Community links:

• Skalny Center
• St. Stanislaus
• St. Casimir
• Polish Catholic Cemetery, Rochester
• Polish Arts Fest
• Krakow sister city

Rochester Polonia: Click on images to enlarge them.

Rochester's earliest Polish-American neighborhood grew on Hudson Avenue in the 1880's. A large concentration of Polish immigrants lived and worked in what became known as Polish Town.
 

The traditional center of Rochester Polonia is St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, affectionately known as St. Stan's. The first St. Stanislaus Church wooden structure was built in 1890. A major restoration was completed in 2004.
 

The second, more grandiose brick structure was completed in 1909.
 

St. Casimir's Polish National Catholic Church, was built in 1908. The new church in Irondequoit is pictured, along with the cemetery on Hudson Avenue.
 

A large number of homes, shops, and businesses sprung up nearby as many Polish immigrants moved into the area.

Modern view of Hudson Ave. Typical Polish Town home.

Soon there were groceries, hardware stores, barbers, saloons, a Dom Polski, a bowling alley, a library, a Polish Falcons Hall, a movie theater, and doctors' offices all along Hudson catering to the Polish residents.

European deli and Polish credit union Felerski's Funeral Home

The area was actively known as "Polish Town" for some generations, and was the site of many weddings and funerals even into the 1960s as the suburban migration continued.

Andy's Candies Four Brothers Tavern

Family events often included a trip to Andy Sykut's candy store for ice cream.

Polish American Citizen Club Polska Chata deli

The suburban migration took its toll, but Polish residents and businesses still make their home in Polish Town.

Former Dom Polski Former Echo Singing Society

Hancock's Tavern (formerly Green's) Former Polish Falcon's Hall

Former St. Theresa's Church Former Wojcztak's Bakery

Pictured is Pulaski Park, named for one of many famous Polish-Americans. Though no longer centralized along Hudson Avenue, Rochester Polonia is a vibrant community with many organizations, such as the Polish Heritage Society of Rochester, sponsoring events and activities throughout the year.