History is who we are and why we are the way we are.
David McCullough,
History… of societies, cultures, countries, civilizations, ideas…
History… modern, ancient, 19th century, World War II…
History… while numerous scales and divisions can be applied to study its intricate web, one fundamental constant prevails at its core: people. They are the true creators of history leaving behind a trail of landmarks for study and contemplation.
Although history books highlight mostly well-known individuals whose names are etched onto pages, it is important to recognize the countless forgotten names without whom these prominent figures would not be who they were. Just as every architectural marvel requires architects, builders, suppliers, and craftsmen, every king relies on their subjects, and every tradition depends on the individuals who nurture it.
Each one of us has a personal history that intertwines with the broader narratives of society, nation, culture, and civilization. We carry the legacy of our ancestors while simultaneously contributing to the ongoing creation of history for our descendants. Consciously or not, actively or passively, we all weave a tapestry of history.
Every event, action, reason, and cause intertwine, crosses, overlaps, creating an intricate and multidimensional fabric. Historians, who have at their disposal only the visible, audible, and tangible remnants of the past, try to answer questions about what transpired, why it happened, and what its consequences were. Based on that scarce and very often incomplete information, they seek patterns, attempting to unravel unexpected twists. Invisible canvas, adorned with millions of unremarkable stitches of individual histories, influence the visible texture in ways that are often beyond immediate comprehension.
We can see traces of Polish history in Washington State. We know that the first Polish immigrants arrived in Seattle area in 1870. However, the reasons behind their decision to abandon the established paths that their parents and grandparents had trodden, setting out into the unknown, remain unclear. The wave of immigrants, the largest one between 1870 and 1914, is referred to as the “for bread” or “after bread” (Polish: za chlebem), like a title of Henryk Sienkiewicz’s short story recounting the journey of Polish peasants to America. While hunger and poverty were major causes of immigration, the personal stories of those who embarked on this journey are lost in historical generalization.
Not everyone who experienced hardship decided to go to a different continent. Some sought opportunities in neighboring countries, engaging in closer or seasonal employment. What motivations, circumstances, and aspirations led others to cross the ocean? Was it hope, love, betrayal, despair? Was it an act of bravery or ignorance?
Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, such details are lost to us. What remains visible are the outcomes of their individual decisions. They came to Washington State and started to build a new life in a new place, contributing their experiences, skills, and individual stories to the broader tapestry of history of the region.
We know for sure that for those first Polish settlers, it was important to preserve their heritage: the history of their homeland, the narrative of their culture, the legacy of their traditions, and their language. By integrating these essential elements into the actively unfolding history, these pioneers established landmarks and foundations for the next generations of Polish settlers.
They founded Polish organizations in Pe Ell, Aberdeen, Tacoma and Seattle, and formed Polish communities in in the foothills of Mt. Rainier and Cle Elum.
Among these, the Polish National Alliance Lodge 156 in Tacoma, established in 1890, stands as the oldest and continues to thrive, thanks to dedication of succeeding generations of Polish Americans, both those raised in the US and newcomers.
The most well-known in the region is Polish Home, originally opened as a Polish Hall in today’s Ballard neighborhood in 1906. As the Polish community expanded, there arose a need for a larger space where they could gather to cultivate their traditions and preserve their country’s culture and history. In response, the Polish Home Association was formed in 1918 that organized a highly successful fundraising effort. The association opened the hall, named “Dom Polski” (Polish Hall), in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in 1920. Since then, “Dom Polski” has stood as a cornerstone of Polish life in Seattle.
Personally, my favorite sign of Polish immigrants in the region is a mural in Aberdeen portraying the immigrants of Grays Harbor from 1848 to 1915. This artwork illustrates the intertwining of diverse histories and cultures to form a new narrative. Polish settlers were just one of 23 different nations that arrived in the area, each represented on the mural by their flags. For those unfamiliar with Polish history, seeing “Poland” in the mural legend without the traditional Polish flag might be surprising. The artist deliberately chose to depict the flags as they were during the arrival of these citizens, thus representing Poland with the flag of the Vistula River war flotilla of the Congress Kingdom of Poland. During that period, Poland was still under the partition of neighboring countries and was unable to use its traditional symbols. Several other national flags also differ from contemporary symbols, highlighting how history can be intricately woven.
All these places and signs owe their existence to the people who made them happen, from more recognizable organizers and leaders to anonymous participants.
The Polish Hall, “Dom Polski”, relies on leaders and committee as much as people who seek a space to converse in Polish, to connect with others who share a fragment of their broader national history, or find support. The initial Polish settlers established these spaces for future generations to meet, engage, and carry forth their legacy. These venues serve as meeting points and sources of advice, assistance, companionship, opportunities for newcomers, information for those eager to learn more about Poland.
While certain people are recognized in Polish society as founders, leaders, and creators, their actions would not transpire without the countless others who contributed their time, skills, and resources. Events, clubs, and meetings thrive on the participation of the community. Concerts need an audience, schools require students, news depends on readers, and restaurants cater to customers. Organizers are as essential as people for whom events are organized.
History is crafted by each of us through our personal narratives. We contribute to an intricate and impenetrable tapestry. We can influence the landmarks of Polish society in our region with our individual thoughts, emotions, actions that history is driven by —the very elements that drive history.
History where:
Every beginning
is only a sequel, after all,
and the book of events
is always open halfway through.
(Wislawa Szymborska Love at First Sight)
Anna Kaminska
Artist: Jenny Fisher. The Immigrants of Grays Harbor 1848-1915 (outdoor)
Location: Union Gospel Mission, 405 East Heron Street
Dom Polski, 1920, 1714 18th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Members of Tacoma’s Polish community gathered together at the Polish Hall, 1650 E. 30th St., on August 20, 1933.
