Subject Listing:
Polish Americans, R-Z


Polish American Collections, A-G

Polish American Collections, H-O

Polish American Collections, P
Rogozinski, Antoni, 1912- .
Papers, 1971-1981.
Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 67
Papers of a former Polish Army officer and immigrant to Milwaukee who was engaged in teaching English to new arrivals and organizing an association of Polish veterans, the Association of Veterans of the Second World War in the Polish Armed Forces.Included are several albums compiled by Rogozinski containing papers, copies of documents, photographs, and text, often in Polish, concerning himself, other Polish immigrants, and veterans' activities. Also included is a small news clippings file about Rogozinski and the Association. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Schultz, John A., 1897-1956.
Papers, 1919-1956.
Milwaukee Small Collection 83
The collection consists of photocopied newsclippings dating from the 1940s, which illustrate several of the important events of Schultz's career as a Milwaukee alderman. Schultz was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council in 1932 and served for sixteen years. Also contains political handbills and several miscellaneous photographs. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Sobczak, Regina.
Family papers, 1902-1948.
Milwaukee Small Collection 124
Correspondence, post cards, photographs, and personal documents of Antoni Plichta, and Edward and Stanislaw Malkowski, father and maternal uncles of the donor, Regina Sobczak. Included are official documents in Polish, English, and Russian; personal correspondence from Europe, and a few biographical notes written by the donor. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Sokolnicki, Alfred J., 1918-2002.
Papers, 1931-1991.
Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 39, Milwaukee Micro Collection 37, and Milwaukee Tape 7
Papers of a prominent member of Milwaukee's Polish American community, consisting of a variety of personal and collected documents. Included are programs and newsclippings regarding the Mazur Polish Dancers (organized by Sokolnicki in 1940), newsclippings concerning individuals and groups in the Milwaukee Polish community, and a tape recording of a speech by President Jimmy Carter at an awards dinner honoring Rep. Clement Zablocki. Portions of the collection on microfilm include a scrapbook of clippings about the Polish Summer School (1936-1951); and play, radio, and television scripts, in Polish and English, written by Sokolnicki for presentation by such groups as the Marshal Pilsudski Club, the Polish Fine Arts Club, student groups, and the Mazur Dancers. Finding aid available in the Archives.
South Side Business Men's Club (Milwaukee, Wis.).
Records, 1937-1980.
 Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 40 and Milwaukee Micro Collection 26
Records of a Milwaukee Polish American organization founded in 1936 to "protect, promote, and stimulate" business and civic life among the membership and the community, including minutes of the board of directors (1937-1980), biographies of club members, constitution and by-laws, membership rosters and applications, correspondence, and fragmentary financial records, a club history, and records of the Don Bosco High School Athletic Banquet, sponsored by the Club. There are several gaps in the run of minutes, which are on microfilm. The majority of the other records are from the 1950s. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Spott, Barney F. (Bronislaw Francis), 1898-1975.
Papers, 1906-1975.
 Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 41 and Milwaukee Micro Collection 34
Papers of a Milwaukee businessperson and State Assemblyperson who was also very active in veterans and civic organizations. Spott served in the Polish Army during World War I, prior to organizing a real estate firm in Milwaukee. He represented the Thirteenth District, Milwaukee County in the State Assembly for one term, 1927-1929. He also organized Stowarzyszenie Weteranow Armii Polskiej w Ameryce Post No. 3 in Milwaukee, and served as an officer in several other veteran's groups. The collection includes personal and family biographies and papers; photographs of Spott and other veterans; a World War I journal kept by Spott; financial records; and draft of speeches prepared by Spott for presentation to various civic groups. Also contains legal materials prepared or secured by Spott from the Polish consulate for members of the Milwaukee Polish community, and a microfilmed scrapbook about veterans' affairs. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Stobba, Mary Andrzejewska, 1899- .
Papers, 1919-1973.
Milwaukee Small Collection 73
Papers concerning relief work done in Poland after World War I (1919-1922) by Stobba, a Gray Samaritan (a group of volunteer American women working through the American Relief Administration recruited and supported by the YWCA), including autograph books, drawings, clippings and other miscellaneous papers. Most materials are in Polish.
Stowarzyszenie Weteranow Armii Polskiej w Ameryce. Post No. 94 (Milwaukee, Wis.).
Records, 1942-1977.
Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 51
Incomplete records, mostly in Polish, including minutes of meetings with membership and attendance records, and several jubilee albums which contain photographs and a history of the post. Also includes two jubilee albums of Ladies Auxiliary No. 45. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Sume, Walter, ca. 1910- .
Papers, 1913-1975.
Milwaukee Small Collection 110
Papers consisting of personal photographs and miscellany including the 1913 naturalization certificate of Sume's father, Stanislaus Sampolinski; childhood photographs; a program from the 1975 Polish Artistic Invitational; and pamphlets regarding Poland and the Milwaukee Polish Community.
Swietlik, Walter M., 1892-1981.
Papers, 1908-1982.
UWM Manuscript Collection 242

Collection of materials pertaining to Walter M. Swietlik, who served as Milwaukee's Commissioner of Public Works from 1940 to 1956.  The collection includes biographical information, certificates, correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, and some miscellaneous materials.  The collection contains some documentation of Swietlik's school and United States Army service years, but most of the collection pertains to his days as Milwaukee's Commissioner of Public Works.  The collection includes images of Milwaukee's Dept. of Public Works and city personnel, including Frank Zeidler, as well as images of downtown Milwaukee, including city hall and the Mecca Arena.  Finding aid available in the Archives.

Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble (Milwaukee, Wis.).
Records, 1980-1995.
UWM Manuscript Collection 97
Records of a dance group, founded in 1975, which promoted Polish folk culture through authentic presentation of dances, songs, traditions, and costumes of Poland. The collection documents the history, activities, and publicity of the group. Included are annual reports listing membership, articles and programs about the activities of the dance ensemble, and a print copy of the group's internet site. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Szymczak, Anthony J.
Papers, 1945-1974.
Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 30
Papers of a prominent Milwaukee Polish radio announcer, primarily composed of scripts describing his visits to Poland. Other scripts in the collection include several written for holiday broadcasts, and to commemorate the deaths of Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. and Robert Kennedy. Also included are a few of Szymczak's speeches, clippings of newspaper articles, certificates and awards; fragmentary correspondence, photographs, and biographical information. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Szymczak, Chester J.
Papers, 1930-1980.
Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 103
Papers of a Polish American author and journalist. Szymczak was born and raised in Milwaukee, served as a signalman in World War II, survived the sinking of the U.S.S. Dorchester, and served as a newspaper editor in suburban Milwaukee during the 1950s. Among Szymczak's published works are an account of the Dorchester sinking, a biography of astronomer Nicolas Copernicus, and many studies of American literature. Besides a small file of correspondence, the collection consists entirely of manuscripts and notes for published and unpublished works, including non-fiction, short stories, poetry, and plays. Most of the manuscripts are undated. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Thiel, Mark G., 1950- .
Mark Thiel and Patricia Poskie-Thiel papers, 1898-1982.
Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 73
Papers and photographs regarding the 1978 West Allis wedding ceremony and preparations based on Polish traditions, of Mark Thiel and Patricia Poskie, together with family and genealogical papers. In addition to photographs and a description of the actual wedding ceremony are papers, programs, flyers, and other material collected while the couple researched traditional Polish costumes, music, and other aspects of the wedding celebration. Genealogical materials concern the Piotrowski, Poskie, and Wleczyk families in Wisconsin. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Tomasik, Edward J., 1921- .
Papers, 1964-1975.
Milwaukee Small Collection 91
Collection includes fragmentary correspondence, newsclippings, and other papers of a Cudahy optometrist who has long been active in several Milwaukee-area and national Polish American organizations. A folder of correspondence and other papers illustrates Tomasik's attempts to organize Polish American attorneys; his efforts to promote his "Wisconsin Plan" program and his membership in the Cudahy Kiwanis Club. Also included are clippings related to the Polish American Congress, a biographical sketch and several photographs of family and associates.
University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee. Dept. of Slavic Languages. Office of the Chairman.
Records, 1956-1987.
UWM Archival Collection 41
Records of the department chairman consisting of correspondence, staff meeting minutes, executive committee minutes and correspondence, and planning documents. The correspondence file (1956-1978) largely consists of letters between the Dean and Associate Dean of the College of Letters & Science and the Chairman of the Dept. of Slavic Languages, documenting staffing, budget, course and curriculum developments, and enrollment, as well as containing letters of support for the Polish studies program from the Milwaukee Polish community. The staff meeting minutes (1967-1987) contain similar information regarding staffing, budget, and space needs; course developments and enrollment; department projects and activities; and miscellaneous announcements. The executive committee correspondence and minutes (1972-1983) document personnel appointments and promotions; and the planning documents (1981-1984) review past achievements and plans for the future of the department. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Wasielewski, Thaddeus F.B., 1904-1976.
Papers, 1932-1973.
 Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 15 and Milwaukee Micro Collection 24
Papers of the Democratic representative of Wisconsin's 4th Congressional district, 1941-1947. Wasielewski's papers consist of correspondence, primarily from his years in Congress and family letters, microfilmed newspaper clippings illustrating his political career, files of campaign brochures and leaflets, printed voting records, material from the 1948 Democratic National Convention, and personal and family biographical material. Major correspondents include Wasielewski's mother, Felicia, and his brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and Regina Wasielewski. These letters and others to relatives and friends represent a good picture of the Wasielewski's family life and social activities in Washington, with some references to Congressional business. Political papers in the collection consist of copies of campaign and general speeches, delivered by Wasielewski and by his supporters, with scattered press releases and radio talk show scripts included. Materials are in both English and Polish. The file of general political papers contains lists of supporters and poll lists, statements of receipts and expenditures from the 1942 campaign and from the 1944 contested election law suit brought by John C. Shafer, and a few other items. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Wisconsin Friends of Senator Muskie for President (Cudahy, Wis.).
Records, 1970-1972.
Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 19
Fragmentary records of a local group formed in 1971 in support of the presidential campaign of Senator Edmund S. Muskie of Maine, and coordinated by Cudahy optometrist Edward J. Tomasik. The collection includes organizational records, correspondence and memoranda, lists of poll watchers and election workers, campaign brochures and general campaign papers, official files and Tomasik's handwritten notes, photographs, and notes of a telephone campaign to enlist the support of Wisconsin's Polish American Catholic clergy. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Wisconsin National Guard, 32nd Division, 127th Infantry, Company K records, 1924, 1937, ca. 1940.
Milwaukee Small Collection 128
A printed history (1874-1924), Military May Dance program with a history and photographs (1937), and newsclippings (ca. 1940), concerning Company K, originally named the Kosciuszko Guard, formed by Milwaukee Polish Americans in 1874.
Wojtczak, Pelagia.
Papers, 1937-1976.
Milwaukee Small Collection 103
Jubilee albums and newsclippings collected by Pelagia Wojtczak, an active member of the Polish Women's Alliance (Zwiazek Polek w Ameryce), and since 1943, state president of the PWA. Mrs. Wojtczak joined Group 116, the Marya Konopnicka Society, in 1917. Since that time, she has held a series of positions in the local and state organizations. The collection includes Group 116 jubilee albums from 1951, 1956, and 1961; albums from Council No. 1 for 1937, 1953, and 1963; and a 1948 album of national golden jubilee celebrations in Milwaukee. Most of the materials are in Polish. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Zielinski, Sylvia.
Papers, 1900-1980.
Milwaukee Small Collection 122
Miscellany collected by Sylvia Zielinski, a Milwaukee high school teacher, member of the Milwaukee Catholic Symphony Orchestra, and former music teacher. The collection includes five sheets of mounted clippings on Polish leaders taken from the Kuryer Polski and saved by Sylvia Zielinski's mother, two programs from MCSO performances in which she participated (1980), and several holy cards and a religious medallion. Many of the holy cards date from the early 20th century. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Zietara, Leon, 1917- .
Papers, 1936-1937, 1946-1980.
Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 29
Papers, mostly in Polish, of a Polish native who served in the Polish underground army (Armia Krajowa) prior to immigrating to Milwaukee in 1948. About half of the collection is letters to Leon and Irene Zietara from family and friends in Poland, England, France, and Canada; his notebooks from classes taken at a Scotland refugee camp following World War II; identification, military, and travel papers; and other items. Also contains a few newsclippings (1963-1980) on Polish affairs. Finding aid available in the Archives.
Zukowski, Walter, 1899- .
Papers, 1976-1981.
Milwaukee Small Collection 93
Walter Zukowski retains all literary rights to his memoirs. The collection includes a folder entitled "An American Born in Poland," consisting of memoirs written in 1981 of Zukowski's boyhood in Poland, his family, emigration to the United States, and life in Milwaukee until 1917. A second folder contains the "Memoirs of Sergeant "Zuki'" (written in 1976), which recount Zukowski's military experiences during World War I, based on a diary he kept while serving with an ammunition supply unit of the 32nd "Red Arrow" Division. These include newsclippings, lists of officers and enlisted men, and a list of the dates in places where Zukowski served while in the Army. In addition, there is a small file of correspondence and clippings relating to World War I veterans, "Polish Jokes" and other concerns of the Polish American community. Finding aid available in the Archives.

Polish American Collections, A-G

Polish American Collections, H-O

Polish American Collections, P

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Last edited on October 12, 2006.
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