The Second Street Polish Society was formed as an organization to celebrate Polish Culture and Heritage. The Society also honors the memory of Thomas J. Wojnar who passed away tragically. From the humble beginnings, the group of five people (Henry Lewandowski III, Mark Olkowski, John Bielec, Thomas Bielicki an Thomas Wojnar) the Second Street Polish Society has grown to over 50 full time members. After spending considerable time trying to gain admittance into the Pulaski Day Parade, the Society gained entry in the 2004 Philadelphia Pulaski Day Parade. Although many of the members come from different Parishes and Mummers organizations located on Second Street in South Philadelphia, the Second Street Polish Society marched with 150 members and nine children in the 2005 Pulaski Day Parade. The number of marchers shows that the Society’s thoughts of celebrating our Polish Heritage with pride and dignity were well founded.

Many of the members of the Second Street Polish Society and their families were once parishioners of Saint Stanislaus Church located at 3rd and Fitzwater Streets. Saint Stanislaus Church is the second oldest parish in Philadelphia. It was founded in 1891 by Father Michael Baranski to serve the Polish colony along the Delaware River in South Philadelphia. This was close to the immigrant port of entry (a mini-port of entry similar to Ellis Island in New York), which was located at Delaware and Washington Avenues. The Polish established themselves as a reliable and industrious workforce, especially in waterfront, railroad, and manufacturing enterprises. Saint Stanislaus Parochial School closed in 1982 due to dwindling enrollment and caused many Polish people to seek other parishes in South Philadelphia. Saint Stanislaus had a peak enrollment in 1927, when 750 families were registered and 800 children attended the school. Saint Stanislaus Church remains open to this day, and still preserves their Polish customs, such as Christmas Eve Mans or “Pasterka”, where the men of the parish walk in a candle lit procession through he Church escorting the Christ child to the manager. During the procession, the congregation signs beautiful Polish Carols known as “Koledy”. Easter/Holy Week at Saint Stanislaus begins with Hold Thursday with a Mass commemorating the Last Supper when Christ instituted the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders. On Holy Saturday, families return to Saint Stanislaus for “Swieconka” or the blessing of Easter Food. This is a tradition dear to the heart of every Pole. As Poles are deeply religious, they are grateful to God for His gifts, and as a token of their gratitude, have the Easter food blessed.

Saint Stanislaus Parish and The Second Street Polish Society are active participants in the Pulaski Day Parade. The Pulaski Day Observance honors General Casimir Pulaski, who in 1777 arrived in Philadelphia were he met with General George Washington, who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. In 1778, with General Washington’s intervention, Congress approved the establishment of the Cavalry, and put Pulaski at its head. Pulaski became known as the “Father of the American Cavalry”. Pulaski and his legion were ordered to defend Little Egg Harbor in New Jersey and Minisink in Delaware; they proceeded south to Charleston, South Carolina. On October 9, 1779, Pulaski was mortally wounded; Pulaski’s enemies were so impressed with his courage that they spared him from being shot and permitted him to be carried from the battlefield. General Casimir Pulaski died several days later on October 15, 1997 at the age of 34.

The Second Street Polish Society elected its first officers and Board of Directors on November 8, 2005. The voting for the officers was unanimous and the following people were elected to one-year terms.

President Steve Moscinski

Vice President Francis Zarnowski

Treasurer Joe Verbitski, Jr.

Secretary Bill Mooney

Historian Leon Plocha

The Board of Directors of the Second Street Polish Society was also unanimously elected to a two-year tern, the six Board of Directors are:

John Bielec

Tom Bielicki

Henry Lewandowski

Mark Olkowski

Joe Verbitski, Sr.

Thomas Wojnar

As with any joyful event as having elected its initial Officers and Board of Directors, the Society mourned the loss of one of its original members, James F. Pulaski, Jr. whose father James F. Pulaski Sr. and brothers Christopher Pulaski and Eric Pulaski are also members of the Second Street Polish Society. From what started as a dream and tribute to a fallen friend, the Second Street Polish Society has blossomed into a driven organization. From gaining admittance in to the Pulaski Day Parade, to attending mass at Saint Stanislaus Church, to promoting and celebrating their Polish Culture and Heritage. The Second Street Polish Society will grow and prosper as we learn and teach all of the accomplishments of our forefathers.

STO LAT