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Vintage Wedding Photos

Vintage Wedding Photos of Texans of Polish Descent

 

Click on thumbnail photos below to enlarge the photo. Click on the Family Tree Info icon in the photo caption to see the family history of the bride and groom in our genealogy database.


Marion Raymond and Josephine Ann Chmiel Klotz

Marion Raymond Klotz  Family Tree Info and Josephine Ann Chmiel  Family Tree Info

October 25, 1941

Photo courtesy of Joseph Klotz

Marion Raymond Klotz  Family Tree Info and Josephine Ann Chmiel  Family Tree Info

October 25, 1941

Photo courtesy of Joseph Klotz


Adam Edward Felicia Kronenberger Polka

Adam Edward Polka  Family Tree Info and Felicia Kronenberger  Family Tree Info

1925

Photo courtesy of James Smock

Adam Edward Polka  Family Tree Info and Felicia Kronenberger  Family Tree Info

1925

Photo courtesy of James Smock


Rudolph J. and Catherine Christine Maduzia Bednara

Rudolph J. Bednara  Family Tree Info and Catherine Christine Maduzia  Family Tree Info

June 1928

Photo courtesy of Bill Maduzia

Rudolph J. Bednara  Family Tree Info and Catherine Christine Maduzia  Family Tree Info

June 1928

Photo courtesy of Bill Maduzia


Antone Joe and Christine Mary Kubiak Bartula

Antone Joe Bartula  Family Tree Info and Christine Mary Kubiak  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Dolores Bartula Moore

Antone Joe Bartula  Family Tree Info and Christine Mary Kubiak  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Dolores Bartula Moore


Stephan and Franciszka Jozwiak Mazurkiewicz

Stephan Mazurkiewicz  Family Tree Info and Franciszka Jozwiak  Family Tree Info

October 24, 1928
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Chappell Hill, Texas

Photo courtesy of Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz

Stephan Mazurkiewicz  Family Tree Info and Franciszka Jozwiak  Family Tree Info

October 24, 1928
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Chappell Hill, Texas

Photo courtesy of Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz


Rajmund and Rosalia Malinowska Kopech (Kopec)

Rajmund Kopech (Kopec)  Family Tree Info and Rosalia Malinowska  Family Tree Info

October 25, 1927
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Chappell Hill, Texas

Photo courtesy of Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz

Rajmund Kopech (Kopec)  Family Tree Info and Rosalia Malinowska  Family Tree Info

October 25, 1927
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Chappell Hill, Texas

Photo courtesy of Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz


John W. and Julia (Lula) Krysinski Snider

John W. Snider  Family Tree Info and Julia (Lula) Krysinski  Family Tree Info

November 10, 1931
St. Mary Catholic Church
Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Theresa Zarosky

John W. Snider  Family Tree Info and Julia (Lula) Krysinski  Family Tree Info

November 10, 1931
St. Mary Catholic Church
Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Theresa Zarosky


Louis Frank and Josephine Klotz Bartula

Louis Frank Bartula  Family Tree Info and Josephine Klotz  Family Tree Info

November 26, 1913
St. Mary Catholic Church
Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Robin Manee

Louis Frank Bartula  Family Tree Info and Josephine Klotz  Family Tree Info

November 26, 1913
St. Mary Catholic Church
Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Robin Manee


Louis and Rosalie Wawrzon Burzynski

Louis Burzynski and Rosalie Wawrzon

November 16, 1915
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Anderson, Texas

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Kierce Burzynski

Louis Burzynski and Rosalie Wawrzon

November 16, 1915
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Anderson, Texas

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Kierce Burzynski


Thaddeus Joseph and Barbara Marguerite Kolbasinski Kmiec

Thaddeus Joseph (T.J) Kmiec  Family Tree Info and Barbara Marguerite Kolbasinski  Family Tree Info

June 25, 1932
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Anderson, Texas

Photo courtesy of Irene Kmiec Casimiro

Thaddeus Joseph (T.J) Kmiec  Family Tree Info and Barbara Marguerite Kolbasinski  Family Tree Info

June 25, 1932
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Anderson, Texas

Photo courtesy of Irene Kmiec Casimiro


Marion and Julia Zielny Hopcus

Marion Hopcus  Family Tree Info and Julia Zielny  Family Tree Info

November 1924
Edmond, OK

Photo courtesy of Mary Zielny Small

Marion Hopcus  Family Tree Info and Julia Zielny  Family Tree Info

November 1924
Edmond, OK

Photo courtesy of Mary Zielny Small


Joe and Proxey Gurka Kaminski

Joe Kaminski  Family Tree Infoand Proxey Gurka  Family Tree Info

November 19, 1924
St Stanislaus Catholic Church
Chappell Hill, Texas

Photo courtesy of Al Stogdill

Joe Kaminski  Family Tree Infoand Proxey Gurka  Family Tree Info

November 19, 1924
St Stanislaus Catholic Church
Chappell Hill, Texas

Photo courtesy of Al Stogdill

Vintage Wedding Photos Read More »

Vintage Photos of Houston Texas

Vintage Photos of Houston Texas
Including Other Areas of Harris County
Click on small thumbnail photos below to enlarge. Click on the Family Tree Info icon in the photo caption to see an individuals family history in our genealogy database.


Wisnoskie Body Works 1938

Wisnoskie Body Works 1938

Actor Tom Mix in front of his 1937 Cord Phaeton
610 Capitol Avenue
Houston Texas

Wisnoskie Body Works was owned by Tony F. Wisnoskie  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Story Jones Sloane III, Story Sloane’s Gallery

Wisnoskie Body Works 1938

Actor Tom Mix in front of his 1937 Cord Phaeton
610 Capitol Avenue
Houston Texas

Wisnoskie Body Works was owned by Tony F. Wisnoskie  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Story Jones Sloane III, Story Sloane’s Gallery

Frank Wisnoski, Street Car Motorman

Frank Wisnoski  Family Tree Info, Street Car Motorman

19th Avenue
Houston Heights
Circa 1915

Photo courtesy Houston Public Library

Frank Wisnoski  Family Tree Info, Street Car Motorman

19th Avenue
Houston Heights
Circa 1915

Photo courtesy Houston Public Library
Opening Of The Houston Polish Home

The Opening Of The Polish Home

White Oak at Studewood
Houston Heights
June 2, 1918

Photo courtesy Flo Baker

The Opening Of The Polish Home

White Oak at Studewood
Houston Heights
June 2, 1918

Photo courtesy Flo Baker

More Polish Texan Photos

Vintage Bremond Texas Photos

Polish Musician Tribute Photos

Veterans Tribute Photos

Texas Church Photos

Vintage Photos of Houston Texas Read More »

Vintage Photos of Bremond Texas

Vintage Photos of Bremond Texas
Including Other Areas of Robertson and Falls County
Click on small thumbnail photos below to enlarge. Click on the Family Tree Info icon in the photo caption to see an individuals family history in our genealogy database.


B.S. Kotch Saloon 1896

B.S. Kotch Saloon 1896

2 seated unknown, ? Strugula behind the bar, center table; V. T. Kotch  Family Tree Info , ? Strugula, Joe Polka  Family Tree Info, Standing to right; Bill Kotch  Family Tree Info, John Kismarowski.

Photo courtesy of Al "Winky" Knapik

B.S. Kotch Saloon 1896

2 seated unknown, ? Strugula behind the bar, center table; V. T. Kotch  Family Tree Info , ? Strugula, Joe Polka  Family Tree Info, Standing to right; Bill Kotch  Family Tree Info, John Kismarowski.

Photo courtesy of Al "Winky" Knapik

V. T. Kotch Grocery Store Jan 31, 1949

V. T. Kotch Grocery Store
Jan 31, 1949
Bremond, Texas

Vick   Family Tree Infoand Ethel Kotch behind the counter, Standing: Nester Derrick, Mrs. Steve Barens, Frank Dronek, Dee Pruitt, O. Westbrook

Photo courtesy of Al "Winky" Knapik

V. T. Kotch Grocery Store
Jan 31, 1949
Bremond, Texas

Vick   Family Tree Infoand Ethel Kotch behind the counter, Standing: Nester Derrick, Mrs. Steve Barens, Frank Dronek, Dee Pruitt, O. Westbrook

Photo courtesy of Al "Winky" Knapik

V. T. Kotch Grocery Store Jan 25, 1937

V. T. Kotch Grocery Store
Jan 25, 1937
Bremond, Texas

Mrs. V. T. Kotch and Victor Kotch   Family Tree Infobehind counter; Unknown man, Foley ? and John S. Hablinski standing.

Photo courtesy of Al "Winky" Knapik

V. T. Kotch Grocery Store
Jan 25, 1937
Bremond, Texas

Mrs. V. T. Kotch and Victor Kotch   Family Tree Infobehind counter; Unknown man, Foley ? and John S. Hablinski standing.

Photo courtesy of Al "Winky" Knapik

B.S. Kotch Saloon 1896

Bremond High School
Built in 1903. replaced in 1924

Photo courtesy of Al "Winky" Knapik

Bremond High School
Built in 1903. replaced in 1924

Photo courtesy of Al "Winky" Knapik

V. T. Kotch Saloon Dec 27, 1896

V. T. Kotch Saloon
Dec 27, 1896
Main at Jack Street
Bremond, Texas

Left to right; Frank Strugala  Family Tree Info standing behind bar, Mr. Delenger standing at bar, Bruno Kotch  Family Tree Info standing in rear, seated; V. T. Kotch, Sr.  Family Tree Info, unknown, Louis Kotch  Family Tree Info, Joe Polka  Family Tree Info, Billy Kotch  Family Tree Info.

Photo courtesy of Wanda Kotch

V. T. Kotch Saloon
Dec 27, 1896
Main at Jack Street
Bremond, Texas

Left to right; Frank Strugala  Family Tree Info standing behind bar, Mr. Delenger standing at bar, Bruno Kotch  Family Tree Info standing in rear, seated; V. T. Kotch, Sr.  Family Tree Info, unknown, Louis Kotch  Family Tree Info, Joe Polka  Family Tree Info, Billy Kotch  Family Tree Info.

Photo courtesy of Wanda Kotch

Polish National Alliance Group 128

Polish National Alliance Group 128

May 3, 1896 – Polish Constitution Day

Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Wanda Kotch

Polish National Alliance Group 128

May 3, 1896 – Polish Constitution Day

Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Wanda Kotch

Polish National Alliance Group 128

Polish National Alliance Group 128

1899

Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Wanda Kotch

Polish National Alliance Group 128

1899

Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Wanda Kotch

Polish National Alliance Group 128

Polish National Alliance

Bremond, Texas

Names on back, not sure of order; John Klotz  Family Tree Info, Ike Baranski, Stash Bartkowiak  Family Tree Info, John Zann  Family Tree Info, Joe Wozniak, ? Zadlowski, Louis Kotch  Family Tree Info, Frank Strugala  Family Tree Info, V. T. Kotch, Sr.  Family Tree Info, John Kubicki, Andrew Strugala  Family Tree Info, Mike Glowski  Family Tree Info, Pete Gurski, William Rodzikowski, Frank Majewski, Lige Bartula  Family Tree Info.

Photo courtesy of Wanda Kotch

Polish National Alliance

Bremond, Texas

Names on back, not sure of order; John Klotz  Family Tree Info, Ike Baranski, Stash Bartkowiak  Family Tree Info, John Zann  Family Tree Info, Joe Wozniak, ? Zadlowski, Louis Kotch  Family Tree Info, Frank Strugala  Family Tree Info, V. T. Kotch, Sr.  Family Tree Info, John Kubicki, Andrew Strugala  Family Tree Info, Mike Glowski  Family Tree Info, Pete Gurski, William Rodzikowski, Frank Majewski, Lige Bartula  Family Tree Info.

Photo courtesy of Wanda Kotch
Original Wooden Church In Bremond

Original Wooden Church In Bremond

Photo courtesy of Fr. Celso Yu

Original Wooden Church In Bremond

Photo courtesy of Fr. Celso Yu

25th Anniversary of Holy Name of Jesus Society

25th Anniversary of Holy Name of Jesus Society

1913

Bremond, Texas

Fr. Ignatius Szymanski  Family Tree Info in center

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

25th Anniversary of Holy Name of Jesus Society

1913

Bremond, Texas

Fr. Ignatius Szymanski  Family Tree Info in center

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Fr. Ignatius Szymanski

Fr. Ignatius Szymanski  Family Tree Info

March 1941

Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Fr. Ignatius Szymanski  Family Tree Info

March 1941

Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt
Henry Syzdek - builder of John Bielomowicz store

Henry Syzdek  Family Tree Info – builder of John BielomowiczFamily Tree Info store
1931
Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Henry Syzdek  Family Tree Info – builder of John BielomowiczFamily Tree Info store
1931
Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt
Henry Syzdek and crew building John Bielomowicz store

Henry Syzdek  Family Tree Info and crew builing John BielomowiczFamily Tree Info store
1931
Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Henry Syzdek  Family Tree Info and crew builing John BielomowiczFamily Tree Info store
1931
Bremond, Texas

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt
Bremond Meat Market

Bremond Meat Market
Circa 1935
Bremond, Texas

Left to Right;
Carroll Staskey  Family Tree Info (near left wall), Louis Bielamowicz  Family Tree Info (behind meat counter), Alex Bielamowicz  Family Tree Info (behind meat counter), Children stopped by market after getting out of school, Sylvester Bielamowicz  Family Tree Info, Cleo Markowski  Family Tree Info, Sophie Bielamowicz  Family Tree Info.

Photo courtesy of Robert Bielamowicz

Bremond Meat Market
Circa 1935
Bremond, Texas

Left to Right;
Carroll Staskey  Family Tree Info (near left wall), Louis Bielamowicz  Family Tree Info (behind meat counter), Alex Bielamowicz  Family Tree Info (behind meat counter), Children stopped by market after getting out of school, Sylvester Bielamowicz  Family Tree Info, Cleo Markowski  Family Tree Info, Sophie Bielamowicz  Family Tree Info.

Photo courtesy of Robert Bielamowicz
Bremond Meat Market

Abraham Cotton Gin
Bremond, Texas

George Abraham on the loading dock, others unknown.

Photo courtesy of Janel Grych

Abraham Cotton Gin
Bremond, Texas

George Abraham on the loading dock, others unknown.

Photo courtesy of Janel Grych
Groholski Grocery Bremond, Texas

Groholski Grocery
Bremond, Texas
1937
Lee and Flora Groholski

Photo courtesy of Bremond Historical Society

Groholski Grocery
Bremond, Texas
1937
Lee and Flora Groholski

Photo courtesy of Bremond Historical Society
Fr Szymanski 25th Anniversary, Bremond, Texas

Fr Szymanski 25th Anniversary
St. Mary Catholic Church
Bremond, Texas
May 24, 1927

Photo courtesy of Bremond Historical Society

Fr Szymanski 25th Anniversary
St. Mary Catholic Church
Bremond, Texas
May 24, 1927

Photo courtesy of Bremond Historical Society
BBQ Place, Bremond, Texas

Bienski Bar and Barbecue
Later Ralph & Tinka Hopcus Barbecue
Bremond, Texas
Circa 1950

Owner Ed Bienski  Family Tree Info behind the bar, Kie Swick next to him.
Standing in front of bar from left to right unknown man, Steve Zabawa  Family Tree Info, Floyd Snider, Isidore Bienski  Family Tree Info, unknown man.

Photo courtesy of Bremond Historical Society

Bienski Bar and Barbecue
Later Ralph & Tinka Hopcus Barbecue
Bremond, Texas
Circa 1950

Owner Ed Bienski  Family Tree Info behind the bar, Kie Swick next to him.
Standing in front of bar from left to right unknown man, Steve Zabawa  Family Tree Info, Floyd Snider, Isidore Bienski  Family Tree Info, unknown man.

Photo courtesy of Bremond Historical Society

Slideshow of Bremond Photos Courtesy of Bremond Historical Society

More Polish Texan Photos

Vintage Houston Texas Photos

Polish Musician Tribute Photos

Veterans Tribute Photos

Texas Church Photos

Vintage Photos of Bremond Texas Read More »

Beautiful Polish Churches In Texas

Photos and Descriptions of the Polish Catholic Churches

The Catholic Church was and still is an important part of the Polish immigrants life. This page pays tribute to the churches in Texas that were primarily built by Polish immigrants and other churches where there was a strong Polish influence in the congregation.

Click on small thumbnail photos below to enlarge the photo.

St. Joseph Catholic Church
New Waverly, Texas
  • St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Waverly Texas
  • St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Waverly Texas

St. Joseph parish was born in 1870, but a church was not built until 1876. In the intervening years Masses were offered in private homes. In 1897, a second church was built, making a school out of the old church. The size of the church was about 40 by 68 feet with 12 foot high walls. The main alter was given to the new St.Joseph’s Church by a Chicago publishing firm, the parish paying the freight. The church could accommodate about 200, and for the next year only about one-half of the church had pews, and the other half was just standing room. In 1902 Father Thomas A. Bily began plans for a new larger church. The present day church was dedicated on March 19, 1906, the feast of St. Joseph.

For more information see History of St. Joseph Catholic Church, New Waverly

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Chappell Hill, Texas
  • St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill Texas
  • St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill Texas
  • St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill Texas
  • St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Cemetery in Chappell Hill Texas

The polish community of Chappell Hill is situated in Washington County, midway between Houston and Austin. In 1888, Rev. James Grabinger, announced that a church would be built in Chappell Hill. The great hurricane of 1900 destroyed this first church. The church, which was a small frame building, was blown down on September 9, 1900. The second church, a frame structure of 40′ x 80′, was built in 1901, facing west and was located where the old rectory stands today. On December 4, 1921, a fire that started after Mass on Sunday destroyed the church, rectory and the parish office. The third and present church was started in January 1922, and completed in August 1924.

For more information see History of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Chappell Hill, Texas

St. Mary Catholic Church
Bremond, Texas
  • Current St. Mary Catholic Church in Bremond Texas
  • Current St. Mary Catholic Church in Bremond Texas
  • Original St. Mary Catholic Church in Bremond Texas Built In 1878
  • Gothic Brick St. Mary Catholic Church in Bremond Texas Built In 1909
  • St. Mary Catholic Church, Fr Szymanski 25th Anniversary May 24, 1927
  • St. Mary Catholic Church, Original Wooden Church Built In 1878
  • St. Mary Catholic Church Cemetery in Bremond Texas

There was no Catholic church when Jozef Bartula and his family came to Bremond in 1875. However, a priest was coming from the church of St. Mary of the Assumption, Waco TX to minister to the Catholics in Bremond. In 1878 Father Mosiewicz began to build a church in Bremond. The first wooden church was 50 feet long and 25 feet wide. A cross extended from a spire 40 feet above the ground. A bell, hung from a wooden platform near the church, called the people to worship. A new brick church was dedicated on 17 Feb 1909. The structure was of Gothic style with dimensions 125 feet by 62 feet. The brick church was torn down in 1970 and the current church was built in 1971.

For more information see History of St. Mary Catholic Church – Bremond, Texas

St. Mary Catholic Church
Brenham, Texas
  • St. Mary Catholic Church in Brenham Texas
  • St. Mary Catholic Church in Brenham Texas
  • St. Mary Catholic Church in Brenham Texas

St. Mary’s in Brenham was established on November 19, 1870 as the second Roman Catholic parish in Washington County, Texas. The parish was founded and supported by Irish, German and Polish Families who were engaged in a variety of business in the early days of Brenham’s history. By the early 1870s, a number of farmers, themselves Polish immigrants, began settling in the vicinity of Brenham and began attending St. Mary’s.

For more information see History of St. Mary Catholic Church, Brenham, Texas

St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church
Anderson, Texas
  • St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Anderson Texas
  • St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Anderson Texas
  • St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Anderson Texas
  • St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Anderson Texas

When the present St. Stanislaus Church, Anderson, was completed in 1917. it became the first brick Catholic edifice in Grimes County. On August 6, 1918, Monsignor James M. Kirwin, vicar general and administrator of the Diocese of Galveston dedicated the present church. At the time of the dedication of St. Stanislaus Church, the parish family included 168 families of Polish descent and one family of German descent. Today, the parish family totals 268 families.

For more information see History of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, Anderson, Texas

Our Lady Of Czestochowa Catholic Church
Houston, Texas
  • Our Lady Of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Houston Texas
  • Our Lady Of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Houston Texas
  • Our Lady Of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Houston Texas
  • Our Lady Of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Houston Texas

In the 1970s many persons of Polish ancestry moved to Sunbelt states, including Texas. By the end of the 1980s the population of Texans who traced their roots to Poland increased by 41.8 percent. Many of them were born in Poland but left the country in the 1980s when the Solidarity labor movement was suppressed by the communist regime of Soviet-occupied Poland. Most of them settled in the Houston metropolitan area. The growth of the Polish-speaking Catholic population in the Galveston-Houston Diocese created a need for Polish-speaking Catholic priests to minister to this new flock.

In March 1984, with the help of a loan from the Diocese, the Polish community purchased the property located at 1731 Blalock. On August 26, 2001, the Most Reverend Vincent M. Rizzotto, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston consecrated the new church of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

For more information see History Of The Polish Parish In Houston

See a virtual tour of the beautiful Our Lady Of Czestochowa Church in Houston.

St. Joseph Catholic Church
Stoneham, Texas
  • St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stoneham Texas
  • St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stoneham Texas

St. Joseph Catholic Church was established in 1909 by a group of Polish-speaking immigrants from the Grimes Prairie, Stoneham and Plantersville areas. For many years, Stoneham’s Polish community worshiped either with the Polish community of St. Stanislaus in Anderson or with the Ukrainian-German community of St. Mary in Plantersville. In 1909, because of historical rivalries and antagonism rooted in the Old World and the arrival of a new pastor at St. Mary, the Polish community in the Stoneham area separated itself from the Plantersville community, joining itself with the Polish community of Anderson as a mission, and built its own sanctuary in the present location, under the spiritual leadership and jurisdiction of the Polish-speaking pastor of St. Stanislaus in Anderson. This arrangement would last until 1967 when jurisdiction would be transferred to St. Mary in Plantersville with St. Joseph as its Mission. This is the present status, uniting the communities of St. Mary and St. Joseph.

For more information see History of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stoneham, Texas

Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception
Plantersville, Texas
  • St. Mary Catholic Church in Plantersville Texas
  • St. Mary Catholic Church in Plantersville Texas
  • St. Mary Catholic Church in Plantersville Texas
  • St. Mary Catholic Church in Plantersville Texas

On February 2, 1894, the Right Reverend Nicholas A. Gallager, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Galveston purchased for $30.00 the parcel of land where St. Mary’s now stands. This parcel was out of the league of land granted to John Landrum as a Colonist in Austin’s Colony. According to Diocesan records, St. Mary’s official name is Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Immaculate Conception, Plantersville, Texas.

For many years, the areas Polish community worshiped with the Ukrainian-German community of St. Mary in Plantersville. In 1909, because of historical rivalries and antagonism rooted in the Old World and the arrival of a new pastor at St. Mary, the Polish community in the Stoneham area separated itself from the Plantersville community, joining itself with the Polish community of Anderson as a mission, and built its own sanctuary in Stoneham.

For more information see History of St. Mary Catholic Church in Plantersville, Texas

See a virtual tour of the beautiful St. Mary’s painted church in Plantersville.

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church
Panna Maria, Texas
  • Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Panna Maria Texas
  • Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Panna Maria Texas

In early December 1854 a group of about 150 Poles from Upper Silesia arrived in Galveston, Texas. Among them were the father and brothers of Father Leopold. They had traveled nine weeks on the sailing ship “Weser”, they then walked the 200 miles to the place picked out for them by Father Leopold. They reached a site 60 miles south of San Antonio, a hill that overlooks the junction of the San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek. According to tradition they arrived Christmas Eve 1854, and beneath a large oak, the offered their first Mass, and named their new home Panna Maria.

For more information see Panna Maria, Texas: The First Polish Settlement in America

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Bandera, Texas
  • St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bandera Texas
  • St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bandera Texas

The Polish Silesians arrived in San Antonio on Dec. 21,1854. Father Leopold Moczygemba greeted them and guided most of them the remaining 60 miles southeast to a place he had selected for their settlement, now known as Panna Maria. The news had reached Panna Maria that there was a place called Bandera that had a sawmill and there was work for pay. Bandera was described as beautiful with small hills similar to the Silesian region they left in Poland and with plenty of free water. After celebrating Christmas together, 11 of the families gathered in a small group and decided to leave Panna Maria. In the first week of January 1855, the 11 families left and traveled to Bandera through Castroville. Bandera’s Polish Silesians provided the labor for St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, the oldest standing continuously-used Polish Catholic Church building in the U.S.

For more information see Emigration Of Bandera Texas Polish Silesians

Nativity Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Cestohowa, Texas
  • Nativity Of The Blessed Virgin Mary in Cestohowa Texas
  • Nativity Of The Blessed Virgin Mary in Cestohowa Texas

In 1873, as the population of Panna Maria grew, a group of about forty families decided to start a new community five miles north in Cestohowa. They first built a small school that also served as a chapel. The priest came from Panna Maria once a month to say Mass and made special trips for other purposes. In 1877 land was donated for a church, which was completed on February 10, 1878, and placed under the patronage of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church was remodeled in 1931 and repaired and painted again in 1973.

For more information see Cestohowa, Texas

Holy Trinity
Falls City, Texas
  • Holy Trinity in Falls City Texas
  • Holy Trinity in Falls City Texas

A number of people from Panna Maria and Cestohowa moved to Falls City, where they could receive the benefits of a railroad. As a result Falls City became a predominantly Polish-American settlement. In 1902 Holy Trinity Catholic Church was erected; a parish school opened in 1911.

For more information see Falls City, Texas

St. Ann
Kosciuszko, Texas
  • St. Ann in Kosciuszko Texas
  • St. Ann in Kosciuszko Texas

Kosciusko or more properly spelled Kosciuszko was named for the Polish General Thaddeus Kosciusko when it was established March 12, 1880 by sixty-five Polish families. In 1892 a Polish Catholic school was built. The first Church was built in 1898. The people gathered together and with $2,000 built the first Church and named it St. Ann. The wooden church measured 80ft x 40ft.

For more information see Kosciuszko Texas

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Hedwig, Texas
  • Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Hedwig Texas
  • Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Hedwig Texas

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary church at St. Hedwig, Texas has a rich and vibrant past. Lineage can be traced as far back in time as 1795 in Poland during the tragic time when the country of Poland after its glorious past lost independence. The political environment of that era gave rise to a number of Polish emigrants looking for something new and challenging. The community, which the first thirteen families from Poland built in 1855 with their hard work, they called St. Hedwig, after their beloved Patroness and placed their parish under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For more information see Founding and Early History of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Beautiful Polish Churches In Texas Read More »

Veterans Tribute

Photo Tribute To Texas Military Veterans of Polish Descent

Many of the early Polish settlers in Texas and their descendants left a patriotic legacy of United States military service. This tribute section honors our veterans with photos and military information.

Click on thumbnail photos below to enlarge the photo. Click on the Family Tree Info icon in the photo caption to see the veterans family history in our genealogy database or click on the More Info icon to see more infomation on the veteran.


Adam Edward Polka

Adam Edward Polka  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War I

Photo courtesy of James Smock

Adam Edward Polka  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War I

Photo courtesy of James Smock


Adam Edward Polka and Mike Klotz

Adam Edward Polka  Family Tree Info and Mike Klotz  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War I

Photo courtesy of James Smock

Adam Edward Polka  Family Tree Info and Mike Klotz  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War I

Photo courtesy of James Smock


Walter Alfred 'Rip' Smock

Walter Alfred ‘Rip’ Smock  Family Tree Info
Aircraft Electrician
US Navy
World War II

Photo courtesy of James Smock

Walter Alfred ‘Rip’ Smock  Family Tree Info
Aircraft Electrician
US Navy
World War II

Photo courtesy of James Smock


Harold Matell

Harold Matell  Family Tree Info
US Army
Korea

Photo courtesy of James Smock

Harold Matell  Family Tree Info
US Army
Korea

Photo courtesy of James Smock


Marion Polka

Marion Polka  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of James Smock

Marion Polka  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of James Smock


Robert E. 'Bob' Wick

Robert E. ‘Bob’ Wick  Family Tree Info
Radio Operator
1st Lt
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of Freida Wick

Robert E. ‘Bob’ Wick  Family Tree Info
Radio Operator
1st Lt
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of Freida Wick


James Vernon 'Pancho' Polka

James Vernon ‘Pancho’ Polka
US Navy

Photo courtesy of James Smock

James Vernon ‘Pancho’ Polka
US Navy

Photo courtesy of James Smock


Robert Lee Maduzia

Robert Lee Maduzia  Family Tree Info
US Navy
World War II

Photo courtesy of Bill Maduzia

Robert Lee Maduzia  Family Tree Info
US Navy
World War II

Photo courtesy of Bill Maduzia


Stanley and William Lehoski

Stanley and William Lehoski
World War II

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Stanley and William Lehoski
World War II

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt


Edd Lehoski

Edd Lehoski
World War II

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Edd Lehoski
World War II

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt


Sgt. and Mrs. Robert Grucholski

Sgt. and Mrs. Robert Grucholski
World War II

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Sgt. and Mrs. Robert Grucholski
World War II

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt


Ripkoski Family

Ripkoski Family
12 Brothers ServedFamily Tree Info
US Army, Navy and Air Force
World War II and Korea

Bernie  Family Tree Info, Felix  Family Tree Info, Alex, August  Family Tree Info, Leon, Bill  Family Tree Info, Herman  Family Tree Info, Franklin, John, Mike, Stanley  Family Tree Info and Raymond  Family Tree Info.

Photo courtesy of James Smock

Ripkoski Family
12 Brothers ServedFamily Tree Info
US Army, Navy and Air Force
World War II and Korea

Bernie  Family Tree Info, Felix  Family Tree Info, Alex, August  Family Tree Info, Leon, Bill  Family Tree Info, Herman  Family Tree Info, Franklin, John, Mike, Stanley  Family Tree Info and Raymond  Family Tree Info.

Photo courtesy of James Smock


Michael L Galik

Michael L Galik  Family Tree Info
Field Artillery Battalion
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of Galik family

Michael L Galik  Family Tree Info
Field Artillery Battalion
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of Galik family


John J Zientek

John J Zientek  Family Tree Info
Troop “E” 124th Calvary
Ft. Ringgold, Texas
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of John Zientek Jr.

John J Zientek  Family Tree Info
Troop “E” 124th Calvary
Ft. Ringgold, Texas
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of John Zientek Jr.


Steve Supercinski

Steve Supercinski  Family Tree Info
Troop “E” 124th Calvary
Ft. Ringgold, Texas
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of John Zientek Jr.

Steve Supercinski  Family Tree Info
Troop “E” 124th Calvary
Ft. Ringgold, Texas
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of John Zientek Jr.


Henry (Andreas) Kmiec

Henry (Andreas) Kmiec  Family Tree Info
PFC – 44th Service Co.
US Army
World War I

Photo courtesy of Dolores Wisnoski Newman

Henry (Andreas) Kmiec  Family Tree Info
PFC – 44th Service Co.
US Army
World War I

Photo courtesy of Dolores Wisnoski Newman


Mike Wisnoski

Mike Wisnoski  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of Dolores Wisnoski Newman

Mike Wisnoski  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War II

Photo courtesy of Dolores Wisnoski Newman


Peter David Macejewski

Peter David Macejewski  Family Tree Info
1958th Ordance Depot Co
U S Army Air Force
World War II

Photo courtesy of Barbara Macejewski Lee

Peter David Macejewski  Family Tree Info
1958th Ordance Depot Co
U S Army Air Force
World War II

Photo courtesy of Barbara Macejewski Lee


Pete Dutka

Pete Dutka  Family Tree Info
U S Army
Korean War

Photo courtesy of Ronnie Dutka

Pete Dutka  Family Tree Info
U S Army
Korean War

Photo courtesy of Ronnie Dutka


John Joseph Felchak, Sr.

John Joseph Felchak, Sr.Family Tree Info
U. S. Army
Pvt 332 Field RMT SQ. QMC
American Expeditionary Force, France
World War 1

Photo courtesy of Virginia Felchak Hill

John Joseph Felchak, Sr.Family Tree Info
U. S. Army
Pvt 332 Field RMT SQ. QMC
American Expeditionary Force, France
World War 1

Photo courtesy of Virginia Felchak Hill


Fred William Kubiak

Fred William Kubiak  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War II
France

Photo courtesy of Nick Kubiak

Fred William Kubiak  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War II
France

Photo courtesy of Nick Kubiak


Steve Zabawa

Steve Zabawa  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War II
with mother Leokadya Duhr Zabawa  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Nick Kubiak

Steve Zabawa  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War II
with mother Leokadya Duhr Zabawa  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Nick Kubiak


Stash John Patke

Stash John Patke  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War I
with Frank Marszalek  Family Tree Info on the left and Josie Marszalek Patke  Family Tree Info on the right.

Photo courtesy of Hazel Dutka

Stash John Patke  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War I
with Frank Marszalek  Family Tree Info on the left and Josie Marszalek Patke  Family Tree Info on the right.

Photo courtesy of Hazel Dutka


Clement C. Szymanski

Clement C. Szymanski  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War II
Technician Fourth Grade
Field Artillery Battalion
Awarded Silver Star medal for gallantry in action in Germany on 14 April 1945.

Photo courtesy of Barbara Macejewski Lee

Clement C. Szymanski  Family Tree Info
US Army
World War II
Technician Fourth Grade
Field Artillery Battalion
Awarded Silver Star medal for gallantry in action in Germany on 14 April 1945.

Photo courtesy of Barbara Macejewski Lee


Tony Issac Baranowski

Tony Issac Baranowski  Family Tree Info
Seaman First Class
US Navy
World War II

Photo courtesy of Carol Baranowski Melnar

Tony Issac Baranowski  Family Tree Info
US Navy
World War II

Photo courtesy of Carol Baranowski Melnar


Raymond Paul Kujawa

Raymond Paul KujawaFamily Tree Info
USNR
3rd Class Mate
Corpus Christi (TX) Naval Air Station
1942-45

Photo courtesy of Steve Kujawa

Raymond Paul KujawaFamily Tree Info
USNR
3rd Class Mate
Corpus Christi (TX) Naval Air Station
1942-45

Photo courtesy of Steve Kujawa


Bruno Richard Petrosky

Bruno Richard Petrosky
Technical Sergent
US Army Air Corps
US Army Air Force
US Air Force
1940 – 1961

Photo courtesy of Beverly Petrosky Pryor

Bruno Richard Petrosky
Technical Sergent
US Army Air Corps
US Army Air Force
US Air Force
1940 – 1961

Photo courtesy of Beverly Petrosky Pryor


Billy Zaborowski

Billy Zaborowski
US Army

Photo courtesy of Ronnie Dutka

Billy Zaborowski
US Army

Photo courtesy of Ronnie Dutka

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