[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 135 (Friday, September 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         POLISH PEOPLE HOME, INC., 85TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

                                 ______


                            HON. HERB KLEIN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 1994

  Mr. KLEIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 85th 
anniversary celebration of the Polish Peoples Home, Inc., to be held 
September 24, 1994, in Passaic, NJ.
  I am delighted to be given this opportunity to let my colleagues know 
of the development of this organization. The Poles were one of many 
groups that come to Passaic in the first decade of the 20th century. On 
October 9, 1909, 15 of these individuals formed the Polish Peoples 
Home. The goal of the corporation was to established and maintain a 
home for Polish cultural and social organizations in the city of 
Passaic and surrounding areas.
  The first home was a small building located at 1-3 Monroe Street. 
Because of the growing prosperity of the home, later in 1922 the board 
of directors decided that a larger building was needed. Despite 
financial concerns, support came from several benefactors who pledged 
their personal assets assets to back the venture. This new building was 
dedicated on April 8, 1923, and included a large ballroom, classrooms, 
and meeting rooms.
  Polonians continued to patron the home in increasing numbers, so the 
board of directors again decided to expand again in 1932. Many groups 
and individuals supported this development because of the needed 
financial assistance.
  The most successful period of the Polish Peoples Home was in the 
1940's and 1950's. In 1946, the home burned the mortgage and retired 
the preferred stock, and in the 1950's two additional parcels of land 
were purchased for parking. It was during this era that Polonians came 
and listened to the great bands, such as Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, 
and Bobby Sherwood. Other musicians also came to the home, including 
polka band greats Frank Wojnarowski, Bernie Witkowski, and Ray Henry.
  In the 1960's and 1970's, numerous structural repairs and 
improvements were made through a large mortgage. In 1979, the Chopin 
Singing Society brought new excitement to the Polish Peoples Home when 
it purchased 1,000 shares. It initiated an active role in the 
management and administration of the home. Moreover, new people came 
and brought with them changes and ideas that have renewed a remarkable 
interest in the home.
  For 85 years, the Polish Peoples Home, Inc., has been the foundation 
of the Polish community in Passaic. It is with great pleasure that I 
ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this organization.

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