The Polish Heritage Society, a unique subset of the Suffield Historical Society, plays a crucial role in preserving the history of Polish immigrants in Suffield. Its mission, which mirrors that of the Historical Society, is dedicated to collecting, preserving and perpetuating the stories and culture of the Polish immigrants who began arriving in Suffield in the 1890s.
The most enduring contribution of the Polish immigrants to Suffield was the establishment of St. Joseph’s Church in 1916. This significant milestone was commemorated in the church’s 50th and 75th anniversary histories, authored by Leon Kulas and Mary Anne Zak, respectively. These historical booklets, available at Kent Memorial Library, pay tribute to a group often referred to as the Founding Fathers of St. Joseph’s. These men contributed to the downpayment and/or guaranteed the S. Main St. property mortgage that ultimately became the church and helped solidify the Polish Community (Polonia) in Suffield.
Fourth or fifth generation descendants of many of the men are still in or near Suffield. However, one notable Founding Father died in 1930 at 53, and his survivors moved to Northampton, Massachusetts, leaving no lasting mark on the community he helped establish in our little farming town. Who was this man? Why was he notable? How does this writer even know of him if he left no mark?
The man was Michael Maciorowski, and his wife was Julia Karpinski. They were married in 1900 and moved from Holyoke to Suffield to start a family of nine children. At a time when the man of the house typically conducted the business, they conducted their official business (property, assessments, taxes, etc.) as a couple with a new name, Mike & Julia Davis. In 1906, they bought the Hannibal K. Wright property, with the current address 1339 River Boulevard, and started farming tobacco.
Over six years ago, Susan Maciorowski, the granddaughter of Mike and Julia, reached out to me for help researching her grandparents. Through her, I’ve had the privilege of learning about the grandfather she never had the chance to meet. Her personal connection to this story has made it even more engaging and meaningful. Next month’s article will delve deeper into why Michael Maciorowski was a significant part of early Suffield Polonia.