Many Toledoans likely are aware of the 1934 Auto-Lite Strike. Many may not be aware of another major labor dispute that preceded it in Toledo. That dispute began on May 5, 1919 and involved workers both at Overland and Auto-Lite plants. The dispute arose as the nation was winding down from war time production after…
POW to Forced Laborer
While searching the Arolson archives for any Plenzler relatives, I came across Anton Plenzler as well as Thomas Plenzler. Anton was born 1 January 1911 to Wojceich and Marie Plonczak in Wiorek.
Grand Trunk In-Bound Train Crash, Detroit 1903
A great tragedy occurred for many of Toledo’s Polish communities on 3 May 1904. A large group of Poles from the Toledo area were on an excursion to the City of Detroit to attend a festival at St. Joseph’s parish.
8th Grade Graduations 1932 and 1933, St. Hyacinth
Below are photos for the 8th grade graduation classes from St. Hyacinth in 1932 and 1933. These may be enjoyable to view and see if you are related to any of these students. All students are identified.
Buchenwald and Ravensbrück
When I used to think of World War II, my thoughts usually went to my father. He was a WWII veteran and saw a lot of combat bombing Germany and other parts of Europe.
Carl Walinski, the Pig Iron Gang and Buckeye Beer
Many Toledoans are probably familiar with the Walinski name, the legal and political family that produced lawyers and judges. The name has been associated with Lucas County and US District Courts for over a century.
Każmierz Czarnecki: Travel Agent, Insurance Sales, Realtor
Many immigrants into Toledo took the route of self-employment or owning their own shops–groceries, dress shops, tailoring, etc. Każmierz Czarnecki did just that–he was a self-employed businessman with several interests.
Helen Lewandowski, a World War I Immigrant
Helen Podlas Lewandowski was born about 1890 in Poland, likely somewhere near Warsaw. She was the daughter of Adam Podlas and Anna Nagorski. Helen’s parents came to the United States in July of 1914, just as World War I was starting in Europe.
Baby Dillinger, Steve Kotowicz
Inspired by John Dillinger, Toledo had seen crimes committed by “baby Dillingers” through the 1930s. Most of these crimes were committed by young men and were hold ups, robberies, car thefts.
Boleslaus Dalkowski
Boleslaus was born in Toledo to Adalbert and Michalina Pyszka on 14 July 1874 and baptized in St. Mary’s Parish on 19 July. He was one of two sons, the youngest, older brother was named Frank. The 1880 census shows the family living on Franklin Avenue.