They kept everything.

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My Grandparents kept everything, and it all ended up in my lap. This collection of stuff ranged from the cool (WWII V-Mail from my Uncle Frank) to the "you've got to be kidding me" (receipts from a trip taken in the 50s). I've weeded out a lot of the nonsense and kept the more interesting (at least what was interesting to me). In turn I decided to create this site to not only post some items, but also as a research exercise. Most items are from Chicago and Detroit, but of course family trips expanded their reach of hoarding. I hope you enjoy this very random collection. Frank Kownacki

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This is a pin that was released for the “Polish Week of Hospitality - July 17 - 23, 1933” during the Century of Progress World’s Fair in Chicago.  The three figures on the front are heroes of the American Revolution: Washington, Kosciuszko, and Pulaski.  Kosciuszko, is not as well known here in this country but is a big hero in Poland where he fought for Polish liberation after fighting as a Colonel in our revolution.  The reverse of the pin is the art deco official icon of the 1933 World’s Fair.   These types of ethnic weeks seem to be a thing of the past.  The only modern incarnation that I can think of is at major league baseball parks that hold a weekend game that recognize various ethnic origins.  They usually have a themed giveaway at the gate, plus different representations of food from that culture.  Even then, it is one game and not an entire week.  Otherwise, it seems to me that this style of ethnic recognition at a large event is a thing of the past.  NOTE: St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t count.  While I know that there are right and true Irish celebrations on that holiday, most of the populace know nothing of them.  I don’t consider wearing green and getting blistering drunk an honest salute to Irish culture.  If anything you can call March 17th Amateur Night.  

This is a pin that was released for the “Polish Week of Hospitality - July 17 - 23, 1933” during the Century of Progress World’s Fair in Chicago.  The three figures on the front are heroes of the American Revolution: Washington, Kosciuszko, and Pulaski.  Kosciuszko, is not as well known here in this country but is a big hero in Poland where he fought for Polish liberation after fighting as a Colonel in our revolution.  The reverse of the pin is the art deco official icon of the 1933 World’s Fair.

 

These types of ethnic weeks seem to be a thing of the past.  The only modern incarnation that I can think of is at major league baseball parks that hold a weekend game that recognize various ethnic origins.  They usually have a themed giveaway at the gate, plus different representations of food from that culture.  Even then, it is one game and not an entire week.  Otherwise, it seems to me that this style of ethnic recognition at a large event is a thing of the past.  NOTE: St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t count.  While I know that there are right and true Irish celebrations on that holiday, most of the populace know nothing of them.  I don’t consider wearing green and getting blistering drunk an honest salute to Irish culture.  If anything you can call March 17th Amateur Night.  

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