North Tonawanda History Museum © Our Polish Heritage

“The Polish migration to North Tonawanda and the U.S. in general is part of the influx of, what historians call, the “new immigration.” It was a period generally encompassing 1880's through the 1920's, a period in which new ethnic groups entered the United States in increasing numbers. These groups were considered “new” in that they didn't come from the traditional areas of U.S. migration (England, Germany, and Ireland). Rather, they came from Italy, Russia, Greece, Slovakia, China, and Poland, just to name a few. Although the older groups continued to come to America, the newer groups of immigrants outdistanced the older groups in terms of volume. As for the Polish migration to the U.S., generally, it started in the 1890's and continued until the early post World War I period, when it began to momentarily taper off.”

John S. Olszowka, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History, University of Maine at Farmington, January 21, 2004

“The Polish immigration (to North Tonawanda) began in earnest when Buffalo Bolt set up shop in North Tonawanda. Buffalo Bolt paid the passage for many of them. My wife's mother's father, Herman Schroeder, ran a tavern on East Avenue and Oliver Street, immediately outside the Buffalo Bolt gate.”

A. Daniel Bille, North Tonawanda City Historian, January 21, 2004

The official national flag of the Republic of Poland is divided into two horizontal fields of equal size: the top one white and the bottom one red. In official usage, the eagle emblem is found on the "bandera" (ensign flag) which according to Polish law is to be flown over the headquarters of the President of Poland, by Polish ships at sea and Polish diplomatic legations abroad. The eagle flag, however, is commonly displayed in the Polish-American community as simply more distinctive than the plain white and red one.

Letters & Notes from Museum Visitors

5-1-04

Dear Donna,
I was so happy to hear about the museum. My mom and dad live down in North Carolina but were born and raised in NT. We heard about the museum from my dad's good friend, Dr. Henry Stempin.
Would it be possible to put my dad on the mailing list also-he's not very good with the computer so I think he would appreciate the mailing more.
Mary Seaborn
Matthews , NC

My mom and dad: Mr. & Mrs. Adrian C. Fronczak, Matthews, NC 28104
Please let me know if this is possible. It would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mary Fronczak Seaborn

Tuesday 6-1-04
Dear NTHM

My name is Laura Rusin and I grew up in North Tonawanda . My father Joseph Rusin was born @ 103 14th Avenue to Weronica (Kopera Rusin) and John Rusin on Jan. 11, 1930 . In the attached family photo of his eldest brother Stanley's First Holy Communion. I believe my grandmother is pregnant with him so this picture must have been taken in 1929. Hope this helps,

Thank You
Laura Rusin

My grandparents, John Rusin and Weronica (nee Kopera) wedding photograph. I believe they were married in 1918 at OLC. My father told me that after this picture was taken, his mother, Weronica, changed for the reception (which I guess was customary then) and someone STOLE her wedding gown and veil!!!! She never figured out who for sure took it but she was upset about it for years. According to my father, she thought it was a young lady who had wanted my grandfather for herself. But my grandmother would never mention any names ????

Laura Rusin in an e-mail dated Thu 6/3/2004 6:19 PM

Dear North Tonawanda History Museum,

Enclosed is our check in the amount of $25 for Family Membership in the North Tonawanda History Museum.

Being born and raised in North Tonawanda, my family, starting with my Grandparents, operated Litwin's Grill on the corner of 6th and Oliver for over 50 years. My Grandfather, on my Mother's side, worked for Wurlitzer and operated J&M gas/service station on Oliver, across from the Buffalo Bolt factory.

Adele is not a native of North Tonawanda but appreciates what the WNY region has to offer in history and natural assets. We applaud the efforts to create and maintain a "North Tonawanda History Museum" and are proud to become members.
Stephen & Adele Litwin
Binghamton, NY

Letter from John L. Paczos, dated March 29, 2004:

I talked to my sister Mickey Petti and this is the information she remembers. The saloon was called Molnars which was where Ironton ended at Wheatfield. She somewhat remembers the boarding house. My brother-in-law Paul Petti's sister Betty is still alive and she will confirm the information. She lives in NT. Betti was married to a Steve Basco who was from Black Rock in January (year unknown) and he was killed in the 2nd World War that following April. She then remarried to a Barnie Verrall (deceased) who was from NT. I remember a tavern on the northeast corner of Wheatfield and River Road that my sister said was the "Black Horse Inn" and was notorious as a gangster hangout and she mentioned that Al Capone used to come there. What I do remember about this place during the 2nd World War was that some German spies were caught there and we were told to stay clear of this place. I don't know how true this was as I was about ten years old at that time but my memory of this is very vivid.