Chet and Dolores Schafer |
A CD with Kosciuszko related music is being produced by a legendary "polka-man" in Chicago, Chet Schafer. Last March, exactly a year ago, Chet contacted me asking for a recording of Kosciuszko's own composition. This is what he wrote. "Some time ago, I attended a program meeting of the Kosciuszko Foundation Chicago Chapter held at the Polish Museum of America. It was a Kosciuszko imieniny celebration. That is where I purchased a copy of your CD "Strzelecki and Kosciuszko Songs" from Chapter President Lidia Filus. What
surprised me is the Kosciuszko compositions you uncovered.
For some time now, I have been putting together a Kosciuszko CD for the museum gift shop. From the museum archives, I have received various sheet music honoring our Polish and American Hero. Thus far, I have recorded "Bartoszu, Bartoszu" by John Gora and Orchestra, "Kosciuszko War Signals of 1793", and "Heart of My Country" from the musical production "Polonaise" (about Chopin's music). Joseph Drobot, President of the Board of the Polish Museum of America, sang "Heart of My County" in my recording. I also have three different musical ensembles involved in different song projects for this CD. Previously, I produced a CD in tribute to Casimir Pulaski. The Kosciuszko
CD will contain much more."
Now, a year later, another email from Chet. He is after some more Kosciuszko recordings which, naturally, I have decided to share with him and his recording company. And that's what he wrote: "Hello Ernestyna. It has been awhile since you wrote, and I am still working on the Kosciuszko CD. Thus far, I have 12 recordings of various Kosciuszko related compositions, including a recitation in English of a prayer he
wrote shortly before his death. Four different polka bands are working on pieces, including Tony Blazonczyk and New Phase. I am planning to release the CD in January 2017, for the 200th anniversary of Kosciuszko's death."
I was so intrigued, I went to google.And I have discivered a fascinating story about a legendary Chicago Man.
"Chet was the first in Chicago to produce live polka stage shows. These were variety shows which featured live bands, vocalists, dancing groups, comedy skits, etc… He also found time to write and his articles appeared in such publications as the “Polka Guide”, “Polka World”, “Michigan Polka News”, and others. At present he is editor of the “I.P.A. News” , the official publication of the International Polka Association where he also serves as first vice president.
Born in 1922 in Chicago, married in 1953, Chet and his wife Dolores have raised a family of twelve children: eight girls and four boys. Today, in addition to his Sunday radio programs and recording company activities, he performs his duties as part owner of a printing firm."
More about Chet on ipapolkas
www.letspolkausaclub.com/
This link has brought a wonderful story from "The Polish Museum of America" in Chicago (dated 1 July 2013)
"Chet Schafer generously selected our institution as the repository for this rare treasure, and we sincerely thank him. Chet Schafer is well-known in American Polonia, broadcasting for over 60 years on the radio as a Polka deejay. The Chet Shafer Show airs every Sunday afternoon on WCEV 1450 AM. Mr. Schafer is a longtime member and friend of the PMA. In 2004, he and his late wife, Dolores, received the PMA Polish Spirit Award. He is also very active in PRCUA Society #1612, the Polonus Philatelic Society, and the International Polka Association. Mr. Schafer purchased the Kosciuszko document from an associate several years ago, and always intended to donate this particular item to the PMA."
We wonder what precious document it was - we hope to discover soon. We were lucky to have found some information about Chet's wife of 51 years. Nee Mendrygal, she seems to come from a family which
hails from Gnojnica village in the Rzeszow Region.
Dolores Schafer, nee Mendygral, age 70 beloved wife of Chet for 51 years; loving mother of Alice, Jane, Judith, Thomas, Terese, Joseph, Susan, Natalie, Ann, Peter, Andrew, Pauline and Emily; proud grandmother of 24; dearest sister of Adeline, Lillian, Stanley and Chester; also survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. from Montclaire Funeral Home, Edward A. Tylka Director, 6901 W. Belmont Ave., to St. Priscilla Church, 10:30 a.m. Mass. Interment will be private. Visitation Monday, 3 to 9 p.m. Member of Polish Roman Catholic Union, Polish American Cultural Club, Polish Museum of America and International Polka Association. In lieu of flowers donations to the Polish Museum of America would be appreciated.
Her obituary in the Chicago Tribune Waltz and Polka Mass. A CD in Honour to Pope John Paul II - with Chet and his daughter on the Choir
I am so happy to have learnt so much about the legendary man, and so proud to work with him on a Kosciuszko project.
Ernestyna Skurjat-Kozek, Sydney
Puls Polonii - Chet Schafer Celebrates 65 years in Polka Broadcasting
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