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West Side Detroit Polish American Historical Society

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Oral Interviews

Rev. Gary Michalik: His Life, His Work, And His Ministry

Posted on June 26, 2023

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

Filed Under: Oral Interviews

Interview with West Side Detroit Baseball Legend Frank Tanana, Jr.

Posted on December 25, 2017

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.

Filed Under: Oral Interviews

Major Frank A. (Balcerkiewicz) Balcer – A Born Leader

Posted on July 14, 2017

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

Filed Under: Oral Interviews

WSDPAHS Member Anthony (“Tony”) Pakula: A Man Of Many Talents

Posted on September 26, 2014

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

Filed Under: Oral Interviews

Mary LaDrigue Interview

Posted on January 8, 2009

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

Filed Under: Oral Interviews

Richard A. Kuzdak Interview

Posted on February 18, 2008

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

Filed Under: Oral Interviews

Neighborhood Tour with Edward J. Sarna

Posted on August 1, 2007

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

Filed Under: Oral Interviews

Manya (Abick) Soviak Interview (with Greg Suski and Edward J. Sarna)

Posted on August 1, 2007

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)

Filed Under: Oral Interviews

Edward J. Sarna Interview

Posted on June 27, 2007

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

Filed Under: Oral Interviews

Wanda Klimek Interview

Posted on June 15, 2007

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

Filed Under: Oral Interviews

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Oral Interviews

  • Rev. Gary Michalik: His Life, His Work, And His Ministry
  • Interview with West Side Detroit Baseball Legend Frank Tanana, Jr.
  • Major Frank A. (Balcerkiewicz) Balcer – A Born Leader
  • WSDPAHS Member Anthony (“Tony”) Pakula: A Man Of Many Talents
  • Mary LaDrigue Interview
  • Richard A. Kuzdak Interview
  • Neighborhood Tour with Edward J. Sarna
  • Manya (Abick) Soviak Interview (with Greg Suski and Edward J. Sarna)
  • Edward J. Sarna Interview
  • Wanda Klimek Interview
  • Veronica (Vera) Bozek Interview

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West Side Detroit
Polish American Historical Society

Detroit, MI

Phone: 1-855-765-6642

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Recent Posts

  • A History of the Michigan Central Station
  • A History Of St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church
  • April 27, 2025 – 13th Annual Pilgrimage, Święconka and Divine Mercy Devotions

Links

  • American Council for Polish Culture
  • American Polish Cultural Center
  • Friends of Polish Art
  • Polish American Congress – Michigan Division
  • Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan
  • Polish Genealogical Society of America
  • Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake

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