WELCOME TO FORGOTTEN BUFFALO & TOURS

Ignacy Jan Paderewskil 6 November 1860 – 29 June 1941)

Originally named after one of Buffalo’s pioneer land surveyors, the continuity of Lovejoy Street was disrupted by the building of the New York Central Railroad Terminal in the late 1920s. Its current name, Paderewski Drive, pays homage to one of the most popular pianists and an important activist for Polish national freedom during the early 20^th century.
 

Ignacy Jan Paderewski was born in Poland in 1860. He became one of Poland's world renowned pianists and composers, traveling throughout the United States in his private Pullman railcar. He was a proud customer of the New York Central Railroad who gave him their highest level of service. Although his own compositions are well known, Paderewski was widely praised for his renditions of Chopin. In addition to delighting Poland and the world with his music for over 50 years, Paderewski also became one of Poland's great statesmen.

Paderewski on the rear of his private Pullman railcar.

It was through Paderewski's efforts, with support from the American government and American people, that Poland regained her freedom after World War I. He was also one of the signers of the Paris Peace Treaty which was responsible for reestablishing the proper boundaries between Poland and her neighbors. Paderewski became the chief framer of the Polish Constitution of 1919 and served as Poland's delegate to the League of Nations in Geneva. Upon Poland's Independence, in 1918, Paderewski became its Prime Minister and Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Paderewski’s connection to Buffalo is well documented. His first concerts took place in the city in 1892. In 1905, while on tour in London, Ontario, Paderewski was stricken with neuritis. He cancelled his tour and travelled to Niagara Falls, NY to be attended to by Buffalo’s Dr. Francis E. Fronczak. Fronczak was Commission of Health and a great fighter for the health and welfare of Buffalo’s Polish colony. During WWI, Fronczak and Paderewski both served on various committees to provide relief aid to Poland. During the early years of WWI, Paderewski visited Buffalo and Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario to visit the training camp for Polish Army volunteers. Many Poles living in Buffalo joined the volunteer militia with the goal of liberating their homeland from German control. Paderewski died in New York City in 1941.