115th anniversary of “Narod Polski”
Prior to 1896, PRCUA news was published in the following privately-owned Polish-language newspapers: Pilgrzym (1873-74), Gazeta Polska Katolicka (1874-1880), Gazeta Katolicka (1880-1888) and Wiara i Ojczyzna (1988-1896). Establishment of a PRCUA-owned newspaper was approved in 1896 and the first issue – a highlight of the exhibit – was published on January 1, 1897.
The Exhibit included mastheads through the decades, biographies of the 11 editors prior to Narod Polski, as well as the 13 editors of Narod Polski, photographs of the editors, and ten rare photos of the print shop from 1929. On display was the PRCUA Constitution from 1892 – handwritten by PRCUA’s founder and first editor, Jan Barzynski, as well as the handwritten poem he wrote to his wife before they were married. Old metal printing plates were on display, along with books published by many of the past editors, publications created by the current editors, old newspapers from the 1880s and articles from Narod Polski through the years.
Over 100 guests attended the event. Jan Lorys, PMA Director and Emcee, opened the program by extending greetings and speaking in Polish about Narod Polski. Monsignor Stanley Milewski, PRCUA Vice Chaplain from Orchard Lake, MI, gave the invocation.
This was followed with remarks by PRCUA President Joseph A. Drobot, Jr., who called Narod Polski the “lifeblood of the organization.” Managing Editor Lidia Kowalewicz, who has been editor for 18 years, spoke in Polish about Narod Polski and its significance. A proclamation from Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka was read aloud.
Pianist Daniel Szefer, 12, entertained guests by playing selections by Liszt and Chopin. A member of the PRCUA, he is a winner of the Illinois Music Teacher Association’s Sonata Competition, Granquist Piano Competition, and Gold Medal winner in the 2010 Illinois Grade School Music Association’s Solo Contest.
Executive Editor Kathryn Rosypal, who is the first female editor of Narod Polski and has been its editor for 22 years, presented a brief history of the publications of the PRCUA from 1873 to the present time. She also acknowledged past Editor Joseph Zurawski (1974-1986) who was present, for his contributions to the PRCUA and its publication.
Entertainment continued with “Favorite Songs of the 1890s” by soloist Marley Dzis, who is the featured vocalist for a Chicago jazz septet Current Impulse Seven. She was accompanied on the piano by her father Mieczyslaw Dzis, Music Director of PRCUA’s Polonia Dance Ensemble. Then Mieczyslaw Dzis delighted the audience with “Heel and Toe Polka” on his accordion – a musical selection found in the PMA archives that was written by E. Oweczka in 1890.
President Drobot acknowledged the editors, as well as Archivist Halina Misterka and others for preparing the extensive exhibit material. The editors were presented with bouquets of roses in appreciation for their contributions to the PRCUA and Narod Polski.
PRCUA Vice Chaplain Rev. Anthony D. Iwuc of Providence, RI, gave the benediction, followed by Editor Rosypal inviting everyone to partake in the reception buffet. Comments about the exhibit and the evening’s program by guests were very positive.
