The Incredible Journey of Narcyz Snarski: From Immigrant to American Patriot
Narcyz Snarski in Florida
A Harsh Welcome to America
A bystander sneered as Narcyz Snarski disembarked, "There's another 'DP' right off the boat." Narcyz ignored the insult, fully aware of his worn appearance after his harrowing escape from Russia. Though unfamiliar with the term "DP," he sensed its derogatory nature. In his homeland, he had been labeled a White Russian—a term signifying the complex heritage of those from the region straddling Poland and Russia, now known as Belarus. Raised as a Polish nobleman, Narcyz carried the weight of history; Poland was a nation erased from maps back in 1795, and still didn’t exist when he arrived in Boston, MA, in 1912.
Finding a Polish Community in North Chicago
Narcyz traveled by train to North Chicago, where many Polish immigrants had found refuge. On the station platform, the term "DP" resurfaced—now clear in its meaning: "Dumb Polack." Yet Narcyz was far from dumb. Despite his humble farm upbringing, his father, Anthony, had ensured a tutor lived with the family, teaching both the Polish and the required Russian. After completing his lessons, Narcyz attended the nearest high school, Gimnazjum, in Dokszyce.
Choosing Freedom Over Military Service
But this heroic adventure all started with a father’s question. At nearly 20, his father asked him if he wanted to serve in the Russian Army under Czar Nicholas II. With the Russian military weakened by the 1905 defeat against Japan and revolutionary fervor mounting, Narcyz chose a different path, leaving his parents and six siblings.
Arrest and Escape to Rotterdam
He joined the workforce to go to southern Austria, funded by his parents, and attempted to cross the border. Arrested and incarcerated, Narcyz's group bribed their jailers, enabling their escape and his subsequent journey to Rotterdam. By the time he reached Chicago, he was penniless, jobless, but brimming with determination.
Starting a New Life in America
He commenced his professional journey at the North Shore Hardware Foundry, located in North Chicago, where he gained valuable experience and skills in the manufacturing sector. But he dreamed about so much more. He partnered with others to invest in a tavern venture in East Chicago, seeking new opportunities and challenges in the hospitality industry.
Enlisting to Fight for Poland
As the tumultuous events of World War I swept across Europe, a young man of just 25 years found himself compelled to take action. On December 17, 1917, driven by a sense of duty and patriotism, he enlisted in the Polish-American Army, prepared to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Allies in their fight for freedom. With determination in his heart and a resolve to contribute to the war effort, he bid farewell to his homeland on February 28, 1918, embarking on a journey that would take him far from the familiar shores of America and into the chaos of battle.
Fighting for a Free Poland
Although the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, his unit could not return home. Instead, they were dispatched to Nice for much-needed rest and recreation, only to be redeployed to combat for the cause of the newly freed Poland. On April 19, 1919, Holy Saturday, he finally set foot on Polish soil.
Wounded in Battle
After fighting in several battles as a machine gunner with the 44th Division, Narcyz was wounded in battle on July 18, 1919, and released from the hospital on September 4, 1919. Determined to serve his beloved country, he participated in two more battles in the early part of the war against the Bolsheviks.
Returning to America and Facing Hardship
He arrived back in America on August 12, 1920, on the S.S. Kijow in Hoboken, N.J. But when he returned, he went to see how his partner was doing in the tavern business in East Chicago. He found the tavern under new ownership, his partner and his share of the partnership gone, leaving him once again unemployed.
Finding Love in North Chicago
He ultimately returned to North Chicago, where he roomed with a dear friend, Konrad Hladuszewski, who was married and raising a family. When he first arrived in town in uniform, he and other soldiers were greeted by the young girls of this Polish community. One of whom immediately took notice and admired him. She was Charlotte Ratajczak, his future wife.
Winning Over the Ratajczak Family
Narcyz went to work, saved his money, bought a car and proceeded to court Charlotte. He returned to the North Shore Hardware Foundry, and exhibiting industriousness, thrift, and the proper religious and ethnic background, he was reluctantly accepted as a suitor by the Ratajczaks. After all, he was a "round-head" - an immigrant - and at that, a "Ruski". Apparently, Charlotte prevailed, and on June 9, 1926, they were married at Holy Rosary Parish on Fourteenth Street in North Chicago, IL.
Charlotte Ratajczak wedding photo
A New Life with the Ratajczak Family
Narcyz became a "member" of the Ratajczak’s family. He lived on the second floor, in the front apartment of their store building, and broke bread with Grandma Maryanna next door and the Ratajczak children. Narcyz had to permit his wife to work for the Ratajczak business, and in this fashion, was indirectly induced never to go into business himself. Taking Charlotte away from the family business would be disloyal. The communal arrangement had its advantages, though. The rent was cheap and the expenses of food were small.
Raising a Family During Hard Times
As the children came, Eugene in 1927 and Generose in 1929, there was more need to stay with this cozy arrangement, and then the depression of the 1930s confirmed the communal need for its efficiency and cost savings. The depression reduced employment. Narcyz, when he did work, did so perhaps two or three days per week. When not at work, he tended the bar at the family business.
Economic Recovery and New Opportunities
In the late 1930s, a sense of hope began to permeate the atmosphere as the economy showed signs of recovery. Job opportunities surged, allowing individuals like Narcyz to see a noticeable improvement in their financial situation; his weekly income increased from around $16.00 to approximately $23.00. With the clouds of hardship beginning to lift, Narcyz found himself contemplating the idea of taking a much-needed vacation. However, his dreams were tempered by the reality that his wife was fully committed to their family business, making it difficult for them to seize the moment and escape for a while.
A Career Shift at Great Lakes Naval Training Center
In 1940, he decided that he couldn't take being a molder. His back was bothering him. At the age of 48, he went to work at the expanding Great Lakes Naval Training Center as a stationary fireman. He worked through WWII until his retirement in 1957. However, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, all eligible men from 18 to 64 were required to register for the draft. So once again, he was called to service, but his battle injury from the war prevented him from duty.
Active Retirement and Family Contributions
After retiring from a long and dedicated career in government service, he eagerly plunged into the family business, striving to contribute with the same fervor. His retirement was anything but leisurely; he was consistently involved, whether it was overseeing apartment investments or managing the family store. There was scarcely a moment for personal recreation or relaxation. The highlight of his social life occasionally included spirited poker games with friends and rare trips to sunny Florida, where memories were made amidst laughter and camaraderie.
A Life of Loyalty, Sacrifice, and Humility
Narcyz was not one to seek conflict. In fact, he often chose to step back from confrontation, embodying a rare blend of patience and selflessness. He willingly collaborated, prioritizing the needs of others ahead of his own desires. Being a “married-in” member of the family business, he fully embraced his role with pride. His noble lineage shone through in his demeanor, reflecting his unwavering loyalty to his family, despite the personal sacrifices he made.
