Polonia Inc., History
The history of the Polish Club Polonia, Inc. in Saint Petersburg, FL dates back to 1992.
In the same year, the first Club Board was established.
Stanisław Chyliński became its President, Kazimierz Bielawski became its First Vice President, and Irena became its Second Vice President.
Kowalewska, Treasurer - Jadwiga Wielgus, Secretary - Władysław Kot.
The Supervisory Board was also elected and its subordinate Committees and Commissions were selected.
The first general meeting of the Club took place on December 12, 1992. Four months later -
On April 15, 1993, a ten-acre plot of land was purchased for the construction of a Polish community center.
home.
In this early period of the organization's existence, Polonia Inc. already had about 200 members,
whose common dream was "Polish Home".
The arduous work of cleaning up the area began immediately. Commitment and enthusiasm
Club members resulted in the first larger meeting being organised in June 1993.
meeting - picnic.
Rev. L. Tolczyk
He also consecrated the square for the planned construction of the Club.
During the picnic
Father Longin Tolczyk celebrated Holy Mass for the Homeland - accompanied by a beautiful, patriotic sermon.
First Constitutional Board of Polonia, Inc.
from 1992
Main Board:
President: Stanisław Chylinski
1st Vice President: Kazimierz Bielawski 2nd Vice President: Irena Kowalewska
Treasurer: Jadwiga Wielgus Secretary: Władysław Kot
Members of the Supervisory Board:
Roman Brejer, Wanda Czyszczoń, Edward Gosk, Krystyna Hipp, Wanda Jalsovec, Aleksander Lausz, Genowefa Easton, Władysława Przychodzen, Aniela Romanowski, Longina Rzońca, Alfred Watson.
This first meeting of our Polish community turned out to be a great success for the organizers and marked the beginning of organizing this type of Polish community events.
The joy, however, did not last long, because despite two appeals, the local authorities
did not agree to the project of building a new structure in the place chosen by the members.
Despite this disappointment, perseverance and initiative did not abandon the Board and Club members. In 1995, it was decided to sell the plot and purchase the property.
existing building on it. Although the search lasted several months, the ideal property was found. The purchase transaction was signed on August 14, 1996.
Once again, the Club members rose to the challenge. Thanks to good, energetic organization and hard work, the neglected building was quickly restored to a usable condition.
One of the biggest events in the early days of the Club - January 25, 1997 - was
visit of His Eminence the Metropolitan Archbishop of Białystok,
Wojciech Ziemba - invited to Polonia Inc. by Father Longin Tolczyk.
During this visit, His Eminence blessed our new "Polish House" and also received
oath from the next - second Board. A visit from such a high-ranking Church dignitary
Catholic was a great honor for all participants of this meeting and
will remain forever in the memory of the members as one of the most important historical
Club events.
Another memorable and significant event in the history of the Polonia Inc. club was
The dedication and receiving of the Club Banner ceremony took place on October 6, 2012, during the 20th anniversary celebrations of Polonia Inc. After many years, our organization has a beautiful symbol of identity and unity.
The successive Boards and Members of Polonia Inc. continue to develop our organization. They are dynamically building the history of this extraordinary and welcoming Polish community, in the spirit of solidarity and patriotism. Its members desire that Polonia Inc. continue to be a cradle of Polishness and that its goal is to further unite Poles living on the west coast of Florida.
The initiators and founders of the Club will always be an example for future generations of Poles - members of this wonderful organization.
Their successors wish to continue to cultivate the valuable traditions of Polish culture and customs.
taken from our family home and from our beloved homeland - Poland.
Successive Presidents of Polonia, Inc.:
Stanistaw Chylinski
Eugeniusz Sokolewicz
Stefan Rakoczy
Jan Fortunski
Barbara Rusznica
Barbara Brajczewska
Christina Hipp
