PULASKI CLUB HISTORY
As researched and recorded by: Henrietta Nemecek, member since 1939 and club historian.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
With the rapid passing of time, I have become aware that a written history of the Pulaski Club of Phoenix, Arizona should be compiled for all who care about its past history as passionately as I do. As the club's historian over the many years of its existence, I have undertaken this daunting task using available records, some consultation with several longtime dedicated members, and a reliance on my own memory of the mother lode of events that have transpired since our club was organized in May, 1939.
Many members, some now deceased, have contributed thoughtful ideas, their enthusiasm and much dedication. Without them this club would not be what it is today. If you are saying "that's me" - then you know who you are and we all thank you for helping our club spread its wings. I would be remiss, however, not to acknowledge our lifetime members still with us to date, who continue their full and enthusiastic support, such as Marie Jabczenski, Loretta Jacks, Michael and Rose Kaszowski, Edwin and Millie Lipinski, Jean Lopas, Henrietta Nemecek, Helen Podsiadly, Eugenia Serafin, Stanley (Winifred) Serafin, Stanley Szczepaniec, Joseph and Maria Szymczak, and Albert and Anne Tomasik. There are, of course, many longtime very active members also continually contributing to the club's success, but they are just too numerous to name individually.
Because this is a summation of notable club activities and events over the span of many years, it seemed advisable to report highlights in ten-year increments, commencing with the 1939-1940 era to the present.
Finally, writing down the history of the Pulaski Club of Phoenix Arizona has been a grand experience for me. It has allowed me a most pleasant trip down memory lane and made me acutely aware of just how much our club has grown and prospered over the years.
Thank you all for being an integral part of this fine network of friends and countrymen. Our collective energies, beliefs in our Polish traditions and our persistence will surely carry us to ever greater heights in the many years yet to follow.
Henrietta Nemecek
Pulaski Club Historian.
PAST PRESIDENTS
Edward Alexander ------------------- 1939
Eugene Wesolowski ----------------- 1940
Sigmund Kwiatkowski ------------- l941
Joseph Ratajczak ------------------- l942
Joseph Bolek ------------------------- l943
Joseph Ipnar ------------------------- 1944
George Adams ----------------------- 1945
Walter Kuida ------------------------ 1946
Edward Alexander ------------------ 1947
Joseph Sadowski ------------------- l948
Felix Jablonski ---------------------- 1949
Walter Kuida ------------------------ 1950
Peter Frankowski ------------------- l951
Walter Kuida ------------------------ 1952
John Kielbowski -------------------- l953 - 1965
Joseph Podsiadly ------------------- l966 - 1967
Ted Martin --------------------------- l968
John Kielbowski -------------------- 1969 - 1971
Joseph Podsiadly ------------------- 1972
Stanley Serafin ---------------------- 1973 - 1974
Edward Walker --------------------- l975
Walter Gorczynski ----------------- l976
Stanley Serafin ---------------------- 1977-1979
Casimir Katz ------------------------ 1980 - 1981
Albert Tomasik --------------------- l982-1985
Stanley Serafin ---------------------- 1986-1990
Albert Tomasik ---------------------- 1991-1995
Stanley Serafin ----------------------- 1996
Joseph Mardeusz -------------------- l997
Frances Spychalski ------------------ l998
Stanley Serafin ----------------------- 1999
Stanley Mardeusz -------------------- 2000
Henrietta Nemecek ------------------- 2001
Stanley Serafin ------------------------ 2002
Henrietta Nemecek ------------------- 2003-2004
Casimir Kosinski --------------------- 2004 - current
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CHAPTER I - “HOW IT ALL BEGAN”
It was May, 1939 in Phoenix, Arizona, when four friends, Edward Alexander, Leon Rekoszewicz and Joseph and Helen Janis, all individuals of Polish ancestry met socially and decided they should try to locate other Polish families who might be thirsting for companionship and nurturing a desire to carry on the lovely traditions of Poland, Country of their ancestors. That is how it all began.
Phoenix at that time was a relatively small Western city with a total population of approximately 65,414 residents. These founding members took on the task of searching through the entire Phoenix phone book for recognizable Polish surnames to phone and invite fellow countrymen to join them. Soon there were thirteen charter members, followed soon after by many more. They voted to name their club the Pulaski Club, honoring General Casimir Pulaski, the Polish-American hero who fought for the American cause in its war with England from 1777 until he was mortally wounded during the battle of Savannah in 1779.
The club's first By-Laws were handwritten on one and a half sheets of paper, all in the Polish language. Membership dues were set at twenty-five cents per member per month. From such humble beginnings when meetings were first held in member’s homes and back yards, to ever larger quarters at member Wasielewski's night club, known as the Arbor; the Veteran's hall at Five Points; the Osborn Women's Club, etc., it soon became apparent that there was great need for a clubhouse - a Polish home of their own.
In 1948 during the presidency of Joseph Sadowski, a six member committee was formed and through their efforts and that of then vice-president Eugene Wesolowski, an attorney and real estate agent, the club purchased the three lots on which the clubhouse stands today. At that time attorney Wesolowski also prepared the necessary legal documents to incorporate the club.
Finances for the building project were obtained from a $10,000.00 low interest loan from member Teofila Dluzynski; a second loan for $2,900.00 and $2100.00 from the club's treasury. Building of the clubhouse began in 1950 and was completed in early January 1951. On January 14, 1951 the building was blessed by the Rt. Reverend Monsignor Robert Donahoe and the cornerstone was placed and dedicated by General Joseph Barczynski. The dream of a Polish home (Dom Polski) became a reality! It was on January 11, 1964 that a huge "Burning of the Mortgage” party took place and the members rejoiced that their clubhouse was free and clear of all debt.
It should be mentioned that construction of the clubhouse was undertaken during the Korean War conflict, not too long after World WarII ended. Building supplies and materials were extremely scarce at the time and construction was limited to no more than $5,000.00. It was through the help of our influential Arizona Senator, Carl Hayden, that then club president Walter Kuida was able to purchase needed building materials. When built, our clubhouse was on the far outskirts of the city of Phoenix. Today we are in Central Phoenix!
Over its many years of existence, some three to four generations of Poles have been enjoying Polish dinners, music, dancing along with many cultural artistic performances and community sponsored activities.
It continues to be the goal of the Pulaski Club of Phoenix, Arizona, Incorporated to perpetuate and preserve the traditions and customs of Poland, land of our forefathers, and to continue to promote good fellowship among people of Polish descent, their friends, associates and the entire local community.
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For history buffs who wish to delve deeper into the many activities and cultural events our club has participated in over the years, the following chapters will highlight - in ten-year increments - the more notable and interesting club activities.
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CHAPTER II - "THE FORTIES"
Club information from 1939 through 1944 is somewhat sketchy and the documented records are no longer available. From memory I recall monthly dues began at twenty five cents. It was through many social functions including bazaars, raffles, card parties, bingo and bunco games, etc., that allowed the treasury to grow to $198.30 plus an additional $496.72 which was held in the Polish Relief Fund. Moneys from that fund were sent to the Polish Refugee Children in Mexico and to the Paderewski Memorial Hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland, to help with the progress of the hospital and the medical school for Polish students. Moneys were also sent through the Polish Women's National Alliance to Polish soldiers and refugees for soap and bandages. “Polish Eagle” pins were sold and some 906 pounds of clothing sent to the Polish War Relief. To cover the shipping costs of $49.00, members sold off some of their personal clothing and other items. These were indeed generous people who truly wanted to better conditions for their Polish counterparts.
In 1944 the club's first By-laws came into existence. One interesting provision stated: "At least ten minutes of each meeting should be devoted to discussions in the Polish language for the benefit of those members who had only recently arrived from Poland."
In those early years immediately following World War ll, club members, keenly aware of the plight of the Polish forces in London sent cigarettes and tobacco products. They also drafted and sent a letter to our United States president, Franklin D. Roosevelt encouraging his support of Poland in the Russian/Polish dispute. Subsequently a letter was received on behalf of the president from US Secretary of State acknowledging its receipt and of our concern for that issue.
The years between 1947 and 1949 were centered around locating property and financing costs to build a clubhouse. Dues increased to fifty cents monthly. Much hard work and the diligent efforts of members paid off. The clubhouse (affectionately referred to as “Dom Polski” became a reality. It was completed in 1951. Club records show the total value of the club in 1951 to be $25,128.42.
CHAPTER III - "THE FIFTIES"
Building of the clubhouse began in early 1950 and was completed by January 14, 1951 with the cornerstone laid and the building blessed by the Right Reverend Monsignor Robert Donahue. This was a period of great pride and joy for the membership.
It was in 1953 when membership dues increased to $6.00 annually. A funeral fund was set up that year. For a fee of $100.00 the club would insure member that all funeral arrangements, including church services and a "stypa" (funeral brunch/lunch) would be served by the club honoring the deceased. That same year the club's first telephone was installed; members purchased their first TV, a 21" Motorola 1953 model for $163.00. Long time dedicated member Leon Koch, built and installed free of charge all our kitchen cabinets, with donated lumber from a friend who worked for a local lumber company. Also, members put on a fun comedy skit called "Tesc" (Father-in-Law) to the delight of everyone. Bishop Gercke was approached about assigning a Polish speaking priest to one of the Phoenix parishes.
In 1955, in preparation for the observance of the fifteenth anniversary of its existence, members were busy repainting the hall and through the artistry of two special artists whose names do not appear in records, beautiful and colorful murals of Polish costumed dancers were painted on the walls.
The years 1955 through 1958 were filled with such interesting activities as installation of Formica covered kitchen counter tops; correspondence sent to the American Legion expressing our gratitude for their open opposition to a Phoenix visit by a Bolshevik newsman from Russia (name not known); a break-in into the club in July 1956 in which the TV and numerous bottles of liquor were stolen, etc. A Resolution in 1956 was also sent to then President of the U.S. Dwight Eisenhower, Secretary of State John Dulles, our congressmen, John Rhodes and Morris Udall, and to Romuald Spasawski, the Ambassador of Communist dominated Poland at the time, condemning the killing of Polish youth who only wanted "bread" and to better working conditions in Poland. In September 1956, letters were received from all stating acceptance of the Pulaski Club's interest. Throughout the 1950's many charities were supported, not only locally but as far away as the Sister Elizabeth Foundation for the Blind in Laski, Poland.
In 1958 our club was advised by the American Association that they were sending 42 women, all victims of Hitler, to the US and that two of these women would be visiting Phoenix. Our member Michael Mikolajczyk accommodated them, free of charge, at his resort “Kohl’s Ranch” near Payson, Arizona.
A Prescott Arizona, a picnic was planned in 1959 for our members; that same year at Christmas time, three large boxes of candy were donated to the Phoenix Crippled Children's Hospital, and a $25.00 donation was sent to the Polish American Congress in Chicago, towards the defense of the Polish boundary lines along the Odra and Nysa rivers.
CHAPTER IV - "THE SIXTIES"
Early in 1960 club members became very involved with preparations for festivities planned around Poland's observance of one thousand years of its existence. Honoring the occasion, our club members dressed in their authentic Polish costumes and actively participated in the Festival of Nations parade and subsequently joined in festivities at the downtown Phoenix Civic Plaza. That same year our club members petitioned the Polish American Congress to have the US Postmaster General issue commemorative stamps honoring Ignacy Paderewski on his one hundredth anniversary. These stamps became available to the public on October 8, 1960.
Between the years 1961 and 1964 our club celebrated its 25th anniversary with a banquet on May 13, 1964 (members free and guests $1.50 per person). Polish language classes were started by member Harriet Alexander with 27 students, 20 of whom remained very active for several years thereafter. Also, a Polish singing group was begun under the name of the “Chopin Choir” and a Polish priest, Father Edward J. Wajda was assigned to Phoenix.
January 11, 1964 was a banner day. Our club's mortgage was finally all paid off. A huge celebration dubbed "burning of the mortgage" party naturally followed! That year, very generous donations were made to the orphans and needy children of Poland; to the Kennedy Memorial Library and again to the blind children of Laski, Poland.
On April 11, 1965, two Polish dance groups were started, one as a youth group and a second for older dancers. These dance groups were under the direction and tutelage of our dedicated member Eugenia Serafin and were known as the “Pulaski Polonaise Dancers.” Their dance costumes were authentic, brought directly from Poland by the dance instructor. Musical support for the dancers was furnished "free of charge" by our staunch supporting member, Stanley Serafin and Serafin's son, Gene Serafin.
Over the next several years the dance groups effectively represented not only our club but the entire Polish community here in Phoenix, at numerous valley and statewide cultural events. Some of them included but were not limited to participation in the colorful Captive Nations Parade; the Miss Polonia Pageant; the Festival of Nations annual events, performances in Tucson, Arizona and at the Arizona State Fairs. Also, in 1966, the “Paderewski Choir” came into being.
In May of 1968, Father Edward Wajda was honored with a Doctorate of Philosophy degree from Arizona State University. Then. in 1969, the Arizona State Liquor Board advised our club that we must assign a liquor agent to represent us and guaranty our club's liquor license. We were also told that from 1969 forward our club would be required to file and pay income taxes. That same year a four foot by ten foot electric sign was installed on our property by Taffel Sign Company at a cost of $499.00.
CHAPTER V - "THE SEVENTIES"
In 1970 the outside of our building was repainted and inside improvements of paneling the stage area and adding access stairs to the stage occurred. Much discussion took place in 1971 about expanding the club but a more pressing and immediate need arose, that of replacing the malfunctioning refrigeration system. This was done at a cost of $12,175.00, partly financed through a loan. To conform with State liquor laws, in 1972 our first liquor agent was appointed. That same year our club took a very active part in the Little Sisters of the Poor festival and bazaar.
We made a very generous donation in 1973 to the Kopernik Commission towards a bronze bust of Mikolaj Kopernik on occasion of the 500th anniversary of his birth. That bust was presented to the new Science building at Arizona State University. A Proclamation by our Governor, Jack Williams, dedicating February 19th as “Kopernik Day” was issued. That same year US president Richard Nixon issued a Proclamation declaring October 11-th Pulaski Day, as a national holiday.
It became necessary in 1974, per attorney Zielinski, that changes and amendments had to be made to our original Articles of Incorporation issued back in 1948. That was done. Our club celebrated its 35-th anniversary in 1974. Records show that in 1975 members started a pinochle club. Bingo nights also became popular about that same time. Father Itasu, visited our club, from Poland and had high praise for the job our members were doing to keep Polish traditions alive and flourishing.
In 1976 discussions again surfaced about expanding the clubhouse. The “Paderewski Choir” observed its 20th year, and a Polish sculptress was contacted to have busts of our Polish heroes Pulaski and Kosciuszko made. A letter was drafted to the Consulate General of Poland in Chicago requesting that the busts be donated by the Polish government. This resulted in bronze busts which went on display November 21st at the Phoenix Civic Plaza.
Between 1977 and 1978, Polish performer Bobby Vinton visited Phoenix, greeted at the airport by our club members, the “Paderewski Choir” singers and the Polish National Alliance members, all dressed in their Polish costumes. Vinton was visibly delighted. In March,1978, the City of Phoenix held its first of many annual “Hello Phoenix“ ethnic festivals at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. We actively participated. Our booth was decorated in authentic Polish colors, workers wore Polish costumes and sold “pierogi,” “golabki,” “kolaczki” and “chrusciki.” This was so successful that we were invited yearly thereafter to continue our participation. We received many accolades, commendations and plaques over the years, some of which are still on display at the clubhouse.
In the latter part of the seventies, movies from Poland were shown; our Polish Dancers were among other participants at the adult center in North Phoenix and our members took part in numerous church processions at St. Theresa's church and at Brophy Chapel in Central Phoenix. In 1979 we hosted a Polish basketball team and provided free lodging for a Polish acrobatic team who performed at Arizona State University. We were honored in 1979 with a framed photograph of our Polish Pope, John PaulII. That photograph is still proudly displayed in a place of honor at the clubhouse.
A petition to the Arizona State Department of Education and the Arizona Legislature was circulated and signed by our membership. It read:" We, the undersigned citizens of Arizona petition the Arizona Department of Education and the Arizona Legislature to write and incorporate into the curriculum of the junior and senior high schools of Arizona a multi-cultural course of study of Americans of European extraction" (Nothing concrete materialized from this effort).
CHAPTER VI - "THE EIGHTIES"
With the assignment of Polish speaking priest Father Kotnis to Phoenix, confessions in the Polish language became possible at Brophy chapel. The Polish tradition of blessing Easter baskets happened in March 1980. Also Easter mass was said partly in English and partly in the Polish language which brought great joy to our countrymen. Then, in 1981, Polish priest Father Edward Wajda was honored as he celebrated his 25th anniversary of the priesthood.
By 1983 clubhouse maintenance and repairs once again became a priority. The refrigeration units were beginning to malfunction with estimated replacement costs set at $11,223.00. Members at that time decided to set up a building fund This fund grew over the next several years through raffles, rummage sales, promotions and voluntary member contributions. By 1985, the pinochle and bingo clubs were thriving and from their profits new drapes were purchased for the clubhouse. Members continued to be active participants in civic affairs with the “Hello Phoenix” and the “Scottsdale Festival of Nations” community sponsored events.
Serious consideration was given in 1986 to expanding our kitchen, but necessary dance floor repairs and the need to re-pave our parking lot took preference. In 1987, a caring member's donation of a collection of uncirculated coins, funded the project and resulted in written bids being submitted. After the sale of the coin collection to a visiting doctor guest from Pennsylvania, our building fund benefited nicely.
On September 13,1987 an open house was held at the club to honor our Polish Pope John PaulII. Priorities in 1988 centered around installation of new kitchen stoves, acquiring an ice machine and continuing work on property maintenance.
Preparations for the celebration of our club's 50th anniversary were a top priority in 1989. A very successful banquet and dance which thoroughly delighted members and guests took place at the clubhouse on October 15th. Because the City of Phoenix needed some of our McDowell frontage land in order to widen the road, we agreed to this and received financial compensation.
CHAPTER VII - “THE NINETIES"
In early 1990 Accent Plumbing re-piped our building with all copper plumbing; the outside of our building was repainted and members authorized a $500.00 donation towards expenses for Polish students who were visiting the United States over a three week period. In February, those students spent three days in Arizona satisfying their great desire to visit the Grand Canyon.
By 1991 interest in the club's library was diminishing so it was decided to disband it. As a result, over 400 donated books were shipped to Saint Mary's Orchard Lake Seminary. In February the Bingo Club donated hanging plants which still add color to our dance floor. Also, in June, the Pinochle Club donated $450.00 to the club's treasury.
On suggestion of then president Al Tomasik, in lieu of continuing participation in the Scottsdale Festival Of Nations, members opted to hold their own festival at our clubhouse. This came to fruition on May 3rd, Polish Constitution Day. It became such a successful undertaking that it has continued on.
On May 17,1992, on Arizona's PBS TV, Channel 8, broadcast a film documentary "Slaughter and Silence." The $800.00 cost of presentation was funded partly by our members, the Polish National Alliance, by Dr. and Mrs. Felix Jabczenski and the Polish American Congress, Arizona Division. As a fund raiser, a raffle of a free trip anywhere in the U.S. on Southwest Airlines for two was held and proved profitable.
The implementation of a "No Smoking Ban" took place in September 1993. That year our club manager Joe Dalezal passed away and his wife Dorothy temporarily carried on the managerial responsibilities. In 1994 much effort was devoted to the revision and upgrading of the club's By-laws. Also in August, while the club was shut down for the summer months, officers discovered that there had been a break-in at the club. Numerous items were stolen, including the microwave, food slicer, twenty-two bottles of liquor, the Public Address amplifier and one officer's personal stereo system. Structural damage was done to the ceiling, the ventilation system and to the office door, resulting in the insurance damage estimate of $1,379.79.
In 1995 the Bingo Club donated $200.00 to the treasury along with continuing contributions from the Pinochle Club. That year, a policy decision was made by the Executive Board to discontinue renting out our premises to the public and rent only to members or other Polish organizations. To supplement the loss of income from the hall rental, it was agreed to hold Sunday dinner/dances beginning in January 1996. The club manager's employment was terminated and managerial responsibilities assumed by the Board of Directors. That policy is currently in force.
Discussions arose in 1996 about possibly selling our building but not disbanding the club. This was not pursued beyond the discussion phase. Hall rental fees for members and other Polish organizations were set at $350.00 plus tax and additional fees for kitchen use.
The year 1997 was a busy year. As a civic function and as a good way to promote our club then president Joseph Mardeusz provided Polish artifacts, books on Poland and some Polish costumes to the Motorola Company, for their Ethnic Day celebration. This was so well received that the company asked permission to retain those items so that other branches of the company could use them for their event also. Some 100,000 people were expected to view those items.
The International Book Project was started by member Jadwiga Checinski. Funding for this was through a donation jar for collecting members' small pocket change, dubbed the "Penny Pot Project". Aluminum can recycling also began that year, and assistance was provided to a Girl Scout Troop studying Polish culture.
During the 1998 presidency of Frances Spychalski, serious upgrades to the clubhouse were completed. That summer the hall was repainted; all windows sealed and blocked in; the old "second bar" in the dance hall dismantled, and the dance floor completely refinished. This led to continuing additional improvements in 1999 when a new marquee outdoor sign was installed; nineteen new round tables purchased and one malfunctioning air-conditioning unit replaced.
The year 1999 continues to be fondly remembered for the club's 50th anniversary banquet celebration in October which delighted members and their friends. On that occasion, our Arizona governor Jane Hull sent a congratulatory message complimenting Pulaski Club members for the many successful years they have had in preserving and promoting our Polish heritage and traditions. Also that year use of our hall "free of charge" was given to the Jerry Lewis National Telethon organization. From this one location alone Jerry's kids gained some $7,500.00.
CHAPTER VIII - "THE NEW CENTURY"
With the unfolding of a new millennium, the year 2000 proved to be a good one for our club. No major repairs were needed, and members supported the many social functions along with the planned dinner/dances. Continuing this trend - in March 2001 a festive “Mardi Gras Ball” was held and very much enjoyed by all. “Mardi Gras” theme decorations were made by and purchased from the Chandler Women's Club. Moneys from that fund-raiser were earmarked for needy children. Also, new decorative miniature lights were tastefully installed throughout the dance floor area and they continue to add a nice touch.
During the summer of 2001, new ceramic tiles were not only donated by members Ray and Jean Jorgensen but installed by them "free of charge" above the kitchen cabinets and behind the kitchen sink, much improving the overall kitchen appearance with a "neat and clean look". Then, in September of 200l, two of our four refrigeration units went out and had to be replaced cost of $8,078.00. That same month, and for a second time, the Jerry Lewis National Telethon organization approached us for the free use of our facility during their national telethon for Muscular Dystrophy. That was approved and the event netted $10,000.00 for Jerry's kids. In the fall months of 2001 all the materials and labor for the building of a much needed storage closet in the bar room were donated "free of charge" by our ever dedicated members Tom and Diana O'Loughlin. At year's end in honor of recently deceased lifetime member Stella Seliga, her family donated Stella's brand new stereo system, complete with numerous CD's of Polka music “so that our members and their friends could enjoy the Polish music as much as she did."
The year 2002 brought with it an urgent need to completely redo, or at least resurface our parking lot. Much research was done by our Board of Directors which included also considering fencing off the property. Through the efforts of past president Stanley Serafin, the City of Phoenix assumed part responsibility for the deep ruts in our rear parking lot (caused by their garbage trucks) and awarded the club settlement funds which helped immensely to pay for resurfacing of that back lot.
In 2003, after the parking lot was repaired, a three foot wrought iron fence was installed for future protection from drivers using our lot for turning around purposes. Later that year work was undertaken to refinish the hall’s dance floor. This project was completed in late August, 2003. Members then decided to begin fundraising activities to build up our depleting cash flow. Also, a building remodeling committee was appointed to work on the upgrade of our club’s facilities. This was to be accomplished by “special” fund raiser dances and other innovative activities, so that our operating funds would not be adversely affected.
On January 31, 2004, the first such fundraiser was held and the healthy proceeds helped jump-start the serious hall upgrade planning. Many clubhouse upgrade projects were under consideration. We knew that in October the club would be celebrating the 65th anniversary of its origin.
It was decided that painting the outside of the building and installing awnings over the entrance doors would immediately show visible improvement on the outside. This was done and new outdoor lights were also added.
For the inside of the hall upgraded padded chairs were purchased to replace the old metal ones – a real improvement appreciated by the members. New bar stools were also donated for the bar, thanks to the generosity of board member Bruno Klus. The ladies bathroom also received a facelift with new paint and floral decorations. The anniversary banquet was held on October 2, 2004, and gave members a great opportunity to show off their newly improved facility.
At year’s end, continuing upgrade projects were already on the drawing board for 2005. The year ended with the traditional Polish style Christmas Party on December 12, 2004.
The first half of the year 2005 was spent planning the remodeling and upgrading the interior of the clubhouse. Members initially approved the expenditure of $25,000.00 for the project. In addition to these funds, several fundraising events were held. It was planned to begin the reconstruction work during the summer months but the actual work did not begin until September. It was November 2005 before social activities could once again be resumed.
During the initial rebuilding work to enlarge the bar area, some unexpected problems developed when the old stage was being disassembled. The remodeling team, headed by Bruno Klus, then Chairman of the Board of Directors, became aware that the stage had been serving as part of the support beams for the ceiling so considerable reinforcing work had to be done.
While this work was in progress, then president Casimir Kosinski opted to remove the dropped ceiling in the dance floor area, thus opening up and exposing the rafters. Additional work then developed which involved realigning refrigeration ducts, redoing replacing the deteriorating electrical wiring, adding a sound system, etc. which resulted in additional costs. When the remodeling project was finally completed, in early November 2005, it was reported that the actual rebuilding costs amounted to $48,000.00. With generous member donations and additional temporary personal loans of $21,000.00 from four members, the upgrading work was finished to the satisfaction of everyone.
Members then agreed that after all the rebuilding debts were paid off; consideration would than began to upgrade the kitchen and bathroom areas of the club. The year ended with a true sense of accomplishment.
2006 proved to be a more routine year. The focus that year was on fundraising activities. More dances than usual were held; emphasis was put on more hall rentals, and the first ever fashion show on November 4th, featuring clothing from a local Steinmart department store, was well attended and profitable which allowed for repayment by December of $8,000.00 of the $21,000.00 borrowed from club members.
The year ended with a Christmas party on December 12th.
Henrietta Nemecek, Club Historian…
To be continued............very soon!
A slightly different take from our friend Michal Drobniewski
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Pulaski Club of Phoenix Celebrates 65th Anniversary in 2004
As we near the end of 2004, many Poles reflect on their personal experiences of the last sixty-five years. History books are inapt in describing the horrendous wide spread changes that effected mankind when Hitler’s Germany attacked Poland in September of 1939.
Poles, now living virtually in every country on earth, disbursed by Hitler’s invasion, are aware of the devastation, enslavement and tyranny brought on Poland and its citizens. They know that the powerful Allied Nations used the poorly equipped Polish military to buy time for themselves. Unfulfilled promises of armament and military help sacrificed Polish lives to the jaws of the Nazi swastika. Declaration of atonement for so many human beings was never sincerely acknowledged by the Allies. Those hopeless yesteryears of death and destruction gave birth to unity in spirit to Poles all over the globe. People of Polish heritage were organizing themselves - gathering strength in number while seeking solace, refuge and support among those with similar feelings towards their native homeland. And so it was in the South-West desert, in the dusty town of Phoenix that four friends of Polish heritage decided to form a unit - a club - a support group.
In May of 1939 when rumors of Hitler’s Nazi movement were prevalent in the news media and the inevitable horrors of war were lurking on the borders of Poland, four friends, Mr. Leon Rekosiewicz, Mr. Edward Alexander and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Janus, during one of their social gathering, set a course to find others of Polish heritage. Their intent was to form a circle of friends with common traditional observances, interests and language but most of all to form a stronger voice in support of Poland.
The original founders of this year’s 65-year-old organization grew from four to thirteen. They chose the name of Pulaski for their club largely due to the easily recognizable name to most Americans of General Casimir Pulaski. The other name considered was that of Thadeus Kosciuszko another well-known hero to both the American and European continents.
United in a common cause, with a page and a half of by-laws, hand written in Polish, the charter members set out to expand their ranks. They searched for Polish surnames in the Phoenix phone book and in the near-by communities. Their dedication was rewarded with increased membership. For in nine short years, they outgrew three locations used as their meeting place. Wasielewski’s nightclub known as the “Arbor” then the “Veterans Hall at Five Points”, and the “Osborn Women’s Club” all became too small for the rapidly expanding membership.
A decision to establish a central gathering place for their wide spread population met with approval. And in spring of 1948 three adjoining lots were purchased outside of the Phoenix City limits on McDowell Rd. just west of 44th Street.
Building plans completed, - approved by the executive committee, and a low interest loan of $10,000 secured from Mrs. Teofila Dluzynski, their meeting hall (Polish Home) was no longer a dream. The plans gave the members a vision of reality - the Polish meeting hall was soon to be within their reach. Additional funds of $2,100 from the Club’s treasury and a second mortgage of $2,900 assured the membership that sufficient funds for the project were available prior to groundbreaking.
On January 14, 1951 dedication by General Joseph Barczynski and the blessing of the grounds by Rt. Reverend Monsignor Robert J. Donohoe took place at 3:30 p.m.- thus marking a historic event for the Phoenix Polish Community. For on this day the cornerstone for the Pulaski Hall was set in place. The “burning of the mortgage” took place just 13 short years later on January 11, 1964.
It must be noted that the construction of the Club facility was taking place during yet another war, the “Korean Conflict”. Building supplies and materials were extremely scarce. Any and all construction efforts were limited to $5,000. The Polish community decided to seek the help of the most influential Senator in the history of Arizona, Senator Carl T. Hayden. With his help the President of the Club, Mr. Walter Kuida, was able to purchase the materials and supplies despite of the moratorium, and the completion of the facility experienced little delay due to the war.
Today at least four generations are enjoying the Club’s events. Fine home cooked dinners, dancing, artistic performances, occasional political figures and foreign appointees appear at this first Polish Meeting Hall in Phoenix. It is no longer on the outskirts of town but more in the center of activities. The Paderewski Choral Society was founded by members of the Pulaski Club and holds its events, dinners and singing performances in this hall. In years past many Polish organizations and groups organized their dances and dinners at the club. One of the newest groups is the Polish Highlander Association which holds several dances and functions at the Pulaski Club Hall each year. Children dance groups have practiced and preformed on the Pulaski Hall stage. Under the leadership and guidance of the current president, Henrietta Nemecek (daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Janus – two of the club’s founders) the Club’s newsletter was greatly improved, an internet web-site has been built, much needed upgrades and improvements are being made and the membership is steadily increasing.
During the month of October, traditionally known as the National Polish Heritage Month, the Club is celebrates its 65th anniversary. The Polish Community is proud to have such an honorable long lasting social organization as the Pulaski Club in its midst. Like Poland, this Club through various adversities and hard times, survived and continues to serve our local populous. “Sto Lat” we salute this noble hero’s namesake - Pulaski Club - and Happy Sixty-fifth Anniversary!
Originally written in 1999, and modified for this purpose.