The Polish Century Club of Detroit, Inc. (PCC) has been a stalwart ethnic Polish institution in the greater Detroit area since 1916. For over one hundred years, the PCC has been synonymous with culture, customs and traditions of the Polish Community.
On February 18, 1916, a group of American citizens of Polish descent organized and formed the Polish Century Club at the Skrzycki Hall at Russel and Forest in Detroit, Michigan. The organization wanted to make a meaningful contribution to general welfare in the community and country. In 1926 the PCC purchased a building on East Grand River Boulevard and Elmwood in Detroit. The organization grew rapidly and, after 38 years, had outgrown this location. In 1964, the PCC acquired a former lumberyard on East Outer Drive in Detroit, made significant renovations and served as meeting place, restaurant and catering operation, serving not only our Polish brethren, but hosting local, state and international politicians and celebrities.
Michigan governors (William Comstock, G. Mennen Williams, John Swainson, George Romney, William Milliken and James Blanchard) have been welcomed to the Club. Detroit mayors (John W. Smith, Frank Couzens, Edward J. Jefferies, Richard Reading, Albert E. Cobo, Eugene Van Antwerp, Jerome P. Cavanaugh, Coleman A. Young and Dennis Archer) have graced our premises. In addition symphony conductor Leopold Stokowski, classical pianist Arthur Rubenstein, tenor Jan Kiepura and Prince Radziwill have visited as well. There have been other notable visitors during the years too numerous to mention.
Our PCC scholarship fund supports our member’s children/grandchildren in their college education. Through 2016, the PCC has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to academically talented Polish youth.
We at the PCC are proud of our heritage, accomplishments and our ongoing efforts to promote Polonia throughout the area. We will continue to do so in the years ahead.
