The Progressive Polish National Union - "Spójnia"

The precursor of this organization was the "Might Branch" in Toronto, established in 1905 by fighter A. J. Staniewski. Might officially came to be in 1911. The organization’s character was prominently socio-political and, along with discussion meetings and readings, it organized public rallies aimed mainly at uneducated Polish immigrants, whose situation was very difficult at that time.

1918 - "The Union" - Socio-Educational & Scientific Polish Committee (Original Photo)

1918 - "The Union" - Socio-Educational & Scientific Polish Committee (Enhanced Photo)

Established in 1911

The Polish National Union - Socio-Educational & Scientific Committee

From the beginning of its existence, Might – “Potęga” was subjected to political disputes among its members, and various fractions and groups sprang up. This situation did not last long; due to the political situation resulting from World War I, Might ceased to exist. In February 1918, the most active members of Might formed a new organization called The Polish National Union.

The first sentence in the minutes of its inaugural meeting indicated the organization’s non-political character:

The Union as a scientific association has nothing to do with politics.

Subsequent sentences indicated that the Union’s character was socio-educational and scientific. On October 2, 1918, the Educational Committee, later the Educational Council of The Polish Alliance of Canada, was formed; its objective was the caretaking of the Polish community’s education, the library and the choir, as well as the organization of readings and performances for national holidays.

Along with lessons in a children’s Polish school, an evening course for illiterate people, an English language course, and two other interesting courses (speaking and discussion groups) were held. The diverse lectures were very popular, particularly when a visual projector was purchased, Polish books were gathered, and subscribing to Polish publications was encouraged (minutes from 1918 presented an entry by A. J. Staniewski that stated that all new members had to indicate whether they read and owned Polish periodicals).

The Union also put together theatrical performances, dance parties and picnics. In 1918, upon learning of the renewed independence of Poland, the Union’s members, directed by A. J. Staniewski, organized a spontaneous march to Toronto’s City Hall, in order to express their happiness. The organization also worked closely with the first Polish Consul who came to Montreal.

In July 1921, the organization changed its name to “The Progressive Polish Union”. As a result of the natural collaboration of the Union with the Sons of Poland Brotherhood, talks about incorporating it into The Polish Alliance of Canada, which already consisted of two organizations, began.

Discussions and numerous meetings of both organizations’ delegations lasted until February 1923. The last minutes of the Union on February 11, 1923, stated:

After extensive deliberations and arguments, members of The Progressive Polish Union Society are ready to join The Polish Alliance of Canada as equals.

The fusion took place on February 26, 1923. The Constitution passed in October 1924 was quite different from the one passed on March 19, 1922.

Article 1 read: The association’s name will be “The Polish Alliance of Canada”; the Mutual Benefit Society will now be called an “Alliance.”

This name was more appropriate for the character of this Polish immigrants’ organization. The original name’s traces remain in the English version: “The Polish Alliance of Canada.”