The Przewodnik Handlowy Database

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Introduction

The Polonia of Buffalo is very fortunate to have at least two fine books documenting the early settlement of our people in Western New York. The best known book was published as a double anniversary album, celebrating the 50th anniversaries of the founding of St. Stanislaus B.M. Church and also the Polish community in Buffalo. The parish album was edited by the renown Polish American historian, Mieczyslaw Haiman, who was working and residing in Buffalo at the time. The second book "The Przewodnik Handlowy presents a contemporary picture of Buffalo's Polonia was written and published by Wincenty Smolczynski and his partner Henryk Lokanski in 1906. An additional Album was printed 3 years later completing the series. Between these years, Smolczynski also published a smaller version of these business directories for the Polish community in Detroit, Michigan. The Polish Genealogical Society (PGS) of Michigan has been including translations of certain personalities from this album in their newsletters.

In the two directories for the Buffalo Polonia, 468 names comprise the body of the work. Since these were paid ads, the information provided was supplied by the advertiser and in most cases include the place and date of birth, name of spouse and year of marriage, names of children and organizations and parish the family belonged. This is a treasure trough of genealogical information for anyone doing research in Western New York. Information provided in this database will include the surname and given name of the individual, date and place of birth if provided and page number.

Where can I obtain copies?

The Smolczynski albums are available for viewing at the following locations in Western New York:

• Buffalo & Erie County Library Special Collections, on microfiche.
• Archives of the Felician Sisters on Doat Street in Cheektowaga, New York by special request.
• Polish Seminary, Indian Trail Road, Orchard Lake, MI, 48324

If you desire a copy of an article found in the index, we will have a volunteer make a copy at the facility where the film or book is available. This requires a $5.00 fee ($3.00 for PGSNYS members) for each request, send check or money order made out to the Polish Genealogical Society of NYS, and include a self stamp addressed envelope. Without this fee requests will not be answered.

Mailing Options:

1. US Post Office: You must enclose a SASE with your request.
2. E-Mail: Provide your e-mail in your request.

Attn: Przewodnik Request
Polish Genealogical Society of NYS
c/o 12645 Rt 78
East Aurora, New York 14052

Where can I get the article translated?

All Articles found in the Przewodnik Handowly are in Polish. Each article is a different length. E-mail przewodnik@pgsnys.org for a quote on the cost for translating the article.

Example Article

Edmund Zielinski (Polish) Powyzsza rycina przedstawia bardzo poczciwego m lodzienca. Edumnda Zielinskiego, syna Feliksa I Maryanny Zielinskich, który w dniu 12 listopada 1908 r. ukonczyl 15 wiosen zycia. Jakkolwiek Edmund Zielinski jest jeszcze niepelnolelnim mlodziencem, to jednak pomimo to w wielkim skladzie materyalów zelaznych swych rodziców zastepuje ojca w intersie I prowadzi ten interes w domu rodziców pod No. 1028 przy Sycamore ul. --- w Buffalo. N.Y. Edmund ukonczyl 5 klas w szkole parafialnej. Przemienienia Panskiego I objal w skladzie zelaznym zastepstwo ojca, który zajmuje sie jako kontraktor budowa domów. Bracia E. Zielinskiego, mlodsi Leon I Karol uczeszczaja do szkoly, Rodzice zezwolili synowi Edmundowi, by w Albumie pamiatkowym mial swoja biografie, gdyz na to zasluguje. Edmund Zielinski (English) The above photo shows the honest youth, Edmund Zielinski. He is the son of Feliks and Maryanna Zielinski, who celebrates his 15 th birthday on Nov 12, 1908. Even though hs is still a minor, he is his father's representative in the busy family run hardware business at 1028 Sycamore St., on the family property. Edmund finished five grades in the Transfiguration grammar school and helps his father in the business while his Dad operates a contractor's business. Edmund's younger brothers are Leon and Karol, and attend school. Edmund parent's give permission for his biography to be included in this album.