Polish Alliance of Canada Branch 21 Hall

1928-present

Oshawa’s Polish community grew throughout the early years of the 20th century. In August 1922, 19 Polish residents met at the home of Stanisław Leśniak to discuss establishing a Polish organization in the community; this came to realization in September of that year when the Polish Society of Fraternal Help was established. The first president was Józef Mazurkiewicz.  The group changed their name to the Polish Society in Oshawa in 1924. 

In 1925, the organization decided to build a Polish hall, and construction began shortly afterwards at 219 Olive Avenue.  All members donated $10 towards construction, and an interest-free loan from members was also approved. Fundraising initiatives looked outside the Polish community as well with a door to door collection.  The hall was completed in 1928.

A number of community groups began operating out of the hall, including a library, choir, Polish language school, and amateur theatre group. As well, a Polish Veterans group started their base operations from the hall. During the war years, the group supported Poland and organized fundraising towards a relief fund. Members of the United Polish Relief fund visited each Polish family in Oshawa, held dances, and organized banquets, raising over $1800 towards the cause.

In April of 1944, the Polish Society of Oshawa decided to join the National Polish Alliance of Canada; they merged with another Branch in Oshawa, Branch 16, and together became Branch 21 of the National Polish Alliance of Canada. Wincenty Kołodziej was the first president of Branch 21.

Branch 21 has actively participated in Oshawa’s annual Fiesta Week for decades with dancing and traditional food being served. They operate as the “Poznań Pavilion.”

9 reviews

  1. My grandfather, Joe Galka Sr. made the cement blocks for this building on his farm.

    1. Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing that with us!

  2. 228 Olive Ave.

    My Baba and Gigi lived across the street at 228 Olive Ave. I loved it when we would sit on the porch or open the front bedroom windows and listen to the music,singing and laughter from the hall. Treasured memories. 228 has been levelled….kind of sad even now❗

    1. Thank you for sharing your memories

  3. My thoughts

    This made me miss home. Thank you for publishing.

    1. Thanks for reading!

  4. Can someone please tell me who the contractor who did this job is?

    1. According to information on the Polish Alliance of Canada (Branch 21) Facebook page, the contractor for the 2022 renovations was Wes Construction Inc

  5. my grampa was president in1975/6 walter mazur….. me and my young bro paul rip roared through that hall i tell ya haha lol

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Olive Avenue 219
Oshawa L1H 2P4 ON CA
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