Early in the 20th century the Polish immigrants in Allentown, PA shared their love of God by founding the parish of Saints Peter and Paul. They now had a place to worship their God but did not have a place to gather to socialize with their fellow countrymen. Initially, they gathered in the basement store front of Bartholomew Dombrowski, which was directly across the street from their church. Shortly, several prominent members of the church got together and purchased a lot on North Front Street in Allentown, and that was the beginnings of The Polish American Citizens Society of Allentown, PA. In 1937 the Polish Club was incorporated into the Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania. A Constitutional Committee was set up in 1943 to write the by-laws, establishing the “Purpose of the Society”. The signors of the 1st Constitution were: Stanley Szczpanski, Teofil Lewandowski, Boris Miller, Wojciech Jaskot, and Stephen Yarma.
As time went on, in 1943 Neuwieler Brewery, which was located directly across the street from “the Club” sold a parcel of their land to the Polish Society which is now the south side parking lot.
After High Mass at SS. Peter & Paul, the men came to gather at “the club” to play cards. In order to include their families, 1st expansion of the social hall, under presidency of Edward Gierula, during the mid-1950’s, became a reality. This made “the club” a more comfortable place of their own to socialize, and practice their traditions in a world becoming more homogenized. Here they could speak their language, bring their children and their culture.
As the attendance and membership expanded, many renovations were made, under the presidencies of “Reds” Bolesky and Charlie Mauer in the 1960’s. With the 2nd expansion that took place, initially the bathrooms were moved. Then the vestibule and coatroom were added. Henry Wesolowski and some of the bricklayers who worked with him at the Bethlehem Steel, with the help of hardworking men of the Society, made the 2nd expansion possible.
“The Club” was open five out of seven days a week. Business was good and it was becoming crowded all the time. Polkas bands played every Saturday night and the Ladies Auxiliary volunteered waitressing to serve drinks and food from the kitchen. People came from all over because of the reasonable price of drinks and good food.
There were many affairs, such as Saturday Dollar nights, when only $1.00 got you in the door. Trustees served as doormen to maintain the member and guest policy of the Society. Children of members “worked” the coatroom, ticketing men’s hats and ladies coats.
There was also other entertainment, with big name orchestras such as Frank Wojnarowski, Lefty, Marion Lush, and Jolly Joe Timmer, bringing their orchestras to “the Club” and lavish New Year’s Eve parties every year. Carnivals with rides for the children were held in the parking lot. Polish Day was held at Klein’s Grove for many years, with children performing ethnic dances in beautiful costumes. For many years PACS only took part in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Allentown. Joe Stetch was the coordinator of the floats that won trophies, year after year. Since the parade ended at Immaculate Conception Parish, one block west of the Club, the biggest after-parade party always took place at the club, many times with standing room only. The annual “5 weeker” was also extremely popular. It was 5 consecutive Friday nights of socializing and drawings with many generous cash prizes. Then on the 5th week there was a homemade buffet dinner and a polka band, “the club” was always packed for this. There were dart leagues and pool leagues on Thursday nights. PACS, also, participated in many bicentennial functions held in Allentown and Bethlehem, with ethnic dancing and displays of Polish artifacts.
The Ladies Auxiliary became an important part of the Society. With their help many of the essentials were purchased to help enhance “the club” experience, such as chairs, china and cutlery, pots and pans, curtains, etc. Eventually there were sit down dinners….plates were piled high with chicken and roast beef, salads and vegetables, and scrumptious desserts. Good times were had by all.
As these dinners became popular, and the Ladies making pierogis regularly, the kitchen became too small, and thus basis for the 3rd expansion. In the mid 1980’s, 3rd expansion created what is now the smaller of the two social halls, the basement, and the handicapped bathroom. The kitchen and moved, enlarged, and new features were added. Under the leadership of President, Joseph Janik, all of this was possible because of the many volunteers (men and women) who donated their time and labor to support to what was near and dear to their hearts: a place of their own to gather and socialize. A plaque hangs in “the club” dedicated to these members who gave 100 hours or more to this project.
During the mid-1980’s, Allentown’s 1st & 6th Wards were in need of a police sub-station and a senior day care. Being the center of this area, the County of Lehigh approached PACS; and for their cooperation the “the club” was given the opportunity to apply to HUD for a monetary grant. This money, along with an interest free loan from the City of Allentown, enabled PACS to have the entire parking lot macadamized, which was significant for the Society.
In order to enrich cultural life of the member’s families’, in the mid 1990’s the Club opened a Polish School. For several years every Saturday morning, member’s children gather for instruction in the language and culture of their ancestors. Unfortunately, when the teachers relocated out of the area, the school came to an end.
Tighter drinking and driving laws made it harder for the ethnic clubs in the area to survive. In addition, as the “new immigration” landed in the suburbs and “old immigrants” were dying out, PACS began to fall on hard times, as attendance and membership dropped during the beginning of the 21st century. Alcohol was no longer the primary attraction and family activities have once again taken center stage.
Determination and true Polish grit has brought PACS through the 19th century as the center for Polish socializing and the enhancement of Polish language and culture in the Lehigh Valley. That same determination and true Polish grit will once again prevail, as we seek to grow and revitalize The Polish American Citizens Society.