University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives Department.

Polish National Alliance of the United States of North America. Lodge 2159 (Milwaukee, Wis.).

Records, 1921-1993.

Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 43

1.2 cubic ft. (1 oversize box, and 2 small archives box)

ABSTRACT: Records of the Milwaukee Society, Lodge 2159, of Council 8 of the Polish National Alliance (Zwiazek Narodowy Polski), a nationwide fraternal and mutual benefit organization for Polish Americans. The records in the collection were among those located in the Alliance Home of PNA Council 8 following its sale late in 1980, in part this is the reason for the fragmentary nature of many of the files. Lists of members of Lodge 2159 are found in a volume recording attendance at monthly meetings (February 1953-March 1970), and a volume of membership registrations (1940-c1955), which also includes age, birthplace, date of joining, occupation, date of death or resignation from the Lodge, the amount of insurance owned, and beneficiary. A policy book also lists members' names with the amounts of insurance policies and premiums. Three cash books record Lodge receipts and disbursements. Other records in the collection consist of a file of scattered correspondence and form letters including the Milwaukee Society's statement on the Atlantic Charter and United Nations (1944); year-end financial reports, (1950-1958); annual audit reports (1958-1961), and two monthly summary reports to the PNA national treasurer, including members' names, phone numbers, and date of joining. The Lodge held an annual Pulaski Day banquet to honor outstanding members of the community, and there is a file of banquet programs in the collection.

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).

ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY NOTE: The Milwaukee Society, Lodge 2159 of the Polish National Alliance (Zwiazek Narodowy Polski) was formally organized in 1921, following a series of preliminary meetings the previous year. Among the founding members were Eugene Tomkiewicz, Walter Przybylski, Dr. Eugene Pawinski, John Grunwald, Dr. William Rossa, Frank Kempinski, Michael Kurzawa, and Max Kadow. Unlike other PNA lodges, the Milwaukee Society was not organized by location; rather its all-male membership was drawn from Milwaukee's community of professionals, politicians, and businessmen. Lodge 2159 was allied with Council 8 of the PNA. A ladies' auxiliary was founded in 1926. Like other PNA lodges, Lodge 2159 has been involved in war relief work, civic affairs, and youth and scholarship programs, as well as providing sick benefits for members.

COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:

Polish National Alliance of the United States of North America. Lodge 2159 (Milwaukee, Wis.). Records, 1921-1993. Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 43. Wisconsin Historical Society. Milwaukee Area Research Center. UWM Libraries. 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. Lodge 2201. Records, 1934, 1942-1975.(Milwaukee Small Collection 96)

ACQUISITION: Presented by Ted Sobanski of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1981 (accession number M81-178); and Don Pienkos (accession number 98-011).

PROCESSING: Processed by Menzi Behrnd-Klodt in September 1981.

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

Friendly societies--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Milwaukee (Wis.)--History--Sources.
Polish Americans--Wisconsin--Milwaukee--History.

MILWAUKEE MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION 43	BOX	FOLDER
Attendance Book, 1953-1970 [Volume 1]	1
Cash Books, 1936-1960 [Volumes 4-6]	2
Correspondence and Form Letters, 1944, 1970-1981	1	1
Financial Reports, 1950-1958; Audit Reports, 1958-1961	1	2
History of the Society, 1970-1979, 1991	3	1
Meeting Notes, 1933	3	2
Membership Registration, 1940-c1955 [Volume 2]	2
Milwaukee Society Bulletin, 1927, 1932	3	4
Milwaukee Society News, 1932	3	5
Miscellaneous, 1946, 1976-1980, undated	1	5
Miscelleneous Pamphlets and Clippings, 1944, 1993, undated	3	3
Monthly Report to PNA National Treasurer, 1976-1977	1	3
Policy Book, 1921-1924 [Volume 3]	2
Pulaski Day Banquet Programs, 1963-1980	1	4
Pulaski Day Programs, 1936-1993	3	6
Silver Jubilee Booklet, 1946	3	7