The following story dates back to the first quarter of the 20th century in what was then a heavily populated Polish neighborhood in Holyoke. Whether grocers, jewelers, tailors, restaurateurs, hoteliers, or drinking and gathering establishments, many who emigrated from Poland had a hand in these businesses or trades. This is the story of Stanley and Julia Walek, proprietors of Walek's Inn.
Stanley Henry Chwalek (also shown as Hwalek and Walek) was born in Palmer, Massachusetts, the son of Albert and Elizabeth (Wypeon) Chwalek. When Stanley was about 10 years old, the family moved to Holyoke.
In the mid-1920s, Stanley Chwalek and Frank Wlazlo operated a billiards and pool hall at 120 High Street. Mr. Chwalek resided on Coit Street at the time.
Researching the Registry of Deeds back into the 1860s, it appears the land on which Walek's operated was part of 125-135 High Street. The deeds were tracked back to 1867, when David Stratton transferred the land to John Delaney. Mr. Delaney had also acquired land from the Holyoke Water Power Co. in that year. It was indicated in the Stratton conveyance that Mr. Delaney had planned to soon build on the property.
131 High Street was home to diverse businesses, including Konstanty J. Wolski, a printer, and in the early 1920s, the Beique & Tetrault Furniture Company. In 1931, Mr. Chwalek was shown as the proprietor of his own cigar store at 131 High Street and residing on Coit Street with his spouse, Julia Chwalek.
Stanley and Julia Walek opened Walek's Inn in 1933. Walek's Inn was a popular gathering place for social events, such as engagement and other private parties, family get-togethers, and club meetings, as well as for those who wanted to dine and socialize.
On November 27, 1947, a major fire at 131-135 High Street destroyed the bar area of Walek's Inn. The damage was estimated at $20,000 and was caused by faulty BX electrical wire. The business was soon able to continue using the large and small dining rooms, which were not heavily impacted by fire, smoke or water. It took the better portion of 1948 to substantially restore the premises.
In 1949, there were plans to convert all or part of Walek's Inn into a nightclub. Stanley Chwalek dismissed the idea because it could create too great a disturbance for the building's residents.
Walek's Inn became a sponsor of several highly competitive athletic teams, with the inn's name appearing on their shirts. The inn's basketball team competed against a team that included future Boston Celtics player and Hall of Famer, Bob Cousy.
More will be revealed in the next chapter about Walek's Inn and successor businesses.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
Ancestry.com (paid subscription): including Price & Lee Holyoke, Massachusetts, City Directories
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