history of branch 20
The Birth of SPK
The Polish Combatants’ Association (Stowarzyszenie Polskich Kombatantów) is an international association formed in 1946 by demobilized Polish servicemen and women.
At the end of the Second World War, when Poland fell under Communist control, most Poles could not safely return home. They began to immigrate to other countries and formed their association to preserve their cultural identity and to work together for the welfare of Polish soldiers who had started a new life in other countries.
Branches were formed around the world. Their aim was to keep their ties alive and continue their fight to free Poland from Communist oppression. They defended the good name of Poland and the Poles, and promoted co-operation with other Polish organizations. The Association lobbied for government assistance for demobilized soldiers, helped them find employment, supported Polish schools, Polish-language publications and Polish youth groups, and upheld Polish culture and traditions.
General Władysław Anders bids farewell to Polish combatants bound for Canada, October 1946. The first SPK Canada board was elected in Italy.
Polish combatants march along Queen Street from St. Stanislaus church to the Old City Hall cenotaph in Toronto, 11 November 1952 (SPK Branch 20 Archives).
SPK in Toronto: Growth and Impact on polonia
The history of Branch 20 of the Polish Combatants’ Association began with its founding meeting on October 3, 1948. The branch grew quickly, hosting Polish military leaders such as General Władysław Anders and General Kazimierz Sosnkowski, as well as artists and politicians, and organizing social and cultural events. In 1953, members opened the Polish Combatants Toronto Credit Union, which provided savings and loans to members and became a financial mainstay of the branch.
The original Polish Combatants’ hall, a Victorian home that stood at 206 Beverley St. until 1973 when it was replaced by the present-day buildling.
In 1956, Branch 20 purchased a house at 206 Beverley Street, which became a hub for the Polish community in Toronto. The branch organized balls, children’s events and lectures, and provided space for other Polish organizations. Members took part in major community projects, including the Polish Millennium celebrations of the 1960s. The branch ran the Millennium Fund’s bingo, which became the Fund’s main source of income. Members also helped organize Polish Armed Forces Day celebrations and helped build the monument to Sir Casimir Gzowski in 1968 and the Katyń Monument in 1980.
As the branch continued to grow, members decided to replace the old house with a new building on the same site. The new Polish Combatants’ Hall opened on December 8, 1973, marking the branch’s 25th anniversary. It housed the branch library, which had served members since 1949 and held more than 5,000 volumes by 1977. The Hall also hosted important conferences and conventions, such as the Polonia ‘78 conference and the 1980 World Convention of the Polish Air Force.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Branch 20 remained active in supporting the Polish community, both in Canada and in Poland, particularly during the imposition of martial law in 1981. The branch continued to organize cultural events and host visiting Polish politicians.
Guests at a banquet marking the 10th anniversary of the opening of the new Polish Combatants’ Hall, 1983.
A Lasting Legacy
Staying true to the history of Branch 20, our organization continues to play a vital role in preserving Polish culture, supporting veterans, and contributing to the Polish-Canadian community in Toronto. The dedication and determination of our members – past and present – have made the branch a respected and integral part of Polonia and our city.
Women leaders and members of SPK, pictured with Cardinal Rubin visiting from Poland, at the 20th General Convention in Toronto, 1983.