Newsletter of of the the Polish Polish Cultural Cultural Council Council • Vol. • Vol. 14 •5 Spring• Spring 2016 2007

PCC is an Official Partner in Pittsburgh’s Bicentennial

July 9, 1816 marks the date procured two flat bed trucks for when Pittsburgh’s first mayor, the float, the use of a white and Ebenezer Denny, took office. red convertible, as well as a red On Saturday July 9, 2016, the truck to pull the float. Now we City of Pittsburgh, under the need ideas for the float’s theme. guidance of Mayor Peduto, will We need people to design it and celebrate the 200th anniversary volunteers to help construct it. of the incorporation of the city of Pittsburgh, with a parade starting July 9th will be here in about at 1pm on Liberty Avenue at 13 weeks so we need to get 11th Street. The Polish Cultural started right away. This is a great Council is an official Bicentennial opportunity to bring families Partner with the city. We have A Message From together and to create something been asked to participate in the the President for the public. We are searching parade. And, we will. for a place to build the float before the parade. Polish Hill may No one can doubt the Polish Parish opened in the Strip be the perfect spot. So, if you contributions made by District, St. Stanislaus Kostka. want to help, and I hope you do, Polish Americans to Western please either email, write or send Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh We want to get the Polish a letter to: Polish Cultural Council, since the first arrival of Poles as Community in Pittsburgh P.O. Box 81054, Pittsburgh, Pa missionaries and traders with involved in the concept, 15217, [email protected], Indians in the mid-1700s. By design and construction of a 412-871-3347 1852, there was a large number “Polish float” for the parade. of Poles living on Pittsburgh’s Our parade chairperson, Ms. —Rick Pierchalski South Side. In 1875, the first Evanne Addams, has already

It’s Spring! The time of renewal! Spring into action!!! RENEW YOUR 2016 MEMBERSHIP!

online: PolishCulturalCouncil.org By mail: send the completed form on page 2 with your check The Polish American Congress Please Renew Your Membership Today! The Polish American Congress an argument with Senator Spector (PAC) was founded in 1944 by for his refusal to support Poland. Polish Americans concerned by the My point is that our lobbying is up Just fill in this form and mail it treatment of Poland by the front and personal with our senators, with your dues to the address Allies after World War II, congressmen and president, and it shown below. Thank You! and the eventual takeover is important and vital to the of democratic Poland security of Poland. by the communists. Recently, we had our The PAC has been latest meeting of the Keeping Polish at the forefront of Board of Directors lobbying the Congress in Washington, DC. Culture Alive! and the President We lobbied our on all matters representatives on behalf regarding Poland for of Poland. We reminded the last 70 years. The them of the US’s NATO PAC is recognized by both the Article 5 commitment, which states Republic of Poland and the United that an attack on one member is an States government as the true voice attack on all. Obviously, our concern of Polonia in the US, and, as such, is the Russian incursion into Ukraine. has been continuously consulted by Will Poland be next? the US State Department. Since the In addition, the PAC is very fall of communism, the PAC lobbied involved in international trade and vigorously for Poland’s entrance into business with the burgeoning Polish NATO, for fair trade agreements and economy. The PAC has hosted the Visa Waiver program for Poles business seminars on manufacturing, traveling to the United States. The energy, and legal topics. Our PAC has a full time lobbyist with seminars have been presented and offices in Washington DC. attended by Americans of Polish From a personal standpoint, I descent, Polish economic ministries, have been working in the PAC for Polish-American Chambers of the past twenty years and had the Commerce, and Polish businesses. responsibility of lobbying in person Why am I writing this? The PAC is President Clinton, Senator Santorum organized with chapters throughout and members of Congress for Poland’s the US, from California entry into NATO. I actually got into to Massachusetts. Western Pennsylvania has a chapter in need of

Polish Journey is a publication of the Polish new members. If you are interested Cultural Council, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) orga- in international politics, care about nization. Please address your correspondence the future of Poland, and would to: Polish Cultural Council, P.O. Box 81054, Pittsburgh, PA 15217-0554, tel: 412.871.3347 like to hear about how the PAC is “The opinions expressed by authors do not organized, our annual Board of always reflect the views of the PCC.” Directors meetings, and our efforts, Rick Pierchalski, President; please contact me. We are planning Maria Staszkiewicz, Executive Director, to have an organizational meeting in [email protected]; Pittsburgh this year. I can be reached Eva Tumiel-Kozak, Editor-in-Chief; at 412-977-6968. If you are searching Veronica Wojnarowski, for further information, go to our Maria Staszkiewicz, Editors; website at PAC1944.org and look at Kasia Goszcz-Bruniany, Graphic Artist; some of our newsletters. Mary Seamans, Graphic Design; visit us @ www.PolishCulturalCouncil.org —RICK PIERCHALSKI

2 Polish Journey • Spring 2016 Pittsburgh, a City of History

By Jan Napoleon Saykiewicz

Two hundred years ago, a reporter described Pittsburgh as a “well-built town” comprised of these buildings: 11 of stone, 283 of brick, and 473 of frame and logs. That was the begin- ning of the growth of a city that has a well-defined position in American history, a city which has made sub- stantial contributions to the American economy. At that time, Pittsburgh was the leading producer of iron, brass, tin and glass. It also built superior quality steam engines and all kinds of machines. With the growth of these and other industries, Pittsburgh was no longer a frontier village. It was on its way to becoming one of America’s vital manufacturing centers. Situated on the banks of three navi- gable rivers, Pittsburgh was regarded as mountain. The Turnpike reduced and culture. the “Gateway to the West”. the journey from Philadelphia to less Some traditional trades continue. Because of economic and social than two weeks. The further devel- We still have specialized steel, al- development, Pittsburgh was incorpo- opment of water, and later, railroad loys, glass and paints, and also food rated as a city on March 16, 1816. Its transportation made Pittsburgh the products; however what really keeps government consisted of a mayor; the “making iron city”. people in Pittsburgh, and brings new Select Council; the Common Council, Indeed making iron was the prin- people to Pittsburgh, is a modernity whose membership included leading cipal industry in Pittsburgh for over based upon traditions, the quality of citizens; a recorder; and twelve alder- 150 years. From earliest times Pitts- jobs, schools, housing, cultural attrac- men. In the year of its incorporation burgh was a working town, a town tions, and sports. These elements as a city, Pittsburgh, itself, had 960 of business, a town where money create a unique quality of life. houses and a population of six thou- was made. Great fortunes were built So, the City of Pittsburgh, please sand. Its expanding suburbs raised the on the sweat and blood of work- accept our warmest and most sincere population to ten thousand. There ers, mainly immigrants from Italy, congratulations on your 200th an- were eight churches, three banks, a Poland, Germany, Ireland, and also niversary of incorporation. You theater, a Masonic Hall, three market other countries. have come a long way from Fort houses, a courthouse, and a jail. The The work resulted in growth. Pitts- Prince George (1754), through first two bridges were already char- burgh become the “City of Bridges”, Fort Duquesne, to the modern-day tered. There was also a public acade- the City of Steps, and the “City of Pittsburgh of 2016. We, the Polish my where Latin and Greek classes were the First Skyscraper University”, Cultural Council, which represents taught; however, according to an article when the Cathedral of Learning was Americans of Polish heritage who in the press in 1817, this academy was completed in 1936 at the University were with you from the very begin- not thriving. of Pittsburgh. ning, are proud of your and our The main obstacle for Pittsburgh’s Today’s Pittsburgh is a modern growth, and of your and our con- continued growth was transportation; “renaissance city” that changed its tributions to the greatness of the however, the invention and extensive character from a city whose industry United States of America. use of the steamboat changed a lot. was based upon steel to an industry The completion of the Pennsylvania now based upon education, medical Jan Napoleon Saykiewicz is Honorary Turnpike in 1820 provided a road by research and services, electronics, Consul of the Republic of Poland and which wagons could come over the sophisticated machinery, finances, Professor Emeritus, Duquesne University.

Polish Journey • Spring 2016 3 Ambassador Urszula Gacek, the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York in conversation with PCC’s Eva Tumiel-Kozak

PCC: Madame Ambassador, I’m very grate- ful that you found time in your busy schedule to share a bit of yourself with all of us at PCC. We are privileged to be one of the first organizations you have visited. We had a chance to talk with you and to share information. Many of our members met you at OSTATKI, 2015, at the early stages of your appointment as Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York. You also have the title of Ambassador. Please kindly explain why you hold both titles.

CG: I was an ambassador in the past, Poland’s Ambassador for four years to the Council of Europe in Stras- bourg. This organization, which was Ambassador Urszula Gacek, the Consul General of the established after WWII, and to which Republic of Poland in New York Poland has belonged since 1991, is often mistaken with the European Union. My experience as an am- involved in many projects, which of having interesting and helpful bassador was completely different brought me closer to public life. It contacts for the future. from the typical position such as, for took me almost 15 years of life in Po- example, ambassador in Washington. land to move closer to politics. I got PCC: It has been over a year since you took I was not a “people person”. I didn’t elected to the Polish Senate, where I on your duties as Consul General. Would deal with the citizens. My duty was was on the committee dealing with you explain for our readers what your every- mostly to interact with other ambas- Polonia and its interests. My interest day involvement is like? sadors in the Council of Europe, was always in foreign affairs. Later negotiating international legal docu- on, as a member of the European CG: In my job as a Consul General, ments, for which you have to have Parliament, I was interested in energy, I have to be open to people, dealing specific negotiation skills. I now have security, and East-European strate- with people in all walks of life. On a completely different job as a Consul gic issues. I was a spokesperson for a typical day, I might have dealings General in New York, dealing mostly defense matters, definitely not typical with, for example, homeless people with people. subjects for a woman! in Greenpoint, and later on, in the evening, attend a black tie affair. In PCC: Your route to the top was not a typi- I must say, I was the only woman in other words, I have to find a mutual cal one. You were born in Great Britain, to the Security Committee, always inter- language for these different types of Polish emigre parents. You are a graduate of ested in tough geo-political subjects, people. One of the necessary things the prestigious University of Oxford, with always shying from the “typical” pro- in my line of duty is to… like people. degrees in philosophy, politics, and econom- grams for women. It was a hard job, Otherwise you cannot be a good ics. What prompted you to move to Poland not always recognized or appreciated. Consul. and to choose a career in diplomacy? But I never had an inkling about my future diplomatic career. PCC: Yes, I noticed last year at Ostatki how CG: Indeed, my career path was not good and “natural” you were in connecting a typical one. I came to Poland in I spent almost half of my life in Po- with people. 1991 and decided to live in the small land, which means that I am well and town of Tarnów, where I worked truly rooted there. At the same time, CG: In New York I meet regularly mostly in the field of business. It gave being a part of the European Parlia- with my staff of 30 people. I’m over- me an opportunity eventually to get ment, gave me the advantage seeing the finances and the general

4 Polish Journey • Spring 2016 organization, but sometimes I do the lenge people to challenge their own ing Polish contemporary culture mundane day-to-day stuff. At the ways of doing things. is a necessity. same time, I take a personal inter- est in difficult human cases. I don’t PCC: What is your philosophy toward We’re also interested in promoting leave the challenging matters to my your work in this position? What would all the achievements of Poland, be deputies. I still like and demand to you like to change or to improve? they technical, artistic or any other. be informed about any legal position I’m myself originally from Polonia. of the citizens, of any unusual situa- CG: Demographics are changing. We would like to bring Polonia tions. I’m not a “soft touch” person, We have to show this side of Poland closer to Poland, and to offer many but I have a genuine interest in our in a slightly different way. We do satisfying experiences to the Polish citizens, especially if they are in a respect the older generation and Jews, who have an opportunity to difficult position. Recognizing the their traditions, as well as their role visit the country of their origin and so-called human side is my forte. We as mentors. But we also know that to admire many positive changes. have the best network, here and in many young people are not comfort- Poland, for those people with hard- able speaking Polish. We have to PCC: Do you have any message for ships and we are constantly trying communicate to them in English. Polonia organizations which you would to help. We have to realize that what worked like to share? Is there anything that our for the older Polonia is not always a organization can do to make our PCC: It’s great for Polish citizens to know solution for the younger generation. collaboration more successful? that you take care of them… PCC: We all realize well that most CG: Be open to working with the CG: This year we’re initiating members of Polonia organizations are from younger generation. If you want programs of information: for the older generations who strive to keep the to realize a specific project, be my example, what could happen to Polish traditions alive. Do you have any partner in creativity and ideas, not senior citizens if they relocate to ideas or suggestions for involving younger somebody who is demanding from Poland; what happens to their pen- members? us. Keeping Polish traditions alive sions and social security services. etc. and, at the same time showcasing We do seminars, use social media, CG: We’re trying to bring new blood Polish reality is very important. Po- and all possible means to spread as to Polonia, encouraging them to lonia is a group of people with many much information as possible. implement something new and fresh talents, well-connected, with many in their organizations. We’re sup- good ideas. Therefore, join us on the PCC: What do you find the most chal- porting young talent. basis of community projects. lenging in New York? What do you like the most? Are there any achievements which you This year we’re showing Polish cre- PCC: Our challenge is not always ideas. would like to share? Any disappointments? ativity, for example, Polish culture, Most of the time, it is lack of funds. fashion, design, and cuisine. Some CG: My job is basically seven days of the projects will be presented at CG: You have to select a good proj- a week, since we have so many dif- the Consulate. ect, and we’ll try to help. We need ferent matters to deal with. I usually applications based upon a business- sustain myself on four and a half But if anybody in Pittsburgh has like proposal. We are governing the hours of sleep, maximum. I like to any ideas in that field, you’re always funds of the Polish tax-payers and get out of Manhattan and listen to welcome to share them with us. we have to find the most effective people. Of course, there are disap- You have to offer a variety of events and responsible way to utilize them. pointments. The biggest one? Days which cater to many groups of are not long enough. Also, on occa- Polish people, including the young PCC: Many thanks and much apprecia- sion, having to say “No” to deserv- generation. tion for your words of wisdom. Wishing ing people. I try to juggle as much as you lots of success in each of your endeav- possible, try to improve things. It’s Keeping Polish traditions is impor- ors and many happy returns to Pittsburgh! an ongoing process. I try to chal- tant and, at the same time, promot-

Polish Journey • Spring 2016 5 The Tomaszów Adventure With Tuwim, St. Idzi and St, Hubert in the background.

By MAGDA RYBKA

I must be getting older and nos- talgic, because I have just remem- bered one long May weekend last year or maybe two years ago. We typically have a few days off at this time. My family, however, had not planned anything in advance. We seemed to enjoy spending some time at home, because the weather was unusually unpleasant. It was a fairly The Zalew Sulejowski Reservoir good opportunity to catch up with accumulated laundry or whatever seems to have been a favorite choice Pilica”. Its most interesting piece is we were behind with. But suddenly of moving battlefronts. We will not an artillery tractor belonging to the the clouds dispersed and the ball of describe here the famous fight on the Luftwaffe. It spent 54 years at the helium came out and started to dry banks of the Pilica in 1145, between bottom of the Pilica River. These out the water pools. Well, I thought: Władysław Wygnaniec and his artifacts are in fairly good condition, time to go. I had just listened to brothers Mieszko Stary and Bolesław despite a long submersion. Ewa Demarczyk singing the famous Kędzierzawy for the Krzywousty Another important section of verses: A może byśmy tak, najmilszy, legacy. It is too old. this open air exhibition is “Flour- wpadli na dzień do Tomaszowa (and But the Tomaszów area witnessed milling by water in the Pilica River maybe, dearest one, we could just go for one some severe fighting in both world basin”. Its most important exhibit is day to Tomaszów), and I realized that wars. Most memorable was probably a wooden water-mill. Visitors may I had never been there. I am quite the September campaign in 1939. climb inside. There is much to learn an authoritarian person, (which is The area was defended by the Polish about the traditions of water-milling lately quite a fashionable trend), 13th Infantry Division under Col. in the area. Besides the mill, there is so my family could not resist. We Władysław Zubosz-Kaliński, The the largest Polish collection of tradi- quickly packed our indispensible bag German assault was by two armored tional millstones. There is also a 1:10 of vegetarian food, loaded our bikes divisions of the 16 Panzer Corps. model of a unique floating mill that and set off. It took about an hour After the day-long battle, German was once in operation on the Pilica and a half to get from Warsaw to forces broke through the Polish de- River, models of old bridges and lots Tomaszów Mazowiecki. fences and took the town. The Polish of traditional household accessories Tomaszów is about 70 miles 13th Division sustained heavy losses like irons, pepper-mills and scales south-southwest of Warsaw in the and was forced to retreat towards that, while no longer practical, look Łódż Voivodship. The town is Warsaw. great. situated near the Zalew Sulejowski Now, in the vicinity of Tomaszów The museum also includes exhib- reservoir, on the edge of the Puszcza Mazowiecki, visitors can tour an in- its from the nearby town of Spała. I Spalska wilderness area, and on the teresting open-air museum of the the dare say that one of the most origi- bank of the Pilica river. Pilica River. That’s exactly where we nal and popular is the Tsar’s toilet. I have recently read a nice novel went. There is also a guardhouse which by a Belorussian writer Natalka Good news for all men is that there previously sat behind the President’s Babina. The main female character are some very nice vehicles at the residence in Spała, during the Sec- of the book had the gift of insight museum. These are not toys, but ond Polish Republic. I would really into the past in places where much one-time dangerous machines, which recommend visiting the museum suffering took place and where some were pulled up from the bottom of with children, especially on a nice important events occurred. If I had the Pilica River. This section of the and warm spring or fall afternoon. such a gift it would probably be acti- exhibition is called “War trophies of After you have seen the museum, vated in the Tomaszów area, which

6 Polish Journey • Spring 2016 you must by all means cross the road to the Blue Springs Nature Reserve, a paradise of small lakes. The Re- serve is famous for two pools, which are formed by an underground spring, and which contain water of an exquisite turquoise color. It is very interesting to see how the water passes through the sand and causes a rippling effect. This place hosts many species of birds and fish, color- ful butterflies, and some not always lovable insects. I remember the place as magically lit by shy rays of sun- shine filtered through the canopies of trees. The Church of St. Idzi in Inowłodź It was still quite early, so we drove to Spała. Spała is well-known as a palace was burned by the Soviets, easily see, Spała has always been a hunting destination, not only for the who wanted to erase all vestiges of thriving place, because it was a holi- Tsars, but also for inter-war presi- the Tsars. Next to the park, is a gem day place for many powerful people. dents Stanislaw Wojciechowski and of wooden architecture, a small St. Edward Gierek had his residence Ignacy Mościcki. In 1928, a monu- Mary chapel, also called a presiden- built somewhere in the woods here ment of a bison (żubr) was brought tial chapel. It was built in 1923 on in the 1970s. I think Spała gives a to Spała. Even today, it is an impor- the order of Stanisław Wojciechow- sense of historical continuity, which tant landmark and a great tourist ski. is increasingly rare in Poland. attraction. I would also advise a short walk If you happen to be in Spała and An important place of interest, to the forest to see the St. Hubert still have some time to spare, please located in the very center of Spała, grotto, which marks the place where go to Inowłódź. In Inowłódź, is the is a park which used to surround a Alexander III caught his first deer. wonderfully old Romanesque church small palace. The palace was built in There are two other landmarks of St. Idzi. According to one theory, 1884 for Tsar Alexander III. Later, it which remind of the Tsar. These are it was founded by prince Władysław was used by Polish presidents. Dur- two hotels which were built for the Herman, in the XIth century. The ing WWII, the German headquar- numerous guests of the Tsar. Now, prince wished to express his thanks ters were there. After the war, the they are guesthouses. As you may to the saint for giving him an heir – the future Bolesław Krzywousty. St. Idzi was such an efficient patron of procreation. It was a long and very fruitful afternoon. We returned home after dark, hungry and tired, but happy and impressed. I do not want to sound overly patriotic, but Poland can be such a nice and inspiring place to be. A historian and an English teacher, and a graduate of Warsaw University and the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, Magda Rybka lives in Warsaw with her mathematician husband and musical daughter. She likes travel, vegetarian cooking The bison statue in Spala and bird watching.

Polish Journey • Spring 2016 7 Speaking Polish – Piece of Cake by Veronica Wojnaroski

The seasons of the There was a wide-spread ritual, the w lecie, you eat chłodnik, zupa na lato, a year, pory roku burning or drowning of Marzanna summer soup. Chłodnik is a cold beet in the form of a rag and straw doll. soup, which also contains cucumber, In this installment of Speaking Polish, Marzanna’s ritual burning or drown- hard-cooked egg, fresh dill, green we present the Polish ways of marking the ing helped Wiosna, the spring, to come onions, buttermilk and sour cream and passage of the seasons. faster. There was no goddess for au- sometimes, cold, boiled potatoes. The tumn, because Wiosna and Marzanna Polish version of Indian Summer is competed for control of the autumn called babie lato, the old woman summer. It weather. also means the small spider webs which Polish Slavs called Wiosna Devana, cover vegetation at that time of year. and gave her the added title of the In the source of this phrase, there may goddess of fertility and sometimes, the have been confusion from the German goddess of the hunt. In other places, weben, to weave (here a cobweb) and Wiosna was also known as Zhivana, weib, woman. In medieval times, spiders Zhiva, Siva, Diva, Deva, Devica and and their webs were associated with Danica. witches. From wiosna, we get the adjective Some version of lato is used for the wiosenny. Kanapki wiosenne are open- word summer in Ukrainian, Slovak, Rus- faced sandwiches made from fresh sian, Czech. Slovenian, while Slovenian cheese and sliced radishes, which ap- uses leto only for years. Poletje is used to pear in the spring, wiosną or na wiosnę. mean summer. Wiosna, goddess of spring The word Vesna means spring in some Jesień, autumn Slavic languages, including Ukrainian Jesień is an old word of Proto Indo and Russian. It is also a popular female European origin, eeson, which means Wiosna, spring name in Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia, harvest. Jesień means autumn in vari- By far the most interesting name for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro ous Slavic languages, including Polish, a Polish season is Wiosna. The word and Slovenia. Ukrainian, Slovak, Russian, Czech, and Wiosna derives from the name of an Lato, summer Slovenian. Jesienią or na jesieni are the ancient goddess in Slavic mythology, ways to say in the autumn in Polish. The Vesna. Wiosna is the goddess of spring, Lato is the Polish word for summer. It colors of autumn are barwy jesieni or kolory morning, and the birth of every living is derived from the Proto Slavic *lěto, jesieni. from the Proto Indo-European word thing. Each spring, Wiosna seduced the The barwy jesieni are on full display lightning god, Perun, ushering in an for summer. It may stem from the name of the Slavic goddess of harmo- during the Golden Polish Autumn, end to winter. Wiosna is portrayed as Złota Polska Jesień. This is a time in always smiling, beautiful, and barefoot. ny, merriment, youth, love, beauty and sometimes summer. Lada was consid- Poland during September, when the Her hair is long and adorned with weather is still warm, but the forests flowers. Sometimes she holds an apple ered the mother of all gods. She was a symbol of beauty and order. Where she and parks are ablaze with the reds, yel- and some grapes, and sometimes she lows and oranges of autumn, and the holds a swallow, a symbol of spring, was, there was a feeling of warmth and comfort, a feeling of home. rains are less frequent than in summer. on her right index finger. She carries a It is a time of plenty. This season takes bouquet of flowers to symbolize mar- The Polish word for years, lata, (plural, its name from the poem, In the Autumn, riage. It was said that she carried the the singular is rok), probably derives Na Jesieni, by Polish poet Wincenty Pol. smell of spring with her, and that all from the same root. From this word, (See http://inside-poland.com/t/on- of spring’s scents are signs that she is we have the old and charming custom polands-harvest-festivals-and-the-gold- passing by. of reckoning your age in summers. The en-polish-autumn/ for the poem and Wiosna had a twin sister, Morana, question, “Ile masz lat?”, “How old are its English translation.) This is also the the goddess of night, winter, and death. you?”, literally asks the question, “How time of the harvest festivals, the dożynki, In Polish, her name is Marzanna, from many summers have you?” which David Motak wrote about in the the word mara. We have the word Lato is known as gorąca pora roku, the Winter/Spring 2015 issue of the Polish zmora, which means associated with death. hot season. In the summer, latem or Journal.

8 Polish Journey • Spring 2016 Interestingly, the verb in Polish ONE THOUSAND FIFTY YEARS OF which means to harvest is not derived from Jesień. Instead, the verb is zbierać, THE STATEHOOD OF POLAND which means both to harvest and to By Jan Napoleon Saykiewicz, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland collect. Harvest time is żniwa, and the crops are zbiory. In this year, 2016, the Poles and to his authority Pomerania, the the Government of Poland cel- inhabitants of which were closely Zima, winter ebrate a very important anniver- related to the Poles. In his efforts, Zima is also an old word which sary – one thousand and fifty years however, Mieszko was always comes from a Proto Indo Euro- of the emergence of Poland as an under heavy pressure and political pean root. It has traveled, largely independent state that was the re- rivalry, not only from the Germans unchanged, into the languages of sult of the unification to the West, but also Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, Russia, of the main Polish from the Danes to the Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, tribes around Prince North. Slovenia, Belarusse, Bulgaria, Croatia, Mieszko, and the To avoid that Serbia, and even Persia (Farsi). Every- formal acceptance rivalry and pressure, where, it is used to mean both winter of Christianity in the especially under the and cold. territory governed by pretext of Christian The adjectives zimowy and zimny him. propaganda on the derive from zima. They mean wintry or This is a very im- part of the Germans, cold. Zima is the cold season, pora zimowa. portant event. Many Mieszko understood Zimno is the adverbial form. In Polish, of us remember the Mieszko that it was necessary to say that you are cold is Jest mi zimno: worldwide celebra- to adopt immediately It’s cold to me. When your feet are cold, tion of the first thousand years of and voluntarily the Christian faith. you say Zimno mi w nogi. We also have both the statehood and Christian- It was his desire to consolidate the verb, zimować, which means to ity of Poland in 1966. That an- his relations with the Latin West. hibernate, or to winter over, which can be niversary was solemnly celebrated In 965 he married Dubravka, a used for animals, insects and plants. among all the Poles in Poland, Bohemian Princess, thus allying Zimna wojna was the Cold War, and despite the influence of commu- himself with that Slavic neighbor, zimowisko is a winter camp. The Czechs nism, and also by the Poles in the already a Christian state. In 966 he have named the winter honeysuckle diaspora all over the world. was baptized, himself, along with zimolez, from zima and lézt, to climb; so, Indicating the year of 966 as the all his subjects. it is a winter climbing vine. beginning of Statehood, we speak By this very act, Mieszko gave The coldest (najzimniejszy) place of a State in formation, because all of his territory into the hands in Poland is the Suwałki region, the the beginning of the Polish State of the Holy See, and thus placed it northeastern corner. During winter goes back at the very least by a under pontifical protection. nights, the temperature often falls be- century and a half. Unfortunately, As a counterbalance for his act low -13° F (-25° C). In Suwałki, snow this beginning is lost in prehistoric of submission to the Holy See, remains for the longest period among obscurity. Mieszko gave his young State Polish municipalities, for more than The trustworthy tradition the best possible guarantee for its 100 days. Suwałki is called the Polish enumerates the three first Polish independence and security. This North Pole, because it has the lowest monarchs of the House of Piast. close tie with the Holy See was to average temperature in the whole of Their names do not tell us much. serve Poland as a solid support in Poland, with the exception of moun- What is certain, is that one after the gravest crises through which tain resorts. the other worked at the unification she passed. It helped to ensure The beverage ZIMA came to the of the Polish tribes, and that they the integrity of Polish frontiers United States in 1993. It was a fizzy, left to the fourth, named Mieszko, in various periods of time, and low-alcohol beverage made by Coors an already considerable State. influenced her national character. Brewing as an alternative to beer. (It Mieszko was a very far-sighted It was also an external expression disappeared in 2008.) The market- statesman. He wanted to secure of a principle of the spiritual order ers thought that the association of for the Kingdom of Poland not which is visible throughout the the product with cold Russian vodka only the central territory, but also whole of Polish history. would help to sell the product. Poland’s access to the Baltic Sea. Let’s celebrate! The next thou- In fact, he succeeded in subjecting sand years and forever!

Polish Journey • Spring 2016 9 then gently fold in the beaten egg whites Wedel’s version of Pascha that I have and pour the cheese mixture into the endeavored to recreate their recipe. pan and bake as above.) Thanks to very strong taste buds and a good “taste memory”, I have been quite Classic Polish Style successful. This recipe takes a bit of Cheesecake Sernik time, but it is well worth it. And, since • 1 1/2 cup flour Pascha is very rich, a small scoop served • 1/4 lb + 3/4 cup butter with say, a slice of babka goes a long • 4 eggs way. This recipe is modified from the an • 4 Tbs. + 1 cup confectioner’s sugar old recipe of Alina Żerańska. • 2 Tbs. milk • 2 tsp baking powder Sernik - Say Cheese! • 1 1/2 lb Twaróg (Farmer’s Cheese) One of Poland’s most popular desserts • 2 medium potatoes, peeled is “sernik” or cheesecake. With is long • 1 tsp vanilla extract agricultural history, it is little wonder • 5 egg yolks that the people of Poland would devise • 3 Tbs. potato starch desserts that incorporate plenty of farm- • 1 cup raisins (soaked in brandy or fresh butter, eggs, milk and cream. vodka) Sernik should be one of the staple items • 2 Tbs. finely chopped candied orange in the culinary répertoire of every Polish peel Cheese Pascha from Lwów cook. Here are three recipes for classic • 3 egg whites, stiffly beaten • 3 egg yolks Polish “sernik”: Sift 1 1/2 c four onto a board and cut • 1 1/4 cups sugar in 1/4 lb cold butter. Beat 4 eggs with 4 • 1 cup whipping cream Sernik Krakowski Tbs. confectioner’s sugar and add to the • 1 pound Twaróg (Farmer’s Cheese) Cracow Cheesecake flour mixture. Sprinkle with 2 Tbs. milk • 1/4 lb unsalted butter pastry: and 2 tsp baking powder, quickly work • 1/2 Tbs. vanilla • 13 ounces of flour ingredients into a dough and chill in • 2 ounces peeled and chopped almonds • 4 Tbs. powdered sugar refrigerator for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, • 2 ounces diced candied lemon rind • 4 Tbs. margarine grind or process 1 1/2 lbs farmer cheese • 2 ounces diced candied orange peel Cream the margarine with powdered and blend together with 2 medium cold, • 2 ounces white raisins soaked in sherry sugar until light, add the flour and knead well-mashed potatoes. Cream 3/4 cup • Grated rind of 1 orange the dough. Let the dough set for 20 butter with 1 cup confectioner’s sugar. • Pinch of saffron minutes in a cool place, then roll out the Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, continue beat- • Prepared caramel sauce (such as dough and place it in the bottom of a ing, gradually addition 5 egg yolks and Smuckers) well-greased spring form pan. Bake for cheese mixture a little at a time. When Equipment: cheese cloth, cord, large 20 minutes at 350° until golden. Cool. fully blended, sprinkle with 3 Tbs. potato bowl, sieve with lip/hang to position cheese mass: starch, add 1 cup plumped raisins and over bowl. Beat the egg yolks with the • 55 ounces of Farmer’s Cheese (about 2 Tbs. finely chopped candied orange sugar until thick and creamy. Add half 3.5 lbs) (Also called “Twaróg” in Polish rind. Mix ingredients and fold in 3 stiffly of the cream. Heat stirring almost to the delis) beaten egg whites. Roll out 2/3 dough boiling point, but do not boil. Remove • 3/4 cup sugar 1/4” thick to fit lightly greased pan. Top from the heat. By hand, mix the cheese • 2 Tbs. vanilla with cheese filling and smooth the top. and the butter, the rest of the cream saf- • 4 eggs Roll remaining dough into pencil-thick fron and vanilla. Fold in the egg mixture, • orange zest strands and arrange latticework on top mix well. Add the almonds, raisins, • 6 Tbs. butter, melted of cheese. Brush top with beaten egg candied fruit and orange rind and mix • 2 Tbs. flour and bake in preheated 350° oven for together. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Mold • 1 Tbs. powdered milk about 50 minutes. tightly into a ball. Wrap in cheese cloth In a food processer, mix the cheese, sug- (double layer) and tie tightly with cord. ar, eggs, vanilla, orange zest and, while The third Polish “cheesecake” recipe Place into the sieve positioned over the stirring, add the milk powder with the isn’t a cheesecake at all, but a traditional bowl. Set something heavy over cheese melted butter. Pour into the spring form Easter dessert from eastern Poland, ball, such as a large soda bottle. Set in pan on the top of the pastry and put into particularly the city of Lwów, called refrigerator for two days or until a most the oven at 350° until firm. (Note: For a “Pascha”. I have encountered Pascha of liquid has drained from the cheese lighter cheesecake, separate the eggs and many times in Poland, particularly at cloth. Serve cold. Suggested presentation beat the egg whites until firm. Transfer the famous Wedel Chocolate Cafés and would be a small scoop drizzled with the cheesecake mixture from the food I have made it a tradition to order it at caramel sauce. Great along side babka. processer to a mixing bowl. Add the egg least once every time I am in Poland. Smacznego! yolks to the cheesecake mixture and stir, In fact, I have been so fascinated with —Dave

10 Polish Journey • Spring 2016 Library of Congress Expands Unique Digital Polish Collection

The Library of Congress is expand- Paderewski in 1926. the visit of Poland’s then First Lady, ing the digitization of a unique collec- The collection is richly illustrated Jolanta Kwasniewska. She, along with tion of greetings from Polish Citizens. by some of the leading Polish art- a delegation from the Polish Embassy It is called Polish Declarations of Admira- ists of the day, such as to the United States, viewed tion and Friendship for the United States, Zofia Stryjeńska, who was several volumes of the collec- 1926. This large collection, compris- called the “Queen of Pol- tion in May, 1997 when the ing 111 volumes was presented to then ish Painting.” There are new European Reading Room president Calvin Coolidge from Po- submissions from nearly was opened. The collection, land in 1926, to honor the 150th an- one sixth of Poland’s especially the volumes of the niversary of American independence. population at the time, schoolchildren’s signatures, Poland had long looked to the United 5,500,000 people. Sig- is an important genealogical States as a model of democracy and natories include national, resources. as a promise for their own future. It provincial and local The first 10 volumes of the is, thus, no surprise that, only 8 years government officials, rep- collection are already online, after gaining independence, Poland resentatives of religious, and can be searched at http:// should choose to celebrate America’s social, business, academic and military international.loc.gov/intldl/pldec- anniversary in this way. The collection institutions, and five million school- query.html. It is not now known when was a project of the American-Polish children and their teachers. the entire collection will be available Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Coolidge gave the collec- online, but work is proceeding. in Poland (est. 1921) and the Polish tion to the Library of Congress, where For a more detailed description, see American Society, founded by Pol- it remained largely unnoticed until https://www.loc.gov/collections/pol- ish composer and statesman, Ignacy 1997. Its rediscovery coincided with ish-declarations/about-this-collection.

Bal Polanaise 2016 Now Accepting Debutantes The lovely and wonderfully entertaining debutante tradition is back after a year hiatus. Join us in November for the 23rd Annual Bal Polonaise featuring the theme Muzyka! Music! We are currently accepting debutantes, young ladies between the ages of 15 and 25. Celebrate your Polish heritage in style, and form lasting friendships. We promise it will be an experience you will treasure for the rest of your life. Escorts are welcome to volunteer as well. Become a member of the former debutante and escort family that now totals close to 500.

For information call Evanne Addams, Debutante Chair 412 877 3827 or email [email protected].

Polish Journey • Spring 2016 11 Polish Cultural Council P.O. BOX 81054 Pittsburgh PA 15217-0554

www.PolishCulturalCouncil.org

TALES OF POLA NEGRI the actress, Maria Nowotarska, in this THE (in Polish with English subtitles) moving role. She speaks of her great APRIL 16TH, 7 PM fame, and her romantic encounters with POLISH THE MAKER THEATRE, Charlie Chaplin and Rudolf Valentino. SHADYSIDE The play is accompanied by fragments of CULTURAL 5950 Ellsworth Ave/Negley Ave Negri’s movie roles. COUNCIL Written & Directed by: Kazimierz Braun The Salon of Poetry, Music and Cast: Agata Pilitowska Theatre was created in 1991 by Maria PRESENTS Maria Nowotarska Nowotarska, the former actress of the Stage design: Ewa and Michał Monka Juliusz Slowacki Theatre in Cracow, Music adaptation: Jerzy Boski Poland. She is also the Salon’s artistic World premiere: Teatro Municipal director and script writer, and frequently Mirita Casimiro in Estoril, Portugal performs in the Salon’s productions. The Salon, a non-profit organization, pro- This play tells the beautiful life story of motes music and poetic theatre, not only Pola Negri, the famous, the most colorful in Toronto, but also in North America and exotic Polish actress of silent movies. and Europe. It has presented hundreds of Negri is gregariously portrayed by the performances, which provide an excellent actress, Agata Pilitowska. Our heroine overview of Polish theatre. speaks to the audience from the cozy am- bience of her dressing room, dressed in DONATION: $25. her gorgeous wardrobe. She reminisces Reserve the tickets by on her life: the secrets of her childhood; e-mail:[email protected] the beginnings of her career; and her or by phone:412-871-3347 love for her mother, who is portrayed by

12 Polish Journey • Spring 2012015