pulaskiclubaz.com
Acknowledgement
With the rapid passing of time, I have become aware that a written history of the Pulaski Club of Phoenix should be compiled for all who care about its past history as passionately as I do. As the club's historian over the many years of its existence, I have undertaken this daunting task using available records, some consultation with several longtime dedicated members, and a reliance on my own memory of the mother lode of events that have transpired since our club was organized in May, 1939.
Many members, some now deceased, have contributed thoughtful ideas, their enthusiasm and much dedication. Without them this club would not be what it is today. If you are saying "that's me" - then you know who you are and we all thank you for helping our club spread its wings. I would be remiss, however, not to acknowledge our lifetime members still with us to date, who continue their full and enthusiastic support, such as Marie Jabczenski, Loretta Jacks, Michael and Rose Kaszowski, Edwin and Millie Lipinski, Jean Lopas, Henrietta Nemecek, Helen Podsiadly, Eugenia Serafin, Stanley (Winifred) Serafin, Stanley Szczepaniec, Joseph and Maria Szymczak, and Albert and Anne Tomasik. There are, of course, many longtime very active members also continually contributing to the club's success, but they are just too numerous to name individually.
Because this is a summation of notable club activities and events over the span of many years, it seemed advisable to report highlights in ten-year increments, commencing with the 1939-1940 era to the present.
Finally, writing down the history of the Pulaski Club of Phoenix Arizona has been a grand experience for me. It has allowed me a most pleasant trip down memory lane and made me acutely aware of just how much our club has grown and prospered over the years.
Thank you all for being an integral part of this fine network of friends and countrymen. Our collective energies, beliefs in our Polish traditions and our persistence will surely carry us to ever greater heights in the many years yet to follow.
Henrietta Nemecek
Pulaski Club Historian.
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About Us
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In May 1939 four Polish friends (Edward Alexander, Leon Rekoszewicz, Joseph and Helen Janis) had the idea that there might be other Polish immigrants living in Phoenix (population 65,000) who would enjoy getting together and keeping up with traditions from their Homeland. The membership grew quickly that soon they wrote their By-laws and named their club “Pulaski Club of Arizona” in honor of General Casimir Pulaski … a Polish-American hero who fought for our freedom and died from his wounds during the Battle of Savanah in 1779 and later being named the “Father of the American Cavalry”.
By 1948 the members were able to purchase the existing land and started construction of the clubhouse which was dedicated in 1950. Since that time the members have transformed the existing building with multiple modifications and repairs until we can now boast a beautiful dance hall with parquet flooring, a fully stocked bar for the enjoyment of our members and guests, and a fully operational kitchen that has been known to serve almost 200 dinners in an evening! Our club has hosted many Polish themed events (Pulaski Day, Harvest Ball, Christmas, Easter, Spring Ball and Polish Constitution Day as well as many out-of-town Polka band weekends.
During our years of existence we have supported many Polish organizations; such as: Polish American Congress, Knights of Columbus, Highlanders, Paderewski Choir, and Polish Heritage Association. We proudly sponsored local events such as when Polish singer Bobby Vinton visited Phoenix in 1977, Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1987, travelling Art Museum in 2015 as well as renowned Polka bands / performers from across the country (i.e. John Gora, Eugene Swick, John Filipczak, DynaBrass, Tony Blazonczyk and Versatones, Eddie Blazonczyk and New Phaze, Lenny Gomulka and Chicago Push, Chicago All-Stars, The Knewz, Craig Ebel and DyVersaCo, Buffalo Touch, Jolly Timers and our
local celebrity David Bonczkiewicz and the Varitones).
We continue to strive to keep our Polish traditions alive and to invite Polish Americans to become a part of the Polish-American community. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact their President, Mrs. KazTysiac at tysiac@msn.com.
Our Goal
We believe that history, music and art should be accessible to everyone. Pulaski Club of Arizona celebrates what Poland is all about by bringing all the traditions alive. Our members and guests love the live entertainment at the Club.
Take a look at some of the artists and events we have hosted in the past. Want to attend one of our events? Contact us at (602)-275-9329 and make your reservations for your next event.
