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Honoring the Polish-American String Band on their 75th Anniversary.
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WHEREAS, Since it’s founding in 1933 the Polish American String Band has been thrilling audiences of all ages in the fine tradition of Philadelphia Mummery with its great music, beautiful costumes and outstanding award winning presentations; and
WHEREAS, Headquartered at their clubhouse at Salmon and Westmoreland Streets in the urban ethnic neighborhood of Port Richmond, the Polish American String Band has upheld the ancestral Slavic heritage it was founded on. Although the membership is no longer exclusively Polish the band is still rich in Old World culture; and
WHEREAS, The more than 90 members, all volunteering their time and talents, live and work throughout the Delaware Valley and are of varied ages, backgrounds and occupations. From bankers and accountants to construction workers and college students all the members share a love for music and entertainment; and
WHEREAS, This love keeps them united and respected as a String Band organization. Active year round in parades, concerts and holiday celebrations the Polish American String Band plays an integral part in Philadelphia Mummery; and
WHEREAS, The Polish American String Band has taken its polka sound and integrated it into the mummer’s style of music, making it a constant award winner. With its innovative leadership, members' individual efforts and distinct sound the band has an unequaled Mummers Parade performance record. The Polish American String Band has been a consistent award winner, placing only out of the top ten twice. In it’s existence the band has won first prize 11 times and second prize 14 times; and
WHEREAS, The Polish American String Band may be considered a good will ambassador for taking its outstanding performances throughout the United States and abroad. In 1959 the band played a peaceful mission in Havana, Cuba; and
WHEREAS, In 1979 the band was asked to play for Pope John Paul II during his trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1990 the band went on a two-week concert tour of Poland. The band marched on the streets of Warsaw, Gdynia, Gdansk, Torun, Krakow and Czestochowa making it the first nonmilitary band to do so in the time of communism. And in 1998 the band went on a pilgrimage, taking more than 200 Philadelphian's with them, to Vatican City. Polish American String Band had the privilege to play for the 20th Papal Anniversary of Pope John Paul II; and
WHEREAS, Given the moniker, “The Pride of Port Richmond”, thousands of riverward residents line Allegheny Avenue after the Mummers Parade on Broad Street and give the Polish American String Band a hero’s welcome on their return to the neighborhood as they serenade the people of Port Richmond on New Years Day.
NOW THEREFORE, The Philadelphia City Council raises a ceremonial toast to the Polish American String Band on their 75th Anniversary and congratulates them on such a milestone achievement in their history and wishes them a heartfelt Stolat!
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