Mount Saint Marys College - Eagle Yearbook (Orchard Lake, MI)

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BY WAY UF 5 MMAHY Americans have been called a nation of joiners because they like to belong to numer- ous organizations. The same may be said of the Poles who have made their home in America: they, too, are gregarious. Wheth- er by nature or by intention, they, likewise, are joiners. According to the late Miecislaus Haiman, the leading chronicler of the Polish past in America, there are well over 10,000 Polish societies of all types in this country, devoted to most diversified activities: religious, cul- tural, charitable, beneficial . . .,' This was written seven years ago. Since then, a host of new organizations founded by the refugee immigrants of World War ll has come into existence to swell the total considerably. The fourteen fraternals briefly reviewed in these pages constitute a very small frac- tion of the organizations founded and main- tained by Americans of Polish descent. Nevertheless, they make up a most important fraction for several reasons. First of all, as a group the fourteen frater- nals contain more members than any other fourteen Polish American organizations that may be mentioned. Second, their combined financial assets far outweigh those of any other group of fourteen organizations in the Polish American community. Yet these are by no means the most signi- ficant facts about the fourteen fraternals. Their size and wealth are exceeded by the varied and extensive cultural activities they promote. These fraternal organizations sponsor and support most of the social undertakings among Po'lish Americans that are not directly inspired and maintained by parochial or other ecclesiastical agencies. In addition, they contribute considerably to religious projects. Two organizations fthe Polish Ro- man Catholic Union and the Polish Union of the United States of North Americaj allot a specific sum of money each year to the 01'- chard Lake Seminary, others fthe Polish Na- tional Alliance of Brooklyn, the Polish Wom- en's Alliance of America, the Union of Pol- ish W'omen in America, and the Polish Bene- ficial Associationj do this periodically. On the other hand, mentioned it should be that, irrespective whether the individual headquar- ters of an organization contribute or not, most of the lodges of the fourteen organizations respond generously whenever they are ap- proached with an appeal by the Friends of the Catholic Seminary at Orchard Lake. As a result, to quote Miecislaus Haiman again, they exert a decisive influence on all phases of Polish organized life in America. In all this, the fourteen fraternals offer a concrete illustration of the highest ideals of intercultural cooperation and free enterprise. By successfully blending business acumen with humanitarian sympathy, they make in- surance not only a means of creating wealth, but also an opportunity of putting the finer things of life within the reach of many. By transforming cultural barriers into bridges, they help to enrich America as well as the immigrant to the mutual benefit of both. On this account alone, if on no other, the fraternals deserve a lasting and honored place in American life.

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Ulllllllll UF PULISH WUMEN IN AMERICA PI-IILADELPI-IIA, PENNSYLVANIA ef 'V' P A 5 - .aj - 5 The second largest Polish S women's fraternal or- ' ganization in the United States is the Union of Polish Women in America fUnia Polek W Amerycel. It was established in Philadelphia on October 17, 1920, by Frances Szwedowa, Agnes Karlewska, and Helene Janoski. The Polish White Cross Circles, which existed after World War I and which were founded by Madame Helen Paderewska, formed the nucleus for the establishment of the Union of Polish Women in America. The Founders felt that the laudable work perform- ed by the White Cross should continue, though in a somewhat modified form due to postwar conditions. The Constitution of the Union stipulates that the scope of this organization is: Q11 to preserve among the Polish women in Amer- ica their moral and religious consciousness in accordance with the teachings of the Ro- man Catholic Church, f2j to imbue them with a spirit of American patriotism and loy- alty, Q31 to inculcate in them, particularly the younger members, worthy Polish ideals as reflected in the literature and history of Poland, Q4-J to encourage a more active par- ticipation in community and civic projects, Q51 and to provide them with benefits per- mitted under the Act of Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania approved .lu'ly 17, 1935, P.L. 1092. As of January 1, 1955, the Union's num- ber of lodges totaled 74, the majority being in Philadelphia. These lodges hold monthly meetings and their agenda not only call for the payment of monthly assessments, but also for the discussion of the Union's welfare as well as social and community affairs. One of the subjects to receive major consideration is that of juvenile delinquency: its causes and cures. As a concrete preventive measure, several lodges have established Juvenile Cir- cles for girls under sixteen years of age. Adult members provide these circles with ap- propriate entertainment and instruction that Polish folk dances are perpetuated through formal Classes of instructions arranged by many of the organizations for their members. will inspire girls to strive for the ideals worthy of womanhood. Social activities, which have as their aim the development of social graces, are also sponsored by the Cir- cles. All this is done voluntarily and with- out hope of reward, the mainspring being the Christian desire to serve Cod and country. The Union of Polish Women of America issues insurance certificates from 35200 to 351,000 for whole life, 20 year payment life, 20 year endowment, endowment at 65, and paid up at 65. The Unionls assets as of January 1, 1955, amounted to 3734,646.06g the valuation sur- plus was 3516234-9.67. The amount of in- surance in force as of the same date was 32,- 248,750 Cadultl and 35687200 fjuniorj. Officers for 1955 were: Mrs. Helene ,lan- oski, President, Mrs. Helen J. Bagdzinski, Secretary, Mrs. Czeslawa Lewandowski, Treasurer, Gabriel J. Kraus, M.D., Medical Examiner, and Mr. V. E. Balukiewicz, Gen- eral Counsel. The Union's Home Office is 2662 E. Alleghany Avenue, Philadelphia 34, Pennsylvania. R. T. GRoNTKowsKI

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