.

Despite this loss, Barbara remained a pillar of strength for her family. Her children continued to grow, marry, and raise families of their own, many settling close to home and contributing to the family’s legacy. In 1951, Nickola retired and sold the farm and mill to their sons Frank, Steve, and Carl, who carried on the family business for many years.

A Legacy of Resilience

In 1952, Barbara revisited her homeland for the first time since her departure, a bittersweet trip made at Nickola’s encouragement. While she was away, he passed away unexpectedly from a medical complication. Learning of his death upon her return home was a profound shock, but Barbara carried on with the same strength that had defined her life.

Barbara spent her later years in Kane, Pennsylvania, enjoying her proximity to St. Callistus Church and the company of her children and grandchildren. She passed away on March 27, 1970, after a lifetime of extraordinary contributions to her family and community.

Barbara’s granddaughter, Judi Cook, described her as “the rock, the glue that kept the family together,” adding that she demonstrated admirable work ethic and never gave up, no matter the circumstances. Barbara’s story is not only a testament to her own strength but also a reflection of the countless women who labored in the shadows to support their families during one of the most transformative periods in Pennsylvania’s history.

An Enduring Example

Barbara Novosel helped lay the foundation for her family’s success. Her life reminds us of the resilience and fortitude of the women who supported the lumber industry and their families. It is through the memories of her descendants and the values she instilled that Barbara’s and the Novosel legacy continues to inspire today.