Firmly Rooted: Rev. Gary Michalik: His Life, His Work, And His Ministry Early Life Gary Michael Michalik was born in Dearborn, Michigan, on the border of Detroit, at a clinic near Wyoming and Michigan Avenue. At the time, his parents, … [Read more...] about Rev. Gary Michalik: His Life, His Work, And His Ministry
Oral Interviews
Interview with West Side Detroit Baseball Legend Frank Tanana, Jr.
It was wonderful interviewing Frank Tanana Jr., who was born on July 3, 1953, and learning about his very early years as a young boy and being a very important part of a beautiful Polish family. His mom Delores and his dad Frank Sr. were terrific … [Read more...] about Interview with West Side Detroit Baseball Legend Frank Tanana, Jr.
Major Frank A. (Balcerkiewicz) Balcer – A Born Leader
Major Frank A. (Balcerkiewicz) Balcer (December 9, 1889 – November 26, 1965) A Born Leader It would almost be easier to say what Major Frank A. Balcer was not than to try and list all the things that he was and what he achieved during his … [Read more...] about Major Frank A. (Balcerkiewicz) Balcer – A Born Leader
WSDPAHS Member Anthony (“Tony”) Pakula: A Man Of Many Talents
When asked to sum himself up in three words, Tony Pakula responds, “quiet, involved, and social.” To that, one must add, “hard working.” The first thing you learn about Tony Pakula when you begin talking with him is that he began working-and working … [Read more...] about WSDPAHS Member Anthony (“Tony”) Pakula: A Man Of Many Talents
Mary LaDrigue Interview
Interview Transcript of Mary LaDrigue (“ML”) Conducted on Behalf of the West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society INTERVIEWER 2: And she (your grandmother) came to this country? ML: Nineteen seven, when she was seven. INTERVIEWER … [Read more...] about Mary LaDrigue Interview
Richard A. Kuzdak Interview
Interview Transcript of Richard A. Kuzdak (“RK”) At Border's Book Store, Novi Town Center, Novi, MI Monday, February 18, 2008, Conducted on Behalf of the West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society INTERVIEWER: We're here on Monday, … [Read more...] about Richard A. Kuzdak Interview
Neighborhood Tour with Edward J. Sarna
West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society Transcript of Neighborhood Tour with Edward J. Sarna (“ES”) Wednesday, August 1, 2007 ES: This is where we had our shower. INTERVIEWER: Oh, now here we are on the corner of Dennis and … [Read more...] about Neighborhood Tour with Edward J. Sarna
Manya (Abick) Soviak Interview (with Greg Suski and Edward J. Sarna)
West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society Interview with Manya (Abick) Soviak (“MS”), Detroit, MI 48210 With Manya's Friend Greg Suski (“GS”) and Edward J. Sarna (“ES”) August 1, 2007 INTERVIEWER: So we're right here on the … [Read more...] about Manya (Abick) Soviak Interview (with Greg Suski and Edward J. Sarna)
Edward J. Sarna Interview
West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society Interview with Edward J. Sarna (“ES”), Detroit, MI 48210 June 27, 2007 [Looking at photographs of when Edward Sarna was in Children's Hospital in Farmington Hills as a child, with … [Read more...] about Edward J. Sarna Interview
Wanda Klimek Interview
West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society Interview Transcript of Wanda Klimek (“WK”) and Kathryn Dec (“KD”) (of Virginia) - At Wanda Klimek's House, Dearborn Friday, June 15, 2007 INTERVIEWER: I'm just going to start out by doing a … [Read more...] about Wanda Klimek Interview