Finding aid for the Frank Nowak Papers

Biography of Frank Nowak

Frank Nowak (1888-1973) was born in Poland and emigrated to the United States in 1910. He settled in the Lincoln Heights Polish community of Cleveland, Ohio, known as Kantowo. Nowak was a tailor and worked in this capacity for many years at the Bailey Department Store in downtown Cleveland. He eventually opened his own tailor shop on West 11th Street.

Nowak was active in a number of Polish organizations, including the Polish National Choir and the King John Sobieski Lodge 458 of the Polish National Alliance. He was one of the first members of the Polish National Choir which was founded in 1911. He retained interest in the choir until his death in 1973.

The Polish National Choir was organized by a group of Polish men, most of whom resided in Cleveland's Kantowo neighborhood. After the Choir became a member of the Polish Singers Alliance of America in 1912, it grew quickly and established a reputation for excellence. It performed at both Polish and non-Polish functions in Cleveland, often participating with other local singing groups in the performance of large vocal works such as opera.

Scope and Content

The Frank Nowak Papers, 1901-1968 and undated, consist of minute books, correspondence, financial records, local anniversary publications and music relating to Polish-American groups in Cleveland, and papers relating to the Nowak family.

This collection will be useful to researchers studying the history of the Polish immigrant community in Cleveland, Ohio in the twentieth century, particularly Polish-American cultural activities and choral work. The records relating to the Polish National Choir re extensive and provide an excellent history of the development and maintenance of that organization. Genealogists might find the membership lists for the Cleveland Group 88 of the Polish National Alliance useful.

Statement of Arrangement

Restrictions on Access

None.

All photographs have been removed to the WRHS photograph and print collection.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects:

Preferred Citation

[Container ___, Folder ___ ] MS 3624 Frank Nowak Papers, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, Ohio

Acquisition Information

Gift of Celia Nowak in 1974.

Processing Information

Processed by John J. Grabowski in 1975.

Detailed Description of The Collection