USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Memoirs of Milwaukee County : from the earliest historical times down to the present, including a genealogical and biographical record of representative families in Milwaukee County, Volume I > Part 66
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That the Poles of Milwaukee take just pride in their "boys," may be evinced by the following letter, received by them from Washington, D. C. It reads as follows :
"War Department, Dec. 12, 1903.
"Capt. S. . Picasecki, "Ist Infantry.
"Sir :
"I have the honor to inform you that the War Department has fur-
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nished the following extract in reference to your command from the inspection report for 1908, made to the War Department.
"A good company, all of Polish parentage, officers and men of good physique, zealous and efficient ; drill good, discipline very fair. Both for national service and domestic emergency it has appeared with full ranks, and 90 per cent. can be counted on for sudden call.
Very respectfully yours,
Chief of Militia Office." "Washington, D. C.
As the Kosciuszko Guard is a unique organization, composed ex- clusively of Poles, so is, likewise, the Allyn Capron Post, a division of the United Spanish-American War Veterans. The Allyn Capron Post was organized in January, 1899, soon after the close of the Spanish- American war. Here, again, only Poles are admitted. This Post has about sixty-five members. The present officers are : Commander. Jacob Inda ; vice-commander. Al. Paszkiewicz: quartermaster, F. Kubacki : adjutant, B. Sliga.
The "Klub Polskich Strzelcow" (The Polish Sharpshooters' Club), organized some twelve years ago, reorganized and chartered in July, 1907, is a flourishing club of Polish marksmen. The capital stock of this club is $20,000, divided into 800 shares of $25 each. The "Klub Polskich Strzelcow" (incorporated title) has 150 members, composed of the most prominent and influential Polish citizens of Milwaukee. Seven miles south of the city, near Tippecanoe lake, it owns a beauti- ful park. In this park the Polish Sharpshooters intend to build in the coming spring a handsome pavilion, costing not less than $6,000. At present the property of the club is worth over $12,000. The premises may be reached by the Chicago-Milwaukee Electric Railway. Follow- ing is the staff of officers for the present year: Jos. Jankiewicz, presi- dent ; Fr. Bartoszewski, vice-president : Peter Kaminski, corresponding secretary ; Max. J. Drozewski, financial secretary; Felix Lassa, treas- urer. Clement Borucki is the present Master Sharpshooter, and at the same time the champion shot, having outranked his competitors.
Although the other societies of which we have spoken hitherto devote, at least to some extent, their attention to literary culture and dramatic productions, yet there are some that have this end in view as their sole and express raison d'etre. We could hardly find a Polish parish in our city that does not have its literary and dramatic societies or clubs. There are societies whose activities are not confined to some certain parish, but which extend over the entire Polish colony. In May, 1908, there was established the "Teatr Polski" (Polish Theatre). for the purpose of becoming a permanent professional institution. Lack of funds and internal dissensions retarded the progress of this promising society. Just now it is being completely reorganized.
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The only amateur dramatic association that can in any way ap- proach the professional mark is the "Towarzystwo Dramatyczne in. Paderewskiego" (the Paderewski Dramatic Association). To this so- ciety belong our best dramatic forces. Theodore Piszczek is president. Max. Dominski treasurer, and Max. Drozewski secretary of the Pader- ewski Dramatic Association.
Some of the most prominent and active dramatic amateurs are : Mrs. Praxedes Chrzanowska, Mrs. Praxedes Sawicka, Mrs. M. Dunin, Mrs. Elisabeth Kubal, Mrs. Kosmowska, Mrs. Martha Westfal, Miss Wanda Boncel, Miss Frances Knitter, Miss Tomasik, Miss Maciejew- ska, etc. Among our foremost Polish actors are: Jos. H. Zawodny, Anthony Lukaszewski, John Jastroch, Miecislaus Dunin, and M. For- ecki, comedians; Stephen Kolanowski and John Rapala, tragedians ; and Aug. Loziewicz, Ign. Przybyla, Anthony Sobolewski, St. Matus- zewski, Albert Andrzejewski, St. Wojtysiak, Frank Lukaszewski, John Gawin, John Westfal, Jos. K. Gronczewski, St. Kozak, etc.
MUSIC AND SONG.
The Poles like music and song. This trait of the Polish national character appears, perhaps, even stronger here in America than in Europe, where the cultivation of patriotic songs is forbidden. Besides, therefore, the regular church choirs, there exist a number of singing societies. These societies arrange from time to time, sometimes singly at other times combined, public concerts and musical festivals.
The oldest and the best known ladies' singing society is "Kalina." It always takes part in national celebrations and public festive gather- ings. Its artistic productions, especially since Severin Kujawski became director of the "Kalina" society, have always met with hearty acknowl- edgment and cheerful applause. The present officers of the "Kalina" society are : Mrs. P. Pawinska, president ; Mrs. Aug. Pajkowska, vice- president : Mrs. L. Heller, corresponding secretary ; Miss Frances Rogozinska, financial secretary; Mrs. Fr. Kotecka, treasurer; Miss Josephine Michalak, librarian ; and S. J. Kujawski, musical director. The society has sixty members.
"Goplana" is the name of the young ladies' popular singing society. founded a few years ago by Constantine Mallek, who is its musical di- rector. Frequent public appearances of this society, have won quite a distinction for it.
There are also a few male choirs. The oldest, the most sprightly. and an indisputable public favorite, is "Harmonia" (Harmony ). founded in 1886. "Harmonia" has done more than any other Polish
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THE POLES IN MILWAUKEE
singing society for the propagation and encouragement of song among its countrymen. No wonder, then, that whenever this choir appears in public, it is always sure to meet with hearty reception and enthusiastic applause. "Harmonia" intends to produce in February the popular operetta "Slodka Dziewczyna" (The Sweet Maiden), an adaptation from the German. Max Dominski is president of this organization ; Anthony Lassa, vice-president; Ignace Lukaszewski, corresponding secretary : M. Forecki, financial secretary ; Max. Drozewski, treasurer. Edmund Czerwinski is its musical director, and Ignace Przybyla is his assistant. "Harmonia" has eighty members, of whom over thirty are practicig members. The last few public appearances of this society speak ery highly of the zeal and ability of the young musical director,
Another male choir has been called into existence this year by Severin Kujawski, and it has at once attained quite a prestige among the song and music lovers. Judging from its first concert, the "Lutnia" (Lute)-for such is the name of this new choir-stands on the same level as the aforementioned "Harmonia." This will be readily under- stood, if we recall the fact that the best singers have joined the "Lut- nia," and Kujawski's masterly leadership accomplished the rest.
The "Constantine J. M. Mallek Society" is a mixed choir that has accomplished much through the ability of its founder and mu- sical director, C. J. M. Mallek. Like the other singing societies, this choir frequently appears in public on the celebrations of national an- niversaries and other festivities, at which music and song is indis- pensable.
On the North Side exists the "Zorza" (Aurora), a well trained mixed choir which limits, however, its public appearances almost ex- clusively to St. Casimir's parish, its home. John Polczynski is the mu- sical director of this organization. Under his able leadership the soci- ety has quite a bright future in store.
We could not close this division of the chapter without mention- ing the renowned "Manru Quartet." These gentlemen sing not only in Polish, but also in English, appearing frequently before the American public with their vocal productions. To this quartet belong: Stanis- laus Baranowski, John Czerwinski. Arthur Czerwinski, and Stephen Andrzejewski.
Among the soloists that have won public renown by their skill and the excellent qualities of their voices, must be mentioned Miss Justine Kintop (soprano). Miss Clementine Mallek (mezzo-soprano), Severin J. Kujawski (tenor), Fr. Beyenka (tenor), and the talented barytonc. Arthur Czerwinski.
The career of C. J. M. Mallek deserves acknowledgment for the
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zealous enhancement of the Polish songs which he has taught for a whole generation. Even now. though a truant officer, this field of labor has always a peculiar charm for him. The Polish public has shown him on more than one occasion how much it appreciates his noble efforts.
In the comparatively young Severin J. Kujawski we have com- bined both a pianist of indisputable merit, and a very versatile singer. S. J. Kujawski is undoubtedly our ablest and foremost musical talent. Endowed with a beautiful tenor voice, a piano virtuoso of no mean rank, and spurred by noble ambition, Mr. Kujawski has a splendid mu- sical carcer in store. His fame as an accomplished musician is not con- fined to Milwaukee alone, but he is known in all the Polish musical circles of America. Mr. Kujawski is the first among the Poles in America who ever ventured to produce an opera in Polish. "The Bells of Corneville" or Chimes of Normandy (in the translation of the Rev. B. E. Goral) has been produced by him three times with unheard of success. Not only the Polish, but also the American musical critics. were compelled to shower upon Mr. Kujawski well-deserved praise. Mr. Kujawski is now rehearsing with his choirs one of the most fa- mous Polish operas, "Halka," of St. Moniuszko, which he intends to produce early next year.
There are also a few Polish bands and orchestras in our city. Chopin's Band, of St. Vincent's de Paul congregation, is perhaps the best known.
All common social gatherings, all public celebrations and enter- tainments of the Polish colony in Milwaukee, take place in "Kosciuszko Hall," also known under the name of the "South Side Armory." It is located on First avenue between Mitchell and Lapham streets. Here the "Kosciuszko Guard" has its quarters and performs its military drills ; here are held dramatical productions and musical concerts in- tended for the Poles at large : here the celebrations of Polish national events and historical commemorations take place : in a word, here the Polish collective life finds its expression. This hall is owned and maintained by the "Kosciuszko Hall Association," founded some twenty years ago. The corporation was reorganized in 1894. The stock- capital is $25,000, and there are thirty-five joint owners. The actual value of the building, property and equipment is over $50,000. The following are the present officers of the "Kosciuszko Hall Association :" Dr. K. Wagner, president; Albert Smukowski, vice-president ; Bol. Zakrzewski, corresponding secretary; Frank J. Grutza, financial secre- tary ; Ignace Czerwinski, treasurer. To the Board of Directors belong also: Anthony Andrzejewski, Bernard Ciesielski, Max Dominski, and Anasthasius Siudzinski. Ignace Sawicki is the manager of the hall.
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EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.
The bulk of the Polish immigration is composed of the humbler classes of workmen who have to earn their daily bread by the sweat of their brow. If they did not stand on a par with the American citizens in matters of education and general knowledge in the first decade of their residence in the United States, it was not their fault. Because, beside the adverse conditions of a purely economical nature, they were compelled to imbibe in their own fatherland, the rudiments of knowl- edge in a foreign tongue, in the language of their enemies and op- pressors. That this could not give any satisfactory results, is self- evident. When, however, they migrated to America and settled in this free country, they at once realized the paramount importance of a thorough education. Hence it is that wherever they erected a church, there they also simultaneously founded a school. These vast school- buildings offer the best proof of their earnest endeavors and thirst for knowledge. The fact that we have a great number of Polish-American physicians, dentists, lawyers, professors, musicians, etc., is another striking corroboration of our statement.
The elementary education is imparted in the Polish parochial schools, though the public schools are not entirely neglected. Milwau- kee is thus far the only city of the Union where the Polish language has been officially introduced into the public school, thanks to the perse- vering endeavors of the Polish Citizens' Committee. of which Casimir Gonski, its president, and Dr. K. Wagner were the most active mem- bers. Anthony Lukaszewski was the first, and Stephen Kolanowski is the present teacher of the Polish language in the Fourteenth ward pub- lic school.
There is at present no distinctly Polish higher educational institu- tion in our city. The energetic and ambitious Rev. William Grutza. founder and pastor of St. Josaphat's congregation (1888-1901). con- structed in his neighborhood. on Lincoln avenue, between Second and Third avenues, in the year 1892, a two-story building, and opened in the same year a Polish high school. This "Normal School," as he called it in English, embraced a three years' commercial and classical course. At one time it had over seventy pupils, some of whom now occupy responsible and lucrative positions in Milwaukee. With the death, however, of the Rev. Wlliam Grutza in 1901. this higher educa- tional institution also ceased to exist. Since that time no effort has been made to found a new, or to reopen the defunct high school. The con- gregation of the Holy Cross of Notre Dame. Ind., deliberated for some time, in 1906, whether it would be possible and advisable to found a
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Polish college in Milwaukee, yet so far no concrete steps have been taken to realize these plans.
In the absence, then, of higher Polish institutions the ambitious Polish youth frequents other high schools and colleges. There are over seventy Polish young men attending the classical and commercial courses of Marquette University. Different business colleges and tech- nical schools have their contingent of the Polish youth. About fifteen Polish students attend the Catholic Normal School and Pio Nono Col- lege in St. Francis, where Stephen Lukaszewicz, teacher and organist of St. Cyril and Methodius' congregation, teaches Polish grammar and literature twice a week.
However, there is no other higher institution of learning in America that has so many students of Polish nationality as the St. Francis de Sales Seminary in St. Francis, Wis. Since 1899 this Semi- nary has introduced a complete course of Polish, comprising the study of grammar, rhetoric, literature, and homiletics. The attendance of Polish students has increased to such an extent that the authorities found themselves obliged to engage another Polish professor. Since the year 1906 there have been two Polish professors constantly teaching in that institution. Rev. B. E. Goral, the first Polish professor, was connected with the Seminary from 1899 until October, 1908. During his time the number of Polish students, increased threefold. Rev. Dominic Szopinski is the other professor. Two literary and debating societies, with a fine library of the choicest works of Polish literature, afford much assistance for the practical application of the theoretical knowledge obtained in the class rooms. There are now over eighty Polish students in St. Francis Seminary. From this ecclesiastical Semniary have come forth more Polish priests than from any other similar institution in America.
Nearly every parish has its own literary societies and clubs. They are founded for the purpose of affording ample means of cultivating the literary tastes of the more advanced and ambitious young men. At their frequent gatherings "the useful" is harmoniously blended together with "the pleasant," thus creating variety and offering favorable opportuni- ties for the instruction and elevation of young minds. Probably the largest and most active among this kind of societies is the St. Augus- tine's Society. existing in St. Hyacinth's congregation. This society was organized in 1890 under the auspices of Rev. H. Gulski. To-day it has over 400 members, with $7,000 in the treasury. It has arranged many a social and dramatic entertainment for charitable purposes. It is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular associations of its kind in Mil- waukee. The present staff of officers consists of the following : Frank
PRELIC LIE ...
ASTOR, LEHCE TILDEN YOUELATIONG
13
TADEUSZ KOŚCIUSZKO BOHATER DWOCH SWIATOW UR. 1750 ······ UM 1817
POLISH PATRIOT POLNISCHEN PATRIOT BORN 1750 - GE6 175D DIED 18 7 \ GEST 1817
KOSCIUSKO MONUMENT
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THE POLES IN MILWAUKEE
H. Cichocki, president ; John Lemanski, vice-president ; Paul Niemczyk, corresponding secretary; Thad. Groszczyk, financial secretary: John Heltmach, treasurer.
Milwaukee possesses two Polish dailies: the older "Kuryer Polski" (Polish Courier), and the younger, but very sprightly and popular "Nowinny Polskie" (Polish News), "Kuryer Polski" is at pres- ent Republican (formerly it was Populistic, later Democratic), whereas the "Nowiny Polskie" is Democratic. The popularity of the younger daily, "Nowiny Polskie" is largely due to its political tendency ; for, as is well known, the Poles in Milwaukee and Wisconsin are all Demno- crats with but a few scant exceptions. In Milwaukee are also pub- lished two semi-weeklies, the "Kuryer Tygodniowy" (Weekly Cour- ier) and the "Gazeta Wisconsinska" (Wisconsin Gazette). These, as also the two weeklies-the "Tygodnik Polski" (Polish Weekly) and the "Kuryer Ilustrowany" ( Illustrated Courier)-are intended rather for outside readers, chiefly for the farming districts of Wisconsin and vicinity. The "Prasa Polska" (Polish Press) and the "Oredownik Jezykowy" (Language Messenger) appear monthly and are, likewise, published in our city. The "Oredownik Jezykowy" has been published for the last three years in St. Francis, Wis., where its editor and pub- lisher, the Rev. B. E. Goral, resides. However, now it will be pub- lished in Milwaukee at 890 Mitchell street. Further mention is omitted in this place, as the papers have been given notice at length in another chapter of this work.
The libraries established in connection with some parishes, and those of several societies, as well as the few hundred volumes of Pol- ish literature that are to be found in our Public Library, afford a fur- ther means of self-culture and mental development. It is very grati- fying, indeed, that the Poles do eagerly avail themselves of this splendid opportunity of perfecting their education.
Although they love their mother-language very much, yet they do not neglect to study the language of their second Fatherland. Even grown up men may be seen attending evening-schools, where English is imparted to them by teachers of Polish nationality. This certainly proves conclusively how much the Poles value education and know- ledge.
INTEREST IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
From what has been said hitherto the uninitiated might think that the Poles do not take any part in the public and political life of their adopted home. Such is not the case. In order to avoid confusion and useless repetition, we purposely have not spoken so far of the po-
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litical life of our Polish-American citizens of Milwaukee. The truth, however. is that our Polish fellow-citizens were first among all the Poles in America to come to the front in politics. Chicago's Polish population was always by far more numerous, and is now about three times larger, yet the political influence of the Poles in Chicago can not be compared with that which is wielded by our Polish Milwaukeeans. Therefore, in this respect also have our Polish compatriots proved themselves leaders of other Polish settlements.
The first Pole in Milwaukee who held a public office, was August Rudzinski. In 1878 he was chosen Supervisor of the Twelfth ward. His son, Theodore Rudzinski, was also a very active politician, hav- ing been city alderman in 1882, assemblyman in 1887, and justice of peace in 1888. Since that time the Poles have always held city and county offices. In 1886 John Czerwinski, Sr., was elected county cor- oner, and later on supervisor for eleven years.
Ignace Czerwinski was the first Polish member of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, which position he held for a number of years ( 1898-1906). Commissioners of the Board of Public Works were: Frank Niezorawski (1900-1904) and Stanley E. Czerwinski (1905-07). The office of the City Comptroller seems to be quite a favorite with the Poles. The first Pole who held this post was the late Roman Czerwinski (1890-1892 and 1892-1894). Peter Pawinski was, likewise, comptroller for two terms (1902-1904 and 1904-1906). The present incumbent of this office, since the spring election of 1908. is August Gawin.
As the Poles grew in numbers, so also grew in proportion their political prestige and influence. The Poles are nearly all Democrats : their votes have decided more than once the victory for the Democratic party in the city and county elections. This is the reason why the Democrats always seek some kind of an understanding with the Poles in order to carry the city or county. Even in state politics the Polish vote plays an important part. The Polish clergymen, as well as con- spicuous laymen, are an important factor in every campaign. Yet nothing helps the Democrats of Milwaukee so much as does the new and energetic Polish daily, the Democratic "Nowiny Polskie," owned and published jointly by the most influential Polish citizens and all the Polish clergymen of Milwaukee.
The Poles were not satisfied, once they felt their power, with city or county positions. Their goal was Madison. The first Polish as- semblyman was Capt. Francis J. Borchardt (1882). Since that time there has been uninterruptedly some Polish assemblyman. Thus, after F. J. Borchardt's term expired, Theodore Rudzinski was elected assem-
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blyman in 1886. He was succeeded by Ed. J. Slupecki in 1889, Michael Kruszka in 1891, Michael Blenski in 1893, Andrew Boncel in 1895, Albert Wojciechowski in 1899, August M. Gawin from 1897 to 1903, Frank Hassa in 1903, John H. Szymarek from 1903 to 1907, and Jo- seph Domachowski from 1907 to 191I.
The Poles of Milwaukee may, likewise, justly pride themselves on having succeeded in electing from among themselves the first state senator. Michael Kruszka, supported loyally by the inost influential Polish clergymen and all the Democratic leaders, became state senator on the Democratic ticket in 1893. No other Pole held that office until the fall of 1908, when the talented, upright, and energetic John Kleczka (Republican) was chosen state senator in the Eighth district. The Poles are rather clannish, especially when such a bright man and un- blemished character as Mr. Kleczka seeks an office. In his case, as the ballot proved, party lines were disregarded, Democrats and Re- publicans (even Socialists, at least to some extent) gave him their support. We venture to predict for the young senator a bright future, if he will not deviate from the path of righteousness, and if he will continue to follow the once chosen motto, that even in politics "honesty is the best policy."
The day is not very far distant when the younger generation of the Polish people, born and reared in this country, will reach still far- ther and make the United States' Congress the goal of its ambition. We sincerely hope that also in this direction, as in so many other respects, Milwaukee will again stand as the leader.
The present representatives of the Poles of Milwaukee in po- litical life are: Frank J. Hopp, alderman at large ; Max Kantak, al- derman from the Fourteenth ward ; Frank Oleniczak, supervisor from the Fourteenth ward ; John Waligorski, supervisor from the Eighteenth ward; Jos. J. Komorowski, member of the Fire and Police Commis- sion (the only office given to the Poles during the Republican admin- istration of Mayor Sherburn Becker) ; August Gawin, City Comptrol- ler ; John Lemanski, Water Registrar; Anthony Tomkiewicz, member · of the Board of City Park Commissioners. There is quite a number of Poles occupying the positions of clerks, assistants, or private secretaries of different political dignitaries, as for instance, Anthony Szczerbin- ski, Jr., private secretary to mayor Rose; Frank J. Grutza, chief deputy clerk ; F. J. Gorski, pay-roll clerk; P. F. Piasecki, second as- sistant clerk in the Comptroller's department ; John Frymark, assistant clerk in the department of Public Works, and J. A. Skiba, complaint clerk in the Health Department. Jacob Kubal is superintendent of the South Side Natatorium, John Tadych is director of the School Board,
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