B5. Return to the Roots - 5-narodzin-i

B5. Return to the Roots - 5-narodzin-i

B5. Return to the Roots
B5. Fifth Live. RETURN to the ROOTS.
The following part of chapter B5. RETURN to the ROOTS corresponds to Pages 267 to 346.
Translated by Andrew Sozanski dated 12/10/30
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1. RETURN to the ROOTS.
We won the war, but lost our Motherland...
That's the way we saw it for years, and we did not return.
The British also won the war, but lost their Empire.
We lost all that we were fighting for in each corner of the world. There was no euphoria among us, when we
learned that we 'won'. They did not even asked us to join the 'Parade of Victory' in London. Those that fought for
...'Your Freedom' in Battle of Britain, and those from Monte Casino, Tobruk, and those from the fields of
Normandy...
'Return, or not to return' - was not an option to us, those from the taigas of Siberia, from the concentration
camps of Vologda, or Starobielsk and prisons of Moscow, or Kiev... Worse, soon we became a burden, redundant,
forgotten, unwelcomed to our friends and hosts.
However some did return. Johnny Markunas returned and entered a monastery in Cracow. Returned also
general Skalski, one of the great heroes of this war. On Warsaw airport, they greeted him with orchestra and flowers.
The Hero wept... But soon they arrested him and sentenced him to die... They called us, Patriots and Heroes,
'Traitors', and later President Bierut stripped us of our citizenship.
...orphaned...
...Why so much hatred among us, why do we so torment each other???...
Homeland
So we did not go back. Our Homeland lost us. Forever? Maybe not quite, time would tell. Because
Homeland stayed within our hearts, our souls, in our memory, our yearning and hope. All the more, that there, in our
country, remained our families, relatives, churches, schools, monuments, history and footprints of our ancestors. My
Little Homeland, Grzybowo, Wrzesnia...
However, ideologies divide people, brothers... They distort the notion and the true image of Homeland. The
ideals of Gomulka, Gierek and Jaruzelski did not appeal to us, just as those of Pilsudski and Walesa did not meet the
expectations of others.. There was a Poland of magnates, a Poland governed by the sanation movement, Poland of
Sikorski in exile, but still a Poland. And now a Poland governed by the proletariat. Is that no longer Poland?
What is Homeland?
The Promised Land; Dutschland uber alles,
Mon Dieu, Ma Patrie et mon Honeur; God’s own country; Match rodnaya?
Or the extended family, my nation, country, property.
Memory of the past, a habit, dependence, or a longing for the bosom, the nest.
A command of subconscious, atavistic passions...
Or rapture of the soul and intellect - a mirage?...
Today we have a homeland in Brussels and virtual homelands on the internet and millions of young,
energetic people, armed with hope and a promise of adventure, leave their little homelands. The concept of a
homeland is changing, widens or narrows and perhaps even its meaning is fading. The needs for sacrifice and blood,
to fight and die ‘For Our Freedom and Yours’ are disappearing.
I longed for my family and homeland. In time, I realized that homeland was not the authority, the regime,
but the spirit of the nation, whatever resides in its heart and soul. In churches, in Grzybowo, on the roadside cross, in
footprints and memory of ages past. It narrows down to the family - extended...
Father Dies...
My father died suddenly in March 1957...
It was sad, because he died before finding out about the birth of his first Canadian grandson, Stephen.He died
of a heart attack, on a train, on the way to a funeral of his sister Kubiak in Luszczanow. He smoked incessantly. That
and his imprisonment in Fortress VII in Poznan had contributed to his premature passing.
All at once, I realized how close he was to me. No longer could I look to being embraced by him, or to hear
his word of praise.During my vagrancy of my preceding eighteen years, my thoughts were closer to my mother and
grandma. Nevertheless, in parcels that I had sent home, I always included something for father. A sweater or a shirt
and cigarettes or cigars, although I did not smoke. It was sad, because in another year or two, I would have been able
to pride myself with having used to advantage the qualities which he had transmitted to me. It took many years,
before I realized how much influence he had on my life. Following his example, I had fought tenaciously in order to
achieve independence; looked upon work as a challenge and sought to enjoy it, lest it became a torment.
Father. 1957.
I found it all the more painful because I was unable to attend his funeral. saw him last in February 1940. The
situation in Poland was was not inviting. Protests of June 1956 in Poland took place just a few months back.As my
first son was born, my one and only father died...
I discover my roots.
Father’s death in 1957 hastened my decision to meet with the family in Poland, above all with mother and
the brothers. Grandma had passed away in 1944 and father now.
In the end, despite fears, I decided on a visit. More than twenty years had passed since i had seen the dearest
to me. Mother wrote often. She did not feel well and longed to see me all the time. She worried that she may never
again see me. I sent parcels, medicines and money, often to her and also to others, because now I could afford it.
The office had plenty of orders, the enterprise was going at full throttle. In spite of this, I decided to visit
Poland. I entrusted Harry Balodis and Joyce Neal with supervision of the work. We asked Patricia’s mother to take
care of the children. She had by now settled in Canada permanently. Patricia wanted to come with me.I was glad,
because armed together with passports, she with a British one, I with a Canadian, we felt more secure. We settled all
the formalities with visas and travel. I notified the Canadian authorities about our trip to Poland. They recommended
contacting the Canadian embassy during our travels through Europe. Patricia had never been to Poland and on the
continent. So after leaving Poland we decided to visit other countries in Europe.
We started our journey on 5 June, 1962. Loaded with presents, we flew from Toronto to Montreal, where we
transferred to KLM, Dutch airline. On the morning of the following day we landed in Amsterdam. After a few hours
we continued on a noisy and vibrating Ilyushin to Warsaw. I was impressed by charming stewardesses who spoke
Polish and served Polish snacks.This was a signal that we would soon be in Poland. I looked carefully through the
window to see when we would cross the Polish border. I had a camera with me and wanted to immortalize that
moment. The stewardess noticed this and said, ‘not allowed’...
I heard often later - ‘not allowed’... Why not?... maybe because I was a spy, an agent?...
All of a sudden we landed at an unknown airport. All had to leave the plane.We were surrounded by a guard
of armed Soviet soldiers, at least a dozen of them, wearing uniforms which I had known from my time in the gulag.
Each one carried a kalashnikov. Shock! What is going on? Is it because I shot a picture? A surrealistic scene. They
drove us towards a large building. Before entering, each one of us was searched. We found out that we were in
Berlin. Behind the Iron Curtain. After two hours we were ordered to return to the airplane again under the same
guard armed with the automatic rifles.We were relieved back in the plane, after all a Polish aircraft, even if Ilyushin.
For the remainder of the flight, my eyes were stuck to the window. I looked for the border, for Poznan, Wrzesnia and
possibly Grzybowo.?
We flew into Warsaw before dusk. From above it looked smaller than I had imagined. It was like landing in
holy land. Like returning to promised land.
Admittedly I was annoyed by banal questions: who am I, from where, where to, why, what will I be doing
tomorrow, how much money do I carry, what are the names of my father and mother? I felt as if I was back in
Bykovnia. Then a thorough search, particularly of Patricia.
Although ‘our own’, but different. Different, because they did not see, or were not allowed to see, that we
also were ‘their own’... It settled in my subconscious that They and We were not the same and perhaps no longer
Our.
Often I wonder, how easily it is to change a man, his character, his attitudes, thoughts, his identity. An hour
before I witnessed, in a dramatic fashion in Berlin, how Stalin had brought this about by brute force, while Hitler, a
generation earlier, by promises of dominance. ‘Deutschland Uber Alles’. It took each one less than ten years. In a
boot camp it takes six weeks. I know, because I experienced it myself in Uzbekistan, in an officer cadet school.
Either you shape up or you die. This is an order, the law of survival. Though many in this hell of ideology tried to
conform, some died at hands of butchers, or overly sensitive, suspicious professional ideologues, hateful of strangers
and ‘others’...
We converted currency and left
the control centre. We were immediately
surrounded by a crowd of cab drivers,
with private cars. A sign that free market
still existed here. We picked the neatest
one. We drove to the Central Station. On
the way I asked many questions, to
which the cabbie responded cautiously.
He was, however, helpful at the station
and with purchase of tickets.
The tickets were cheap, so we bought
first class tickets. We had some time
before leaving, so I went out to have a
look at the Palace of Culture, the tallest
building in Warsaw, a ‘gift’ from Stalin
to the Polish nation. In our emigrant
milieu this building symbolized the
Soviet domination of Poland. Many
Varsovians saw it that way too.
Warsaw - Palace of Culture. My pic from a later visit
Its dimensions and generous space around it impressed me. But I was left with the feeling that it was not ‘ours’.
Later I learned that Lev Rudnyev, the USSR architect of this structure, wanted to give it Polish flavour. With that in
mind he visited many Polish cities.Thus, one can discover there many Polish features. The interior houses works of
Polish artists. Overall it rather resembles skyscrapers of New York and Chicago and The Moscow University,
although it is probably more interesting and pleasing to the eye.
I felt guilty, that I liked the Palace of Culture and I might add that it impressed me... In 2007 it was registered as a
heritage site. USSR fell apart and Stalin died before this palace was finished. Today it serves a multitude of users, as
a commercial building, swimming pool, museum, convention centre, casino, office building, etc.
We were alone in our compartment. The seats were comfortable, with white embroidered headrest covers.
But the restrooms were dirty and without toilet paper. Darkness outside. I was restless. I looked into the darkness
and sought to find in every bit of light a Polish soul. Pat sensed it and snuggled up to me.
1962. Finally home after 22 years...
In a few hours we arrived in Wrzesnia. We unloaded the luggage. It was almost dark on the platform, you could
only see shadows.
But soon we were approached by a group of shadows, unclear who. They recognized me sooner. I noticed Henryk.
I assumed that it was mother beside him. Mom once seemed to be of a dominant stature, but now slight and small.
The last time I had seen her I was myself a small, not fully developed child. I did not recognize Stefan at all. I
remembered him as a blond twelve year old, now before me stood auburn-haired man, taller than me.
Mom timidly embraced me and I did likewise. All at once her body began to tremble, as if in a convulsion... - in
her breast a muffled storm... - don’t cry, because mom never cried, never learned to cry. No moan, no sob... choking
with emotions, a volcano of emotions... Any moment it would explode with a full force of years of longing and
anguish... I did not know how to control myself. I hugged and held her close in a frozen embrace... For seconds,
maybe the first time ever... It was dark, no one saw our tears. No one except me understood what was happening,
what passions rose and were quelled in Mother’s heart, our mother, after twenty two years of separation..
Henryk drove us in a Polish Fiat to Stefan’s house. The house on Szczecin street was unfinished, but already
Stefan, his wife Jadzia and daughter Alina lived there. Mom also had her own small apartment there on the ground
floor. Waiting for us was Jadzia and a table weighed down under deli meats, bread, Polish Krupnik and vodka. I was
surprised bu this abundance, since Poland had scarcities and everything was available by food vouchers. After all I
used to send them food parcels. But this was an unusual occasion. Something could be taken care of by using
connections. And Jadzia never disappointed. Because connections were not enough. You had to be the first in a
lineup, often at three in the morning.
Jadzia’s looks also surprised me. Before she married Stefan, mom often complained to me that he befriended
some girl from the east. I was intrigued, supposing that she might be Chinese or Arabian? And here I beheld a
beautiful Polish girl, commanding a rich native vocabulary, - but from the ‘east borderland’...
Stefan built this house for himself and for Henryk, with mom’s help. Later Stefan bought out Henryk’s share. A
few years later Henryk bought a lot on Szeroka street and started building twins, which he later passed on unfinished
to his two sons.The elder Leszek finished his house and lives there still and Celek sold his part and using the
proceeds started what probably was the first computer store in Wrzesnia.
Houses and cars, in those days in Poland, were purchased by cash. The houses were generally built by their
owners themselves. This process often took up to tens of years. Naturally it started with buying the lot, then several
years accumulation of materials. Then foundations, walls, ceilings and roof and... celebrations... Finishing would
take several more years before fulfilment of life’s dream, an own home.
In the following year, I also began building my own house, my temple. Today, after forty years I am still
‘building’ and do not intend to finish, because it is a ‘masterpiece inprogress - the charm is in perfecting, achieving,
on the road to the finishing line. Here I cultivate my soul, today we are here together with Lena. ‘Chata’ became a
symbol of our identity, my ‘temple’.... I dreamt of it from the times of Knieja, - from a castle made of clay and
weed...
Interesting, that three brothers became builders independently of each other.
How did this happen?
Like myself, my brothers finished school after the war.. Thanks to odd courses, work and perseverence, both became
bank directors, Henryk of Bank Spoldzielni Rolniczej (Agricultural Co-Op) in nearby Pyzdry (serving there 50
years) and Stefan of Bank Spoldzielczy (Co-Op Bank) on Warsaw street in Wrzesnia (close to 30 years). Henryk
even built for himself a new habitation in Pyzdry for the bank and himself. He lived there until his retirement.
Undoubtedly he was aided in this by the father of my close pre-war friend from high school, Czesiu Tomczak,
wko was a banker even before the war and was a friend of my father. And maybe Czesiu , who also was director of a
bank, although a competing one, on Warszawska street.
Czesiu had some important status in the communist party. Despite that, he insisted through Stefan to meet me. A
few years later I found out accidentally that Stefan also belonged to the party. It was a secret, which mom and the
rest of the family strictly kept from me.
Czesiu lived above his bank and after a few days I went there to meet him.A woman half-opened the door and
eyed me suspiciously. I introduced myself. She said that Czesiu was not in, but I could find him in his little garden
by Wrzesnica river. I did not dare to ask if she was Czesiu’s wife, thinking that this could be ‘organizational’ secret?
I found him there in a small hut, among stunted apple trees and flower beds. He embraced me heartily as if I were his
brother. In the hut besides tools was a table with chairs. And vodka for the occasion. He drank the Polish way, in
single gulps. I was more careful, explaining my experience in Hucknall. We celebrated our friendship and recalled
school adventures. ‘Doctors’ Club’, Wladzia, catechist priest, teacher of Latin, Polniakowski. I told him about
Romuald. He did not know if he came back. He was the only one of my former school mates, whom I found during
this visit.This was unfortunately my first and last meeting with Czesiu. We corresponded for years. He died suddenly
of a heart attack, on the first day of his retirement. I was helping his wife, Zofia for a long time.
My small Homeland
Each day of my sojourn in Poland was a sacred experience, full of emotion and passions. Even daily reports at the
police post on Szkolna street did not bother me.
We all together visited father’s grave, then still at the cemetery of the parish church on Gniezno street. Later, after
mother died, the brothers transferred his ashes to a common grave on communal cemetery.
We also visited the grave of our grandparents in Grzybowo, near the church where I took my first
communion and where I was confirmed. My uncle Bernard’s family still lived in the same house and hosted us
lavishly. Our shop became a local library.
I regret that i did not dare to visit the school. Szuminski later asked about me.We passed by the ‘Swedish’
Trenches, where we played warriors with Olgierd Brzeski, who later proved, that these trenches were were not
Swedish trenches, but remnants of the ‘Piast Fort’, which was older and larger than the one in Gniezno. It was
reportedly here, where the father of Mieszko I was born. Grzybowo remained forever close to my heart.
Grave of the Bachorz grandparents in Grzybowo
Before that we visited in Pyzdry, Henryk, his wife Elzunia and their two sons. I remember Elzunia before the war
in Goniczki. Elzunia an angel, warm-hearted, kind, always ready to help. She prepared for us a feast and the best
donuts, that I ever ate. We also visited our cousin Marta in Luszczanow. The house where I was born no longer
existed. In its place, Marta and husband built a brick house. They were probably well off, because they built a new
barn, also of brick. However, I was sorry that the old log house, covered with thatched roof, was gone.
Along roads, I noticed shelters at bus stops.e did not have these yet in Canada. I admired the heritage style
architecture of roadside inns. Each housed an excellent restaurant, up to a dozen or more rooms, but only a single
bathroom. Being located away from populated areas, they were empty, free of clients. We stopped at one of them
and ordered pork hocks. Stefan had more than a kilo and wolfed down the lot; I had some too, but not a kilo.
I wondered who was the owner, who makes the decisions and who pays for this investment? What was the cost of
the land, building, maintenance and service; how much would the rooms rent for? Obviously, it would be impossible
ever to make money on such an investment...
My banker brothers could not understand that this was a waste of assets, that these investments do not pay. There
would not be enough even to service payments. That is what happens when a commissar makes the decision rather
than the market. Nevertheless, my brothers were proud of these inns and so was I. I admired the fine native
architecture and the excellent pork hocks thanks to the government subsidies, paid by those, who at three o’clock in
the morning lined up to get a chicken, or a loaf of bread...
A lineup to a shop during the communist era
Neighbourhood. Gniezno.
We dedicated one day for a trip away from the family area. Our group included both brothers, mom, Patricia and
Jadzia. Mom loved touring and Jadzia, probably the best-read in the family, proved to be an excellent guide.
We started with Gniezno, which is 20 km distant from Grzybowo and home of my uncle Kasper.
Gniezno is the cradle of the Polish nation, the first
capital of Poland. Its cathedral’s silver sarcophagus
contains the remains of St. Wojciech, the patron of
Poland. Five Polish kings were crowned here. It is
also the seat of the primates of Poland. In year 1,000
king Boleslaw Chrobry met here with emperor Otto
III.
The Gniezno Doors, made in 1,175, are
among the most precious antiques in Europe.
Every step led to an exciting discovery. I
forgot and did not appreciate, what I had learnt, when
visiting here as a student, or to see uncle Kasper,
before the war. Now I saw a reason for pride, that our
roots are so close to the roots of our nation. Our
oldest known ancestor was Adalbert Bachorz, born in
1836. And Adalbert is the German name for
Wojciech.
Gniezno
Poznan.
Before the war I had been to Poznan once, maybe twice. If I ever remembered anything it was likely the city hall
and that could have been from pictures in a tourist brochure.And here, as in Gniezno, the trip brought on discoveries,
accompanied by emotions. The old marketplace was like theatre, a historical scene. The XIV century city hall, is
regarded as the most splendid relic of the Renaissance north of the Alps. Also museums, galleries, the old
guardhouse, monuments and fountains. It was difficult for me to detach myself from these symbols of our roots.
As we were going back to the parking lot, Jadzia suggested that we should go into a church on one of the side
streets. Squeezed between buildings, it did not betray its splendour, until we entered it. I was dumbfounded with
admiration. What wonderful baroque stucco work. It was a collegiate parish church of St. Stanislaus. We had to
forgo visiting so many other fascinating heritage and cultural sites, because calling on just the most important ones,
we would have to spend at least a week. In the end we did not see the oldest Polish cathedral, the imperial and royal
castles, the opera, any of the eight institutes of higher learning, none of the many museums, the Raczynski Library,
the galleries and the theatre.
Poznan, the fountain of Proserpine, 1962.
Poznan in 1833. Lithograph
Gorka Palace on the right. Old Collegiate Church in the middle.
We did not see Fort VII, Fort Colomb, the first concentration camp in Poland, where more than 20,000 Poles died
after brutal tortures and executions. Few survived this camp. My father did, thanks to his cousin Driemel, who bribed
the Gestapo.When he was thrown out from the gate on the sidewalk. Stranger passersby brought him over to my
aunt. The rest of the war he spent in hiding with his (German!) comrade from WWI...
I decided that next time I will bring my children here, so they might learn to be proud of the legacy of their
ancestors.
Kornik.
It was late in the afternoon, when Jadzia had in her plans one more surprise. On the way to Wrzesnia we took a
side road and in less than half an hour we reached the splendid castle in Kornik. I had never heard of it despite its
proximity to Wrzesnia. I was taken aback by its imposing architecture. Its beginnings go back to the middle ages. Its
profile changed several times during its history. It is now Gothic in style earlier it was Baroque. The Dzialynski
family deserves most credit for its splendour. Tytus Dzialynski is to be commended for its present form, while a rich
collection of antique furniture from various epochs, paintings and sculptures by Polish and European masters, and
other exceptional works of art had been accumulated by Teofilia, nee Dzialynska. During the war, a substantial part
of this collection was looted.
The last owner of the castle was the childless count Wladyslaw Zamoyski. He donated the castle along with his
whole estate to the Polish nation.
I was seduced by the interior of the castle. It contained so many valuable and exceptional works of art. My
exultation approached the zenith. I covered my
emotions by hiding behind the palatial walls.
Despite the wars and plundering perpetrated by
our enemies, a wealth of historical and cultural
heritage has survived, leaving much to be proud of.
That one day was unique in my life. Full of
revelations, surprises and emotions. Within my
subconscious feelings of pride and patriotism were
being regenerated. All that we saw was Polish, ours,
mine... These sentiments were fortified by the
presence of Patricia, since she too, I observed, was
surprised by what she saw.
An unusual day, an adventure of the spirit and
exultation...
Kornik castle
The soul told me that I belong here, that I originate from here. I must leave here a footprint... Must show
gratitude... Because my roots are here, a mission awaits me, a vocation to accomplish something... because there are
needs here; so much can be done in many ways...
I will come back.
'Fara'. Parish
On Sunday we all went for service to the parish church, my church... The church was packed full., people stood
outside. Then all churches in Poland were overflowing with people. The nation prayed fervently asking the Lord’s
help, hoping for a miracle. Even the communists prayed. Although the relations between the communist authorities
and the Church were in constant confrontation.
And miracle happened, the Lord helped. He made us a present of John Paul II, who gave us what we wanted, what
we prayed for and changed history. So we would not forget...
'Fara',Parish church, Wrzesnia
By coincidence, just as I sit before the computer and write these word, I listen at the same time, thanks to the
computer, Magnificat of Monteverdi. I associate this closely with the Wrzesnia parish church, where more than
seventy years ago, I heard Ave Maria and an angelic soprano, accompanied by powerful organs. It was then that was
born in me a love of music, which immeasurably enriched my soul and my life...
Warsaw
During its history, Warsaw was often devastated and robbed, sustaining large losses in people and materials. It
always managed to be revived. However, in none of these historical dramas did it suffer so much destruction as
during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. It would be difficult not to admire so much heroism, courage and sacrifice of
the hundreds of thousands of the insurgents.. But was it necessary? The Germans were decidedly in retreat. A year
earlier Stalin broke off diplomatic relations with the Polish government in London and suspected Sikorski of
collaboration with the Nazis. It was hard to expect help from him, if he treated Poles as his enemies.
Often we act imprudently without due deliberation.
The subject of the uprising brings forth many painful thoughts. It was a particularly brutal battle. Nearly 200,000
people died, the majority young Polish fighters, of whom about 60,000 were executed.
Responsible for most of these terrible crimes was a German of Polish origin, SS-Obergruppenfuhrer Erik Julius
Eberhard von Zelewski.
Warsaw was reborn again. The world looked with admiration as it was rebuilt from rubble, almost with bare
hands. Brick after brick, house after house, street after street, square after square. It took a lot of effort and plenty of
time. The Royal Castle was rebuilt only in the 1970s. Many heritage buildings were destroyed during the rebuilding,
some consciously. Warsaw today is not the same city as before the war. It is, however, larger, with a population of
1,750,000, more than ever before and prospers more than in the past.
1938. Warsaw. Liberty Square
Warsaw in rubble. 1945
Patricia and I returned to Warsaw. We were joined by Stefan and Jadzia. We stayed at the Grand Hotel on Krucza
street. Mom always called our youngest son Grand, because she was convinced that he was conceived in that hotel.
She could not be persuaded that his actual name was Grant.
It was already dark, but we went out for a short walk on nearby streets, maybe on Marszalkowska street. There
was not much light but I was impressed by the wide sidewalks and discreet, attractively put together ads, contrasting
with glaring billboards and narrow sidewalks in Toronto.Next day we took a walk towards the Old Town, via Nowy
Swiat, Krakowskie Przedmiescie and nearby streets.
We found places, where every few steps you would run into posters, marking spots where 18, 120 or several
hundreds were executed, youths like me , many scouts like me... altogether 60,000... I had the unhappy feeling, that
we were stepping on the graves of our companions, here, where a mere few years earlier they were dying
prematurely in their youth.
Warsaw was then one enormous cemetery Here, 200,000 Poles were buried in the space of two months... and
those still living were driven out. The walls of buildings that survived were pocked by shelling...
Warsaw was reborn, rising from from the rubble. Those expelled returned and after them came thousands of
others. Many wants remained to be satisfied.
I wondered how I could help? What could be done?
Before Stefan and Jadzia returned to Wrzesnia, we visited the Palace of Culture, where we admired the panorama
of Warsaw from its thirtieth floor. The interior impressed us by its extent and splendour. That same day we spent a
few hours shopping in nearby ‘Centrum’. We did not yet have anything like it in Toronto although we had two
enormous competing shopping centres. One belonged to the old Eaton family and the other to Simpson. A few years
later, I attempted to imitate the Warsaw model and plan under the same name shopping centres in Ottawa, Halifax
and Sudbury. But nothing came of it. Next day, after Stefan and Jadzia had left, we went to the Canadian embassy. I
wanted to get an idea where and what I could do here? They informed me rather well about the conditions and
possibilities in the domain of building and arranged for me a meeting with Warsaw’s chief architect and a director of
a large building firm.
Old Marketplace, like scene from the theatre. 1962.
That same day I met architect Wojciech Zablocki, a world famous fencing master.Later he authored many books.
He received me very amicably and accorded me the rest of the day. He took me to a storage room, where on the
floor and on the shelves, some covered with dust, lay hundreds of architectural plans and mockups. Some impressed
by imagination and dynamism.I expect that 99% of them ended up as mockups. Just like mine...
From my meeting with the director of a building firm, I remember best
his luxurious office. I was intrigued by the curtains before the entrance
and by his office door, upholstered with a leather ‘ cushion’. I suspected
that this was to keep secret talk and decision making behind the door. I
saw in the director a potential client. We compared systems of building and
principles of building investment. As an example, we have windows
opening outwards. His office had two large widows, which opened
inwards. I indicated that this would be very difficult to tight-seal them
against rain, resulting in a cost five times higher. Besides, by opening
inwards, these windows take away about three metres of usable space. In
all, it would amount to a lost investment of about 15 million zloty. I doubt
if he understood and perhaps he did not want to understand.
Both of these meetings turned out to be fruitful, although my aspirations
and possibilities were limited to more modest tasks.
I ended my pilgrimage to Poland with a conviction, that I would come
back, because some mission waited for me to be fulfilled...
Wojciech Zabłocki
‘Tour de Force’. Europe
After leaving Warsaw, I decided to treat Patricia and myself to some enjoyable travelling and at the same time
observe building and planning in other countries. We had tickets, which allowed us stopovers almost free or almost
for free, as long as each stop is closer to Canada. From Warsaw we flew to Zurich. I had to see there a bank director.
It was arranged by Charlie Leonard, my faithful Toronto banker. I was seeking contacts with potential clients or
partners and funds for my clients’ projects. Zurich made an impression of a provincial town.
From there, we went to Milan, a city of medieval monuments, arts and opera.We went up on the roof of the Milan
cathedral and marvelled at the thousands of towers large and small, with figures, along with the marble flying
buttresses, for the most part not visible outside.
We visited the elegant interior of famous Opera La Scala. Our own compatriot Jan Kiepura sang there, also Caruso
and Gigli and later Pavarotti and hundreds of of the greatest artists of the opera. Many famous composers, like Verdi
and Puccini, created operas on assignment for La Scala. Arturo Toscanini reigned here for more than ten years.
We had dinner in a restaurant in the Gallery of Victor Emanuel. The gallery, with a glass roof, joins the cathedral
square with La Scala’s square. and is the precursor of today’s shopping centres. We did not have the opportunity to
see The Last Supper, one of the most precious works by Leonardo da Vinci, which is kept in a local convent.
Spain
Our next stopover was Madrid. There are many versions of how this city came into being. According to the best
documented account, it was started by the Moslem Muhammad I in IX century. Today, it is one of the most
interesing world capitals and a wonderful repository of relics of the past .
Since we devoted only two days for Madrid, we dedicated the first day to a tour of the the most interesting
heritage spots, mostly from the outside. We stopped briefly at the Royal Palace and in Teatro Real, but our main
object was Galeria del Prado. It contains the largest collection of paintings in the world. Foremost, is the largest
assemblage of Spanish masters, such as El Greco, Goya, Velazquez, de Ribeira and others. Also very well
represented are Rubens, Rembrandt, Rafael, Titian and others. Besides the 3,000 paintings, there are collections of
5,000 drawings, 2,000 copies, 1,000 coins and 700 sculptures.
Admittedly, I did not fully appreciate at the time the enormous value of these works of art.
Pied-a-terre.
At the hotel we met a Dutchman, who represented Phillips in Spain. He made a good living here, except that,
general Franco did not allow to take their profits out of the country.Therefore, they decided to invest in properties on
Costa del Sol.
Our acquaintance was responsible for that programme. At that time, donkeys reigned on this coast and the
ground was incredibly cheap. One could buy there an abode for $2,000.
Shortly before leaving Toronto, I saw brigadier Matthews, who owned a house with three hectares of land in
a very prestigious district of Toronto. He was thinking about retirement and asked for advice.. This was the time
when the authorities were examining regulations for condominiums. He was much taken up with the idea, which I
had presented. It consisted of building a settlement comprised of 82 luxurious, buyer-owned houses, with
underground garages, covered swimming pool, entertainment hall, etc.
The subject of buying similar such settlement, but smaller, or pieds-a-terre, in other parts of the world,
appealed to him particularly. For instance, in Mexico, or somewhere in Europe, e.g. in England or Switzerland.
The concept of pied-a-terre existed even in Poland. Magnates and kings travelled from one castle to another with
full retinues. The Czartoryskis, Radziwill, Potocki’s and others kept houses, away from their estates, in places like
Vienna, Paris and on the Loire.
Each owner belonging to this ‘club’ would have the right , alone or with a partner, to buy into one of these satellite
settlements. The Post Road district, where Matthews lived, was inhabited by the wealthiest people in Toronto and
within a few days he persuaded most of his neighbours to participate.
I gave a sketchy explanation of this to our Dutchman. He was swayed immediately.He did not doubt , that he
would have any difficulties with his employer. In late spring , my lawyer, Harold Elliott arrived here to check for
any unexpected impediments. He did not even charge me for this valuable service., saying that these were his
vacations. Unfortunately, nothing came of this. The concept was premature. There was no law yet regulating
condominiums, and the local authorities were not ready to alter rules of space law and allow to build such a
settlement.
There is irony in that a few years later, a condominium was erected here, not a modest settlement of my vision,
but an eight storey building.
Lesson: a concept must be realized in just the right time for its fruition - not too early
and not too late. In English this is called timing.
Today on Costa del Sol, thousands or hundreds of thousands of similar pieds-a-terre are being built. Golf clubs,
prestigious commercial buildings, even ski trails on nearby mountains of Sierra Nevada. In the morning one can ski
downhill and play golf in the afternoon. In the most exclusive Marbella, it is difficult to buy an apartment for less
than 500,000 euro. Besides Kulczyk, at least three men from Wrzesnia have an apartment there. Marian and Ula
Rzeznik, our friends, bought one here several yeas ago and it was not the cheapest.
Recently, Marian sold Cenos, one of the largest Polish food producers. He is also a member of the board of the
Foundation of the Children of Wrzesnia.
I taught Marian to play golf, when he visited us in Canada and now he regularly beats me, when they host us in
Marbella.
He not only plays golf well, he is even building a golf course,11km away from the centre of Poznan. I
envy him, because I, too, had dreamt of planning and building a ‘sculpture’ on a 50-hectare ‘palette’. That would be
a work of art of monumental proportions...
In the mid-nineties I prepared an initial plan for an 18-hole golf course along the Wrzesnica river. Neither I,
nor the mayor of Wrzesnia, Celek Bachorz had the courage to build it, after being ridiculed about our ‘bourgeois’
concept. I had even invented Polish terminology. Instead of ‘fairways’ and ‘greens’, on sketches I used captions
‘murawy’ and ‘polany’. How melodious that sounded!...
My pied-a-terre plans for Costa del Sol were premature by thirty years.
Bullfight.
Before we left Madrid, the Dutchman persuaded us to go and see a bullfight, the most popular Spanish national
sport. Next day we were able to get tickets to Plaza de Toros, the largest arena of its kind in Spain. We arrived early,
but soon the arena filled up.The arena, round as a ring, although it held 25,000 spectators seemed small and
claustrophobically tight.
The spectacle began with a parade of the matador in a traditional attire and his colourful assistants. Matador’s
retinue was led by two picadors on horses, with long pikes.
When the initial celebrations and the performance in the centre of the gravel arena ended to the applause of the
spectators, the colourful matador was left alone. He bowed and flapped his cape.
Then, unexpectedly a gate opened at the
opposite end of the arena and seconds later,
emerged from behind the enclosure a powerful, as
if sculptured in black marble, a magnificent,
gorgeous bull. It ran along the perimeter of the
arena, observing the excited audience, as if
looking for a partner or an enemy. The matador
extended the red side of the cape, in order to draw
attention of his victim, because no one had any,
what was the fate of this wonderful animal. The
bull saw him and and ran at full speed, like a black
projectile, straight for the matador... And the
latter, a few metres before disaster, adroitly
unfurled the red cape and, with the grace of a
ballerina, dodged the line of attack. Disappointed
bull turned around after a few metres and attacked
furiously with a thunder of hoofs. This was
repeated time and again. The bull attacked and
the matador danced.
Good for them... They stab one another
After a while , the bull, disoriented, frustrated and tired, slowed down... and the ‘heroic’ matador withdrew from his
scabbard banderillas (barbed sticks) and at each turn stabbed the bull in its back.
The banderillas were stuck in its flesh, which caused the bull to bleed and weaken..
It is hard to understand human culture of cruelty... ...We were sickened and decided to leave this scene of
cruelty and crime... While the arena resounded with ovations.
We were already at the gate, when suddenly - shouting, groan from the crowd, drama, tragedy...
Spectators rose from their seats... We looked back, - the heroic matador lay on the blood soaked gravel, and
the bull attacked with a renewed fury. With its long horns it raised the body of the matador and threw it like
a ragged doll...In seconds appeared two picadors with long lances, on horses covered with
colorful quilts, and side-tracked the bull from his field of triumph. We returned to our seats. Moments later, the
matador, stained with bull’s blood, got up, collected himself, raised his red cape, assumed a heroic posture and
started challenging the now badly wounded bull to the final duel..
The bull, now without fury, still attacked. The matador again, heroically, kept stabbing the helpless animal.
...Silently we began to cheer the bull on... -it did not help... The bull was exhausted, bleeding; it lost the will to fight
and gave up...
The matador then took out the tool of crime and with a sharp sword cut his artery...
Tomorrow, in an exclusive restaurant, epicures will delight in a cholesterol rich steak of a fallen hero...
We left during the ovations, dejected... by the perfidious ritual of cruelty and sadism of man...
I lost respect for the Spaniards...
Wehrmacht on Majorca
Our plans included a few days’ vacation on Majorca.
On the way we stopped for a day in Barcelona. I remember that we observed with admiration, but without
comprehension, the enormous work of Gaudi, La Sagrada Familia , still being built. Some tens of years later, now
with better understanding, I began to doubt, whether it would be ever finished?
On Majorca, we settled in a small hotel in Palma. We tried to bathe on the beautiful beaches, but rather to
keep up appearances or as a memento, because it was autumn. So we rented a scooter to tour the island.
One day we went astray. Darkness came, so we stopped at a small villa with a beautiful view of sea. A man
in his fifties opened the door. I asked him for help and he invited us inside.At once I sensed that he was not Spanish.
Above the fireplace were photographs of Wehrmacht soldiers. He spoke English, but with an unmistakable German
accent. Thus he was a German. We introduced ourselves as Canadians,. He was in an exceptionally good humour, as
if he was celebrating something. Shortly he revealed the source of his high spirits. This was the day of the
confrontation between Kennedy and Khrushchev and the Cuban crisis. This news was frightening to us. Because a
war would be a nuclear war... The German felt sure that the war was coming and with it the promise of regeneration
of Lebensraum. The horror of nuclear annihilation did not terrify him... He had television, so we saw what was going
on with our own eyes. He offered us a liqueur. He admitted with pride that he was a Wehrmacht colonel. We thanked
him for helping us and returned with a heavy heart, full of apprehension, to our hotel.We promised ourselves never
in our travels to leave behind our children.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Going home... via Paris, London and Belfast.
We longed for our children.
Luckily, the Cuban crisis was averted.
We had before us visits to London and Belfast. On the way we
stopped in Paris long enough to see in the Louvre Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the
sculptures of Venus de Milo and Amor and Psyche and briefly several
classical sections. I remember best the sculpture ofThe Three Graces. My
first visit to the Louvre was in 1944. Since then it has become my tradition to
visit this museum every time I am in Paris.
Louvre. Canova: The Three Graces.
In London I became acquainted for the first time with my father-in-law. He invited me to his Masonic
Lodge, although to its part accessible only to visitors. It was probably a signal to interest me to stand as a candidate.
To do so requires the support of three members. He did not realize how much I was removed from it and how
foreign to me was the concept of belonging to any secret institution.
On the second day I telephoned the director of the CIBC bank’s branch in London.. He invited me to his
exclusive club for lunch. This meeting, like the one in Zurich, was arranged for me by Charlie Leonard, the director
of my bank in Toronto.
During my career, as well as in my life, I had many people, friends and acquaintances, such as Charlie, who
helped me, often gratuitously. I wonder why? I saw it as a privilege and tried to be worthy of it. I tried to do more
than fulfill my obligations. I exercised integrity and uncompromising honesty. I was anxious not to disappoint
people, clients, co-workers and the family. I aspired to be liked - so prescribed grandma: ‘act so as to be liked by
God and people’.
...I was rumoured to have been liked by the superior sex... Luckily, I did not notice...
There were also people who impeded me in tasks, which I particularly cared about. That was all the more
painful, when I experienced this in my charitable initiatives, where I was dedicating years of my life, much heart
and a lot of money. The largest loser in this was ‘My Small Homeland...
We flew for one day to Belfast, where Bill Gardiner had returned with family from Totronto. He had
inherited from his father a network of branch stores, so they sold Trussco to Bill Teron, who immediately wound up
the firm and in this way got rid of a rival. I made acquaintance with Teron earlier, thanks to his colleague Sawchuk.
Later I even had from him a few small projects. Later still, Teron befriended Pierre Trudeau, Canada’s popular prime
minister. He built for him a swimming pool for free, which then became a great affair.
Bill showed me around his properties and we ended up in the Henry pub.A few weeks later, this pub was
bombed by the underground Irish National Army. Bill survived, although a few years later he died prematurely, not
having reached the age of fifty years, by a heart attack. He smoked too much, drank too much and ate too much...
Returning home was a great relief. We did nor realize, how much we had missed our children. And the
children had missed us, cried and every day asked, when we would be back. At the moment when I crossed the
threshold they threw themselves at me and there was no end of embraces, kisses and chirping... I will never forget
it. Only a mother or father can experience this kind of feeling...
A few days later, we found out that Patricia was expecting another offspring. He was born in July of the
following year. Thus he was conceived in Poland. We called him Grant.
At the office, while satisfied with the results, I was somewhat disappointed. I was disillusioned, - it turned
out, that I was not indispensable. They managed well without me...
I shall return...
All in all, that expedition was a success.
I decided to return... I originated there and from my roots there sprang my
identity, spirituality. ...that I belong there... - that there are deficiencies and needs which, in some measure, I could
remedy - that this was my obligation and an opportunity, that will not repeat itself...
I must leave behind me some footprints there...
The brigadier’s ‘Pied-a-Terre did not pan out, but from it sprang the thought, that something similar could be
worked out in Poland. The currency exchange was favourable. It would be possible to build settlements and housing
complexes for about the same amount of money, as in Spain. Demand would be assured by thousands, mainly Polish
emigres, as a pied-a-terre, or a house, or an investment for their families.
However, I had doubts. Hostile regime, suspicion, the need for contacts, thus signs of corruption... I began,
very carefully, with two projects, or rather concepts.
First idea was a small village on Czorsztyn Lake near the Niedzica Castle. This castle from XIV century,
located on the boundary with what was then Czechoslovakia, was now a house of creative work by the Association
of the Historians of Art. In a straight line, it is 30 km distant from Zakopane. Thus, skiing in winter and rafting on
the Dunajec in the summer, with even a fair beach below the castle. And ‘culture’ inside the castle. A place of
dreams for a spry retiree from Canada. I called this village ‘Kanadiana”.
Kanadiana
The second idea was a project of a
settlement on Zegrzynski Reservoir, a mere 20 km
from the centre of Warsaw. The property was
owned by a local co-op .A marvelous sandy beach,
not far from a pier for ships plying this reservoir,
with their base in Pultusk.
Here, I had under consideration a more
intensive settlement, like a small town, with small
squares and roads only for pedestrians, with more
than 80 houses and parking outside or in an
underground garage... being so close to the Capital.
I visualized potential clients, as not only Polish
emigres, but also families of foreign diplomats,
who at that time had difficulty finding suitable
accommodations in Warsaw.
Year 1962. At the top.
1962 was truly an extraordinary year. The climactic event was, of course, the pilgrimage to Poland, meeting
mother and brother, the discovery of the the homeland’s rich past and my promise of ‘return’.
The idyll at home, the family and Pat, inspired me to further achievements... In my career, clients, as well as
co-workers trusted and believed in my ideas and myself personally. They bestowed upon me the largest number of
new projects, not only in Canada, but in the US and even in thev Bahamas. In the office I had selected a team, with
whom Ithought I could undertake any task.
Lena Lis started working in 1966. A Swede of Polish descent, who later changed my
life. We had working with us Andrew Drews, an architect from a known family ofurgeons in Poznan and Andrew
Drozdowicz, a nephew of Juralewicz, my client. In a career of nearly 50 years I had engaged more than 30 architects,
of whom Drozdowicz, Ron Ellis and Peter Michno were among the best. Drozdowicz later opened his own practice
in San Francisco. He was convincing me, that by utilizing my formula, we could make there a lot of waves. I flew
there to visit him and investigate this. Indeed, he did not exaggerate. Besides, he had good contacts. I was tempted,
but declined this temptation.
However, I did not forget and continually dreamt about possibilities in
Poland. I did not realize then, that I had forged and created of myself an efficient tool of my dreams. I acquired more
faith in the future and trust in my possibilities. Work and sacrifice began to bear fruit supernaturally. I created
around me an atmosphere of success. ‘Luck’ started tobe favourable... However, I remained careful and conscious of
threats.
I purchased a house at 592 Woodbine, where we moved shortly after. In the following year Grant was born
there. The house stood on a large lot and later I constructed there a block of 36 apartments. Today the owner of this
building is Grant himself.
I also bought a 2.6 hectare lot outside the city, on Riviere Rouge and began dreaming of erecting there my
‘temple’, for Pat and my family.
In March of the same year I also bought a new place for my office, at 575 Bloor East, on one of the two main
arteries in Toronto.
Mother in Canada.
Next year I started building the Chata, my ‘temple’. I built it in stages, because my resources were exhausted.
Independently, I convinced myself, that building of the’ temple’ is a process on the scale of lifetime, a work
unfinished - without end. And so it remains to this day...
In 1964 we moved to the unfinished house. The main sleeping room was located on the uppermost floor and we
entered there on a ladder. In 1965 I invited mother to visit us and to show off to her Canada and the house. The
building already had the broad outline, of what I had planned, although there were still many unfinished spaces.
Mother sailed by SS Batory into Montreal. This was her first trip outside the country and the first by ship. The trip
was successful and she liked this adventure very much. The whole family met her at the port and we drove to
Toronto the same day. It took us more than eight hours. She was surprised that we lived so far from Montreal.
Canada is an enormous country and that is only one tenth of the distance from ocean to ocean.
The whole family in the kitchen of ‘Chata’
Mom was not inclined to making compliments, but I sensed that she liked Chata. But she could not understand
why there was so much space. ‘What is that for?’, she asked. The largest, hexagonal room was empty, except for
consoles of antique church organs.
Mother came in, looked and asked, ‘what kind of basilica is this?’.Thus the name ‘basilica’ stuck. Later, my eldest
son Stefan celebrated his wedding here and also here my second son Marek composed his rock hits; here also, Jarek
Abramow-Newerly honored and amused us with his hits. Here we celebrate our yearly family feasts, Christmas Eve,
, Easter, birthdays, name days, receptions and so on.
Basilica’ ready for 'Wigilia', Christmas Eve.
‘
The organs were never mounted. Alex Baran, an organist, son of my superintendent, calculated 30 years ago, that
costs of installation would exceed $25,00 and I paid only $150 for them. So 360 organ-pipes lie in the basement and
await their uncertain future I spent every free moment in mom’s company. She liked to tour the city and its
environs, Niagara and shopping centres, filled with products from all over the world, even from Poland. She was
surprised, for many of these Polish products were not accessible to the average Polish citizen. She liked, as did our
children, the cottage on the lake and picnics on Toronto’s islands. From time to time we drove to the Polish church
of St. Casimir. This excited her, although she was not very religious.
During the week I worked long hours. Mom did not understand English and Patricia and the kids Polish. In our
neighbourhood there were no Poles.. We visited our Polish acquaintances during weekends, but rarely. So there were
long hours for her and Pat without communication. They tried the sign language, but this was difficult and arduous.
Mom had a six-month, but after a few weeks she began to miss her nest, her ‘Polish family’, in Wrzesnia and
Pyzdry. At first she tried not to show it, but after three months, frustrated, said that she would return ‘even on her
knees’, - as soon as possible... So she went back, not by SS Batory, but by the LOT airline, so it would be quicker...
That was her only visit in Canada.
Second journey with the whole family.
The children were growing up. Stefan was already 14 and the youngest Grant seven. I decided it was time to
acquaint them with the country of their ancestors, their cousins, uncles and aunts.
We flew towards the end of July, the six of us,l. For the kids it was incredible fun, their first flight in an airplane..
For me, every expedition to Poland was like a return to the promised land. I was all the time in a state of excitement euphoria. In my plans, I wanted to visit and show the children and Patricia the most precious heritage sites and riches
of Polish culture.We had assigned for this nearly one month.
In Warsaw we were met by almost the entire Polish family, including mother.We took residence in the Metropol
hotel, all thirteen of us. On the same day we walked over to the Palace of Culture. We had been there with Pat
before, but for children it had a lot of pleasant discoveries, the pool in the Palace of Young People and the Warsaw
panorama, observed from the podium on 30th storey. Also there, we visited the Congress Hall and the Museum.
Next day, again on foot, we went through Krakowskie Przedmiescie, Nowy Swiat to the Old Marketplace. On the
way, numerous memorial plaques, the university,palaces, churches. the Statue of Sigismund and the barbican. The
castle was still in ruins. On the way from the Castle Square, we stopped at the Cathedral. We poked around the Old
Marketplace, nearby alleys and souvenir shops. We went as far as the Fortress. We ate lunch at the Bazyliszek
restaurant. For me it was a magnificent adventure in Polish cuisine.. I doubt if Pat and the children were equally
fascinated, although they always liked to eat. Taste also has cultural peculiarities, a question of likes and dislikes
acquired in early childhood. I am extremely fond of paczki (Polish donuts), but my kids prefer McDonald’s.
After lunch we went to the Lazienkowski Park. We saw the amphitheatre, the Water Palace and Belweder and
numerous statues and lesser relics. I cannot remember if we visited them. The Ujazdowski Palace was still in ruins.
Tour de Pologne.
We left Warsaw in a convoy, heading north. After only two hours we reached the gorgeous Mazury, full of
colourful landscapes, lakes, forests and gentle hills. They were reminiscent of the Muskoka-Haliburton regions,
where our cottage was, like two peas in a pod.
Malbork.
After lunch in Olsztyn, we stopped in Malbork. I was astonished at the enormous size of that fortress. It comprises
three separate castles. The higher one, middle, and low one The Grand Master of the Order of Teutonic Knights had
his quarters in the higher castle. It was the largest of their many castles. Malbork was the capital of the Order’s state.
The Teutonic Knights built these fortresses quickly and efficiently. It would be difficult today to match the quality
of the brick, which they were producing then. As mortar, they used the whites of hens’ eggs and they were laid so
precisely, that rarely they exceeded 2 mm.Although the Teutonic Knights came from the cream of western
aristocracy, few could read or write. However, they were efficient craftsmen and warriors, brutal warriors. The Order
was formed during the crusades of XII century. Its official name was: Order of Brothers of the German House of
Saint Mary in Jerusalem. I am intrigued by the duplicity of this organization. Under this name, by pillage, ruse,
killing of innocents, they lorded it over and harassed our ancestors for ages.
Ironically, they were brought over to Mazowsze and later to Pomerania and East Prussia by Polish princes. The
Teutonic Knights lost the historical battle of Grunwald, but they still exist today, although probably are no longer a
threat to anybody.
Gdansk.
Late that evening we arrived in Sopot, where we put up in a hotel. Next day after breakfast we went to the city
centre. I was immediately captivated by Gdansk. We started at the Long Marketplace. What an urbanistic paradise!
Architecture, fountains, no cars. The court of Artus, city hall and Neptune. Nearby Chlebnicka and Mariacka streets
and Mariacka Basilica...
The basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. It can contain close to 30,000 people. When we were
visiting it it was nearly empty, besides the altar and the new organs, reportedly a gift by a former Gdansk citizen
from Germany. The walls and vaults were painted white. There remained ,however, fragments of leather wall
coverings stamped with texts and biblical figures.. According to a parishioner, the whole interior was filled with such
coverings.
The temple was seriously damaged during the war, as was all of Gdansk. The Red Army was destroying the
city even after the war activity ended.
I often ponder, how much cost and suffering our nation has endured by barbaric killing of our people and
destruction of property, most often bythe ostensibly ‘civilized’ and god-fearing neighbours, Germans, Swedes,
Teutonic Knights, the Mongols and our eastern cousins...
Oliwa. Church Organs.
Court of Artus.
Long Market
City Hall.
On the way to the hotel we stopped at the Oliwa Basilica. It is best known for its famous organs.. The Oliwa
organs are the largest in Poland , but they distinguished by the richness of their characteristic sound. The consist of
three organs with a total of 7,876 pipes.By comparison, my organs, which I have never mounted , contain merely
368 pipes.
Each set of church pipe organs is unique, there are no two identical ones. Although known since the Roman
period, they are most often built in churches and concert halls. They are the largest instruments, not comparable to
any other, in size, power and richness of sounds. In many aspects they surpass a symphonic orchestra, although they
are played by only one person.From the Oliwa organs, one can produce sounds imitating singing of birds, peeling of
bells, rustling of the wind, splashing of water and even human voice.
The largest organs ever were built in Atlantic City, USA in the 1920s. They contain 31,114 pipes and weigh more
than 150 tons. A few years back, they suffered serious damage by a hurricane. They are currently being repaired. The
costs of rebuilding are estimated at 200 million dollars...
We entered the basilica... Before crossing the threshold ...Organs, …singing of organs... Sound of organs - to me
unintelligible magic, takes me at once to the enchanted fairyland of dreams, as if in a trance... Although there was no
one by the altar, there were quite a few people. I found a place to hide, on the side by a column... I did not want to
reveal my weak side... Entranced by fugues, toccatas by Bach, by Handel and the improvisations of a first-rate
organist, I lost the sense of time... After half an hour, or maybe an hour later, the organs grew silent... I got up and
saw benches back. She was kneeling... - I did not remember mother on her knees. ...Was she praying, or admiring
Bach?... I was not sure, ...I doubt it... ...and maybe she was thanking God that we were together again... … close,
...but apart...
At that time, foremost European organists were coming to Oliwa to experience the magic of Oliwa’s organs. This
time it was the Maestro from Belgium. Probably the best organ concert, that I ever heard. Incredible occasion...
Next day we stopped for a short visit in Gdynia. Around noon, we found a beach on the Baltic, where Henryk with
family was renting a small camp.The weather was excellent and we tried to take the opportunity to bathe in the sea.
For the kids it was a lot of fun. Mom dipped her feet up to her ankles. I remember, that although it was August, the
water was very cold.
On the way to Wrzesnia, we strayed a little in the Pomeranian region, in order to have a look at colourful small
towns and villages. For a few days we took refuge in Stefan’s place. The cousins very quickly became friends,
although, apart from Alina and me, they did not share a common language. From this base we made daily
excursions, to the cousins in Grzybow, to Pyzdry and Luszczanow, to Poznan and to the ancient fortified settlement
of the Lusitanian culture at Biskupin. Biskupin is not far from Knieja, so we went there too and to Barcin, where I
started going to school. The house in Knieja, where we lived and where Stefan was born, non longer existed.
Walbrzych.
After a few days we started out westward.. We wanted to have a look at the ‘Regained Territories’. Via Poznan
and Zielona Gora, we reached the German border. On the way it was possible to clearly observe traces of war.
Palaces and heritage places in ruins, overgrown with bushes and weeds. Sad, because some of them were reportedly
burned by the new settlers.Out of revenge... and may be this is not ours?... Even to this day, many think are not quite
certain that it is ours, irrevocably. Even scientists wonder whether Lusitanian culture derives from Slav or Germanic
roots. In the long run, membership in the European Union could turn out to be, at least with regard to these
territories, not in our interest. Already today, hundreds of thousands hectares are being purchased illegally by the
pre-war owners and others. They are being aided by Polish agents and Polish lawyers...
Later we reached the Karkonosze Mountains and Szklarska Poreba.
That evening we found a large modern hotel in Walbrzych. It looked empty. There were no cars or buses in the
parking lot.We entered and noted with relief the presence of about five service staff, indicating that the place was
open for business... To our astonishment, incredibly, we were told at reception that there were no free rooms.... ‘No
rooms’ ...At once it got to me, probably all of us understood what was up... And for me, it was like a red cape for a
bull on a Spanish arena... I am, however a guy from Poznan, must play it cool. But it was not easy. I began to revile,
scold and shout at them, since all five of them behind thecounter were conspiring... The direatened to call the police
and was ringing. Good, we will wait for the police... Maybe they will find for us sleeping accommodations in a
prison.... We sat in the lobby and waited... Perhaps half an hour, maybe more. Police did not come... After a while, I
noticed, that Stefan approached the director and handed him his passport or identity card. I do not know what was in
that passport, but at once empty rooms were found...
I never inured myself to the culture of corruption and bribes. Before the war we were convinced that bribes did not
occur in the Poznan region, but only in the Congress and Galicia regions of Poland. This is what we had made
ourselves believe. Later I learned that such practices are not isolated.
The magnates bribed officials and authorities, considering themselves to be above the law, and Jews in order to buy
themselves equality and freedom... The Masons and Mafias have their own arrangements... Corruption like
prostitution, taxes and lawyers have been in existence since the dawn of history. Michelangelo encountered this
while building St. Peter’s Basilica. I experienced this myself in Canada but more of it later...
Krakow.
On the way to Krakow, we stopped over in Wroclaw. We did not see much, because we had only two or three
hours. A shame, because there was so much history and its interesting relics. We stopped also in Katowice, but not
long, because air pollution there reminded me of my last days in London.
In Krakow we had rooms already reserved in Cracovia hotel, so we obviated the adventures that we had
experienced in Walbrzych.
...’Royal city of Krakow’ has majesty, history and charm... What we had seen on postcards and what I had learned
in school does not match what we experienced on site. Krakow is the heart of Polish cultural life, enlightment and
centre of the arts.
We started from the Old Marketplace, a panorama known worldwide: Clothes Hall, St. Mary’s Church, City Hall
Tower. statue of Mickiewicz, church of St. Wojciech. ...The sound of distant street music and pigeon.... We spent
hours revelling in the extraordinary atmosphere.. We were struck by it, especially Pat, which moved me. I attempted
to describe to her and the children, what was here significant, despite my rather limited knowledge. The kids were
more iterested in pigeons. I took pictures, probably hundreds of them, the Clothes Hall from every angle... with St.
Mary’s Church, the City Hall Tower, Mickiewicz statue, children and pigeons... The rest of our group watched the
children and marvelled at the scenes from the benches under the Cklothes Hall... And suddenly the Heynal - played
by a trumpeter from the tower of St. Mary’s Church. I was surprised, having forgotten about it. The children also
were taken aback. I recounted its history and they were thrilled by it...
For lunch we descended into the basement of the City Hall Tower, to a romantic, mystical cafe.
Under the Old Marketplace there are many enigmatic subterranean chambers. Located in one of these is the
famous ‘Piwnica pod Baranami’. After lunch we tried to have a look at it, but it was closed. The walls of the
stairway there was a profusion of graffiti, as if it lay neglected..
One of the stars of Piwnica pod Baranmi was and of the Julius Slowacki Theatre at this time was Maria
Nowotarska. I had the pleasure and honour meet her in Toronto, where she has been living since 1990. She is a star
here also and custodian of Polish culture in Toronto. She founded the Polish theatre here. She is the mother of Peter
and Agata Pilitowska, known actors.
Old Marketplace. St. Mary’s Church, Clothes Hall and Tower of the City Hall. Historical view.
After lunch we entered the Clothes Hall. A splendid, more than 100 metre long hall, with stalls full of souvenirs
and folk arts and crafts, on both sides. Each stall had its own entrance from the arcade outside. The hall was like a
very large gallery of art products for sale. Pictures, mountaineer sculptures, porcelain, ceramics, embroidery and
tapestry. We were delighted. We all looked for souvenirs. For myself I singled out a tapestry item, the work of a
known artist, which reportedly received an award in some vernissage. Made of rough well it represented
Twardowski on the moon, with a panorama of Krakow below. The colours and the subject would fit in the ‘
‘Basilica’ in our Chata. Problem, the cost, $600! Even for us it was a large sum. In Poland at that time, one could
probably buy an apartment for this.. However, I could not get it off my mind - Polish tapestry in the Basilica! After
going away and coming back a few times, I finally bought it. When mom found out how much I paid, she was
convinced that her sonny boy was crazy, - she eyed me suspiciously, incredulously.
.
Concert in St. Mary’s Church.
One more item remained in that day’s programme, to see the Altar of Wit Stwosz in St. Mary’s church. I
explained to Pat and the children about the value of this work of art.
Just like in Oliwa, before we crossed the threshold of the door, we heard again the sound of music. I was surprised
that it was not organs, but a symphonic, or rather chamber orchestra, since I do not remember seeing a conductor.
The players did not exceed 30 in number. It was not sacral music, but probably Mozart. He was not yet then one of
my favourite composers.
I always associated church with organ music and choir. Although the unforgettable beginning of my love for
music originates in Wrzesnia’s parish church, when the powerful organs were accompanied by soprano voices and a
graceful violin.
We sat timidly in the back in order not to interrupt. The altar-piece panels were closed .
However, I was beguiled by the subject of music and artwork of the church. I asked myself why? Because Mozart
fits in, not only in his Masses but in the sonatas and symphonies. Also Monteverdi, ...and Bach, Vivaldi, Berlioz,
Dworak and Lutoslawski, Penderecki and Kilar... and Bono....
After all, music, art and religion are an affair and language of the soul. From here are derived objects of
refinement and cravings convert intofeelings of nobility, love and into creativity, ...giving rise to a sense of beauty
andculture is born.
For ages, church was the patron of these values, … the custodian and author of the most marvelous
masterpieces of architecture, art and music...
‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci, ‘Pieta’ by Michelangelo, … St.Mary’s Altar by Wit Stwosz, the
most famous art works are subject-matter of the soul...
Pieta by Michelangelo
The greatest artists and composers... Great Masses, Oratorios. ...Mozart composed Masses and Requiem...
One of them accompanied Pope John Paul, during his ‘coronation’ mass in St. Paul’s Basilica, in the Vatican... The
pinnacles of Architecture, Cathedrals, Vatican, Notre Dame, Lubien and hundreds others …and statues.
The statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro, built by our countryman, Paul Landowski. In 2007 that object was
named one of the seven wonders of the world...
Why not , therefore, bring forth and broaden this subject, as a mission?... Why not view churches as temples
of music and art, theatres and galleries... ...a wellspring of exaltation, inspiration and creativity? ...A homage to the
soul... - In the Vatican, in St. Mary;s Church, in parish church of Wrzesnia in the little church of St. Michael, the
Archangel in Grzybowo... for music and art are the language of the soul...
...With so many churches in Poland, so many splendid, incredible temples,...cathedrals, … and small
wooden churches...
During the Mozart intermission, we slipped out into a side nave and walked towards the Wit Stwosz altar.
Although the panels were closed, there was much to admire. On the extrerior, , the panels display 12 bas-reliefs,
scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary. Above the panels there is a scene from the coronation of Mary, and on each
side, larger than life-sized figures of Sts. Wojciech and Stanislaus. I was surprised to find out that the dimensions of
the triptych, when opened, were 11 by 13 metres. It is the largest Gothic altar retable in Europe.
Altar of Wit Stwosz
In 2003 Michael Batkiewicz finished a precise replica of the Wit Stwosz Altar, on the scale of 1:3 in the
largest Polish church in Chicago. It took him eight years, four years less less than it took Wit Stwosz. The church of
St. Jan Kanty was built towards the end of the XIX century. Also in Chicago, older than it was the church of St.
Stanislaus Kostka, which was constructed in 1867.
According to the findings of David Reed, my distant American relative, the families of our ancestors, who
had left Poland after the January 1963 Uprising, probably worshipped in one or both these churches.
The next day allotted for visiting Wawel. We also visited later the Florianska Gate and the Barbican.
In 1978 Wawel was listed by UNESCO, as a world heritage site. And in our history and in our hearts it is
probably the most precious jewel of our history.
On the way to the hill it feels like pilgrimage. One passes by defensive ramparts, turrets, towers, gates and
statues.. Wawel was, of course, since the dawn of ages, a fortress. On top of the hill we were surprised to see an
enormous square and on it various buildings, churches, a museum, a gallery, a seminary. etc. Within this complex,
the most important are the Cathedral and the Royal Castle.
We spent most of the time in the Cathedral. Here, most of our kings were crowned and the remains of 19 of
them also rest here. Among them are Lokietek, Jagiello, Casimir the Great and Sobieski. Here also lie the remains of
St. Jadwiga, of the poets Mickiewicz, Slowacki and Norwid and commanders Kosciuszko, Pilsudski and Sikorski.
We did not visit the Jagiellonian University, the best university in Poland, according to international
rankings. It counted among its students Copernicus, Jan Sobieski, Norman Davies and John Paul II. My son Marek
also studied there, although only two summer courses on culture and Polish language. He is the only one of my
descendants , who can communicate in Polish.
Wawel on a XVI century illustration
Auschwitz . Oswiecim.
The next morning we went to Oswiecim, to the former extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
We were not sure if we should bring our children? … In the end, we took them; I tried to explain to them the
what and why.... It was hard for me to understand, - why?.. War, hate, ideology.... How was it possible, by one of the
most cultural nations?... - at night he reads Goethe and plays or listens to Bach, or Beethoven, the same ones as I do;
then in the morning goes to work, tortures and murders hundreds of innocents... ...mothers and children...
We surveyed the barracks with bunks, similar to those, which I had slept on in the gulag, rows of of high
wire fences, gas chambers, crematoriums, „the wall of death‟... ...heaps of human hair and dentures, torn out of
corpses, collected in a room with the ironic name, „Canadian‟, which at once became national assets of the III
Reich... ...mind numbing...
I read the names on the commemorating panels. Polish names... … At the time it was not yet said that they
were mostly Jews... Although in Auschwitz I, which we visited, died close to 100,000 victims, almost exclusively
Poles and Soviet prisoners... ...On boards, hung on individual buildings, I looked for names of relatives and
acquaintances... In 1971 I still did not know, who died and who survived...
In neighbouring Birkenau (Brzezinka) nearly 1 million Jews perished. The bestial machine of Prussian
efficiency killed here 20,000 daily... ...incredible...
To this day the number of those killed in this camp has not been determined. The Soviets aqppraised that
number at 4 million, and many agreed. But the latest investigations place it at only 1,100,000...
The Aushwitz camp is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
It is sad, that many people, not only in Israel and USA, are convinced that Poles were collaborators in the
holocaust. Here is a sentence, that appeared in the recent edition of the Canadian „Catholic Register:
„How could nominally Christian countries, such as Germany, Romania and Poland, voluntarily conspire
with the Nazis in their attempt to annihilate the Jewish nation‟.
This kind of calumny is regarded in many countries, in Canada as well, as a crime if directed at Jews. Some
people protested, but no one referred the matter to a court. Maybe that law does not affect others?...
In cruelty and crimes against humanity, Hitler was matched by Stalin - Katyn, gulags and millions who died
of famine in Ukraine.
What Americans had done to millions of native Indians, their original citizens, perhaps merits the
designation of genocide... And what about Guantanamo Bay and Bereza Kartuska - probably a related
phenomenon?...
Wieliczka. Underground hotel.
In the afternoon we drove to Wieliczka. For the children and not only, this was an incredible experience. Within a
space of three weeks,they beat their life records for attaining their highest heights in the sky and their lowest depths
underground..Tunnels, drifts, gorges, plazas on several horizons, chambers, lakes..., shafts, market with stalls,
museum pieces,miners‟ art,hospital and cathedral made of salt... Sculptures of saints and heroes, even chandeliers of
salt crystals. 300 km of drifts and crosscuts, although only 1% only accessible to tourists. Incredible... Besides the
hosts, who had come earlier, we were all astounded. Unbelievable... One thing are postcards and school lessons;
another is to explore it yourself.... Some call this mine „Polish underground salt cathedral.‟
The history of this mine goes back to XIII century. In 1978 it was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage
site.
„We praise others‟ things, but do not know what we have‟.
Wieliczka. St. Kinga‟s Chapel.
I became interested in rehabilitation hospital for people suffering from diseased breathing vessels. Why, instead of
one room, not build something like a hotel for tourists with such disorder?
The mine is characterized by a microclimate. The air is rich in manganese, magnesium, calcium and sodium
chloride.. There is a fixed temperature and pressure....
I have collected plenty of information and added this idea to a list of my Polish projects....
Wieliczka‟ in Chicago (clipping frrom Time Magazine, 7/04/2008) Artificial salt chamber for health and relaxation. Salt imported from Wieliczka. I
considered doing something like this more than 30 years ago; maybe it‟s not too late...
End of superb vacations.
We returned to Wrzesnia via Kielce and Lodz.
Stefan, who was already 14, had taken a liking to Komar, a sort of a bicycle, but with a small engine. It could have
been bought in parts for $50, so
we had ordered it before leaving.
The parcel came in after a few
weeks. He put it together himself
and this was the beginning of his
life passion...
A few days after we flew from
Warsaw on the way home. In
Copenhagen, while waiting for
the Montreal flight, KLM
arranged for us a memorable
promotional feast. It was good
publicity and to this day, I
associate KLM with friendly
hospitality.
1977 Christmas in Zakopane.
A few years went by. I decided
to spend Christmas of 1977 with
the family from Wrzesnia. I had
not yet reconciled myself with my divorce with Patricia in 1973. I missed the warm family feeling. And at the same
time I wanted to move with my projects, Canadiana, Wieliczka and the settlement on the Zegrzynski Reservoir, a
step ahead. I took with me Mark, Grant and skis... Skiing was our favourite winter sport, mine, of my children and
even of Pat. An excellent opportunity to crown this visit with adventures on Kasprowy Wierch.
We arrived in Wrzesnia on 20 December. We took up quarters at Stefan‟s. Mom still had her room there. It was
then that I confided in her and the rest of the family, that I was divorced with Patricia. Although divorces have been
known since Roman times, this was the first such event in our family. I felt uncomfortable... as if I had sinned, as
that could also be explained...
For Christmas Eve we moved to Henryk‟s place in Pyzdry. He had just finished there a building for the Co-Op
Bank where he worked, in the same place, in the same position of director, for 50 years. Only a Scot or a Poznan
denizen is capable of this kind of „marathon‟...I admired him, because he was very modest and I did not expect such
talents from him. Not only did he build this imposing edifice for the bank, but also an apartment for himself, where
he stayed throughout his career, using the bank‟s money!... I never dared to ask if he paid rent for that apartment.
Undoubtedly, he did, for he was and is very scrupulous and upright. Earlier during his bank career, he devised a new
method of accountancy, which was adopted by many other Polish banks...
That was the only bank in Pyzdry. On the ground floor of this building were the offices of the bank and upstairs
was their apartment.on the same level was a large hall for meetings of the bank‟s management. It also served as a
room for their family receptions.
Elzunia prepared for us an excellent Christmas Eve supper. Members of the family had come from Wrzesnia,
Grzybowo, Luszczanow, aunt Stasia Bachorz and Driemelowie from Poznan. A blessed wafer, probably more than
12 courses and Elzunia‟s incomparable paczki. I do not recall any singing of Christmas carols. Poznan folks, unlike
those from Lwow, do not sing, they celebrate seriously, sadly... Although, no doubt, krupnik was flowing. Heniek
had a fairly large apiary in Gonczyki, where we had lived before the war and had the reputation of being the best
krupnik maker in the district. He keeps this apiary to this day and is passionate about his honey, but I have not heard
anything about krupnik. Pity...
Zakopane.
In Canada winter sports are very popular. Although Toronto is on the same latitude as Rome, the climate is very
much like in Wrzesnia. But in northern Ontario, snow and frost can be expected in June or August.
I like to practise sports. I remember skating on the Struga in Grzybowo. I learned skiing from my Austrian
acquaintance, Ted Fitzelmen, in Collingwood, 120 km north of Toronto, on Lake Huron. It was 1954 and the start of
a skiing centre, which was initiated there by Jozo Weider, a Slovak immigrant. At the time there were two ski-lifts,
one with a line only about 50 m long, the second somewhat longer with sleds. Although the hill is less than 300 m
high, Jozo built this centre, third largest in Canada. Today there are 13 fast automated lifts, which can serve 13
thousand skiers daily and more than 30 downhill slopes. All slopes use artificial snow machines and large
bulldozers (ratraks) for packing the snow, which ensure comfortable and secure conditions for skiers.
At the bottom of the hill, grew a small town with thousands of apartments for tourists (pieds-a-terre) , hotels, golf
courses, a dozen or so restaurants, a tavern and a shopping centre.
Hard not to admire Jozo, a poor immigrant from Slovakia, that he had created a multi-billion enterprise.
In the mid-sixties, all of us, including Patricia and the youngest, Grant had skis and skates. Near Chata, I evened
the ground and in winter poured water over it for a hockey rink. Later Stefan took this over and broadened it along
paths between trees and higher ground. There was plenty of fun for our children and children from the
neighbourhood and, of course, for us. Later we went skiing every year, not only to Collingwood, but to other skiing
resorts in Quebec, Vermont in USA in the Rocky Mountains, in Banff and Lake Louise. This passion stayed with
my family and today nearly all my grandchildren practise this sport...
On 26 December we left Wrzesnia for Zakopane by train, via Krakow. We were joined by my brothers and Celek,
Leszek and Heniu, cousins of Mark and Grant. We put up at a local Farmer‟s house, which was reserved for us by a
friend in Toronto. Next day we made an excursion to Kasprowy Wierch. It seemed to us a little odd, to have to
reserve a gondola, as if this was for an airplane flight or a trip by train. It had to be for a specific time and either one
way or both.
It was a beautiful day which gave rise to a brilliant scenery. But the wind was quite strong and produced snowdrifts.While we waited for the weather to improve, We had the best zurek (a sour soup) , that I ever tasted in a very
nice restaurant at the top of the Wierch. After lunch it got warmer, but the wind did not change. We decided to ride
downhill, - Mark, Grant, Celek and I. For Celek it was the first skiing adventure and he struggled a great deal, but
did not give up and mastered this sport heroically. The course and the conditions were not the best. Wind, drifts and
most dangerous: exposed rocks, some covered only by a veneer of snow. This did not amuse me, so I made only one
run, as did Celek. Mark and Grant, who was only seven at the time, kept repeating these runs until dusk. On the last
one, in near darkness and wind, they went astray. Luckily without accident, but it took them about two hours before
they were found.
In the following days we visited the vicinity and admired the marvelous scenery. One day we travelled to
Niedzica, but, apart from the caretaker, we found no one to discuss my plan for Kanadiana.
We were looking for a restaurant, where we could bid farewell to the year and greet New Year. After many
attempts we found, not a restaurant, or a tavern, but a cellar in a roadside cottage, which the local farmer had
transformed into an improvised pub. By a wall there was a smoking fireplace, with a large pot of bigos on top. The
cellar was full of celebrating skiers, who were not easy to make out in these clouds of smoke. While choking with
smoke, we devoured the bigos, washing it down with beer, the kids probably with water. We survived to see New
Year. Unforgettable New Year‟s Eve.
‘Arrest’ at the airport.
In the evening we parted with brothers an cousins. Together with Mark and Grant, we reserved two sleeping
compartments and during the night we reached Warsaw by train. We slept very well, because we passed the Main
Station and awoke on the East Station.. I was in a panic, fearing that we would miss our flight. However, it was still
early and the streets were empty. We managed to reach the airport in time. At the airport there were still traces of the
US Pesident Carter, who had been hosted two days earlier by premier Gierek.
There was not enough time, however, for a meal, to buy souvenirs, or to make currency exchange. An official
scrupulously checked our luggage and asked if I had Polish money. I answered that I do have a few zloty.‟ How
many‟?. „I don‟t know‟. I really did not know. „Please give me your wallet‟. I gave him my wallet and he found
there 11,000 zloty... In Poland then, it was a considerable sum, but for us the equivalent of two hours‟ work... „Do
you know, that removal of Polish currency abroad is a crime?‟ I knew of these regulations, but not that it was a
crime. I became impatient, because I had plenty of work waiting for me in the office.. I told him that they can have
this cash and let us go, so that we would not miss this flight, because the next one leaves in a few days! He called his
superior. „We have to prepare a report‟. I was becoming furious. They did not like my attitude. They took me to a
side room. I told the superior, that if they were to hold us and we missed this flight, tomorrow‟s papers in Canada
would publish headings, that they had arrested three innocent Canadians!... They told me to undress and searched me
like in the soviet gulags. At least one hour went by and I was sure that the airplane had left. They brought in a twopage report and ordered me to sign. „I will not sign anything!‟ … I did not even try to read anything. After a while
they softened their posture. „You must understand, this is the law and we have no alternative. It is merely a report of
what happened.‟ I relented and signed.
They led us out of the building. To our surprise, our LOT airplane still waited for us, I suspect that from one and a
half to two hours...
After a few weeks mom received a notice for me to report on a specified date at a Court in Warsaw. I was
surprised, because I was convinced that by now they had forgotten and it ended with the report. I had no intention to
to fly back, but I feared that otherwise it my have negative consequences for „Kanadiana‟, „Wieliczka‟ and the
settlement on the Zegrzynski Reservoir.
I went to the local consul and acquainted him with this matter. A few weeks later. mom again received a long
letter from the court.The process was suspended, the confiscated funds were transferred to mother‟s account, since it
was in the interest of the People‟s Republic to do so. Because it concerned „an important and valued Canadian
industrialist‟. I was neither an industrialist, nor important. However, I was „reprieved‟ thanks to „Kanadiana‟ and
similar ideas. Intentions count, even for those separated by ideologies.
I would even say, that between enemies, it is better for both sides, to succeed in finding common interest, rather
than to strive for confrontation....
2. H A B E M U S P A P A M.
John Paul II.
1978. Our Pope.
On 16 October, 1978, Jim MacKenzie called to congratulate me. Why?! What occasion? Don‟t you know? The
newly chosen Pope is Polish!... „I don‟t believe it, it must be a joke, a mistake!... It‟s true!... he said, as if proud , that
while he was a protestant and a mason, because the Pope was a countryman of his friend.... Probably Cardinal
Wyszynski?... No, but I cannot remember his name... I phoned my friend, Ros Zablocki. „Oh yes‟, he said
triumphally, enthusiastically, a Polish Pope - Cardinal Karol Wojtyla!!‟... ...I did not remember that name...
Reportedly, he visited us, here in Toronto, two years ago. Doesn‟t matter, but Polish... Slowacki‟s prophecy has
been fulfilled...
It is difficult to describe the extent of enthusiasm, pride and jubilation of our countrymen spread all over the
world... It would have been hard to recreate what was happening in my heart.!?... Probably one of the greatest events
in my life...
Humiliated in our vagrancy, „Polacks‟, „white negroes‟, unwanted by others and our own... Suddenly, we became
legitimate children with a pedigree.... Suddenly, the world found us on a map... All at once Mme. Curie became
Sklodowska, Conrad became Korzeniowski and Copernicus Kopernik and those who had fought in the Battle of
Britain... were all Poles.
In Poland the soul of the nation became reincarnated.
In Moscow - fears, although the Pope was without an army.
Karol Wojtyla in Rome.
I learned that the inauguration to the pontificate would take place on 22 October.I had to be there!...
I called George Lucki, the travel agent, who together with his daughter Helen Munoz, whose agency was
located on Roncessvalles St. and who had arranged my travels to Poland and elsewhere abroad. Unfortunately they
were fully booked But told me to call the Congress of Canadian Polonia where Mrs Kremblewska was organizing a
pilgrimage by charter flight. I called;
one place remained, I immediately supplied a cheque for the ticket and hotel.
In the plane, I met a young reporter, weighted with cameras, whose task was to produce a documentary film. He
needed help. I proposed to act as his helper and he agreed. I also had my own small Sony camera, not as
professional.
We stayed in a small hotel, near the Vatican, within walking distance. In that hotel i met several prominent people
from Toronto. Ed Broadbent represented the federal government, although an opposition socialist, but evidently a
Catholic. Harpur, a known reporter and Anglican theologian, Kaneff, a little Bulgar, probably Orthodox, but a proud
Slav. Today, he is one of the largest developers in Toronto, despite his size.
I also met John Kaszuba, whom I got to know towards the end of the 1940s in London. Even then he was busy
organising and in other activities. We were friends, although often our views differed. He became active in Polish
emigrant activities on a world scale. He died a few months ago in Toronto. Hail to his memory!...
The streets of Rome were filled with pilgrims. Polish competed with Italian. Polish flags everywhere...
Today even the communists are Catholics... Instead of Moscow they discovered Rome,... and the West... Today
maybe we are the same, We and They - Ours... ...beginning of a great hope?...
We celebrated, because this was an epochal event, although I doubt if anyone had the idea of its scale...
Inauguration.
Early in the morning of the Inauguration day, the reporter and I, loaded with cameras, set out for St. Peter‟s
Square. It was already crowded. We were able, nevertheless, by looking professional, to find very strategically
convenient places. In the hours following, the square was filled with hundreds of thousand pilgrims and during the
celebration, in adjacent alleys, all the way to the Tiber , the total probably totalled more than a million faithful.
John Paul elected for a simple form of the Inauguration to the Pontificate for these celebrations, instead of the
traditional observations of the Coronation. On a platform before the entrance to the Basilica an altar was built. On
the same level to the right, were places for hundreds of dignitaries, kings, presidents and other prominent people.
And on the left, for eminent churchmen, cardinals, archbishops and the choir. The weather was ideal. A million
faithful and hundreds of distinguished people shortly filled out the places on St. Peter‟s Square. The reporter and I
occupied the second row, although plenty of open space separated us from the altar.
Crowds of the Faithful on St. Peter‟s Square
The peeling of bells and far off voices of the choir signalled the start of the celebrations. Shortly after , from the
gates of the Basilica, emerged a procession with John Paul. A High Mass was combined with the Inauguration.
Festivities, rites, communion for thousands, blessing, homilies, replete with meanings and historical traditions lasted
more than two hours. The faithful prayed and clapped their hands, which looked to me rather odd, but apparently is
normal in Italy.
1978. Inauguration
We made photos and films continuously. I have hundreds of them to this day. They wait until I find some
time to make a video out of this.
Two exceptional moments were fixed in my memory. The handing of the Fisherman‟s Ring, was the
symbolic beginning of the Pontificate of the new Pope. Later, each cardinal in symbolic obedience paid homage to
the pope, kneeling and kissing his Fisherman‟s Ring.
When it came to Cardinal Wyszynski‟s turn, John Paul got up,put his arms around him and both, for long
moments, stood still in an embrace. This tableau remained a symbol of this extraordinary gesture by our New Pope
and a signal of what we can expect from him. Slowacki undoubtedly blessed this historical moment.
In the midst of discord
The Lord strikes a gigantic bell,
Thus leaving open a throne
For a Slavonic Pope...
Juliusz Slowacki
From this derives the beginning of my love for John Paul... I adore Him, for He gave us and me personally, so
much pride, so many values, so much enthusiasm... he reincarnated and enriched our identity... and our soul...
Later he conquered the greatest „evil empire‟, - without an army...
And placed Poland on the map and revived pride and patriotism in our hearts.
Reception for Polonia in the Nervi Assembly Hall.
On the following Wednesday, a meeting was arranged for Polish pilgrims from all over the world, in a
modern, imposing Assembly Hall, adjacent to the Basilica. This building was planned by the famous Italian
Engineer-Architect, Pier Luigi Nervi. The Hall‟s name derives from him. of the most distinctive elements of this
Hall is a 20-metre bronze sculpture, La Resurrezione.
The hall was filled to the brim. After informal introductory remarks, the Pope came down from the stage to
be with us. He did not begrudge his time, passed through the entire length of this enormous Assembly Hall. He
chatted, joked and shook hands with everybody within his reach. I stood on a chair and filmed this affair, When he
approached, I extended one hand, while the other one looked him straight in the eyes. He shook my hand and looked
into the camera with his typical smile.
It will be a key fragment of my video from these celebrations.
Rosary in the bus. Heroes and Barbarians.
The next day we went on an excursion to Monte Cassino. For me it was a very emotional pilgrimage. Were it not
for General Leopold Okulicki, „Niedzwiadek‟, I would certainly have been fighting at Monte Cassino and probably
resting in that cemetery.
Shortly after leaving Rome‟s suburbs, John Kaszuba got up with a rosary in hand and initiated praying, in the
noisy and shaking bus. A young priest, who sat next to me, looked at me incomprehensibly, either surprised,
envious, or embarrassed. The majority joined in, but the priest and I kept silent. It seemed to me that singing
Czerwone Maki na Monte Cassino of Ref-Ren would have been more appropriate. But John liked to lead and maybe
could not sing, but the herd followed easily...
We rode directly into the cemetery. I was amazed and touched... Before me a thousand graves of my comrades.
Most of them I did not know, but we travelled the same routes. The cemetery was magnificent, well cared for, with
an excellent view of the monastery, which was completely rebuilt. The cemetery was built by the surviving
comrades, already in 1945.
John mobilized us at once by the grave of gen. Wladyslaw Anders. He spoke with pride about the battle and the
Polish victory at Monte Cassino. He impressed us with the details of that historical fight. He knew every hill, every
stream, almost every rock. It seemed to us that he had fought here. Later, when I asked him by what route he had
reached Monte Cassino, he said that he never had been here. He joined II Corps after his release from a
concentration camp in Germany. Simply, the history of the Corps interested him.
Polish cemetery with rebuilt monastery at Monte Cassino.
I looked for the graves of my pals from the Soviet taiga, Iraq and the officer cadet school. I found only a few,
although not ones closest to me.. I did not find the grave of my commander, lieutenant Winiarski.
Later we rode uphill to the monastery. The Italian government rebuilt it painstakingly. It was one of the oldest and
most valuable relics of the past.
I was surprised that the monks noticeably ignored us, but showed much courtesy to the German tourists. Such are the
footprints and results of war, … for many, heroes are barbarians....
We won, but of their blessed heritage building, since 524, we left only rubble.
On 15 February 1944 American bombers dropped more than 1,000 tons of bombs on this monastery, although at
the time there were no traces of Wehrmacht there. This was confirmed by the US general Keyes, who flew over the
monastery several times, in an unarmed aircraft at a height of only 4000 metres. Marshall Kesselring also notified
the Allies, that he had not included the monastery in his plans for defence. Nevertheless, below, in the steep rocks of
this hill they carved out strategic positions, from which they dominated the field of battle.
The bombing left the monastery in rubble and killed more allied soldiers, monks and civilians than Germans.. 16
bombs were dropped 27 km away from the monastery, one of these just a few metres from the allied headquarters,
where the US commander, gen. Mark Clark was working at his desk.
Following the bombing, units of the famous German First Paratroopers Division took control of the ruins of the
abbey and transformed them into a fortress, which later caused serious problems for the Polish Corps.
Battle of Monte Cassino
The Battle of Monte Cassino was essentially was essentially the Battle for Rome .It actually totalled four battles. It
took a toll of 54,000 victims on the Allied side and more than 20,000 German losses. Our Corps lost more than 1,000
dead and almost 3,000 wounded.. Within it fought 13 Allied divisions, American, British, French, Indian, New
Zealand, Canadian and,of course, Polish, third and fifth division of II Corps.
The first battle started on 17 January with an attack by three British divisions (56th, 4th and 46th). The British,
despite an initial advance, did not take advantage of the circumstances. They lost 4,000 victims. In the next attack,
on 20 January, American 36th division took part. After 48 hours of fierce fighting it lost lost 2,100 soldiers.The 141
Regiment suffered 80% losses. On 24 January, American 34th division made an assault from the east, aided by a
French Corps from the north. It took the Americans eight days to build a bridge-head on the west bank of Rapido
river. On 31 January two French divisions bogged down after heavy fighting. They suffered 2,500 losses. On 11
February, after three days of trying, the Americans withdrew. They were replaced by 2nd New Zealand division and
4th Indian. This was the beginning of the second battle.
After long controversial deliberations, whether or not to bomb the monastery, frustrated by setbacks, US general
Clark turned to Sir Harold Alexander, commander of the Allied troops in Italy and asked: „Give me an order and I
will execute it‟. And so he did. After a day of bombing by the American Flying Fortresses and by allies‟ artillery, the
monastery was reduced to a pile of rubble and smoke. The Vatican called it officially, „a colossal mistake., ...an
example of abominable stupidity‟.
The German paratroopers immediately adapted this ruin into a fortress. 1,000 tons of bombs could not entirely
demolish four-metre thick walls rising 40 metres above Monte Cassino. Immediately following the night
bombardment, a company of the First Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regimen attacked point 593, on the way to the
monastery. It lost 50% of its people and withdrew. Next night, the whole Regiment repeated the same attempt, with
similar results. The Regiment lost 12 of its 15 officers and 162 of its 313 soldiers.
In the main attack of the night of 17 February participated the remnants of the Sussex Regiment and famous units
of the Indian Army, Rajputana and Ghurka, along with the 28th Battalion of Maoris from New Zealand. This attempt
also ended in defeat.
Exhausted by failures, the Allies decided to wait for better weather.... So, that the third battle commenced on 15
March by bombardment from the air and 746 artillery guns, aided by British 78th infantry division. The objective of
this attack was to occupy the town and railway station of Cassino together with capturing of the abbey. A few days
later, on 23 March, it became apparent, that the winners were not the Allies, but, as stated the Allied commander
himself, general Alexander, „the best division of the German army, First Paratroopers Division.‟ The losses on both
sides were serious. The 4th Indian Division lost 3,000 people and the New Zealanders 1,600.
Polish II Corps
Finally victory.
For the ultimate battle of Monte Cassino, general Alexander brought in from the Adriatic front Polish II Corps
(3rd and 5th Divisions), commanded by general Wladyslaw Anders and British XIII Corps. General Alexander‟s
strategy was to charge II Corps with capturing Monte Cassino, by first attacking from the east across Rapido river,
later by a „hook‟ in the direction of the abbey from the north. At the same time, British XIII Corps was to encircle
the monastery along the valley of Liri river and attack from the south.
In this fourth battle also fought the American II Corps which was advancing in the direction of Anzio along
the Mediterranean Sea.. Between American units and British XIII Corps, in the Arunci Mountains, fought two
division of the French Corps. Canadian I Corps was in reserve, ready when needed.
II Corps had had a key and most difficult task. It was the farthest extended unit north of Monte Cassino, it
was exposed and threatened by Wehrmacht from the north and by the division of paratroopers on the south. The
remaining armies, south of the abbey, were protected by their neighbours, in case of Americans by the sea and the
French on the right wing.
The first assault began on 11 May, by masssive bombardment from 1,600, including Polish, cannons. One of
the artillery operators was the famous „Wojtek”, adopted already in Iran by Polish soldiers ...a bear. Immediately
after began attacks from all four fronts. II Corps, despite its difficult position, after three days of brutal fighting and
large losses, established a bridge-head on the west side of Rapido river and reached the mountains to the north of the
monastery. The fighting was extremely dogged. The combatants were even using knives, rifle butts and fists. Nearly
3,000 soldiers died there and 3,000 were wounded. Heilmann noted, that the field of battle reminded him of Verdun
from WWI.
Polish Flag on Monte Cassino.
On 17 May the Poles repeated their attack on the mountain and on the following day, the 12th Regiment of
Podolian Lancers captured Monte Cassino and placed the Polish flag on top of the ruins.
From the summit of Monte Cassino, the rubble of the abbey, resounded the Heynal of St. Mary...
On 23 May, Polish units attacked that most formidable First Paratrooper Division and on the 25th defeated
them and captured Piedimonte. The Gustav Line was breached.
On 4 June the allies entered Rome. It would be hard not to be proud of the sacrifice and heroism of my
comrades, but I question, and thousands of mothers ask, if that glory was worth the costs? So much pain, so many
tears, so much blood...
Pope In Poland. (2-10 June, 1979)
Some conquered by the use of arms, but our Pope by the power of spirit,and soul, without arms. The Pope
believed in his mission, believed that he was led by Providence. His opponents in Moscow and Warsaw believed,
that He was a threat to to the Soviet Europe...
His pilgrimage to Poland, to his Homeland, was the first step in his challenge:
„May your Spirit descend and revive the face of the world. This world!‟
This motto gave start to „Solidarity‟, and was the first meaningful step in the Odyssey to Freedom... It was
one of the great dramas of our times. It t was a new pageinf the history of the world..
From 10 in the morning, on 2 June 19 when the Pope landed in Okecie and kissed „his holy ground‟, bells
were peeling from the Baltic to the Tatras, from east to west borders... … „Boze cos Polske‟...
...To see the Pope came ...millions... to the Capital, Gniezno, Czestochowa, to Krakow, - twice to
Zebrzydowska Calvary, Wadowice, Oswiecim and Nowy Targ... - like an avalanche, came waves of humanity,
through fields, on paths, roads, on foot , on bicycles, on trains, from all corners of the country, …as if in a trance,
...for „revelation of messiah‟... a Polish Messiah, to hear a sacred word... … of hope... … and promise, …like of
salvation...
… We want the Lord...
2 June 1979. Warsaw. Victory Square.
Young, old, urban and country, pious devout and even „They‟... ...because now all are „We‟...
For a few days, the face of Moscow was eclipsed. Millions discovered themselves and realized they had their
own strength... that we are a Nation … ...‟Poles then voted with their feet‟, said bishop Pieronek... „Something must
have happened...”Solidarnosc” came into being, recalled Rocco Buttiglione, an Italian minister... ...A revolution
started... The Pope was concerned, that no blood should be shed. None was, but it could have been... … Twelve
years later the Soviet empire ceased to exist...
Poland became the hinge on which history swung back.
Pope and the Foundation of the Children of Wrzesnia in Canada
World Youth Day is a celebration of Catholic faith by youth, which was initiated by John Paul.
In 2002 it was celebrated in Canada between 23 and 28 July. This was the last World Youth Day for John Paul.
For this congress came hundreds of thousands of young people, not only Catholic, from all over the world.
In our Chata we hosted a pilgrimage of young people from Wrzesnia, Miloslaw, Pyzdry and Nekla, which we had
organized through the Foundation of the Children of Wrzesnia. The climax of these celebrations were four
unforgettable events in Toronto. Not counting cultural festivals, concerts, exhibitions, seminars, etc.
Delegation of FCW during WYD in Toronto at the reception for Polonia with Cardinal Glemp .
These were extraordinary, incomparable, unforgettable events.
On 25 July, 2002, Pope John Paul II was in the Exhibition Park.
On 26 July the Road of the Cross passed through the wide boulevard of University Avenue. We never did
experience anything like it. It was more than a procession, it was a spectacle on the scale of Hollywood.
On 27 July, pilgrimage on foot to the locale of the climactic Mass at the Downsview Airport, where
throughout the night, more than 800,000 young people kept
vigil. They were not bothered by a downpour. When we got
there with our Wrzesnia pilgrims before 4 a.m., the next day,
we came across thousands of tents, umbrellas, temporary
shelters, made of cardboard. But the faces of these young
ones were beaming... Incredible!... We found there a space
for ourselves, although probably a kilometre away from the
raised altar. From time to time it still rained. We had
umbrellas, but even so we were wet.
Before the Mass, the sky miraculously cleared. The
sun, with breaks, accompanied John Paul through the Mass,
which he conducted himself. About a million faithful young
people participated.
They were inspired by this remarkable Man, already
in the twilight of his life, John Paul II, our Compatriot.
Delegation of the Foundation of the Children of
Wrzesnia at the statue of the Pope in Toronto
John Paul the Great, Our Pope - Dead...
After long illness, on 2 April, 2005, died our beloved Pope.
Our whole nation, in Poland and outside, was overcome with sadness. Our souls were hurting. We lost someone ,
who was very close to us, a part of our Family ...Father Protector, Holy Father... We were orphaned... ...Millions
wept.
The whole world wept.
On the day when our Pope died I sent to those close to me this cable:
Dear ftriends in sorrow,
John Paul the Great, our greatest Compatriot of all time has died.
Our whole nation is impoverished. Each one of us is poorer.
The entire world is bereaved.
Poland, standing on guard for him, attained the summit of excellence.
Let us thank Providence for endowing us with a Man so exceptional and so saintly.
May he remain the soul and conscience of our native land for ever
Les C. Bachorz
Thus ended the era of John Paul II. We had witnessed His inspiration and teaching. His victories,
accomplishments and triumphs.
The world in mourning. Toronto.
John Paul was the 264th, the sole Polish Pope an the first non-Italian for nearly 500 years. He occupied his
Pontificate for 27 years, the second longest in history. During his tenure, the number of new Catholic faithful
increased by more than 300 million.It is supposed, that he had canonized more saints than the total by all his
predecessors. He made more than 130 pastoral pilgrimages to more than 100 countries. Besides Polish, he spoke in
Latin, Italian, French, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Croat.
He was the Pope of the Young. He had initiated the World Youth Day. In these congresses, participated millions
of young people from all over the world. He was also the Pope of reconciliation. He always sought common ground
with other faiths.He was the first pope who had prayed in a mosque. Dalai Lama visited him eight times. During his
pontificate, the relations between the Catholic Church and Judaism, underwent more changes for the better than over
the preceding 2.000 years.
He was a Pope of peace. During the World Day of Prayer for Peace, in Assissi, in 1986, more than 120
representatives of various faiths participated. They were clearly opposed to the war in Iraq.
„War is always a disaster for Humanity‟.
He fought communism and contributed to its fall.
He changed History...
We inherited from him treasures and riches... Will we preserve them, take advantage of them? Time has since
shown, that no...
Wrzesnia in mourning...
Three USA Presidents before the body of JohnII .
The whole world was in mourning. In
cathedrals and churches of the world and
for the first time in Protestant and Orthodox
temples, as well as in synagogues and
mosques, obsequies were held for our great
countryman. The whole
world joined in mourning and prayers. At
the funeral in Rome, on 8 April, 2005, for
the first time in history, participated the
Anglican archbishop Williams and the head
of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Also
participated for the first time since the
medieval schism, the patriarch of
Constantinople, Bartholomew.
Before the body of John Paul II
gathered more dignitaries, heads of
countries and prominent people than ever in history. Throughout Rome, before TV screens erected in many
places, assembled 5 million people, including one million and a half Poles.Posters appeared with Italian script Santo
Subito ( saint immediately). One must surmise, that billions of people observed this funeral directly on TV, or on
tapes from that day.
Thus ended the most magnificent chapter of our history...
Mother died...
Mom greatly valued her independence. After Father died, she moved from Goniczk to Wrzesnia to Stefka and
Jadzia on Opolska street, where Stefan allotted to her a small
apartment with a kitchenette and a bathroom on the ground
floor. bank and Jadzia in Tonsil (then the second largest
producer of loudspeakers in Europe). So „grandma‟ looked
after the children and all were probably happy with this
arrangement.
I don‟t know,therefore, why during one of my visits to
Poland, probably in 1971, I was shown a new building, „House
of Golden Autumn‟. For that was the popular name for senior
housing. I liked the architecture of this building, whose
exterior was really impressive. Interiors were less imposing.
Similarly, the quality of workmanship left much to be desired,
as indeed was the case with most blocks erected during Soviet
times..
However, I decided to buy one of these apartments for mom.
On the sunny side , with a large veranda. It included a separate
bedroom, a small kitchen, a bathroom and a living-dining
room. There was an elevator in the building and a dining room
for those, who were not able to cope for themselves. The price
was very reasonable, especially since currency exchange was
favourable. Something in the vicinity of $3,000.
Mom furnished this apartment rather nicely an shortly after
moved in. At first perhaps somewhat lonesome, but the
grandchildren visited her often and even lived with her.
Towards the end of the 1970s, her health started to
deteriorate, so she moved in 1980 with my brother Henryk
and Elzunia in Pyzdry. For Elzunia, an angel incarnate, kind
and warm-hearted, took her mother-in-law under her care and
looked after her as if she was her own mother.
Nevertheless, mom‟s health was not improving. She
frequently experienced dizziness and weakness. In July 1981,
after supper , she said she did not feel well and would go to
rest in bed.She got up from the table and fell. She died two
hours later of a stroke. For all of us it was a stunning shock...
Mother in 1965
Despite problems with a visa, I made it to the funeral. The brothers decided that the parents should rest side by
side. Father had been buried in the Wrzesnia parish cemetery, but there was not enough room for mother‟s remains.
so they decided to purchase a larger lot on a nearby communal cemetery and later transferred father‟s remains next to
mother‟s.
I arrived in time for funeral obsequies in the cemetery chapel. The coffin was still open. We bade Mom farewell
and closed the coffin. A mass in her intention was celebrated in the same chapel. After burial, at a modest reception,
I met many cousins, relatives and friends for the first time since before the war.
Solidarity.
During these funeral ceremonies, Henryk received information from Pyzdry, that something pressing had to be
dealt with in the office. So he left us and returned to his office. Apparently there was a quarrel and maybe even a
tussle. And it was all about a trivial matter. The cleaning woman insisted on getting an added benefit to her wage for
clothes, equal to a miner‟s entitlement. And the paymaster did not agree.
It was one of the effects of Solidarity. People began to demand their due. Often not
justified, as in this case. During my short stay in Poland, I heard of many similar incidents in Wrzesnia and in
Warsaw, where I spent two days. There was no end to demands and claims. Everyone laid claims to something.
People were dissatisfied with lack of freedom and lack of bread. Solidarity was promise and hope. How to get rid of
those in power? There were strikes and constant pressure by Solidarity, but the guns were in the hands of the rarty, in
Warsaw and Moscow.
From within the society emerged elements of unrest, chaos , disorder and anarchy...
Sygnals of a revolution starting...
During the epochal pilgrimage of John Paul to Poland in 1979. millions of faithful realized that they had a voice (
Jaruzelski later said : ‟It was a lit fuse‟). As a result, Solidarity came into being in September 1980, as the first
independent union behind the Iron Curtain. And Rev. Henryk Jankowski conducted a mass before the shipyard gate
even earlier, on 17 August.
Solidarity immediately was transformed into more than a workers‟ union. In coalition with the Church, Solidarity
became a broad independence and anti-communist movement. In January 1981, the Pope received a delegation of
Solidarity under the leadership of Lech Walesa ( In years following, the Vatican collected from various sources at
least 50 million dollars in support of Solidarity). Solidarity attracted 10 million of Polish members and numerous
other satellite organizations were formed.
The Poznan uprising of 1956 and the 1970 protests in Gdansk and Szczecin, were subdued by force. It was
different this time. The authorities were forced to negotiate.
The party and Moscow fell into panic...
Martial Law. Jaruzelski
Already in November 1980, The Ministry of the Interior was elaborating a plan to intern 12,900 suspected
opposition activists. In December the Soviet authorities conveyed to the Polish military plans of entry of Soviet
troops into Poland within the framework of „Sojuz 81‟. Operational readiness for crossing the border was set for 8
December 1980. According to the report of early December of col. Kuklinski for CIA, 18 divisions of Warsaw Pact
troops (15 Soviet, 2 Czechoslovak and 1 from East Germany), which following brief ostensible manoeuvres with
live ammunition, would be regrouped so as to surround the larger Polish cities and industrial centres. Polish troops
would initially have remained in barracks, but later, four Polish divisions would join the operations. No one within
the Polish command considered resistance.
On 5 December 1980, at a congress of the Warsaw Pact in Moscow, general Wojciech Jaruzelski presented
the concept of liquidating Solidarity and any opposition internally, as soon as the situation would make it necessary.
In July 1981 it turned out, that without informing the Polish side,the Russians transferred to their garrison in Borny
Sulejew more than 600 tanks. A month later, marshal Victor Kulikov demanded from the Polish command assent for
bringing in to the Polish army Soviet advisers between the level of General Staff to the level of division command.
He was turned down.
At the beginning of September 1981, at the Polish boundary took place the largest post-war exercises of the
Red Army, under the cryptonym , „Zapad-81‟. According to the participants, it looked like a general trial preceding
the Soviet invasion of Poland. This, despite the fact, that for a half year now, the Soviet government pressed for a
resolution by Poles themselves , in accordance with Jaruzelski‟s concept.
Either as a consequence of pressure from the NATO countries, orfrom USA by Brzezinski, or even by
Kania‟s warning to Brezhnev, that „the intervention will be met by a national uprising‟, it did not happen...
At the same time, USSR was entangled in costly intervention in Afghanistan. However, there was still
awareness and memory of what had happened in Hungary in 1956 and in Czechoslovakia in 1968.
On 21 October 1981, gen. Jaruzelski met primate J. Glemp and again on 4 November of the same year with
primate Glemp and Lech Walesa.
On 24 November 1981, W. Jaruzelski received marshal Kulikov, the commander of the United Armed
Forces of the Warsaw Pact.
On 13 December 1981, general Jaruzelski, as chairman of the Military Council of National Salvation,
introduced in Poland martial law.. Some 10,000 Solidarity activists and members of other opposition groups were
interned. Also interned were Edward Gierek and Piotr Jaroszewicz.
It was and remains controversial whether that was necessary and legal? A large majority of society,
according to polls carried out almost each year since 1991, supports the decision of introducing martial law. This
decision met likewise with support of many leaders in the West, including the Canadian prime minister Elliot
Trudeau.
Norman Davis called the introduction of martial law of 1981 by general Jaruzelski, „the most perfect military coup
in modern history of Europe.‟
In 2006, the Institute of National Remembrance estimated the number of victims of martial law (during the period
of 13 December 1981 to 22 July 1983), who died (mainly from shooting or beating) during strikes and
demonstrations, at 56. Fewer than during the Poznan riots and less than in the 1963 riots in Birmingham
(„Bombingham‟) and at the University of Berkley in Los Angeles, USA in 1992.
During the invasion of Panama by the Americans in 1989, more than 1,600 people perished.
In the May Coup d‟Etat by Marshal Pilsudski in 1926, 379 people died and, mysteriously, disappeared many
generals, commanders of lawful armies, defenders of the constitutional government. Gen. T. Rozwadowski, author
of the Miracle on the Vistula, commander of lawful armed forces, died prematurely, reportedly poisoned during a
year spent in a Vilnius prison.
Many believe, that the 12-year period of activity by Solidarity (including the martial law and ‟the round
table‟) and the key role in this process by John Paul, Jaruzelski and Walesa, averted the danger of a bloody civil war,
with incalculable consequences and not only for our Country and our Nation...
1989 Autumn of Nations. Revolution of 1989.
In reaction to the introduction of martial law, Solidarity at once engaged in acts of protests. Strikes were called,
among others, in Lenin Shipyard in Gdansk, Lenin Steel Mill in Cracow, Truck Factory in Lublin, Szczecin
Shipyard and „Wujek‟ mine in Silesia. As a result of pacification by police and soldiers, 9 miners were killed. In a
large demonstration on 16 December 1981 in Gdansk some 100,000 people took part.
Public opinion and unions in the West stood on the side of the Polish workers.In various parts of the world
sprouted offices of Solidarity. Thanks to the Vatican and the US, reportedly 50 million dollars in aid had flowed in.
The Polish economy took a downturn. President Reagan imposed economic sanctions on Poland. My colleague,
Jan Kaszuba, who was then president of the Polish-Canadian Congress,advised against sending food parcels to
Poland. I did the opposite and doubled my shipments.
Martial law was suspended on 31 December 1982 and rescinded on 22 July 1983. The remainder of the
1980s passed away in struggles between the authorities and Solidarity. The Pope was kept au courant of what went
on in Poland. Indirectly, through Cardinal Glemp and others, or directly, he was in continuous contact with Walesa
and Jaruzelski. While visiting Poland in June 1983 and in 1987, he had several meetings with Jaruzelski.
1989 brought deliberations of the round table. They lasted from 6 February to 5 April. This resulted in semifree elections of 4 June 1989. Sejm, the lower house of parliament appointed Tadeusz Mazowiecki as premier. It was
the first non-communist premier since 1945.
Lena and I were present at his speech in Poznan, when he was en route to Warsaw, to accept this function. I have
this video-taped. We were also on our way to Warsaw, although we stopped at Wrzesnia for a few days.
The Autumn of Nations ensued. On the steps of Solidarity Hungary followed in October, in November the Berlin
Wall came down and in December Vaclav Havel initiated the Velvet Revolution in Prague. The danger of a bloody
civil war and maybe WWIII was averted. These were epochal changes, on the scale of a revolution, but ended
peacefully.The main authors of these historic transitions were the Pope, and, in my opinion, Jaruzelski. Both, despite
being antagonists, acted for the same cause within the constraints of their roles. In this multi-year process of a
peaceful revolution, both were necessary irreplaceable. They fulfilled their missions on the scale of a „miracle‟.
1989. Round Table.
The Pope deserves to be sanctified and Jaruzelski should get a Nobel‟s Peace Prize. And to maintain the same
degree of goodwill, I would allow Walesa to keep his, because he had merited it. Regardless of his entanglements at
the beginning of the 1970s, it is important what he accomplished and not who he is or was.
.
Author with Lech Walesa. 2010
3. Office in Warsaw
August 1989 Visit.
The Round Table deliberations lasted from 6 February until 5 April 1989. On 4 June took place partially free
elections. On 19 July the National Assembly elected general W. Jaruzelski president ( on the same day there was a
change in president emigrant, thus making it a unique day in Polish history - three presidents within one day).
On 24 August the Lower House House appointed Tadeusz Mazowiecki premier. He was the first non-communist
premier since 1945.
The economy was in a wretched state. Hyperinflation raged, approaching even tens of percent in a month.
Shops were empty. Many state enterprises were over the brink.
200,000 zl = $20
Average monthly pay was around 100,000 zl... GDP dropped more than 12% during the previous year....
We observed with great interest what was going on in Poland. Andrew Freyman visited Poland earlier that
year. In his opinion, Poland was undergoing a process of historic transformations, now clearly irreversible. This
brought new hopes, fears and promises... And a new energy.
How to help, what to do?...
Towards the end of August, Lena and I decided to fly to Poland, in order to witness history in the making
and to renew my dreams. We landed in Frankfurt and there we rented an Audi.e took a side trip to Cologne to visit
its imposing cathedral. Apparently, when it was finished in 1880, after 600 years of construction, it was the largest
building in the world. In one of the crypts we ran into a tomb of a Polish queen, whose name I cannot remember.
We spent the night in Hanover. Next morning, Lena found in a nearby „Moovinpick‟ a bottle of Chateau
Mouton Rothschield wine with a graphic label by Pablo Picasso.We are storing this wine to this day, although it has
probably been transformed into vinegar. Lena assures me, that this bottle, with or without wine, is now worth
$20,000. Not bad investment - yielding 20,000%...
We reached the border between East and West Germany before noon. The border formalities took up more
than two hours. From there to the Polish border we had to drive without stopping, as required by visa. We passed
through Berlin and we reached the Polish border before dusk, on expressway all the way. Before us a bizarre scene
Hundreds of waiting cars and trucks.Some had been waiting more than 24 hours.
It soon became dark. There were no lights and we had no flashlights. It took a long time to find toilets and
when we found them, they were not lit and the floor was slippery and covered with excreta.. It was already night and
very dark, so we opted for behind bushes...
Finally, after midnight we were on Polish soil, on the way to Poznan.
In Poznan we slept a few hours in Metropol hotel,in the smallest room and the narrowest bed, that we had
encountered in our numerous travels.
Next day we found ou,t that Tadeusz Mazowiecki will make a speech in a local assembly hall. He was
probably on his way to Warsaw, to assume the task with which he was charged to assemble the first non-communist
government behind the Iron Curtain. His presentation was more a dialogue with his audience, rather than a formal
speech or a lecture. It was, however, an occasion for a celebration. A pity, that it was not so, because Mazowiecki
was a man of reason, not given to hyperbole and emotional effusion, and besides, Poznan types don‟t know how to
celebrate. I do not remember much from this presentation, having been busy with taping this fragment of history,
which remains in the memory of my video camera. Maybe some day it will be useful?...
In Wrzesnia among those close to me, but also no euphoria. There were though hopes and promises, but also
fears, because the future was not fully certain... I attempted to throw out some ideas - a telephone book, import and
export. Without particular resonance. Homo sovieticus still meddled in the subconscious.
In Warsaw, the capital it was different. Homo sovieticus was in retreat, but far from being defeated. And the
disciples of Solidarity were in euphoria , but still insecure... solidly rooted and near the top, but without power...
We arrived late in the afternoon and took up residence in the new, imposing Marriott hotel. It was built by
Swedes and matched the best in the West.
We phoned the cousins of Andrew Freyman, Krystyna and Zdzich Zaborski, to arrange to meet the next day.
„Oh no, not tomorrow, right now! We are coming and we want to acquaint you with the new Reality and with
Warsaw‟. Both were dogged Solidarity activists and Zdzich had even been interned. Both had fought in the Warsaw
Uprising. They lived in the Zoliborz district.
Less than half an hour later, they were waiting for us in the hotel lobby. Krystyna was bursting with energy,
although lame and with a cane. Both radiant, excited, seemingly ever
inspired. We left straight away, because it was already late. They insisted that we go in their car.
Both were born Varsovians. They loved their city and were very proud of it. They knew the history of every
street, almost every building They drove us all over the city and narrated its past.
Full of hope and faith, as if liberated. They were involved in different charitable activities. For the Church, for
Solidarity, for Polish children in Belarus. They devoted themselves to others.True Christians. I was impressed... I
attempted to help them in their tasks, although we were only capable to offer them financial support. In the end they
became our Guardian Angels in the next stage of my adventures in Warsaw.
We visited the Powazki cemetery, the grave of Fr. Popieluszko, house for the blind in Laski... ...Bednarska street...
I told them about my plans on Zebrzynski Reservoir, Wieliczka and Niedzica. They were very much interested and
were willing to help.
After two days we drove to Krakow. This was Lena‟s first visit to Krakowand she was delighted. We visited
Wieliczka and Oswiecim. We also drove to Niedzica, where we found no one except the caretaker.
On the next leg we stopped in Prague, which enchanted us. What a beautiful city! So much atmosphere, medieval
architecture, history, cathedrals, castles, galleries and museums. One of the most attractive cities in Europe. The
historical centre of Prague was entered on the list of UNESCO‟s world heritage sites.The capital eluded
devastationof both world wars.
Astronomical clock on the Old City Hall in Prague.
During our sojourn in Prague we did not notice any signals of the
Autumn of Nations. We tried to query people in the hotel,
restaurant and on tourist excursions, on what they thought about
goings on in Poland, without any response. The Czechs are
cautious and don‟t like taking risks. They are our genetic cousins,
but apart from language and St. Adalbert it is hard to find some
relationship between us.
Finally they enjoyed their „Velvet Revolution‟ four months later.
In our travel plans, prepared by Lena, we were to fly to Toronto
from Munich and leave the Audi there. We stayed two days there.
A beautiful historical city, capital of Bavaria. Devastated during
WWII, but scrupulously rebuilt. It was no longer possible to see
traces of war.
It was here that came to being one of the first Soviet Republics.It
did not last one month. Four years later, Adolph Hitler initiatedhere
his political career.
Polish Delegation in Seaton Hotel.
A few weeks after our return, Andrew Freyman invited me to a conference with a Polish government delegation
which featured several „stars‟ of Polish business. The authorities attempted to convince western entrepreneurs, that
Poland is already open to a free market.In order to prove it, they paraded these stars all over the world.
One of these was Andrew Burzynski. He had studied previously for two years in Toronto in the Ryerson
Polytechnic. He was owner of a plastics products plant in Wiazowna, near Warsaw. Later, apparently thanks to my
mediation, together with engineer Marian Rzeznik, they bought out Cenos, a state owned establishment in Wrzesnia,
where Marian Rzeznik was director. Still later, he reportedly became promoter of the boxer Golota, divorced his
charming wife and shortly after his star disappeared from the firmament.
At this meeting,which took place in Seaton hotel, I encountered many other stars., although from among the circle
of local Polonia, Robert Mucha,the famed ace of the cinder-track, had held for several years a Ford agency in
Toronto. Later he collaborated with Kulczyk. The last mention of him I read in the press about a year ago. Kulczyk
waited for him in his airplane in Poznan. He eventually flew away without Robert, but with other cronies, to Spain.
And Robert was stopped by police in the airport. If he did reach Spain, he must have doled out for the trip from his
own pocket.
I also got to know there Zygmunt Przetakiewicz. His father, also Zygmunt, was a known activist with PAX. Junior
was an exceptional organizer and promoter. Already in 1981 he had opened a Solidarity office in New York, on Park
Avenue.. Later during the presidential elections he rescued Walesa from defeat. In toronto he opened the TV
program “Polish Studio‟. For several years he worked for a worldwide firm of consultants, Anderson and Company.
In 2002 he sued them for 2.5 million zloty. I am sure that he did not lose, but doubt if he got the 2.5 million.
Andrew Freyman also introduced me at this meeting to his close friends, with whom, during the next several
years, we tried to accomplish something in Poland. Andrew Rozwadowski, a descendant of the general, author of the
„Miracle on the Vistula‟, who in Toronto had built the tallest tower in the world and tried for years to get something
done in Warsaw. He gave up, after all effort went for nought. Michael Przezdziecki, son of the general , operates
with his wife a container firm in Toronto and in Poland is involvedsporadically in agricultural industry. Andrew
Skarbek- Borowski, whose ancestors had cared for the Chopin family in Zelazowa Wola and his cousin, Christopher
Czartoryski, after a few years of trials, did well in the pharmaceutical business, to the extent, that they retired early
and settled in Switzerland.
After this conference, I began to think seriously about setting up an office in Warsaw.
Candian Delegation to Warsaw.
Towards the end of October 1989, Zygmunt Przetakiewicz organized a mission of Canadian businessmen and
representatives from federal and Ontario governments and others for a conference and discussions with Polish
authorities and firms in Warsaw. I joined this excursion, although, along with a few others, we were not
businessmen, but rather consultants. In this group I became acquainted with Woytek Szymanski, a known architect
and Stan Rokicki, who was owner of a large window factory in Toronto.
In Warsaw we were welcomed and entertained. There was more celebrating than business. Every day there was
some kind of reception. We were received by president Walesa, Marshal of the Senate Stelmachowski (who had
formed the association „Polish Community‟), Minister of Construction Paszynski, Ambassador of Canada and others.
Ambassador Aprile, or other embassy representatives accompanied us in all conferences and receptions, wherever
representatives of Canadian authorities were present. I met there, among others, Henryk Parzych, commercial
adviser of the embassy, who turned out to be exceptionally well informed and helpful.Later we became friends. His
wife was a lecturer at the Polytechnic.
Visits to municipal offices of space planning, architecture and antiques restoration became for me a ritual with
every occasion of my stay in Poland. I wanted to familiarize myself with regulations and the appropriate bureaucrats.
Ostensibly regulations existed, but with nothing written, a bureaucrat‟s interpretation could be made to suit him. An
excellent invitation to corruption.
A few times I payed a visit to the Zaborskis, always very friendly, as if now a part of the family.
I also ran into Andrew Burzynski at one of the receptions. He invited me to come to Wiazownia. I went there one
afternoon. A large lot surrounded by a two-metre wall and an iron gate. Andrew welcomed me. Before us was a
pond with pink carp and a fountain. on the right , an imposing villa and on the left, a garage with two Mercedes
vehicles. Everything spotless, redolent of order and discipline. I was impressed. Behind the garage was a plant with a
separate entrance. It fabricated plastic products: toys, combs, and the like. He was selling to more than 100
wholesalers and shops, inside and outside the country.We returned to the villa for a cup of tea and some liquor.He
introduced me to his exceedingly charming wife.
We discussed my plans of building „villages‟ in the middle of a city and „pieds-a-terre‟ near cultural property.
This stimulated him and he wanted to join up. He would find a place for it in the centre of Warsaw. Apparently he
did find something, but never told me about it. Maybe just as well, that he did not become my partner...
Before we left, we were treated at a magnificent feast in the Members of Parliament Hall, which was part of the
Sejm complex, on Wiejska street. Champagne, caviar, plates full of canapes, cakes and tit-bits, accompanied by an
orchestra. Service with a smile... better than in Mariott.
And for free... Lacking regulation, but lots of temptation... I missed Stan Rokicki at this reception. Stan, a true
businessman, did not waste time on celebrations with politicians. Instead, he was buying a window factory,
somewhere near the capital. Apparently he closed the deal.
I decided, that it was time to open my own office in Warsaw.I confided my plans to the Zaborskis and Parzych
and on my return to Andrew Freyman.
Office in Warsaw.
Sliska St. December 1989
I had to get something done in Poland. There were definite needs and plenty of opportunities. There also were
obstacles, the greatest being corruption. I was convinced that if I could surround myself with people of integrity, like
the Zaborskis and Henryk Parzych and persuade the authorities and clients, that it was not a matter of making a
fortune, but to satisfy needs and to help people, I would manage, as I did in Canada.
Rebuilt Royal Castle and hundreds of heritage objects.
I was not motivated by money, nor was charity my motive. I simply wanted to do something for my country.
Money for me was a tool, just like a hammer or a computer. I did not like losing money, because I was a „Poznan
tightwad‟, but I always considered money to be a measure of efficiency. If a project loses money, it means that
something went amiss, proving incompetence.
In my plans I already had a settlement on Zegrzynski Reservoir, Niedzica and an underground „Hotel‟ in
Wieliczka. During my travels through Poland, I was distressed by the sight of blighted heritage buildings,
magnificent palaces and abbeys in ruins. There were thousands of them... So I worked out a concept how some of
them could be restored, benefiting Polish heritage and also to satisfy needs of Polish emigrants wishing to return
from Canada, US and other countries, as well as Polish residents.Time and circumstances were exceptionally
auspicious. Probably unique. Currency exchange was also favourable. I was aware that this window might be open
for 10 to 15 years. And if I could execute at the same pace as in Canada, I could build during this period at least tens
or more buildings.
The formula depended on selection from thousands, several or tens of projects , which could satisfy conditions of
ownership, location and budget. And, of course, the demands of high government officials and the obscure laws and
regulations.
The costs of restoration and construction of pieds-a-terre would be covered by income from sale of these
dwellings. Owners or joint owners of the whole development would become collectively the owners of individual
dwellings. They would take care of this development, often under the patronage of a convent, or state institutions or
public associations. They would also decide on the selection of the manager and supervision. Thus the task was
twofold, to build a development and buy a client...A thrilling Mission... Similar to what I did in Canada.
I flew again to Warsaw at the beginning of December 1989. With the help of Andrew Freyman, the
Zaborskis and Henryk Parzych, I engaged three experts, engineer Wieslaw Markiewicz (husband of Andrew‟s
cousin), architect Jaroslaw Jankowski (also lecturer at the University of Warsaw) and conservator of antiques,
Bogucki. Each one of them had a full time job, so that all were to work part time, unless initial results would justify
that they transfer to full time. I rented an office in the centre of the city, at Sliska street 17, near Palace of Culture
and the Main Railway Station. The office had a telephone, then a rarity, for many still unobtainable luxury.
I opened an account in a PKO bank at the Marriott and had a known lawyer, Maciej Dubois to form two
companies, Total Soo, for planning and Bachbud for building. Mr. Dubois advised to register Total Soo as a „Bank‟.
I regret, that I did not do so. In those days, capital requirements and statutory regulations were very affordable and
allowed for a nearly limitless range of activity.
Projects.
In 1990 I was in Poland several to maybe more than ten times. We found more than 70 potential building projects.
I visited nearly all of them. From these, I selected around a dozen for careful examination. The majority were in
Warsaw and vicinity. I spent so much time in the offices of the capital, of the city architect, of the conservator and
others, as if I was one of their employees. When premier Mazowiecki appointed Stanislaw Wyganowski mayor of
the capital, the latter asked me during our first meeting, how his subordinates measured up, and who among them
could and who could not be trusted. I liked and trusted him. He reminded me of President Ignacy Moscicki frrom
my olden days, whose portraits I had learned to scribble from memory.
Among those chosen projects, there were many very interesting. The palace of prince Drucko-Lubecki, not far
from Niepokalanow, had the right qualities - was in good condition, near the Convent and Warsaw. The problem was
that six potential owners had claims on it. I was aided in this project by the sister of Markiewicz who lived in the
area. After months searches and negogiations, we found the last and childless descendant of the oldest family of
princes Drucko-Lubeck, the pre-war owneer. He was 94 and lived in a seniors home in New York. He was the legal
owner. However, the law then was not clear.
After changes occurred in Poland, the prince decided to return. I did not know if for good? We arranged to meet in
the Franciscan priory. I flew to Warsaw early and awaited a telephone call about the time of the meeting. I had made
acquaintance with the prior beforehand. After I had not heard from him two days, I called. The prior said that the
prince had lodged with them, but did not feel well. Two days later the prince died... Just as he had wished, on home
soil, which he had once donated to Fr. Maksymilian Kolbe, so he could build Niepokalanow.
We expended the most effort and work on the project of Diana‟s Baths. This edifice was built by the famous
architect Marconi in 1836 on Chmielna street, more precisely on n arcade parallel to Chmielna, which like the street
extends from Nowy Swiat to Bracka street. This arcade had the potential to become an „ urbanist‟s dream‟. I had
these fancies myself, for near the Baths were other antique palaces, squares, small parks and dilapidated shops.
Everything could be caressed into becoming an „urbanist‟s paradise‟. Although a fantasy, I still tried. The first thing
to start on was the key structure, that is the Baths.
I remembered Baths from another side. From the erotic fables of my pal, Karol Ura, from the officer‟s school in
Uzbekistan, later from the courses of pilotage in England. Karol was known before the war as a tall and handsome
athlete. Many people remembered him , because, regularly he walked his two large Alsatians on a leash, on Nowy
Swiat and Krakowskie Przedmiescie. Reputedly, charming Varsovian girls were mad about him and he regularly
seduced them. And the place of their „rendezvous‟ was in fact the Baths of Diana.
The baths of Diana were in ruins. I proposed to rebuild them to their original state, although the interiors
would be adapted to contemporary usage. And beside it, there was room for 32 apartments-cum offices, for clients
like myself. On a neglected courtyard, a part of the arcade, I proposed to build an underground garage topped by
flower beds, a fountain and benches. We prepared initial plans in Toronto, since our professor architect did not know
how to draft. Or perhaps he did not want to, because I did not pay him enough?! This project received notoriety and
was even aired on national TV by Bogucki.
We did not get much support from the authorities. In the architectural department, which employed 600 architects
and draftsmen, they said that they had already worked on the Baths for eight years. I made a few minutes long video
showing what I had done during those eight years in Canada. More tjan 100 projects executed, the majority including
the construction. There were only eight of us. And all they did was drafting. I sent this this to Wyganowski. He was
said to have shown it during a meeting of the city council.
Ironically, it was Wyganowski‟s son who undertook this project.. And even he did not succeed., as well as a small
project on Bednarska street, near the Castle, on which we had also worked.. Lena‟s father was born on Bednarska
street, so her dreams were likewise unfulfilled.
The last time we were in Warsaw, we noticed on Chmielna an enormous ugly building. There was no similarity to
the antique Baths of Marconi. I don‟t want to know who planned it, who built it and...- who allowed this...
We took up several other projects. Krystyna Zaborska referred us to the Ursuline Sisters Convent near Warsaw.
Before the war the order ran a school for girls. Krystyna was their student, so she enjoyed close relations with them.
The convent had a large fenced lot by their buildings, which were connected to a church. The communists forced
them to close their school. With the help of Christine we persuaded the Sisters, to build on their land around 40
apartments for returning retirees
In the health resort of Cieplice there was an antique priory almost deserted, with only eight monks. In this I
was helped by Marian Roszak, my prewar friend from Goniczk. Hehad settled with his family in Jelenia Gora.
At the same time I took part in many conferences and commercial exchanges between Poland and Canada, in
both Warsaw and Toronto. On one occasion I got to know closer Jan Krola member of parliament, who at the time
worked closely with premier Mazowiecki. Later he became a deputy nmarshal of the Sejm.
Prelate Henryk Jankowski.
Prelate Jankowski frequently visited Canada. In his public pronoucements he often
underlined, that he was the main author of Solidarity. I met him also. He promised to find
something for me in Gdansk.
Thus I had three prominent men, on whom, it seemed, I could count. I had also, after all,
access to mayor Wyganowski, whom I also counted among people worthy of trust.
One day I received a telephone from Gdansk from Fr. Jankowski. He had for me two
projects in Gdansk He did not talk about details, but asked me to come over. We made
arrangements to meet on a particular day. I flew over and called. There was no answer. I
went to the parish of St. Brigid. The door was closed, no one responded. It was likewise the
next day until late in the afternoon.
„Come in at once...‟ I entered into the office - splendour like in Versailles...Young priests,
some excited, no one noticed me, I did not not know to whom to turn. I asked the nearest
one „where can I find the prelate? - Bachorz from Canada‟. „Right away‟... and sure enough,
within seconds the imposing prelate, in a long black cassock, buttoned up, down to his feet
by an incalculable number of small buttons... „Please wait, in a moment there will be here
the two parties concerned‟ and pushed me in a corner..
I waited, until finally appeared a director of some nearby technical school, with a
proposition far from what was of interest to us... And another similarly. I thanked them
politely and the prelate humbly. „I will think about it‟...
I did no think...
A few years later, I talked about my experience in Gdansk with Frank Lennox, my
former employer and later a client and it turned out that the prelate was his cousin and
godfather of his son Andrew. I learned more intriguing details about this enigmatic figure.
The personage of the Polish prelate also intrigued my Lawyer, Martin O‟Brien, an
Irishman and Catholic, although not very devout. The prelate was in his office about some
business, „nothing to do with Solidarity or rosary‟...
Henryk Gawronski
After months of attempts there was no progress. The team complained, that I pay them too little. They alleged,
that in Canada I pay a plumber more than them. And that was true, but not entirely. A good plumber indeed earned
more than a bad engineer, or a bad professor. More importantly and to the point was, that I paid them for casual
work (without results), more than premier Mazowiecki earned at that time. But they were „entitled to more‟. I heard
this often in Poland, unfortunately.
They thought , that they know better, because I, an emigrant peasant from Grzybowo, who had found a bag full of
gold under an apple tree in Canada and came here, because I did not know what to do with it? „Give us this bag
bumpkin, because we know better‟. I even believed that they knew. But they did not and I did not know likewise..
I hired a young intelligent secretary, to answer the telephone, take care of correspondence and reports of the
activity and progress of our team. Her name was Nowicka. My subordinates would not give her the key to the office.
She waited on the staircase and cried.
Frustrated, I complained of these annoyances to my acquaintances. Janusz Szatoba, director of PKO in Toronto,
referred me to his friend, Henryk Gawronski. During my next visit I met him in Warsaw. He was a dynamic, bright,
rather impatient man of around fifty.We agreed, that before acquainting himself with what was at stake, he would
help me casually. He did not want to be paid until something was accomplished, at least for now. He made the
impression of being honest, that he could be trusted. Later I found out , that he was minister of the machine industry
in Jaruzelski‟s government. That did not scare me and later even, when our wives met and liked one another, we
became friends.
He got me interested in two projects. One was a joint venture with the Powisle Tennis Club and the Zoliborz
Commune. Together with Zoliborz we had to finish the club‟s hotel and in exchange I was to build a small golf
course on the grounds of Powisle, which was own by the Commune.. We were already advanced in negotiations,
when a new assistant mayor came om the scene and decided, that she had a much better offer from a French investor.
Very quickly, I used this opportunity to back out of the project.
The other proposition involved Impexmetal SA. This was the only Polish firm listed on a foreign stock exchange.
In Warsaw they had several properties. In this case it concerned building its new head office at the intersection of
John Paul Avenue and Prosta Street. Henryk personally new here people at the top. I looked at this project, but
without passion. Quite early, I backed out of it. Woytek Szymanski was our competitor. I hoped that he would
succeed. Neither one of these projects was along the lines of my interests.
I had applied myself with dedication, but nothing came of it. Rozwadowski likewise did not succeed and
many others. Yet we built in Canada, Australia and Brazil, but not in Poland. The Swedes, the Austrians, the Dutch,
even the Serbs and the Russians succeeded but not the Polish
emigrants. How did they deal with corruption, vague law and regulations? The answer to this is straightforward. I
did not have inclinations of this sort. I have no regrets...
I hope that it is different today, but I doubt it.
After a year I closed the office.. Henryk went to work to Gudzowaty. „ It is a cruel man‟, complained Basia,
Henryk‟s wife. There he contracted a heart attack, left his job and Warsaw and returned to his native soil near
Pulawy.
The architect, professor Jankowski, hinted to the Ursuline Sisters, that I had engaged a communist and they
withdrew from the agreement. He himself began to work for them as an architect, undoubtedly for his own benefit. I
am not sure if this was was of mutual benefit to his new client.
Wieslaw came to Canada each year and worked three months spraying fertilizers. He visited us in the office and
threatened, that if we cannot rid ourselves of these black ‟monkeys‟, he would not come back. If the same term
would be applied to our compatriots in the US, then our enemies and opponents could label them „white monkeys‟.
Wieslaw really did not come back , but wewere not disconsolate.
A few years later Bogucki died of leukemia. He never betrayed his condition. The dynamic Krystyna also died a
few years ago and her husband, noble Zdzich, still works socially and writes.
We all know what goes on in the exalted circles of the prelate, ex-mayor Wyganowski and Sejm marshal Jan Krol.
Mayor is not a profession...
Mayor Celestyn
One of the most dangerous cravings of human nature is the lust for power. I do not know for sure what is
involved, is it the title?... Mister President, Mister Director, Mister Lieutenant, Mister Mayor... In Poland they really
called me Mister President, Mister Director, Mister Engineer... and maybe Mister Captain, Mister Major... I am not
sure if one or the other?... In Canada they call me Les. My sons and even grandchildren call me so. They could also
call me Mister President, although I am not sure this would be proper, because I am president of several firms...
therefore maybe „Messrs. Presidents‟? Neither one nor the other fits... Konrad and Andrew call me Lestyn, because it
is my internet login. I like this appelation, a pity, I did not invent it 50 years ago.. Les sounds a bit common,
although I prefer it to „Less‟- I am so called by Jasio Koralewski, chairman of the board of the Foundation, since I
am only president...
At one time , the man who acquired power was the one wielding the largest club.Today we have democracy,
which comes to the same, except that instead of clubs, there are more refined, deceitful tools... Just like Bush... used
conspiracy and usury. And later a club in Iraq...
In my career I had hundreds of projects and dozens of firms. I wonder if I would have the courage of entrusting
him with supervision of any task at all? Similarly with Walesa, although for different reasons. He would want
immediately to lord it over me, but I am not amenable to this...
For the most important positions in the world, no qualifications are necessary...
In May 1990, Premier Mazowiecki commissioned municipal elections. At the beginning of May, I received a call
from my nephew and namesake Celestyn, informing me, that colleagues from Solidarity urged him to run for the
Wrzesnia Town Council. They would support his candidacy for Mayor. He asked what I thought of this. I said of
course, why not? I did not ask what qualifications he had, except that he had been arrested for his activity with
Solidarity at the University of Szczecin and had initiated a two-page bulletin, „Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie‟
(Wrzesnia‟s News).
Celek, as long as I remember him, was uncommonly smart and resourceful. When together with Patricia and the
children we were visiting Poland in 1971, he arranged everything for us and acted as our leader. He was then only
13.
He ran as a candidate and became mayor, the first mayor since 1945...
Did he require any qualifications for the position of mayor?... He was in the right place at the right time, and,
above all, he wanted it... Circumstances and Will...
A few weeks later, he realized that he was not fully prepared, not only for the tasks and responsibilities of a
mayor, but also for supervision of radical changes from a communist system to a system of a free market and
municipal self-government. He called and asked me if he could come over and observe how this works in Canada?
He flew in at the beginning of August.
In our Toronto Polish community it aroused a good deal of interest. Everybody wanted to help. Elzbieta Wolska,
vice-president of thePolish-Canadian Congress and producer of the Polish TV programme „Rozmaitosci‟, found two
mayors of Polish origin, near Toronto. Shearranged for us to meet them both. She joined us for a visit to Norwich,
Oxford County with reeve Heleniak, son of a hero from Monte Cassino. The Reeve spoke Polish well and in his
office, beside the Canadian flag, there was a Polish flag with a crowned eagle and a Solidarity label. Enthusiastically,
he introduced Celek to the art of administering his community. He realized, however, that the larger neighbouring
town, Woodstock, may be a better example for Wrzesnia. He acquainted us there with mayor Ernie Erdeman. This
meeting turned out to be fruitful, for on 15 November, only three months later, at a gathering of mayors and
councillors, County Oxford with its capital Woodstock, was twinned with Wrzesnia. I was aided in the promotion of
this undertaking by Dr. Bogorya, who is a descendant of the Poraj family (therefore, she could be descended from
komes Bogufal of Wrzesnia, being one of the native places of the Porajs. Their coat of arms includes the same rose
as does the town of Wrzesnia).
For the purpose of this initiative, I prepared a brochure on Wrzesnia. I also tried to persuade Canadian
businessmen to invest in Wrzesnia. I n the brochure I asserted that Wrzesnia is located exactly in the centre of
Europe (and so it is), and not as many maintained in the West, that Poland is a country far in the east.. The costs of
this brochure amounted to close to $3,500 (around 3,500,000 old zloty). Today, using a computer, I could have
produced it for one hundredth of that.
I should add, that Ernie Erdeman is today the Minister of Municipal Government Services in Ontario.
Mr. Stan Ignatczyk was at that time the Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake. A few days later we went there,
accompanied by our friend, the dynamic and resourceful Ewa Skorczynska. On the way We stopped at the Niagara
Falls and a nearby park, initiated by our countryman, Sir Casimir Gzowski.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful colourful town on Niagara river and Lake Ontario.It is also a historical town. In
1793 it became the capital of Upper Canada (Ontario); today this function is executed by Toronto. In 1812, during
the war between the US and Canada (more precisely, England), the town completely devastated by the Americans. A
historical place within this town is the cemetery of gen. Haller‟s soldiers, dating from 1918. The mayor spoke poorly
in Polish, but spent the whole day at our disposal, until dusk. He was very proud of a recently completed sewage
treatment plant. This interested Celek. A similar system would be useful for Wrzesnia.
Mr. Michael Zalewski turned out to be very helpful and resourceful. I had not met him before, although he held
the significant position of chief of Space Planning in Toronto. He spoke English and Polish without an accent. He
had access to the mayor and all the important people in the city hall. He devoted to us much of his time and effort.
He also introduced us to the mayor and organized a virtual gathering of the city council in the council chamber with
Celestyn as chairman. One of the councillors, Mr. Layton, appealed to Celek. that while rebuilding the system in
Poland , not to renounce, under the influence of the moment, many of the reforms enacted under socialism. Today,
Mr. Layton is the leader of the NDP, the national socialist party in Canada...
We spent the next few days in the city hall. Mr. Zalewski introduced us to representatives of many departments,
some of Polish origin. His successor in the the department of city planning was our countryman from Poznan. I do
not recall his name.
During Celek‟s visit, my concept of Of the Foundation of the Children of Wrzesnia was born. In Warsaw I did not
make any progress. People whom I had hired took advantage of me.I discovered that Wrzesnia was closer to me than
Warsaw. Why did this take so much time?...
Towards the end of August, Celek was receiving increasingly urgent phone calls from his assistant, Krystyna
Poslednia. He decided to cut short his „mayoral course‟ and left abruptly. In „Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie‟ there
appeared a report of gossip circulating in Wrzesnia, that the mayor had robbed the town treasury and ran off to
Canada...
Celek was hurt by this. He thought that his chum, Waldek Sliwczynski, to whom Celek had gifted the
„Wiadomosci‟, only a few months back, should not have allowed it.
4. FOUNDATION OF THE CHILDREN OF WRZESNIA
Social Engineer. Charity.
A man is happy only when he can serve and not when he must command. Commanding impresses only small
people, who crave it, to make up for their smallness. A truly great man, even when he commands, is a servant.
Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski
„Act so as to please God and people‟.
My grandmother
The idea of helping those close to me became stronger. In Canada I had achieved what I could, but in Warsaw it
did not work. I had 50 years behind me of suffering in the Soviet Union, with failures and successes in the West. I
was not rich, but under the circumstances, my limited capital could be used to advantage, with disproportionally
greater benefit. I sensed, that my charitable involvement would not only fulfill, but even broaden my aspirations and
would let me achieve more than what I had sought in Warsaw. I was convinced, that in my charitable activity no one
would obstruct me, but that indeed I could count on help from people of good will and volunteers, especially from
the Authorities and the Church. It was not a clear perception, but it matured with time. I was myself maturing and
learning, as the time went on. Immediately, I was transported by this idea, which became my new challenge and
passion..
In 1990, the year when I established the Foundation, I realized, that financial aid has limitations. For one,
that my assets were limited and that money only satisfies needs in the short term.
The dramatic changes in Poland required more than material help.They required a change in outlook, in order
to appreciate the mechanisms of a free market. It took me almost a year of experience in Warsaw to understand this.
In Warsaw even my employees, a Professor-Architect , an Engineer and a Conservator regarded me a „peasant from
Grzybowo‟, who in Canada, redolent of spruce resin, found a bagful of cash under an apple tree and did not know
what to do with it. „Bumpkin, give us this bag, because we know better.‟ I even thought then that they knew better.
But this was not the case. At the time I did not know, that I did not know...
After a year of frustration in Warsaw I was becoming convinced, that starting from the top was a mistake. In
Warsaw they all „know better‟... Why not begin with my Roots, from Grzybowo and Wrzesnia?... I was also anxious
that every effort, every step, every zloty, should bring some results, some distinct and effective footprints. Certainly
this should be easiest to attain in Wrzesnia. I wanted these outcomes to be of quality and usefulness, that would
satisfy needs for a long time.I did not want to give children sweets because the like them, because we know that they
are harmful. Likewise, I did not want to squander moneyt, time and assets, on imaginary or trivial expectations,
goals or needs... So, no sweets and no fish, but fishing-rods... tools... Education, New Technology, Enterprise... Seed
the grain on a fertile soil and it will yield a rich harvest... Mechanisms of enterprise and free market would be thus
implanted...
Did I want to to make the inefficient efficient?
The history of Wrzesnia brings to mind the Strike of Children of Wrzesnia. So it is about Children and
Youths. The Future. I come from a village, so include Village. I did not want to operate under my own banner, hence
the name, Foundation of the Children of Wrzesnia (FCW). A motto and challenge, -and maybe a Movement?... At
least an Organization. I did not care to wield authority, but I had learned to lead in Grzybowo and in Canada. My
academic interests in Engineering and Psychology had served me well in my career, so why not apply them again as
a … „Social Engineer‟... To build Teams and Task systems... and build the future... All of a sudden, I discovered and
was transported by my new calling!!...
Perhaps, to please God and People, my own people from Grzybowo and Wrzesnia...
First steps FCW.
Immediately after Celek left and before closing the Warsaw office, I began working on the Foundation and
Wrzesnia.
I described the general goal of the Foundation, as „Building of a better environment for bringing up new
generations of children and youth of the Wrzesnia region.‟ The Foundation was to achieve this goal by the creation,
issuance and promotion or incubation of undertakings and initiatives in the spheres of education, culture, community
and local economy, with emphasis on the requirements of the third millennium.
The principles, by which the Foundation was to be guided, would be creation of values and moral, ethical
and intellectual precepts compatible with the law and ethics of Christian culture. These goals can be realized by the
Foundation itself, or in cooperation with civil authorities, the church, or other social, educational or cultural
organizations.
We achieved first success already on 15 November 1990, when Oxford County in Canada and Wrzesnia
became twinned. For Christmas we organized aparty for children and gave presents to more than 120. We were aided
in this by the Cooperative for Disabled Persons, which contributed 100 flannel children‟s pyjamas and shirts.The
Polish press in Toronto started printing articles about Wrzesnia and our Foundation.
I invented dozens of other projects and initiatives and at once tried to bring them to fruition.
I acquired a level of energy and passion, which I had not experienced since the beginning of the 1960s. I
visited Wrzesnia almost every month. I was in my element. That was probably one of the best periods in my life.
Many of these concepts were good and took hold, but many were rejected. Some were good, but were not
adopted. This did not bother me. I will mention a few, which deserve to be
noted and have been adopted:- Courses and contests in English and German;
- Courses on „small business;
- Aid to disabled children;
- Christmas card contest;
- Christmas party for children (with sweets!?);
- Celebrations of the Strike of Children of Wrzesnia (annual „Wrzesnia Days‟);
- Contests of „Man of the year‟ ( initially in fourspheres: Education and Culture, Economy,
Sports
and Recreation and Social Activity. In 1991 each winner received a diploma and 5,000 zloty ( why so much?!);
- „Eko Wrzesnica‟. Protection of the Environment (a contest of beautifying Wrrzesnia, eg. Sewer System, planting
of trees by children);
- Contact with Polonia ( later PolOrbis);
- Week of Catholic Culture;
- Promoting Wrzesnia ( in 1990 Promotional Brochure).
Good concepts that did not catch on:- Contest for children: „Knowledge of Wrzesnia‟. The winner was to be a symbolic Mayor of Wrzesnia for one
day, „Day of Wrzesnia‟ For several years, annually, I proffered funds for this initiative, but without results. The
Mayor himself did not support it. Maybe he feared, that the winner would not return to him the chain?;
- Programme for children, „Adopt a Senior‟;
- „Small Olympics for Wrzesnia children‟ ( in 1993 I had assigned a substantial sum for this programme, again
without result);
- Town and Church Savings Cooperative. I was supported in this initiative by my acquaintance, the late Tadeusz
Gonsik. He had been a director of a similar establishment in Toronto. Later he opened one in Warsaw. Years later
the management sold it to the Dutch for several million dollars, against his will.
- „Market on Internet‟;
- Radio Station at the Electronics Technical School;
- Programme to create a Vatican website.
The concept of the Foundation was received with great enthusiasm. Our Mission was in line of missions of the
Authorities and the Church. Under this banner I could count on alliances with both of them. Celek, as mayor and
canon Kazimierz Glow, the parish priest, both enthusiastically supported this Mission.The canon , even from the
pulpit, called for support.
Celek mobilized a group of enthusiastic volunteers. Many were from the town hall, Krystyna Poslednia, assistant
mayor, Maria Buta, Piotr Starzynski, Jurek Nowaczyk and others. Piotr Stankowski also joined. He was born on the
same day as Celek and in the same place, in Pyzdry. He lectured philosophy in Zielona Gora. Ewa Siwak, a teacher,
became the vice-chairman and Hania Bachorz (Celek‟s wife), the treasurer. The parish priest of Gozdow, Fr.
Ryszard Wozniak, Janusz Cyraniak and Jacek Krajniak also joined up. Exceptionally helpful, turned out to be
Magda Jasinska, the mayor‟s secretary. The most enthusiastic volunteer was, however Celek himself.
Mayor Celek...
Celek was an „activist‟ already as a child. Resourceful, ambitious, energetic, helpful, sociable, but of firm
character, he liked to make deals and be a leader, although he was younger than his elder brother Leszek.... In spite
of these traits he was and is an introvert.... He liked sports, did not smoke and drank with moderation. I often wonder
where he acquired these characteristics? His father, my brother Henryk did not betray such peculiarities. His mother,
Elzunia,was an „angel woman‟, very helpful, modest and dedicated. But they treated others with reserve
Celek had learning problems He did not like studying, at least in school.He did not finish his studies at the
Szczecin university, because he was arrested during the martial law period, for publishing Solidarity leaflets.
Already in in January 1982 he printed „Academic Weekly‟ and „Unity‟ in Szczecin.
After liberation he returned to Wrzesnia and initiated „Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie‟ (Wrzesnia News). The first
number was issued on 27 February 1990. In May 1990, after the changes of the „Round Table‟, he was elected the
first mayor of Wrzesnia. It was not an easy task. These epochal political changes required a great deal of imagination
and plenty of determination and much competence in political dealings, but he learned fast „in the field‟, at the post.
That early trip to Canada turned out to be very useful.
As a consequence of the municipal reforms, the town achieved full independence in realizing many
investments.. In 1992 a garbage landfill in Barda was brought into use; on the site of former soviet barracks, a
vegetable market was built. In 1994 a new open market was established; construction of waste water treatment plant
was started and began functioning in 1997. Water supply network outside the town was completed, and gasification
of the town is in progress. General refurbishing of Municipal Grade School No. 1 was achieved, a gymnastics hall
was built next to the school in Otoczna and in 1998, a school in Nowy Folwark came into use. In 1998 a heritage
coach-house was delivered to the firm Cenos for the purpose of converting it to a covered swimming pool, which
was opened in 1999. Many streets and sidewalks were repaired.
Mayor Celek
Celek also initiated primaries in Wrzesnia. In 1993 were held the first primary elections in Poland to the
Sejm and Senate, in 1995 for the President of Poland and in 2004 for members to the European Parliament.
Celek experienced several crises, but he was an efficient and effective steward of the town and the
surrounding commune.. He won distinction as chairman of the Association of Mayors and Countryside
Administrators and received the medal „Ad Perpetuam Rei Memoriam‟, for excellence in managing his town.. In
1998 he was invited by President Kwasniewski to a committee for examining municipal bylaws.
The power he wielded went to his head and after two terms in office, he acquired the habit common to
politicians, ...that he „has right to...‟, he is always right... and „more‟ is his due...
He ran for a third term and lost... A leftist was returned. I told him discreetly myself that I would probably
not have voted for him. In San Marino a steward is elected for only six months... They have known for generations,
that „power corrupts‟...
He was suspected of extra-marital affairs, which led to a painful divorce with Hania. Lena and I
sympathized with Hania and their son, Maciek. Maciek was a very talented and sensitive young man and
experienced this very painfully.
Nevertheless, Celek offered his candidature for the next term, in 2002 and also lost. He was brutally
crushed, with exposure of the intimate details of his private life, by his colleague, Waldek Sliwczynski, whom he
selected and hired in the town hall and to whom later he turned over Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie. Waldek, as editor of
Wiadomosci, became tsar of the local media and the de facto Steward of Wrzesnia‟s citizens. Without a problem he
caused his friend and neighbour, Tomasz Kaluzny to be elected Mayor and to this day, offers him media protection.
A lack of effective institutions for the opposition is detrimental to municipal democracy...
Celek was devastated by his setbacks and has not gotten over them yet...
During these initial years, we had cooperated a great deal with Celek, although there were
misunderstandings.. There was even a seven month period, when he refused to have any contacts with me.
Interventions by Hania, Piotr, his friend and Magda Jasinska, his secretary did not help. Up to now, I am not sure
what it was about. I suspect, that he did not like being treated by me as a nephew, rather than the mayor.
Foundation in action.
Initially the management of the board consisted of me as president, Ewa Siwiak, my deputy and Hania, treasurer.
Preparation of the articles of incorporation and registration was the task of Maria Buta and Jurek Nowaczyk. I
myself did not attach much importance to this, deeming charitable aid to be above rules and regulations.
In Wrzesnia‟s Cultural Centre (WOK), we rented a small accommodation for our office and later we moved to a
larger one, which served as a location for language and small business courses and later as a studio for for the
Computer and Internet and for other need. For larger functions, contests and ceremonies, we utilized WOK‟s main
hall, or the amphitheatre in a nearby park. Often the Mayor made available to us the Council Chamber in the town
hall for our meetings and programmes. The director of No. 1 School (where I had been a student 50 years earlier),
Zbigniew Dzierzynski, aided us enthusiastically and several times gave us access to the assembly hall for contests,
or occasional celebrations.
From the Canadian side, apart from the Embassy, we were aided by Dr. Iwona Bogorya, Elzbieta Wolska, Ewa
Skorczynska, Alina Kennedy, Mrs. Szozda, Witold Gutowski, Dr. Freyman, Dr. Pindor and others. And my wife,
Lena, as well...
Emblem and Motto of the Foundation.
I made up the emblem and the motto of the
Foundation.
In the emblem, I wanted to emphasize values of
Care and Preoccupation with the Child, in an
atmosphere of Love and Enlightement. In the band of
the emblem, can be read the motto of the foundation:
Wizor+Rygor +Wigor=Wiktor. I simplified them, to
make them easy to remember and understand,
especially for children, ...but not only...
From experience we know how easy it is to get
lost, or stray in our daily life tasks.We often hear the
saying: „Pole is wise after the damage was done‟. We
also admit to our flighty enthusiasm. A little
reflection would save us a lot of disappointments.
The Foundation‟s motto can serve as a simple
prescription or road sign to a consistent and effective
performance of everyday tasks, e.g. how to perform
simple homework, and those of great significance,
e.g. how to plan education, future and life of one‟s
child, or of one‟s own life.
To do in the sequence, as follows:„Wizor: the goal, mission, faith, vision ( a
clear, inspiring Goal)
„Rygor‟: how to achieve this Goal? Planning,
organization, discipline, schedule graph,
index.
„Wigor‟: work, energy, determination,
perseverance, „chutzpa‟
„Wiktor‟: results, success - final, likewise
those on the way and the everyday ones.
On the last point, with regard to „final
success, I would prefer to substitute by „Reach where the eyesight cannot‟, „ for the Heaven‟. Though the
everyday ones are necessary.
In a parallel edition this sounds similar, although the accent is placed more on Faith and Community:„With Faith, in Solidarity, by Work, to Success‟
Initiatives of the Foundation of Children of Wrzesnia
Courses and Contests in English. Mary Jo and Paul Quilty.
The next undertaking of the Foundation, on both sides of the Atlantic, were language courses and contests,
initially in English and later in German.
Already at the beginning of January 1991, Mr. and Mrs. Quilty came to Wrzesnia. Both were professional
teachers.. They came to Poland from Canada, paying their own way on the inaugural flight of Boeing 747. They
taught English in our Studio for five months. They also taught in Tonsil and the town hall. They did not speak a
word of Polish and lived, free of charge, in the apartment of my brother Henryk. They called this one of the most
wonderful periods of their lives.Similarly, one of their four sons, Michael, taught use of computers in our Studio and
their eldest son married a Polish-Canadian girl,Veronica Bak.
In their church in Midland, they financed a stained-glass window, displaying the image of Fr. Maksymilian
Kolbe. They wrote letters to newspapers defending Polish interests, becoming ambassadors for the Polish cause.
They were among the first, whom the Foundation designated as a honorary Benefactor. Michael was also honoured
with this title.
Years later, they wanted to return to Wrzesnia. I advised against it, fearing that they might be disappointed...
Wrzesnia had become wealthier and more attractive, but less inviting, less friendly and less hospitable...
Michael returned, however, and fell in love with Yola, the daughter of my nephew. Unfortunately his love
was not requited.
Mr. and Mrs. Quilty prior to leaving for Wrzesnia.
From left Mrs. Szozda, Mary Jo Quilty, Mrs. Kennedy, Dr. Bogorya, Paul Quilty and Les Bachorz
In May 1991, Mr. and Mrs. Quilty took part in organizing for the Foundation the first English language
contest and were included in the jury. There were more than 130 candidates. From that time on, courses and contests
in English, as well as, in German became annual tradition.
In following years, voluntary teachers from Canada taught English and helped in the contests: Mr. and Mrs.
Himsl in 1992, T. Kwapich and M. DesRochers in 1993 and S. Williams and J. Drake in 1994.
Likewise, Volunteers came from Germany to teach German. One of them, Julian Hobsch from Westphalia,
taught the full year. Later, courses were taken over by local volunteers.
I should emphasize how much the Canadian volunteers were delighted with the Polish youths, their
comportment, politeness and enthusiasm. At the time, there were no such problems in Poland, as are clearly
observed in Canada and especially in the US. For example:How times have changed?!
Major problems in high schools in the US, as seen by their Teachers:1940
- Talking out of turn
- Chewing gum
1990
- Narcotics
- Alcohol
-
Making noise
Running in corridors
Cutting in line
Dress-code violations
Littering
- Teens pregnant
- Suicides
- Rape
- Robbery
- Assault
In 1991, the first year of the Foundation‟s activity, the subject of the English language contest was Canada.
The final, which took place in WOK, during the 90th anniversary of the Strike, was decided between Tomek
Rzeznik and Andrzej Jurkiewicz. The last and deciding question was, which of the two most populous Canadian
provinces is larger in area.?
Andrzej responded correctly and won as a prize a six-week trip to Canada. Half of that time he spent with us
and the other half with the Quilty family in Midland, on Lake Huron and with the mayor Herdemann.
Tomek was very disappointed and cried, according to
his father, Marian. And perhaps it was just as well that it
happened. Because the disappointment mobilized him to a new
challenge. He learned English perfectly and finished his studies
with excellent results in the US.. Later he became the CEO of
Cenos...
My son Mark was in Wrzesnia that year. He was
admired by the charming Wrzesnia lasses, even
and the editor of Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie,Waldek wrote very
flattering articles about him...
A pity that no Wrzesnia girl seduced him. He remains a
bachelor today.
Mark, my son
Enabling the Disabled
In 1991 we also initiated a programme of aiding the handicapped. The first beneficiary of this initiative was Mirek
Chudy. Today, Mirek is Wrzesnia‟s hero. He has won several sports competitions on Polish, as well as international
arenas. He is also a member of the Council of Wrzesnia.
In the years following, we helped others and supported financially or actively organizations and teams dealing
with the handicapped. In 1997 I started the programme, „Computer for the Handicapped‟. Later, I elaborated with the
help of Jacek Panster and Lukasz Plocniczak a Christmas card contest by the handicapped.
Jacek, a Wrzesnia citizen, was then staying with us in Toronto for several months, studying linguistics at the
University of Toronto. In order to be admitted to these studies, he was aided by our staunch friend Mr. Paul Quilty
and myself.
I wanted this contest to demonstrate, that the computer can become a working instrument and not only for the
handicapped. If a handicapped person can make use of it, why not I - unemployed, retired, or a mother, when
children are at school. I insisted that every contestant, who reached the final, receive not only a diploma, but also a
money prize, to emphasize, that the computer can help to start anybody‟s career.
The first contest took place in No. 1 School.We were aided in organizing it by the school director, Z. Dzierzynski
and the computer scientist, Dr. Lysek. The jurors were Canon K. Glow, the starost, mayor of Wrzesnia, Director
Mrs. Miller and I.
Declaring of the results of the contest and distribution of prizes were an event difficult to describe. The
handicapped displayed immense pride and extraordinary joy while receiving their rewards. Their mothers cried and I
myself had difficulty withholding tears. We had rehabilitated the handicapped...
Today we all know about Stephen Hawking, the greatest contemporary scientist, who can only speak and move
thanks to the computer.
During that session I, too, became handicapped. I grew faint twice. Later, during the night, I had shivers,
resembling my attacks of malaria in 1943. I became unconscious.In the morning, Marian Rzeznik brought to my
room Dr. Adamczak, the daughter of my school colleague, Marian Adamczak, as I found out later. That same day,
chief surgeon, Dr. Herman Gronowski from Poznan, operated me on my appendix in the county hospital in
Wrzesnia. He said that my condition had been so serious, that I would not have made it to the hospital in Poznan.
Man of the Year
In a socialist system ideas, initiatives and programmes were generated within the party and by the authorities.
Individual undertakings were looked upon with suspicion. In a free market system, the individual and „power of one‟
counts - everybody can become a leader. The keynote of the contest for „Man of the Year‟ was to distinguish people,
who devote their activities for the good of their fellow men and as an example and encouragement to others to do
likewise.
Diplomas were given out in the name of Wrzesnia, by the mayor and in the name of Foundation of the Children of
Wrzesnia, by the chairman, or an assistant. During the first few years, the committee selected four contestants in the
sphere of of social activity, culture and education, sports and recreation and in economics.
Besides the diploma each winner received a monetary prize, initially 5 million old zloty. The money was
disbursed from the Foundation account, i.e. from me.
Since 1997 we were granting the title of „Man of the Year‟ to only one person. And from 2006 we extended the
range of the contest to the entire county, so that winners are now rewarded in the name of Wrzesnia county and the
Foundation. For several years now there had been no monetary prizes. The zloty fast became a strong currency.
In February 1991, the mayor formed a selection committee of outstanding citizens of Wrzesnia, as follows:Boleslaw Swieciechowski, M.Sygrela, Jan Koralewski and the mayor. Initial regulations were put in place and after
several meetings of the committee, the first prize-winners in 1991 were selected:- Z. Sypniewski, W. Cierpiszewska,
L. Jurkiewicz and the late F. Karpinski.
Below I quote the article, „News from the Town Hall‟, which can serve as an example of this programme:On June 25, at a subsequent session of the Town Council, a solemn event took place, whereby the title of „Man of
the Year 2001‟ was bestowed on Mr. Eugeniusz Paterka, as well as on the MP of Wrzesnia region, Mr. Bronislaw
Dankowski the honorary title of member of the Foundation of the Children of Wrzesnia. The solemn granting of the
title, „Man of the Year 2001‟ to Mr. Eugeniusz Paterka was done by mayor Maria Taciak. The accomplishments of
the winner were portrayed by Krystyna Poslednia, director of the Foundation. She said:- “The winner of this year‟s
„Man of the Year 2001‟ award had shown, that active life does not end with retirement. For 43 years he had worked
in the educational system, where he occupied managerial functions from 1976 to 1991.Having reached a deserved
state of retirement, now with time to do what he liked, he took up active involvement in organizing cultural and
social life of Wrzesnia, promoting its history and culture. He fulfills the function of president of the Association of
Remembrance of the Wielkopolska Uprising and prepares observances organized by the Circle of Katyn Families.
The crowning point of our winner up to now was entrusting him with the function of Chairman of the Committee of
the 100th Year Jubilee of the Strike Of Wrzesnia‟s Children.”
Director E Paterka and MP B Dankowski
The Foundation also honoured contributions and activity on behalf of Wrzesnia region by MP Bronislaw
Dankowski. The title of honorary member of the Foundation of the Children of Wrzesnia was presented by Celestyn
Bachorz, member of the selection committee., which selects candidates. In portraying Bronislaw Dankowski‟s
contributions, Celestyn Bachorz said inter alia:“Mr. Bronislaw Dankowski, member of Sejm on two consecutive terms, is a man, who showed that Wrzesnia region
can have its representative in the Polish parliament. His election to the second term is a crowning of the success of
the first term. Members of the Foundation value most of all in people an objective judgement. Such objectivity, which
allows working together on programmes and activities aiming to improve conditions of our lives, we found in Mr.
Bronislaw Dankowski. When we were finalizing the process of creating the Internet Academy, Mr. Dankowski
actively involved himself in promoting this concept, e.g. by putting us in contact with MP Krystyna Lybacka, today‟s
Minister of National Education and Sports. Furthermore, he actively supported ideas for the development of
Wrzesnia. He participates in the work of the association in building the Internet Academy, supporting the society‟s
activities. He had sponsored together with the Foundation the publication of Christmas cards, from the sales of
which the profit was assigned to partially defray the costs of a camp for handicapped children. Currently, he is
engaged together with the Foundation in managing the programme Internet Workshop and is cooperating in the
project of creating an informatics centre for the unemployed seeking work. Taking into consideration all these
activities within our sphere, the Foundation determined to nominate MP Dankowski an Honorary Member of the
Foundation.”
Two candidates, whom I had myself presented to the selection committee myself , were Waldek Sliwczynski for
the „Tygodnik Kulturalny‟ weekly and engineer Marian Rzeznik for the Cenos‟‟ swimming pool. In 1998 the
authorities turned over to the firm Cenos a heritage coach-house for the purpose of converting it to a covered pool,
which was opened in 1999.
I proposed, probably for three years in a row, the candidacy of the Director of School No. 1, Zbigniew
Dzierzynski, for his activity in connection with the ruins of a Piast stronghold in Grzybowo. Without effect.
Many blame the Foundation for selecting only „their own‟...
90th Anniversary of the Strike of the Children of Wrzesnia.
1991 was an exceptional year. Most of all it was the 90th jubilee year of the Strike of the Children of
Wrzesnia. Although this was only the second year of our activity, the year was also the year of the Foundation of the
Children of Wrzesnia. We had support and cooperation from the authorities, especially of the Mayor and the Church.
Even Waldek Sliwczynski helped us. He made accessible his press for our organizational office and informed
readers daily of our celebrations. FDW was the sponsor and organizer and financed these events. The response from
the community was phenomenal. The Mayor was the most passionate participant. He mobilized and energized the
whole community, all the schools, organizations and private firms. We did not lack volunteers. Although we
financed these events, the costs to us were unexpectedly small, partly because the currency conversion was
favourable.
The initiative for these celebrations came from me. I recall, that at first I had a problem to settle on whether
to celebrate 100 or 90 years...
Preparations began at the beginning of the year. The event turned out to be successful beyond expectations.
For ten days, beginning on 11 May, each day dealt in several different diversions. Rides, sport tournaments,
expositions, vernissages, outdoor painting, artistic contest in High School, rock concerts, fashion shows, balls, chess
matches, educational meetings and sessions, language contests, bazaars in the market, concerts by children‟s teams
and an exhibit by Kukulski in the amphitheatre.
At a grand session of the Town Council, on 12 May, following a solemn mass in the Parish Church, in
WOK‟s hall filled to the brim with people, in the presence of the Governor (Wojewoda) I signed a notarial act
creating the Foundation of the Children of Wrzesnia. The Foundation was, of course, already active two years. Also
at this session, I, as president of the Foundation, along with the Mayor, handed out „Diplomas of Esteem‟ to four
candidates singled out for distinction by the Selection Committee.
Several years later, on the first page of Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie, editor Waldek Sliwczynski alleged, that we
had been acting illegally acting illegally. Even with Waldek the spirit of stalinism still lingered. One should not help,
even the disabled, without Moscow‟s blessing...
That was the beginning of annual celebrations, designated „Days of Wrzesnia Children‟. Later the Mayor
shortened it to „Wrzesnia Days‟ and added “Wrzesnia‟s Nameday‟, which was celebrated in September (wrzesien in
Polish)
Small Business
In all free market countries, the greatest generators and sources of jobs are small enterprises. Of these, the largest
numbers are firms with ten or fewer workers. At the time, more than 30% of the population in Poland were engaged
in agriculture, with a great predominance of small farmers, thus small enterprises
Although aware of these facts, I doubt if I fully appreciated their significance.
Under communism, small entrepreneurs (called tradesmen) were allowed to function, provided they did not
employ more than 200 workers. And that is already like a good sized firm... Many casually made money on the side,
working from home. The small farmers fared quite well.
After the political changes took place, the small farmers became significantly poorer. They were saved by the
European Union, 15 years later.
In 1991, small business and small farming, the importance of Education and New Technology and the concept of
„My Small Nations‟ gradually grew in significance, but did not yet mature.
In mid-July 1991. Dr. Danuta Pindor, a Canadian volunteer, arrived in Wrzesnia and conducted courses in Small
Business in our office. These were practical lectures on the subject of bookkeeping, banking, marketing and
administration of starting enterprises. She also spoke about the possibilities of joint ventures with Western firms.
This course enjoyed a wide popularity.
In later years we were reviving this subject in related versions. Internet marketing (Allegro, Best Buy, Amazon),
eBiz (Dr. Freyman from Canada in 1988). Computer
for the Disabled as a Workshop (Jarek and Dariusz
from Canada)...
1999. Catholic Culture Week.
The Polish Catholic Church i above all a Polish
institution. It is, of course, subordinated to the Vatican,
as are the French, Italian, Mexican, American and
Austrian Churches. But it is distinct, Ours... It is a part
of of our national identity. We were born as a Country
on the day when our nation was baptized. We had
survived many critical periods in our history thanks to
the Church. Would Solidarity have come into being and
succeeded without the Pope and the Church?
Gniezno Golden Codex (Codex Aureus Gnesnensis). 11th
Century Gospel Book, one of the most important relicts of
Medieval scripts in Europe. It was exhibited in the Wrzesnia
parish church. For the first time it left the Gniezno Cathedral.
Canon K. Glow. Inaugural Mass. On
the right Fr. Kwiatkowski
The Children Of Wrzesnia fought for their rights and became a symbol of Wrzesnia region, thanks to the
support and leadership of the Church... We Poles, outcasts, whether forced or by our own will, disseminated through
four corners of the world, always and without fail, could count on protection and help from the Church. Wherever
we went, the Church was with us.
In Wilno, a small Kashubian villaget in Ontario, the oldest Polish settlement in Canada, I met a fourth
generation Canadian, who still spoke Polish, thanks to the local parish of St. Mary Immaculate.
Many regard the Church as having had negative influence on forming our character and on our society. The
communists considered the Church as their greatest enemy. Many wonder why such enmity between similar
ideologies that could not reach an accord.
Our cooperation with the Church worked extremely well, thanks to an active support by Canon Glowa.
During the autumn of 1991, under our auspices, but above all with the help of the Church and the authorities, mainly
Canon Glowa and the Mayor, Wrzesnia celebrated Catholic Culture Week. The festivities were initiated by an
inaugural mass attended by Church and authorities prominents, local, from Gniezno and Warsaw. Every day of that
week there were Symposia, lectures , expositions and exhibits.
The coordinator of these events was Janusz Cyraniak.
All Poland Festival of Religious Song (1992 -1993).
In 1992, within the framework of „Wrzesnia Days‟ celebrations, in Wrzesnia, together with Polish
Television and the programme „Ziarno‟, we organized the „All Poland Festival of Religious Song‟. In 1991, Pope
John Paul II was featured in Ziarno.
During the first two years, 1992
and 1993, the programme was transmitted
from Wrzesnia by the national television.
Apart from „Primaeval Elections in
Wrzesnia ( „Poland in a pill‟), which was
initiated by mayor Celek in 1993, this
event was probably the best promotion for
Wrzesnia and for our Foundation. We
received a 40,000 zloty donation from
Polish TV to organize this episode.
Jerusalem 1992. Team from Gdansk in Wrzesnia.
During both years the weather was
clement and the amphitheatre was bursting
at the seams. Several eminent Polish
artists appeared on stage, including
Mieczyslaw Szczesniak and the popular duet of Dr. Drozdowicz and Fr. Nowak. Enthusiasm of young people
probably was comparable to that in festivals at Jarocino or in Woodstock. I participated in these spectacle and
despite my age, I had difficulty in not being carried away by the occasion.
Part of this festival was above all a contest of Religious Songs for children. Both solos and children‟s choirs,
from Wrzesnia and the whole country, participated.
The main coordinator of both Festivals was again Janusz Cyraniak. Janusz took up his responsibility with
incredible enthusiasm and dedication. In 1993 he became ill on the job. He had a high fever and was weak. I tried to
persuade him to see a doctor. He refused. We had to bring a doctor into the amphitheatre. It turned out that he had
bronchitis and should have been in a hospital.
He was a symbol of the Volunteer of these times. We bestowed upon him the title of Honorary Member of
the Foundation. He deserved it. He found himself among the likes of Jacek Kuron, Olgierd Brzeski and Norman
Davies.
Eco-Wrzesnica, fashion or necessity?
Diploma of the League of Women Voters, the largest women‟s organization in the US. League‟s
history began in 1890. In 1920, thanks to its activity, women in the US acquired the right to vote.
In 1993, this ecological project received a high rating from the League of Women Voters in the US plus the
Diploma and a grant of $2,500. This resulted in persuading the association of administrative districts within the
Wrzesnica river-basin to join in building a waste water treatment plant in Wrzesnia. In the end it came to fruition,
under the management of mayor Celek.
The coordinator of this programme was Dr. Piotr Stankowski. Piotr was also the author of an insert in
Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie, entitled „Eco-Wrzesnica, fashion or necessity?‟. Waldek Sliwczynski, the editor, this time
did not charge us for publishing it.
Mrs. Krystyna Poslednia, assistant mayor and vice resident of the Foundation rendered a great service in this task.
She, like Piotr, were outstanding volunteers since the Foundation was started and both became Honoured Members
of the Foundation...
New Crusade. 1994 and 1995.
The subject of computer and the New Technology remained with me an incessant passion and I noted its
dramatic progress from day to day, beginning in 1959.
Electronic mail had its beginnings in the mid-sixties and internet was started in the late sixties, but came into
use in 1994. The web came in later.
Towards the end of the seventies. I acquired my first compute, Tandy TRS-80, black and white. It had only
4Kb memory. I never learnt to use it. I did not have the time to read the instructions, or to take courses. It sat on my
desk with a plastic cover to the end of the eighties, when I purchased a colour Apple (the work Steve Wozniak) with
a printer. Since that time, the computer became my inseparable companion. I followed keenly the development of
this New Technology and became convinced, that we were on the threshold of the greatest revolution in human
history. Observing Silicon Valley, Microsoft and other stars of this new world, I began to consider how to make use
of it for the benefit of the Foundation and of Wrzesnia.
I sensed that I knew what was happening.
Privately, I started investing in New Technology firms on the stock market.
In Credit Suisse, a bank whose services I employed, I was seen favourably as an investor. I advised the
advisers. I had impressive results. On Microsoft I earned more than 400%. After a few years, I noted that the stock
markets began to run wild and investors had acquired irresponsible habits of greed and unwarranted expectations. I
withdrew, although a year too soon, but „better one bird in hand than three in the bush‟. I was safe when the crash
came.
In 1994 I was connected to the internet and by the end of 1995, I started building a Foundation website,
entitled „Wrzesnia‟.
In December, I was set back by cancer treatments, but after an operation and convalescence, in March 1996,
with the help of my son, Grant, I published this site on the internet. In this I had preceded the Queen of England and
President Kwasniewski.
It was probably also the first website on Wrzesnia. It still exists with the original name, but with changes
(http://home.interlog.com/~wrzesnia/), because I don‟t have the time to make it current. It could be called „antique‟
in cyberspace.
Increasingly clear, in my imagination, became an image of historical opportunity for the future of Wrzesnia.
How could Wrzesnia become the „Silicon Valley‟?! What role in this could be played by our Foundation? I was
convinced that the the road and device, that would make these possibilities accessible must be education, - New
Education and New Technology.
In history of peoples, strongholds and towns, as in life of everyone of us, these opportunities arise, rarely and
only briefly, as if in a flash, in a wink of an eye and never happen again. So how to seize one, how to make use of it?
At the beginning of 1996 I envisaged such possibilities for Wrzesnia. And such a role for the Foundation....
This inspired me to further action with a renewed fervour - to a new Crusade...
Internet for Wrzesnia.
I started at once to reorganize the Foundation. I created the Foundation Council. All the current and
future members of the Selection Committee of the „Man of the Year‟ were included. This ensured that the most
outstanding people in Wrzesnia were members.
I initiated two additional organs of the Foundation. One is a mechanism of singling out for distinction people
who served the interest of Wrzesnia or the Foundation. Among these Honorary Members we have today Norman
Davies, Prof. Jacek Fisiak, Canon Glowa, Prof. Kurnatowska, the current Canadian Ambassador and others. The late
Jacek Kuron and Olgierd Brzeski had also been Honorary Members.
We nominate „Benefactors‟ people, who are devoted to, or as „Volunteers‟, serve the interests of the
Foundation. I also enlarged management t0 12 members. Organs of „Honorary Members‟ and „Benefactors‟ play a
supporting role in the Foundation. We changed the Statute of the Foundation to bring about these changes.
Until then, I was not aware that foundations can carry on an economic activity. And encouraging enterprise was
one of our basic tasks. So we made a change, which allowed the Foundation to create enterprises, provided that their
profits be limited to charitable ventures. I was sure, that these changes would add profile and efficiency to the
Foundation to serve this new challenge and take advantage of this unusual opportunity.
The task became more and more clear. We had to begin with the Young, the Children of Wrzesnia and utilizing
Education and New Technology attain progress within a generation or earlier.
Organization Chart of FDW 1996
In May 1996, while on the way To Wrzesnia, I met engineer Henryk Parzych in the Canadian Embassy in
Warsaw. He was very kind and helpful as always. He mentioned that Mrs. Lewandowska, his embassy colleague,
disposes of some funds which may be of interest. He introduced me to her. I described to her the history of the
Foundation and our plans with respect to education and New Technology. In our plans for „Internet for Wrzesnia we
had in mind computers
and internet. Such an expense would
qualify for funds at her disposal and
suggested applying for them. I filled
out the forms the same day and
submitted them the following day. By
t6he end of the year we received a grant
of 25,000 zloty (already the new zloty)
At the beginning of 1997 we equipped
our Studio with computers and an
additional telephone line and linked up
with Internet.
We became citizens of the world‟s
80-million Internauts.
More precisely this had already
happened in Toronto at the beginning
of March 1996.
Studio FDW in People‟s Library on 12
School St.
We started computer and Internet courses for the young, the teachers, physicians, parents and the
handicapped. They at once became exceedingly popular, especially young. The latter very quickly assimilated that
New Technology. immediately, it became their passion. In the most recent years we were aided by two exceptional
volunteers, Lukasz Plociniczak and Marcin Galczynski. They were still grade school students. They mastered the
computer in a few days and after several weeks they already were instructing their teachers. Before long, they
reportedly earned more money casually with computers than their full time teachers.
Our studio probably became the most desired spot for meeting by the young people. It was accessible seven days a
week and often was occupied into the morning hours. Often there was no room and the willing waited in the
corridor.
Canon Glow made available to us a beautiful large room in the „People‟s Library‟ and we quickly moved in there.
We published an insert, entitled „Internet for Wrzesnia‟. Piotr Stankowski coordinated this bulletin.
From the initiative „Internet for Wrzesnia emerged subsidiary programmes, „Internet for Schools‟, „Health
Internet‟ and „Internet for the Disabled‟.
Honorary Citizen of Wrzesnia.
Towards the end of April 1996, I was not sure that could participate in celebrating „Days of Wrzesnia‟,
which were planned around the anniversary of the Strike of the Children of Wrzesnia, 20 May. I did not yet regain
my full strength following following my operation. Piotr Stankowski and Celek urged me, nevertheless, to come and
after several exchanges they revealed the reason for this urgency.
At the end of April The Council of Wrzesnia and its environs decided to bestow on me the Honorary
Citizenship. The decision of the Council was unanimous, except for the controversial councillor, Szwajca, who
withheld his vote.This was a great surprise for me. I never expected anything like it and I was convinced that I did
not deserve this.// I worked with dedication and passion and I derived much satisfaction from this work. I did not
expect any rewards or distinctions, at least then, when there remained a long way to success. - A whole generation...
It happened in a solemn session of the Council, on 31 May 1996, in the presence of of Mayor Garbsen, guests from
Nottingham and local luminaries, priests and my brothers. I was introduced to the audience by Jerzy Sadowski,
Chairman of the Council, who also evinced the reasons for my nomination. He used very flattering words in
describing mine and the Foundation‟s activity and thanked me for my contributions to Wrzesnia and for having
earlier presented the Museum of the Children of Wrzesnia with art relics and a painting by Kossak. The Chairman
handed me a diploma and a charming girl gave me a bouquet of flowers. I did not know what to do with the flowers.
In Canada flowers are given only to the fair sex.
In my thanking speech, I described where the Foundation and I were headed and what it was all about.
Unambiguously, I challenged citizens and elders of Wrzesnia, that we are counting on their cooperation.
Above; text of my speech, published in the local press.
Mayor‟s guests from Holland, from Nottingham in England, from Garbsen in Germany and I from Canad
Internet for Schools
On the eve of the solemn session of the Council, we had a meeting of the management of the Foundation in the
Museum of the Children of Wrzesnia. Also present were Mayor Celek and Hania, mayor‟s deputy, Krystyna
Poslednia and Piotr Stankowski.
I introduced the subjects , which I was to bring up at the Council session the next day.Thus I talked about the
future, about progress, and the role of Education and Knowledge. About knowledge as capital and product and about
the Computer and Internet and of course a lot about our our cybernet site. Perhaps for the first time I offered the
concept off „Internet Academy‟.
The fundamental part of the Internet for Wrzesnia was the initiative of „Internet for Schools‟. Even before I came
to Wrzesnia, I became acquainted, even superficially, with a similar initiative in Canada, which then was the leader
in this domain. Also, I learned, that in Warsaw Marek Car, a few months before, co-authored, I think with Dr. Jacek
Gajewski, of a similar programme. I emphasized, that this task presented a major challenge and that before the end
of the current decade we will require more than 250 computers with access to the internet for each school in the
administrative district.
Unfortunately in 1997 Marek Car died in a car accident. Later, I was in contact with the representative of the same
programme in Poznan, as I recall, with Mr. Kokowski. In 1006, i obtained permission from them to connect internet
to all schools in our district. I established email and website for every school. We found teacher-administrators
volunteers, who would take care of this programme in each school.
The biggest problem was that we lacked computers and internet access. Later we were able to obtain a grant from
from the Canadian Embassy, with which we purchased equipment and put it into service at the Internet Studio in
Wrzesnia‟s Cultural Centre (WOD). Courses of Computer and Internet were held there for children, teachers, parents
physicians and the disabled, conducted by initially by volunteers from Canada, every day, often late into the night.
With the Canadian instructors, we prepared these these programmes together in my office in Toronto, before they
left for Wrzesnia.
At the beginning of 1997, under the banner, Internet for Schools, we undertook to acquire computers. In
those days, the cost of a computer was the equivalent of one‟s annual wages. Not many believed, including the
Mayor, that if we presented it effectively, we would find support...
During the winter that year, we arranged with Celek and family and his friend, engineer Adam Jozwiak, to
go skiing in Austria. I asked Mr. Jozwiak if he could offer a computer to a school of his choice. He surprised both
me and Celek by agreeing to do so.He was the first person, who declared his help in this initiative.
This lifted my spirits and inspired hope, that a worthy purpose could spur citizens on to generosity and
sacrifice. Later, I persuaded also the Mayor and his wife, although meeting with greater reluctance. They allotted
their computer to School No.5, where their son, Maciek was student. Also contributed engineer Bogdan Kowalski,
PUZ, Cooperative Bank, where my brother Stefan was director and others. Mr. Szalbierz from the Cooperative of the
Disabled offered two. Some schools had acquired computers thanks to the generosity of their teachers and the
parents, as happened in Gozdow thanks to the initiative of the teacher, Mrs. Pardela.
The first computer, although used, was donated by the president of Cenos, Marian Rzeznik. It went to my
School No. 1. Dr. Krzysztof Lysek, IT specialist, had difficulty linking up with Internet. He was helped out by his
student Marek Galczynski, our faithful volunteer.
We bestowed the title of „Benefactor‟ on each one of the donors and gave them a free advertisement on our
website.
Waldek Sliwczynski did not donate a computer, although he could; nor did my nephew Leszek, who should
have, because I had helped him and he made thousands (although somewhat later)...
Constant revolution.
In 1994, 1995 and 1996 dramatic exponential progress of the New Technology assumed a measure of
revolution. Internet had become a passion already of tens of millions new „citizens‟ and their number doubled each
year. Knowledge became regarded as a product. Its volume doubled every six years. Its necessity, already as a
commodity, was becoming insatiable. Educational institutions were unable to meet the requirements of New
Technology. An IT specialist became outdated after 18 months.
New Technology was becoming an important component of the new Global Economy and soon outdistanced
industry as the main generator of prosperity. In USA during 1998, 8% employed in NT accounted for 30% of growth
of income.However, neither educational institutions nor government, at the time, noticed these revolutionary signals.
The Silicon Valley in California, not the academe, became a symbol of this revolution...
Even Bill Gates, the star of New Technology, did not appreciate its incessant change. He did not perceive the
potential of the Internet and changed his strategy only in 1996. Nevertheless, he fixed this with the introduction in
1997 of „Microsoft Internet Explorer‟, overtaking „Netscape Navigator‟, which had been introduced in 1994 and
became the dominant internet browser. Bill Gates was at that time a shining symbol of NT and for 10 years the
wealthiest man in the world.
His wealth was equivalent to the twelfth richest world economy, thus richer than Poland itself. Microsoft, the
company which he had initiated boasts among its employees four billionaires and about 12.000 millionaires!...
It is worth noting, that the Revolution of New Technology was created by young people without degrees. Steve
Wozniak, his partner Steve Jobs, Linus Torvalds, even Gates himself and many others did not wait for diplomas in
order to create a New World...
Internet Academy.
During these years, I observed these scenes with interest and wonder and I dreamt of how to make use of and pass
this on to Wrzesnia and how to make the Foundation efficient to handle this task.
I became convinced, that the formula should consist of three elements: - New Technology, New Education and
Enterprise. And to make this task efficient, it should be started without delay, because this opportunity would not be
repeated.
In November 1995 I played golf in Florida with a colleague from my days in the air force, Richard Gabrin and
Alec Ellis. Alec held some responsible position in „Open University‟. It was a school of „Remote Education‟. The
students learned externally, using radio or television. Later, „Open University„ became the largest school in the UK.
It embraced more than 160,000 students.
But why not, instead of radio or television, by Internet? I then also became convinced, that since about 2,000
Polish professors worked outside of Poland, many in the best universities, and if each one would agree to offer two
hours per year of lecturing on the Internet, it would meet the requirements of around 3,000 students, who would thus
gain access to the latest Knowledge of the best quality. Thanks to the Internet, access to this education would be
available to Polish students around the world, as well as these around Wrzesnia.What is more, this website could
become a base for exchanging cultural, social and commercial exchanges for Polonia. Gratis...
Wrzesnia could become its administrative base.
That is how the notion of Internet Academy was born. It would have been the first such school in the world.
Internet Academy Was to be more than a School. It was supposed to be a Creative Centre, the Forge of New
Culture. It would build a New Future for our Little Homeland of Wrzesnia...
The Academy would be the Incubator of Undertakings and Executor of Tasks, where imagination, challenge,
enthusiasm and New Knowledge, in alliance with with New Technology, experience, in the spirit of Mission and
Adventure, the Young realize their goals... - the Centre where the student and teacher, an IT engineer, an expert from
the Ministry and the mayor , in the spirit of challenge, together in a Task Force, create and build to reach the
intended Goal... Goal and Goals for the good of their Little Homeland, but also in their own interest.They experience
the „Charm of Education‟ , „Charm of Work and Creation‟ and the charm and results of achievements...
Think globally, act locally!
Internet Academy should be an Institution of the Third Millenium, and its teams,staff and students should be
Pioneers of a New Culture, Creativity and Enterprise. May the Academy arm community of Our Little
Homeland with aspiration, capability and tools of a New Age!ay it also become the engine, catalyst and
incubator of Prosperity for the whole community and free up power, so that in the decade following Our
Little Homeland would match the leaders...
That is how I saw it and how I appealed to the Young and the Authorities. Youth reacted with enthusiasm,
while the Authorities were negative and uncomprehending...
Prof. Jacek Fisiak, OBE.
This idea also inspired Celek and Piotr Stankowski, who was at that time the director of our Foundation.
Piotr lectured Philosophy at the University of Zielona Gora and drew to the attention of his colleague, Dr. Roman
Stryjski our goal. The latter, in turn, suggested to contact Dr. Jacek Fisiak of the Adam Mickiewicz University in
Poznan. Piotr and Celek considered the professor an exceptional authority in the academe, but had not told me about
him. I phoned the professor and outlined to him our initiative. I intended mainly to find out if he could devote to us
two hours of his time in a year. He mentioned, that he planned a
visit to Canada in a few months and would like to meet me then to
discuss this subject. I sent him a letter with an invitation and
confirmed details of our discussion.
Prof. Jacek Fisiak, OBE. Formerly Minister of Education and former
Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University, four times recipient of the order Polonia
Restituta and of the Order of British Empire
In the meantime, I found more impressive details of the
professor‟s career. He was a scientist of world standing. I was
hoping, that his interest confirmed, that Internet Academy presents
realistic possibilities and promises of success. At the end of 1997
Prof. Fisiak came for a short visit to Toronto. He gave lectures at
both Toronto and York universities.We met twice. The idea of
Internet Academy interested him increasingly. I already had
elaborated initial programme of the Academy, based on
programmes of Canadian and US schools, but I did not have the
courage to show it.
I learned from him, that a mere month before, a new act came
out about State Higher Vocational Schools. So, there was a chance,
that the Academy, provided it meets the criteria of the act, could
become a school at the university level, possibly in Wrzesnia.
The Professor called this initiative a pilot programme.I understood, that besides Wrzesnia, similar schools could be
established in other cities. This possibility delighted me. I informed Celek and Piotr Stankowski about it. In January
they met
with the Professor in Poznan.
We are building Internet Academy
College of Outstanding Professors.
Professor Fisiak and Piotr Stankowski mobilized, in a very short time, a staff of prominent professors from Adam
Mickiewicz University (Drs. Stanislaw Puppel, Waclaw Strykowski, Miroslaw Krzysko and Mariusz Kakolewicz),
from Poznan Polytechnic (Drs. Zbigniew Kierzkowski and Daniel Fic) and from Zielona Gora University Dr. Roman
Stryjski. All agreed to join and contribute lectures to the Internet Academy.
Dr. Fisiak also promised to arrange a meeting with the Minister of Education.
The possibility of initiating a school of higher learning in Wrzesnia thrilled Mayor Celek. On 12 February, the day
, when when my friend Dr. Andrew Freyman from Toronto arrived in Wrzesnia, Celek announced with much
hubbub the inauguration of Internet Academy.
On 18 February an agreement was signed between the Town and Wrzesnia Township, the professors group
and our Foundation.Wrzesnia would provide a building, the professors were to elaborate the structure and
programmes of the Academy, while the Foundation would outfit the school with furnishings and installations.
On 23 February took place a very promising meeting with the Minister of Education. Prof. Fisiak, Mayor
Celek, Dr. Andrew Freyman and Piotr Stankowski participated.During the same day a meeting took place with Dr.
Turowicz, president of Stefan Batory Foundation.
Following the initial agreement and return of Dr. Freyman from Wrzesnia, I sent an email to Prof. Fisiak.
Therein I expanded my thoughts on the subject: Prof. Jacek Fisiak,
Adam Mickiewicz University
2 March, 1998
Dear Professor Fisiak,
Once more we wish to thank you cordially for your interest and so helpful assistance with the initiative on Internet
Academy. With reference to account by the Mayor, Dr. Freyman and Mr. Stankowski of these most recent meetings and
discussions, during Dr. Freyman‟s visit in Poland, certain thoughts arise, - questions rather than suggestions, as to the basic
character and structure, which you called previously a „Pilot Project‟ of the Academy. I would like to go back to subjects of
“Updating‟, „Permanent Education‟, „Remote Education‟ and „PolOrbis‟.
1. Updating. In an age of revolutionary and exponential development, when total knowledge doubles every six years
and the computer competes with and disables millions economically and intellectually, should the structure of
Internet Academy be based on classical models and orthodox educational institutions?
In a world of knowledge, should not Civilization of Third Millenium require a renaissance of the Third Millenium?
For example, could the Academy, using Internet, serve a physician and help him to access instantly to the most up
to date sources of medical knowledge?
Could the Academy prepare a small entrepreneur with information to find demand for his product on the global
market?
Would a teacher, armed with up to date tools of computer and Internet, become a new harbinger of fascination
with knowledge?
Could the Academy prepare, not only its students. but also the whole community for the needs of the day?
Could the Internet Academy arm Wrzesnia to become Polish Silicon Valley in 2013?!
2. Permanent Education. A developing accounting firm, which I retain in my enterprise, decided not to employ
new workers, who are more than 30 years old(!). Outdating of workers has at least three causes: new technology,
lazy workers and a lack of suitable programmes in schools.
The Academy can utilize the experience of many other schools, institutions and private firms, which often in
cooperation with employers, organize courses, seminars conferences and lectures to satisfy these needs. The
Academy could also dispense within its programme courses of „updating‟ licentiate, say every three years.
Academy‟s Licentiate could be represented by year‟s initials, e.g. „AI-2003‟, or „Lic AI-03‟.
3a. Online Education.
Globalization and the necessity for upgrading one‟s education, without leaving the place of work, has called for
access to courses, seminars and conferences remote from their source. Many schools already make available
courses and diplomas, utilizing the technology of video conferencing, which is inconvenient and expensive. A twoyear programme, which we investigated with Dr. Freyman, cost $57,000. Internet is at the threshold of making
accessible the technology , which conveniently and at reasonable cost would satisfy these needs.
3b. PolOrbis.
Outside of Poland live 12 to 20 million of Polish Diaspora. In the eighties and nineties more than one million of
young citizens left Poland. About one third of them had higher education. Losses to the national treasury can be
assessed at several hundred billions of dollars!
What can Internet give us, apart from access to very valuable commercial and cultural exchanges? Exactly. Here is
a great opportunity to utilize multi-directional Internet technology and „Remote Education‟ programme!
For instance - our countryman in Australia participates in a lecture (in Polish) by Professor Iwona Turlik , Vice
President of Motorola in Chicago, employing the programme of Internet Academy in Wrzesnia! We have outside
Poland thousands of our countrymen in responsible positions, professors in world‟s best universities, experts in
each sphere of knowledge, industry, teaching and the arts. Does this not represent possibilities of repatriation of
even a part of this precious treasure of our native knowledge? More details on another occasion.
Finally, what should be the Internet Academy? Its mission, as structure, what should be its modus operandi? Should
the Academy be a centre of the „Educated Administrators and Organizers‟?
Coordinators of knowledge and staffs of teachers and specialists.
Organizers of courses, seminars, conferences, lectures and demonstrations, utilizing easily accessible treasures of
knowledge and Internet technology?
With cordial regards,
FOUNDATION OF THE CHILDREN OF WRZESNIA
Les C. Bachorz, president
P.S. This letter was also emailed to:
-the Mayor
-Dr. Freyman
-Mr. Gotowski
-Mr. Stankowski
www.interlog.com/-wrzesnia.
It took a mere three months, for the professors, led by Prof. Jacek Fisiak, to elaborate the structure and
specific teaching programmes of the Academy.It was to be a HigherVocational School, with four departments, threeyear courses to gain a diploma .Later, an additional two-year master‟s programme would be added. The structure and
programmes were so fashioned as to satisfy the requirements of the new law.
Prof. Stanislaw Ruppel, Dean of Modern Languages and Literature at Adam Mickiewicz University,
developed two modules of English Studies, while Prof. Waclaw Strykowski and Prof. Marian Kakolewicz devised
programmes of Pedagogy. Profs. Roman Stryjski and Daniel Fic of Zielona Gora University took care of the
department of Management and Marketing. Profs. Miroslaw Krzysko, Roman Stryjski, and Zbigniew Kierzkowski
of the Poznan Polytechnic elaborated the fourth programme, that of Informaton Technology.
We published the details of these programmes, with the help of my son, Grant on our website
http://home.interlog.com/-wrzesnia/ There, click on „Oswiata‟ and „Budujemy Akademie Internetu‟.
To those, who are interested in these subjects, I recommend to peruse this valuable information
School, but not a Source of Creativity...
The work by a team of professors was impressive and completed in a short time. It had to do with four basic and
very important topics, pedagogy, English, Informatics and Enterprise. Nevertheless, I felt, it involved more, much
more...
In 1998, signals of an epoch-making revolution, not only in New Technology, were evident. Authors of this
revolution were young men, children, without any degrees or schooling.Steve Wozniak built the first computer
before finishing high school, the Apple Personal Computer in mid-seventies and in the eighties he became a
multimillionaire...
In 1998, US industry lost more than half a million jobs, but New Technology created 2.6 million of them.
Stronghold Wrzesnia 2014
In order to remedy these deficiencies, I initiated the programme ‟Stronghold Wrzesnia 2014‟. Why stronghold and
2014? I came to the conclusion, that for Wrzesnia to achieve a level of excellence and prosperity and not only equal
but exceed the West and to achieve dynamism and the ability to forge its own future, it should and must above all
count on its own power. A whole generation may have to be sacrificed to achieve this, although 15 years is a mere
eye blink in human history.
Following the suggestion of Dr. Peter Stankowski ( who in the meantime had acquired his doctorate), I changed
the name of the programme to „Moja Mala Ojczyzna‟ (My Little Homeland). I still considered Internet Academy as
key for this task, albeit with major changes. I elaborated the basis for two additional „Centres‟, which would serve to
mobilize resources and energy, to fashion systems and the necessary forces to achieve this objective.
First would be the „Centre of Continuing Education‟ and second a „Centre of Creativity‟. These two centres,
formally linked with the academy, but legally an independent company, owned by the county, Wrzesnia township,
Foundation of the Children of Wrzesnia and professors of the Internet Academy.
These centres would exact payment for their services.
This solution appealed to Dr. Fisiak.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aspire to Inspire. (Added by author)
Towards the end of 2002 year, after 4 years of fustrations, I sent the following appeal to the Mayor, the Head of
the County and all the members of both City and County Councils, as well as to members of our Foundation, with
following attachment, which since then became one of the most visited websites(needs translation):http://www.interlog.com/~wrzesnia/IdW/AI/AI_fr_Akademia%20Internetu%20%28Zalacznik%20nr%202%29.htm
The following susections were omitted by AS:-. Struktura Akademii Internetu, Budynek.,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Palace location for Centre of Creativity and Internet Academy.
I was frequently in contact with Mr Waldek Sliwczynski, chief editor of Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie, popularly
called Sliwa and met with him on most of my visits to Wrzesnia. I kept him au courant about programmes and plans
of our Foundation. He knew of the our problem to acquire a suitable building for the Academy.
In mid-1999 Waldek told me, that the heritage „Countess‟ Palace‟, which would be perfectly suited for
housing the Academy, was for sale at the very reasonable price of $180,000. The price indeed was right. He gave me
the phone number of count Roman Mycielski. with whom I arranged a meeting in Warsaw. I asked him if I could
have a closer look at the building. He did arrange for that with the caretaker, who lived on a site close to the palace
The next day we went there with Celek and Lena.
The palace complex included several buildings, all devastated, with the exception of the caretaker‟s apartment and
a fair sized one storey building, which was rented to store furniture.. From the outside the palace did not reveal total
devastation, as did the interior. There were signs there of several fires, plaster had spalled off the ceiling and the
walls and the roof leaked in several places. The caretaker had problems with drunkards, who broke windows to get
inside where they carried on drinking sprees. In the winter, they lit fires on the floor to keep warm.
How the rooms had been utilized was not clear. However, since 1945, an Agricultural School was housed
here and in later years the palace was vacant. A lot of 1.5 hectare, bound by the river Wrzesnia, Opieszyn St. and the
Park of the Children of Wrzesnia, belonged to this property.
Despite these gloomy finding s, I saw useful possibilities. A school functioned here almost 50 years, so
restoration costs would be the main consideration. I calculated quickly that this would amount to around one million
zloty. A hefty sum, but...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX AS omitted text from p353 to p 354 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
In Warsaw we stopped over at the Marriott.We arranged to meet the count the next day. They invited us to
supper in their apartment. It was within walking distance, so Lena and I reached it on foot. We found this apartment
at the back of a gloomy little square.
Mr. and Mrs. Mycielski welcomed us warmly. Cocktails in hand, in a small drawing room, cluttered by
books and odds and ends, we exchanged memories of our wartime adventures. When the war started he was only six,
so he remembered little of Wrzesnia‟s days of splendour. The only item left from the palace was an old armchair,
occupied by an old dog. These books were actually textbooks, used by the count for his biology lectures at the
Warsaw University. He showed great interest in the subject of the Academy, which greatly excited the countess. I
did not finish talking about it, when she was phoning her cousin, princess Anna Radziwill, who was then deputy
minister of Education, to come at once, as if there was some some revelation to witness. I had some difficulty to
restrain her, since we did not arrive at any agreement, nor even established a price. It was necessary to to prepare
initial plans, obtain permits from the authorities, including the heritage conservancy commission, and to find
funding, all the more that we are now talking millions.
After a magnificent supper, prepared by the countess herself, we returned to the drawing room for cognac
and serious discussion. After a few attempts, I heard the count utter rather timidly 350,000, not zloty but dollars. I
don‟t know why he wanted from Sliwa half the amount he asked from me. I offered $180,000. We parted with the
understanding, that we will continue decisions on the subject. I knew that we would find a compromise.
Upon return home I telephoned directly Microsoft Headquarters in Redmond. Although Microsoft had its
agents in Poland, I spoke to some senior people there, who convinced me that they would become involved on a
large scale.
After many discussion, an agreement stating the terms of purchase and the final price of $250,000 was
signed on November 8. A few days later, in a hospital, where I had just undergone an operation a few hours before, I
learned that the count had illegally backed out of the agreement.
Even blue blood does not guarantee honest behaviour.
Internet Academy in the Palace Proposed „Microsoft Theatre‟ on the right
XXXXX AS ommited the following p355 to p 356(author to translate) Września minęła się z przeznaczeniem,
Rada Ojców i Matek Mojej Ojczyzny Pyzdry
dziękuje FDWrzesiskich
My Little Homeland.
In the collective nature of a herd, their genes are dominated by conservatism, stagnation and siege mentality.
Under communist regime the leaders imposed on the herd their own culture and lost in the end. In a democratic
system it is different. Politicians promise the herd what it wants and when they come to power they are at a loss of
what to do.
A „vicious circle‟.
In 1999 this was quite evident in Poland. Promises, commands, ideas, plans and initiatives are not enough. It is
necessary to change habits, addictions, ecogenes - the herd culture. And for this to happen it will take at least one
whole generation.
In my programme „Wrzesnia Stronghold 2014‟, I assigned optimistically for that challenge fifteen years. I
reasoned that for children and young people there was still enough time to instill in them the ecogenes of new culture
before they reach the age of maturity.
I chose country,as the preferred site, not only because it was my place of origin. In 1999, 33% of the population
of Poland was dependent on agriculture and its contribution to the national GDP was merely less than 3.5%. By
contrast, in Western countries, in England 2% and in Canada 2.3% of people live off the land. In USA only 1% of
the population are farmers and they satisfy the needs of their country and feed millions beyond their borders.
A second, maybe more important factor, is the fact that the majority of Polish agriculturists are small farmers. And
the latter are, as I had demonstrated, entrepreneurs, although enslaved by „mother earth‟.
Thus, I counted on a new generation, brought up in the culture of enterprise, that could be easily converted into
pioneers of New Technology. So, instead of improving farmers, I wanted
to transform them. I expected that in 2014 the number of people engaged in agriculture would decrease from 33 to 58%. This would come as a double benefit to the Polish treasury. The subsidized denizen in the country would be
transformed a creative pioneer of a new economy.
At that time the productivity of a US worker in New Technology contributed to GDP four times more than
average. As a result, the US economy attained heights of excellence.
In Poland these proportions would have been dramatically greater.
XXX AS ommited the following p357 to p361(author to link and translate the 1st part) ‘Moje Ojczyzny '
(more: http:/www.interlog.com/~wrzesnia/MMO/MMO fr pyz.htm )
My Homeland Wrzesnia. Wrzesnia. Tonsil. Cenos. Yolmar.
Before the war. Wrzesnia and environs boasted some of the richest families in Poland: the Zychlinskis,
Mycielskis, Mielzynskis and two branches of the Chlapowskis. Little remains of their estates. The manors, along
with beautiful accessory buildings were to a large extent devastated or transformed into apartments. Wrzesnia and its
immediate neighbourhood were dominated by the Mycielski family. Today Childless Roman Mycielski is the last
living descendant of that family and lives in Warsaw. The ramshackle Countess‟ Palace reminds one of its former
glory.
After the war Wrzesnia‟s economy was dominated by Tonsil, but after 1989 an appreciable role was played by
small but energetic private undertakings.
On the following pages, I will present a few fragments of my adventures with the entrepreneurs from Wrzesnia.
Tonsil
Tonsil commenced production of speakers in 1945. In the 1970s it was the second largest producer of speakers in
Europe. More than half of the production went for export. There were more than 4,000 employees. After the changes
in 1989 it was one of the first five companies listed on the Warsaw stock exchange. However, Tonsil did not meet
the demands of the free market. Management changes were frequent. What remained the same was that every new
management was unable to deal with the demands of the unions. The worksite was dominated by the culture of the
past, when work security was assured. Outside the manager‟s office a wheelbarrow was planted. If the manager did
not meet expectations of Solidarity, he knew that he would be wheeled to the garbage heap.
During my second of two visits in 1989 to Wrzesnia, I was invited to Tonsil. I remember many people and plenty
of speakers - from floor to the ceiling. Many of the people I met later worked for the Foundation. Among them was
engineer Jan Koralewski, who enthusiastically spoke about the the super qualities of their acoustic lab, the pride of
Tonsil.
Towards the end they asked if I had any advice for them. Of course I had no concepts about producing speakers.
What I had observed seemed obvious to everyone. So I bashfully replied that it might be useful to break up the firm
into several parts and make marketing the priority. Indeed,10 years later the break-up occurred, unfortunately too
late.
Later Jan Koralewski became president of Tonsil. Jan loves to lead. Before taking charge of Tonsil, he was chosen
in 1990 as Chief of the Municipal Council. Today he heads our Foundation. As leader of Tonsil, Jan flew around the
world with dedication in search for markets and partners He sent me interesting letters and cards from various parts
of the world. I invited him to Canada and he came with his deputy. In one of the branches of Future Shop a clerk
showed us sets of speakers sold by the English firm Mission, characterizing them as among the best in the world. Jan
opened the back cover and showed us the logo of Tonsil. The clerk and I were both impressed. Wrzesnia speakers
were sold in England, Germany and other countries, under the names of world renowned producers.
I arranged a meeting with the owners of the largest producer of speakers in Canada, „Global Sound‟. They made
about the same number of products as Tonsil.The two owners very kindly gave us plenty of their time and guided us
throughout their plant. Jan dominated the conversation and impressed all of us with his knowledge. At the end I
asked them how many workers they employed. The answer was 260. Thus free market vs. Socialism = 260 vs. 4,200.
I sensed that Jan did not want to hear this. Nevertheless, the owners were interested in a deal and asked Jan
to come up with an offer. I suspect that they wanted an arrangement, whereby Tonsil would produce its speakers and
they would sell them under their name. I hoped to see this come to fruition, but they told me that they heard no more
from Tonsil.
In 1998 my friend, Dr. Andrew Freyman spent one whole month in Wrzesnia, as a volunteer for our
Foundation. During his career Andrew had worked in more than 40 countries for the World Bank and UNESCO. He
has ties with this region, since his wife is a descendant of the Chlapowski family. During that visit he was invited to
Tonsil, presumably by Jan and went there in the company of the mayor Celek. Tonsil was then fighting for its life.
Andrew realized the gravity of the situation and saw a possibility to help. During discussions he proposed to stay and
work for one year, as a member of the management for one dollar.
In the next edition of Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie there appeared an article stating that taking up Andrew‟s offer
would threaten security of Tonsil, since he could steal the firm‟s secrets, A few years later Tonsil went bankrupt. The
Japanese did not bail them out, nor did the considerate editor Waldek, nor Jan, nor their „concealed secrets‟. Tonsil
cost the taxpayer hundreds millions zloty.
Cenos.
One day, mayor Celek drove me to a building on the site of earlier barracks on Kosciuszko street. It was an old
carriage house and although the roof was falling down and it lacked doors and window, its beautiful original
architecture was still evident. Even the Prussians, when they built stables and cow-sheds, they did it with taste.
Someone came up with a proposition to build a swimming pool in this ruin. Celek asked my opinion. Without
hesitation, I said that if such a madman shows up, give him one zloty and thank him on your knees. Whether he paid
that zloty or not, he acquired the building. Later I met this „madman‟, engineer Marian Rzeznik, president of Cenos.
From this ruin he created Water World Cenos with a pool, restaurant and several guest rooms. He did this with care,
imagination and respect of the heritage building architecture. I was impressed. We have nothing like it in Toronto.
This building is now one of the most interesting examples of modern restoration of old architecture.
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Next year I recommended him for the candidacy of the Man of the Year. The Selection Committee supported it.
He thanked me heartily, saying that for the first time someone recognized his contribution for Wrzesnia. It was
interesting to learn later, that he accomplished it using a grant from Warsaw.
In Free Market terms, he is an example of of an exceptional entrepreneur, who restored a heritage building,
creating out of it the only covered pool in Wrzesnia, using other people‟s money from Warsaw and enriched Cenos
and Wrzesnia by 7 million zloty, becoming recognized as Man of the Year. He lives in the most luxurious house in
Wrzesnia, drives a Bentley and holds a pied-a-terre in Costa del Sol.
However, many people in Wrzesnia envy him, accuse him of not paying his workers enough delaying
payment to his suppliers, that he is a skinflint and paid nothing for Cenos. He knows what people say of him and
says ‟he has it up ...‟ But the episode narrated below proves otherwise.
When he hosted us in his Spanish pied-a-terre, he asked if could purchase from him the Foundation. I
explained. that the Foundation is a charitable organization, of which I am president and founder, but not its owner. I
could help him, all the more easily, since as Man of the Year he became a member of the foundation, to become part
of its management and even become its president, but this would require approbation from the Foundation Council.
He asked how the Council votes, because if voting is open, all will vote for him, but no one would if the ballot is
secret.
I am playing golf on Costa del Sol with Marian Rzeznik from Wrzesnia. 2004.
Marian ascribes to me many of his successes which he enjoyed during the past dozen or so years. He
exaggerates of course. The first one apparently came about even before I met him.
In 1989 a Polish government delegation visited Toronto. Among them were a few industrialists, including
Andrzej Burzynski. He invited me to Wiazowna, near Warsaw, where he had a small manufacturing plant of plastics.
So I visited him, While talking about Wrzesnia we came on the subject of Marian. At the time Marian was director
of Centrala Nasienna and when an opportunity came of its buyout, he was aided by the millionaire Burzynski. Thus
Cenos came into being. Within a few years Marian paid him off, apparently with benefit to both sides, because they
remained friends for next few years.
Later, he introduced us formally to his charming and equally ambitious wife, Ula at a reception in Celek‟s
modest apartment. After this get-together Marian frequently invited us to his place in Wrzesnia and to their pied-aterre in Spain. They also visited us in Canada.
So we had the opportunity to witness their intensive style of life and their murderous pace of life. Besides,
Marian then smoked too much, drank too much and ate too much - and badly, because too much fat, processed pork
meat and Polish donuts. They were addicted to an abundance of bad habits. They did not see in it a prescription for a
health disaster. I had a similar experiences in my career, although I did not smoke and did not overindulge in
alcohol. But later. Lena taught me to eat with moderation and healthily. We thus became missionaries of good
ecogenes, a healthy lifestyle and promoted it indefatigably. So they complied. After a few years Marian stopped
smoking and gave up drinking. During our last telephone conversation, he told me proudly that he lost 21 kilograms.
„life is great‟, he said.
Delegation from Wrzesnia at our „Chata‟ in Toronto.
From left:editor S Stolarczyk, Malgosia, my daughter-in-law. in a white jacket, Lena in a red one, Marian Rzeznik, president of Cenos,
colonel Walter Perchal,Ula Rzeznik, Polish MP B Dankowski, television host W Sniegowski, Mayor Celek, eng. Adam Jozwiak, community worker
and TV editor, Zofia Wolska and myself.
They came to Canada on the initiative of our Foundation, as a delegation from Wrzesnia, together with MP
Dankowski, mayor Celek and engineer Adam Jozwiak. I suspect that travel expenses were covered by Marian, with
the possible exception of Adam. They stayed at our place for a week. We prepared for them a reception, where they
met the media and a few of our acquaintances. One of them Professor col. Walter Perchal invited the delegation and
us to a magnificent supper at the famous Military Institute on University Ave. Later, Walter arranged for Marian a
meeting with a trade delegation from Vietnam which was visiting Toronto. This resulted in an agreement to import
low priced rice from Vietnam. Prior to this, Cenos had imported expensive rice from USA.
Afterwards we went for a trip.
In Kingston they admired Frontenac Village, a village in the city centre, one of my creations. In Montreal we were
hosted by Olgierd Brzeski in the exclusive St. Stephen Club.I knew Olgierd even before the war from Grzybow. In
Ottawa, we met my friends Konrad Studnicki and Jerry Szymanowski. On the way back we stopped over at Wilno in
the Kaszuby region of Ontario.
Next day after returning we all went, along with Ula and Lena, to play golf. It was for them a revelation. Not one
of them, except Celek, had ever been on a golf course. The MP danced like a ballerina, while Marian volunteered to
keep scores to ensure, that no one would cheat him. Marian discovered a new passion. Golf replaced cigarettes and
vodka. Later, he asserted that golf saved his life. Today he is building a golf complex north of Poznan.
I envy him, because I had always dreamt to plan and build golf courses. It is an art of sculpturing that cannot be
compared to anything else. Sculptures to be made on a 50-hectare palette! Green grass, spacious fields, woods, fresh
air, sun, flowers, water and sky, babbling brooks, birds singing. They are the materials for this work of art.
Yolmar
Yolmar is a small enterprise. That firm was founded by engineer Leszek Bachorz. my nephew, the older
brother of mayor Celek . In 1985 he started making industrial storage batteries in his garage.
Leszek is excessively cautious. He speaks slowly, but with humour. He thinks aloud, but correctly,
efficiently and with effect. Today he not only produces and sells batteries in the house which he built on Malinowa
St., but also erects housing in Wrzesnia and Poznan. Hania, his charming and extremely industrious wife brought up
three exceptional daughters. Marta is a physician; Jola, who just two years ago had finished architecture, manages
her own independent office in Poznan; while the youngest, Lidia is finishing high school and wants to follow in her
father‟s footsteps as a builder.
Leszek is a typical Poznan skinflint. The last time when I visited them in Wrzesnia, he drove an old
Romanian car, which decidedly belonged in a scrap yard. And I know that they are not poor.
Trade with Canada.
During the early 1990s Leszek called and asked me if I could find for him the machinery and equipment for
the production of batteries.I found a used outfit, which pleased Leszek, who immediately flew to Toronto with Hania
and Lidia.
In Toronto we visited Battronics Inc., the largest producer of storage batteries in Canada. The owners of that
firm were Peter Noznesky and Max Cornblatt, both Americans. Peter‟s mother was of Polish descent and his father
was Ukrainian.
Max was a very likeable Jew from Florida, already advanced in age. He graduated from Harvard in 1928. He
flew in from Florida every Tuesday and flew back on Thursday. They received us very amicably. They spent a lot of
time with us and took us on a tour of their factory. Later, over tea in Peter‟s office, Max offered to us ( as if
assuming that that I was a partner ) these devices for free and that they would be interested in buying a share of
Yolmar. I sensed that Peter did not embrace this idea. He proposed, however, that he could make available to us
batteries at a very reasonable cost. They would not be Exide batteries, which they produced, but ones approaching
their standard. Shortly after this came to fruition.
Our acquaintances, the Przezdzieckis, had a shipping company, so we entrusted them with handling the
transportation to Poland. We opened a separate account in our bank. Lena supervised the whole process and I,
instead of becoming its partner, obligated Yolmar to pay 1% of its sales to our Foundation‟s account. Leszek agreed
to it, although I do not remember if he did this with enthusiasm. We were buying these batteries at very low prices,
some under $20. I know that similar ones were selling then in Poland for more than $70. We sent more than 50,000
of these batteries.So that even after deducting costs of transportation and custom tariffs, Leszek could buy for
himself a Bentley, all the more that he does not drink and smoke. Our Foundation, likewise, became enriched by a
dozen or so thousand zloty. But that is not the end of this adventure.
After observing Leszek‟s success, Peter decided to become involved in Poland on a larger scale. He sold his
interests in Battronics and Exide for 24 million dollars and moved to Poland. After discussions with Leszek did not
bear fruit, he formed two companies, producing and selling automobile parts and batteries, in Bochnia, near Krakow.
Unfortunately, he died prematurely in 2002 in Krakow, at the age of 68.
My friend, economist Konrad Studnicki could probably demonstrate, that our Canadian-Polish adventures
have enriched Wrzesnia, Bochnia and Poland by several or maybe a dozen million dollars.
The three examples which I have cited above should serve as a model of effective cooperation between the
Polish diaspora and native Poles. During the past three decades, millions of educated and enterprising young citizens
had left Poland. It is a loss of historic proportions for our Homeland. There exists, however, an enormous potential
for a recompense, as was indicated in the examples above. It requires leadership, imagination and action.
El Pueblo w Poznaniu, 'Matko Buduj Geniusza'... 'PolOrbis'. Młodzież z Kazachstanu? 2001 rok. (to be traslated by author
.
Volunteers in FCW
Charity.. .voluntarism... philanthropy... social work... welfare work... compassion...
In common conception, charity is associated with religious philanthropy, not only in Christian culture but
also in other religions, in Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. It is associated mostly with dispensing financial or material
aid.
In our Foundation we dispensed material aid to children, the handicapped and others. Our rules defined our
basic task was to promote and make more efficient their capabilities and tools to render youths - individuals and
groups more independent. A fishing-rod rather than fish itself... Through Education, New Technology and by
instilling the spirit of Enterprise. For this Mission many of our volunteer social workers dedicated their time and
talents. Among the earliest were Mr. and Mrs. Quilty from Canada. Both were teachers and devout Catholics. They
came to Wrzesnia at their own cost and taught English for five months.
Canon Glow throughout the 19 years of our activity was something like our patron, the priest of the
Foundation, devoting to us a lot of time and much kindness... Our exceptional social workers among Wrzesnia
citizens were Janusz Cyraniak, engineer Krystyna Poslednia, Dr. Peter Stankowski, Mother Ewa and two of her sons,
Lukasz and Hubert Plociniczak, Celek and the two Hanias Bachorz, Gabriela Jozwiak-Dudek, Ewa Siwiak, Dr.
Maria Wisniewska-Hologa, Irena Hrycaj-Woloszyn, Piotr Orwat and Aneta Wisniewska.
Immeasurable contribution to Wrzesnia‟s welfare was rendered by our volunteers from Canada. Apart from
Mr. and Mrs. Quilty, Dr. Andrzej Freyman and Dr, Danuta Pindor conducted Small Business courses. In Canada our
Foundation, thereby Wrzesnia, were aided by Zofia Wolska, the late A. Kennedy, Ewa Skorczynska and Dr. Iwona
Bogorya. The latter is descended from the Poraj family of
Wrzesnia, although she had never visited Wrzesnia.
The volunteers worked with special dedication,
which they regarded as their mission. My friend, Andrzej
Freyman, who in his career worked for UNESCO and the
World Bank in some 40 countries, asserts that he never worked
so hard, as when volunteering in Wrzesnia.
dr Andrew Freyman in Wrzesnia City Hall.
Andrew was twice in Wrzesnia, lecturing at our Studio as well as in City Hall, on
subjects such as Akademy of Internet, Internet and Computer, PolOrbis,
Education, Economy and Internet, Internet for Handicapped, Internet and Health.
Typowy Plan zajęć woluntariuszy FDW na rok 1998-99. (author to
translate )
Distinctions. Recognition.
I do not feel at ease, when someone tries to slap my
back, or praise me.
During the war I received several medals, which have
been mislaid; I forgot what kind and what for. It always
seemed to me, that medals go only to those who lost their leg,
hand, or head. I managed to live through everything without
any such loss. I was merely there.
I cannot say, however, that I do not like to be recognized for good work, whether in my professional career
or in my charitable contributions to social welfare.
I am very proud, that Wrzesnia‟s Fathers bestowed on me the designation of an Honrary Citizen. I had
committed a lot of heart, work and funds in the interest of My Little Homeland, but I feel, that I did not quite
deserve it. Had I built the Internet Academy, when originally planned, I could then claim even a double distinction.
Nevertheless, it brought me immeasurable joy and satisfaction.. (More on this under “Honorary Citizen of
Wrzesnia).
Wielkopolska Citizen of 1999.
Wielkoposka Citizen of the Year, is voted annually by the audience of the Merkury Radio Station and the
Marshall of Wielkopolska Voivodeship.
22 February 2002. Author, Wielkopolska Citizen of 1999.
A few weeks after Waldek Sliwinski wrote an article on the first page of Wiadomosc Wrzesinskie, devoid of
any objectivity, by defending count Mycielski, thereby putting doubt on the validity of the sale agreement of the
heritage palace, he surprised by proposing my candidacy for Wielkopolska Citizen of 1999.The audience of
Merkury Radio supported my candidacy. I am thankful to Waldek, but I find it difficult to understand. Maybe he had
pangs of conscience? Lech Walesa would place it in this category: „I am for, and even against it...‟
I often wonder why this culture of opposition and contrariness is so common and popular with us Poles.
At the ceremonial acceptance of this distinction, which took place on February 12, 2000, I met many
interesting prominent people and had the opportunity to exchange interesting opinions on the subjects, which I had
promoted in Wrzesnia, within the framework of the programmes of our Foundation. I was honoured by the interest
shown by the Voivode and Marshall Mikolajczyk. The Rector of the Poznan Polytechnic spent the most time with
me. He did not agree altogether with our selection of the professors for the Internet Academy This did not shake,
however, my confidence in this team of outstanding academics.
This event was trumpeted in the media, particularly by Merkury Radio, where I was interviewed by
broadcaster Przemyslaw Terlecki. Grazyna Koczorowska wrote a very interesting article in Glos Wielkopolski. A
modest mention was also made by Waldek in Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie. I expect that he was surprised himself that
his candidate won. For this distinction I am indebted most of all to the Foundation and the dedication of its
volunteers from both sides of the Atlantic.
Sursum Corda.
1n 2003 I received the medal Sursum Corda for my activity in Polish-Canadian relations. The promoters of
this award, apart the Polish Consulate, were Jack Abramow-Newerly, a noted author and composer of hits and Dr.
Andrew Pawlowski, a man of renaissance, author, sculptor and producer of TV films. This medal was handed to me
by Prof. Junosza-Kisielewski, a Poznan denizen, then the Polish Consul in Toronto.
In the Consulate, from right - Dr Pawlowski, my daughter Lynda, my wife Lena, Jarek Abramow-Newerly,
Malgosia Grant‟s wife, Consul, my son Grant and myself.
Man with a Big Heart for 2005.
One day in mid-March 2006, I got a call from my my friend in
Ottawa, Dr. Konrad Studnicki-Gizbert, saying that an acquaintance from
Poznan sent him a message, that some Bachorz from Wrzesnia was
honoured in Poznan.
It turned out to be me, although from Toronto. This was later
confirmed by Aneta Wisniewska, who sent me this diploma. Irena HrycajWoloszyn had accepted it on my behalf.
Diploma of the Man with a Big Heart for 2005
Year 2001. FCW Tenth-Year Celebrations.
Year 2001 was the 100th year anniversary of the Strike by the Children of Wrzesnia. It was also the tenth
year anniversary of our Foundation - formally, because we had started our activity in 1990...
We organized our Jubilee activities in Wrzesnia Cultural Centre. Upwards of 250 people, mostly our
members, Management, Steering Committee, Honoured Members and members of the Selection Committee,
participated in these festivities. We were honoured at this reception by the presence of representatives from the
authorities from Warsaw , the Vice-Voivode, starost, mayor, Canon Glow and Bernard Wisniewski, representing
Polish-Canadian Congress from
Toronto, native of nearby Sroda.
Waldek Wisniewski and wife were
also present.
The ceremony was festive.
Incidental diplomas,
accolades,speeches, flowers and words
of appreciation and gratitude for the
activity of the Foundation and me
individually. There were also
performances by the „Camerata‟ choir
and teams from the high school and
primary school, both of which I had
attended
During these celebration, Fr.
Stanislaw Glowski received the title of
„Man of the Decade‟. Dr. Maria
Wisniewska-Hologa had a lecture on
„Mother Bring up a Genius‟.
Tenth-Year Celebrations. Flowers and congratulations from Mrs. Cierpiszewska,
director of the Camerata Choir and Mr. Boleslaw Swieciochowski,. chairman of the Town Council
Summing up.
In my charitable work in Wrzesnia, I had experienced an immeasurable amount of elation, satisfaction and
joy. It was one of the most wonderful periods of my life. Just like in my professional career, I built and created,
although in a different environment and differing circumstances. The differences were interesting. In professional
work, clients paid me by cash or by cheque for my services. and in charitable work it was the opposite - I paid cash
for the privilege of working and helping others.
For the Foundation, which I had created, I individually was recompensed by numerous distinctions and
awards. In 1996 I became an Honorary Citizen of Wrzesnia, in 1999 the Wielkopolska Citizen of the Year, in 2006
Man with a Big Heart and I also received the „Sursum Corda‟ medal in 2003. I am, however, troubled by the
thought, that I did not quite deserve all this. Why?
At the base of my consciousness lies the conviction, that I did not bring to fruition the grandest of my
initiatives, that of creating Internet Academy. Of course, the authorities did not help me and they should have.
Waldek did not help me in Wiadomosci Wrzesinskie and he should have. Count Mycielski also did not help and he
should have. Had Olgierd Brzeski been in his place, I have no doubt that he would have donated that palace to
Gmina.
However, I am galled by the conviction, that finally I screwed up. I have pangs of conscience. Because, after
all, I had the wherewithal to rent for a few years and refurbish the building on Wojska Polskiego street, which
according to Prof. Fisiak and his team‟s estimate, would ideally suited for this task. And a few years later, it would
be possible to come back and purchase the palace for a much lower price, since no one would have been interested in
it in the interim, contrary to the count‟s assertion, until 2007.
Today, from the perspective of time, I have no doubt, that Internet Academy, in this historical period of
change, would have turned the scales in favour of Wrzesnia‟s destiny.
Further, Internet Academy could have come to being in Puszczykow, Wroclaw, or Torun, even in Pyzdry. It
could have also been founded as a private school.
Too much obstinacy and too little imagination on my part.
Mea Culpa...
In 1994 I donated to the Museum of Children of Wrzesnia several heritage artifacts, among them the above painting by Jerzy Kossak,
„Victory on St. Anne‟s Hill‟
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El Pueblo w Poznaniu. Matko Buduj Geniusza... PolOrbis. Młodzież z Kazachstanu .Typowy Plan zajęć
woluntariuszy FDW na rok 1998-99. FDW Dzisiaj.
(To be translated by