University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives Department.

Czechorski, Lorraine, ca. 1915- .

Family papers, 1903-1971.

Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 58

.2 cubic ft. (1 oversize archives box)

ABSTRACT: Family photographs and personal and family papers of Lorraine (Napieralski) Czechorski and of her parents and siblings. Included are photographs of her father, Peter Napieralski (1881- ), who immigrated to the United States in 1905; of her mother, Anna; of her paternal grandmother, Josephine Napieralski Kucharski; and of herself; and her sisters, Pelagia and Emily. There are two photos of Peter Napieralski's bird store on Milwaukee's South Side, c. 1925; photographs of the children in July 4th parades; and a photo of the family's first car. As Peter Napieralski's bird store was not a very profitable one, he supplemented his income through work on the railroad and as a janitor at the Modjeska Theatre. Later, he owned a tavern in St. Francis. Peter was also a socialist and labor leader. He was a member of the Polish National Alliance, and is pictured in the 1931-1932 group photo of the PNA Sick Fund directors. The collection also includes Napieralski's work record, 1903-1904, showing his employment in coal mines in Posen or Silesia in Germany.

Papers of Lorraine Czechorski consist of a photograph of the Echo Choir (Chor Echo) of Council 8 of the Polish National Alliance (Spring 1940), of which she was a member, with choir members identified on the verso; Echo Choir programs, 1935 (signed by choir members), 1936, 1938 and 1948; programs of the Moniuszko Choir of Council 115 of the PNA, 1934 and 1936; and newsclippings describing performances of both choirs. There is also a brief historical sketch of the Echo Choir, written by Mrs. Czechorski. Other programs include one from a 1935 play presented by the Polish Youth Circle of Casimir Pulaski (Koko Modziezy Polskiej in. Kaz. Puaskiego), and a 1953 souvenir program of the Polish Old Settlers Club (Klub Starych Polskich Osadnikow).

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).

COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:

Czechorski, Lorraine. Family papers, 1903-1971. Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 58. Wisconsin Historical Society. Milwaukee Area Research Center. Golda Meir Library. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

RELATED COLLECTIONS:

Polish National Alliance of the United States of North America. Council 8. Records, 1920-1980. (Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 42)

Polish National Alliance of the United States of North America. Council 115 (Milwaukee, Wis.). Records, 1915-1977. (Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 52)

Polish National Alliance of the United States of North America. Lodge 14 (Milwaukee, Wis.). Records, 1937-1974. (Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 57)

ACQUISITION: Presented and loaned for copying by Lorraine Czechorski of St. Francis, Wisconsin in 1980 (accession number M81-15).

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

Choral societies--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Czechorski family.
Echo Choir.
Milwaukee (Wis.)--History--Sources.
Moniuszko Choir.
Napieralski family.
Polish Americans--Wisconsin--Milwaukee--History.
Polish National Alliance of the United States of North America. Council 8.
Polish National Alliance of the United States of North America. Council 115.

MILWAUKEE MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION 58	BOX	FOLDER
Echo Choir Programs and Newsclippings, 1935-1948	1	2
Moniuszko Choir Programs and Newsclippings, 1934-1936	1	3
Other Programs and Newsclippings, 1935, 1953, 1971, undated	1	4
Photographs, c. 1904-c. 1925, 1931, 1940	1	5-6
Work Record, Peter Napieralski, 1903-1904	1	1