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Polish Musicians From Texas

James Smock

James SmockJames Smock has always held an interest in his Polish ancestors and heritage. He is a native Houstonian with Polish roots in Bremond, Marlin and New Waverly, Texas.

James is a past president of the Polish Genealogical Society of Texas and was the founding webmaster of the PGST website. He also served as the Surname Index Coordinator from 1994 - 2000.

In addition to serving as the webmaster and editor of this Polish Texan website, he maintains a number of other websites including;

With a lifelong passion for photography, James can often be found with a camera around his neck. In addition to photographing family events and his grandchildren, he is the church photographer for St. Mary Catholic Church in Plantersville and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stoneham. Many of his photographs can be found on the church website or his photography gallery.

Polish Musicians Photos

Photo Tribute To Texas Musicians of Polish Descent
Click on thumbnail photos below to enlarge. Click on the Family Tree Info icon in the photo caption to see the musicians family history in our genealogy database or click on the More Info icon to see more infomation on the musician.

More Musician Photos on page 2


Tony Berger, Ed Marshall, Johnny Berger

From left to right;

Tony Berger  Family Tree Info, Ed Marshall  Family Tree Info, Johnny Berger  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

From left to right;
Tony Berger  Family Tree Info, Ed Marshall  Family Tree Info, Johnny Berger  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Frank Koscielniak, Clem Kujawa

Frank Koscielniak on fiddle, Clem Kujawa  Family Tree Info on bass

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Frank Koscielniak on fiddle, Clem Kujawa  Family Tree Info on bass

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Polish Texan Musicians - George Piotrowski, Alec Piotrowski, John Muszynski,Fred Kempinski, Leonard Muszynski, Frumon Muszynski

From left to right;

Top row; George Piotrowski, Alec Piotrowski, John Muszynski  Family Tree Info

Bottom row; Fred Kempinski, Leonard Muszynski  Family Tree Info, Frumon Muszynski  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

From left to right;

Top row; George Piotrowski, Alec Piotrowski, John Muszynski  Family Tree Info

Bottom row; Fred Kempinski, Leonard Muszynski  Family Tree Info, Frumon Muszynski  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Ed Marshall

Ed Marshall   Family Tree Info, fiddler on right

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Ed Marshall   Family Tree Info, fiddler on right

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Cendalski Family Band

First Generation Cendalski Family Band in 1920

From left to right;

William Reisner, Stanley Cendalski   Family Tree Info , John Cendalski  Family Tree Info, Mitchell Cendalski   Family Tree Info , Pete Cendalski   Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

First Generation Cendalski Family Band in 1920
From left to right;
William Reisner, Stanley Cendalski   Family Tree Info , John Cendalski  Family Tree Info, Mitchell Cendalski   Family Tree Info , Pete Cendalski   Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Polish Texan Musicians - Albert and Adam Polka

From left to right;

Adam Edward Polka  Family Tree Info, Albert Polka  Family Tree Info, unknown musician on bass

Photo taken circa 1920

Photo courtesy of James Smock

From left to right;
Adam Edward Polka  Family Tree Info, Albert Polka  Family Tree Info, unknown musician on bass

Photo taken circa 1920

Photo courtesy of James Smock

Polish Texan Musicians - Cendalski Family

From left to right;

Mitchell Cendalski  Family Tree Info, Bruno Cendalski, Daniel Cendalski  Family Tree Info

Photo taken in 1953

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

From left to right;
Mitchell Cendalski  Family Tree Info, Bruno Cendalski, Daniel Cendalski  Family Tree Info
Photo taken in 1953

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Lige Bucker, Stash Skoba, Joe Maduzia Sr, Joe Maduzia Jr, Pete Maduzia

From left to right;

Lige Buckner   Family Tree Info, Stash Skoba   Family Tree Info, Joseph Frank Maduzia Sr.   Family Tree Info, Joseph Frank Maduzia Jr.  
Family Tree Info
, Pete Maduzia   Family Tree Info

New Waverly – 1915

Photo courtesy of Johnny Maduzia

From left to right;

Lige Buckner   Family Tree Info, Stash Skoba   Family Tree Info, Joseph Frank Maduzia Sr.   Family Tree Info, Joseph Frank Maduzia Jr.  
Family Tree Info
, Pete Maduzia   Family Tree Info New Waverly – 1915

Photo courtesy of Johnny Maduzia

Joe Bartula, Steve Okonski

Joe Bartula  
Family Tree Info
on guitar and Steve Okonski  
Family Tree Info
on fiddle

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Joe Bartula  
Family Tree Info
on guitar and Steve Okonski  
Family Tree Info
on fiddle

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Joe Bartula, Steve Okonsik, Carol or Willie Bashinski

From left to right;

Joe Bartula  Family Tree Info, Steve Okonski  Family Tree Info, Carol  Family Tree Info or Willie Bashinski  Family Tree Info

Witzaski Wedding in Bremond.

Photo taken in late 1930’s or early 1940’s.

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

From left to right;
Joe Bartula  Family Tree Info, Steve Okonski  Family Tree Info, Carol  Family Tree Info or Willie Bashinski  Family Tree Info

Witzaski Wedding in Bremond.
Photo taken in late 1930’s or early 1940’s.

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Albert and Adam Edward Polka

From left to right;

Albert Polka  Family Tree Info, Adam Edward Polka  Family Tree Info

Photo taken circa 1920

Photo courtesy of James Smock

From left to right;
Albert Polka  Family Tree Info, Adam Edward Polka  Family Tree Info
Photo taken circa 1920

Photo courtesy of James Smock

Robert E. Wick

Robert E. Wick  Family Tree Info

Photo taken circa 1940

Photo courtesy of Frieda Wick

Robert E. Wick  Family Tree Info
Photo taken circa 1940

Photo courtesy of Frieda Wick

Sechelski Family Band

Sechelski Family Band

Stoneham, Texas

From left to right;

Rufus Sechelski, Manual Sechelski, Bill Zarski, Tom Kitkoski

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Sechelski Family Band

Stoneham, Texas

From left to right;

Rufus Sechelski, Manual Sechelski, Bill Zarski, Tom Kitkoski

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Tony Berger, Teofil (Tops) Klodzinski

Left to right;

Tony Berger  Family Tree Info, Teofil (Tops) Klodzinski  Family Tree Info

Stoneham, Texas

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Left to right;

Tony Berger  Family Tree Info, Teofil (Tops) Klodzinski  Family Tree Info

Stoneham, Texas

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Unknown Musicians

Unknown musicians – Photo from Agnes Polka Smock collection

Photo courtesy of James Smock

Unknown musicians – Photo from Agnes Polka Smock collection

Photo courtesy of James Smock

 Antonina Szymanski and Ladislaus Stempuhowski wedding

Unknown musicians at the wedding of Antonina Szymanski  Family Tree Info and Ladislaus Stempuhowski  Family Tree Infoon November 13, 1911

Chappell Hill, Texas

Photo courtesy of Polish Genealogical Society of Texas

Unknown musicians at the wedding of Antonina Szymanski  Family Tree Info and Ladislaus Stempuhowski  Family Tree Infoon November 13, 1911
Chappell Hill, Texas

Photo courtesy of Polish Genealogical Society of Texas

Jake Noski

Jake Noski fron Stoneham, Texas

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Burzynski

Jake Noski fron Stoneham, Texas

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Burzynski

Joe Szymanski on left, unknown musician on right

Joe Szymanski on left, unknown musician on right

Photo courtesy of Frances Szymanski Robertson

Joe Szymanski on left, unknown musician on right

Photo courtesy of Frances Szymanski Robertson

Carroll Bashinski, Theodore Yanowski, and Steve Okonski

From left to right;

Carroll Bashinski  Family Tree Info, Theodore Yanowski, and Steve Okonski  Family Tree Info,

Photo courtesy of Frances Szymanski Robertson

From left to right;
Carroll Bashinski  Family Tree Info, Theodore Yanowski, and Steve Okonski  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Frances Szymanski Robertson

Hortense, Albert Heintz, Mike Heintz, Louis Shibest

From left to right;

Hortense, Albert Heintz, Mike Heintz, Louis Shibest  Family Tree Info

1940’s

Photo courtesy of Gertrude Kologinczak

From left to right; Hortense, Albert Heintz, Mike Heintz, Louis Shibest  Family Tree Info 1940’s

Photo courtesy of Gertrude Kologinczak

Henry Reinhart, Sylvester Pavlock and Bodie Horton

Henry Reinhart, Sylvester Pavlock and Bodie Horton

Photo courtesy of Louise Borski

Henry Reinhart, Sylvester Pavlock and Bodie Horton

Photo courtesy of Louise Borski

Albert Ubnoski - 1948

Albert Ubnoski – 1948

Photo courtesy of Louise Borski

Albert Ubnoski – 1948

Photo courtesy of Louise Borski

John P. Derkowski, nickname Skace, Willie Kmiec, Max Ognoski, Johnnie Derkowsk, Frank Bronikowski and John Wisnoski

Left to right:

Back row; John P. Derkowski, nickname Skace, Willie Kmiec, Max Ognoski, Johnnie Derkowski

Front row; Frank Bronikowski and John Wisnoski

Photo courtesy of Dolores Newman

Left to right:
Back row; John P. Derkowski, nickname Skace, Willie Kmiec, Max Ognoski, Johnnie Derkowski
Front row; Frank Bronikowski and John Wisnoski

Photo courtesy of Dolores Newman

Mike Tomczak and Sigmund Jozwiak at Cigielski wedding. Circa 1964

Mike Tomczak and Sigmund Jozwiak  Family Tree Info at Cigielski wedding.

Circa 1964

Photo courtesy of Sigmund Jozwiak

Mike Tomczak and Sigmund Jozwiak  Family Tree Info at Cigielski wedding.

Circa 1964

Photo courtesy of Sigmund Jozwiak

Louis Knast, Carroll Yezak, John Mushinski, Floyd Mushinski, John Yezak

Wedding of Katherine Knast  Family Tree Info and Tony Sechelski  Family Tree Info

John  Family Tree Info and Agnes (Knapik) Knast  Family Tree Info farm in Bremond, Texas 20 November 1928

From left to right: Louis Knast  Family Tree Info, Carroll Yezak  Family Tree Info, John Mushinski  Family Tree Info, Floyd Mushinski  Family Tree Info, John Yezak  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Teana Sechelski

Wedding of Katherine Knast  Family Tree Info and Tony Sechelski  Family Tree Info
John  Family Tree Info and Agnes (Knapik) Knast  Family Tree Info farm in Bremond, Texas 20 November 1928
From left to right: Louis Knast  Family Tree Info, Carroll Yezak  Family Tree Info, John Mushinski  Family Tree Info, Floyd Mushinski  Family Tree Info, John Yezak  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Teana Sechelski

White Eagles Band

The White Eagles Band

From left to right; unknown musician, unknown musician, unknown musician, John Meleski  Family Tree Info  Family Tree Info, Sigmund Jozwiak  Family Tree Info and Florian Meleski, Sr.  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Linda Meleski Harris

The White Eagles Band
From left to right; unknown musician, unknown musician, unknown musician, John Meleski  Family Tree Info  Family Tree Info, Sigmund Jozwiak  Family Tree Info and Florian Meleski, Sr.  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Linda Meleski Harris

G. W. (Sonny) Janczak Circa 1972

G. W. (Sonny) Janczak

Photo courtesy of Sonny Janczak

G. W. (Sonny) Janczak

Photo courtesy of Sonny Janczak

G. W. (Sonny) Janczak Circa 1972

The Polish Eagles Band

From left to right: Louis Snider (Suchowiak)  Family Tree Info, Leonard Kasowski, Mike Derkowski, Florian Meleski  Family Tree Info,
Johnny Kubeczka, Sigmund Jozwiak  Family Tree Info
Circa 1980’s

Photo courtesy of Frank Motley

The Polish Eagles Band
From left to right: Louis Snider (Suchowiak)  Family Tree Info, Leonard Kasowski, Mike Derkowski, Florian Meleski  Family Tree Info,
Johnny Kubeczka, Sigmund Jozwiak  Family Tree Info
Circa 1980’s

Photo courtesy of Frank Motley

Jerry and the Country Gems

Jerry and the Country Gems

From left to right: Mike Slominski, Jerry Lastovica, Junior Skweres, Ally Koteras, Odell Hopkins
Circa early 1970’s

Photo courtesy of Frank Motley

Jerry and the Country Gems
From left to right: Mike Slominski, Jerry Lastovica, Junior Skweres, Ally Koteras, Odell Hopkins
Circa early 1970’s

Photo courtesy of Frank Motley

Unknown Musicians

Ed Marshall  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Ed Marshall  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Pietrowski Brothers

Pietrowski Brothers

Raymond Pietrowski  Family Tree Info, Ed Pietrowski  Family Tree Info , Alec Pietrowski  Family Tree Info.

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Pietrowski Brothers

Raymond Pietrowski  Family Tree Info, Ed Pietrowski  Family Tree Info , Alec Pietrowski  Family Tree Info.

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Unknown Musicians

Ed Marshall  Family Tree Info on left with fiddle

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Ed Marshall  Family Tree Info on left with fiddle.

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Unknown Musicians

Unknown Musicians
1937

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Unknown Musicians
1937

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Unknown Musicians

Unknown Musicians at wedding

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Unknown Musicians at wedding

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Unknown Musicians

Unknown Musicians at wedding

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Unknown Musicians at wedding

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Unknown Musicians

Unknown Musicians

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

Unknown Musicians

Photo courtesy of Ron Wendt

John Felchak

John Felchak  Family Tree Info (second from left)

Photo courtesy of Virginia Felchak Hill

John Felchak  Family Tree Info (second from left)

Photo courtesy of Virginia Felchak Hill

Ed Marshall with fiddle and other unknown musicians

Ed Marshall  Family Tree Info with fiddle, Phillip Kasowski  Family Tree Info on bass and other unknown musicians.

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Ed Marshall  Family Tree Info with fiddle, Phillip Kasowski  Family Tree Info on bass and other unknown musicians.

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Joe Kujawa on fiddle with unknown musicians at Raymond Ohendalski and Louise Kasowski wedding in 1949

Joe Kujawa  Family Tree Info on fiddle with other unknown musicians at Raymond Ohendalski  Family Tree Info and Louise Kasowski  Family Tree Info wedding in 1949

Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski

Joe Kujawa  Family Tree Info on fiddle with other unknown musicians at Raymond Ohendalski  Family Tree Info and Louise Kasowski  Family Tree Info wedding in 1949

Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski

Joe Kujawa on fiddle with other unknown musicians at Raymond Ohendalski and Louise Kasowski wedding in 1949

Joe Kujawa  Family Tree Info on fiddle with other unknown musicians at Raymond Ohendalski  Family Tree Info and Louise Kasowski  Family Tree Info wedding in 1949.

Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski

Joe Kujawa  Family Tree Info on fiddle with other unknown musicians at Raymond Ohendalski  Family Tree Info and Louise Kasowski  Family Tree Info wedding in 1949.

Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski

Steve Okonski on fiddle with other unknown musicians.

Steve Okonski  Family Tree Info on fiddle with other unknown musicians.

Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski

Steve Okonski  Family Tree Info on fiddle with other unknown musicians.

Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski

Bob Okonski on piano, Leonard Kasowski on guitar and Phillip Kasowski on fiddle.

Bob Okonski on piano, Leonard Kasowski on guitar and Phillip Kasowski  Family Tree Info on fiddle.

Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski

Bob Okonski on piano, Leonard Kasowski on guitar and Phillip Kasowski  Family Tree Info on fiddle.

Photo courtesy of Ron Ohendalski

Clem Kujawa playing fiddle with Utah Carl and the Gulf Coast Playboys in Channel 13 Studios in Houston in 1958.

Clem Kujawa  Family Tree Info playing fiddle with Utah Carl and the Gulf Coast Playboys in Channel 13 Studios in Houston in 1958.
From left to right; Herbie Treece, Utah Carl, Clem Kujawa  Family Tree Info, Sam Reece, Wiley Barkdull, and George Champion

Photo courtesy of KTRK TV

Clem Kujawa  Family Tree Info playing fiddle with Utah Carl and the Gulf Coast Playboys in Channel 13 Studios in Houston in 1958.
From left to right; Herbie Treece, Utah Carl, Clem Kujawa  Family Tree Info, Sam Reece, Wiley Barkdull, and George Champion

Photo courtesy of KTRK TV

John Meleski

John Meleski  Family Tree Info  Family Tree Info, founder and bass/fiddle player for the White Eagles band

Photo courtesy of Barbara Meleski

John Meleski  Family Tree Info  Family Tree Info, founder and bass/fiddle player for the White Eagles band

Photo courtesy of Barbara Meleski

The Polish Eagles Band

The Polish Eagles Band

From left to right: Mike Tomczak, Johnny Kubeczka, Shorty Palmore, Florian Meleski  Family Tree Info, Sigmund Jozwiak  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Jozwiak Store

The Polish Eagles Band
From left to right: Mike Tomczak, Johnny Kubeczka, Shorty Palmore, Florian Meleski  Family Tree Info,
Sigmund Jozwiak  Family Tree Info

Photo courtesy of Jozwiak Store

Tony Berger and Brian Marshall

Tony Berger  Family Tree Info and Brian Marshall

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Tony Berger  Family Tree Info and Brian Marshall

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Ricky Laskowski, Brian Marshall, Patrick Kronin

Ricky Laskowski, Brian Marshall, Patrick Kronin

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Ricky Laskowski, Brian Marshall, Patrick Kronin

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Anthony Porcarello, Brian Marshall, Dennis Bielamowicz

Anthony Porcarello, Brian Marshall, Dennis Bielamowicz

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

Anthony Porcarello, Brian Marshall, Dennis Bielamowicz

Photo courtesy of Brian Marshall

More Musician Photos on page 2

Polish Musician Home

Polish Musician Biography

Polish Musicians Photos Read More »

2008 Polski Dzien In Bremond, Texas

The weather was hot and sunny and the crowd was large for the 21st annual Polski Dzien Polish Days celebration which was held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 in downtown Bremond, Texas. As always, the day began with the Polish Pickle 5K Run at 8 AM followed by the Kids K Run. There were plenty of runners for each event. Following the running, a raffle drawing was held and awards were handed out to the winners of the 20th annual Polish Pickle Run.

2008 Polski Dzien In Bremond, Texas Read More »

St. Joseph 100 Year Book

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Stoneham, Texas is preparing a Family/History book to celebrate 100 years at St. Joseph. We are looking for family stories, lore, and genealogy for this publication.

The "founding fathers" those who put their fortunes on the line to buy the land and build St.
Joseph’s church have descendants today who still populate the area. Whether you now belong to St. Mary’s, or wherever, if you are a descendant, we want your story and your genealogy.
We are attempting to show what happened to these original St. Joseph families.

St. Joseph 100 Year Book Read More »

Polski Dzien XXI

The Bremond Chamber of Commerce is making big plans for the 21st Annual Polish Day celebration on Friday and Saturday, June 27 – 28, 2008 in downtown Bremond Texas. A number of events are scheduled including the parade, the Polish Day beauty pageant, the Poilsh Pickle Run, the BBQ Cook-Off, a 42-domino tournament, horeshoes, washers, three-on-three basketball and volleyball. Saturday evening events include a Polka Mass and a street dance with music by Cherokee Rose.

Polski Dzien XXI Read More »

St. Joseph in Stoneham’s 99th Annual Bazaar

St. Joseph’s Church in Stoneham, Texas held their 99th annual homecoming bazaar on Sunday, May 25, 2008. The weather turned out great, well maybe a little hot, but there were plenty of liquid refreshments to cool you off.

In addition to the regular early Sunday Mass, a special bazaar Mass was celebrated at 10:30 am in St. Joseph’s beautiful remodeled church by visiting priest Msgr. Boleslaus Zientek. Fr Bole’s brother Msgr. Benedict Zientek, Fr Raul Marterior from Navasota and St. Joseph’s pastor Fr Ed Kucera were also at the bazaar.

A self-serve barbecue pork and beef dinner with all the fixings was served beginning at 11am. {quotes}As usual, the dinner line was long, but well worth the wait.{/quotes} There was music and dancing from 11 am until 8 pm along with Grocery, Cake, Plant, Fruit and Sausage booths for the
adults and Train Rides and Moonwalks for the
kids.

Leland Fougeron and his crew along with auctioneer Tommy Szymczak and Bobby Fuchs did a great job selling all of the home made furniture, crafts, quilts and other items at the live auction. After the auction, a drawing was held for the raffle prizes which included a John Deere mower and lots of other great prizes.

You can find more photos of the bazaar on St. Joseph’s website.

St. Joseph in Stoneham’s 99th Annual Bazaar Read More »