Polish American Citizens Club

The Polish American Citizens Club was first organized in 1914, to provide a social and educational resources for the rapidly growing Polish-American community centered around St. Joseph’s Church in the Whitman Park section of Camden NJ. It could trace its roots back to Polish social clubs that had organized in the late 1890s.

The Polish American Citizens Club’s first president was Josef Zbieratsky. Journalist Peter Liwoch was for many years the recording secretary, served on the board of directors, and founded the club’s library, whose books numbered in the thousands. By the 1920s the club was meeting at 1559 Mount Ephraim Avenue. This building was purchased in January of 1928. After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, a bar was opened for members. In the late 1940s, Stephen Stemborski was the steward.

The Polish American Citizens Club also sponsored sports teams and leagues to keep the boys and girls of the community out of trouble. At least one PACC baseball player, Sig Jakucki, went to the major leagues.

On March 18, 1950, the Polish-American Citizens Club dedicated the fine hall that they had built at the corner of Warsaw and Lowell Streets. The building served the Polish-American community and the entire neighborhood for many years. Activities included furnishing classes to Polish immigrants so they could become naturalized American citizens. It is interesting to note that in this effort the PACC partnered with the Camden County organizations of the YMCA and the Patriotic Order Sons of America to provide these services.

The Polish-American Citizens Club remained open in Camden into the early 1990s. The building was subsequently sold to the Board of Education of the City of Camden. The club is still quite active, however in 2009, hosting a number of social events each year, participating in the annual Pulaski Day Parade in Philadelphia, and of course supporting St. Joseph’s Church at South 10th and Mechanic Streets in the old Camden neighborhood.

Steps were taken to change the name of the Polish Citizens Club to the Polish American Citizens Club at the installation of the newly elected officers of the organization in the clubhouse, 1559 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, last night.

The following officers were installed: Stanley Ciechanowski, president; F. Multanski, vice president; J. Witik, financial secretary; J. Mroz, recording secretary; Edward Praiss, corresponding secretary, and F. Benclawski, treasurer. The installation was conducted by J. Zbieratzki, honorary president.

President Ciechanowski, in his address to the members, spoke of the necessity of enlarging the club’s headquarters, and of plans for a membership drive. He also spoke of having a large number of Polish citizens represented in the next naturalization class here.

Managers of teams which were represented in the Camden Amateur League during the past baseball season are requested to attend a meeting of the circuit tomorrow night at the Polish American Citizens’ Club, Mt. Ephraim Avenue and Morton Streets.

The confab, which is scheduled to start promptly at 8 o’clock, is to be held so that plans can be made for the coming basketball season. Any other club desiring to enter the circuit for the court campaign may make its application tomorrow evening.

A. Harry Moore, Democratic candidate for governor, is scheduled to speak at the meeting of Gloucester Democrats in the city hall there next Wednesday night. The meeting will be in charge of Mayor J. Emerson Jackson and the county Democratic committee.

Gloucester Republicans tonight will hold a rally at the headquarters of the city committee, 104 North King Street.

The Polish-American Women’s Citizens Club, in its recent resolution pledging support to David Baird, endorsed a candidate for the first time in the club’s six-year history, according to Mrs. Priscilla Ciechanowski, secretary. The club is two to one for Baird, she said. Other officers are Mrs. A. Bec, president; Mrs. H. Stojak, vice-president, and Mrs. A. Skierska, treasurer.

A huge new sign, in vivid lettering, has appeared on the east side of Admiral Wilson Boulevard, south of Baird Boulevard, urging a vote for Baird November 3. It is one of the largest campaign signs in Camden County.

Congressman Charles A. Wolverton is appearing almost everywhere with Baird. The congressman is one of the gubernatorial nominee’s ablest campaign advisers. He was with the candidate at the Trenton convention of the New Jersey Taxpayers’ Association Wednesday.

David Tattersdill, Broadway merchant, is among the latest members of the Speakers’ Bureau at Republican headquarters, Broadway and Stevens Street. He is one of the organizers of the Forty-second Street Baird Boosters’ Club.

Seventy-two hundred applications for challengers were received Tuesday afternoon, the deadline, by the Camden County Board of Elections. Of the total, 4000 were for challengers for Republican candidates and the remainder for Democratic candidates, including those seeking office as governor, freeholder, justice of the peace and various borough and township offices. No Socialist or prohibition applications for challengers were filed here.

Joseph A. Varbalow, former assistant prosecutor, was so eager to read Moore’s speech he had to borrow a cent from Chief of County Detectives Lawrence T. Doran to buy the Morning Post.

Locals Gain Extra Point to Beat Westville and Take Third Place

By gaining the extra-point for high total score, the Polish American Citizens Club’s cue artists defeated the Westville team last night at the latter’s tables in the South Jersey Pocket Billiard League.

As a result of its triumph, the Polish American Club climbed into undisputed possession of third place, only three points in the rear of the pace-setting Maple Shade outfit which nosed out Thirteenth Ward for the sunberth last Tuesday night.

Tonight, all eight clubs will again swing into action with the “Shaders” defending their lead against Haddonfield, while Thirteenth Ward entertains Pitman and Polish is to Westville with Paulsboro traveling to Collingswood.

Walt Petris, who has been the most consistent winner for the Polish A.C.C., continued his victorious stride for the Whitman Park aggregation last night, while Stan Kaminski also chalked up a victory: Lenardo and Fox won for Westville, the latter beating out Steve Gromacki in a keenly contested duel by the score of 75 to 71.

Commission to Study Juvenile Delinquency Here Also Advocated

The passage of a curfew law and the appointment of a commission to study juvenile delinquency were advocated last night at a meeting of the United Polish organizations at the Polish-American Citizens Club, 1559 Mt. Ephraim avenue.

Thadeus A. Sikorski, president, said 32 Polish organizations were represented at the meeting and approved a proposed curfew law, which would take children under 16 years from the streets at 9.30 p. m. during the Winter and 10 p. m. in Summer.

“We propose two plans,” Sikorski said. “The policeman finding a child on the street after hours would take him home and the parents would be handed a summons to court, where a nominal fine would be imposed. Or, the child could be taken to a police station and the parents summoned to take the youngster home. A large factory whistle could be blown as a curfew in North, South and East Camden.

“We know Mrs. Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, is in favor of correcting juvenile delinquency, and we will ask her to name a committee to study correcting this evil.”

Sikorski said the proposals will be sent to the city commission in the form of resolutions. He spoke before the commission on previous versions on the curfew law.

Also active in Whitman Park at that time was St. Joe’s Polish Athletic Association.

A galaxy of sports notables will be the guests at the annual Sports Dinner sponsored by the St. Joseph’s Polish Athletic Association at the parish house, Tenth and Liberty streets tomorrow night.

Heading the list of prominent figures will be Maurice “Clipper” Smith, coach of Villanova’s undefeated football team, who will also bring along several of the Wildcats’ star gridmen and basketball players. Alexander Wojciehowich, All-American center at Fordham last season, will also attend and address the gathering along with Walter Budniak and Stanley Ciechanowski.

The banquet is being tendered to the football, baseball and basketball squads representing St. Joe’s.

‘Clipper’ Smith Principal Speaker at Fete; Wysocki Wojciehowicz to Attend

A star-studded array of sports notables will be grouped around the speakers’ table at the first annual Sports Dinner of the St. Joseph’s Polish Athletic Association tonight at the parish hall, Tenth and Liberty Streets.

The affair, which is expected to be one of the most colorful held in this vicinity recently, is in honor of the baseball, basketball and football players who represented the local club during the past and present seasons.

Heading the array of speakers will be Maurice “Clipper” Smith, who coached the Villanova College gridsters to an unbeaten 1937 campaign. Smith will bring along several of the Wildcats’ outstanding gridster and basketball stars.

A few who Smith will have in tow and who are down as speakers are John Wysocki, mentioned on several All-America teams at an end post; John Mellus, another who gained prominent mention on All-America elevens at tackle, and Walt Nowak, a member of the local association and who sparkled at end for the ‘Cats in his sophomore year last season.

The Villanova basketball squad will be represented by “Duke” Duzminski, crack forward who is being touted as one of the outstanding courtmen in the East, while “Doc” Jacobs, coach of the Wildcat baseball team, will also attend.

Wysocki and Mellus, however, are not the only All-Americans who will be on hand. Alex Wojciehowicz, who gained mention as an All-America center at Fordham last year, will also be a guest.

Ted Nitka, coach of the St. Joe’s grid team, was a former teammate of Wojciehowicz at Fordham, the former graduating two years ago after starring at an end post.

Toastmaster for the occasion will be Joseph Scechowski, former president of the association, while other speakers will be Henry Ciechanowski, president; Stanley Ciechanowski, and Walter Budniak. The banquet committee is composed of Edward Ziemnicki, chairman; Edward Rydzewski, Edward Snitowski and Henry Ciechanowski.

The bi-monthly amateur boxing shows sponsored by the Polish-American Citizens Club of this city, held at the Bonsall School gymnasium and listed for tomorrow night, have been postponed according to officials of the club.

The next show will be held on Wednesday, February 23 at the above site.

Simon-Pures to Compete in Nine Bouts at Bonsall School Tomorrow

After a lapse of several weeks, the Polish American Citizens Club will again sponsor amateur boxing shows with nine bouts carded on tomorrow night’s program at the Bonsall school auditorium, Mt. Ephraim Avenue and Jackson Street.

Four scrappers of the home club will see action with the feature bout between Henry Lighthiser, of the P.A.C.C., who has showed splendid form in his recent battles, and Pat Mattiuco, of Daggert.

The other three Polish-American boxers on the card are Romo Kocinski, Lou Bonsey and Vincent Ricco Laurio.

Kocinski is slated to go in the semi-windup against Al Imes, of the Wharton A.C., while Bonsey will take on Mike Dia Dato, of Daggert, and Laurio will battle Tom Giamanco, of Daggert.

In the other five bouts Tom Bergen, West End, meets Donald Barber, Wharton; Oscar Richards, West End, faces Warren Corbin, Wharton; Matt Jackson, Wharton, opposes William Hutt, Daggert; Carl Moss, Wharton, tackles William Lefferts, Daggert, and William Smith, West End, takes on William Floyd, Wharton.

All are five round bouts with the first scrap scheduled to start at 8.30 o’clock.

Campbell’s Soup Wins Slugfest from 12th Ward, 12 to 8 — St. Joe’s Routs Polish, 13–1 as Walker Robins Trounce Sacred Heart

Two runs in the first and three in the eighth spelled victory for Lincoln over St. Joan of Arc. Schoekolf went the route for Lincoln and spaced out eight hits, the Saints’ lone run coming in the third on a homer by Gondolf. Lincoln collected eight hits off Franks and Collins with Lyback and J. Schramm each getting two.

All tickets have been sold for the Polish American Citizens’ Club New Year’s Eve party. A capacity limit of 300 guests will ring out the old and greet the New Year with merriment in the upper floor ballroom.

Chairman Leonard Drozd said an early sellout last week left many persons disappointed when they called for tickets. In all cases, he said, a referral was made to the St. Joseph’s parish party in the parish hall where some tickets were still available at the time.

Several years ago, before a limit was placed on the number of guests who were entertained at the club’s New Year’s Eve parties, more than 800 persons crowded in the two-story building in South Camden. The bulky gatherings became difficult to handle and subsequent affairs developed into the present system of one floor with plenty of elbow room while catering to an easier to handle crowd.

Ray Dombrowski and his Musical Notes will spark the music for the merry celebrating from 9:30 p.m. until the early morning hours. A buffet style service will provide food for the guests for three hours, starting at 10 p.m.

A spirited election for the presidency of the Polish American Citizens’ Club looms as a definite possibility for the first time in 10 years.

The contest between Victor Anyzek, Jr., and Leonard Drozd as head of the South Jersey fraternal and civic organization for a one-year term will most assuredly bring out the vote.

The last time the membership had to make a top choice was back in 1967 when Bruno Paprzycki dueled with Stanley Mojta for the club’s leadership.

Nominated without opposition for the other five table positions are Bruno Paprzycki, a former president, as first vice president; Charles Wisniewski, second vice president; Joseph Jablonski, financial secretary; Anthony Urbanowicz, treasurer, and Walter Piatek, recording secretary.

Thirteen nominees for the directorship may produce some lively campaigning for individuals since the top eight vote getters will be the winning electees. The director board has 16 members consisting of an equal number elected and appointed by the incoming or incumbent president.

The candidates for director named by the Nominating Committee are George Plocharski, Steve Duda, Joe Sacilowski, Richard Kozieja, Chester (Pat) Jablonski, John Tureck, Henry (Icy) Olszewski, and John Filipek.

Nominated from the floor were Eddie Czech, Stanley K. Kaminski, Henry Biegalski, Big Ed Bukowski and Bart Paradise.

The election day will be Dec. 14, the second Tuesday of the month.

Also active in Whitman Park and Fairview, and among those who had moved to the suburbs at that time was the Polish American Congress, South Jersey Division.

A limited number of admission tickets will be available for Monday’s presentation, “A Night With Polish Composers” at the Haddon Fortnightly, Haddonfield, N. J.

Chairman Piotr Banasik made the announcement earlier this week after receiving a number of calls from former Whitman Park residents, now living elsewhere in the South Jersey area, and who have found it inconvenient to pick up the tickets in advance.

The seating capacity in the auditorium is limited to 400 persons. More than half of this number, Banasik said, have been sold at $2.00 each. Until capacity is reached tickets will be sold at the door.

The cultural entertainment is under the sponsorship of the Polish American Congress, South Jersey Division. President Stanley Mojta said it is the first of its kind presented by his group. If the lovers of classical music support this event others of a similar nature will be considered for the future.

Grant Wilinski, a youthful Whitman Park organist, will direct the musical program starting at 7:30 p.m. The works of distinguished Polish composers will be featured by the Westmont Philharmonic Accordion Orchestra, with selections of Polish music classics rendered by instruments as well as vocally.

Assisting Wilinski in formulating the program and arrangements are Banasik, Mrs. Frank Kitchmire, co-chairman; Mojta, Mrs. Joseph Olejniczak, Miss Adele Usciak and Daniel Ciechanowski, any of whom may be contacted for tickets.

The Haddon Fortnightly is located at Grove Street and Kings Highway East in Haddonfield, two blocks east of Haddon Avenue.

Also active in Whitman Park and Fairview, and among those who had moved to the suburbs at that time was the Polish American Congress, South Jersey Division.

A benefit social for the benefit of St. Joseph’s Church in South Camden will be held Sunday, Nov. 10, under the sponsorship of the Polish American Congress, South Jersey Division.

President Chester Przywara announced last week that all funds derived from the affair will be donated to Fr. Edward H. Bucia, pastor, in response for financial aid needed to help defray the cost of many major repairs requiring attention.

The event will be staged at the Polish American Citizens’ Club with additional details following future developments. The church benefit, Przywara explained, will replace the annual Man and Woman of the Year testimonial usually held around this time of the year.

Along with the announcement, Przywara said the South Camden club is donating its facility toward the success of the fund-raiser, and as such, an invitation of support is extended to all church groups and fraternal organizations to aid a worthy cause.

PAC vice president Joseph Shilinski has been appointed general chairman, and will direct ticket sales priced at a $10.00 donation including food.

It all begins in a little row house (they call them “townhouses” now) on Grant Street in Camden NJ. I remember my mother telling me once that she and my father paid $3,000 for that house somewhere around 1952, when they married.

I slept in the same bed with my older sister Chris, who was only 18 months older than me, and later, my 5-year younger sister Cindy joined us in a crib added to our bedroom. There were only two bedrooms in the house: One, the front bedroom, where our parents slept, and ours, in the back.

We were very close to my mother’s parents whom we called Nana and Pop-Pop while growing up. Growing up Polish-American was interesting and a source of great pride today. The neighborhood in which my grandparents lived and the church community of which they were a part was mainly Polish. While we grew up hearing Polish being spoken by our grandparents it was usually when they didn’t want us kids to understand what they were saying.

Although food was prevalent in the house of my grandparents, it wasn’t as much Polish food as you might think. That was primarily reserved for holidays. There would be the occasional “galumpki” (ground meat wrapped in cabbage and cooked in tomato sauce), fresh kielbasa, and a chicken broth based noodle soup called “kluski and oso,” but generally the Polish dishes were reserved for holidays. On Christmas Eve, when we celebrated the traditional “Viglia” (vigil) where no meat was eaten, the fare was sauerkraut soup, pierogies stuffed with cheese, potatoes, or sauerkraut, and salmon cakes. We would break the bread (“opoetek”) with each other, making a wish as we did so, for the other, such as good health and happiness.

We moved to Cherry Hill in December of 1963 for a better life, more space, and to be closer to my father’s job at the Hussmann refrigerator plant. But I will always remember and treasure my memories of Camden and the little house at 716 Grant Street.

Members Recall Club’s Heyday in Camden

By LUIS PUGA

Charlie Korostynski, the president of the Polish American Club of Camden County, can’t walk around the club’s fifth annual picnic for long before someone yells out his name.

Korostynski is one of 300 Polish Americans who attended his club’s picnic Saturday on Soupy Island. For many it was a chance to catch up with members who have spread across southern New Jersey.

“It’s a reunion for people who have not seen each other in years,” said Korostynski, who said members were once centered in Whitman Park in Camden. “They get to meet and enjoy themselves.”

Now, club members are spread out and the club rents space in the VFW hall in Oaklyn. It’s a situation they hope to change with younger members who they hope will sustain the club. And, they hope to inspire them with a new and permanent club location.

The club opened its doors in 1914, a year after St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, a Polish parish, did.

But as the city and neighborhood deteriorated, members of the club and parishioners moved out.

“People became afraid to even come out for even social events or the weddings,” said Ed Zbikowski, the club’s treasurer from Washington Township.

What they left was a unified community that held Polish/English classes for recent immigrants, raised funds to bring new immigrants over to the United States, and neighbors who had a strong sense of community.

“In my day, one key fit all the houses,” said Henry Baldyga, 86. “In fact, people seldom locked their doors (in Whitman Park).”

Older members said the 3,000 club members held meetings in Polish, with an opening rendition of “God Bless America” and the Polish national anthem sung at the end of the meeting. Now, there are 180 members.

“It’s pretty tough,” he said. “It’s not what it used to be. Polish was Polish.”

“That means a lot to me as a Polish person,” she said.

“It’s a melting pot and we are certainly melting,” said Walter Piatek, 75, of Berlin.

PACC Newsletter — September 2009 (PDF)