The beginning of the PNI Club....

In 1906, Reverend Father John Moneta and a a group of Polish individuals, whom had moved to America with their families, formed the Polish Naturalization Independent Club to take advantage of the opportunities of this fair land. Thus, there had been elected Club Officer's and tedious work of implementing members with the necessity of American citizenship.

Steady streams of immigrants to this industrial city brought new blood to the organization, so that in a few years, the membership grew from a hundred to practically every member of the then existing Polish Parish.

The first quarters of the organization were the Parish rooms provided by the church and were only opened for the convenience of the members on the days when the organization held it's monthly meetings. Officers and members realized they needed to have permanent quarters in where they could meet and exchange ideas with each other and discuss various phases of the purposes of the organization. Quarters were then rented in the community in which functions produced additional revenue into the club treasury. Membership increased in great numbers and the organization prospered to such an extent, that additional accommodations were becoming very necessary.

PNI members progress into local politics....

The members progressed to a level which necessitated a more expansive program into the field of local politics. Through the efforts of officers and members, several were elected to office in the various branches of the City Government.

In 1934, Anthony Golembeski was elected to the school committee from Ward 5. He was followed by Stanley F. Jarzobski, who was elected to the City Council in 1936. Being unable to serve, Joseph S. Gedymin was elected in 1936, in a Special Election and served from 1936 to 1949. Stanislaus G. Wondolowski was then elected to the Great and General Court of the Commonwealth and served successive terms for a period of 18 years. During all these years to the present time, various members of the organization appeared on the horizon as candidates, and although they were not elected to office, the showing exemplified that the community had confidence in the members of this organization and faith in the purpose for which it had been organized.

In the field of County and State movements, the officers and members of this club had the unique vision for the necessity of both a county and state organization comprised of political clubs for members of Polish Descent. It spearheaded an Association of County Clubs and an association of state clubs, at the head of which, were four members of this association who became its state presidents.

Meanwhile, recognition was given to other members in the matter of appointments to numerous positions in the county, state and on the federal level. Harry J. Meleski, Esquire was appointed Assistant United States Attorney in 1931 and later City Solicitor for the City of Worcester. Dr. Joseph P. Wondolowski, in 1937, was appointed Police Surgeon. Raymond J. Piotczyk became a Deputy Assessor for the Commonwealth in 1953. Charles S. Samborski, Esquire was appointed Assistant Clerk of the Superior Court for the County of Worcester in 1956. Stanley J. Jablonski, Esquire became Assistant District Attorney for the County of Worcester in the year 1959. Also, in 1959, Edward Urbec was appointed Assistant Boxing Commissioner for the Commonwealth. Brigadier General Joseph T. Benedict as Executive Director of the Worcester Housing Authority in 1948.

These are but a few of the more prominent appointments acquired, along with the many smaller positions in the several departments in the administration of the various branches of our city, county and state governments.

Acknowledgement and credit is given to the many members now holding position in the city, county, and state, and nation who have been instrumental in recognizing the ideal, that Americans of Polish Descent are truly members of the community of this Commonwealth and have proven themselves loyal to the principles in which all citizens have an interest. We should mention men like Senator William D. Fleming, Councilor James D. O'Brien, Robert J. Gallagher, F. Joseph Donohue, James J. Joyce, COngressman Harold D. Donohue, William A. Bennett and numerous other individuals who have indicated their sympathies toward the American of Polish Descent.

The PNI continues to grow.....

In 1955, a new building on Foyle Street was dedicated which not only provided facilities for the activities of the club, but provision had been made for future expansion of the building when funds permitted, so that a third phase of the aims of the organization could be accomplished. Nevertheless, before this program could be undertaken, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had submitted plans for an expressway, which was to encompass the realty of the organization and work in this direction ceased. In 1959, the building and land had succumbed to progress and development and the members were without quarters.

What at that time, seemed a setback in the undertakings and aims of the members, has today shown that it became a blessing. It had afforded to the members an opportunity to reorganize their building, more consistent with the prevalent needs and required facilities. In 1962, the quarters that serve us today were completed.

It must be said that members fully realized that in order to become sincere and progressive members of the society in this community, there was need for conside action in the direction of assistance to those who may not have the opportunities in becoming good and substantial citizens of this community. Work in the direction of charity, civic activity, scholarships and other humanitarian and rehabilitating endeavors were espoused. Today, we are active in supporting students by granting scholarships for further studies, by promoting political and financial assistance to aspirants of public office, by being generous in contributing to many charities, Police and Firefighting Associations, by sponsoring Little Leagues and other athletic groups and continuing to keep in mind our Polish language, our Polish school and our Polish Parish.

It can be said with and earnest faith in God and a willingness to help its members, its community, its state and nation, this organization is and has been, willing to share its burden of responsibility to make this segment of our community a better place in which to live. We know that as long as we continue to be mindful of our obligations to our country and cognizant of the purposes of our organization, we shall continue to work for the good and well being of all the members of this Commonwealth.