Polish National Alliance (P.N.A.)History and activities: especially in the California District
by Stanley Stankiewicz
The Polish National Alliance (P.N.A.) was founded in 1880. Juliusz Andrzejkowicz called upon the Polish leaders in Chicago to unite, to form an alliance comprised of local patriotic groups which would have representation by electing public officials and influence legislation. The founding of the Polish National Alliance was based on a concept of uniting Poles in America to protect their interests, encourage their progress as American citizens, preserve their Polish heritage and culture, and act as the leading advocate for a free and independent Poland. Thus the P.N.A. was formed and became one of the leading Polish organizations in America today.
The P.N.A.'s component parts consist of 16 Districts and more than 1420 lodges throughout the country.
Since the formation of P.N.A. there have been 17 elected Presidents. One of the most colorful and influential was Charles Rozmarek, an attorney, graduate of Harvard Law School, who served with distinction as President of the Polish National Alliance for 28 years (1939-1967) and as President of the Polish American Congress, an organization of which he was a founder, for 24 years (1944-1968).
Charles Rozmarek persuaded President Harry Truman to allow the Polish Military (demobilized in Great Britain, but who did not wish to return to a Communist Poland) to emigrate to America. Polish - Americans sponsored and accepted into their homes 17,000 Polish ex-soldiers. Mr. Rozmarek converted the basement in his home into living quarters through which over 500 newcomers to America (especially Chicago) were welcomed during the years 1950/51. l was one of the fortunate ones to be a guest in KarI and Wanda Rozmarek's home. Rozmarek's two daughters, Elaine and Marylka frequently visited and encouraged us with friendly conversation.
California's mass Polish immigration did not match that of Chicago, Cleveland or New York until the 50s and 60s. Unlike their compatriots in the eastern cities, they did not have to form Polish neighborhoods to protect themselves. Many of the new immigrants were able to speak or at least understand the English language.
Since the first Polish National Alliance lodge in Califomia was formed, P.N.A. membership has grown. Califomia is designated as P.N.A. District 16, consisting of 17 Lodges and 5 Councils. The Councils are in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego and Concord.
Many women have played a major role in the growth of P.N.A. in Califomia. In 1952, the very energetic and popular, 16th District Commissioner Bronislawa Czarnecka formed a new P.N.A. Lodge #3123 White Eagle in San Fernando Valley. Mrs. Czarnecka (with Mrs. Jadwiga Wielkoszewska's help) was also the founder of the Mazur Dancers who represented Polonia at many patriotic and social events.
Estelle Nieder was Commissioner and Director of the P.N.A. western region from 1963 to 1979. As the P.N.A. representative she participated at the Inauguration of President Richard Nixon in Washington, D.C. in 1972. She also was involved in other government and community affairs. She represented P.N.A. as a member of the Los Angeles Bi-Centennial Committee. In 1976, Mrs. Neider helped prepare the program for the grand celebration. The P.N.A. Mazur Dancers performed in front of a live TV audience with The Lawrence Welk Orchestra, in commemoration of America's 200 years of independence. The dance group participated in the dedication of the San Pedro Fisherman's Festival of Lights; performed at the Pomona Fair, etc. Commissioners following Mrs. Neider were the late Charlotte Wilk and Stephanie Gafkowski.
By the 1980's Southern California had eleven lodges, three councils, and over 150,000 Polish people (per 1980 U.S. Census) in the Los Angeles - Long Beach - Orange County area. Participation in numerous Polish organization events became a tradition for P.N.A. members.
Following a tradition of District 16 to elect a Lady Commissioner in Southern California, Regina Kobzi was elected P.N.A. Commissioner in 1983. Mrs. Kobzi organized the P.N.A. Lodge #3193 in Orange County. For the past 13 years this lodge has celebrated Polish American Day at Alpine Village in Torrance. The Mazur Folk Dance Ensemble was now reorganized under the new name of the Gorale Polish Folk Dancers under the direction of Richard Kobzi and sponsored by the Orange County Centennial Lodge #3193.
Organizer Jan Chudy's enthusiasm, Director Regina Kobzi's and present Commissioner Eugenia Carter's (elected in 1991) familial spirit have resulted in the establishment of two new lodges in the past three years: Piast Lodge #3259 in Yorba Linda, and the Maximillian Kolbe Lodge #3261 in San Diego.
In 1991, the Polish National Alliance held its 42nd Quadrennial Convention for the first time in Southern California at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Garden Grove. The Chairman of this Convention, who was responsible for its success was P.N.A. Vice Censor Richard Kobzi. Others were Jean Carter and Ed Baczynski, Co-Chairmen; Regina Kobzi, Secretary; Mary Liss, Treasurer; Claire Marie Andersen, Jan Chudy, and Cynthia Parker Convention publicists.
The banquet was attended by 650 delegates and guests. The guest speaker was Ellen Lee, Orange County historian and authority on Helena Modjeska (Modrzejewska). Mrs. Lee spoke about Madame Modjeska's life and achievements. Ellen Lee was followed by a special guest from Poland, Malgorzata Tomassi Keach, who is married to actor Stacy Keach. Mrs. Keach talked about her T.V. acting and modeling careers in Poland. P.N.A. Vice President (now retired) Helen Szymanowicz presented the two speakers with elaborate crystal vases from Poland. Thus, the Polish National Alliance has proved to be a vital foree in advancing the causes and cultural activities of Polish Americans in California.
From: Polish Americans in California, vol. II. National Center for Urban Ethnic Affairs & Polish American Historical Association. California 1995.