Illuminating the Particular: Photographs of Milwaukee's Polish South Side

by Christel T. Maass

Roman B.J. Kwasniewski, son of Polish immigrants, used his camera to document life in Milwaukee's Polish community during the early decades of the twentieth century. His images transform the particulars of everyday life at local businesses, in homes and classrooms, and at cultural, social, and recreational events into powerful depictions of the immigrant experience. With an introduction by well-known Milwaukee historian John Gurda, this book offers rare insight into the daily lives of a proud people struggling to maintain their heritage while living in a time of rapid change.

While Kwasniewski's camera captured the sights and sounds of Milwaukee at the turn of the century from the perspective of a single ethnic group in a single neighborhood, his photographs resonate far beyond Milwaukee's Polish South Side. They illuminate the particulars of American life during the early decades of the twentieth century. "What we see, reflected in the distant mirror," says John Gurda, "is ourselves."

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photographs are lovely and it’s a compelling collection. I just wish there was more insightful commentary on the photos themselves— there were some fun tidbits but many of the captions were a bit sparse or generic. Still, I love seeing historic photos, especially of Milwaukee, so this was a treat. I always love reading John Gurda, so those sections were a delight as usual.

[Kaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing visual representation of Milwaukee's South side Polish Community. All pictures are from Roman Kwasniewski's personal collection. Local historian John Gourda, a former South side Polish resident himself, gives a beautiful and accurate historical introduction for the book. Chapter introductions are well written and collection of images are stunning. As a teacher at Lincoln Avenue School - I enjoyed sharing this book with my students who currently live in this area now.