Kresy moje, utterly lost. From the memories of the inhabitants of Stalowa Wola
is a publication being an aftermath of research works and exhibition with the same title.
The 80th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II became a reason for museum activities aimed at drawing attention to that part of the population of Stalowa Wola, which has a borderland origin, and as a result of the turbulence of history found its new home in our city. Thanks to the Kresowians of Stalowa Wola, we were able to learn many interesting, unknown facts about their families who came from the eastern provinces of the Second Republic. They are the last witnesses who can still tell us how life was in the Borderlands. The Kresovians from Stalowa Wola, presenting their life experience, also sketched the history and fate of Poles who once lived in the Borderlands. Their recollections were based on personal experience or stories of parents, grandparents and relatives. Deprived of their homes, their familiar neighborhood, expelled from their farm, apartment and land, today they are aware and reconciled to the fact that they have forever lost the Borderlands, which still remain in their memory.
The publication included dozens of memoirs collected as part of the museum’s field research, correspondence and a small amount of published material, as well as more than a hundred photographs from family archives and dozens of memorabilia. The publication has been enriched with new, shared materials, already brought during the exhibition by Stalowa Wola residents who, after seeing the exhibition, declared their willingness to share them. The narrative is divided into six parts, which lead the reader to small and large borderland towns. The recollections of the Kresovians quoted bring a little-known picture of these lands, filled with positive thinking, concern for the Fatherland, the hope of Poles for a better future, the reconstruction and development of the country after the times of slavery and the struggle for independence. But it is also an ordinary story, devoid of pathos, about family and neighborhood life in multicultural villages, towns and cities.
Borderlanders recalled family stories, members of their families and relatives, homes and farms, life in the neighborhood also with regard to the multinationality of the Borderlands and contact with a variety of cultures and religions, rich customs, as well as the economic situation. It is a memoir recalling remembered views of beautiful landscapes, important religious sites, tourist destinations, prayers, songs and chants. It is also a story about the care of patriotic upbringing and teaching, which paid off in the attitudes of Poles who were always ready to fight for the Fatherland, but also to work diligently for the young state.
The selected souvenirs presented here have their own history: Stanisława Jeleńkowska’s Holy Communion Souvenir picture, a preserved item taken by her from Volhynia; a macrame embroidered by Anna Durkaczowa, a teacher from Przedrzymych, murdered by a band of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA); a casket made by woodcarver Stanisław Medynski, who voluntarily went into exile following his beloved; a painting of the Virgin Mary of the Dawn Gate from the Adamskis’ home, crediting it with saving her during an attack on their home by a band of the UPA.
Among the surviving photographs of borderland families, newlyweds (parents of the interviewees or their acquaintances, relatives), young people and school children, little kids (often these were the interviewees themselves in their childhood), soldiers, etc.., There were photographs of people who were well known later in Stalowa Wola, such as the Lvivian Stanislaw Jaskiewicz, a respected neurosurgeon who worked in Lviv hospitals before the war; Bronislawa Genejówna, a pre-war teacher (in the Hutsul region) and later a nurse in Lviv; the railroader Waclaw Podsiadło, later a soldier in the Anders Army; Lviv teachers Mieczysława Swierczowa and Maria Kossowska.
A large group of preserved archival materials included personal documents, school certificates and certificates and craft diplomas, contracts for the acquisition of real estate and land.
The publication also includes interesting recollections of the niece of prominent Polish writer Kornel Makuszynski, who lived in Stalowa Wola, photographs of Lviv defenders and participants in the Polish-Bolshevik war.
The outbreak of World War II completely changed the lives of Kresovians, so great loss was an integral part of their memories, full of painful and dramatic experiences. In this section, among the few mementos were salvaged devotional items, occupation and repatriation documents and correspondence.
The publication did not lack references to the present day and sentiments related to the Borderlands.
Pages 68, format 29.5×21 cm
