History of Branch 12 Polish National Union of Canada in Niagara Falls.
This Niagara Falls organization of Polish National Union of Canada was formed by 42 Polish-Canadians who met at St. Ann’s Parish Hall in 1953 under the leadership of Mr. J. Uszakiewicz and received their club charter on January 17, 1954. General K. Pulaski the famous Polish-American Revolutionary hero was named as patron of Branch 12.
Three years later in March of 1957 Branch 12 purchased the Hall which was former restaurant called “Charlie’s” located at 5681 Thorold Stone Road in Niagara Falls and moved into its new home. The new facility was renamed the “White Eagle Hall”, adopting the Polish National emblem as its name and trade mark.
In 1959 dedicated members doubled the size of the facility by using mainly member labour and talent.
Over the years “White Eagle Hall” was quite popular by the Polish community and locals during weekly Saturday Night Dances. The place was often packed with up to 300 guests. Our club members provided excellent customer service to attendees. As a small anecdote as a member and volunteer at that time I can remember the Hall most times was filled with cheerful party goers-dancers. The place was full of cigarette smoke but everybody had a great time. The old Hall had no Air conditioning so during hot summer nights all the windows and doors had to stay open, which would be inheard of now. It was a unique place and served its purpose for well over 20 years but finally came time that it outgrown its usefulness.
So, in 1975 members of Branch 12 of Polish National Union of Canada started construction of its new, two stories red brick Cultural Center on the land behind the old “White Eagle Hall”
During construction which took over two years the old Hall was still operating and provided revenues for the club.
The new “Canadian Polish Cultural Center” of ZNPwK as it was named contained a beautiful combination of Banquet-Dance Hall (with a stage) in its upper floor and two other halls of various sizes, plus offices. The Royal Canadian Legion, Post #590 (aka Polish Legion) also moved in to the part of our new facility.
Official opening of the new Center was in the fall of 1978 and that year also our old “White Eagle Hall” was demolished by club members.
The Main Hall of the new facility was used mostly for Wedding receptions, clubs’ anniversaries, rummage sales and festivals. The Lower Hall continued with Saturday Night Dances, later moved to Sunday Nights. The Polish Legion was also a tenant on the side of the building with its own entrance, which contained a Mess Hall and the bar-canteen which operated everyday to serve veterans and Niagara Community.
The years of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s were golden years of the Polish community in Niagara Falls. Our city supported four Polish service clubs, like our; 1) Branch 12 club, 2) Polish Legion, 3) Canadian Polish Home on 5072 Magdalen St. and 4) Polish Greater Niagara Credit Union.
Over the years Branch 12 had great leaders like club’s first President Mr. J. Uszakewicz, Mr. G. Michowicz, Mr. A. Bialas, Mr. S. Szczepanski, Mr. M. Moledzki , Mr. F. Wach, Mr. A. Gryk, Mr. J. Filip and our current President Mr. J. Komor because of them and many, many others our club thrived.
Starting in the 1990’s the number of the members and volunteers in the Branch 12 club has ‘dwindled” and the upkeep cost of our facilities were seriously going up.
To help maintain our building part of it was rented out to “City Boxing Club” and a “Gym”, but still it was very hard to pay the bills and maintain clubs’ facilities.
Painful decision was made in 2004 to sell the existing budling which was bought by local Insurance Company.
It was in our club’s financial interest to sell the huge building then to continue operating and keeping it.
Club members of Branch 12 still gather together regularly for club’s monthly meetings.
Branch 12 members are still very active and take part in various ceremonies. Club members organize and take part in the annual Poland’s Flag Raising Ceremony in front of Niagara Falls City Hall commemorating “Poland’s May 3rd Constitution Day”.
Polish National Union of Canada Branch 12 members together with the”Canadian Polish Congress- District Niagara” help out organize so called Polish Sunday in Niagara on the Lake. It is an annual Pilgrimage and Parade at the Polish Military Cemetery of General Haller’s Blue Army soldiers who died in 1917 during the First World War.
This is the only Polish Military Cemetery in North America with remains of Polish-American and Polish-Canadian soldiers who perished from disease of Spanish Flu and never had a chance to reach the land of their forefathers.
This cemetery is a symbol of all the others who died outside North America and who fought for an independent Poland.
In addition, throughout the years quite often the Branch 12 members pay a visit to the Polish Army Cemetery to welcome and support the distinguished visitors from Poland and other diplomats who stop over to honor the brave men who died for our homeland’s freedom.
Branch 12 members also observe All saints Day on November 1st by lighting candles and prayer service at General Haller’s cemetery in Niagara on the Lake.
The club as well organize and commemorate the “Cursed Soldiers National Remembrance Day” aka (Dzien Pamieci Zolnierzy Wykletych) and also observe the “Victims of Katyn Massacre Day” in April which takes place at the Polish Church. In addition club commemorates the anniversary of the 1920 victory over Soviet Russia at the
“Battle of Warsaw Day” and the “Armed Forces Day” in August.
Branch 12 as well celebrates with our community the “Poland’s Independence Day” and the “Canadian Remembrance Day” on November 11th each year.
Additionally, members of Branch 12 provide contributions to preserve, support and promote the Polish Scouts and the Polish School.
Our organization continuing to participate as well in other patriotic, cultural, charitable or humanitarian activities, for the best interest of Canada, the Republic of Poland and Canadians of Polish origin.
Written by Jan Dabrowski