The Beginning

In the late 1940's, several St. Petersburg Polish American families needed a meeting
place to enjoy their cultural traditions. For these few families then residing in St.
Petersburg, organizing a society would be a challenge. Then one fortunate day, Mr.
and Mrs. A. Nawojski found a parking ticket on their car’s windshield, signed by
police officer: Edward Mogelnicki. Immediately, they sought out this Polish officer,
and spoke with him about a potential Polish society.
With Officer Mogelwicki's association with the Police Department and city leaders,
supported by Mrs. Nawojski and her Polish friends’ enthusiasm, a meeting of all area
Poles was called. Fifty invitations  were sent to Polish sounding names (from the city
telephone directory), and an ad was placed in the St. Petersburg Times. The meeting
was at the Million Dollar Pier on January 9, 1951. By then, more than 120 Polish
Americans had answered the invitation!
The aims and purposes of a Polish American Society were explained. Who was in
favor of  the Society and willing to join it was answered by a roomful of raised hands.
Temporary officers were elected: Ed Mogelnicki, Chairman; M. Krupa, Vice
Chairman; plus A, Nawojska, A. Kolodiziej, M. Buczkowska, S. Eligan, H. Tomanek,
S. Rachwalski, A. Krzesiak, and W. Ziarko. Thus, the St. Petersburg Polish
American Society was born.
The temporary officers and members held several meetings, mostly in private homes.
Rules and regulations were suggested for adoption. A general meeting was
scheduled to elect permanent officers. In February 1951, the following officers were
elected: E. Mogelnicki, President; M. Krupa, Vice President; W. Ziarko, Treasurer; J.
Thomas and E. Chrzanowski, Secretaries; L. Swiderski, Sergeant at Arms.
Our Society’s first venture was an ambitious, large scale project for St. Petersburg:
an Annual Ball in the Armory. The Police Department orchestra offered its
participation gratis as a welcome to our group. All Polish Americans from the
metropolitan area and a great many fellow Americans enjoyed the night of happy
times and dancing. When "Home Sweet Home " closed the evening, Treasurer
Ziarko found himself with a substantial amount of money. The Society's prestige
leaped several rungs up the ladder of success.
The year following was difficult: board meetings had to be held in private homes,
picnics were held in backyards or public grounds. It was obvious that a place of our
own was needed. Several large lots were located for purchase. A building fund was
established. An accelerated drive was initiated to concentrate all efforts on raising
funds to start construction. Member response to the building fund was very generous.
The building committee was instructed to proceed with construction of our current
building at the corner of Beach Dr and 14th Ave SE.
May 5, 1957 was the day when our hope, wish and dreams became a reality: the
official opening of our own Club! The “wandering days” for the Polish American
Society were over.
The mayor of St. Petersburg, the honorable S. G. Johnson, officiated at our opening
ceremony by cutting the tri-colored ribbon guarding our building’s entrance. He
complimented the Polish American people for their obedience to laws, loyalty to
adopted country and city, and for their grit and spunk in reaching for that which is
essential to social and cultural life.