Bartosz, Adam, 1894-1980.

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

SCOPE AND CONTENT: The collection illustrates Bartosz's personal and professional literary work, the history of the Gwiazda Polarna, and the history of the Polish press in the United States. Bartosz's career as a journalist and free-lance writer is seen in the run of his Gwiazda Polarna columns, 1938-1940, 1959-1970; and in the two issues of Postep (August and September 1919, volume 4,numbers 8 and 9) which contain articles by Bartosz. There is also a short play, W Niebie, published in the newspaper in 1937, and an undated one-act sketch in English, entitled Conjugate Mazur!, written by Bartosz under the pseudonym John Marchewka. Examples of Bartosz's poetry include a handwritten volume, dated 1917, Bloomfield, New Jersey, in which Bartosz also pasted pertinent newspaper clippings. There are several examples of typewritten poetry, with newspaper clippings, some of which concern publication of Szara Godzina; these items are mostly in Polish, and date from 1917-1934. In addition to Bartosz's other works is a series of newspaper clippings in Polish, which comprise his 1931 "History of the Polonian Press" in the United States. These also include articles about prominent individuals connected with the Polish press, and Bartosz's compilation of Gwiazda Polarna newsclippings entitled "60 years of Gwiazda Polarna, Stevens Point and 105 Years of Polish Press in America," (which was printed in 1968). In 1981, the Gwiazda Polarna continues to appear; it is Wisconsin's only remaining Polish language newspaper, and the largest Polish language weekly in the nation. Its companion, Rolnik, ceased publication in 1960.

Researchers should also consult the tape recorded interviews conducted with Adam and Bernice Bartosz 28 October 1974 by Richard Zeitlin as part of the Ethnic Heritage Studies Project. In the interviews the Bartoszes discuss their parentage, background, farm life, ethnic and cultural remembrances, religious life, family and community customs and activities and politics and intergroup relations in the community.  These are housed at the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Stevens Point Area Research Center.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Adam Bartosz, one of twelve children of Ferdynand (1861-1943) and Bronislawa Wozowicz (1864-1926) Bartosz, was born 13 January 1894 in Gora Robczycka, Galicja or Austrian Poland. Due to a serious accident he had only a few years of formal schooling in Poland but was an avid reader. His first poetry was published when he was twelve years old. Bartosz arrived in the United States in 1913, and settled in the Baltimore area. He attended high school at night (graduating in 1927) and in 1931 earned a law degree at the University of Baltimore. That same year Bartosz started a law office in Baltimore. However, Bartosz's main interest was journalism and creative writing. In 1916 he became editor of the Polish-language journal Postep (Progress), and from 1921 to 1937 he edited the Jednosc-Polonia (Unity-Polonia). Bartosz took a position on the editorial board of the Stevens Point, Wisconsin newspaper Gwiazda Polarna (Polar Star) and its associated journal, Rolnik (Farmer) in October 1937. He succeeded Paul Klimowicz of Wausau as editor-in-chief in 1954. In that capacity, Bartosz continued the paper's long tradition of service to Polish immigrants in the United States. Bartosz stressed the Gwiazda Polarna's many duties: to acquaint immigrants with American laws, history and customs; to help in construction of parochial schools, churches, and hospitals; to help immigrants learn English; and to stress involvement in civic and cultural organizations. Bartosz also initiated and wrote the column "Talks of the Grandpa" as a platform for discussion of issues of all types. He retired from the Gwiazda Polarna in 1973.

In addition to his journalistic career, Bartosz was active in several Polish cultural and fraternal groups, among them the Polish National Alliance, which he joined in 1923, and the Sokol (Polish Falcons). He continued his interest in poetry and writing, and in 1934 published a collection of his poems, Szara Godzina (At the Twilight). Bartosz published poetry at other times in periodicals and newspapers, and also published a three-act play. In addition, he taught classes in Polish and English, and studies Esperanto.

In 1918 Bartosz married Wanda Biedron (d. 1928); the couple were the parents of three children, Robert, Wallace, and Mira. In 1929 Bartosz married Bronislawa (Bernice) Dombrowski; their son was Jerome. Bronislawa Bartosz also played an important role in the production of the Gwiazda Polarna. For twenty-two years she was editor of the women's page of the newspaper, and in addition, she proofread the galley proofs. Both of the Bartoszes maintained an active interest in Polish culture and language, and assisted Polish refugees and immigrants whenever possible. Adam Bartosz died on 19 July 1980; he was survived by his widow.

COLLECTION CITATION:

This collection should be cited as:

Bartosz, Adam, 1894-1980. Papers, 1917-1975. Milwaukee Micro Collection 35. Wisconsin Historical Society. Milwaukee Area Research Center. Golda Meir Library. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

ACQUISITION: Presented by Bernice Bartosz, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, 1981 (accession number M81-375).

PROCESSING: Prepared for microfilming by Mark Thiel and Menzi Behrnd-Klodt in October 1981.

MARC RECORD SEARCH TERMS:

The following terms were used in the online bibliographic MARC record to this collection:

• Gwiazda Polarna.
• Polish Americans--Wisconsin--Stevens Point--History.
• Polish-American newspapers.
• Stevens Point (Wis.)--History--Sources.

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