Among special skills Polish newcomers brought to Suffield more than a century ago was farming expertise, an ancient strength in Poland.
Suffield’s Polish community’s success in the town’s tobacco economy will be the subject of a presentation by Della Zera Winans on Wednesday, November 2. The 10 a.m. meeting of the Polish Heritage Society will take place at the Senior Center on Bridge Street.
Chairman Harry Kozikowski urges members and friends to come to the meeting prepared to take part in discussion and to share family farming photographs.
The late Michael “Mickey” Phillips, who died on October 10, loved farming. He was an example of many second- and third- generation Polish-Americans who love working with the soil in spite of its relentless demands. Norma Phillips said of Mickey, “He loved farming tobacco.” Nurturing, tending, and harvesting, Mickey loved the work.
Gary Miller honored Mickey and his calling by hanging a hand of tobacco among Phillips family photographs at Heritage Funeral Home’s calling hours. The tribute was thoughtful and moving. The funeral home shared in the display with cigar molds from its own collection of memorabilia.