History of the Club, The First 25 Years

In the early years immediately following World War I, the life of the Polish       American Community,on the east side of the city of St. Paul, began to expand.        With this expansion, a lack of thorough organization became more and more apparent.  Rather than pooling their resources together, small Polish immigrant          groups in the vicinity of St. Casimir Parish, as well as, other minor Polish         national groups began to formulate their own plans for the good of the entire community.  

Evidence of this dissemination could really be seen in the lack of interest in           and responsibility for the "Polish Central House" the well known Pulaski Hall.    Because there was no singleness of purpose, the existing small organization        found themselves in a quandary-a definite drop in membership; a lack of inter-organizational cooperation; little or no interest in helping to fund and to aid in the repair of the existing "Polish Central House," Pulaski Hall.  In order to resolve this dilemma, and simultaneously to enhance the dignity of the Poles  amongst the immigrants of other nations, it was deemed necessary to unify the small groups into an organization having one heart, mind and purpose. That organization came to be known as the Polish American Club.  

A New Beginning  

As with any organization, so too Polish American Club, the beginning group was

small, but highly enthusiastic.  The core group consisting of thirteen (13) dedicated

Poles met on the evening of December 13, 1927 to lay the ground work for

furthering an awareness of Polish contributions to and from affairs within the

community.  The group consisted of the following people: 

A general meeting was scheduled for January,1928.

The First General Meeting Organization

The first general meeting of the organization was held on January 3,1928 at

8:00 P.M. in Pulaski Hall. The meeting was called to order by one of the originators

of the Club, Mr. Frank Tarara. The temporary secretary was Mr. Valentine Petrykowski. An explanation of the organization and its proximate and long range goals was presented. A discussion ensued. After hearing all the pros and cons a motion was made by Mr. Michael Nyrt that the organization and its proposed goal be accepted.

The motion was accepted.

Next in the order of business was the election of officers for the Club. The result

was: 

    

On assuming his new position, Dr. T. Gratzek addressed the assembly, giving them

additional insight into the plans of the club and asking for enthusiastic support and

cooperation. Leaving the decision for the schedule of the next meeting to the newly

elected officers, the meeting was adjourned.

All told seventy-eight (78) interested  parties were present.

 

Initial Progress

The progress of the Club, its activities, works, and the like between the years of

1928 and 1939 remain to a large extent a closed book. Many of the records were

lost in the fire that consumed a good portion of Pulaski Hall. Others seem to have

disappeared into thin air. The accounts that will be given are a compilation of those

gathered from scattered notes and at times yellowed, sheets possessed by the

Club's secretary, as well as, from the "Monthly Review of the Polish American Club."

 

A Fresh Start

Eager to enlarge its membership, and also to raise funds for the maintenance of

Pulaski Hall, the Club sponsored a variety of activities such as: picnics, dances,

semi-professional plays, etc. These were not, however, the only interests and

concerns of the Club.  The Club took an active part in and on most occasions proved

to be the leader in activities that benefited the entire Polish Community not only

in the St. Paul area, but also, throughout the United States.

The prestige, dignity, and honor of the Pole were constantly being upheld and reified

through the work and vigilance of the Committee for public affairs. Misinformed

Communications Media were sent immediate rebuttals; inimical slander was stayed

by factual information. All this was done to maintain the "good name" of the Poles

in America.

One of the hallmarks of the P.A.C. was its hospitality toward representatives of the

mother country, Poland. Such distinguished visitors as General Joseph Haller,

Stanislaus Mikolajczyk, secretary of Agriculture, and many others found a welcome

home and heart amongst the members of the Polish American Club at Pulaski Hall.

The "Polish Home" - Pulaski Hall

 

At this point it would be wise to backtrack a bit in order to give the members

information about the founding and funding of Pulaski Hall. 

The year was 1898. The existing Polish organizations such as: White Eagle Dramatic

and Choral Group (Jouarzystur Dramatycznejci Sfieus Bialigo Orla) and Kosciusgko Club (Jouarzystus "Inienia Kosiciuszki") merged and came to be known as the Pulaski Hall

Circle (Spolka Sali Pulaskiego). Shortly after this group was incorporated into the Pulaski Hall Association. 

Its founder, first administrators, and most enthusiastic workers were Steven Cylkowski, Frank Drost, Peter Golebitza, Carl Helminisk, Anthony Hudalla, Stanley Jamber, Albert Lukcasyewski, Anthony Ruthowski, and Michael Nyrt. The President was

Steven Cylkowski. 

The President of a plot of land upon which to build a Polish Central Home was the groups prime concern. After viewing different properties, the decision to purchase real

estate, sixty feet in width, in the area of Arcade and Jenks was made. The price of the land was $1,000.00. Money needed for the purchase of the land came from:

Whether or not, this money was a loan an outsight gift is not known. Funding for the business was the next business on the agenda. To this end, the selling of $25.00 bonds was initiated.

In November, 1910, the construction began, but not without difficulties. The building contract was set at $7,500.00. The contractor, however, did not keep to the exact terms of the contract, as regarded the building itself, the materials used, and the wages set for the laborers. The issue was finally brought into court. The Contractor had to meet and pay for excessive expenditures.

The above caused unforeseen delays. A new contractor had to be found and employed.

So it was not until late in the year 1911, that the building was finally completed.

Over the years the Polish American Association assumed responsibility for the upkeep

and maintenance of the building.

As other new Polish American organizations were formed, these too found the building

useful for their meetings and activities. Amongst them was one that was very active. It sponsored athletic activities, semi-professional plays, and the like. From this group seven (7) young men joined the Armed Forces of the Volunteer Polish Army forming in Canada. The year was 1917, the period of World War I. The group was known as, "The Young Falcons, Group 609 (Jowarzystias Geminastyczne, Sokol Polaski, Gniazdo 609).

Another group worth mentioning was the so called "Citizens Club" (Klub Obywatelski).

This group recruited young men for the Volunteer Polish Army.

Eventually all the groups pooled their time, resources, and energy together, formed a single thriving association known as the Polish American Club, that had a true Polish Home at Pulaski Hall.

 

The Payment of Debts - Polish American Club

Although a full year of the Club's  existence had not transformed, its enthusiastic, members rose and measured up to meeting their responsibilities toward paying accumulated debts.  This it was that on September 29, 1920, of the $2,900.00 received, they paid the bond holders a 50% return of the money they invested in Pulaski Hall. This was in accord with a prearranged agreement between the bond holders and the Polish American Club. Other debts were still Pending. Some of these were as follows:

 the pension of the secretary, etc. The total debts was in excess of $5,457.36.

The club had an amount of $700.00 in its treasury. The amount, however, could not cover the indebtedness. Therefore the Club borrowed $2,500.00 from Mr. John McDonough; $1,500.00 from Commercial State Bank of St. Paul, and $400.00 from its

president, Dr. Thos. Gratzek. The interest rate on the first two was 6% and the last 4%.

1930

No ant colony could have been as busy as the members of the P.A.C., working for and being involved in bettering the community. Because of this Pulaski Hall was in constant use and eventually began to show wear and tear. Keenly aware of the situation at hand, the members of the P.A.C. gave of their time, resources, energy, and finances each according to his ability. A new roof was the first item on the agenda, then other needed renovations came to the fore.

The members really helped, some eleaned, others painted, and still others helped put in a new flooring. Some individual members and their contributions are worth mentioning. These are: Dr. Thos Gratzek, who kept sending the checks from his share of interest on the mortgage to the P.A.C.; Mr. John L. Schweitz donated drapery for the

dance hall; paint was provided by Mr. Boleslaw Jomaszewski; the light fixtures were given by Mr. Nick Ciernia; Mr. Roman Polski donated chairs and sofas for the dance hall; all needed ventilators, as well as, the electricity were installed by Mr. Frank Tarara; Mr. Peter Ciernia, with other members painted and decorated the dance hall.

The cooperation of the members was excellent.

By mid-autumn, Pulaski Hall was completely renovated. The members sponsored an "Open House." A special program of entertainment was provided and the guests were asked to make a free will donation to the club. Because of this and other activities sponsored by the Club some of the standing debts were met. Remaining records show that by January 27, 1932, the $1,500.00 borrowed from the Commercial State Bank of St. Paul was repaid in full; Dr. Thos. Gratzek was re-imbursed one-half the sum he lent to the club; the payments on the interest on the money borrowed from Mr. J. McDonough were met regularly; and any additional normal expenditures were taken care of by the Club. How and when the other pending debts were met remains an unknown, because records were destroyed in the fire of 1937.

Another noteworthy item - the year 1931 marked the foundation and acceptance of the Club's contribution; its incorporation as an official Club, as well as, the acceptance of its new name on official documents to be known as , "The Polish American Club" (Klub Polsko Amerykanski) rather than, the "Polish Club" (Klub Polski). 

 

1931 and On

In the early part of 1931, Mr. John L. Schweitz organized, edited, became a correspondent of and advertiser in "The Monthly Review of the Polish American Club."

It became a source of disseminating information amongst the Club's members and served as an aid in writing the Club's history.

 

The Special Edition of the Neekly, "The Polish Star" (Giviazda Polarna)

Though the special efforts of Mr. Felix Korbut, a member of the P.A.C., a good portion of the highly illustrated, bi-lingual (Polish and English) weekly, "Giviazda Polarna" (edited by the Noozala Brothers in Stevens Point, Wis.) was dedicated to the officials and involvements of the Poles in Minnesota, gave a brief history of the state and its capitol city, St. Paul. This was a "feather in the hat" for all the Poles of St. Paul, Minn. and specifically for the members of the Polish American Club.

 

Lockwood Park

Another interest of the P.A.C. was the beautification and utilization of land in the local area. On the east side of the city, in the vicinity bounded by Cook, Mendota, and Magnolia Streets, lay a large pit, that was generally used as a dumping grounds.

The Club members realizing that the area could be put to better use, and setting their hopes on a possible recreation facility, set up a meeting with the Park Commissioner, Mr. Herman Nemgel. Upon hearing the proposal, Mr. H. Nemgel gave his hearty approval, and did all in his power to press for action. In a short period of time, the city bought the few remaining lots in the area from private owners and work began.

The pit was filled and leveled, a warming house was constructed, recreational equipment was provided, and Lockwood Park became a reality. The park still serves the youth today - thanks to the efforts of the P.A.C.

 

A Banquet for the Polish Youth

The education of youth was of prime concern to the P.A.C. To encourage and instill a greater appreciation; the Club sponsored a banquet for the Polish Youth (High School Graduate) of the city of St. Paul and its surrounding area on January 21, 1931. Some eighty-six (86) young men and women participated in it. The guest speaker, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. R.L. Furgerson, further encouraged the graduates by bringing to light the benefits of a good education, as regards the individual and the society. 

Credit should be given to those, who in anyway helped to make the banquet the success it was. Some of the member benefactors were Mr. J. Bislozynski - four gallons of crock pickles; Mr. J.L. Schweitz - dishes; Mr. A. Gola - music; Dr. T. Gratzek - printing ($11.25). The income from the tickets sold (except the students) was $75.00; the expenditures totaled $125.5; the Club supplied the balance of $150.54. 

 

Father Ladislaus (Nladyslow) Sledz

In Autumn of 1934, the Club called for a general meeting of its members and interested citizenry, to honor one of its prominent honorary members and great Polish patriot, Father Nladyslow Sledz. He was going to Poland for further studies. To aid in defraying some of his expenses, as well as, to show an appreciation for all his spiritual ministry, an afternoon of entertainment, lie, a program and a luncheon, was sponsored. A free will offering  was collected. What the sum was, is not known, as there is no record of it.

The Fire - Pulaski Hall

The many activities of the Polish American Club went on at a normal pace. The year 1937, however, forbode a tragic event.  On the night of January 9, 1937 a fire from undetermined causes, broke out in the lower hall. The damage to the hall was extensive, to the excess of $15,000.00. Although fire insurance covered the expenses for the damage incurred, many important memorabilia, as well as, club records covering a period of nine years were destroyed. 

During the period of reconstruction the Club members held regular meetings at St. Casimir Parish Hall.

Despite the extensive damage the old Polish saying "Niema zlego coly na dobre nie wyszlo" (There is no evil without good.) bore out. With the reconstruction came renovations. The area once used as quarter for the maintenance man converted into a large public meeting hall; another large room became a meeting hall exclusively for P.A.C. members.

Since most of the reconstruction and renovation was done by Club members costs were held at minimum. Money received from the Fire Insurance covered not only these costs, but also, helped to pay for the rest of the mortgage. And after some twenty-six years Pulaski Hall became the property of the Polonia. True the owners and caretakers remained the P.A.C. The will and intent of the Club, however, was to have Pulaski Hall serve the needs of the Polonia - our people. 

 

The Period of World War II

An extensive report of this period of time is most necessary as it has made its mark on history. It did, however, have a hearing and an effect on the Club itself. First of all, many of the young men, whose families were members of long standing, left for the service, some never to return. 

With this, and with the expansion of war on all fronts, a pall of despondency seemed to fall over the Club causing members to lose heart and spirit. Information gleamed from the minutes of the general meeting of 1944, presided over by Mr. Stanley Jomaszwoski, state that only fourteen (14) members were present and that more of them were willing to assume administrative positions. From 1944 interest in the Club or in anything other than the war, lagged. 

Perservations, the true march of a Pole, won out and the Club persisted. The war came to an end; the boys came home; membership began to swell; younger hands took over the administration of the Club; the heart and spirit of the members was lifted a new; and the future took on a brighter perspective.

 

Ladies Auxiliary

To work with and be of aid to the P.A.C. was the aim of the Ladies Auxiliary, that was organized in 1950. Although it was considered a branch of the P.A.C., the Ladies Auxiliary was a self-governing body, having its own officers, meetings, and treasury. It sponsored, many and various outings for the Club members and proved to be invaluable because of its many services.

The initiation of the Ladies Auxiliary women seeking a more active role in the Club; were: Mrs. Stella Kroll, Mrs. Hattie Kruskolaski, and Mrs. Olga Vanderbech. On April 17, 1950 they held their first meeting. Present for that meeting were: Mrs. Stella Kroll, P. Bogdanowicz, Emily Kubiak, Harriet Mudzinski, Caroline Nolkonz, MaryAnn Nolkonz, Betty Badowicz, and Gertrude Kusz - eight (8) women though the beginnings were meager, the Ladies Auxiliary grew rapidly in number, so that within a span of three years its membership totaled one-hundred fifty (150). The men after twenty-five (25) years of existence had an approximate membership of two-hundred and forty-six (246). The old saying of "Ladies First" bore out. 

The first officers of the Ladies Auxiliary from its inception to 1951 were: 

 

Officers of the Ladies Auxiliary in 1952 were:

 

Officers of the Polish American Club in 1952 were:

A Member of the Polish American Club ~ A State Senator

The year 1950 brought an unprecedented event of pride and joy to the Polish American Club; the entire Polonia; and particularly to the "East Siders." One of our own sons and a member of the Polish American Club, successfully campaigned for office in the State Legislature. Due to the loyal support of the Poles on the East Side, the parishioners of St. Casimir Church, and the committee of the Polish American Club, Mr. Harold W. Schultz won a seat in the Senate of the Minnesota State Legislature.

 

Excerpts from the Club Records

1939 - Though the efforts of Mr. Ted Ciernia, Pulaski Hall was furnished completely gratis by the Weyant Furniture Company.

1940 - Mr. Frank Nahurski, lawyer, Club member, and long time President of the Council of Polish Americans informed us that in the State of Minnesota, the sum of $6,400.00 was collected for Polish War Victims.

1941 - Information gleamed from a report given by the above mentioned, Mr. Frank Nahurski, states that the Clothes-drive for Polish War victims is coming along successfully.

1942 - The Polish American Club took a very active part in the Golden Jubilee Celebration of St. Casimir Parish on the east side of St. Paul.

1943 - The Golden Jubilee Book of St. Casimir Parish was sent to all Club members in the military service by the Polish American Club.

 

List of Polish American Club Officers in Order of Succession

and Number of Years of Service

 

President                      No. of Years

 

Vice President              No. of Years

Second Vice President    No. of Years

Recording Secretary      No. of Years

Financial Secretary        No. of Years

Pulaski Hall Manager      No. of Years

Treasurer                    No. of Years

 

Conclusion

And so we come to the end of the history of the Polish American Club in the first twenty-five years of its existence. We realize that due credit has not been given to all deserving of it. This, however, is not because of a deliberate oversight, but rather to a lack of factual information (destroyed records).

The future will judge whether or not the Polish American Club has fulfilled its aims and reached its goals. We must, nevertheless give acknowledgement to those who sought and still earnestly seek to make the Polish American Club a thriving, effective, and viable organization in our vicinity. We make no claims to affluency, what we have, has been earned through the cooperation effort of many hearts and hands.

It is our sincere hope and prayer that the next twenty-five (25) years will prove to be equally, or even more successful in bettering and embracing the dignity of the Pole in America.

To all those who have in anyway given of their effort, time, work, financial or moral support, we say, "Bog Zaplac!"(May God reward you!)

To those who have worked so zealously among us, and have passed on into eternity, we say, "Czesc Ich Pamieci!" (Salute to their Memory!)

Respectfully Submitted,

The Committee

Mr. Frank Tarara

Miss Theresa Pugaczewski

Mr. Valentine Petrykowski

Given in January, 1953

-Translated from the Polish by

Sister Marie Irene, CSSJ.

   (Irene Petrykowski)