POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE – LODGE 525
THE FIRST 100 YEARS
On May 1, 1900, a group of 22 Poles decided to create an organization giving it the name “POLISH
POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE – LODGE 525
THE FIRST 100 YEARS
On May 1, 1900, a group of 22 Poles decided to create an organization giving it the name “POLISH PEACE GROUP”. The organizers were: W. Borowski, J. Szalapski, A. Dwojakowski, F. Banaszewski and Jan Nartonowicz. The first officers of this newly formed organization were: Peter Klosinski, president, W. Drozdowicz, vice-president, W. Borkowski, financial secretary, and Jan Kedzior, treasurer. On September 29, 1900, this group was accepted into the ranks of the Polish National Alliance as Lodge 525 and has the distinction of being the first Polish National Alliance Lodge in Massachusetts.
In 1906, Jan Bober settled in this area and under his leadership as president of Lodge 525, membership in the group increased to 350. In 1908, a decision was made to build a Polish Home. The lodge funded this project through the sale of stocks at a share price of $220. The name “Polish Home” was soon changed to “Kosciuszko Club”. Membership in the Lodge and Polonia continued to expand throughout the surrounding communities.
Because of a lack of a suitable outdoor area for Polish cultural activities, Lodge 525, in 1937, purchased an area of land and pine woods in West Holyoke, MA, naming it Pilsudski Park. This wooded lot was gradually cleared by volunteers and lodge members and with their cooperation, a wooden structure was built which was intended for organizing dances and picnics sponsored by various Polish organizations, together with numerous activities for the youth of Polonia. After a number of years, a severe snowstorm destroyed this dance pavilion.
The officers of the lodge under president Stanley Mazur, decided to rebuild the pavilion using a cinder block construction. Picnics and cultural activities returned to the park. In 1989, the pavilion was closed to public activities by the city of Holyoke because it was in violation of newly established sanitary codes. On October 23, 1989, Lodge 525 unanimously voted to expand the pavilion to include a bar and modern kitchen and lavatory facilities. The cost of the expansion project exceeded $100,000. Under the leadership of president John Midura and with the support and cooperation of many organizations and individuals the expansion of the pavilion was completed. Today, Pilsudski Park and Pavilion is a source of pride for all alliance members and Polonia in New England.
In 1998, Henry Lupa, owner of Lupa Construction Company, offered to pave the roadway and parking area as his gift to the Lodge and Polonia. We gratefully acknowledge his generosity. During the summer months, our Polish youth has the opportunity of enjoying many pleasant Sundays listening to Polish music and, more importantly, to speak Polish.
From 2000-2010, much additional effort was made to improve Pilsudski Park Pavilion including:
Granite counter tops for kitchen and bar
New floor for the main hall
New storage room
New reception room
Hosting the Miss Polonia Massachusetts Pageant for the past 15 years
Established a college scholarship fund for members of PNA Lodge 525
