Seattle. Polonia in America. World giants reach out to Poles

A stately, brightly painted house. Everything around is clean and green. When we enter, I am struck by the silence. The building is almost empty, it is the holidays, so the activities are limited. After a while, I hear the faint clicking of heels from above. There is a dance class going on there.

Dom Polish in Seattle, Washington, USA It has existed since 1918. Since then, the people who run this cultural center have been trying to maintain the patriotic spirit among the local Polish community. Lidia Jaskłowska, who has been the president of the House for several years, is a representative of the next generation of Poles who have chosen to live in this corner of the world far from their homeland.

The woman shows me around this beautiful property. There is a subtle nostalgia inside – you can see that the cultural center has seen its best days. And yet, Polonia is still holding on bravely and trying to maintain interest Poland. Although, as the president admits, it is becoming increasingly difficult.

Polish House in Seattle is a meeting place, concerts, bazaars, anniversaries, holidays are held there. There is a dance group cultivating traditional Polish dances, Friday dinners are organized. In cooperation with the Polish House, there is also a Polish festival in Seattle Polish festival.

The House also has a Ladies' Circle, which, among other things, takes care of passing on the secrets of Polish cuisine. Holidays and all important dates for Poland are celebrated.

I see a lot of photos from the past on the walls. They show smiling people taking part in dances and other events that the local Polonia enjoyed many years ago. Although there is still interest in meetings and joint activities, Lida Jaskłowska is starting to worry about who the current board will pass the House on to in the future.

– Although I have the impression that I have noticed increased activity among young people recently, they still come rarely. I don't know how to encourage them to come, to get involved. This is our big problem – says the chairwoman. She points to several photographs on the wall. – Many of the people in these photos have already passed away – I hear. The woman speaks excellent Polish, although she admits that sometimes she forgets a word.

On the wall with commemorative plaques, one catches the eye. It contains information about a special guest of the Polish House. From Jaskłowska I learn that in the late 1950s, a young Jimi Hendrixthen in the band The Rocking Kings. The legendary musician grew up in Seattle.

We walk through the corridors of the house. We were in the kitchen, in the room where dinners are held. Finally, we go upstairs, most of which is occupied by the ballroom. This is where dance exercises are held. Next to it is a room that used to be a library. Today, few people read printed books – says the president. Library it has therefore been liquidated and the book collection will be partially distributed.

Jaskłowska speaks with emotion about one of the most important events organized by Dom Polski. This is a cyclical event market – autumn, winter and spring. Various stands are set up in the ballroom, with local products, handicrafts, ceramics and decorations.

Downstairs, you can buy food. The most popular ones are pierogi. – The lines are incredible. They still stretch a bit outside – says the president. As it turns out, it's not just Poles who come for the delicacies.

Where do Poles come from? Seattle? The first Polish immigrants arrived in Washington state in the 1870s, settling mostly in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. A little later, Seattle began to experience a sudden development and economic boom, due to the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897.

The next wave is post-war migration. Movement Solidarity brought a third wave of immigration in the 1980s. Today, Poles often come to Seattle to work. The constantly growing technology industry, including giants such as Microsoft i Amazonattract a new generation of educated professionals.

Years ago, among them were Lidia Jaskłowska and her husband Krzysztof. The young engineers After completing their studies, they moved out of Poland in the early 1980s. At first, they lived in, among others, CanadaIn the 90s, they went to Seattle, where they found work. She worked for a biotechnology company, he worked for Boeing.

Another person associated with the Polish House is Andrzej Turski. United States He came in 1987 as part of an exchange program. He taught physics at, among others, University of California. Since 1989 he has worked at Microsoft in Seattle.

– Mrs. Marta Gołubiec had a method of attracting new people to the Polish House – says Lidia Jaskłowska. – I was one of those people. I also try to attract people like she does. It works out differently. But I brought in a few young people, they bring their friends.

As she points out, the Home lacks young people. – I understand them. I remember when I came abroad myself. There was no time for activities in Polonia. I had to work, take care of children.

Jaskłowska admits that her sons, now adults, were also not very interested in the House when they were young. – They played hockey, had various extracurricular activities. There was no time for that.

He also mentions Polonia ballswhich took place in the past. There used to be a dance group at the House. They met on Thursday evenings, there was wine, snacks. More than dancing, it was about being together, talking.

– Entertainment used to be a bit different. Maybe there weren't as many alternatives – admits Lidia Jaskłowska. – I don't know if I regret those balls. Things change in life.

Want to talk to the author? Write: anna.nicz@firma.interia.pl

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