Polish Americans--Ethnic identity

Don Binkowski Papers

drice — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:34:13 -0400

Don Binkowski spent his career serving the people of Michigan as a Warren councilman, delegate of the Michigan Constitutional Convention, and judge in the 37th District Court. Privately, Binkowski, a passionate historian, copiously researched and wrote extensively on Polish and Polish-American history and interests, and on North Detroit. This collection is mainly comprised of Binkowski’s research collected in the pursuit of publication, specifically his three books: Col. P.W. Norris – Yellowstone’s Greatest, Poles Together: Leo Krzycki and Polish Americans in the American Labor Movement, and Leo Krzycki and the Detroit Left. Papers that document Binkowski’s career in public service are also included.

Folklore Archive: Student Field Projects Records

drice — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 10:50:49 -0400

The Folklore Archive, established in 1939 by WSU English professors Emlyn Gardner and Thelma James, contains the oldest and largest record of urban folk traditions in the United States. To document these traditions, Wayne State University students conducted field research projects covering a broad range of topics. These projects typically consist of transcripts of oral interviews conducted by the students as part of their research. The collection is strong in modern industrial and occupational folklore, reflecting the rich ethnic diversity and workoriented heritage of Detroit and southeastern Michigan.

Bruce L. Harkness Poletown Photographs

eclemens — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:35:38 -0500

Bruce Harkness photographed the area known as “Poletown,” a multi-ethnic, multi-racial urban area on Detroit’s East Side, from February to December 1981. These photographs document the hundreds of buildings and businesses that were demolished to make way for the construction of a General Motors assembly plant. In addition, Harkess captured vibrant urban exteriors and interiors, neighborhood landmarks, residents, and street scenes. The collection is comprised of 200 8’x10’ silver gelatin, black-and-white photo prints.

Pączki Day

eclemens — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:26:55 -0500

In Metro Detroit everyone is Polish on Pączki Day, celebrated this year on March 5, 2019. A mystery to those who live outside of areas with large Polish populations, pączki (PUNCH-kee) are deep fried pieces of dough, filled with preserves, custards, or other sweet fillings. Since the Middle Ages read more »

(WSAV002727_011) Poletown, Residents, Relocation, 1981

eclemens — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 14:22:20 -0400

A family on Kanter Street loads a rented truck as they prepare to leave their home during the Poletown clearances.

(1725) Parks, Belle Isle, Polish-Americans, Detroit, 1940

eclemens — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:00:20 -0400

Young Polish-American women in traditional costume gather around the band shell at Belle Isle during an undisclosed celebration, Detroit, Michigan. Members of the Dearborn Marching Band can be seen at the rear of the crowd.

(DN_8976) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Hamtramck, Businesses, 1951

eclemens — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:09:28 -0500

A view of local businesses, looking north on Joseph Campau Street, Hamtramck, Michigan.

Visible businesses include: Dr. Wendall Cox, Dentist; New Palace Bakery; Peoples Market; Podezwas Shoes; Hotpoint Appliances; Credit Jew; Campau Furniture; Grand Furniture; Martha Washington Theatre; Adam's Jewelry

(DN_11338) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Celebrations, Parades, 1941

eclemens — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:04:17 -0500

A float filled with people dressed in traditional Polish clothing travels down an unidentified street during the American Day Parade, Hamtramck, Michigan.

(DN_2176_2) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Neighborhoods, c. 1910s

eclemens — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:21:09 -0500

Two women and a three young children stand beside a fence in one of Detroit's Polish neighborhoods.

(DN_21717) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Customs, Dygus Day, 1916

eclemens — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:19:10 -0500

A woman taps a man on the leg with a willow switch as onlookers laugh in approval during "Switching Day" festivities.

Known as Smigus Dygus, or in America as Dygus (Switching) Day, the custom dictates that on Easter Monday young unmarried girls may be doused with water and switched lightly with willow sticks. The water represents fertility, for both the land and the woman. The young lady above, decidedly modern in her thinking, has reversed roles with the young man.

(DN_21717_1) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Customs, Dygus Day, 1916

eclemens — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:15:33 -0500

A woman taps a man on the leg with a willow switch during "Switching Day" festivities.

(DN_21718) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Funerals, 1913

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:34:17 -0500

The funeral cortege of Fr. Francis A. Mueller, Pastor of St. Albertus Church, Detroit, Michigan.

(DN_44913) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Parades, 1939

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 21:49:33 -0500

A parade commemorates the anniversary of the Polish Constitution, Detroit, Michigan.

(DN_50802) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Ceremonies, Pilsudski, 1935

eclemens — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 07:47:50 -0500

An interior view of Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church during the memorial mass for Polish General Joseph Pilsudski, Detroit, Michigan.

(DN_50802_1) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Ceremonies, Pilsudski, 1935

eclemens — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 07:54:30 -0500

Crowds line Russell and Canfield Streets as they wait for the memorial mass for Polish General Joseph Pilsudski at Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church to begin, Detroit, Michigan.

(DN_79561) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Celebrations, Belle Isle, 1940

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:42:05 -0500

A crowd gathers to celebrate Polish Independence Day on Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan. At back, left, the Belle Isle Conservatory can be seen.

(DN_79562) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Celebrations, Customs, Weddings, 1941

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:53:08 -0500

Mother and father bless the bride and groom during a demonstration of a Polish wedding ceremony, Detroit, Michigan.

Standing, Left to Right: Mary Grabonska, Jacob Kmiecić
Kneeling, Left to Right: Joe Skrgyński, Florence Zientarski

(DN_79563) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Celebrations, Saint's Days, 1941

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:20:12 -0500

Fortune telling on the eve of St. Andrew's feast day, Detroit, Michigan.
It is believed that on November 30th young girls can use divination to learn about their future husbands by pouring wax or placing pieces of paper in a bowl of water.

Left to Right: Lillian Holody, Janet Urban, Marie Duszkiewicz, Eugenia Zarawa, Donna Urban

(DN_79564) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Neighborhoods, 1928

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:37:12 -0500

Window shopping in a Polish neighborhood, Detroit, Michigan.

(79565) Ethnic Communities, Polish, War Relief, 1940

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:02:17 -0500

Sylvia Falk (left) and Irene Stephanowicz (right) sell flowers to benefit the Polish Relief Fund during the Polish Relief Fund Bazar, Detroit, Michigan.

The Polish Relief Fund was an agency established to send material assistance to Poland during the Second World War.

(DN_79566) Ethnic Communities, Polish, entertainment, Belle Isle, 1934

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:36:54 -0500

Anne Perkowski, Walter Szczkonski and Sophie Bartmonski enjoy the sights and sounds of Polish Music Week, a program held annually on Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan.

(DN_79567) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Celebrations, Customs, Weddings, 1941

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:15:14 -0500

A group of young women remove the bride's kokasznik, or head piece, during a demonstration of a Polish wedding.

Standing, Left to Right: Cecelia Burek, Delores Lorenc, Eugenia Zasada.

Seated: Florence Zientarski

(DN_79568) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Celebrations, Customs, Weddings, 1941

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:17:54 -0500

A group of young women assemble flower crowns, traditionally worn by Polish brides, during a demonstration of a Polish wedding.

At window, Left to Right: Lillian Holody, Donna Urban, Janet Urban

Sitting, Left to Right: Cecelia Burek, Eugenia Zasada, Florence Zientarski, Marie Duszkiewicz

Standing, at Left: Eugenia Zawora and Delores Lorenc,

(DN_79569) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Celebrations, Weddings, Parades, 1920

eclemens — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:50:53 -0500

A horse cart carries celebrants down an undisclosed street during a "Polish Peasant Wedding," Detroit, Michigan.

(DN_79569) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Neighborhoods Scenes, 1928

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:54:52 -0500

Two women share the news of the day outside of an unidentified beauty shop in a Polish neighborhood, Detroit, Michigan.

(DN_79562) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Customs, 1941

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:00:54 -0500

Ronald Lupu divines his future, Detroit, Michigan. The custom dictates that objects representing money, religion, or vice should be placed in front of a baby. The object that the baby chooses will then predict his path in life.

(DN_79571) Ethnic Communities, Polish, Celebrations, Weddings, Parades, 1920

eclemens — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:06:12 -0500

A group of young girls follow carts that carry celebrants down an undisclosed street during a "Polish Peasant Wedding," Detroit, Michigan.

(181931) Ethnic Communities, Polish, War Relief, Hamtramck, 1939

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:18:23 -0500

People gather in an unidentified grocery store to give donations to the Polish War Relief effort during the Second World War, Hamtramck, Michigan.

(181932) Ethnic Communities, Polish, War Relief, Detroit, 1940

eclemens — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:28:35 -0500

Volunteers load trucks filled with bags of clothing that will be sent to Polish Jews, Detroit, Michigan. The storefront for the vacant Weisz & Lax Meat & Poultry shop is in view at right.

[Podcast] Polish American Women and Detroit’s 1938 Federal Screw Works Strike

teller — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:09:41 -0500

Dr. Martin Hershock recounts the violent three-day strike against General Motors supplier Federal Screw Works in 1938, when women from Detroit’s Polish community led the fight to preserve both their recently-recognized union and their neighborhood. read more »