Polish Union of the United States of North America records

A fraternal benefit and insurance society, the Polish Union of the United States of North America was founded in 1890 in St. Paul, Minnesota. After six years, the Union was moved to Buffalo, New York, and then to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It was incorporated in 1907 under the name Polish Union of America and took its present name by charter amendment in 1921. After World War II, the Union became a member of the Polish American Congress. The Union provides insurance, scholarships, and charitable support for Polish Americans. During World War II, it organized the Anthracite Relief Committee, joining other institutions in the fight against the common enemy. The Polish Union of the United States of North America came into existence in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1890. The original group numbered ninety-five, however, only three years later 3,000 names were on the rolls. The Union was a benefit society, as well as a fraternal body, and had ultimately united over 50,000 Poles and Amer­icans of Polish descent. After six years in St. Paul the headquarters were moved to Buffalo, New York and subsequently to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where the organization has experienced its greatest development. The Polish Union was first incorporated on March 18, 1907 under the name "Polish Union of America". On September 6, 1921, the charter was amended and the name changed to Polish Union of the United States of North America. The Pole who was coming to America in increasing numbers during the period of the Union's expansion found in it answers to many of his problems. It gave him courage, comradeship and security. The Union has helped in educating numerous Poles and Americans of Polish descent through scholarships, and it has supported charities, or­phanages and educational institutions. When war broke out between Germany and Poland, the Anthracite Relief Committee was organized by the Union to help the needy. Later the Union's relief committee joined other institutions in organizing the fight against the mutual enemy. After World War II, the Polish Union of the United States of North America became a member of the Polish American Congress.