Osobnica Village School Journal

This journal was obtained by the Sanok Archives by Jay Orbik and translated by Ola Heska. It has a total of 219 pages so this page will be updated bi monthly until complete. While it doesn’t contain any genealogical information, it does help paint a portrait of village life in the 19th and early 20th century.

From the foundation of the school until its transformation into a state school.

The school in Osobnica was founded on September 1, 1859, during the reign of His Imperial and Royal Apostolic Majesty Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria, etc. etc. based on the ordinance of the Supreme Rząd Krajowy of May 18, 1855, No 12971. The text of this ordinance reads as follows: “Establishing of public schools in those villages where they don’t yet exist”. Based on this ordinance the k.u.k. County Government in Jaslo undertook steps toward establishing a school in this district. The gmina voluntarily took upon itself to assume the burdens that would arise from establishing the school. On March 18, 1857 the founding act was prepared, and it was confirmed by the ordinance of the k.u.k. Rząd Krajowy on August 27, 1858. By the power of that decree the 3-year elementary school was opened in Osobnica. The founding act reads as follows: “We, the undersigned plenipotentiaries of the gmina of Osobnica located in the Jaslo county hereby state that in order to establish a 3-year elementary school in Osobnica, in which the positions of a teacher and an organ player are to be combined, the gmina of Osobnica perpetually assumes the following obligations:

1. The gmina of Osobnica assumes the obligation of paying two hundred Rhenish zloty in cash to support the teacher, paid in advance on time in two installments on the dates set by k.u.k. Rząd Krajowy; this sum is to be divided evenly among all land owning farmers every year. 2. Since the organist’s house in Osobnica burnt down and the gmina with its own means in its place built another building consisting of a living space for a teacher and organist as well as a school room on the other side of the same building; and since this building has not yet been completed, therefore the gmina pledges to complete the newly constructed building with its own means by 30 June 1857 and to supply the classroom with all necessary equipment by that date. 3. The gmina of Osobnica also assumes the obligation of always keeping the said school building in good repair and of taking care of the equipment and fuel for the school stove. 4. The gmina of Osobnica declares, as expressed in No 1, to pay the teacher an annual salary of 200 florins which he as an organist is to draw, therefore the gmina of Osobnica does not assume the responsibility of supplying wood for the school in the amount of 6 fathoms evenly measured, imposing the purchase of such wood on the teacher, because his [services as organist don’t count toward the teacher salary]. However, the gmina of Osobnica pledges to transport at no cost such wood purchased by the teacher, but not more than 6 fathoms per year. 5. In case of the failure to fulfill these obligations which the gmina voluntarily assumed, it will surrender to political consequences. 6. The gmina entrusts k.u.k. Rząd Krajowy with the selection of a person to fill the positions of the teacher and organist. This happened in Osobnica on the 18 March 1857 + Kazimierz Wozniak + Michal Kuchta + Franciszek Gumotka – the names of those unable to write were signed by me Blazej Kulpinski [signature]. In my presence, Fr. Jan Sulikowski [signature] Hereby witness Erazm Kowalski [signature]. [2 lines in German]

On behalf of authorities of the gmina of Osobnica +Wojciech Skiba, village mayor +Pawel Paluch +Michal Ciciora – names of those unable to write were signed by me Blazej Kulpinski [signature] [XX German]

The first teacher who also performed the duties of an organist was Antoni Maslikiewicz. He was an interim teacher from 1859 through 1862. In 1862 he was appointed full time teacher by virtue of the decree of the Most Reverend Consistory of Latin Rite in Przemysl on 12 September No 748. He taught until April 5, 1866. He was followed by Kazimierz Puchala by virtue of the nominating decree received from the Most Reverend Consistory of the Latin Rite in Przemysl of March 10, 1866 No 140. He was appointed full time teacher by the k.u.k. Supreme Nominating Committee in Cracow on August 17, 1866 No 20.816 He taught until 1871 and at the same time performed the duties of an organist. After him Wojciechowski taught for ½ year, followed by Antoni Radwanski appointed by the Esteemed County School Board in Jaslo on 21 February 1872, No 101. However, he stayed in Osobnica just a few months, performing the duties of a teacher only. In his place the k.u.k. Supreme Galicia School Board in 1872 appointed Wojciech Jan Pyszynski.

The wage of a teacher according to the founding act was 200 Rhenish zloty. Later 10 florins were added for fuel, and in 1874 it was raised to 350 florins.

The school building was erected by the gmina by virtue of its declaration in place of the former organist building according to the specified plan. The building consisted of a classroom on the right hand side, and on the left hand side a living space for a teacher-organist. This building existed until 1870 when, with the efforts of Kazimierz Puchala, it was enlarged in such a way that a room built of pine wood was added to the teacher’s living quarters on the north side and a basement was built underneath.

School supervision. The Honorable Andrzej Macher, a law professor, Grand Master of the Order of Franz Joseph I and the Pope’s Order of St. George, an honorary citizen of the cities of Tarnow and Lezajsk, was the superintendent for public schools. Starting with the establishment of Provincial School Boards on the 15th [l. ??], 1868 The Honorable Stanislaw Olszewski became the Superintendent for western Galicia. The Diocese school superintendent was Reverend Father Franciszek Pawlowski, a scholastic of the chapter, the Diocese President of Marriage Courts, an experienced theology professor. The county school supervisor was Reverend Father Fryderyk Otto, pastor and dean from Zmigrod Nowy, an honorary assessor of Przemysl Consistory. Other documents show that Fr. Fryderyk Otto inspected this school very often. Upon the establishment of county school boards the Honorable Jan Karpinski, director of Jaslo secondary school, became the county superintendent. Reverend Father Jan Sulikowski, the local pastor, was the local superintendent, and after his death, Reverend Father Franciszek Olszewski, the pastor [assumed this position].

School attendance During the tenure of Antoni Maslikiewicz no more than 25 children attended the school. However, during the tenure of Kazimierz Puchala this number went up to 50. During the tenure of Wojciechowski and Radwanski the number of children went down to 10. During Pyszynski’s time it went up above 50. The reason for such small attendance was the small size of the classroom and parents’ negligence.

School garden while teachers also served as organists, it extended from the Welechs’ field all the way to the church cemetery. However, after Kazimierz Puchała’s resignation teachers stopped performing the duties of an organist, the garden was divided into two halves, one of them fell to a teacher, the other one to an organist.

School supplies were stocked by the gmina.

From transformation into a public school

The teacher position was still held by Wojciech Jan Pyszynski.

Teacher’s wages were 400 Rhenish zloty annually.

School supervision. The Honorable Stanislaw Olszewski was the Galicia Superintendent, the Pastor Reverend Father Franciszek Olszewski served as the local superintendent. After Karpinski’s resignation, Reverend Father Leon Sroczynski became the county superintendent, and when he became a Pastor in Przewrotne, in 1877 the Honorable Adolf Szostkiewicz, a teacher of the Teacher’s Seminary in Rzeszow, was appointed to this position.

School building was remodeled in 1877, the former classroom was replaced by a new much larger classroom.

The year 1879

Teacher Wojciech Jan Pyszynski performs the teaching duties until January 30. At this time he became weak and asked the Supreme k.u.k. Galicia School Board to relieve him of his duties and allow him to retire. His request was granted. Having received one-and-a-half year salary as a one-time payoff and return of retirement premiums, he resigned as of August 31 and in his place, with the permission of k.u.k. Galicia School Board Antoni Ras was appointed, a full time teacher from Odrzykon.

This year a front porch was added to the building, north and west walls were faced with boards and a canal from the basement was paved with bricks.

The year 1880

Interim teacher Antoni Ras was appointed as full-time teacher in this school with the decree of the Supreme k.u.k. Galicia School Board on 29 September 1880, No 9.553.

A picket fence was built all the way from the front porch to the road.

The year 1881

This year was very unfavorable for learning due to smallpox epidemics. K.u.k. [?? word cut off] thrice ordered school closure. Several students died and over 1/3 of school children suffered from this illness. The break lasted 100 days. During the epidemics Dr. Kazimierz Zabierowski visited the sick regularly no less than every 8 days. After the illness passed, this same doctor vaccinated all school children who did not suffer from it regardless whether they have been previously vaccinated or not. There were 120 of those children. School attendance rose due to the efforts of the local school superintendent Reverend Father Franciszek Olszewski, who several times preached from the pulpit the importance of sending children to school.

One of the members of the local school board, Jakub Kosiek, ordered and paid with his own means for the restoration of the image of the Crucified Jesus.

The year 1882

Was successful for the school.

The year 1883

The following fact should be mentioned: On 20 February 1883 Jan Bara, a man just released from prison where he served a six-year term, ran into the classroom and among the nonsense that he spat out, he offended His Majesty, for which the county court punished him properly.

The year 1884

Half of the new floor was laid in the classroom and the gate to the garden was erected.

The year 1885

At the suggestion and the request of the local teacher, the district head Marcin Dybas provided a new portrait of His Majesty.

The year 1886

While visiting our school, the county superintendent drew up an official record regarding a disciplinary action against the local teacher.

The year 1887

Our local school underwent significant changes this year. In place of Antoni Ras who, by the decision of k.u.k. Galicia School Board, was moved to the position of interim teacher of the 4. grade school in Kolaczyce, the Esteemed k.u.k. Galicia School Board for the position of interim teacher appointed Jozef Wajda, a full-time teacher from Wrocanka in the county of Krosno, based on the permission of the Esteemed Galicia School Board. The newly appointed teacher arrived in Osobnica and began his duties in the month of February. At the end of March, the Esteemed k.u.k. County School Board in Jaslo announced a contest for the position of the full-time teacher in our school. Jan Wajda, the local teacher substitute, was the only one who submitted an application. The k.u.k. School Board permitted the presentation in spite of the fact that the local school board received only one application, and then based on the introduction [?] signed by the local school board the aforementioned teacher substitute was appointed the full-time teacher and on October 2 he took the official oath.

In the spring a well was dug and built on the north side of the building at the border of the teacher’s and organist’s gardens. Constant rain and resulting collapse of the walls prevented deepening of the well. During the first summer there was practically no water in the well, it appeared in the fall only and even then in small quantity.

The teacher’s living quarters, and especially the room, was in very poor condition. The street-facing wall was half rotten to the point that the frost was getting into the room through the bottom portion, and as a result it was damp, the window frame and the window itself were extremely damaged. So, with the apportioned funds, a wall structure was added that reached half way up the front and the north walls, the window in the north wall was covered up but the one in the front wall was widened by one quarter. The inside wall was covered with wicker twigs and plastered and the outside was covered with the old boards. Due to unceasing rains the room did not dry out until it was heated in the winter when it was cleaned out and then wall-papered at the teacher’s expense.

So that during the remodeling the teacher and his family weren’t forced to live in the kitchen, the kitchen was divided with boards and an alcove was created that way. As a result of those repairs, the teacher’s living quarters became somewhat more bearable but one couldn’t say that it was comfortable.

In addition to room repair, other mending was done, for example, privies were built, and latches were added to the classroom windows.

During school break, the teacher started creating new school registers. At the expense of the local school board new books were purchased for School Certificate, Chronicle, and the Inventory, then information for the chronicle and inventory was collected and drawn up.

It is proper to mention some facts which didn’t affect the welfare and growth of our local school but they will likely significantly influence the development of education in our entire country, to wit: a visit by His Majesty Heir to the Throne Rudolf and His Excellency Minister of Education Dr. Gautsch. As one so the other paid attention to schools during their visits.

This year by the power of the minister’s decree exams for candidates for the position of public school teachers were made easier by creating examination committees at each teaching seminary. It won’t be amiss to mention that this year the Galicia Diet undertook the issue of improving the material well-being of public school teachers. A school commission appointed with this in mind, adopted various resolutions; whether they will be effective, the future will tell.

The number of children attending school in the 1887/8 school year rose to 100 in the lower class, and over 60 in the upper class, and there were 36 attending complementary classes. There were no breaks during the entire year but it cannot be denied that during the summer months students attended school rather carelessly, due to numerous rainy days which interrupted the harvest. Parents held the children back to help in field work. However, when the harvest was over, children attended school more regularly; and afternoon classes for younger children were so full that it was hard to bear the heat and stuffiness for 2 hours in a relatively low classroom; therefore the teacher was forced to let group I go home, and continued to lead classes with group II.

Although the school building was repaired, the school garden fence was damaged again. When the local school board issued its budget estimate for 1888, they allowed a certain sum for the fence repair.

Because the existing school building, in spite of the repairs, did not comply with the conditions which a decent school should be in, the local school board, following the initiative of Reverend Canon Father Franciszek Olszewski, the chairman of the local school board, adopted the idea of erecting a new school building in a few years; and already this year allotted for 1888 the sum of 100 Rhenish zloty.

The year 1888

During Christmas break there was an exceptionally large snowfall. Roads and paths were impassable. On January 1 severe frost followed.

The thermometer showed minus 30 degrees, no wonder then that not even one child appeared in school before noon. One boy came in the afternoon but he was crying. Having warmed up in the kitchen, he went home. On January 3 the cold spell let up by 3 degrees. But the children still couldn’t come. Only 4 came. Nine came in the afternoon for complementary classes but due to the cold they were unable to sit for longer than half an hour and went home.

On January 4 – the cold was no less than the day before. Eight older children came but they left because they couldn’t sit due to cold. The classroom was so chilled that the ceiling and the walls were covered with a layer of snow deposit. Although the classroom was heated well, the thermometer showed plus 4 degrees. No children came in the afternoon.

January 5, Thursday – same cold as the day before.

January 6, the Feast of Three Kings, 7th Saturday. The sky got cloudy, the cold let up but the children could not come to school yet. Although Sunday the 8th was quite pleasant, at night we had heavy winds which lasted throughout Monday. Newly beaten paths and roads got covered again, and again the children did not come to school.

It should be mentioned that transportation in the district is not very good because having very many public roads to take care of, the gmina is unable to keep all of them in order, so it cares the least for the road that serves the gmina only; and while in other gminas the children can attend schools quite well, here they are unable to do so due to bad roads and the length of the village.

The 10th and 11th – warm, so there were quite a lot of children in school.

12th before noon, when the older children gathered for school a strong snowstorm developed and the younger children could not again come to school.

This kind of weather, that is snow storms, snow flurries and winds, lasted with very small breaks until the end of January. Half of the younger children did not see school for about a month, no wonder then that learning progress did not turn out very satisfactory at the end of the first semester. The first semester ended on January 30, after that there were 3 days of winter break, and on Friday February 3

Second semester started. During winter break, on February 1 fresh snow fell – no roads again so on the first day of the 2nd semester barely half of the children, those living closer, appeared in school.

February 12th. Another week went by, a week of new loss of learning and again it was due to extraordinary winds. Although the entire winter so far has been terrible, it was all nothing compared to February 5th. To describe how hard the storm was that day it’s enough to say that the church (and it was Sunday) was almost empty; there were no more than 60 people at mass. The result of such storm is obvious. Although next day, Monday, was bearable, children were unable to walk through the snowdrift so none of them came to school. The oldest people said that they didn’t remember winter like this one. Tuesday (the 7th) was similar to Monday and Wednesday and Thursday were not much different than Sunday. And so the entire week went by. Only the older children from the complementary class gathered in bigger numbers so only they benefited from learning. On February 12th (Sunday) the condition of the air did not change, similar to the previous Sunday with the difference though that the wind was blowing while the sky was blue. There is no hope then for the children to be able to come to school on the 13th (Monday).

March 7th Winter let up in mid-February (15th). The winds stopped, the cold snapped, the air became gentle.

This affected the school. Children gathered in large numbers, learning began in earnest. It seemed that there would be no more break due to cold. However, it turned out differently. Winter remembered that Her rule was not over yet. It started to bother people with cold temperatures at the end of February, and with winds at the beginning of March. I was told that the snowdrift reached above the knees. With my curiosity aroused, I went to the upper part of the village and found out that I wasn’t lied to at all. Two cottages had their roofs covered, and by others the snow was so high that boys took boards or stools to the roof crests and lowered themselves down the snow.

March 31st. (Holy Saturday) It is said that storks fly back on the feast of St. Joseph. This year St. Joseph did not bring us storks but he bestowed on us warmth and spring. Rivers swelled up, the ice moved on, broken footbridges and bridges once again halted school attendance. The snow melted all at once, mud became impassable. However, southern winds quickly dried the roads and also brought in a storm which today (March 31st) exhibited itself with huge lightening and strong thunders. I mention this because a storm with lightning and thunder in March is extremely rare and unusual.

May 10th. Because the number of children attending 1st grade rose to 107, therefore the local school board resolved that children from group A will attend school four times a week, to wit: on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and group B – on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This resolution was sent to the county school board to approve it or to issue another suitable solution. The local school board’s resolution was accepted and starting on Easter children attended school in the manner described above. At the same time, the local school board informed the county school board that in this current school year a public hearing would have to be held regarding building a new school. (This resolution is located in school documents). Due to very low temperatures this past winter, a lot of vapor accumulated which resulted in water on the walls, which in turn caused the lime to dampen and fall off, therefore in May the school was newly whitewashed.

“Schreiber’s Tables”, entered in the Inventory in section “Scientific supplies” under No 8, were prepared. From 5 tables which included 6 pictures each glued to one canvas, 30 were made, that is, each picture was glued to a separate cardboard and brought to the current condition. Also, all maps were repaired. To replace the damaged fence a new picket fence on the street-side was built and paid for from the school budget.

Three books were given new covers, to wit: The Scientific Plan, The Style Teaching Textbook by Olpinski, and one volume of The School magazine from 1887. Two reed knitted chairs were purchased at 2 złoty each. Those chairs were entered in the Inventory into “School furniture” section under No. 14.

June 2nd. Because based on the decision of the k.u.k. Galicia School Board former county school boards that covered 2 or 3 counties were abolished, new county school boards were established which were to work within the borders of each county, therefore there were as many county school boards as there were counties in Galicia, with the exception of two k.u.k. county school boards which included the cities of Lvov and Krakow, and because those new county boards were to become effective on July 1, 1888 – therefore, based on the same decision of k.u.k. Galicia School Board, the k.u.k. county school board in Jaslo organized teachers’ conferences in Krosno for teachers of the Krosno county and in Jaslo for teachers of Jaslo county. Apart from the discussions on complementary education that took place during those conferences, delegates to the new county school boards were elected from the teaching body. Teachers from the county of Jaslo elected Erazm Jasiewicz, the teacher from Lezyny school, to be their delegate.

This conference took place on the 15th and 16th of May. The Honorable Stanislaw Olszewski, k.u.k. school councilor and superintendent for the western Galicia, was present during the first day of the conference. While visiting the school in the Jaslo county, he came to the conference to give teachers information regarding their work in general, and regarding their work in the area of complementary education in particular, since this was the topic of the deliberations.

[signature: June 6, 1888 Rzodkiewicz]

On July 27th a public presentation took place by male and female students of the school, and the school year ended.

On September 1 new school year 1888-9 was to begin with a solemn mass but due to their negligence, parents did not register the children in the last days of July, therefore the mass took place on September 4th but only 30 children participated in it. During September and October children did not attend school regularly. The school board decided to punish the negligent parents with a fine. Only in November did the children start attending school regularly. Apart from that, nothing particularly worth noting happened.

November 20th. With very few exceptions, nearly all 1st graders fell ill to measles. Classes with these children have not taken place since last week, but 2nd graders attend school every day.

December 12th. Measles spread in the village. Because of this, children attend school very irregularly. This illness didn’t spare adults either. On December 10th the county doctor came to school. Having examined the health of school children, Dr. Biesiadecki closed the school until January 1, 1889. As a result of such state of affairs, children have not benefited much since summer vacation.

On December 4th the k.u.k. county school superintendent, the Honorable Adolf Szostkiewicz, came to our gmina with the purpose of conducting a public hearing regarding building a new school in Osobnica. According to the preceding resolution of the k.u.k. county school board which was sent to the local school board, the gmina elected 2 plenipotentiaries: Wojciech Gliwa and Piotr Stec. However, in addition to these plenipotentiaries members of the local school board also came to the hearing: Pawel Gliwa and Marcin Dybas, the gmina mayor Marcin Czarny and many other peasants. Mr. Kazimierz De Laveaux represented the manor, having received full powers from his mother, the Honorable Wladyslawa De Laveaux. Reverend Canon Father Franciszek Olszewski, the local pastor also attended the hearing. At the beginning, Mr. Superintendent expressed his wish to build 2 schools in different parts of the gmina so having a school closer the children would be able to benefit more from learning. However, the attending peasants did not want to consent to this because of the high cost of building two new schools and supporting them. In the end it was agreed that one two-classroom school will be built in the old place. However, it should be noted that the agreement did not come easily because the peasants agreed ahead of time to oppose building of a new school, especially two-classrooms, and they voted to repair the old school and to elevate the classroom with new boards, but the teacher’s quarters was to stay unchanged. Gmina’s plenipotentiaries were similarly inclined and started speaking in the same terms but after a clear and energetic explanation by the Honorable Mr. Inspector, the peasants, wanting or not, had to consent to building a new school. Reverend Canon was very helpful in this matter, as he did not spare any words to convince the peasants that a new school had to happen.

Next, it was discussed whether the school should be brick or wooden. The peasants were inclined toward a wooden school because they were of the opinion that a wooden school would cost half of a brick one. Mr. Inspector again had to keep working on explaining to the peasants how impractical a wooden school is in current times, first of all, because of the lack of good wood a wooden school is not that much cheaper than a brick one, second of all, because wood in current times is of poor quality and after 20 years such building is totally decayed. Mr. School Inspector listed all schools that years ago were built out of wood and were repaired or else needed extreme repair, in the end he added that residents of those villages almost cry and complain that they didn’t listen to his advice and built wooden schools. The peasants finally allowed themselves to be persuaded but, even though there still were some muttering voices against this opinion, they agreed to build a brick school.

Now an estimate of building a new brick school was proposed. After a general calculation, it turned out that a new school will cost over 4,500 Rhenish zloty. The gmina and the manor pledged to pay that amount in 3 years in six payments, and in this time the school was to be completely finished so that in September 1891 classes were to start in the new building. The money was to be handed to the Honorable Mr. Inspector. After making the estimate, the Honorable Mr. Inspector drew up a record of the hearing in which he placed all resolutions, after which the record was signed by the gmina plenipotentiaries, Wojciech Gliwa and Piotr Stec, by manor plenipotentiary Mr. Kazimierz De Laveaux, by the gmina mayor Marcin Czarny, as well as by Mr. Inspector, and it was approved by affixing the gmina seal.

Viceroy of Galicia, Filip Zalewski, by the Highest decision of the Emperor of October 11, was appointed Galicia minister, to replace Mr. Florian Ziemialkowski who resigned, and Count Kazimierz Badeni became Viceroy of Galicia, and at the same time, he was appointed the President of the Galicia School Board.

The year 1889

February 5th. Telegraphs around the country delivered a message so painful it was impossible to describe. On January 31st the Archduke Rudolph died, the most eminent Heir to the Throne and the Only Son of His Excellency, our Monarch. Grief took over the Monarch’s entire House and along with him took over all nations of the Austro-Hungarian Empire who expected to have the best Monarch in Archduke Rudolph. This news became more painful because this death was sudden, unexpected. Headlines in all newspapers were surrounded with black boxes, hundreds of telegrams expressed condolences to the Imperial House and to the Austrian nation. Our land was plunged in mourning; all balls and dance parties were cancelled, theaters were closed, everyone everywhere talks only about this tragedy that fell upon us like “a bolt from a clear sky.” The Polish nation, having been under the sceptre of the Best of all Monarchs feels this loss even more since it is sincerely tied to the House of the Habsburgs, and as a result of the death of the Heir to the Throne it lost, so to speak, not a Ruler but a Friend who, having once met us, visited us often. So the youth of country schools learned of this painful loss, the k.u.k. High Galicia School Board sent a directive via telegraph to all county school boards, and through them to all school boards that instead of having lessons, all youth should go to a funeral mass on February 5th and that they should pray for the repose of the late Archduke Rudolph’s soul. [signed: 16/2 1889 Szostkiewicz]

June 18th Today our local parish was visited by the Most Reverend Bishop Jakub Glazer, the suffragan of Przemysl. Over 1,000 parishioners, among them 30 students, received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Catechesis of children was successful.

June 27th Today the annual student show took place in our school under the direction of Reverend Father Franciszek Olszewski, a canon, the president of the school board and a school superintendent who, having expressed his gratitude to the teacher for his arduous work, then addressed the children encouraging them to be diligent not only at school or when their superiors looked at them, but to try to show at every step that they were school students, in other words, to make sure that their behavior is never objectionable. Because today 2.5 years of my work with this school passed, therefore I would like to give a short report to the dear reader of this chronicle on my actions hitherto. For this, I have to relate my beliefs regarding education in general, and specifically regarding the intentions and the goal which I will try to reach with this school. Although the purpose of all schools is one and the same, and the way a teacher is to achieve it is described in the regulations and scientific plan, but plans and regulations are general, the same for all schools, but a single school depends on its manager who has to consider the plan and regulation but who also has his own character and his own beliefs which he follows. As my first goal I chose a religious and moral upbringing of the children, I took the children to all possible celebrations, to processions on holy days, so they learn the order of the Church and its goal because I was convinced that parents don’t send their children to church because of negligence. Initially there was resistance. When I announced a mass for a particular day, on that day the smallest number of children gathered for school, and for church, at the same time. However, during last summer there has been a change for the better in this matter. In order to help the local shepherd of souls in religious education, I did my best so the children would have catechisms and little Bibles, and during free time I taught them the truths of faith myself. I endeavored to lead the children to the love of order and cleanliness of the body since I saw great negligence here. The girls have already shown considerable progress; the boys though, as less ambitious, are staying behind. But it’s not the boys’ fault but rather the fault of the parents, and especially of mothers who give their children dirty, tattered underwear, and instead of linen shirts they buy for their children second hand greyed coats and not used by other children but from older people, so two boys could fit in every coat, the sleeves hang below their knees or are folded over the elbows. Why do parents do that? Because they have to wash the linen shirt. Dirt and trash are the main things in most of the houses. Writing about others’ faults is painful, especially as every human has their own, but the chronicler’s role is to write down the bad and the beautiful facts. I will try to continue encouraging the children to order and cleanliness and how much time I will need, the future will tell. Because of the misconception that prevails here that only the rich have the right to send their children to school, I try to instill confidence that each peasant has an obligation to send children to school, because school is for everyone, and that’s why I didn’t excuse any child from coming to school without a valid reason, I gathered as many children as I could, but as the classroom is rather too small to fit children from two grades, I divided them into smaller groups. Although because of this the students suffered losses in their textbook knowledge because with the large number of children it was hard to fulfill the plan, and even though sometimes I heard remarks that it’s better to accept less children and teach them more, I am not stepping back from my plan to gather as many children as possible and I want to teach them at least to write and read as such knowledge will be useful to everyone, rather than limiting the education to a fewer number of children and teaching them geometry, history, and other such subjects which the children, having left the school, will forget. Reading is the key to education, and many a literate will out of curiosity gain the knowledge which he couldn’t get at school. I used to read in reports that only the illiterate come into question. With a limited number of students, in spite of the desire of parents and child, many a child would not have a taste of those blissful moments which we now remember with pleasure even though we used to be treated differently at school. Considering the reluctance to send children to school, parents of that limited number of children would consider themselves victims and would send their children with even bigger hesitation, they would complain about the school and the teacher. I often hear complaints: that person is richer, why is he not sending his children? And when the parents learn that the law requires all children to attend school, they won’t look at each other with envious eyes; they won’t delay in signing up their children nor torment the teacher with their requests to excuse the children, because they will see that it will be in vain. Further, I tried to institute regular attendance. There is still a lot to do here but much has been done, and not with penalties which were insufficient but rather with instilling a conviction that one should send children to school. Reverend Father Canon’s speeches were of real help, both from the pulpit and on other occasions. Imposition of large fines is extreme and such measures don’t always bring results. I see that in other districts children pay fines, and they pay them often, and why? - because they don’t improve, and if a fine does not induce improvement, it stops being a punishment and it should be stopped. The folk pay the fines with complaint and anger at the school and teacher whom they should surround with love and respect. To impose a fine on someone, first you have to recognize him as guilty, but when a teacher looks into the peasants’ needs, he will learn that there are seasons which force him to keep a child at home to help on a farm with the field work; in such cases a teacher is the peasant’s judge, and the judge should follow not only the law but also his conscience. A punishment should be imposed only when guilt is recognized, and it can often happen that at a closer look a fault stops being a fault and doesn’t deserve punishment. When a teacher considers that, he won’t burden the gmina with fines. Helping parents with field work a child learns to farm hands-on, he learns the field work while he is young, and that’s what he should take care of first and foremost. I often heard “my children run away from home to school.” It’s nice to boast to the teacher because a teacher can see that his work attracts the children, but he should also consider making sure that some of those children are not trying to run away from work, just to sit at school quietly. One should pay attention to such children. As diligently as I worked, I still have not brought this school to the goal to which I wish to accomplish, because I had a lot of obstacles which I try, and I will try, to overcome with God’s help. I will use all my powers so our local school will produce the best results. The energy of one teacher is not sufficient in this school but I expect that all deficiencies will be preventable when a larger school building is constructed and the [teaching] force will double.

On July 1st the remains of Marianna Watroba were buried, a 1st year student who died of dysentery.

July 15th. Today Wladyslawa De Laveux died, a collator and the owner of the estate in Osobnica.

July 20th. Sadness and grief beyond description overcame the hearts and minds of the residents of this manor. While the remains of Ms. Wladyslawa, a true benefactress and a guardian of the people, still lay on the catafalque, our Lord pleased to call another person to Him.

On July 17th our beloved Father Franciszek Olszewski died, so loved by everyone, our local pastor, canon, president of the local school board and school supervisor. Tears have not yet dried after the loss of the Owner of the local estate, and more tears flowed at the dreadful and painful news. Two terrible blows hit the minds of the local folk who lost a Mother and a Father at once. The remains of the deceased [priest] were transferred on July 19, that is on Friday, to the church and today, after the funeral ceremonies – to the cemetery. In the wake of the funeral procession a huge crowd of local folk followed, as well as many from neighboring villages and more than 40 priests. Eloquent lips of the eulogists described the life and contributions of the deceased; and I, as the school chronicler cannot do that not having adequate information for this purpose, so I will only summarize his activities based on what I have heard from his own mouth and based on what I saw while being a teacher here for 2.5 years. As far as I know, the late Fr. Franciszek Olszewski performed commendable duties of the Pastor of the local parish for 26 years. In those 26 years he distinguished himself by tireless work for the good of the church and for the salvation of the souls entrusted to him. He performed those duties diligently and His work bore blissful fruit, as could be proven by the opinion of the entire neighborhood which knew the state of the parish when the late Fr. Franciszek Olszewski became its pastor. With his eloquent sermons and teachings, with his energetic actions he led the folk to abandon offences which that were a nuisance in the neighborhood, and he led them to the way of love for God and neighbor. The Most Revered Bishop Glazer spoke for the praise of the folk and the reputation of the deceased after the visitation of June 18 “Whoever said that the folk in Osobnica is bad, I would consider him a liar.” The last activity of the deceased was a worthy reception of the Bishop, soon after, that is on July 3 he got ill with dysentery that after 2 weeks deprived Him of His life. He ardently engaged in restoration of the poor little church which he found in a decayed condition. He brought it to order at small cost; made it look like a house of God. He also made His contribution toward expanding the education. The local school grew under His guidance, the building was enlarged due to His effort, and in the last year with His advice He helped draw up an estimate for construction of the new school, which unfortunately, he did not live to see. Teachers sought His advice which, as a good father and shepherd he readily gave to everyone. He encouraged parents to send children to school. He encouraged the youth towards work and education. Inexorable and unexpected death cut the days of His life and deprived the church, the school and the parishioners of a guardian, a counselor, and benefactor. Peace to His memory. In place of the late father Olszewski, the Most Reverend Bishop Consistory in Przemysl appointed Reverend Father Mikołaj Dzierzyński as the Administrator of the local parish.

On the 29th and 30th of August the district conference for teachers of the Jaslo county took place, and the conference was joint with an exhibition of handicraft articles, women’s handcraft, school notebooks and school supplies.

On August 31st, September 1st and 2nd registration for the 1889/90 school year took place in the local school. Because, based on the previous years, I found that parents delay school registration of their children, that registration sometimes takes the entire month in spite of reminders from Father President or from me, therefore I tried to find some means to urge the parents to quickly register their children, and finally I managed to find a way. I wrote as many pieces of paper as there were students obligated to attend school, each child on a separate paper. With those pieces of paper I summoned the parents under the penalty of 2 zloty to appear with their child to register them at the appointed time, and indeed, when the time came mothers with children appeared in large numbers. In previous years barely 30 children were registered and present at the mass that inaugurates the school year; but this year that began even earlier than previous years, there were almost 200 children at the mass. The mass took place on September 5th. September 6th. With eagerness and real pleasure I begin my work because I feel with me a person who has real education of our folk at heart. That person is the newly appointed Administrator Fr. Mikolaj Dzierzynski. Today, already on the first day of schooling, he comes to school in the morning and in the afternoon to meet the local students. From his chat with the children who for the first time cross the threshold of our school, I ascertain that he is not only a catechist but also a real educator. His interest in the school fortifies my heart, soul and my strength to painstaking work. Please God! allow circumstances such that He becomes not only a temporary but a permanent shepherd and guardian of the school because I feel that under His protection the school could flourish.

October 17th. Along with dysentery, the whooping cough appeared in this district. Warm summer time prevented quick spread of it so only a few children were ill, but now when the days were cooler and it drizzled, it spread in great proportions. It fell upon the entire village, and especially small children up to 9 and 10 years old were subjected to it and all you could hear at school is cough and cough. Again an obstacle against learning appeared which could not be removed quickly. If it lasts much longer, the school board will be forced to try to close the school for the 1st year students. January 31st. With small exceptions, all students suffered from the whooping cough – the older less so, the younger - more. Some children’s eyes were bloodshot. 2nd year students suffered the most. That’s why, among all years, they attend school least regularly and they show least progress in learning. How sad is the situation of a teacher during an epidemic in such a far-flung district as Osobnica, can be understood only by someone who himself works as a teacher in such a district. A teacher has to be mindful of the health of a child, health conditions in school and intellectual development. Communicable diseases most often manifest themselves in the fall. I barely finish registration, I start serious school work and I suddenly find out – this or that child suffers from whooping cough. And I wonder: whooping cough is a communicable disease, I’m pretty certain that more children will be ill. The Starostwo should be informed of this observation. A doctor comes, examines – and closes the school, let’s say, for 3 weeks. Will this help or stop the spread of the disease? No – because if not at school then at home healthy children mingle with the sick ones because the parents don’t stop them, so the disease develops further – 3 weeks go by – and there are more weak children than before, school needs to be closed for another 2 or 3 weeks, which will bring the same result as the previous three. Only after 6 weeks is the teacher convinced that the disease is in full swing – school should be closed again – and because it’s a rare year that some disease doesn’t spread among the children, so each year a school would have to be closed for at least 3 months in such a large district. In such circumstances can one think of progress or intellectual development? Here is the result of such thinking: The Starostwo should be informed of all mortal diseases, such as smallpox, but with less fatal diseases, such as whooping cough, ill children should be released home and the healthy ones should be taught.

Year 1890

18 February 1890, Szostek. This year started during the disease that was prevalent over the entire Europe called influenza. With small exceptions, it afflicted nearly every home in the district so it didn’t bypass the school. The teacher’s family suffered from it, students were also ill but, thank God, everything passed without any sad consequences. March 6th. As much as everyone deeply desired for Fr. Mikolaj Dzierzynski , the Administrator of the local parish, to become the Pastor, things turned differently, apparently such was God’s will, and someone different, namely Reverend Fr. Jan Klos was intended for the pastor. During his half-a-year stay in this district, Fr. M. Dzierzynski won the hearts of all, and most of all, of the students whom he cared for like a father for his children. Therefore, the parishioners were seized by huge grief when they had to bid Him goodbye, and students, whenever His leave was mentioned, often burst out in loud crying. On behalf of the children, Lazar Wojciech and Gliwa Jadwiga said goodbye to their departing catechist. Let God’s blessing be with Him at every step. But God who never leaves those who surrender to His holy will did not abandon this parish – and this school, at the same time. In place of the temporary Shepherd, He sent a permanent one, just as his predecessor, a noble and eager Priest who, as can be seen from His previous actions, will look after the happiness of the flock entrusted to his care. Only on February 24th did he move to Osobnica, and already visited the school six times to get to know it and to educate the young ones.

On March 10th the remains of the late Jadwiga Stec, 1st year student, a daughter of Jan Stec, were buried.

June 1st. In mid-April in this village a new little known illness appeared the name of which I am unable to give. The symptoms of this illness were: severe swelling of the throat, severe headache and loss of appetite. All students fell to this malady without exception. On June 28th our older students received the Blessed Sacrament and some of the girls showed willingness to sign up for Rosary so the love which joined them at school would stay between them after they left the school benches. The girls chose Katarzyna Dybas, daughter of Marcin Dybas, a student of 3rd year of supplementary education, to lead this new rosary group. June 20th. After a solemn service at church a show by students of the local school took place, in the presence of several peasants under the leadership of the local pastor Reverend Fr. Jan Klos. It should be noted here that the Honorable Mr. Adam De Laveaux, one of the co-owners of the Osobnica estate, was present at the show and he distributed to the more competent and diligent students rewards purchased with his own means. Apparently, it was the first time that an owner of the manor came under a modest thatched roof of the local school, inclined to see students’ progress, therefore it is worthy to write about it in the school Chronicle for everlasting memory.

During the month of June elections to the local school board took place; those elected were: Reverend Fr. Jan Klos, the local pastor as the president, the Honorable Mr. Kazimierz De Laveaux and Wozniak Wojciech, by the choice of the gmina board, and Jozef Wajda, a teacher, as members; and Gliwa Pawel and Kuchta Jan as substitutes.

In the first days of September, at the initiative and with the efforts of the Honorable k.u.k. Inspector, a teachers’ exhibition took place from the Krosno and Jaslo school districts. The Chairman of the organizing committee was the Honorable Mr. August Gorajski, the owner of Moderowka estate, President of the Krosno county Board. The exhibition was visited by both heads of our land: Their Excellences Honorable Governor Count Kazimierz Badeni and the Honorable Land Marshall Count Jan Tarnowski. For closer examination of the exhibited articles and of the course of the exhibition I refer my dear reader to the magazine “School” for the year 1890. I will only mention here that both the Honorable k.u.k. district Inspector as well as the teaching body of both districts received recognition from the highest Dignitaries as well as from the general public visiting the exhibition. The local school, among others, received praise for written works and women’s handcrafts from the commission chosen for the purpose of judging the exhibited articles.

There was a terrible drought in the area for the duration of the entire summer, especially in this village. The top layer of the ground was scorched like ash, water in the river and wells completely dried out, there was not one well in the area of the school from which water for drinking or cooking could be drawn. Only the manor well abounded with water and supplied the neighboring peasants. Despite rains which in the month of September were quite frequent, the wells stayed empty. River water was used for all needs.

During summer vacation the local school board energetically engaged in construction of the new school. Out of all contractors Mr. Wladyslaw Zajkowski, the owner of Stroze Nizne, presented the most advantageous conditions, therefore it was with him that on August 17th the local school board signed the contract which then on August 29th was presented to k.u.k. county school Board, it was supplemented there and approved. Right away Mr. Zajkowski sent his plenipotentiary who procured stone for the foundation, carts for the delivery of brick and cement and people who dug the foundation. On September 15 bricklayers arrived with their master Walenty Olszewski, a Slovak from the Spis land in Hungary and residing in Grzybow. All bricklayers also come from the Spis area. On September 16th the Cornerstone for the new school was blessed and on October 4th the outside walls which were to hold the roof were leveled. The Hungarian Slovaks' skill and speed of bricklaying was admired by all who observed the building process. None of the Osobnica bricklayers volunteered for work in spite of the invitation from the master. Before construction of the new school began, the local school board debated for a long time where the younger teacher’s quarters should be located. There were different ideas: to build a wooden [living quarters] consisting of a kitchen and a room somewhere a short distance away from the school, in a place purchased just for this purpose (this would be most convenient, that’s why I always insisted on it); or to build a wooden room with a small kitchen in the attic with the window in the south wall; or to build a brick room and a small kitchen above the front door. But when the peasants made noise that such accommodations would be very expensive, and the gmina is already burdened with various contributions, the local school board had a new thought to arrange a small room which would include a small kitchen on the ground floor. Now then, where to build that room with the smallest cost? So it was decided to shorten the length of the first classroom by one ell, to narrow the hallway by 2 ells, take away 2 ells from the length of the first room and to build a room there with the entry from the first hallway. In this case, the entry to the older teacher’s quarters would have to be placed in the other room. The peasants liked that idea and the President agreed to it. Comments by the teacher that a building planned in this way would lose in its form and taste did not bring any results. But Mr. Contractor appeared at just the right moment and supported the idea of the teacher. However, when the peasants insisted on their idea, I decided on behalf of myself and my successors to forgo the comfort for the sake of beauty and I presented the idea that the room could be built in place of the pantry and a small entry room which was to be used to go outside. Finally the local school board accepted this idea. But since Mr. Contractor did not want to build that room within the original agreed amount, because it turned out that two iron rails had to be placed under the hallway so as not to weaken the ceiling of the basement, therefore the local school board added 200 Rhenish zloty to the previously agreed sum. Therefore, the entire school building with the furnishings is to cost 5.200 Rhenish zloty /: five thousand two hundred Rhenish zloty /

This year, the Supreme k.u.k. the Province School Board established a commission for the purpose of revising textbooks. The “ABC-book” [Elementarz] which the little children learn from was the first book to be revised. Based on comments provided by teachers and based on other “ABC-books” gathered from other provinces and even other countries, the commission came up with the new ABC-book which turned up to be far more suitable with its layout and the content than the previous one, and that’s why, by the ordinance of the Supreme k.u.k. Province School Board it was introduced as of September 1st to all public schools of our Land. ] Because the lack of suitable pictures for visual education was felt by our schools, and especially the lack of pictures that would depict subjects from a child’s surroundings, therefore the Educational Publishing House tried to remedy that and published new pictures for visual education adapted to the needs of our schools. Dr. Michal Bobrzynski, a professor of the Jagiellonian University, an envoy to the Diet of Galicia and to the Galicia Council was appointed vice-President of the Supreme k.u.k. Province School Board. His duties include administration of school affairs in place of His Excellency Viceroy who, due to the multitude of administrative duties was unable to deal with the education as ardently as he desired to.

Because it was impossible to find a suitable place for construction of the new school in the school garden, the only alternative was to demolish the old classroom to make the room. The local school board, in agreement with the district office re-constructed the classroom in the garden of the policeman's house so the children are able to gather there for classes during the current school year. The hired carpenters then did not hurry too much with laying down the framework, and the farmers who were to deliver the thatch to cover the building hurried even less. This clearly showed how little the gmina is interested in the school and how little the education of their children lies in their hearts. Even more evident became ineptitude of the local district head who needed three months to gather the necessary amount of thatch from farmers. The classroom was plastered in the month of November, as a result of that the clay, in spite of heating and airing out the room, did not dry and the walls stayed wet and, in addition, very poorly insulated from the outside.

Classes started only on December 9th and lasted for the entire week but on the 15th of December in spite of a large number of gathered children, classes could not take place because due to the hard freeze the classroom became so chilled that it was impossible to stand the cold and the children were sent home. It can be predicted that this situation will come up often during winter and that the education will suffer many interruptions. To carry out the carpentry work for the construction of the new school Mr. Contractor sent Jan Gawlik, a master carpenter from Stróże Niżnie. He came with his helpers and covered the walls with a roof made of material delivered up from the Grzybow area. The work of Jan Gawlik is noted for accuracy and thoroughness. At the request made by the Reverend Pastor on behalf of the gmina His Highness deigned to grant 100 Rhenish zloty from his private chest for the construction of the local school. Having read this information in newspapers, the Reverend Father announced it to the folk from the pulpit and instructed them to pray for the intention of His Highness who is so generous.

The year 1891

On January 25th the Farmers Club established a few years earlier, came into being. Ten members signed up, from whom the Board was elected. Members of the Board were: the Honorable Adam De Laveaux as President; Kuchta Józef, a farmer as Vice-President; Józef Wajda, a teacher, as Secretary; Reverend Father Jan Kłos, the pastor and Jan Kapanowski, a cartwright, as members of the Board. This fact was noted because Farmers Clubs are a very important factor contributing to the education of the common folk.

February 2nd. Today fire almost entirely consumed the roof of the temporary school building. The fire started between 10 and 11 o’clock in the morning when people gathered for mass. The cause of the fire was probably as follows: In the month of December a fathom of soft unusually wet firewood, which did not burn at all, was brought to school. So, the boy who was hired to heat the classroom stacked the wood near the stove so it would dry. Otherwise, the classroom couldn’t be heated. Accustomed to drying the wood this way, he was doing it later as well when the wood was drier. Because one could never smell even the faintest odor of the wood stacked by the stove, and one couldn’t see it turning color, it was hard to predict that the firewood could get so hot that it would start burning. But that’s what happened. The boy started the fire, drew the latch and went to church; in the meantime, having seen smoke coming from under the roof, people flocked to the rescue. If anyone had enough presence of mind and got to the roof, he could have prevented the whole incident with one watering can worth of water by pouring it over the smoldering ceiling, since the flames had not reached it yet when the people saw the smoke. Pictures and frames were damaged. If only the wood started smoldering on a weekday! Alas, the Lord sent this disaster on a holiday to teach us a painful lesson that one has to be careful always and everywhere. Classes once again were interrupted for quite a while, and perhaps until the new school building is completed. May 4th. Work related to the construction of the new school building, interrupted in the winter, began again right after Easter. To date, the attic has been built, the walls have been plastered inside and out, ceilings have been placed and chimneys drawn. Carpentry jobs, like windows, doors and school benches are being made by carpenters from Grybow.

Yesterday, that is on May 3rd, the Polish nation celebrated the 100th anniversary of the May 3rd Constitution. Thanks to the Most Gracious among Monarchs, our Emperor, our land was able to celebrate this memorable day, dear to all Poles, without impediments. Therefore, all cities and towns were decorated with flags with national colors on which the white eagle was shown. Buildings were illuminated and lectures for the public were organized with the purpose of explaining the meaning of the constitution, and also, with the same purpose, thousands of leaflets were scattered around the country. The Lord’s Temples were full of people, beseeching the Lord above Lords for better life for the people and our Motherland. The third Polish estate, that is the peasants, participated in the celebrations minimally. Our village folk have not yet advanced to the point of understanding the meaning of the constitution, even though its purpose was mainly the good of the peasant. Grand Duchy of Posen, because of its government, commemorated this day with a lesser celebration, and the lands of the Russian partition were unable to prepare any celebration at all so as not to awaken even stronger hostility in their oppressors and not to draw on themselves even more painful blows. So, on this day Greater Poland was silent, and so was Warsaw, but they showed with dignity and silence that they love their country eagerly, that they are able to suffer and wait until The Heavens reward them for their suffering. God willing, our little schools will be able to engraft in the village folk hearty love for our dear Motherland, so all our states can be drawn together for the purpose of repelling all enemies lurking to cause Her destruction, so the world knows that “Poland Has Not Yet Perished”. [signed: date smeared, 1891, Szostkiewicz] In place of Mr. Kazimierz De Laveaux, the Honorable Adam De Laveaux was elected to be a member of the local school board. This choice was approved by the k.u.k. district school Board with its ordinance of June 14th, 1891, No 458.

July 5th. Yesterday afternoon at 5 pm it got terribly cloudy and heavy rain started to fall. Water in the brooklet suddenly rose and spilled over the shores, flooding fields and gardens adjacent to the shore. With thunder and lightning that now and again cut through the darkness, it rained until 8 o’clock. Next day, that is today, we were able to see the terrible devastation caused by water. People say that they haven’t seen such water in the past 30 years.

September 1st. The school building is not completed, classes cannot start. Mr. Wladyslaw Panczyk, a teacher candidate, was appointed by the k.u.k. district school Board for the position of supplementary teacher. Supplementary teacher’s wage is 240 zl. September 13th. So far, one classroom has been completed.

Registration started on September 10th, and on September 12th, the 1891/2 school year began with a solemn mass. Because the local pastor, as well as the local school board, considered it appropriate that classes should not start without a blessing of the building, therefore on the same day, that is on September 12th after mass, the Blessing of the school building took place in the presence of gathered students, the estate owner the Honorable Mr. Adam De Laveaux, both teachers and just a few peasants. After consecration, the Pastor, Father Jan Klos spoke to those gathered. Shortly speaking, he pointed out the benefits which come from education, and with that he proved that the costs which the gmina put up for building the school will pay off amply. He encouraged the students to regular attendance, and parents to sending their children to school, and he closed his speech with a wish for God to bless this house and its residents.

September 29th. Yesterday the division of children [into classrooms] took place. 1st, 3rd and 4th years will attend classes in one classroom this year; in the other – a part of 1st year because this group wouldn’t fit in one classroom, and 2nd, 5th and 6th year. Classes will be held half-day as before. Before noon 3rd and 4th year will attend in one classroom, 5th and 6th in the other; in the afternoon, 1st and 2nd year. Two hundred and sixty children were registered. [signed: 20 Feb 1891, Szostkiewicz] On December 10th the building inspection commission, consisting of k.u.k. school inspector and a building engineer, arrived to approve the building.

On December 12th the remains of Katarzyna Dybas, 1st year student, and Wojciech Marszalek, 4th year student, who died of pharyngitis, were buried.

1892

On April 4th the remains of Anna Pisarczyk, a 1st year student, who died of scarlet fever, were buried.

On April 7th the remains of Jadwiga Kuchta, a 1st year student, were buried. Students took part in the funeral. Both girls died of scarlet fever.

On April 26, 1892 a 2nd year student, Michal Byczek, died. When Katarzyna Dybas and Wojciech Marszalek died of pharyngitis, the school board, in consultation with the President of the local school board, informed the Distinguished k.u.k. Starostwo about it because many non-schooled children also fell ill and died. The Distinguished k.u.k. Starostwo did not answer nor give any dispositions. After the death of Michal Byczek the school Board informed for the second time that children in the gmina are ill with scarlet fever, since almost 80 children excused their absence in school with this ailment. The k.u.k. Starostwo sent the Honorable Dr. Hicner who arrived in the gmina and ordered to present to him the list of the ill. At the time 12 children were ill. Having been provided with the list, he went to see the ill but he found some of them healthy, and some convalescing. Based on his report, the Distinguished k.u.k. Starostwo demanded an explanation as to why the school board reported the illness since it appeared not so serious, and threatened the penalty of paying the costs of the commission if such was to check whether the reports were untrue. Indeed, the district physician, the Honorable Dr. Biesiadecki, appeared and the school inspector had to explain his actions and in the end was relieved from paying the threatened penalty. The younger teacher, Wladyslaw Panczyk, also had an unpleasant incident due to this illness. This is what happened: One day he punished one 1st year student, Jadwiga Kuchta, by having her stay after school. But because the girl started crying, he sent her home 5 minutes later. After this incident, the girl came to school for two more weeks, and 2 weeks later she fell ill and died soon. Parents usually seek to lay the cause of the illness on the school. And so this time it was said that the girl died of fright. The blame was placed on the teacher. A gendarme came as a result of this rumor, he started an investigation but having convinced himself of the real cause of the illness, he went back to the police station, however, people said that he arrested Mr. Panczyk and because at this time he left for Easter vacation, it was concluded that he was in jail.

On June 30th an examination was conducted in this school under the chairmanship of Reverend Pastor, as the school inspector. The Honorable Mr. and Mrs. De Laveaux also took part in the examination and they presented the children with beautiful gifts. The Diet of Galicia, as the Legislative power, thought at this year’s session about improving the life of public school teachers. It is known what resolutions were made regarding this issue, they are noted in the current issue of “School” so there is no need to list them here, but the generosity of our Diet for the education of the people should be noted here, because the increase in teachers’ wages had a considerable effect on expansion of our land’s budget. The Diet’s resolution, sanctioned by His Majesty, went into effect on 1st July of the current year.

August 29th. During summer vacation two more students died: Jakub Kapanowski, 2nd year and Jadwiga Kuchta, daughter of Jakub, of scarlet fever which, compounded with a throat illness, avoided almost no house and took many victims even among adults. In August the Eminent k.u.k. Galicia school Board transformed our local school into two-classroom school. From transformation into two-classroom school As a result of transforming the school into a two-classroom school, school relations almost didn’t change at all. There was only a change in teaching personnel. From now on, there are to be two full time teachers in this school - the school principal with the salary of 350 zl. and a teacher with 300. This will be more favorable to our school since the second teacher can be permanent, and each educator knows of the bad influence of frequent teacher change in school. Jozef Wajda remained the principal with the salary of 450 zl, attached to his person, because before the new law was enacted, he had the salary of 400 zl, and based on the law, the salary of all teachers who received it before July 1, was to remain at that level for the duration of their teaching service. Because the Distinguished k.u.k. district school Board at his request moved Mr. Wladyslaw Panczyk, the former supplemental teacher, to the full time teacher position in Rozanka therefore, in his place it appointed Mr. Bronisław Cieszanowski, a candidate for the teaching position, as the teacher’s replacement. Education in the current 1892/3 school year began with a mass on September 1st, at which 200 children were present. On September 2nd classes were divided between teachers in the following manner: 1a and 2a will be taught by Mr. Br. Cieszanowski, and 1b and 2b by Jozef Wajda. 1a and 1b classes attend school in the afternoon, and 2nd grade before noon. A considerable number of children registered for higher grades – 72 to 1b, 126 to 2b. About 50 registered to 1a – many are still weak and others have no clothes ready. In the first few days of school Jozef Kudla, 6th year student, died of throat disease.

October 13th. Today the remains of Jozef Dybas, a 1st year student who died of scarlet fever, were buried. November 1st. The remains of Piotr Wozniak, a 1st year student who died of diphtheria, were buried. December 19th. Jan Kedra, a 3rd year student, son of Jakub, died of scarlet fever. During Christmas break Agata Bragiel, student of supplemental education, died of scarlet fever.

December 31, Sad entries covered pages of this Chronicle this past year. The teacher’s heart fills with sadness when he sees how unrelenting death thins the ranks of his students with whom he became familiar with, as if with his own family; students grow sad when they lose their classmates, and parents grieve the most after their beloved child. Therefore, sadness last year dominated inasmuch in school as in the entire gmina, and this sadness was magnified by fear of a new enemy which was boldly approaching from the East toward the border of our country, and even took a few victims, that is, of cholera. No wonder then, that as a result of such events education did not progress as could be expected. To increase the education of older people, readings and lectures were organized at school every Sunday after Vespers. Those readings started on December 11th.

1893

January 6th. The old year left scarlet fever and diphtheria as inheritance for its successor. Although none of the school children died so far, others were dying. To make matters worse, low temperatures prevent regular attendance.

March 30th. The entire January was unusually frigid. Temperatures reached 30⁰. With that, winter storms prevailed and as a result, attendance fell, and so did educational progress. On March 2nd at the invitation of Reverend Pastor the Redemptorist Fathers from Mosciska came for a mission. They provided their religious teachings in a very clear and touching manner, no wonder that for the entire week the church was overflowing. First teachings were for the school children, followed by confession and holy communion. Because parents have not been missing any talks, children stayed home so classes did not take place for almost the entire week. This was detrimental to school but not much because parents had an opportunity to hear that sending children to school was their holy obligation. 28 April 1893. Szostkiewicz.

On May 25th thanks to voluntary donations a picnic was organized. At the sound of music the youth with happiness set off from school to the forest where they were greeted by firing from mortars. Fun started cheerfully, unfortunately an hour after the arrival it started drizzling at first and then it rained pretty hard. The games were interrupted, students went back to school, they had a snack here and then went home.

On May 27th Wojciech Zydek, a student of class 2a, drowned on the way to school, having fallen off a footbridge laid on the river Bednarka. Swollen waters carried him away quite far, almost a kilometer. He was pulled out of the water dead already and was brought to the mortuary and from there he was taken by his distressed mother. The funeral took place on May 29th but without student participation because the mud prevented the sad funeral procession. At the end of May children started falling ill with measles but until June 5th, which is the day of this note, none of them died of this ailment.

On June 27th the examination of students of this school took place under the direction of Reverend Father Klos, Pastor and school Inspector. The Honorable Mr. and Mrs. De Laveaux as well as their cousin from the Kingdom and a few local farmers listened to students’ answers. In the second month of summer vacation the school board petitioned the local school board, by submitting to Reverend Father, the President, to procure a third classroom, and at the same time, to ask the k.u.k. district school Board for a third teacher, the need for whom turns out to be necessary for 2nd grade where the number of attending children amounts to 144, that is, 91 at 3rd level, and 53 at 4th. For the third teacher’s temporary classroom, the school board suggested the gmina office which could be arranged appropriately. This petition did not bring the desired result. Father President fears that by bringing classes to the office, the gmina authorities will return with its formal duties to the inn, and second of all, because with the arrival of the third teacher an additional burden will fall upon the gmina. Although the validity of these points cannot be denied, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for the third classroom to be located in the office, because the gmina authorities work usually on Sunday afternoons and workday evenings, and it would be possible to reconcile this with classes;, and the third teacher is absolutely necessary, if not this school year, then, God willing, next year or later because the local people register children for school eagerly, although send them to school irregularly in the fall and spring due to field work. But in the winter, children attend school regularly, especially the older ones, and their number will grow next year to 100, and later to 120, and will stay at that number unless, God protect, the gmina is struck by epidemic mortality. It’s impossible to fit 120 children in one classroom at the same time, and dividing children so the 3rd year attends school on one day, and the 4th on another will not benefit the people or the school. But building a new classroom would subject the gmina to much higher costs than proper arranging of the gmina office to serve as a classroom. Therefore, the school board will not fail to present this issue to the local school board annually and to request the k.u.k. district Board to influence the local school board. The gmina of Osobnica, as intellectually neglected, needs more effort than others.

On September 1st the 1893/4 school year began with a mass in the parish church. The teaching force stays the same, and education levels were divided in the following manner: the principal took 1st and 3rd level, and Mr. Br. Cieszanowski – levels 2 and 4. Two hundred seventy four youth were registered who in the month of September attended regularly also because education for older children takes place in the afternoon. However, when due to short days education of 2nd grade was moved to morning, and potatoes began to be harvested, attendance fell considerably. At the end of September the Distinguished k.u.k. district school board moved Mr. Cieszanowski to a full-time position in the school in Konty. On October 3rd he left Osobnica, and on the same day Ms. Klementyna Stanek arrived, a candidate to the teaching profession, appointed to replace him. With this, a certain injustice befell on Osobnica school because a teacher who has more practice and experience was taken away and those are really needed for the local children who don’t advance much at home but attend school in considerable number; and a candidate was sent who completed the 8th grade of an 8th-grade-school; however, if it couldn’t be different, because the k.u.k. district school Board wasn’t able to send anyone else due to the lack of teachers, consequently one has to come to terms with this, and the principal has to strengthen efforts to supplement for the lack of adequate teaching force at least partially, so the school wouldn’t bear any losses. With sincere desire and obedience in accepting guidance given by the principle, Madam Teacher’s deficiencies can be compensated. Since Ms. Stanek’s arrival, the levels were divided in such manner that Madam Teacher will lead 2nd and 3rd levels, as easier ones to lead, and the principle will take level 1 and 4. At the beginning of October new reading textbooks arrived for level 4, adapted to the syllabus and instructions. Most likely, before being printed these reading textbooks were given to some wise educators for a review but, in my opinion which I note here only as the school chronicler, they should have been given for the critique by the teaching community, otherwise we may face the same situation as in case of reading textbooks for supplementary education, when Part I was modified right after the first edition ran out, due to the unsuitable distribution of material; people were subjected to a [financial] loss, and teachers – to listening to complaints. Frequent changes in reading textbooks cause unwillingness to purchase them, therefore, the publication should really be thought through.

[December 16th, 1893, Szostkiewicz] The day of December 16th was disastrous in regards to weather. A cold snowstorm fell this day as well as on other days, and affected the health in the area. Influenza arrived and knocked down the teacher into bed in which he had to stay until Christmas. At the same time all children of the teacher fell ill, and then his wife – the teacher’s house was almost like a hospital, but there was nobody who could attend to the sick, and if not for a cousin who arrived at the news of the illness of the entire family, there would have been no one who could serve them at least a spoon of warm food during the annual holidays. Although this note hardly applies to the development or decline of the school, yet it was written down as it compelled itself through my pen onto the page. Having recovered, I learned later that after December 16th our Honorable k.u.k. district Inspector fell ill as a result of extremely unhealthy conditions in schools which he inspected. These are sad notes but they pertain to single people; in general, education did not suffer this year – indeed, it made an important and decisive step forward. The k.u.k. Galicia school Board issued new plans which are suitable to current times and bring school education onto a considerably different path. Also important for public schools is the fact of establishing the position of k.u.k. district Inspectors, as a result of which they will be able to work more energetically. This year the Honorable Mr. Stanislaw Olszewski stepped down from his position of Galicia Inspector, and his place was taken by the Honorable ……… Dworski, director of the secondary school from Jaroslaw and right at the beginning of the new school year he arrived to inspect our district.

1894

With the arrival of winter, nearly the entire county was struck with smallpox. It didn’t spare our gmina either. It came from both ends and quickly moved toward the middle. The gmina office informed k.u.k. Starostwo about it, and they sent the Honorable Dr Stoklosinski, its medical assistant for examination. When he arrived to the gmina on January 19th, he closed the school for an indefinite period. A multitude of people were sick, many school children. Four of them, namely Anna Czarny 3rd level, Jan Dybas 2nd level, Stanislaw Rolek and Kuchta Wojciech 1st level, died – others were left by the ailment with permanent marks. School was closed until the end of the school year, that is, 5 ½ months. Students were not evaluated, consequently a suitable annual catalog in school records is not to be found. Therefore, almost the entire year was lost – too bad, especially that winter this year was quite mild so children could have attended school regularly and could have gained a lot. In June the disease died out but right away during the summer another one came – dysentery. The strange thing is, there has been no single year without some epidemics in this gmina. Two school boys died of this ailment, namely Jedrzej Nowak, 1st year and Jan Kuchta, 5th year. The Pastor, as the President of the local school board, went to the Distinguished k.u.k. Starostwo with a question what to do in this case with school education. The county doctor, Dr. Biesiadowski, came and confirmed the dysentery but issued a written disposition that with some precautions school can start. Registration was ordered for September 3rd and 4th, and on the 5th the school year started with a mass. There were 260 children signed up for school, less than in the previous year because six died and five moved away with their parents to other districts. The Distinguished k.u.k. county school Board appointed Miss Klementyna Stanek as a teacher. After school year started, the school board found itself in a quandary as to the division of children for teaching levels due to the fact that last school year was not completed, and during the break children forgot a lot. After much consideration and examining their knowledge, it was decided to hold back the entire last year’s 1st grade, thus enlarging its size by those newly registered. Other children were held as well at the previous levels, with the exception of a few who, based on the preliminary examination, were moved up – almost all 4th year children were moved to the 4th level, because of their age, and also to expand the 4th level since almost the entire previous 6th year stopped attending school. Madam Teacher will be teaching 1st and 3rd level this year, and the principal – levels 2 and 4. In September His Excellency the Minister for Religious Affairs and Education, our compatriot Dr. Madejski, appointed the Honorable Mr. L. Dziedzielski, the director of the k.u.k. teaching college for women in Lvov, as the fourth Galicia Inspector of Public Schools.

1895

On February 2nd Zofia Nowak died, 2nd year student. Considering the attendance in future years, and also so that 2nd level students won’t lose a year which they would have to lose due to last year’s school closing, it was decided to prepare them this year in such manner that after one year of attendance at level 3, they could move to level 4. With that in mind, in the first semester the Elementarz was completed, and in the second semester easier chapters of Szkolka part III will be studied. In other subjects, material designed for level 2 will be taught – however, the teacher will strive more carefully toward the completion of the material.

On April 31, after many efforts, the gmina authorities finally measured out 1 morga of land from the gmina pastures located from the cemetery in Osobnica toward Harklowa. This morga remained the property of the gmina but was given for use by each subsequent school principal. The Distinguished Wydzial Krajowy [translator’s note: Provincial executive body] largely contributed toward measuring out of this morga, namely the former Auditor of gmina properties – and currently the secretary of the district Board, Mr. Lonicki, in whose presence the gmina Board on May 3, 1892 made the decision to measure out the morga – and now measured it out under pressure from the district Board.

10 June -1895, [Szostkiewicz] The 1894/5 school year ended successfully with the examination on June 27th under the direction of Reverend Pastor, Father Jan Klos as the President of the local school board.

On July 30th of the current year this gmina was struck by terrible disaster. About one o’clock in the afternoon a terrible gale broke, it broke large and old trees and scattered półkopki* of rye and wheat standing in the fields. This gale was accompanied by a downpour and terrible hail. This storm hadn’t lasted more than 5 minutes but it was long enough to cause terrible destruction. It became the reason of impoverishment of several peasants this year. In church, vicarage, and the manor house windows were almost completely broken. The school did not suffer any damage because it is sheltered from the side from which the storm came by the church and large trees.

On September 2nd the new 1895/6 school year started with a solemn mass in which not many children participated. Because the Cabinet of Minister Windischgratz resigned, His Highness appointed a provisional cabinet – and at the end of September appointed His Excellency Viceroy Count Badeni to create the new cabinet. As a result, he stepped down from his position of Viceroy and, at the same time, President of Galicia school Board, and His Highness Prince Eustachy Sanguszko, Land Marshall, took his place. Previously, in August, another change occurred in the leadership of k.u.k. district school Board; namely the previous starost the Honorable Mr. Roman Gabryszewski, at his own request went into permanent retirement, and his position and the helm of the district was assumed by His Highness Prince Pawel Sapieha. School attendance declined a lot this year. The reasons for this being: dysentery which has prevailed here since August; emigration which calls older youth abroad, and finally, parents’ contempt for education and disregard for the principal’s reminders as they have not faced financial penalties for a while. Therefore, the school board in the middle of October sent a “List of attending the school irregularly” – whether it will have any outcome, the future will tell. 25 February 1896, Szostkiewicz.

*półkopka – a stack of 30 bundles of wheat, barley, or oats.

The 1895/6 school year ended, just like all others, with an academic presentation by the youth which took place in the last days of June under the direction of Reverend Father Jan Kłos, Pastor and President of the local school board, with the participation of the administrator of the local estate, the Honorable Lucjan De Laveaux and his daughter, residing permanently in Warsaw and staying temporarily with her father, as well as a few peasants. Reverend Father President acknowledged the teaching staff for effective work, encouraged students toward further studies and proper behaviour outside of school, and parents - to send children to school with more enthusiasm.

1896/7

After summer vacation, the 1896/7 school year began with a solemn mass. The situation in the local school has not changed. At the beginning of the year students attended school, as usual, irregularly. The situation in the Jasło school district changed to the extent that gminas from Jasło county that belonged to the court district in Frysztak were set apart; and gminas from Rzeszów county that belonged to the court district in Strzyżów were set apart and a new “Strzyżów county” was created. As a result, several schools were separated from the Jasło county and the k.u.k. district school Board had its administration work simplified. The k.u.k. county inspector will be able to visit each school more often, which will certainly contribute to the increase of the education level in the district.

On December 12th, 1896 the Honorable Mr. Adolf Szostkiewicz, the k.u.k. district school inspector – for the first time in this school year - inspected the local school. Because this year’s winter was not too snowy or too cold, therefore students attended school regularly. On the occasion of the visitation by the k.u.k. Mr. Inspector, on December 12th, 1896, the Distinguished k.u.k. district school Board sent a letter of appreciation to the principal. It should be noted that the typhoid which afflicted the gmina in the fall of 1895, lasted the entire year 1896 and in the winter spread even more; it hit many peasant cottages, as a result several students were ill – one 4th level student died.

In March turbulent elections to the Imperial Council took place in all of our land. The country folk, provoked by a few troublemakers, were creating disorder, and even murders were committed. In the county of Jasło the elections were calm in comparison with others, but I cannot leave it unsaid that in a considerable part of our county, especially in the north-eastern part, country folk lost faith in the intelligentsia and, what is even more painful, in its ministers. In view of that, the position of teachers in those gminas must be shaken as well. Therefore, the teaching staff should be vigilant. If a teacher doesn’t have stronger influence on the residents of a gmina, he should keep away from political parties and be impartial. His Highness Prince Paweł Sapieha, the k.u.k. Starost and President of the k.u.k. district school Board was elected by the IV Curia. Therefore, in March 1897 he left his position. During his 2-year term in the position of Starost he earned respect and love. He paid utmost care to the country folk and to school education. By resigning he left unfeigned sorrow in many hearts. Since March the k.u.k. district inspector, the Honorable Mr. Sozanski, has been a substitute Starost and President of the k.u.k. district school Board.

Along with spring came rains. In March, April and May there were no 3 consecutive sunny days. There are often strong downpours – children are unable to come to school; when the sun appears and a sunny day arrives, children are staying home to help parents with work related to potato cultivation. Attendance, therefore, dropped.

The 1896/7 school year ended with a solemn mass and an academic presentation on June 30, 1897 under the direction of Reverend Father Jan Kłos. Among those listening to the examination were: Reverend Father Meski, the administrator of Dębowiec parish, Mr. Wojna, the principal of Dębowiec school, Mr. Misiołek, a teacher from Łazy Dębowieckie, and Ms. Julia Bugnowa, a teacher from the Mickiewicz school in Lvov who was vacationing at the school principal’s. During the presentation awards for diligence were issued, namely pictures, books, and other objects and school supplies for which the local school board spends 5 zloty annually. Father President thanked the teachers for their work, encouraged students toward more regular attendance and the presentation was closed with a modest meal at the principal’s office. There were only 2 peasants present at the presentation due to urgent work in the fields, namely: Stanisław Gliwa, the head of the gmina and Marcin Dybaś, member of the local school board.

1897/8

The 1897/8 school year began with a solemn mass on September 1, 1897. There has been a change in the teaching staff because the Distinguished k.u.k. county school Board moved teacher Klementyna Stankówna to the 2nd grade in the school in Olpiny in the same capacity and in her place sent Ms. Stefania Niesiołowska from Święcany. The entire local intelligentsia from the manor house and Presbytery was bidding Ms. Klementyna Stankówna goodbye, and everyone had tears in their eyes when Ms. Stankówna got on the cart in tears herself; Ms. Stankówna won hearts and grew attached to the place in which she took her first steps in the teaching profession.

As early as August a disease afflicted the gmina: bloody dysentery. Numerous people are ill, and especially children, and although the mortality has been relatively low, it did affect school attendance. Additionally, a poor harvest of grain as well as potatoes was the cause of irregular attendance among older students in the month of September.

In the month of September the new k.u.k. Starost and, and at the same time, the President of the district school Board, the Honorable Mr. Wajdowicz arrived and assumed his position. [signed: 22 December 1897. Szostkiewicz]

Winter, mild and without a hard freeze, is not disrupting children’s attendance.

On April 1st a change in the teaching staff took place. Ms. Stefania Niesiołowska moved to the position of a permanent junior teacher to Święcany, and the Distinguished k.u.k. county school Board appointed in her place Ms. Maria Oliwianka, a junior teacher’s substitute in Święcany. Ms. Stefania Niesiołowska was noted for her energy in fulfilling her duties. In March of this year His Excellency E. Sanguszko withdrew from the position of Galicia Viceroy and in his place His Majesty appointed Count Piniński, a professor of Lvov University and an envoy to the State Council. [signed: 12. 5. 1898. Szostkiewicz]

June 16th. In the month of June anti-Semitic riots erupted in the western part of our land. The country folk attacked inns and other Jewish houses, demolished and broke furnishings and glass dishes, broke windows, and destroyed Jewish property. Osobnica wasn’t spared those riots either. Furnishings in the inn and the neighboring Jewish home were smashed on June 14th. The Jews were not killed nor even beaten anywhere but the gendarmes, protecting public order, were using firearms, as a result of which in Frysztak 12 peasants fell, and in other places (1 in Zarzecze) two more people. Where should we look for causes of those riots? According to the author of these words, the first cause was the arrogance of the Jews who treated a peasant as in the old days, using various insulting invectives. They didn’t consider that a peasant, previously silent, as a result of schooling and mixing with people of various classes with time became more ambitious and does not consent to be cheated and ill-treated as in the past. However, the ambition of the elders turned into impertinence in case of younger farmhands. The youth does not respect the elders, even their own parents, they became quick to attack, fight, and when an opportunity arose, they attacked the Jews. The development of peasant impertinence was caused greatly by the election agitation, in word as well as in writing. Another important motive for the incidents was the poverty of the country folk. Some went just to steal something. But the direct cause of the riots were rumors spread among the country folk by unknown culprits that the Emperor allowed beating and plunder of the Jews, and the Starost office issued a circular in this matter. Gullible country folk easily accepted those rumors as truth. The result of the riots, in addition to the one mentioned above, was that peasants were arrested in large numbers. From Osobnica alone over 20 were jailed – 13 of them, mainly farmhands, were sentenced to greater or lesser punishment. The courts have a lot of cases.

June 25th. The government instituted a state of emergency in over 30 counties, and in Nowy Sącz and Limanowa – courts martial. In villages and towns of our county army regiments are stationed, military patrols scout the county every day, a village watch is placed day and night. On June 30th the school year ended with an academic presentation, preceded by a solemn service but without a holy mass because there was a funeral that day. Father Jan Kłos, the local pastor and President of the local School Board presided over the examination. At the presentation those present were: Fr. Stopa, a vicar from Dębowiec, teachers Ms. Wiśniewska and Ms. Trzeciakówna from Dębowiec and Mr. T. Misiołek, a teacher from Łazy. There were two village farmers. If any dear reader of this chronicle wonders as to why in the past there were always several farmers present at the examination, and now there are barely 2 or 3 – I have to provide the explanation that in the past the presentation ended with a beer party which tempted the farmers’ presence more than the presentation itself.

On September 20th a requiem mass took place for the repose of the late Empress and Queen Elisabeth, murdered by a socialist Italian in Geneva in Switzerland on the 10th of September, 1898. The entire country was in mourning after the loss of its dearest Monarch.

Children attend very irregularly particularly IV level. It rarely happened that more than 30 children were present in the classroom. Sometimes the number of present fell to 15 and 12. Therefore, it was hard to think of progress. Those most stubborn were punished with fines.

28th September. The local teaching staff took part in the district conference in Żmigród.

20th of October. Starting with the decree of the Supreme k.u.k. Galicia School board, every year a solemn service is celebrated in the local church on this day celebrated as the feast day of the patron of school students, St. John Cantius; with the display of the Most Holy Sacrament and a homily suitable for the youth, based on the life and the deeds of the said Saint. It’s a pity that this year’s rainy season did not permit the children to gather in greater numbers. I take the liberty to note here with my conscientious impartiality, not for the purpose of any admiration, that Fr. Jan Kłos, the local pastor, strives with all his power for the spiritual development of the local school youth and the entire population, and that every most perfect human being and priest would like to bring his parish to the same state. I was previously on different assignments where vicars and pastors worked together, I talked to some of my colleagues about it and I have not met or heard of another school in which the religious education was carried on so regularly as in this school. Despite the large size of the parish and many church obligations, the devout Priest hurries at each appointed by Himself hour, and if parish obligations held Him up, he recompenses His loss the next day. The youth receive the Sacraments regularly 3 times per year according to the regulations of church Authorities. No wonder that the results of the work of the Pastor are seen in school as well as in the parish. Heaven grant him to be able to perform the duties of the good Shepherd in the best health for as long as possible.

On December 2nd students participated in the solemn services on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the reign of His k.u.k. Apostolic Majesty Emperor Franz Joseph I. After the service, the meaning of the completed service was explained to the youth of the older grades and the Anthem was sung.

December 20th. Measles is spreading in the area. It appeared in this gmina as well. In a few days very many school children as well as the younger ones fell ill. The school board informed the Distinguished k.u.k. Starostwo about it.

December 24th. In the last days students of lower grades almost did not attend school at all because measles bypasses barely any house.

December 31st. Because the entire village is stricken with measles and the Distinguished k.u.k. Starostwo has not given any dispositions in this case in spite of being informed, the local school Board ordered school closure for 3 days, to wit, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th January 1899. At the same time, Fr. President informed the Distinguished k.u.k. county School Board of this order. The gmina authority informed the Distinguished k.u.k. Starostwo about the spreading epidemic.

Because the weather was beautiful in the fall, the lower grades attended school regularly. This could not be said about the higher grades.

The Year 1899

5th January. Measles continues to rage. Today barely 40 children of III and 135 of IV level gathered. Only 5 children of I and II level came. In view of this, classes with these levels did not take place. The principal’s children are also infected with measles.

On January 7th the k.u.k. health care assistant the Honorable Dr. Szaynowski, delegated from the Distinguished k.u.k. Starostwo, arrived in the gmina and, after examining students’ health status, closed the school until January 15th. On January 15th education started again but the youth did not come to school due to measles. The same on the following days until the 21st of January.

On January 21st the Honorable Dr. Szaynowski arrived in the gmina for the second time and, having checked that measles is still spreading, closed the school until February 2nd.

Second semester. Because on February 2nd at night snow fell, barely any children came on February 3rd. Until now the winter was exceptionally mild and if not for the obstacle caused by measles, children would have attended school quite regularly. [signed: 18 February 1899. Szostkiewicz]

On February 19th the local school received a new Austro-Hungary map from the Land fund, as well as measures and metric scales.

June 1st. The efforts of the school administrator in regards to expansion of school to 3 classrooms and 3 teachers failed. Fr. President did not call a meeting of the local school Board in this case despite the fact that in view of such a large number of children (270) sooner or later school expansion has to happen. This is advocated by the school decree, by consideration for teachers’ health, and lack of proper progress. 85 to 90 children at the III level require a strong body, energy and teaching experience. Those conditions will never be satisfied by a young, weak person to whom this level falls as the result of division [of children between teachers], especially that this person also has 50 or 60 students to teach in the afternoon. This excess of work can consume even a strong body, no wonder then that local female teachers fall ill with throat and chest ailments. Even breathing vapors from such a crowd of children alone must cause harm. The number of children grows higher every year, no wonder since there are 503 houses in the gmina and there are 400 children obligated to attend school.

On June 29th the school year ended as usual with a solemn mass and an academic presentation under the guidance of Reverend Pastor Jan Kłos. There were no guests at the examination, and barely a few farmers. Prizes purchased for the amount of 5 zloty from the local school fund were distributed partly in the form of books and partly in the form of school supplies. Reverend President Father thanked the teachers for their eager work and encouraged regular attendance which in the previous school year left much to desire. Farmers paid over 20 zloty in fines for sending children to school irregularly. This sum was submitted to the hands of the Honorable k.u.k. Starost.

August 31st. For the next school year a change in the teaching staff was to occur. Ms. Oliwianka was assigned by the k.u.k. county school Board to the school in Leżyny, and in her place Ms. Wojnówna was assigned, a teacher from Brzyszczki; however, due to weakness she resigned from this post – perhaps considering in part her physical strength as inadequate for this school – and so Ms. Oliwianka stayed.

On September 1st the new school year started with a solemn mass. In addition, levels were divided between the teachers, to wit – Mr. Józef Wajda will lead I and IV level, as those requiring more professional knowledge, and II and III fell to Ms. Maria Oliwianka.

On September 15th registration of children was finally finished, of whom there were: level I -98, II – 58, III – 86, IV – 52, altogether 294. Everyone knowledgeable in school affairs can predict in advance what arduous work awaits the local teaching staff; that, having 98 children at the same time, one is unable to think about regular progress; that it won’t be possible to complete the curriculum if reviewing their tablets alone takes ¼ of an hour. It should be added that 40 more children stayed home unregistered, because there are 145 obligated for level I. Starting on October 15 these children will get 8 hours of education per week. What can one teach such a number of children in such a short time? Things are not any better with II level to which children moved up not well prepared due to a 2-month break in the last year. In view of such conditions, isn’t it necessary to enlarge the school to 3 classrooms or at least to build a new minimum 1-classroom school? Unfortunately, due to the lack of funds education in the gmina must suffer a lot, and based on the fact that without pressure people registered 300 children to school, one can say that they start to desire education.

On September 27th the school fence was completed, partially with new, partially with old pickets, the fence posts set were all new, oaken. Materials were purchased in Jasło. Naturally, it is very expensive, the pickets cost over 70 zloty. In view of such high prices it would be prudent to think of fencing schools off with hedges.

The entire year was rainy but fall is the most rainy season. It’s either a downpour or a heavy rain. The raging element washed away foot bridges, and even broke the bridge on Bednarka. Transportation was disrupted – children could not come to school. Nice weather for a day or two – then again two or three days of rain. Farmers are unable to sow nor harvest potatoes, especially in this clay dirt. No wonder that when the sun flashes, farmers keep older youth to dig potatoes. Students’ absence from school in view of those conditions must be excused. The oldest people don’t remember such a rainy fall. Labor is extremely expensive seeing that manors pay up to 50 cents per day to dig potatoes while previously they paid 25 or even 20 cents. And it is not surprising that many an older boy runs to work for a few days so he could buy shoes which his parents won’t be able to afford.

November 20th. A reader of this chronicle will notice that there is hardly a year in which some communicable disease doesn’t drag into this gmina. This year in the month of November an uninvited guest arrived: whooping cough. It tormented children for the entire month of November, especially the younger ones attending I and II level. As a result of this, attendance at those two levels fell off completely. A handful of children gathered in the classrooms and even that handful interrupted lessons with unceasing coughing.

December 7th. I have been planning to write the notes summarized below regarding properties of Osobnica however, due to various reasons I delayed writing until today. It is suitable to place them in the school chronicle because they will be important and interesting for future generations. How was Osobnica established? Naturally, just like all other settlements, with the only difference that certainly it was formed slowly, receiving new and new, but of different origin, arrivals. The Osobnica manor estate was a royal property so kings sent here settlers from various lands who for many years preserved their old costumes and traditions about which, naturally, I am unable to write anything in particular. Without fail, Osobnica is a medley of different nationalities. Currently, ancestral names prove it the best: Stec, Ramułt (which was changed to Nowak), Gierułt, Gliwa, Ciciora, Lorek (which was changed to Rolek), and so on. There is also no shortage of purely Polish names – one could say, noble ones – like: Jodłowski, Brzostowski, Barszczewski, Kosowski. Those lines must have come here later because there is just one family of each of them. That the local folk come from afar is witnessed also by the fact that they don’t know the tradition of sobótka burning which among the people in the area of Frysztak, Krosno and eastern part of the Jasło district is widespread. It is said that Osobnica is a Tatar settlement. I wouldn’t have the courage to deny it since I see faces so similar to Tatar ones. According to the stories of older farmers, the costume of older men consisted of a long sheepskin coat with a tall collar, a long folding ram hat. Heads shaven at the back still can be seen in older men; long hair, falling almost to the shoulders, also was seen up till recent times. Women and girls wore linen clothing, and they had a custom which even now has not changed much, of wrapping their heads with scarves so that their faces could barely be seen. This also attests to their Eastern origin. Local inhabitants also differ from the Masurians from the area of Jasło, Krosno, Frysztak, in that they wear a cropped mustache while those ones shaved it altogether. However, this difference, as well as the one regarding clothing, slowly fades away.

Osobnica also has a separate dialect. “Torba grechu” and “klecek seli” – those are words mocking the speech of an Osobnican. And their speech really was like that and old people use it to this day. When I came to this post in 1887, I didn’t always understand the children and I bet that they didn’t always understand me. In regards to the use of an e instead of an o, it would be hard for me to draw a clear formula; it would also be difficult to list all words that take an e instead of an o more so that an o often changes into a y, for example, dryga (droga) – or a y into a u, i.e. buł (był). For females they use byja and for a neutral gender buło. Another attribute of the local dialect is the emphasis on the 3rd syllable from the end in the past tense in the feminine gender, and often in the male gender, i.e. zrébia (zrobiła), as a result of which the next to the last syllable disappeared; zobjédował (zobiadował), and so on. The school had perhaps not the sole but a predominant influence on the improvement of the speech. Today in the younger generation it is hard to hear those aforementioned words, the speech becomes smoother but it takes time and time again until it is polished. Without a doubt, progress would be faster if the elders didn’t make fun of the young for their more correct pronunciation.

It is also proper for me to mention mass emigration of the local population to America. Perhaps someone will ask: is this a benefit or a loss? I can honestly say that the locals benefit morally and materially. They benefit morally because 1st they learn to work, 2nd they learn frugality, 3rd generosity (they offered a few hundred zloty for the new church), and finally 4th moral benefit for this gmina is that boisterous elements emigrate and the gmina becomes calmer. Materially the gmina gained considerably, and in years of famine, American dollars save the local population. The Osobnicans emigrate not to settle down in in America; barely a few families (4-5) settled down there permanently, they go only to earn money but, as I mentioned, they go in great numbers, the married, and bachelors and maidens; married women stay on the farms. Do those who emigrated suffer any loss? It [the loss] is suffered by estate owners and all those who need laborers. The lack of laborers is felt severely. In the past on the feast of the Three Kings employers used to come to Osobnica to hire laborers. The inn, as it was said, was the formal market for servant girls, today it is hard to get one. Over 1000 souls are already in America from Osobnica. Chicago, Detroit and La Salle are places of their employment.

December 30th. Last year teachers’ wages were regulated. The Journal of Laws and The School from 1899 contain the relevant law therefore this short notice in the chronicle is sufficient.

Winter started very nicely. Not too cold, therefore attendance in December was fairly good.

A great fuel shortage in this area has been felt. The price of firewood went up considerably. A fathom of hard firewood with delivery costs here 13 Rhenish zloty, soft firewood – 8 ½ Rhenish zloty. Because coal also went up considerably, therefore the sum allocated in the school budget for heating is currently not sufficient. [signed: 30 December 1899 JWajda. Read 23/4/1900 Szostkiewicz]

Year 1900

This year didn’t bring anything new for the school therefore until visitation of the k.u.k. county Inspector no entries were made. Children, as usual, attended quite regularly until the beginning of spring fieldwork; from mid-April irregularly.

At the end of April the current k.u.k. Starost, the Honorable Mr. Waydowicz, resigned from his post, and from May 12th this post, and at the same time the presidency over k.u.k. district school Board, was taken by the Honorable Mr. Michatowski, of which fact he informed school administrations by a separate letter.

Since June 1st there has been activity in the surrounding gminas caused by the military manoeuvers planned for September in which His Majesty himself is to take part and to reside in Jasło for a few days. Residents clean, case wells, build new and repair old roads; the k.u.k. Starostwo officials visit gminas to oversee those activities.

Attendance in June very irregular, progress in education almost none.

On June 28th academic presentation of male and female students of this school took place under the leadership of the local Pastor Jan Kłos. One farmer and a member of the local school board was present at the examination for a short while, and 2 women who came in likely not out of curiosity but to hide from a torrential rain. Because considerable numbers of manor estates were parceled out and the remaining owners were not very interested in schools and because the villagers are also not interested in examinations conducted in old fashioned ways – therefore, such presentations should be canceled in villages, or at least a teacher should have the freedom regarding what kind of presentation to prepare. Does it make sense for the Pastor to quiz the children on religion in the presence of the teacher, and for the teacher to quiz in the presence of the Pastor? A solemn mass, reciting a beautiful poem, a speech by the President, handing out certificates, prizes for diligence, singing – such a presentation is quite sufficient. I should add that for the past two years barely half of the students come to the presentation, just those who expect prizes.

After the presentation pieces of torn-up school announcements [certificates] could be seen on the street. Therefore, school announcements have not yet reached their purpose, so the money spent on them and teacher’s work are wasted. Barely a few more ambitious children expect their certificates, and even they use them to cover books with after summer vacation.

In the first half of July in the Żmigród district a conference took place in which the local teaching staff participated. The conference was combined with an exhibition of school projects, notebooks and women’s handiwork.

During summer vacation the k.u.k. district school Board removed Ms. Maria Oliwianka from the post of the junior teacher and in her place assigned Mr. Jan Studziński, a candidate to the teaching profession, a graduate of the k.u.k. Seminary in Krosno.

1900/1901

1900/1901 school year began with a solemn mass on September 1st. On the same day the teachers made an agreement in regards to the division of levels between them. Mr. Jan Studziński will lead levels I and III, Mr. Józef Wajda – II and IV. A huge number of children, more than 320, registered for school. The student ledger shows that parents register children for school more and more eagerly, however, they sent older children of III and IV level irregularly in spring and fall because they are really needed to help in the fields.

On September 12th His Majesty came to Jasło to take part in the military manoeuvers. At the direction of the Honorable k.u.k. Inspector children from the local school also rushed, in the number of about 180, to greet His Imperial and Royal Apostolic Majesty.

At the end of the manoeuvers on 14/15 September the entire 2nd Regiment of Uhlans quartered in this gmina, and on Saturday the 15th - the Regiment of Hungarian Honved and Hungarian Uhlans, as well as the Dragoons. The classroom was transformed into a military office. [signed: 24 February 1900, Szostkiewicz]

The year 1901

The first days of January were very cold therefore only a few children from each class attended school. Later winter weather, quite mild without blizzards, allowed regular attendance. Consequently, the older youth benefits most at this time, during spring and fall they have to help their parents in field work so the attendance falls.

March 1st. At the end of February the Public School Society through Mr. Andrzej Pawłowski, a lawyer and the mayor of the city of Jasło, President of the public education in the county, sent 150 books of various topics for the establishment of a public library. Although the books, issued mostly in Warsaw, don’t contain anything harmful, they had to be categorized: for older and younger ones because students in particular started reading avidly. Even though it’s a free library, the author [of this journal] set a fee of 20 hellers annually in the belief that he will get no voluntary donation from anyone in the gmina and the books soon will need to be covered. The library is a success.

June 1st. A II level student, Karolina Jodłowska, died, probably of angina.

June 27th. The school year ended with a mass and an academic achievement program which was directed by Reverend Jan Kłos, Pastor and President of the local school board. Only two farmers came to the program.

September 2nd. The k.u.k. district school Board moved the local junior teacher, Jan Studziński, to the post of interim principal of the 2. grade school in Ołpiny, and in his place it appointed Stanisław Sochacki, a candidate to the teaching profession. Today the 1901/2 school year started with a solemn mass. I and II levels this year will be taught by Mr. Stanisław Sochacki, level II and IV by the school principal.

September 15th. After completion of the registration it turned out that there is a huge crowding at I and III levels. There will be over 100 students at each level. Despite teacher’s effort, proper progress will be hard to achieve.

On October 1st His Excellency Dr Michal Bobrzyński resigned from the post of Vice President of the k.u.k. Galicia school Board in order to take up a Professor Chair at the Jagiellonian University, and His place was taken by Dr Edwin Płażek.

As the supplement to the 36th issue of “Dziennik Urzędowy of k.u.k. Galicia school Board” informs, various institutions bid farewell to the resigning Vice President with true regret, in their farewell speeches praising his great contributions to the education in our land during his ten-year administration.

In mid-November scarlet fever erupted in the gmina. There is hardly a home in which the children are not ill. There is considerable mortality, especially in the first half of December. Two, three or even four children were buried every day. Up until today, that is December 13th, two students died, to wit: Pięta Grzegorz from level I and Kuchta Apolonia from level II.

It is proper to mention that in the fall of this year a new, better well, was built exclusively for the school. The organ player is allowed to draw water from it only with the agreement of the school principal. Also a new entryway was built for the basement because the ceiling of the old one cracked so much that it was in danger of falling down, and students walk through there to school and during a break.

December 22nd. The year 1901 ends on a sad note for the teaching staff of the local district – sad because of funerals. In Swięcany a very hard-working and loved, particularly by older co-workers, the late Leon Piątkiewicz died, having left his numerous, but not provided for, family. The wound after his death has not healed when new painful news arrived that on December 19th unexpectedly Adolf Szostkiewicz died, the k.u.k. Inspector of this county whose funeral took place on December 21st to which, with very few exceptions, the teaching staff from the entire county gathered, and also many teachers from the Krosno county, the supervisor of which he was some years ago. Venerable clergy from nearly the entire county, with whom the late Adolf was in very cordial relations, took part in the funeral. The eulogy was given in the church by Father Józef Gajda, catechist of the szkoła wydziałowa [divisional school] for girls in Jasło, praising the contributions of the deceased - and at the cemetery - by Mr. Andrzej Stopiński, principal of the 6. grade school for boys in Jasło. The teaching staff loved the late Adolf Szostkiewicz, their superior, with all their hearts because he really deserved it. He was always guided by tolerance. Seeing sometimes deficiencies, he did not attribute them to teachers’ laziness or negligence but he put himself deeper in their place and conditions in which they worked. The late k.u.k. Inspector died because, apparently, this was God’s will but in the hearts of teachers he left an unforgettable memory and a deep adoration for it. A true, loving citizen and a son of his Motherland died – he stood up for Her protection. Let him rest in peace.

31st December. Scarlet fever continues to rage, children die. During Christmas break one of the I level students died. Winter is exceptionally mild; the air, for December, is the warmest in living memory. [signed: I saw it. 28 January 1902, Tokarski, k.u.k. Galicia school Inspector; Ciejka, k.u.k. district school inspector]

The year 1902

As can be seen from the above signature, on January 28th the school was visited by the Honorable Councilor Tokarski, the k.u.k. provincial inspector of public schools, and the Honorable Jan Ciejka, the k.u.k. district inspector from Gorlice and, at the same time, since the death of the late Adolf Szostkiewicz, the interim district inspector in Jasło. The subject of the inspection was supplementary education, for which this day a small number of children gathered. The girls read and talked about soil from chapter I, and the Honorable Mr. Councilor questioned the boys in math, particularly calculation of the area of a triangle. Then, he looked over school records, gave teachers pointers regarding supplementary education, inquired about local and personal relations of the school principal and, while leaving, expressed to him his satisfaction.

Winter continues to be mild, one couldn’t complain about the attendance if not for scarlet fever which still hasn’t died out.

On January 28th the local school Board held a meeting at which the urgent need for a third teacher was decided, as well as the need to submit a request to the county school Board to announce a public hearing with the purpose of arranging a third classroom. In accordance with the order of the county school Board, as a deputy for this hearing the gmina council elected Jakub Brągiel, called “Kozak”, who expressed his opposition to a third teacher so the matter of arranging a proper classroom was tabled. He acted under the influence of reluctant toward the school and incompetent farmers.

The school year ended, as always, with a solemn mass and an academic achievement recital under the direction of the president of the local school board, Father Canon Jan Kłos. No farmers were present. This recital always has a format of former exams. Questions in all subjects are given. If at least parents came to listen to the recitals, they would make sense but in view of the apathy, the exams should be cancelled; the end of the year should be limited to a mass, singing, a speech by the president or the school principal, handing out certificates and prizes. With the decree of June 3rd No 516 the k.u.k. county school Board informed the school administration that Ms. Klementyna Stankówna was nominated a permanent junior teacher for this school as of August 1, 1902.

In the month of July of the current year the Diet of Galicia and Lodomeria enacted a new law regarding legal privity of the teaching profession. The main advantage of this act is the abolition of junior teachers position in all classrooms and matching their compensation to that of senior teachers.

His Excellency Minister of Religion and Education appointed the Honorable Mr. Jan Ciejka, the k.u.k. permanent county Inspector from Gorlice for the full time Inspector of the Jasło county.

The k.u.k. county school Board sets a new date for a public hearing with the purpose of arranging a third classroom for August 25, 1902.

The gmina council elected councilmen Józef Kuchta and Jan Ulaszek as representatives for the public hearing. Reverend Father Jan Kłos, canon and the local pastor, was very supportive of creating a third classroom, seeing how the teachers struggle in classrooms overfilled with children. On the aforementioned date it was finally resolved to organize a third classroom in the gmina office.

For the third teacher for the parallel classroom the k.u.k. county school Board appointed Stanisław Sochacki who performed teaching duties in this school in the previous school year.

The school year began with a mass on September 2nd but, since the third classroom hasn’t been ready yet, and children, due to harvest, attended rarely, education started in all three classrooms on September 10th. Level I and level III were divided. Józef Wajda will teach boys of level I, Ms. Klementyna Stankówna – girls of level I and the entire level II; level III (4th year) before noon and level III (3rd year) after noon will be taught by Mr. Stanisław Sochacki; level IV – by Józef Wajda. Three hundred and forty children registered.

On September 19 a moon bow could be seen over the lower part of the gmina, an extremely rare phenomenon. The entire moon bow was grey; other colors could not be recognized.

In the month of September the attendance in higher levels was poor, as always in this month, and the reason for that is the lack of a laborer, since all those fit for work, even young farmers, emigrated to America to make a living. [signed: 27/11/1902]

The year 1903

This year’s winter began its reign with a strong freezing wind. Astrologists [sic!] predict Siberian winter. However, the predictions don’t come true in our land. Apart from a few harder frosts which exceeded 20⁰ – and which interrupted school attendance for a few days – winter was dry and rather mild. March was particularly beautiful this year – warm and dry. Field work is in full swing. Even trees are starting to bud. At the end of March into the gmina a measles epidemic dragged in - which previously already afflicted the entire southern part of the district. In response to the news of the spread of the epidemic on April 4 the district doctor, the Honorable Dr. Szczepański, arrived and closed the school for 2 weeks. On April 19 he came again and, having checked further spread of the disease, ordered closure until May 3, inclusive. Therefore, a break in education lasted the entire month of April, which hindered children’s progress.

On May 4 education began anew but because cattle were already sent to the fields, attendance at the higher levels is poor.

The school year ended with a solemn mass and an academic achievement recital on June 28.

In the month of June His Excellency Count Piniński resigned from the position of the k.u.k. Galicia Viceroy, and in the month of July the reigns of the country – and at the same time the Presidency of the k.u.k. county school district were taken over by Count Andrzej Potocki.

The 1903/4 school year began with a solemn mass on September 1st. The teaching staff stays the same.

The year 1904

[note on the left margin: Change of the school principal December 5, 1903]

On December 5th a change occurred in the teaching staff. At his own demand, the k.u.k. Galicia school Board moved Karol Strzelecki, principal of 2. grade school in Trzcinica to 2. grade school in Osobnica; and Mr. Wajda, principal of the local school was moved to 2. grade school in Trzcinica, also at his own request.

8 May 1904, Cornerstone dedication. On May 8, 1904 there was a great joy in the gmina; because on this feast day the cornerstone was dedicated for the parish church which is to be built.

8 May 1904, Theatrical performance. On this day in the evening at 7 o’clock for the first time in Osobnica in the classroom a theatrical performance was shown, incorporating fantastic and folk elements, titled Madej’s Stick (by Chociszewski). This play went very well. There was quite a lot of intelligentsia, four priests and a crowd of village folk.

Drought and disaster in 1904. The year 1904 was a year of drought and, therefore, of a disaster for the population of the entire mid-western Europe. During March, April, May, June, July, until August 27 it rained barely a few times in a few spots where it sprinkled on plants but in other places there was no rain at all. As a result all vegetables, grasses, clover, and potatoes suffered harm. Only rye was generally beautiful, wheat less so, and barley and oats were poor. Springs and rivers dried out. The river in Osobnica, called Bednarka, dried out completely and the remaining fish was taken out by birds. Storks, not having any food, left prematurely.

On the day of August 27 God granted nourishing rain but it didn’t succeed in soaking the ground dried out after 6 months of sun; only the next rain that lasted a few days moistened the ground deeper and plants got greener as if in spring.

At the end of the drought people were very saddened; because they lacked water not only for themselves but also for their livestock. Cattle were fed with tree leaves. Numerous fires came upon cities and villages. Two cities in Galicia: Brzesko and Sokołów, suffered most. In Brzesko about 400 homes burned down, and even the church, and in Sokołów – 600.

The year 1905/6

Arrival of a new teacher. In the past year, that is 1904, work in this school was excessive because only two teachers worked with 400 children: i.e. Karol Strzelbicki and Klementyna Stanek. For the year 1905 one more teacher was assigned: Wilhelm Kozłowski, young and energetic. Work, for this reason, was divided in the following way: Karol Strzelbicki took Ist level boys and IV level co-ed. Klementyna Stankówna will teach I level girls and II level, and Mr. Wilhelm Kozłowski – III level, that is, 4th year of education before noon and 3rd year in the afternoon.

Substantial attendance. Teacher’s heart is filled with joy and his spirit grows when he sees crowds of children, hungry for knowledge, before him. Then he raises his zeal and strength to the greatest power possible, because he would want to change all children into Angels. This year 1905/6 was exceptional in regards to attendance. Classrooms and benches were unable to fit all children; where should we look for reasons for this? Fines haven’t been imposed for a few years now. Well, having looked closer all the way into the folk spirit, that is, having learned through conversation their thoughts, I came to the conclusion that it’s not the fine, not the fear of a fine but the need drives out the children from a cottage to school.

Reason of substantial attendance. There is nothing greater, nothing nicer for educators over the word “the need for knowledge”. There are villages in which this word is not heard, where the need of bread alone is sufficient. Having been more consistent in this, I further followed the word “the need of knowledge” and I asked myself a question, where did this word come from in the mouth of the people.

What causes the need of knowledge. And I reached my goal, I solved the problem. This need of knowledge among people in Osobnica was intensified by emigration to America. There, the folks say, an ignoramus peasant has nothing to do, he doesn’t know where to go, what to do, he is helpless at every step, allows himself to be taken advantage of, and feels more and more isolated from his family, unable to communicate via letters.

Emigration for an Osobnican is not at all a hardship. He goes there with joy, because he knows that in a few years he will return with a purse full of dollars. Some of the emigrants go there several times. Up to 1500 local people work there in various factories. Children here talk about America as if it were close nearby, just beyond the village. And no wonder; let’s look at what America did, if we can say it that way.

The wealth of the village. The entire village abounds with money; in banks in Jasło and Dębowiec the Osobnicans are those who have the most money. They bought up the entire manor estate when it was parceled out, and it is said that they would be able to purchase another one. The church is gorgeous, they built a brick one with a tower without any help, it cost up to 60,000 Rhenish zloty. The altar is huge in the Gothic style, made in a masterly manner, it cost 4000 Rhenish zloty and the side altar of Our Lady – 1500 Rhenish zloty.

Dedication of the new church. Dedication of the church took place on the day of July 7 in the current year. It was consecrated by Bishop Karol Fischer, suffragan from Przemyśl, while he was visiting churches in the Żmigród deanery. This church dignitary also visited the local school on July 8th.

Bishop at school. School children, gathered numerously, greeted him with full hearts, and in addition to his pastoral blessing they received from the Bishop keepsakes in the form of pictures and books. On the same day he left for Harklowa, seen off with great heartache.

School flag, newly made. The local school experienced another great joy this year, because on the day of June 17th it received a standard, blessed by Reverend Canon Father Jan Kłos. This standard was purchased from donations of school children. Therefore, it cost 46 crowns, not including labor. How much joy this standard brings to children carrying it as a sign and a symbol among people either in church or at processions.

Description of the standard. This standard consists of a wood color flag-staff, an oil-painting of St. John Cantius on one side and the Guardian Angel on the other, of white wool fabric hemmed with fringes on all sides, and of a crimson sash. When not in use, covered up with a slip-cover it always stays at school.

End of school year. On the day of June 27th the school year ended with a solemn academic achievement recital of school students, under the direction of Father Jan Kłos, in the presence of the Head of the gmina J. Brągiel. Children beautifully answered, recited poems and sang. After the recital, as usual, some children joyfully, enthusiastically and gratefully went home, carrying with them good certificates and prizes; and others, sad, lazily, with tears, without certificates dragged themselves home. What will they show their parents, with what will they prove their diligence to their parents? Surely, they will receive a reprimand and a warning to improve.

School certificates. Here in Osobnica certificates with poor progress are not given at all as it was seen that children tore them into pieces with anger right beyond school doorstep. Parents know right away that when a child does not bring a certificate, surely he is doing badly. It’s a good incentive to a child’s improvement, to sending children to school regularly, and finally, this way a bad example of a bad uncompliant student, who in front of everybody viciously tears a bad certificate into pieces, is eliminated.

The Year 1906/7

For the year 1906/7 378 children were registered for everyday education, that is, 112 for level I, 87 for level II, 111 for level III, and 72 for level IV.

Beginning of school year. The school year began with a mass on September 1st. The new church was full of children, it was hard for one teacher to restore order. There were no teachers with the children other than the principal, and yet, the day of September 1st counts as a school day.

Division of levels between the teachers. On September 3rd, that is on Monday Ms. Stankówna came so children in the number of 378 were divided between the two: Karol Strzelbicki took IV level and I level boys and girls, and Ms. Stankówna level II and III; because level III was very numerous, there was the need to divide it into 3rd year and 4th year so the 3rd year would come to school one day, and the 4th year - another. This continued until September 12. On the day of September 12 Mr. Wilhelm Kozłowski arrived, therefore, a new division took place; he took over III level in such a way that 4th year attends before, and 3rd year – after noon each day. Teacher Ms. Stankówna took II level and I level girls. This chaos began as a result of Mr. Kozłowski’s departure who, discouraged with the lack of living quarters, did not want to start teaching. But, thank God, a small room was found in the shed of the carpenter. It was cleaned and whitened, it is possible to live there for the time being before winter. This shows that not only classrooms but also a residence for teachers needs to be prepared as it cannot be found in the entire village under any circumstances.

Appointment of a teacher. On October 5, 1906, No 1547. the k.u.k. County School Board in Jasło in place of W. Kozłowski appointed Katarzyna Olszynówna, a temporary teacher of the public school in Nienaszów for the temporary teacher of 2. grade school in Osobnica, she started performing her duties only on October 23.

The number of children in this 1906/7 school year was substantial, daily classes were attended by 194 boys and 184 girls, and supplementary classes – 26 boys and 27 girls.

The 1906/7 year was successful for the teachers because as of July 1st wages were increased. This has been importuned for some years now, in magazines, in teachers’ rallies, the last one of which took place on February 19, 1907 and perhaps contributed most toward improving the plight of teachers. Due to the annually growing cost of living, the teaching profession bends under the burden of material set-backs.

The year 1907/8

On the day of March 21 in the current year the k.u.k. county school Board moved Mr. Karol Strzelbicki, principal of this school to the position of interim school principal in Tarnowiec, and it entrusted the management of the school in Osobnica to Ms. Klementyna Stankówna, a local permanent teacher.

The Daily of March 13, 1908 informs that the Vice President of the k.u.k. Galicia School Board Dr. Edwin Płażek is resigning, and in his place with the Supreme decision of February 26 in the current year His Imperial and Apostolic Majesty deigned to nominate Dr. Ignacy Dembowski as Vice President of the k.u.k. Galicia School Board.

On April 12th in the current year Viceroy and President of the k.u.k. Galicia School Board Count Andrzej Potocki was treacherously murdered by a Rusyn Mirosław Siczyński. News of this tragic death of such a meritorious citizen of our land and a faithful Son of the Motherland shook the minds of all and caused immense sadness in the entire country.

His Imperial and Apostolic Majesty with the Supreme decision of April 28 of the current year most graciously deigned to nominate Dr. Michał Bobrzyński, former Vice President of the k.u.k. Galicia School Board, Professor of the Jagiellonian University, Privy Councilor, as Viceroy of Galicia and President of the k.u.k. Galicia School Board.

On June 8th of the current year the local gmina celebrated Holy Father’s Pius X jubilee. On this day a solemn thanksgiving mass was celebrated in the church, and in the evening an amateur performance took place. A folk drama Drzymała’s Wagon (by Rączkowski) was presented to the general satisfaction of numerously gathered intelligentsia from the surrounding area and of the local folk. After the completion of the performance, a student of IV level recited a beautiful ode in honor of the Holy Father.

At the beginning of June measles erupted in the gmina for the second time this year. There is hardly a home in which children are not sick. In response to a report about the spread of the epidemic, on June 12, 1908 the county doctor, the Honorable Dr. Szczepański, arrived and closed the school for two weeks, with instructions that school certificates should be handed out to students on September 1 in the current year.

The Year 1908/9

At the request of Mr. Karol Strzelbicki, the k.u.k. County School Board relieved him of the position of substitute principal in Tarnowiec, sending to him a letter of appreciation for ardent performance of his teaching duties there.

The lack of classrooms and living quarters for teachers at the Osobnica school is felt by no one as intensely as by the two teachers who reside here permanently; since [with] over 400 children, although they come every other day, one cannot possibly fulfil teaching duties, despite enormous efforts. This matter repeats itself year after year without end.

The newly appointed teacher, as the third force, Maria Wiśniewska arrived in September and assumed teaching service but apparently only to abandon her unrewarding post in October forever. And, again those two teachers continue to pull teacher wheel barrows, burdened with the weight, they teach 125 children every day, one level in the morning and the other in the afternoon; although the law clearly states that there should be two teachers for over 80 children, and three – for over 120.

On December 2, 1908 an extraordinary celebration took place at the school, that is the 60th anniversary of the reign of our Majesty Emperor Franz Joseph I. It began with a mass at the church with singing by students of the Emperor’s Hymn. After mass the entire youth gathered in the classroom, beautifully decorated; the principal of this school spoke to the youth about the life of His Imperial and Apostolic Majesty Franz Joseph I, about His favorable reign and benefits flowing to His beloved people. After the speech the youth again sang the Emperor’s Hymn and after a threefold cry “Long live His Excellency, our Emperor and King Franz Joseph I” returned home, exempt from lessons.

Another similar jubilee celebration took place in the church and at school on December 17, 1908 in honor of the Holy Father Pius X who this year celebrated the 50th anniversary of priesthood. On both of those jubilee days the entire attending youth was relieved of daily and supplementary education. An extraordinary sight met the eye when country youth in Osobnica took over the entire church, and instructed, was sending prayers now quietly or with singing, to the Lord God for the venerable aforementioned honorees.

The Year 1909/10

The 1909/10 school year began with a solemn mass on the day of September 18, 1909.

There has been a change in the teaching staff because the k.u.k. Galicia School Board appointed the local school principal, Mr. Karol Strzelbicki, as principal of the 4th grade school in Brzostek, and it entrusted the management of this school to Ms. Klementyna Stanek, a local permanent teacher. At the same time the k.u.k. County School Board as interim teachers nominated Ms. Zofia Pasterczykówna and Mr. Tadeusz Wiśniewski.

On October 15 in the current year a celebration in honor of Juliusz Słowacki took place in the local school. In beautifully decorated classroom, Mr. Wajda, the principal of the school in Trzcinnica offered an introduction for the people gathered in large numbers and the intelligentsia from the area.

Afterwards, a student of IV level recited a poem titled I Am Sad, Lord by Słowacki, and after declamation the local peasants presented a folk play Raftsmen, to the great joy of the viewers. The celebration ended with a tableau showing Homage to Słowacki. Amateur music from Żmigród who played many beautiful pieces during intermissions contributed greatly to the improvement of the celebration. After the completed evening Reverend Father Jan Kłos and Reverend Father Canon Zygmunt Męski expressed gratitude to the teaching staff for so much devotion and work which they have not spared in preparing the play. At the wide request of the country folk, the same play was repeated next Sunday, with great success. [14 Feb 1910]

The Year 1910

Mild winter, without hard freeze and snowstorms does not interrupt children’s attendance – the studies therefore proceed properly. On the feast of Three Kings a Christmas tree celebration was prepared for the school children. Children of all levels gathered around beautifully decorated Christmas tree, sang a few Christmas carols, then two boys from III level delivered a dialog about the Birth of Jesus. After the celebration children received various gifts. Parents of the gathered children were also present. With the oncoming spring whooping cough and scarlet fever epidemics prevail in this gmina. As a result of the report about the spreading of the epidemics, on May 9, 1910 the county doctor, Dr. Szczepański, arrived and closed the school for 2 weeks. On May 23 he arrived for the second time and, having checked further spread of the disease, ordered the closure until June 11. The break in education lasted the entire month. On June 11 education started anew. Due to the break, the teaching staff, with the knowledge of k.u.k. district school Board, extended schooling until July 9 in order to complete the curriculum. The school year ended with a solemn mass and an academic achievement recital under the direction of Reverend Father Canon Jan Kłos.

On July 10, 1910 our village commemorated the victory at Grunwald with a solemn celebration. In the morning a solemn mass took place, and Reverend Father Canon Jan Kłos provided a beautiful suitable sermon. Due to torrential rain, the entire celebration took place at school. At the beginning, Reverend Father Gliwa, prior of the Paulist Fathers from Cracow, in a beautiful patriotic speech gave a short outline of the history of Poland, starting with bringing of the Teutonic Knights until their pogrom at Grunwald. After the speech the children sang a medley of patriotic songs and the orchestra played a few beautiful pieces. Later also Mr. Szymański spoke, the president of the Society of Public Schools from Jasło, and Mr. Trzeciak, a teacher from Swierchowa. At the end, Mr. Szymański showed to the numerously gathered folk Grunwald in paintings through a magic lantern.

This celebration for a long time will be a lasting and dear memory for all participating in it.

[signed: Klementyna Stankówna]

The year 1910/1911

Nomination of a teacher .By virtue of a competition and the decree of the k.u.k. Galicia School board of May 2, 1910, Stanisław Sochacki, a permanent teacher from the one-grade school in Załęzie was nominated for the vacated post of the principal of the Osobnica school.

Number of teaching staff in the current year. A change occurred again this year, unfortunately unfavorable for the school because due to the lack of the third classroom, only two teachers fulfill their duties.

Registration limits. There were 419 children required to attend daily classes, of whom 330 were admitted due to the lack of space. The others, that is 89 children who were mostly to enter 1st grade, were not admitted.

Division of work at each level. Despite this limitation, arduous work awaits the teaching staff. Levels I, II, and III are most crowded. Classes were divided in the following way: level I and IV, that is the 5th and the 6th year, is taught by the principal, level II and III by Ms. Klementyna Stanek, and in this way, the 3rd and the 4th year receive education every other day.

Roofing of the school building. The roofs of the school and the outbuildings were in very deplorable condition. While it was raining, water, leaking through holes in the roof, gathered on top of the ceiling and was soaking through to the guest room so there was a threat that the ceiling would collapse. Former principal, Mr. Strzelbicki, already made efforts in this matter however because of the heavily burdened budget due to the building of the new church, and then a vicarage, it was impossible to proceed with covering the roof. However, with good will it is possible to do a lot even in difficult conditions; this can be seen by the example of the newly elected gmina chairman Józef Kuchta. As a result of receiving a report from the school principal on the state of affairs, he immediately called for the gmina Council during which the necessity of covering the roof before the arrival of winter was resolved. Despite the fact that there was barely 29 crowns in cash in the gmina treasury, the gmina chairman took the entire matter in his own hands and at the beginning of October roofing began; it was completed so education could proceed without impediment on the 15th of the current month.

Time of lowest attendance . Therefore, this was chosen deliberately for the time of the lowest attendance due to potato harvest and the lack of working hands due to emigration to America. The entire roof of the school building was covered with the Dobrzechow tile which in this area is considered the best. About 8000 pieces were used, at 100 crowns per 1000 tiles.

The amount of material and the price of roofing. The small roof over the front porch, the corners and the gloriette in which the school bell is located, were covered with zinc sheets. The cost of roofing, including the materials, was 1200 crowns; this amount was entered into the gmina budget for the year 1911 because everything was done on credit. Having made necessary repairs, the covering of outbuildings was halted, because it is feared that the walls will not withstand the weight of the tile.

Industrial League lecture. On October 25 in the neighboring village of Trzcinica an exhibition by the Industrial League took place to which the local teaching staff went. Despite the willingness, it was impossible to take along students of higher grades, and it was due to cold. In order for the Osobnica children to also benefit to some degree, we asked those gentlemen (who came with the exhibition) to come to us, if not with the exhibition (which was impossible) then at least with a lecture with the aid of illuminated pictures, which they eagerly promised to do. In line with the agreement we sent a cart for them to Warzyce, in which they arrived here at noon on the 29th of the current month. In spite of the entrance fee of 10 halers the classroom was filled to capacity by students and even though it was a work day, present also were the gmina chairman and a few farmers and housewives. Speaking without exaggeration, the pictures were very beautiful and interesting in the field of the development of the country’s industry, interspersed with patriotic pictures, and they were explained live by one very eloquent member of the Society. The youth derived a lot of benefit from it, and the most [important] is such that since that time they don’t want to buy any other products but local.

Description of fall and winter. This year fall began with early frost and raised concern of early and hard winter. Those fears turned out to be unwarranted because after a few cold and snowy days the weather turned so warm that the trees started to break as if in spring.

Scarlet fever epidemic. School education began with replete attendance, unfortunately not for long because the curse that repeats itself nearly every year inflicted Osobnica again in the form of scarlet fever. The epidemic began to spread in an alarming way and caused many casualties among children, especially those of pre-school age. Over 30 children died, among them 7 students, to wit: from level I Marianna Czarny, Klementyna Kapanowska, Stanisław Gliwa, Tomasz Gliwa. From level II Zofia Stec, Zofia Czarny. From level IV of the 5th year Jan Brągiel. As a result, the district physician, Dr. Szczepański closed the school for 4 weeks, and because it was going to be only one day away from Christmas, he ordered not to assemble the children for school until the New Year. During this time, Dr. Szczepański visited our village every week, and having fallen ill himself, he commended us to the medical care of Dr. Hicner who, having examined the state of the illness closed the school again for 2 more weeks, that is, until January 14th inclusively.

Cutting of the linden and ash trees shading the school garden. In January of the current year the linden tree which grew in the school garden on the south side from time immemorial and shaded the school garden was cut down. As long as the old church stood, it was impossible to cut it [the tree] down because it threatened the church, having its main limbs slanted toward the church. With the permission of Father Canon Jan Kłos the ash trees growing to the east on the presbytery lot and shading the school garden were also cut down.

Closure of the school for the third time.  Because the scarlet fever epidemic hasn’t yet come to an end Dr. Hicner ordered further school closure until January 31st of the current year. Therefore, school education suffered a lot because the school was closed for over ten weeks.

Notices not distributed. As a result, there was no distribution of school notices for the first semester, because grades couldn’t be awarded.

Description of winter. On February 1 work in this local school started anew but again, with obstacles. Winter so far was mild, but February this year pronounced itself with traditional fierceness – with copious snowfall and frost below 20⁰ Centigrade. School attendance again suffered a lot, especially since parents sent children to school unwillingly in fear of scarlet fever. Only March proved merciful for us. Soon the snow melted, frost broke and from the 22nd of the current month spring has arrived in all its fullness. People took to the field and garden work.

Changes in the school garden. There also have been some changes in the school garden. Trees were cleaned and whitewashed. A seedling nursery and a tree nursery was set up, and eventually an entire forest of few-year-old wildings was dug up which were taking up a large portion of school garden uselessly, and they were distributed among local peasants who, having heard about free distribution of young trees, came to school in crowds to get them. This way over 300 young trees were given away, they would have eagerly taken twice as many. At any rate, it’s a good sign that passion for planting trees is starting to awaken here. At the same time, I must mention that there is a complete lack of orchards in Osobnica.

The description of spring. Influenced by spring’s warmth new life began to awaken: swallows, storks and other birds flew in; frogs began to croak; bugs and butterflies started to fly. Unfortunately, on April 2nd an unpleasant surprise arrived. Snow fell and frost nipped many buds. All life froze again, it is not known for how long. On April 5th, 6th and 7th the frost was so hard that windows in the classroom were frozen entirely. But the end of April and May were beautiful and warm, and even hot.

School visitation. On May 4th the district school Inspector, the Honorable Mr. Jan Ciejka visited our school and stayed for the afternoon classes of children of Ist and IInd year.

End of school year. On June 30th the school year was finished solemnly under the direction of Fr. Izydor, a Franciscan from Jasło, delegated on behalf of the local Fr. Canon who, due to weakness, was unable to arrive personally.

Renovation of teacher’s quarters. At the beginning of August began the construction of new tiled stoves in both classrooms in place of old kamyczkowe* stoves which were completely blown. The cost of both stoves is 280 crowns, in addition to clay and bricks used for making the chimney flue. A thorough renovation of the principal’s apartment and the teacher’s room also began. The floors in both rooms and in the teacher’s apartment were thrown out because the mold destroyed them completely. The dirt was removed with the purpose of drying the lower parts of the foundation, walls were isolated from the foundation with insulating tar which was also separated by pouring dirt under the floor; a new tiled stove was also built in the large room in place of the old one which was also destroyed by mold, and new pine parquet floors were placed in all three rooms. Likewise, the classroom was partly renovated on the west side where mold also crept up. This renovation was performed by builder Szczurek from Jasło for the price of 850 crowns, including helpers and materials.

New pickets. This year the southern part of the school garden was also picketed. [signed: Stanisław Sochacki]

The year 1911/12

Creation of filial class. By the decree of the k.u.k. Galicia School Board of July 15, 1911, No 7222/II in this school year at the local school a filial class was opened in the upper part of the gmina, in the house of Franciszek Gliwa.

Teacher nomination. For the teacher, the k.u.k. district School board nominated Stanisław Lajpras, a candidate for the teaching profession who took his matriculation exam in the k.u.k. teaching seminary in Krosno. Due to the renovation of the building, education started on September 5th with a solemn mass.

Beginning of classes. Because the building which were to hold the filial classroom hasn’t been completed yet, all children attended the old school building until September 15th; afterwards division of children and regular education began in both schools. Due to potato harvest and other fall field work attendance settled only starting on October 15th.

Sentencing to a fine. Tardy parents were penalized with a fine in total amount of 80 crowns.

School visitation. On [blank] of November the filial class was visited by the district school inspector, the Honorable Mr. Jan Ciejka, and he came to the supplementary education class in the morning, as well as to the I and II level of everyday education in the afternoon, afterwards he left for Łazy Dębowieckie, having missed our school for unknown reasons.

Description of summer and fall. Not only summer but also fall this year were dry to such a degree that water in the nearby stream stopped flowing.

Lack of water. And in many wells there was a lack of water, school’s well-being no exception. The weather and the warmth continue and although it’s the second half of November, warm temperatures are not falling, and on a sunny day one can walk outside in regular clothes, not feeling cold at all.

Winter forecast. Beekeepers and older people, and even newspapers, forecasted from various signs an early and hard winter. Those forecasts seem to be deceptive because December is near the end and winter is not in a hurry. These are immemorial times with hardly any snow before Christmas. Only on the second day of Christmas did it start snowing and the snow whitened the ground a little. Perhaps the New Year will bring something new in this matter.

A proposal of separation of the Chełm land. This year a proposal was brought in the Russian Duma regarding a separation of the Chełm land and annexing it to the Empire. The Polish nation, outraged with such robbery, protested against it to cheer up the brothers in the borderlands and to embolden them to the fight against the oppressor.

Description of winter. The New Year indeed started with hard frost and considerable snowfall. The temperature was sometimes reaching 20⁰ Celsius below zero, and with that sledging was splendid for almost two weeks.

Death of a teacher. On January 6th we received sad news of the death of the late Stanisław Lejpras, the teacher of the filial class in upper Osobnica. Inexorable death cut short the life of the young man in the 20th year of his life. He was healthy and happy when he went to visit his family for the holidays, not suspecting that he would never come back to his post. After three days of illness he died of scarlet fever on January 4th of the current year, leaving behind honest sorrow not only of his family but also of strangers among whom he made himself known. He was a nice, polite, religious young man, and at the same time, conscientious in fulfilling his duties. Not long, barely four months, he worked as a teacher, and he managed to win over the love of the little ones and their parents, and especially of the environment in which he lived.

School closure. On January 7th, as a result of the school principal’s report, the district physician, Dr. Szczepański, closed the local school for two weeks due to a chickenpox epidemic in the village and at the school building where all children of the principal fell ill.

The Galicia rally. On January 14th the Galicia rally took place in Lvov to which over 10 000 public school teachers gathered to unburden their deplorable material circumstances before the assembled envoys and to demand an increase of the current miserable wages.

Nomination of a teacher.  For the vacated post of the filial class the k.u.k. district School Board nominated Władysław Lubelski, a temporary teacher in Kołaczyce.

In the second half of winter there were strong frost and a lot of snow, luckily not for long, since the spring began quite early.

Spring. Later, cold and frost came again. Despite the cold, fruit trees flowered so beautifully as people cannot remember. At the beginning of April two regular bee hives were set, one hive in each of them.

Summer. Summer began with beautiful days and was almost completely dry. Crops in the fields, winter crops as well as spring grains, are beautiful.

End of school year. On June 27th a solemn end of the school year took place. At the beginning of July in the newly prepared frame beehives two hives were placed. Due to late swarming and small surplus, both hives had to be fed with sugar. Each hive got 9 kilograms of sugar cooked with water so they could hibernate well.

Roofing of outbuildings. During summer vacation roofs of the woodshed, the stable and the school privies were covered with tar. Construction of a porch in the back of the school also began.

Construction of a road. It should also be mentioned that the district Executive body started the construction of a new road through the presbytery and church grounds, leading to upper Osobnica where there was hardly any road, apart from a field road. [signed: Stanisław Sochacki]

The year 1912/13

Beginning of the school year. Number of children. The school year began on September 2nd with a solemn mass. All together 136 boys and 127 girls signed up for school. To the filial class – 74 boys and 71 girls. Due to overcrowding mainly children at the age of eight were accepted to the Ist year.

Impregnation of floors. Floors in both classrooms and in the hallway were impregnated with oil which proved practical since dust is not rising up in the air but settles down on the floor.

Fruit. Fruit of all kind was extremely plentiful this year: apples, pears, and especially plums.

Fall. September began with rain. It has been raining at nearly every moment, and every day, for three weeks now without a break.

Visitation. On September 20th our school was visited by the district school inspector, the Honorable Mr. Jan Ciejka, and he stayed for morning classes of the 3rd and 4th level, afterwards he went to the filial class in upper Osobnica. The visitation affirmed that, despite unfavorable circumstances the local school nevertheless gave good results, to which the local teaching staff contributed.

Description of fall. It is still raining so many farmers have not managed to harvest potatoes before winter.

Attendance. On clear days, which unfortunately were few, attendance was very weak, especially at the higher grades because children were helping parents dig potatoes. Spring grains, like barley and oats, mostly sprouted and rotted in the fields.

Description of winter. In such conditions winter arrived. This year’s winter, apart from a few cold and windy days, was quite mild, and attendance by children was relatively good.

School closure. From February 20th until March 6th the school was closed due to the flu epidemic.

War in the Balkans. In addition to natural disasters, a bloody turmoil began in the Balkans and disturbed Austria’s peace. Galicia suffered the most. For a long time there was a threat of a European war. The most dangerous was the conflict between Austria and Russia. Non-active soldiers of the Ist and IInd conscription were called up, among them many teachers. Detrimental effects of the war panic were felt in all branches of the industry and trade. In a state of general stress we lived to see spring. Although there has been no bloody war but as a result of the war alert the economic stagnation caused incalculable damage.

Description of spring. With the beginning of spring we had, especially in March, a few beautiful and warm days. Whereas in April since the rain started, it has been raining almost every day for the entire spring.

End of school year. On June 27th the school year ended with a solemn mass. This year’s summer vacation is sad: it has been raining continuously. Thunderstorms with hail and lightening, frequent cloudbursts destroy the work and hope of a farmer completely.

Roads. Roads and highways are simply impassable. The soil on slopes slides down to the roads and railroads and obstructs traffic.

Lack of fruit. Spring frosts and rains prevented pollination of fruit trees and bushes. Grain crops also don’t look promising.

Bee swarming. Bees haven’t swarmed at all this year. During the most beneficial time rains didn’t allow those industrious creatures to gather anything. Death by starvation threatened them already in the summer and it was necessary to feed them with syrup.

School porch. The school porch on the garden side, started in the fall, was completed.

Harvest of winter crops. It has been raining again during the time of harvest of grass and winter crops. It’s hard to catch some time to reap or mow them, not to mention bring them from the fields. Grain is sprouting in bundles, it sprouts in sheaves, and in hay stacks, and even while standing, from constant rain. When the sun flashes, everyone rushes to the fields, to do the same work several times: turn around, untie the haystacks, and then tie them back again, surely only so it gets drenched again.

Feeding of bees. The bees have not gathered even a drop of honey for the winter. To winterize them, for the 3 hives I gave 24 kilograms of sugar boiled with water. Of a nice surplus, not a word; last year 14 kilograms of sugar, and this year 24 kg and no benefit. But what else to do since the time is so unfriendly. [signed: Stanisław Sochacki]

The year 1913/14

General description of the year 1913. 1913 is a year of unprecedented natural disasters. Unlucky thirteen, full of disappointments and unpleasant surprises. The hay is ruined, the grains sprouted, the potatoes rotted. What hasn’t rotted, the water silted up or took away in lower parts located on rivers and streams. In a word, a terrible picture of poverty and hunger. September came already but oats have not been reaped. Rye and wheat are sprouting in hay stacks because it’s impossible to bring them in due to sodden ground.

K.u.k. Galicia School Board circular. The k.u.k. Galicia School Board, making an exception, allowed the school year to start on September 15th so students could help their parents in field work. Local school boards accepted this news with gratitude because education is out of the question until the already sprouted grain is cleared from the fields. Mid-September is approaching and nobody has sowed yet because sodden fields are impossible to plow and on top of that the rain interferes.

High prices. Potatoes rotted to such a degree that one pays 4 crowns per quarter. Hunger awaits not only people but animals as well due to the lack of fodder and at the same time disease decimates swine.

Beginning of school year. The school year began on September 15th with a solemn mass. In all, 148 boys and 128 girls signed up. And to the filial class 72 boys and 67 girls. Education started on September 16th with a solemn mass. The extension of summer vacation notwithstanding, the attendance was very weak especially at the higher grades because there still is a lot of work with digging the potatoes and sowing of winter crops. The ground in this year of disasters is rotten and requires a lot more time and workload than in other years.

Nomination of school inspector. In place of the Honorable Mr. Jan Ciejka who, farewelled with all teaching staff’s sincere regret, went into a well-deserved retirement, the k.u.k. Galicia School Board for the inspector of our district nominated the Honorable Mr. Andrzej Stopiński, a former school inspector in Gorlice. Right from the start the spirited work of the said [inspector] became evident. The local school was unable to cope with its task due to undue overcrowding. The newly nominated Mr. Inspector felt that and rushed to our aid.

Nomination of a supernumerary teacher. At the request of the school principal to assign a teacher, he promised to nominate even two teachers for this school, as long as a classroom would be found. Circumstances turned out favorably: Reverend Father Władysław Gliwa, a former prior from Kraków who for the improvement of his weakened health settled down in his native village and works to improve the education and well-being of his fellow-citizens, gave up his room in upper Osobnica for the classroom at no charge. On September 15th Ms. Maria Nowicka was nominated a supernumerary teacher of the filial class in upper Osobnica.

Renting a classroom. In lower Osobnica an apartment at peasant Józef Marszałek’s was rented for a classroom for 34 crowns annually. 

Description of fall. September, with small exceptions, was sunny and warm, and October was especially beautiful and warm. Good weather lasted the entire month so people were able to harvest at least the remnants of the potatoes that haven’t rotten and to prepare fields for sowing.

Attendance. However, attendance suffered because of this. October was so warm that bees flew every day and wild strawberries, daisies and buttercups blossomed again, as if in spring. Only on November 1st the awaited rain came, after which winter crops grew green beautifully.

Nomination of k.u.k. Viceroy. In the current year Dr. Bobrzyński resigned from the position of the Viceroy and in his place Dr. Korytkowski was nominated, the former Minister of the Treasury.

Nomination of a teacher. The k.u.k. district school Board assigned for this school a third teacher, Kazimierz Silkiewicz who formerly performed his duties in the one-grade school in Lublica.

School attendance. School attendance became stabilized only starting on November 15th, especially at higher grades. The shortage of labor for field work can be felt acutely in Osobnica. The local youth barely grows up and graduates from school, they already are thinking about how to get to America. It can be confidently said that half of the Osobnica residents are in America and Osobnica slowly becomes depopulated.

Emigration to America. They send ship tickets to one another and money for travel and that makes it easier to emigrate. In such a large village one cannot get even a servant, even for a good wage. This year over 100 people of both sexes emigrated from Osobnica.

Benefits of emigration. However, it should be mentioned that the local emigration brings benefits to the population and they are significant. Prosperity begins to be seen, and with it, general progress.

Progress in agriculture. Husbandry is more flourishing with each year thanks to the use of artificial fertilizers, especially the Thomas slag. Osobnica used about 6 wagons of Thomas slag in the current year. They build beautiful and spacious houses, mostly two chambers and they cover them with tile roof, and partially with tin sheets.

Change of clothing. Girls and young women in place of shoes with heel protectors wear laced shoes and urban style dresses. In case of men, it’s the most sad, the płótnianka* goes out of use and its place is taken by a frock coat and a cape. Whether this tendency is healthy, I wouldn’t say, but on the other hand it’s hard to oppose it.

Educational movement. The educational movement starts to awaken. The youth, and even older people, eagerly borrow books to read from the library of the Public School Society and Farmers’ Society which the school principal takes care of. On Sundays and holidays older men and women gather for lectures and talks after vespers, thanks to the local clergy, and especially to Fr. Canon.

Recognition of the need of education. They start to feel and appreciate more and more the need of education here. I remember when 13 years ago the then school principal Mr. Józef Wajda desired to open a third classroom, the gmina chairman Brągiel and the councilmen defeated his intentions and only after the strong support of the local pastor, Fr. Jan Kłos, it was possible to achieve. How different it is today. The gmina council headed by the gmina chairman Józef Kuchta, having felt the need of education, adopted the construction of a second, two-classroom school in upper Osobnica, and made every effort to start the construction of that school still in the current year, which they indeed managed to do and the construction of the school is already underway.

Construction of school. It was also decided to rent a space to accommodate a third classroom in lower Osobnica. This year the construction of the gmina office was completed, the cost of which was about 13,000 crowns.

Fr. Gliwa’s work. With the efforts of the tireless activist in this gmina, Pastor Władysław Gliwa a local gmina insurance agency was established at the Farmers’ Society which the entire gmina joined. Also with his efforts in this gmina a loan society was set up which so far is developing with great success. Due to his influence and efforts the local gmina received over 20,000 crowns from the district Bureau with the purpose of building a new road to upper Osobnica.

Visitation of k.u.k. Inspector. On February 4th the k.u.k. district school inspector, the Honorable Mr. Andrzej Słopiński, visited our school, expressing appreciation to the local teaching staff for their devoted and outstanding work.

End of school year. The school year ended with a solemn mass on June 27th.

On June 30th a terrible blow struck at our Monarchy, and it especially affected our Most Distinguished Monarch. During the maneuvers in Bosnia in Sarajevo the heir to the throne, Archduke Ferdinand, a nephew of His Majesty, was murdered. He fell with his Most Distinguished spouse from the hand of a despicable Serbian.

* kamyczkowe stoves – a cooking stove the main part of which is located in the kitchen, part of it sticks out into another room so that room can also be heated.

* płótnianka – men’s linen long overcoat. The outer part was made of linen and the lining of a worse grade of linen.

The Year 1914/5

This year all of Europe was a sea of blood and fire. The seeds of war were sown by the Serbs who committed murder on the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne Ferdinand and His wife. They committed this act at the instigation of Russia through the hands of Gabrynowić and Popowić during the maneuvers of our army which were taking place in Bosnia. Because the monarchy demanded satisfaction from the Serbian government, which they have not received, therefore it came to armed struggle in order to administer justice to the country the citizens of which committed such a heinous crime. On July 18, 1914 men were called up and the troops set off for Serbia. Meanwhile, Russia was arming feverishly, although they denied it. When Russia was unable to justify those actions, Germany declared war on Russia, and Austria, as its ally, stood behind it. At the time, each day brought a new ultimatum and in the course of two weeks Austria and Germany were fighting against Russia, France, England, Serbia, and Belgium. At the news of war the hearts of the Poles beat with joy in hopes that the dawn of freedom will shine upon them also. All estates, all classes and political factions consolidated into one body, which as the Supreme National Committee assumed political leadership of all of Polish society. As such, from its members the Committee created a military treasury which gathered donations for the organization of the Polish Legions. Answering its call, the wives and fiancées contributed rings and many other valuables of gold and silver as a sacrifice for the Motherland. That spirit even reached thatched cottages, palaces and generous donations in kind or money poured. Corporations as well as government and independent offices pledged huge sums for this purpose. From those efforts the Legions arose which under the command of Piłsudski, the founder of the shooters clubs, set off for the battlefield. The results of the war were soon visible; work in workshops and offices diminished; life became silent in our school as well, because the school principal Mr. St. Sochacki, as well as Władysław Lubelski and Kazimierz Silkiewicz were called up. Because of this the education started in the middle of September and at the same time Ms. Klementyna Stankówna was appointed the principal of the school for the year 1914/5. Meanwhile, the war progressed. German troops descended with tremendous force on Belgium, overcame the passage to France and moved up to Paris. Our troops in the meantime were holding back the Russian onslaught. At the beginning of September the Legions marched through our village and went into battle. But the scale of success tipped on both fronts. The Germans retreated a little on the French soil under the pressure of reinforcements sent from Africa by England. Russia gathered 34 army corps at the border with eastern Galicia. Our troops were unable to resist such an onslaught and retreated along the entire length of the front. At the news of the advance of the Russian troops, people were stricken with fear and all living creatures were taking cover in safe places. In our village all stayed at their posts to raise the spirits and to protect those among whom they worked. And on September 29, 1914 a Russian patrol arrived and stood up at the rectory. The sight of them struck everyone like a storm that breaks out after the calm. Frightened people looked at those visitors through the windows; no one had the courage to come outside. They stood, looked around closely until finally the Pastor’s nephews came out to them. They demanded oats. So they went to the granary; suddenly shots were heard. With restrained composure they responded “This is not enough oats for us” and they galloped to Jasło. And silence ensued here again. Meanwhile, our country lost the city of Lwów – the Moskals laid siege to Przemyśl and after a four week attack, having lost 70 thousand people, they left. At this time, in the first days of October our troops arrived and moved near Lwów where they fought a winning battle but enormous Russian reinforcements approached from the direction of Rawa Ruska and then our troops had to retreat. This wave slowly flooded our land, destroying villages and cities, burning and plundering people’s property. The Moskals made incursions into the furthest and quietest corners and eventually for the second time came to our village in mid November. We saw them at about 11 o’clock before noon. The rear patrols of the new army, skirmishing with the front Russian guards, retreated toward Józefów. Four days before their arrival, education in the school was halted.

On November 19, 1914 the patrols left through Harklowa toward Biecz and the Russian troops reached Kraków. Kraków was already seriously threatened; it was under siege from the north-east. As reported by eyewitnesses, windows in downtown buildings shook from explosions. But the victory at Limanowa forced the Moskals to retreat and once again, on December 11, 1914 they were defeated at Gorlice, and two days later at Cieklin and Sieniawa. The Moskals retreated beyond Jasło, and our troops set cannons on the fields of Niegłowice and in Żółków, and on December 15 a battle was fought near Skołyszyn. At this time, the oil refinery in Niegłowice burned down in the afternoon at 4:30. The fire was so enormous that in our village one could find a pin on the road. During this battle shrapnel was falling down on lower Osobnica, and in Trzcinnica six homes burned down. After this battle our troops started to retreat and long rows of supply trains could be seen moving along on the entire width of the road, and between them, the artillery, the infantry, automobiles, the cavalry – Osobnica hummed like a beehive, they were all trailing toward Gorlice. Slowly silence fell, and then the Austrian reconnaissance parties passed through and only the memory of this cavalcade remained, and an anticipation of something worse to come.

Such was our Christmas Eve and we enjoyed this calm for just a short time because already the following day a sizeable Cossack reconnaissance party arrived which skirmished with our patrols near the rectory, and in the afternoon our village was turned into a huge camp as vast masses of Russian troops settled down, filling every livable nook and cranny. And we – the rest of us – full of agitation, forgot that this was the day of our Lord’s birth. On the feast of St. Stephen preparations for battle were underway and on the hill near the forest cannons were set, and under their cover, the Moskals dug trenches in upper Osobnica. However, on December 26 the troops, as well as the artillery which arrived the next day, left in the direction of Harklowa and Lipinki. They left, having already indulged in tremendous plunder. This is what happened in Osobnica, and now let us have a look outside. Well, the Moskals took all of Galicia with the exception of the counties of Kraków, Chrzanów, Biała and part of Wadowice. They took the entire Carpathians; they even managed to overcome the Dukla Pass and Uzhok Pass and to reach northern Hungary all the way up to Bardiów and Marmaros Sziget. They strived to join the Serbs and that is how they fell and the Carpathian Mountains became their grave. The Legionaries distinguished themselves in the Carpathian battles. This situation continued until May 2, 1915. And we here in Osobnica had to calmly listen to the Russian bragging, to various parades and marches with which they attempted to rouse in us the belief in their victory. So we saw entire regiments with orchestras in the lead and with pain we had to listen to their words “We are marching on Kraków”. They almost reached their goal and, to make matters worse, like a bomb shell the news came that the Przemyśl fortress fell into Russian hands. The troops went wild with joy, they were offering prayers of thanksgiving, and we, with an aching soul, with gravity had to listen to their joy, mockery, and sneering. The emotions after the fall of Przemyśl were so strong that they cut short many a young life. But we didn’t have to wait long for the hour of revenge – it struck sooner than we all expected. When May arrived, we recognized from the behavior of the Moskals that something unusual was going on, which soon we were to ascertain with our own eyes. Now, the day of May 2 arrived – not a cloud on the sky, the air was clean. Suddenly a terrible explosion shook the air, windows shook and from the direction of Gorlice we saw a black thick cloud which covered the entire horizon. Over and over we heard a roar and howl of cannons, a long whistle and then at 10 o’clock before noon all was quiet. Suddenly the Moskals became animated – they were packing, leaving, and when our troops saw a telephone in the rectory, they fired and a grenade fell onto the flowerbed, and then the Moskals fled. At the same time, we saw the Moskals running away in the direction of Jasło, and right onto them a hail of bullets fell, soldiers separately and in small groups sneaked away between houses, dumping their entire load of ammunition. Here and there a cottage burst into fire. But on May 5, 1915 it all comes back from Jasło, building ramparts by the church along the left river bank. At this time, Fr. Canon Kłos, rushing through the alleys to an ill person, was stopped and turned back home by a patrol because our troops were showering the Moskals with a hail of bullets. We hid in the pastor’s basement and soon we heard the roar of bursting grenades, bomb shells, whiz, patter, and finally shouting and a clash of arms. Every so often someone braver ran out of hiding but quickly returned terrified because the village was just a sea of flames, and over 136 buildings burned down, among them school’s farm buildings. Suddenly Father Gliwa heard German speech so in response to his call we came out from the basement and then the organist’s wife burst in screaming that the school is burning. At this time teacher Stankówna with the help of the German soldiers carried out the furniture and school documentation and the rest burned down. Only brick walls are left and today stand somber, naked and empty as a grave – the church and the rectory were subjected to similar fate, they were significantly damaged by bullets. Soon Osobnica was teeming with German troops – the fields appeared to be moving. The supply trains, the artillery and the cavalry move along the roads strewn with corpses of the fallen. The Moskals retreated along the entire front but our troops continued to push forward and recaptured lost Przemyśl, Lwów, and then Warsaw, Dęblin, and a number of old and smaller strongholds. Joy filled people’s hearts, bells sounded, a song of thanksgiving rang out in the temples of the Lord – flags flew from palaces and cottages. Soon fell Brześć Litewski, Kowno, Grodno, Dubno and Łuck. It was not until they reached Strypa that the Moskals stopped. Meanwhile, that is on July 19, 1915, the President of the Military Supreme Tribunal, infantry general, the Privy Councilor Herman von Colard was nominated by the Imperial Supreme decision a Viceroy of the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria with the Grand Duchy of Kraków.

After the expulsion of the Moskals, on June 14 in the current year education started outdoors, this lasted until September. The children craved school because as they said they “missed it”. During inclement weather classes took place in the ruined gmina office in which, through the support of the local gmina and the school board, a classroom was arranged and regular education began. On September 1 in the current year the k.u.k. district school Board nominated a temporary teacher Ms. Helena Stasiowska who taught levels I and IV until November 1, and then she was transferred to the school in upper Osobnica. With the decree of the county school board of October 23, 1915 No 1414 Ms. W. Siadakówna was nominated in place of K. Silkiewicz.

In the meantime changes occurred in the world because the released Austro-Hungarian and German troops were transferred to Serbia. They were joined by the Bulgarians and together in less than two months they conquered all of Serbia. At the instigation of England, Italy also declared war on Austria, despite the far-reaching concessions which Austria was granting in exchange for maintaining neutrality. The hope of a quick victory soon failed them.

As a result of the demands of the k.u.k. county school Board on December 1, 1915 Mr. St. Sochacki returned and assumed the management of the school which, until now for the entire time had been held ad interim by Klementyna Stankówna.

[signed: In Osobnica, December 2, 1915, Klementyna Stankówna]

The Year 1915/16

Assuming the position. After fourteen months of hard military service I returned safely to my post and assumed the position of principal at the beginning of December 1915.

Teacher nomination. In place of Kazimierz Silkiewicz, called up to arms, the k.u.k. county school Board nominated Ms. Wilhelmina Siadakówna.

Attendance. After the interruption caused by the lack of coal, education began in January 1916. Fair winter favored replete attendance – unfortunately, as always, so also this year the epidemic did not pass by; and despite the widespread smallpox immunization of almost the entire population, it made itself at home.

School closure. The epidemiologist ordered school closure for the duration of a month, and because the illness was further spreading, he extended the closure for the duration of the second month. So, education really started in May.

Dr. Dembowski’s resignation. On March 16, 1916 the vice-president of the k.u.k. National school Board, Dr. Ignacy Dembowski, resigned from his position, seen off with true regret of the teaching staff of whom he was a true protector and advocate.

The death of Viceroy and nomination of his successor. On April 8 the infantry general, the k.u.k. Viceroy and the President of the k.u.k. National school Board Herman von Colard died, and in his place the Privy Councilor major general baron Eryk Diller was nominated.

Nomination of vice-president of the National school Board. On July 17 professor of the Jagiellonian University, Dr. Fryderyk Zoll, was nominated vice-president of the k.u.k. National school Board.

Inspection by the k.u.k. school inspector. On June 5 our school was visited by the k.u.k. district school Board inspector, Szymon Gonet, a substitute performing the duties of an inspector in place of the Honorable Mr. Andrzej Stopiński, transferred temporarily to the Kingdom of Poland.

End of school year. Due to the lengthy interruption in education, the school year in our school ended on July 31. The ongoing war took a heavy toll on human life among all estates and professions. It also significantly impaired the teaching profession.

Death of teachers. Perhaps the most sad misfortune in this regard fell upon our school. Already at the beginning of the war a teacher from upper Osobnica, the late Mr. Władysław Lubelski, died, probably at Kraśnik, and a year later in 1915 a second teacher died, from lower Osobnica, the late Mr. Kazimierz Silkiewicz at the Volhynia front as a lieutenant of the 42nd national defense regiment.

Military operations. In regards to military operations, the Central Powers were mostly in the defensive; only on the southern front the Austro-Hungarian army surprised the Italians. When the Italians were preparing for some larger operation, our army began the offensive which came out of the highlands of Folgaria and Lavarone. Despite extreme mountains and strong forts our troops overcame all difficulties and 6 days after the beginning of the offensive two Alpine strongholds, to wit Asiago and Arsiero, fell into Austro-Hungarian hands. Within 10 days the Austro-Hungarian army captured 20 forts, 300 cannon and about 36,000 prisoners of war. The situation of Italy was very critical.

Russian offensive. The Italians were saved from an impending disaster by the Russians who, on June 4, began a huge offensive against Austro-Hungary and Germany at Volhynia, in Galicia and Bukowina. As a result, Austro-Hungary gave up the offensive in Italy and retreated to their former positions. This is not the place to describe all military events because history will describe them in detail therefore I will limit myself only to the facts having any connection with the school and education in general.

The Year 1916/17

Beginning of school year. The school year began as usual on September 1. For daily classes, 133 boys and 117 girls were registered. And for supplementary classes – 23 boys and 23 girls. Autumn is warm and sunny, and the soil is exceptionally tender and therefore good for cultivation.

Historical events. This year was abundant in historical events: the Act of 5th November, the death of the world renowned novelist Henryk Sienkiewicz, the death of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor and Hungarian King Franz Joseph I, and ascension to the throne by Emperor Charles I.

Allowance for the rising cost of living. Teachers received an allowance for the rising cost of living in the amount of 170 crowns. As a result of the measles epidemic the school was closed first from January 18 through February 18, and further until March 18.

Description of spring. The spring is dry and cold. Attendance, as usual, irregular at the higher grades. The entire summer and then also the fall were marked by unprecedented drought. In places with higher elevation farm plants completely perished. Due to the lack of moisture, fallow fields and pastures became red and dried up. There is significant lack of water in wells and some of them dried up completely. At the end of May there were a few damaging frosts which froze not only beans and early potatoes but also damaged [word illegible] and grains.

Abundance of honey. However, this year was very prosperous for beekeeping despite the fact that lindens, apparently due to the spring frost, did not blossom at all. In the year 1916/17 there was no inspection of the local school by a school inspector. The school year ended, as usual, at the end of June.

The Year 1917/18

Beginning of school year. Attendance. Description of spring. School education began with a solemn mass on September 1. Due to the lack of labor attendance in all grades was weak and during the time of potato harvest the local school Board was forced to close the school for the duration of two weeks. As a result of spring frost and subsequent lengthy drought, grains were poor and did not yield much.

Maximum prices. Therefore, the price of grain was enormous. Although the maximum allowable price was set but in view of rising prices of all items, no farmer wanted to or could sell grain voluntarily at the government set price.

Registration. Description of winter. In all 152 boys and 135 girls registered for daily classes; 32 boys and 37 girls for supplementary classes. Winter has been fairly mild. It favored replete attendance.

School closure. For the purpose of saving fuel, the lack of which can be felt everywhere, by the decision of the k.u.k. National school Board all schools were closed for the duration of 1 month. After that education went on regularly. This year was exceptional in that there was no epidemic in Osobnica.

Inspection. On March 9 the k.u.k. district school inspector, the Honorable Mr. Andrzej Stopiński who returned from the Kingdom of Poland and resumed his pre-war position, visited our school. After the inspection of the II, III, and IV levels he expressed to the local teaching staff his satisfaction and gratitude for great work.

Description of spring. Description of summer and fall. Spring was initially warm and dry, but summer and fall were cold and wet. A huge amount of grain, particularly wheat, was ruined, and the price of food and other everyday items went up extremely.

Price of everyday items. The fourth year of the world war, which America joined, began in extremely difficult food shortage conditions. As a sad memory of this terrible war, I am presenting prices of some food and everyday items: a liter of butter from 40-50 crowns, a liter of milk 2-3 crowns, eggs 50-60 hellers, 1 kilogram of bacon 34-36 crowns, 1 kilogram of beef 8-10 crowns, pork 12-16 crowns, ham 24-28 crowns, 1 kilogram of flour 12-16 crowns, a box of matches 40-60 crowns, 1 liter of spirit (vodka) 140-180 crowns, 1 kilogram of soap 24-30 crowns, 1 kilogram of tea 200-300 crowns, 1 kilogram of coffee 80-120 crowns, 1 meter of linen 30-40 crowns, 1 meter of cloth 120-200 crowns, 1 kilogram of yeast 70 crowns (during holidays up to 300 crowns), 1 quintal of coal 20-30 crowns, shoes 300-500 crowns, a suit 600-1000 crowns. Price of dishes, school supplies and housewares went up at the same ratio. It should be added that on many occasions one was not able to purchase anything and people in cities stood all day in queues, often not obtaining anything at all. In such circumstances hardship was generally felt by all (with the exception of the k.u.k. army suppliers and large property owners), and the civil service sector, particularly the teaching profession, was exposed point-blank to poverty.

Allowance for the rising cost of living. However, to ease this poverty teachers received higher allowance for the rising cost of living in the amount of 640-2700 crowns, duly depending on the years of service and the number of family members supported by a teacher.

Seniority allowance. Moreover, teachers received the so called seniority allowance (for those teachers who served in the teaching profession for over 15 years that counted toward retirement). This allowance was from 220 to 260 crowns. These allowances notwithstanding, life became unbearable in the face of the over tenfold price increase of all everyday items, and particularly for those who had large families.

Food ration coupons. For equitable distribution of the most essential everyday items the government issued food rationing coupons for each individual. There were coupons however most of the time there was a lack of most desired items because dishonest traders and merchants sold them illegally at exorbitant prices or exported them secretly to other countries. No wonder then that when a considerable number (most) of people were starving, the dishonest ones were becoming exceedingly rich, accumulating large fortunes.

Profiteers. A new group of exploiters was formed, the so called profiteers. And so, there were tobacco profiteers, vodka, yeast profiteers, etc., depending what they dealt with, simply thieving. It should be mentioned that in those days it was impossible to get tobacco in tobacco shops but you could get it in the haberdashing trade, at the barber or from a railwayman, at exorbitant prices of course. The same was the case with kerosene oil, sugar, flour, etc.

Description of spring. End of school year. Construction of a stable. With the coming of spring during the field work attendance was very weak until the end of the school year. The school year ended on June 28. As a result of the efforts of the school principal, the Jasło Reconstruction Agency built a stable and school privies which burned during the war.

The Year 1918/19

Beginning of school year. School closure. Death of two female students. The school year began with a mass on September 1. All in all, 117 boys and 124 girls signed up for daily classes; 30 boys and 37 girls for supplementary education. Unfortunately, education lasted only a few weeks because on September 7 the school was closed due to the rapid spread of dysentery of which 12 people in Osobnica died, among them two students: Julia Wątroba, student of level I, and Jadwiga Woźniak from level II.

Epidemic. The dysentery has not yet passed when Spanish flu began to ravage Osobnica and the surrounding area, so terribly that there was hardly any home in which someone was not ill. Of this illness also a few people died, especially older ones. The school was closed due to the epidemic until October 21.

The lack of funds. Unfortunately, it was impossible to start classes, this time due to the lack of fuel. All school funds were exhausted and there was no income because no taxes were paid or collected since the beginning of war.

Grain for coal. To make matters worse, it was impossible to purchase coal with money but only with butter or grain. Having no other option, at the request of the school principal the gmina council voted to collect 1 liter of grain from each home for the purpose of exchanging it for coal. The collection went on reluctantly and very slowly. With great difficulty 160 kilograms of rye were collected from lower Osobnica and transported to Jasło to exchange for coal. For 1 quintal of rye 10 quintals of coal were obtained.

Autumn and winter. Autumn wet and cold. But winter this year came earlier than usual, already on November 13 it snowed and frost came. Although December and January were fairly mild but it is hard to say what February will bring.

Political events. Cease-fire. Political events proceeded very quickly. However, the most important was the cease-fire, the fall of the Central Powers and the emergence of Poland. All emblems, eagles and Emperors’ portraits were removed from former government buildings and all schools. The k.u.k. titles of offices and government functionaries also disappeared.

County conference. On December 20 a county conference of public teachers took place in Jasło with the purpose of considering a teaching method in public schools in view of the changed conditions. Elimination of the German language from public schools was also adopted.

Elections to the Parliament. Beginning of school year. Education limits. Regular education. On January 26 election to the I Legislative Parliament took place throughout Poland. Education began only on February 4, 1919. Hard freeze and copious snow weakened attendance. As a result of the lack of coal and weak attendance, education was limited to only one classroom for the duration of one week. Starting on February 17 regular education began. Attendance is going up all the time and children are eager to learn.

Temporary regulation of teachers’ wages. Categories of wages. The Ministry of Religion and Public Enlightment temporarily regulated wages of public school teachers on the territory of the former Galicia until the Parliament regulates those wages in all three partitions. Teachers’ wages were divided into three levels: 1. Lwów and Kraków the lowest wage with allowances 5400 crowns, the highest 11,700. 2. District cities – the lowest wage 5130 crowns, the highest 11,250 crowns, 3. other localities, to wit towns and villages – the lowest wage with allowances 4860 crowns, the highest 10,800 crowns. In comparison with former wages these are impressive. However, in view of today’s situation and rising prices they cannot satisfy the most essential needs especially of people supporting large families. The new system does not take into consideration the family situation but only seniority and the localities in which the said person is located.

Teachers’ council. From the 14th through the 17th of April in Warsaw a teachers’ council took place.

Description of spring. Spring began this year late and on top of that it rains constantly and the rain is often intermixed with snow. It is hard to remember being so muddy and cold for the feast of St. Mark (April 25) that there were hardly any people in church for mass, and barely 10 students from the entire village. May started in similar fashion. On May 2 the cold and the snowstorm were so severe that students did not come to school at all. The next day the weather was nice. As recommended by the authorities but more out of our own needs we celebrated that day very solemnly. After a holy mass at which the students sang religious and patriotic songs, children from the entire school with teachers gathered in the large gmina office. Invited by the school principal, the local clergy and many local residents appeared. Fr. Gliwa, former prior of the Paulist Fathers in Kraków, spoke in exalted words to those gathered and explained the Constitution of May 3, the old noble Poland as well as today’s Poland, calling for reconciliation, love and cooperation in the new reborn Homeland. This speech was followed by patriotic poems and singing by the youth. This was an exalted and solemn moment and many a tear rolled down the faces of the gathered folk.

Celebration of the May 3 Constitution in the gmina. A similar celebration took place the next day, that is on Sunday. During high mass Fr. Catechist preached the sermon, and after the vespers everyone gathered again in the gmina office. The room brimmed with people. Fr. Canon spoke to the gathering in very beautiful words about the Queen of the Crown of Poland to whom we are indebted for the risen Poland, and then Fr. Prior spoke about the May 3 Constitution. For the sake of variety, the school principal gathered students of higher grades and sang with them patriotic songs to which the gathered people also chimed in.

Description of summer. Attendance. End of school year. Almost the entire May and June were so wet and cold that people cannot remember. School attendance was pretty good. The school year ended on June 30. There was no visitation by the school inspector this year.

The Year 1919/20

Beginning of school year. Due to the delay in harvest and the lack of provisions especially in the cities, the School Board, that is the Ministry of Enlightening, instructed that education should not begin in all schools until September 15.

Registration. In all 124 boys and 124 girls signed up for school. And 19 boys and 22 girls for the supplementary classes.

High cost of living. Allowance for the rising cost of living. Prices continue to go up. The lack of provisions is felt acutely, especially in cities. Taking into consideration the difficult living conditions the Polish Parliament adopted allowances for the rising cost of living for civil servants and public school teachers from 120 to 600 marks per month according to rank and family situation, payable from July 1 in advance.

Description of fall. Attendance. Harvest results. September was exceptionally beautiful and warm. Harvest is delayed by a month this year. As a result, attendance is very poor, especially in higher grades. The outcome of harvest, or threshing of grain, and potato harvest are exceptionally poor this year and hunger is imminent in Małopolska, unless America comes to our aid.

Fall sowing. Drought continues in October and this has an unfavorable impact on fall sowing. In some spots the fields are so crusted that it is impossible to plough them, and lumps have to be smashed with a hoe or an ax (ax head).

Damage to crops. In view of the drought, the fall sowing was considerably late and ploughing of the mowed clover fields proved impossible. Eventually the long awaited rain came but immediately frost followed which greatly damaged beans, peas and fava beans.

Description of winter. Winter this year began very early with severe frosts and considerable snowfall, which adversely affected school attendance.

Performance of the folk play “Ojcowizna” [Inheritance]. At the initiative of the local Fr. Catechist Franciszek Markowicz, with the help of the local teachers, the folk play entitled “Ojcowizna” was performed with great success. The above play was performed three times, in the tightly filled gmina office.

Efforts of the president of the School Board to get coal for school. While many schools were closed due to the lack of heat, education in our school was going on continuously. This is owing to the school Board, and especially the president Fr. Canon Jan Kłos who, although at high prices (600 and 640 crowns per cord of hardwood) purchased 4 ½ cords of firewood in the village of Radości for the school.

Granting a one-time allowance. In December a one-time special allowance in the amount equal to one-month wages with bonuses was paid to teachers of public schools. This allowance was called a “13th pay-day”. 1

Nativity play. In January in Osobnica a Nativity play was performed for the first time. Teachers took active part in it. Although, the credit goes to Fr. Catechist Franciszek Markowicz who, despite his poor health, spared no effort and work in helping with mastering the parts and decorating the stage. The Nativity play was impressive, the best proof being that it was performed four times in the filled to capacity large gmina office.

Fire. On January 12th a terrible fire burst in the close vicinity of the school which, within the hour, turned into ashes the house and the entire farmstead of Jakub Ulaszek.

Description of January. January was marked with heavy precipitation, mainly rain. Water rose to such an extent that it broke footbridges, and as a result a considerable number of children were cut off from the school for a few days.

Allocation of new allowance for the high cost of living. Due to the constantly increasing cost of living, the Parliament adopted a new allowance for the high cost of living from January 1, 1920 for civil servants and teachers of public schools. These allowances are in the amount of 65 to 100% of monthly wage, including previous allowances. Teachers also received allowances in kind just like those collected by civil servants.

School closure due to lack of firewood. The month of February this year was exceptionally beautiful and fairly warm. Unfortunately, it was unfavorable for the school because due to the lack of firewood the school was closed on February 5. It was impossible to go to the mountains due to bad road conditions, and one could not get firewood privately anywhere. When the road conditions improved, the president of the school Board sent a few wagons to Bednarka where a few beech trees were purchased and cut down, and brought (for the price of 140 crowns per wagon) for firewood for the school.

School opening. February and March. Field cultivation. On February 23rd the school was opened and there is hope that there will be enough firewood until it gets warm completely. February and March were quite warm and sunny, therefore school attendance was good. This year field work started early and was finished early. Field cultivation was exceptionally light and easy.

Description of spring. April was sunny, warm and dry. Temperature in April went up to 20⁰ Celsius and higher.

Description of May 3 celebration. May 3 was celebrated this year very solemnly. After mass at which the children sang religious songs, a march formed in front of the gmina office. In the front students and teachers marched, then local bands followed by a regiment of scythemen in płótnianka [2] and four-cornered caps, behind them – older youth and numerous gathered peasants. During the march, students sang patriotic songs and bands played in turns. The parade stopped by the school in upper Osobnica the construction of which just began. There a local peasant Wojciech Lazar gave a long speech. After the speech, the students sang the rota by Konopnicka “Nie rzucim ziemi” [We won’t forsake the land]. Afterward Reverend Fr. Władysław Gliwa spoke from the podium. After his speech the anthem “Jeszcze Polska [3] ” was sung. Then two children recited patriotic poems, intertwining them with singing. At the end, the entire parade with songs and music returned to lower Osobnica where, after a speech by the gmina chief, the march was dissolved and everyone returned to their homes. Shortly speaking, the celebration was impressive.

Description of May. Although April was dry and hot, during the first half of May it often rained and the temperature dropped considerably.

Description of June. Visitation of the county inspector. June was warm and dry, sometimes sweltering. On June 21st the new county school board inspector, the Honorable Mr. Leinter, visited our school. The inspection was short, then he left for upper Osobnica.

End of school year. The school year ended with a mass on June 30th.

[1] wages were paid once a month so there were 12 pay-days per calendar year. That’s why this extra pay-day was the 13th.

[2] płótnianka – men’s long linen overcoat. The outer part was made of linen and the lining of a worse grade of linen.

[3] Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła – Poland has not yet perished is the national anthem of Poland

The School Year 1920/21

Beginning of the school year. In accordance with the decree of the district school Board, or the Ministry of Religion and Public Enlightenment education in all schools started on September 15 due to the fact that most buildings were occupied by the military as well as refugees from the East.

School registration. For everyday classes 121 boys and 121 girls registered. Twelve boys and 13 girls for supplemental classes.

Dysentery epidemic. Almost simultaneously with the beginning of classes dysentery epidemic began its activity in Osobnica and nearly in the entire district. It caused considerable damage among the youth as well as the elders. The following students fell victim of this plague: 1. Maczuga Stanisław from level I, 2. Rolek Wojciech from level II, 3. Rolek Władysław from level III, and 4. Dybaś Władysław, also from level III.

School attendance. Even though the inauguration of the school year was delayed, attendance, especially at the higher grades, was very poor. The local school Board made a request to the district school Board to close the school during the time of the most pressing field work, in view of which with the tacit permission the school was closed for a week, and when this time proved insufficient to rectify attendance, it was closed again for the duration of another week. Despite of that, attendance leveled off only starting in November, that is, after the completion of primary field work.

Description of fall. The second half of September and the first half of October were sunny and warm, a bit too dry.

Large harvest. In regards to the harvest of fruit, this is an extraordinary year. Even the old people don’t remember such abundance of fruit of all sorts, and especially of apples and plums. Bees this year were eager to swarm, and despite frequent swarming they collected considerable supply of honey for winter.

Harvest of honey. After supplying the late young swarms with honeycombs, I reserved for my own use about 60 kilograms of honey from seven trunks' hives. Admittedly it’s not the best harvest but it is better than average.

Fuel for school. Due to the lack of funds, the gmina Board decided to collect 2 liters of grain from each house for purchasing of coal, or exchanging it for coal, for the school. In all, 4 quintals 30 kilograms of rye was collected. For this amount about 6 tons of coal was received which, divided between the two schools, may last approximately until half of January 1921.

Early winter. At the end of October such heavy frost came that on the 30th of the current month the Pastor’s pond as well as the Bednarka river froze so hard that an adult could easily and safely cross to the other river bank.

County conference. On November 20 in Jasło the county conference took place during which, among many important issues, elections took place of members of the disciplinary Office, as well as the representative for the district school Board.

The significance of the disciplinary office. It should be mentioned that the disciplinary office was established based on the new work regulations and it gives the teachers considerable rights and privileges.

Description of winter. Attendance. November and December were, shortly speaking, beautiful because they were dry and, at the same time, there was no hard frost, and as a result, attendance at all levels was satisfactory.

Spring. Spring, sunny and dry, fostered spring fieldwork, and abundant May rains affected the winter crops very favorably.

School visitation. End of school year. On the 11th of May the county school inspector, the Honorable Mr. Leitner, visited our school. The school year ended with a solemn mass on the 28th of June.

School year 1921/22

Beginning of school year. Education started properly on September 1. For everyday classes 135 boys and 137 girls were registered. For supplementary classes – 21 boys, 19 girls.

Introduction of a new curriculum. This year a new curriculum for years 1, 2, and 3 was introduced in all public schools. In our school the curriculum for 3-grade schools was adapted as more suitable since three teachers are active in this school.

Description of fall. Fall is sunny and warm but attendance is fairly low in the higher grades due to fieldwork.

Election of the new local school board. On the 28th of September elections to the local school Board took place, according to the new school statute.

Fr. Canon Jan Kłos, the local pastor, advocate of the youth, a real patron and a friend of the teaching staff, who for the 32 years of his service in Osobnica held the position of the President of the local school Board, despite the nomination from the county school Board and requests from the local school Board, did not accept the post of representative, justifying his decision with his deteriorating health and strength in his older age. Fr. Władysław Gliwa, the former Vice-President, the school’s and teachers’ advocate, also did not accept any position. Therefore, in place of Fr. Jan Kłos and Fr. Władysław Gliwa the county school Board nominated two farmers: Józef Kuchta and Jan Gliwa.

The new local school Board. The new local school Board consists of the following: Józef Kuchta, President, Jan Gliwa, Vice-President, Stanisław Sochacki, school principal and Paweł Dybaś, the gmina chief as representatives. Jan Gliwa, son of Wojciech, Jan Dybaś, No 258 and Wojciech Lazar were elected as substitute representatives.

Classes conducted every other day in upper and lower Osobnica. Because Franciszek Gliwa, in whose building the school for children from upper Osobnica was located, was not willing to lease the building for the school, otherwise demanded overly high rent (60,000 marks) annually, the county Board, unable to bear such a heavy burden requested the district county Board that education in lower Osobnica be conducted every other day. The district school Board permitted that and instructed that classes will take place every other day starting on November 1 in the current year.

Change in class schedule. Therefore, the school Board withdrew the [previously] issued class schedule and introduced a new one. Due to the lack of time, Home Economics [?] and Physical Education were dropped, as well as the supplementary education for boys and girls.

The number of children registered from upper Osobnica. From upper Osobnica 72 boys and 59 girls registered for everyday classes.

Description of winter. Winter this year started early with intense frost and snow fall. On December 18, an interesting phenomenon was noticed. At 6 ½ in the evening, during a thick snowstorm, suddenly there was lightening and a thunderclaps hit with a bang, which burned a house and farm buildings in Żółkowo not far from Jasło. Similar occurrences took place in other localities in Poland, as well as in Germany.

1st semester delay. Due to the extension of the Christmas break the Board of Education instructed that the 1st semester should end on February 11.

Attendance. Due to the cold and the lack of clothing attendance in January was low.

Death of Holy Father Benedict XV and election of Pius XI. On January 21st Holy Father Benedict XV ended his days in the 67th year of his life and 44th year of priesthood. Cardinal Ratti was elected Pope and he assumed the name Pius XI. Before the election he stayed in Warsaw as the Pope’s nuncio and is a friend of the Poles.

Description of February, March and April. February stood out this year due to the most exceptional freeze. The temperature reached minus 30 degrees according to the Reaumur scale. The hard freeze lasted until the 20th of the current month. There were barely a few days mild enough for classes to be conducted. It was cold all of March and until mid-April. Unusually, a few days, that is Easter holidays, were truly warm, spring-like. All nature turned green suddenly, as if touched by a magic wand.

High cost of living. Passing of government levy. The high cost of living constantly continues to rise despite the government levy which the Diet passed in response to the motion of the Treasury Minister, Mr. Michalski. Despite the Government’s concern and raising high cost of living allowances, the life of public servants and, in general, government employees burdened with large families is difficult.

Extension of Easter break. Easter break this year in all public schools lasted from Holy Wednesday until Tuesday after Low Sunday.

[inspector’s signature: 4th May 1922]

School visitation. On the 4th of May the district school inspector, the Honorable Mr. Leitner, visited our school. After the visitation a conference took place during which he gave praise to the local teaching Staff for their hard work and he promised to petition the district school Board to praise the local teaching staff.

End of school year. The school year was ended with a solemn mass on 28th of June.

School year 1922/23

Beginning of school year. The school year began with a mass on 1st September. Due to the lack of the second classroom, education takes place in one classroom, jointly for both schools, every other day.

Registration for school. In all, 349 children registered for school, to wit, 177 boys and 172 girls. Due to such a high number of children, 7th year students were not accepted.

Fate of the local school. The local school is undergoing sad times and each year its condition deteriorates. In 1902 there were 2 schools in Osobnica and each of them had 2 classrooms. In 1921 the school in upper Osobnica was dissolved and all children received their education in lower Osobnica in 2 classrooms. Education was provided by three teachers. In 1922 one classroom was left with 2 teachers. With such a number of children and classes conducted every other day, it’s hard to dream of adequate learning progress. It’s also impossible to introduce new curricula in their entirety.

Harvest of grain, potatoes and honey. Grain and potato harvest very abundant this year. However, there is a serious lack of feed for cattle. For apiculture, it can be easily said, this year has been catastrophic.

Establishment of the “Youth club”. In September a “Youth Club” was established in Osobnica, to which 40 persons of both sexes signed up. Nearly every Sunday the youth gathers in the classroom for lectures, readings and talks. Moreover, they use the school library. The local vicar and the school principal actively participate in these gatherings.

Attendance. Due to fieldwork, delayed as a result of the rainy weather, attendance in September and October was low.

Arrival of the inspector. On October 5 Mr. inspector arrived to Osobnica regarding the construction of a school.

District conference. On October 30 a district teacher conference took place in Jasło during which mainly new curricula were discussed.

Attendance. As of November attendance improved considerably. November until mid-month warm and (fairly) sunny.

School closure. Due to the lack of fuel the school was closed on November 23.

Gmina’s negligence. Regretfully, negligence of the gmina should be mentioned here regarding the delivery of fuel for the school. In the previous year the local school Board purchased 10 cords of hard firewood in the Ciekielski forest which is the property of the Premonstratensian Sisters in Kraków, at the maximum price of 1000 marks per cord. From the firewood purchased, the gmina in 1921 brought only 44 cords of firewood, the rest remained in the forest and the firewood was ensured for the school for the year 1922. Unfortunately, due to culpable negligence the remaining firewood was not brought in spite of repeated calls to do so by the local school Board. Cords of wood left in the forest were stolen and the school was left with no fuel. To the request for the purchase of firewood issued to the county school Board, the local school received 15 quintals of coal before Christmas. However, there was lack of firewood for kindling, and the local school Board, having absolutely no funds, proved to be powerless.

Classes begin. Only after repeated urging by the school administration, the gmina chief convened the gmina council which decided to collect 100 marks per morga for the fuel for school. The local school Board received the first installment on January 23 in the amount of 100,000 marks. Half a cord of firewood was purchased for 60,000 marks and after a two-month closure, classes started immediately.

No grades for 1st semester. As a result, classification for the 1st semester could not take place. Currently, teachers worry how to use the curriculum at least to such an extent that the year is not wasted.

Fear of not fulfilling the curriculum. The greatest fear concerns the 1st year students. As a result of lessons being conducted every other day it will be hard to fulfill even the graphic part of the ABC book. In these circumstances, there is absolutely no way to fulfill the new curricula.

Amateur performance by the youth. During Christmas, the “Youth Club” performed two plays “Revenge of a Gypsy” and “Sun – the insurgent”, directed by the local school principal. Proceeds from the performance went to installing a library for the youth. On February 25 in the local parish an 8-day mission began as a result of the efforts of the local Pastor, Fr. Jan Kłos. Franciscan Fathers provided the sermons. Education continued regularly through the entire duration of the mission.

Description of spring. Hail and its consequences. Spring began this year relatively late; it was cold and rainy. As a result, the harvest is not expected to be good, more so that about the middle of May hail, the size of beans, destroyed crops in a considerable area, doing the most harm among the rye.

Bishop visitation of the school and the parish. On June 19th Bishop Suffragan Karol Fischer arrived in Osobnica. The next day he visited our school. This eminent dignitary was received very solemnly. The classroom was finely decorated with garlands of fir. The youth welcomed the entering eminent guest with a cantata, and then the school principal welcomed Him on behalf of teachers and the youth. Afterwards, student Katarzyna Woźniak delivered an appropriate poem in His honor. Beautiful recitation impressed the Bishop and was liked by him.

Visitation schedule. Then the Bishop spoke to the youth, and then he quizzed the youth on Polish history. The youth answered resolutely which the Bishop liked and he praised them. At the end, he gave an arch pastoral blessing for the youth and teachers, presented them with small picture tracts and signed a memorial book. Before leaving the building, he honored the teachers with a short visit in the living quarters. On the same date the Bishop left Osobnica, enthusiastically bid goodbye by numerously gathered parishioners and he went to Dębowiec.

A tribute to the Bishop. The Bishop’s visitation raised the religious spirit in the parish. It should not be left unsaid so to pay a due tribute to His Eminency who, in spite of his older age (76 years) works tirelessly with a youthful energy, administering the sacrament of Confirmation, catechizing among the youth, preaching the word of God and visiting schools. With his tireless work he arouses admiration and respect.

End of school year. On June 28th the school year ended with a mass, a reading of the classification and distribution of school certificates.

School year 1923/24

Beginning of school year. The school year began with a mass on September 1. In all, 160 boys and 160 girls registered. Due to the lack of space, children of 7th year were not registered.

The lack of second classroom. Despite the efforts on the part of the local school Board, it was impossible to find a privy for the second classroom. Therefore, education has to take place in one classroom every other day.

Abandonment of teaching according to new curricula. In these circumstances the conditions of schooling fall with every year. New curricula, introduced partially last year, had to be abandoned. Last year practices proved the impossibility of their implementation.

Inspector’s visitation. On September 22nd Mr. School Inspector visited our school and recommended, despite the hard conditions with which this school struggles, to implement the 7th year of education.

Fall and harvest. Fall began beautifully, that is, it was sunny and warm but the harvest this year, especially in this area, is very meager. There was also very little fruit this year. The condition of beekeeping is also very sad.

Attendance. Attendance at the beginning of the school year was good, it weakened during potato harvest, especially at the higher grades.

School fuel. Fuel for the school for the winter has been ensured, therefore, there is hope that education will not suffer a break.

Description of fall and attendance. October and mid-November this year were exceptionally beautiful and warm which had positive impact on school attendance.

First snow. First snow fell only on November 20. After disappearance of the first snow, it became warm again, sometimes it rained until December 20.

Hard winter. Only on December 21 snow fell and winter began. Starting on New Year a truly hard winter began. Freeze, snow and snowstorms intensified almost every day. It was even hard to come outside. Barely a few children living nearby were coming to school. It was impossible to heat the classroom.

Cessation of learning. Change. Therefore, there was no school until January 10, when it got warmer and the thaw followed.

Snowfall. Attendance. Second half of winter was also hard. People have not remembered such huge snowfall. As a result of the lack of roads, attendance in school was very low.

Description of spring. Spring began very late and it was, at the same time, cold and damp.

Description of summer. Only in the second half of May, did the warmth, and even heat, come. Summer was warm and sunny.

End of school year. The school year was ended with a mass on 28th of June.

School year 1924/25

Beginning of school year. Number of registered. The school year began with a mass on 1st of September. In all by the end of June and beginning of July 80 boys and 119 girls registered. The rest of the children, that is 58 boys and 20 girls registered at the end of August.

Seventh year of schooling. This year 7th year of school was introduced to which 7 boys and 5 girls signed up. Due to the lack of second classroom, education takes place in one classroom every other day.

New textbooks. In this school year new textbooks for the 1st and 2nd year were introduced in our school.

Grain harvest. Grain harvest this year appears very meager. Rye was destroyed by the snow, and wheat was attacked by the gout fly nearly in the entire Małopolska. If potatoes fail as well, a famine will set in in our country.

Harvest of fruit and honey. There also is not much fruit and a total lack of plums due to the black fungus that attacked the trees. Harvest of honey this year was quite good.

Election for President of the local school Board. On August 24 election for the President and Vice-president of the local school Board for a 3 year term took place. Farmer Paweł Dybaś was elected President, and Józef Woźniak – Vice-president.

Makeup of local school Board. The makeup of the new local school Board is as follows: Paweł Dybaś, President; Józef Woźniak, Vice-president; Stanisław Sochacki, school Principal and Jan Pisarczyk – members; Jan Marszałek and Franciszek Gliwa, substitutes.

Description of fall. October was sunny and warm. After potato harvest attendance at higher grades intensified.

Rebuilding of the school stove. From the 7th through the 15th of October the school was closed due to rebuilding of the stove in the classroom. The old stove, due to a faulty construction, used up too much fuel and did not heat properly and smoked, as a result of which students and teachers suffered cold and were risking headaches due to exposure to carbon monoxide.

Cost of rebuilding. Rebuilding of the stove cost 112 złoty.

Rain with lightning and thunder. On November 1 clouds with lightning and thunder approached from the south, and a long awaited by farmers rain came. Sprinkled winter crops got green as if in spring.

A session of the gmina Council regarding efforts for a loan to rebuild schools. By virtue of the Starost’s circular regarding reconstruction of buildings destroyed as a result of the war, the gmina council gathered together with the local school Board during which it was decided to seek a loan for rebuilding the destroyed school in lower Osobnica and for the completion of the initiated construction of the school in upper Osobnica. At this council the following representatives were elected: Fr. Władysław Gliwa, Paweł Dybaś, President of the local school Board, Stanisław Sochacki, school Principal, and Wojciech Lazar, with the purpose of seeking necessary information from the school Inspector. At the appointed day Fr. Gliwa and the school Principal proceeded to the office of the county school Board. None of the gmina members arrived, unfortunately. Mr. Inspector recommended to delay the efforts until he sends us detailed information.

Description of winter. This year there was hardly any winter. With the exception of a few strong frosts in December and at the beginning of January, temperature was very mild and right at the beginning of February spring can be felt. Since mid-month children began coming to school barefoot, and on February 17 the thermometer showed 20 degrees Celsius in the sun. There was hardly any snowfall. Even old people don’t remember such mild winter as the current one.

Attendance. School attendance was very good. At the end of February rains arrived and at the beginning of March snow fell and frosts followed unlike any this winter. As a result of this during this time attendance was considerably lower. Only on March 20 did the frost ease and the sun appeared which during this time was rarely seen.

Description of spring and summer. Spring was sunny and cool, beginning of summer cold and damp.

Renovation of the gmina office. The gmina office in which the school is currently located, was renovated and whitewashed in June.

End of school year. Registration. The school year was ended solemnly on 27th of June. For the new school year 1925/26 in all 129 boys and 125 girls were registered.

Roofing of school stable. In July the school stable was covered with a tile roof in place of the roofing paper with which it was covered so far. The cost of the roofing was 200 złoty.

Harvest. This year, comparing to previous ones, is very successful for farmers. Harvest of all types of grain – very abundant.

Bad plum crop. However, there is a total lack of fruit in this area, and especially plums. The reason for the crop failure is a fungus which destroyed plum trees last year.

Flooding. Long lasting rains in July caused river flooding which destroyed many crops located near rivers. Ropa also flooded causing considerable damage in this gmina.

School Year 1925/26

Beginning of school year. The school year began with a mass on September 1. Education, like in previous years, takes place in one classroom every other day.

Attendance. School attendance, due to the delay in field work, generally is low.

Election of the local school Board President. On September 13 election for the President of the local school Board took place, to replace Paweł Dybaś the election of whom was illegal. In his place farmer Józef Woźniak was elected.

School visitation. On September 18 Mr. county school Inspector visited our school, visiting the youth of the 5th, 6th and 7th year before noon, and 1st year after noon, with satisfactory result.

Description of fall. Fall, drizzly and cold, hindered winter sowing and potato harvest. The second half of fall was quite sunny and warm and lasted until November 25.

Beginning of winter. Attendance. On November 26 snow fell and winter began in full swing, with frost and snowstorms. From then on attendance suddenly dropped because many children, due to the lack of footwear and warm clothing, had nothing to wear to school. On December 1 due to an intense snowstorm only two children came to school in the morning, and three in the afternoon.

Description of winter. Second half of December was generally cold and frosty. January – rain interspersed with snow. The day of January 26 was exceptionally beautiful and warm, truly spring-like. Bees flew for a spring reconnaissance, skylarks sang, and most children came to school barefoot. Temperatures in the sun rose to 18⁰ Reaumur. The following days were gloomy and cold. Almost the entire February was drizzly and the sun rarely appeared for a moment just to disappear again for a long time.

Outbreak of measles. The measles epidemic which luckily so far stayed clear of Osobnica, began to spread this month. At first small children started to fall ill, soon school-age children began to get sick, mainly from 1st year. Attendance at this level diminished with each day.

Break in 1st year education. Finally, when 34 out of 54 children registered for this year, fell ill, the school Administration ordered a break in 1st year education for two weeks, that is, from the 19th of February until 5th of March, inclusively. Education at higher grades continued as usual.

School closure for one week. Because the measles started to spread also at the higher grades so the attendance was too small to carry on with education, school Administration, in agreement with the county school Board, ordered closure of the entire school for the duration of one week, that is, from the 3rd until the 9th of March, inclusively.

Further school closure. Because on March 9 for morning classes of 3rd and 4th year barely 15 out of 80 children came, and for afternoon classes 5 out of 54 of 2nd year, the school was closed for further 6 days, that is from the 9th until the 15th of March, inclusively.

Attendance. Since then, attendance began to improve.

Description of spring. April was wet and cold, May somewhat drier but also cold until mid-month. Fruit trees blossomed beautifully.

Description of summer. End of school year. The school year ended solemnly with a mass and a school program on June 28. July proved to be somewhat kinder, that is warmer and sunnier.

Harvest. This year, in general, is not as successful for farmers. Grains of all types are poorer than last year’s, and grain yield, in comparison to last year, is about half smaller because rye and wheat were lying as a result of long lasting rains. Potato harvest as a result of wet conditions is not promising to be good. Frequent storms and flooding caused a lot of damage this summer, especially in the areas near the rivers. Fruit, especially apples and pears, was exceptionally plentiful this year. For bee-keepers the current year is very unfortunate. The Polish government, wishing to come to bee-keepers aid, granted a benefit of 2 kg per bee-hive of sugar at a lowered price.

School year 1926/27

Beginning of school year. Number of registered. Attendance. The school year began with a mass on September 6. In all, 121 boys and 134 girls signed up. Beginning attendance, low as usual due to the fieldwork, especially at higher grades, settled only in the second half of October.

Weather conditions. On October 25 snow fell and frost came which again adversely affected overall attendance.

Description of November. Luckily, the first snow disappeared after a few days and in November a spring-like weather began. Days were sunny and warm, cattle was driven to pasture, and children walked to school barefoot.

National holiday. By the decree of the Ministry of Religious Faiths and Public Enlightenment, the day of November 11 was recognized as a national holiday on the eighth anniversary of driving out the enemy from Poland. On this day solemn thanksgiving masses were held in all churches throughout Poland. It was a day off from school and work in all government offices. It is warm and beautiful, good weather continues and it even gets warmer and warmer. The temperature rose to 18⁰ Celsius. One gets an impression of real spring. Bees and other insects fly around. Only winds, predominantly from the south, roar during days and nights. The youth, benefiting from beautiful weather, hurries happily to school. The beginning of December is also mild, very little snowfall, good attendance.

School visitation. On the day of December 11th the county school Inspector, the Honorable Mr. Jan Leitner, visited our school, inspecting students of the 5th, 6th and 7th years before noon, and the 2nd year after noon. Because due to the lack of place students attend school every other day inspection of all years in one day was impossible; Mr. Inspector arrived to our school again on December 17, inspecting the remaining years, that is 3rd and 4th before noon, and 1st year after noon, having praised the local teaching staff for zealous and efficient work, as well as order and cleanliness of students and in the school building.

Description of December. At the end of December, and especially during Christmas break first frosts came, followed by a thaw, interspersed with snowstorms and rains.

A drop in attendance. As a result of temperature change many children fell ill and attendance dropped considerably. January was mild, often warmer than colder. Shortly speaking, this has been a very mild winter feeling unlike a real Polish winter.

End of 1st semester. First semester was ended on January 31 with reading of the catalogues [?] and distribution of school notices. There was no “small vacation” [winter break between semesters] this year like there was in other years.

Description of February. Beginning of February was mild until the 15th of the current month. Starting on the 16th temperature changed suddenly and frosts came, intensifying from day to day. On February 18 there was a huge snowstorm, unusual during entire winter.

Attendance. On this day children did not gather at school at all. Following days were also nippy and snowy, as a result attendance during those days was low. At the end of February it got warmer again.

Description of March. March began with signs of spring. Influenced by the warmth of the sun, snow quickly thawed, floes flowed, bees flew out and in the fields one could hear the song of skylarks. As a result of the recent strong frosts, the roads were bogged and difficult to pass through. Children come to school barefoot for the most part.

Description of summer. As February and March had exceptionally beautiful and warm days, then April and May were generally cloudy, drizzly and cold. June however was sunny and beautiful, sometimes even hot.

End of school year. The school year ended solemnly on June 28.

Grain and fruit crops. In terms of harvest, this year is unsuccessful for farmers. Especially rye and wheat are poor. Additionally, storms, hail, and flooding caused considerable damage in many areas of Poland. Similar news arrive also from other countries in Europe and from America. Apple and pear trees brought small yields this year, but plums – very abundant. This year was quite successful for bees due to sunny and warm summer.

Renovation of the building. During summer vacation the school building was renovated on the outside, and school tables and all furniture in the classroom were painted. The painting cost 170 złoty.

The school year 1927/28

Beginning of the school year. Description of September. Attendance. Description of October. The school year began with a mass on September 1. In all, 271 children signed up, that is 141 boys and 130 girls.

September was generally dry and warm, at the end cold and damp. Attendance this month, as usual, poor due to field work and cattle grazing. The beginning of October was cold and wet. Potato harvest was accelerated out of fear of early winter.

Attendance. As a result, attendance in October was very poor and settled only at the end of the month. First days of November were very beautiful and warm, making it seem like spring. This lasted until the 10th. Afterward a strong afternoon wind, blowing for the past few days, in the evening it started to rain and with that temperatures dropped.

Description of December. December, initially mild, in the second half life made miserable by large snowfall, frost, and strong winds. School attendance weakened a bit and for 2 days children did not gather for school at all.

Nativity play. In January a Nativity play was performed in the classroom. Preparations for the play were started by the principal but bedridden due to illness he had to stop further work. Ms. Klementyna Stankówna continued the work with the help of older youth. The performance was enjoyed by the public. Over 100 zloty was collected from the play, and after covering all costs 14 zloty was left, which was donated for painting of the church.

Description of January. Almost entire January was mild, and school attendance – satisfactory.

Difficult school conditions. The local school found itself in difficult conditions. Due to the illness of the principal and the lack of a substitute Ms. Klementyna Stankówna conducted classes in all levels before and after noon. Because of the large number of children, this was a very hard and exhausting work and lasted for the duration of 6 weeks.

Appointing of a substitute. Only on February 16 did a contract teacher, Ms. Stefania Łosiówna, begin working as a substitute, appointed temporarily by the District school board for the duration of 6 weeks, that is until March 31 in the current year.

Description of February and March. The month of February was almost entirely without snow and warm but after a few days the temperature dropped considerably and frosts came, reaching minus 16 Centigrade.

Elections to the Sejm and the Senate. On March 4th elections to the Sejm took place, and on March 11th – to the Senate. Most mandates to both chambers were received by National list No. 1.

Change of the Chairman. Unpleasant news saddened the hearts of teachers of our district. Mr. Jan Leitner who has been the district school inspector up till now, was transferred to Grybów, and in his place Mr. Antoni Klich, the inspector from Grybów, took up his duties. Losing their former boss, teachers of this district lose not only a kind-hearted, understanding superior, but a true friend, a curator and an advocate.

Farewell to Mr. Inspector. Therefore teachers from almost the entire district arrived to bid farewell to Him, desiring to express their love and affection to Him.

Extension of leave. The principal, not feeling quite strong to undertake his job after his illness, after being examined by the district physician, received further leave for 3 months, that is, until the end of the current school year. Ms. Stefania Łosiówna continues to work in his place.

Description of the month of April. It was warm and clear for the first few days of April, and in the second half came the rain and snowstorms along with a considerable temperature drop. Such weather lasted until the end of the month.

Description of May 3 celebration and parade. We celebrated May 3rd, as a National holiday and, at the same time, the Feast of Queen of Crown of Poland, solemnly. At 10 o’clock a solemn mass took place, as well as a suitable sermon, and after vespers in the classroom a solemn evening gathering with the following program: introduction (Fr. Canon), reciting of a poem in honor of the Queen of the Crown of Poland (Ciciora), Dear Mother (all gathered), reciting of a poem in honor of the May 3rd Constitution and singing Poland Has Not Yet Perished. After leaving the school building, a procession formed. Headed by an escort of honor of horsemen in national costumes, followed by the Osobnica music band, then school children with the teachers, then adolescent youth of both sexes, and finally older women and men. During the procession school children sang national songs and musicians played alternately. The procession halted on a large meadow in lower Osobnica (in the distance of 1 kilometer) where Fr. vicar Jan Siuzdak spoke to the gathering from the erected platform, explaining the meaning of the May 3rd Constitution to the village folk. After the speech and singing of the Rota, the procession formed in a previous manner and headed back to the school building and resolved there.

Description of May and June. Almost the entire May was wet and cold, with the exception of a few days. The beginning of June also cold and rainy, only after the 10th the weather improved and it got considerably warmer.

Priesthood jubilee. On June 24 a rare ceremony took place in Osobnica – the 50th anniversary of the priesthood of the local Fr. Canon, pastor of the parish Father Jan Kłos who for 36 years has been working in Osobnica with dedication in spite of ill health and has contributed greatly for the good of the parish. He built a wonderful church in the Gothic style, a new rectory and recently painted the church and purchased a large bell in place of the old one confiscated during the last war by the Austrians. With pious and exemplary life he won public reverence and respect. For his contributions he received from the Holy Father, through His Eminence Bishop Nowak, the title of camerlingo.

The end of school year. Rebuilding of the stove. On June 28th the school year ended as usual. At the beginning of July the stove in the classroom was rebuilt for the price of 227 zloty.

Description of summer. As spring and summer were cold and damp, so July and August were dry and hot, and the heat sometimes reached 40 degrees Celsius.

Agricultural products. Grains this year yielded a good crop, with the exception of oats. There was a medium crop of fruit. Hay was poor and clover worse yet. The lack of hay can be felt already and cattle suffer the lack of forage due to drought. It seems that potatoes will produce poor yield and there will be almost no cabbage.

The school year 1928/29

Beginning of school year. The school year began with a mass on September 3rd. In all, 280 children signed up, that is 143 boys and 137 girls.

Description of autumn months and school attendance. September was nice and warm, attendance good. October also beautiful and warm. Attendance fair especially at the higher grades due to potato harvest, but that’s a normal occurrence each year. Beginning of November fairly nice.

Solemn celebration of the 10th anniversary of united Poland. This year, since it was the 10th anniversary of the unification of Poland, the day was celebrated very solemnly. Because the day of November 11th fell on a Sunday, all schools by virtue of a decree of the Ministry of Religion and Public Enlightenment celebrated this anniversary on Saturday, November 10. The program of the event in our school was as follows: 1. Mass at 8 o’clock with singing of religious songs, 2. Morning at school a) singing of the song All That is Ours, to Poland We Will Give, b) speech by the school principal on the unification of Poland and the merits of Marshal Józef Piłsudski in the process of rebuilding Poland, c) singing of the song of the Legions We, the First Brigade, d) reciting of a celebratory poem by one of the students, e) song of the scouts and Boże! coś Polskę. 3. Planting of a few-year-old linden tree as a commemoration for future generations. 4. Planting of fruit trees along the road leading toward Trzcinica.

Description of November and December. November continues to be warm. Due to drought the lack of water in wells can be felt.

Description of winter. On December 1 the first snow fell and winter began, at first mild and in the second half of December with copious snowfall and frosts below 16° Celsius. Attendance during this time relatively good. At the beginning of January in Poland and almost entire Europe there was a heavy snowfall halting all transportation. As a result of that, school attendance fell almost to half.

Nativity play and Christmas tree. On January 6 at the initiative of the local pastor, Fr. Prelate Jan Kłos, in the classroom a Nativity play and Christmas tree celebration was organized for school children and for older people. Net income in the amount of several zloty was donated toward the painting of the church. Until the end of January – cold and frosty. Attendance so poor that it is hard to award grades, especially for the first year students.

Description of February. The month of February this year came with all its proverbial hostility. Frost increased each day and reached over 40° Celsius. Even the oldest people don’t remember such a hard winter.

Attendance. Attendance fell 90% and on some days there was not even one child in school. It is impossible to heat the classroom in our school. The stove is so hot that it is hard to touch it but at the other end of the classroom the thermometer shows 7-8° Celsius.

Temperature and the results. Already today fatal effects of frosts can be felt. Many people froze to death, and thousands have frostbite on their ears, toes, etc. Here and there, in stables and barns cattle and swine froze to death. Many farmers took their livestock inside their homes to save them from freezing. Birds for the most part died of hunger and cold, and hens have frostbitten combs. In addition, the lack of fuel makes the situation worse and trains, if they don’t stand still, arrive several hours late. The lack of water also takes its toll. Everyone in fear and uncertainty awaits what will happen next.

Description of March. In March not much changed for the better. The wave of freezing weather returned and although spring was approaching, the frost reached 30°. Only on March 19 did the spring sun glint and bees swarmed for the first time.

Damage to the apiary and orchard. Over 50% of those industrious insects fell as a result of such a hard winter. This year’s frost disaster destroyed trees, especially fruit trees, all over Poland up to 60%, and the resulting damage is estimated to be in thousands of millions. In addition, fish of noble varieties died in ponds due to hard frost.

Solemn celebration of Marshal Piłsudski’s name day. The day of March 19, as the name day of Marshal Piłsudski, was celebrated throughout Poland, and especially in schools, very solemnly. The second half of March was also frosty and cold. Huge amount of accumulated snow melts slowly. It is fortunate otherwise people would be threatened with a flood disaster.

Description of Easter. Easter is so cold that it feels like Christmas. Fieldwork is almost a month late because the ground is frozen and it is impossible to plow.

Attendance. School attendance is so poor that it is hard to move forward with the material. Warm weather came only in the second half of April.

Illness of the school principal. On April 16 the school principal fell seriously ill and had to stop working, having received leave until the end of June.

Appointment of a teacher. The District School Board appointed in his place a contract teacher Maria Zającówna as of May 1st.

Construction of the school in upper Osobnica. It should be noted that in upper Osobnica with the arrival of spring the construction of the new school began. Unable to come to agreement with lower Osobnica, about 140 farmers broke away and formed a committee and spontaneously began building with dedication, sparing no effort or money, clearly understanding the need of education. To the committee Fr. Gliwa was also invited who, with advise and labor, supports them in their work.

End of school year. The school year ended, as usual, on June 28.

Description of summer. Beginning of July was hot at first, then it cooled down as a result of heavy rains. Rivers, especially mountain rivers, flooded causing considerable damage. Grains, promising a good harvest this year, failed, especially rye. The situation is worsened by frequent rains impeding and delaying harvest and carting of grain.

Damage in orchards. The damage resulting from hard frost can be visible only now. Many trees which in the spring appeared live and in places got covered with leaves, withered at this time. In the school orchard 90% of trees died and there won’t be any fruit at all.

Harvest festival and celebrations in honor of the Holy Father. At the initiative of our local Fr. Prelate on August 15 in our village a harvest festival was organized. Girls from lower Osobnica, dressed in Kraków folk dresses and singing came by wagons to the church where wreaths were blessed, and after the mass and after singing of a harvest festival song they were given to Fr. Prelate who was the host of the festival, in place of the collator who is absent. After vespers a meeting of the local residents took place in the gmina office where a social evening in honor of the Holy Father took place.

The school year 1929/30

Beginning of school year. Registration. The school year began on September 3 with a solemn mass. In all, 302 children registered. Instruction takes place, just like last year, in one classroom every other day for each grade. Beginning of September is dry and warm, and even hot.

Attendance. Potato harvest. October. Attendance is generally good. Collecting of potatoes was successful and the harvest abundant. October is also dry and warm, favorable to ground cultivation and sowing of winter crops.

Attendance. Attendance, weak as a result of potato digging, settled in the second half of the month.

November. November, with the exception of a few rainy days, also dry and warm. Attendance good.

December. Beginning of December is so warm that primroses and daisies bloomed here and there. Fields got green, as if in spring, and mushrooms appeared in forests. On December 4 the school principal received a beautiful wild mushroom (boletus) the size of a hat. The mushroom was quite healthy, there were worms in the stem only.

Santa Claus in school. On December 5th and 6th for the first time Santa Claus visit was organized in our local school. The local parish Pastor, Fr. Prelate Jan Kłos, was the initiator of this idea. The school principal was Santa Claus, dressed appropriately, and the teacher, Ms. Klementyna Stankówna, prepared the youth to welcome Santa Claus. After Santa addressed the youth and gave them guidance on how to behave in life, gifts were distributed among the gathered youth. The appearance of Santa Claus made a strong impression on the young people, and the silence which fell in the classroom intensified the serious mood.

Election of school building Committee. On December 8 a community meeting took place, during which the Committee for the construction of the school in lower Osobnica was elected.

Election of the Board. The elected Committee then elected their Chairman and the Board. Marcin Ryznar was elected as Chairman, the Assistant Chairman – Józef Woźniak, secretary – the school principal and (Marcin Woźniak as a helper), and the Treasurer – Franciszek Pięta. Jakub Bora (the gmina chief), Józef Turek and Stanisław Kosiek were elected to the Audit Committee. So finally the issue of building the school was moved from standstill. On December 10th light rain began, and in the second half of the month – frost.

First snow. The first snow covered the ground with a thin layer on December 17th. On December 26th there was a thaw, the snow disappeared and the rain came.

January. January this year was so warm, as old people cannot remember. There was hardly any snow, and only a light frost every so often. Attendance was good.

School break. The Ministry of Religion and Public Enlightenment ordered this year a four day break between the semesters in all schools.

February. Beginning of February was rainy; so much mud that it was hard to go outside, especially in the village. On February 7th a few millimeters of snow fell, and at night of February 7-8 its layer rose to several centimeters. Roads and paths are so buried that barely a few children came to school that day. At the end of February warm weather arrived.

March. Beginning of March was dry and warm, and on March 8th there truly was spring. After warm and beautiful days, unexpectedly on March 13th at first it started raining, then it snowed for the entire day.

New winter. After a beautiful spring, winter arrived again. Snow covered the ground with almost a 20-centimeter layer On March 14th four children came to school in the morning, and in the afternoon none due to a heavy snowstorm. Second half of the month – mostly rainy.

April. Beginning of April also rainy, and also cold, therefore fieldwork and spring sowing was delayed. Since mid-April the weather settled a bit and the temperature rose considerably. Warm weather continues – only sometimes there come moments of clouds with rain and hail, harmless so far.

May. May is cold and wet, only at the end warm. Winter crops promise to be very beautiful.

Inspector’s visit. June. On May 5 the school Inspector, the Honorable Mr. Antoni Klich, visited our school. June is dry and warm and even sweltering. Temperature in the shade reaches 30°, and in the sun over 40°. It is so stuffy in the classroom, especially in the afternoon, that it is hard to bear. There hasn’t been any rain for over a month. Only on June 28 did a heavy rain fall which fed wilted plants.

End of school year. The school year ended on June 28.

July. July continues to be sunny and the heat and drought began to be unbearable. The small local river dried out already. There is a lack of water in wells.

Harvest of grains and hay. On the other hand, this is a very favorable time for the harvest of hay and grain. Also, a good time for apiaries.

August. Rain. On August 9 clouds arrived and brought heavy rain. It has been raining day and night, with small intervals, for two weeks now. As a result, hay rotted and sheaves sprouted.

Arrival of the army. With the arrival of rain, the 3rd Regiment of Podhale Shooters arrived to Osobnica from Bielsk for summer exercises, that is – maneuvers. With the approval of the school authorities, the military also occupied the school building for the Regiment office.

Election of Chairman. On August 17 elections for the chairman of the new local school Board took place. Fr. Władysław Gliwa was elected unanimously, and Paweł Ulaszek was elected the assistant chairman. There is hope that Fr. Gliwa, known for his energy and volunteer work in the gmina, will take the construction of school in lower Osobnica in his hands.

Election of the new board of the school construction Committee. On September 14 the school board convened and the election of the chairman and the board took place. Fr. Władysław Gliwa was elected chairman unanimously, the assistant chairman – Józef Woźniak, the treasurer – Fr. Prelate Jan Kłos, and the secretary – Stanisław Sochacki, school principal.

The school year 1930/31

Beginning of school year. Because the school building was used by the military, education in this school started on September 22.

Opening of school in Upper Osobnica. Renting a second classroom in Lower Osobnica. As a result of opening of the school in Upper Osobnica, students were divided according to lists separately for Upper and Lower Osobnica. In all 131 boys and 120 girls registered for school. This year a second classroom was rented in the house of Jan Gomółka. Thereupon proper everyday education finally began.

Division of grades and providing education. Children of 1st, 3rd and 4th grade, as the largest group, attend classes together in the large classroom in the gmina office; in the small classroom of Jan Gomółka, children of 2nd and 5th grade, as a smaller group. Classes in the building of the gmina office are taught by Ms. Klementyna Stankówna, and in the other building – by the school principal.

Attendance. Due to potato digging attendance was poor and settled only about mid-November.

Celebration of the Unification of Poland. On November 11 of this year we celebrated a double occasion – the anniversary of the Unification of Poland and the tenth anniversary of repelling the Bolsheviks from Poland’s borders. It was celebrated in our school very solemnly.

Description of winter. November and December this year were wet and unhealthy. The flu epidemic has been rampant in almost all of Europe. Only in mid-December did winter start, mild so far. Attendance is good.

Winter break. Due to an intervening Sunday winter break began on December 20.

Speaker’s address. On the second day of Christmas Mr. Słupnicki arrived to Osobnica from Jasło, and before a numerous gathering he gave a long speech about the importance of Pomerania to Poland. January was mostly wet with alternating rain and snow.

The flu epidemic. The flu epidemic arrived to Osobnica. In some grades, the number of sick children had reached 50% about which the school Authorities informed the Starosty and the district School Board. February also wet and unhealthy.

Illness of the Principal. On February 13 the principal fell ill with the flu and his illness continued until March 2. In March, instead of the expected spring, winter returned with a freeze and snowstorms as a result of which attendance fell considerably.

Solemn name day celebration. On March 19 this year Marshal Piłsudski’s name day was solemnly celebrated in all schools.

Snowstorm. On March 31 there was such a strong snowstorm that children did not gather for school at all.

Description of April. This year’s April is also wet and cold. Mid-month is approaching and no field work has yet been started. Similarly in the gardens due to wet and cold conditions it is impossible to do anything.

Feeding of bees. Bees, unable to fly out, have to be fed so they don’t starve to death. Chronicles haven’t recorded such a cold spring in a long time. It can be confidently said that this year’s spring is a whole month late. First days of May rainy and cold.

May 3 celebration. The day of May 3 was celebrated as usual.

Arrival of spring. On May 5 a truly spring day arrived, warm and after the recent cold days it even felt hot. Since then warm days finally arrived and all nature awakened to new life. It can be said with confidence that this year’s spring was a whole month late because field work started only at the end of April. In spite of that, harvest came earlier than in other years. This can be explained by the fact that there practically was no spring this year but summer came right away.

Description of spring and summer. The entire May was hot, even sweltering, dry. Only on June 8 did an abundant rain come which soaked the ground and refreshed plants wilted due to drought. June also hot and temperature in the shade reached 30°, and in the sun over 40°. School is unbearably stuffy.

Economic crisis. Spring sowing, clover and cabbage are poor. This year almost all of Europe and even America have been affected by the economic crisis. Grain is cheap and the price of cattle, pigs and dairy products fell by half in comparison to the previous year. Agriculture collapsed and this adversely affected the Country’s income.

Government cutbacks. The Polish government, in order to maintain fiscal balance, began to restrict its spending. These cutbacks acutely affected state employees and most of all, teachers.

Cutting the state employees’ wages. In April a housing allowance was deducted from teachers’ salary, pension contribution was raised from 3% to 5%, and as of May 1 salaries of all state employees were reduced by 15% (with the exception of the army and the state police). In addition the number of children to teacher quota was raised to 60 and the number of hours was raised to 30 per week.

Reduction of teaching posts. As of August 1 teaching jobs began to be reduced by sending teachers with 35-year tenure to retirement and by removing contract teachers. In the Kraków area alone over 500 teacher positions were reduced.

End of school year. This year the school year, due to the upcoming holiday, ended before Sunday on June 27. July continues to be hot and dry.

Harvest. Grain harvest (this year) considerably worse than in the previous year. Bees, in spite of a dry summer, do not have honey as a result of frequent winds and cold nights.

The death of the minister of the Ministry of Religion and Public Enlightenment. On August 4 the late Minister of the Ministry of Religion and Public Enlightenment, Dr. Sławomir Czerwiński, died unexpectedly in his prime, a person of great merit in the field of education. In his place Mr. Jędrzejewicz was appointed Minister.

Description of August. August with frequent storms and rains hinders harvest of oats and clover.

History of school construction in Upper Osobnica and of the beginning of school construction in Lower Osobnica. This year, at long last, school construction in Upper Osobnica began. As an eyewitness I wish to present for future generations at least a few most important facts from the history of the construction of the school in Upper Osobnica and, in connection, the beginning of construction in Lower Osobnica.The beginning of the creation of the school dates back to the year 1859, that is 72 years ago. At first as a one classroom school, then transformed into two-classrooms it existed in the middle of the village near the church until the year 1913. Students attended this school from the entire 8-kilometer wide gmina and the number of children often exceeded 400. The work of the teachers (usually two) was hard and exhausting and could not bring proper results.

The work of Fr. Gliwa for this gmina. In the year 1912 our local countryman Fr. Władysław Gliwa, a former prior of the Paulist Fathers, arrived in Osobnica and settled at his brother’s in Upper Osobnica. A wise and clever man, world-wise, energetic and of lively nature, despite poor health due to heart problems and Graves’ disease could not sit still but wherever he could he always tried to do something good for his fellow men in the gmina. Upon his initiative the construction of the school in Upper Osobnica began in the year 1913.

The beginning of construction of school in Upper Osobnica. The construction was led by the late Mr. Rybak from Jasło who brought the construction up to window height. In the year 1914 however the world war broke out and construction was halted. On May 15, 1915 during the German and Austrian army offensive the school in Lower Osobnica was burned down and destroyed. In spite efforts of the former school Inspector, the late Mr. Andrzej Stopiński, as a result of negligence of the gmina the burned down school has not been rebuilt and classes took place in the newly built (with the efforts of Fr. Gliwa) gmina office and in a rented building. When the war was over the matter of construction of schools in Osobnica became timely. Fr. Gliwa with his wise advice tried to persuade the people to construct the schools. The circumstances for doing so at the time were highly favorable. The Polish government was contributing half of the construction costs and above that, a long term loan. The price of crops, dairy, cattle and pigs were at an excessive level. Shortly speaking, the position of farmers was excellent.

Lack of unity in the gmina. Unfortunately, there was a lack of unity in the gmina and the unity was being broken up by a few ranters. One side wished to build only one school in Lower Osobnica, the other side wanted to build a school in Upper Osobnica the construction of which already began before the war. Several meetings of the gmina Council took place but there was no consent. Finally, Fr. Gliwa presented a compromise proposal to proceed with the construction of both schools simultaneously. It seemed that nothing stood in the way for both parts of the gmina to have their own school. The local ranters found themselves in a fix. However, soon they stirred up the people against the construction announcing that the Government itself should build the school. I have to mention here that the local population is generally good and honest but, I will say, too stupid and lets itself be easily led by deceitful people. I remember when I started 30 years ago as a junior teacher there was a good understanding between the gmina, the parish and the school. Everyone held on to what the pastor said during his sermon or at a meeting; it was, so to speak, holy to them.

Politicizing. But since general election to the Sejm was introduced people started to politicize, and the politics spoiled our kind-hearted country folk. A priest or a teacher, if he didn’t share the views of home-bred village politicians, was considered an enemy of the peasant by the deceived village folk.

Creation of the school construction Committee in Upper Osobnica. Fortunately, there were a few smart farmers in upper Osobnica who were able to see through the despicable activities of those demagogues and, having gathered around them the majority of people from 144 homes, created their own committee and with enthusiasm began to build the school. They spared no time or money to bring the started cause to the end. The greatest efforts and selfless work at the construction of this school were put by Jan Marszałek, the chairman of the committee, and Paweł Ulaszek, the gmina scribe, both from Upper Osobnica.

Help of Fr. Gliwa. Fr. Gliwa, seeing their pious intentions, was helping them in everything. As a result of his efforts they received a 25,000 [transl. – zloty] grant from the Board of Education and the district Bureau. They themselves added about 7,000 zlotys and eagerly donated all labor both by foot and by horse. Thus, under the direction of Fr. Gliwa this school was built soundly, with the outbuildings and a well, surrounded by a fence and a hedge, and fully supplied with equipment and educational materials.

Blessing of the school. After a solemn blessing of the school by Fr. Prelate Jan Kłos it was opened on September 1, 1930.

First teachers. Mr. Walenty Głąb, the former principal of the school in Glinnik Polski, was appointed principal of this school, and Ms. Maria Szpinarówna, former teacher in Warzyce, was the teacher. The construction of the school in Upper Osobnica became an impulse and stimulus for other somewhat-thinking farmers. They finally realized that only in harmony and unity something can be done.

Election of the school construction committee. At a meeting convened in the gmina office the school building committee was elected in Lower Osobnica, under the direction of farmer Marcin Ryznar. The elected committee swiftly got to work: imposed a levy based on taxes and soon gathered about 800 złotys for the initial work. This work did not appeal to our demagogues because they were passed over at the election of the Committee.

Overthrow of the elected Committee. To destroy this work they convened the so called community, overthrew the elected Committee and created their own one. It was clear that their goal was not the good of the school but, as they agreed to while drunk, that they would be able to make a few thousand złotys, as it already happened a few years ago at the construction of the Pastor’s stable. This unlawful overthrow of the legally elected Committee was too much.

Re-establishing of the Committee and its reorganization. Fr. Gliwa publicly denounced their vile behavior and brought about the re-establishment of the previously elected Committee which was expanded and reorganized. Fr. Gliwa was unanimously elected Chairman of the Committee, the Assistant Chairman – farmer Józef Woźniak, the Treasurer – Fr. Prelate Jan Kłos, and the Secretary – the school principal Stanisław Sochacki.

Initial work around the school. Under the energetic leadership of Fr. Gliwa the work began anew. Plans and estimates were prepared for the construction of a 4 classroom school and over 2,000 złotys were collected. The old foundation was demolished and the stones (weathered) were sold out; four 15-ton [?] wagons of lime were brought, it was slaked and covered with sand, also about 200 carts of rubble were brought for the construction of the foundation. It should be emphasized with appreciation that the local farmers eagerly brought the materials needed.

The help of Osobnicans from America. In the meantime, in America in Chicago the Osobnica Club was created which, at dance parties and festivals, wishing to help their countrymen in Osobnica in the construction of the school, began to collect money and collected a substantial sum of 1,200 dollars initially, promising to continue to collect the funds. As can be seen from this, the Osobnicans living beyond the Ocean are far more intelligent and better recognize the need for the school than the local residents. To present to the readers the meanness and underhand dealings of our Osobnica demagogues, I cannot omit another fact. Having learned about the activities of the Osobnicans regarding the collection of funds for the construction of the new school, they wrote to America that what is built here is not a school but a shack of some sort, that Fr. Gliwa controls everything himself without the knowledge and the will of the Committee, and similar nonsense. Luckily, the American committee, not believing these denunciations, referred this matter to the local Pastor and those intrigues were exposed.

Resignation of the gmina head. Today these people calmed down a bit especially that their main pillar, Jakub Bara, was forced to resign from the post of the head of the gmina because of a tax collection fraud and the embezzlement of over 1000 złotys.

The characters of the main instigators. The second demagogue who calls himself the defender of the country folk is Stanisław Kosiek. Such a defender he was that he tried to overturn all resolutions, even those most needed for the community or the parish, just so the people were not burdened with any contributions. The third agitator and leader is Wojciech Lazar. As a smart and clever peasant but equally mean and deceitful, and audacious to such an extent that he publicly bragged that he was able to impede all meetings and resolutions tending toward the construction of the school. This trio of drunken knaves, deputy candidates, and each of them from a different party, incited people and preyed on human stupidity both openly and secretly. Saddest of all, the local people do not have enough sense so they still let themselves be manipulated. Work toward the construction of the school in Lower Osobnica began during the time most critical for farmers, during the so far hardest economic crisis, and this was the most fertile ground for the aforementioned trouble makers and demagogues. I think that the ice has already been broken and now with the help of God and eager people, finally the school will be built here for the benefit of the youth and a better future of this gmina.

The school year 1931/32

Beginning of school year. The number of registered and excused. Division of work. Description of September. Attendance. The school year began with a mass on September 1st. Of 278 children under the compulsory education, in all 234 were registered, to wit 140 boys and 91 girls. Due to the lack of a classroom, by permission of the county school Board 47 children, mostly from the older years, were excused. Grades I and III are taught by Ms. Klementyna Stankówna, and II and IV by the school principal. September, mostly cold and rainy, halted sowing work. School attendance average.

Weather stabilized. In October the weather stabilized. Halted sowing and potato harvest work is now in full swing. School attendance is very poor this month. Due to the economic crisis it is difficult to sentence parents to pay fines for sending children to school irregularly.

October and November. At the end of October it got considerably cold and on the 30th the first snow fell. At the beginning of November, on the other hand, it got warmer. Attendance improved considerably.

Appointment of a third teacher. The county school Board appointed to this school a third teacher, Mr. Józef Matuszewski, previously performing the duties of a contract teacher in Glinnik Polski. After the pledge was accepted from him, he began his service on November 6th.

Division of work. Due to the arrival of the third teacher, there has been a new division of work according to the new schedule, to wit Mr. Matuszewski took II and IV grades, Ms. Klementyna Stankówna I and III, and the school principal - grade V.

National holiday. On November 11th a national holiday was celebrated. Due to heavy rain barely a handful of children took part in the mass.

November and December. November cold and wet; attendance poor. December initially wet, later chilly and sunny. Due to the economic crisis many children do not attend school due to the lack of warm clothing.

January and February. Illness of the principal. January beautiful, dry and warm, as a result of which attendance is much better. February on the other hand chilly and snowy. On February 16th the school principal became severely ill with arthritis; he received from the county school Board temporary leave for 14 days.

Retirement of Ms. Stankówna. On March 1st the longtime teacher, Ms. Klementyna Stankówna, left our school after retiring. She lived in Osobnica for over 30 years. As a teacher, she performed her duties conscientiously and with dedication, gaining the respect of her supervisors, the love of the students and their parents, and a devotion which happens very rarely.

Appointment of a new teacher. In place of Ms. Stankówna, the county school Board appointed Ms. Antonina Misiałkowa from Łazy Dębowieckie. Due to the absence of the school principal who had to undergo hospital treatment, only 2 teachers conducted classes.

Description of spring months. May 3rd celebration. March, wet and cold, did not favor attendance. April was admittedly dry but cold. The day of May 3rd was celebrated solemnly. After mass in the parish church people gathered near the school building. Mr. Matuszewski, a teacher from the local school spoke to those numerously gathered in beautiful words about the meaning of the Constitution; and afterward a parade headed by musicians formed toward the school in Upper Osobnica. Mr. Wiśniewski, a teacher in Upper Osobnica, spoke here. After singing of a few patriotic songs by students of both schools, the parade was dismissed.

Description of May and June. May until mid-month cold and dry, and in the second half - warm and even hot and dry.

Assumption of duties. On June 1st the school principal assumed his duties. As a result, teaching took place in two classrooms in the morning and in the afternoon. June mostly cold and dry. Due to the lack of rain this year’s harvest is not going to be good.

Construction of school. Despite the severe economic crisis, the construction of the school in Lower Osobnica began because suitable classrooms could not be rented and school authorities threatened the gmina with school closure.

County conference. On June 18th a county conference took place in Jasło for the county of Jasło and part of the county of Pilzno, with the participation of Messrs. Inspectors, Superintendent, and the Starost; with presentations of Messrs. Inspectors, and Mr. Jeżyk, a secondary school principal.

Election of deputies. At this conference election of deputies to the County School Board in Jasło took place. Ms. Breitmajerowa and Mr. Józefowicz were elected deputies, and colleagues Wnęk and Mazurkiewicz as substitutes.

The school year 1932/33

Education began as usual with a solemn mass. There were 255 male and female students registered. Attendance in the months of September and October – generally good.

The division of classes for the teaching body was as follows: Ms. Antonina Miziołkowa taught grade II and V, and Józef Matuszewski – I, III, and IV.

Mr. Principal St. Sochacki did not teach because he was on leave due to poor health.

Appointment of a new teacher. Because the number of students was quite high, as a result the County School Board allowed one more teaching post in Osobnica, to which Ms. Zofia Kolbuszówna, a contract teacher, arrived on October 15, 1932.

Retirement of Mr. St. Sochacki. She performed the teaching duties in place of Mr. St. Sochacki who was allowed to retire. The teaching staff accepted this fact with great sadness because he was one of the most sincere friends; he was always an example for the teachers, an honest colleague and friend. Died in Osobnica on 26th October, 1934.

Mr. Józef Matuszewski, an interim teacher, undertook the duties of the school principal in the meantime.

Teachers’ conference. As a result of new curricula, on September 17th a conference took place during which addressed were all issues provided by the Superintendent’s office and by the County School Board. At the conference the most attention was paid to educational activities as well as the proper understanding of the curriculum. Education continued as usual. Having a clear objective set before them, teachers devoted themselves to work with all their soul.

Epidemic. However, disaster struck and in Osobnica in October the typhus epidemic appeared as a result of which the county physician closed the school until further notice.

Students did not come to school for almost three weeks. This was felt most painfully by the teaching staff who tried to make up the losses quickly. This was difficult work especially due to the lack of teaching aids and suitable classrooms.

Construction of school. The economic crisis makes people’s life increasingly miserable; and it can be seen especially in Osobnica which was forced to build a school. How much effort and sacrifice Osobnica’s population had to make in order to meet the challenge in such a difficult time. Thanks to the tireless initiator Fr. Władysław Gliwa, a former prior of the Paulist Fathers, this work brought positive results and the school was covered with a roof by winter. This fact should be strongly emphasized because it was the pride of the construction leaders. I already mentioned once that difficult times came for Polish society but it is also interesting that despite that there existed a race to work on self-improvement.

Pilot Żwirko and engineer Wigura, the winners of an aviation prize for Poland. It is enough to mention the fact that in such critical times Poland became the world master in aviation. Society brought forth such people as pilot Lieutenant Żwirko and engineer Wigura who drew the attention of the entire world winning the 1st prize cup for Poland in Europe’s Aviation Competition.

Their death. Although the nation welcomed this fact with great enthusiasm, later things turned out otherwise: these heroes soon after this victory were carried away into the abyss of death as a result of a tragic accident. In the hearts of Poles terrible pain was engraved forever after the death of the heroes. Honor to their memory!

November, December, and January. This month classes were conducted without any impediments, on the one hand because fall was as warm as people could remember; on the other hand, among many willing there were a few stubborn ones whom the school Board was forced to punish. The number of those was about 20.

The month of December was as warm as November. On behalf of the higher authorities (the Ministry of Religion and Public Enlightenment) a decree was issued changing the schedule of a school year. The order was set in the following manner: the school year is divided not into two semesters but into 4 quarters.

New division of school year. The first period lasts from August 20 until December 22 and is divided into two periods: the first one from August 20 until October 20, and the second one from October 21 until December 22. The second period lasts from January 16 until June 15 inclusive, and is divided into: the third period from January 16 until March 31, and the fourth one from April 1 until June 15. Winter break is to last from December 23 until January 15. Summer vacation lasts from June 16 until August 19.

This schedule, so well planned, was to everyone’s liking because from the practical as well as savings point of view it is very prudent.

At the end of December an interesting incident occurred that electrified the entire population of Osobnica. The economic crisis increasingly makes life miserable. Poverty continues and it becomes ground for the growth of communism. This has been proven by the fact that when one of their leaders and secret organizers, a communist with the name Donchöpner died, his funeral was used as an anti-state observance. Instead of religious psalms, communist songs were sung over his remains. The funeral was led by communists, mostly from foreign parts, without a priest, and wreaths were decorated with red sashes.

The above fact was mentioned in order to show for all eternity what Osobnica was and what its population was prone to.

Although teachers try to drive people away from such organizations and works, they organize the Public Schools Society (PSS) and numerous events, however, the poverty does its job.

On January 15, 1933 volunteers from PSS performed a play “Star of Siberia”. The play was supplemented by a preliminary talk the purpose of which was to stress the patriotic value of working for Poland, and not for a cause such as communism. After the play a dance took place the proceeds from which were allocated for the needs of the Public Schools Society.

Creation of help for the poor. To alleviate the poverty of the poorest a committee in Osobnica was created, the purpose of which was to prevent evil by using dues paid by its members. Patronage of the aforementioned Society was assumed by Fr. Prelate Kłos.

In the month of February and March. There have been no interesting events in the village. Poverty which already previously crept into peasants’ thresholds is increasingly noticeable. People currently complain that they are unable to cope in any way. All crops lost their value to such an extent that people cannot even buy matches or salt. As a result, people eat their food without salt and at night and in the evenings do not use light.

Unemployment increases daily in the entire country. In villages wandering beggars can be seen constantly, even young ones, looking for work and bread.

Changes in Germany. In the month of April great changes have taken place in Germany, a country hostile to Poland. Adolf Hitler came to power, a national democrat who with his rant and cunning is trying to plant a spark to ignite the war by forcing Poland to hand over Pomerania.

Beating of Jews. Boycott of German goods. He declared relentless war on Polish Jews in Germany by the means of barbaric behavior toward them. The entire Jewish world objects to this by boycotting German goods.

The quiet folk of Osobnica patiently tolerate these times succumbing to a certain degree of indifference. The youth in the Public School Society works and is to perform a play in February “The Way Corporal Szczapa Tricked Death.” Attendance in school improved.

On March 19 a morning celebration was organized to honor the beloved Marshal of Poland Józef Piłsudski. Numerous songs, a declamation and a speech by teacher J.M. bore witness to the great love of the honoree and trust in his actions that lead the Nation toward better future.

The course of the spring. All of April and May were cold. Recurrent frosts resulted in bad harvest predictions. This can already be noticed in May on the meadows.

The course of summer. The entire summer was rainy and cold. At pre-harvest time hunger can be noticed in the village. Lack of bread was a daily occurrence. The villagers eat predominantly potatoes. The misery of the folk is exploited by people of ill will, communist barkers, who stir the folk up and even urge with the aid of leaflets to rebel against the government.

Peasant rebellion in Ropczyce. The result of these dishonorable activities was the so called peasant rebellion in Ropczyce county. There were clashes between the peasants and the pacifying troops. As a result of these clashes a handful of people gave their lives. Sad was the life of teachers in this county. They were being forced to swear allegiance to Witos and they were publicly insulted. There were cases of attacks on schools and teachers which went unpunished. The above news was taken from stories recounted by principals who had attended a system propaganda workshop in Jasło.

School closure. The school year was drawing to an end. The school building – new and covered with the roof – waited to be opened for children who were suffocating in two uncomfortable and confined classrooms. But there were not enough funds to complete the school. The poor population, due to the lack of money and partially out of stubbornness didn’t increase sums to finish the school. In such conditions, children were left with no choice. The school authorities ordered school closure. Three hundred children were left with no education. Teachers were transferred to other schools, that is: Mr. Principal and Mr. Matuszewski to Żmigród, Ms. Miziołkowa to Upper Osobnica, Ms. Kolbuszówna to Łężyny. Children were left at the mercy of fate.

There was no hope for the completion of the school and even teachers lost hope of returning to school in Osobnica.

The year 1933/34

No school. This entire year was spent wondering how to collect funds for the school. Residents of Osobnica, affected by the loss of the school, with their last ounce of effort manage to acquire funds, borrow money, and try to finish the commenced cause so in the new school year the building will be completed. Despite their great effort, there still was no hope of finishing the building.

People’s mood in 1933/34. People, discouraged and overburdened, do this work thanks to the great perseverance of Fr. Gliwa who, at all times like a guardian angel, continues to encourage and keeps an eye on things.

Times have not changed; poverty persisted this year just like in the past. Just like last year, there was fertile ground for the expansion of communism. People, perceived by those engaged in communist activities, as rich, or those who were doing better, were in danger. Letters were sent to them that they will be burned or killed.

And it did happen several times. In the neighboring village of Harklowa a few farms were burned down. But a remedy was found for the guilty ones as they got into the hands of justice. People calmed down a little and understood that the present poverty is not a result of bad governing but a result of international export limits.

The hope of school completion. While in Żmigród I heard various news. And finally one very important piece of news arrived that the school building Committee received a subvention to finish the school.

The work began anew with greater enthusiasm so that at the end of the school year the school building was plastered, windows were inserted but all was not yet completed. It seemed that all bad things will pass as soon as people bring the harvest from the fields. But it happened otherwise.

Flood in July. At the beginning of July strong rain started to come down which in a short time caused a flood. To the poverty caused by economic crisis another even more was added, caused by the flood. All fields and houses located by water were flooded. Even the oldest people didn’t remember such a high water level. Houses were covered up to the roofs. Farm animals drowned. In other areas, there were incidents of houses, barns and other buildings taken away by water. Because this was harvest time, all grain gathered but left in the fields drifted away or was totally destroyed. Luckily, there were no human casualties in Osobnica. Many people drowned in the Wisłoka, Ropa, Dunajec, and Biała rivers. The army came to the rescue and won over great trust and respect.

The flood caused incalculable damages in Poland. While destroying entire villages, fields with grain, bridges, roads, railroads, it inflicted a new painful blow to the soul of the Country.

Help for the flood victims. Thanks to the great generosity of the public and to Government aid, flood committees were organized that provided help to poor flood victims. The help was enormous. Houses and farm buildings were rebuilt. Flour, grain, potatoes, speck, legumes, barley, salt, etc. were brought by trains. Even piles of clothing, shoes, etc. were sent to those who suffered because of the flood.

The return of the school Principal and appointment of a new teacher. With the beginning of the new school year the former principal, Mr. Kotanowski Józef and Ms. Miziołkowa returned to Osobnica. As the third teacher the Board of Education appointed Mr. Kuś Bolesław Franciszek. Classes didn’t start as in other schools because the school building was still being finished. The principal and the teachers were helping [the Administration?] in the construction.

Three hundred and seven children registered for school.

Organization of the school year. Due to the large number of children and the hope of finishing the classrooms, classes were organized based on the level of a 5-grade school. On September 15, 1934 the school was opened.

At first, classes were taught by Principal Mr. Kotanowski, Ms. Miziołkowa, and Mr. Kuś B. Fr. as a contract teacher. Later Mr. Zygadlewicz arrived and Ms. Zawadzka, the first one as a full-time teacher, and Ms. Zawadzka as an unpaid intern.

Blessing of the school. On November 11 a solemn blessing of the school building was organized. Aside from the local teachers and clergy, guests arrived for the blessing, to wit Mr. Inspector Rzepecki from the Board of Education, Dr. Piątkowski, Mr. Starost [last name illegible], and numerous representatives of county offices. The blessing ceremony was impressive. After many speeches, songs, and declamations the keys were given to the Principal, stressing that this school is to deliver better citizens, such citizens who will love Poland with all their hearts. The entire teaching staff and their successors were entrusted with taking care of raising and educating.

Now the painstaking work began with children who, provided with healthy conditions, full of joy and contentment develop civic virtues.

The fight against child malnutrition. Education in the new school building was undertaken by the teaching staff consisting of 4 persons. During this work they met many difficulties resulting from children being prepared poorly for learning in classes taught according to the 7-grade school curriculum, up to V grade inclusively. Poor school performance was also caused by malnutrition of children whose fathers were afflicted by the flood disaster. School authorities organized the feeding of 55 of poorest children. The Starosty office in Jasło did not forget about winter clothing. From the flood funds modest clothing was purchased and distributed. Despite great difficulties resulting from poor school attendance, the effects on learning were visible.

Inspection. On October 18 Mr. Ormanczyk, the School Inspector from Gorlice, visited the new school. In the school he found proper order regarding work as well as its organization.

Winter. Winter this year was rather mild, not causing any unpleasant after-effects for the residents of the village or the neighboring area, as it happened in the year 1928/29.

March 19. For the first time in the new school we celebrated the Name day of the Leader of the Nation, Marshal Józef Piłsudski. After a solemn mass a solemn morning celebration took place in honor of the Leader, loved by the entire Nation.

Death of the Leader, Marshal Józef Piłsudski. And this was his last Name day because soon, that is on May 12, Józef Piłsudski died unexpectedly, the greatest human delivered in the history of the Nation. The man who departed from us with the example of his life was a model of effort and love for the Motherland. It has been rightly said about Him that with the great effort of his life he built the strength in the Nation, with the genius of his mind and hard work and effort he resurrected the State, led it toward the rebirth of its own strength, toward liberation of forces on which the future fate of Poland will be based. He was called the greatest human being throughout history who drew the power of His spirit from the depths of the past history, and was able to predict the future thanks to his superhuman thought effort.

The entire Nation laid His remains in the tombs at Wawel, and his heart, just as he wished, was laid at the feet of His mother in Vilnius.

To the Nation in deep mourning he gave a testament passing the legacy of His thoughts full of concern for the honor and the power of the State.

He worked till the last moment of his life, giving orders which were proof that He thought of saying farewell to the Motherland because His strength was declining. During his life He entrusted the post of the armed forces inspector to General Rydz Śmigły.

Arrival of the bishop. In the same month, the school had the honor of hosting His Excellency Bishop Fr. Barda. For this day a celebration was prepared the purpose of which was to honor such a distinguished guest.

Summer. Summer this year was quite cold. People gathered their harvest, generally satisfactory. At the end of the school year, registration for the new year was taken. After making the list it turned out that in the next school year 320 children will attend.

Appointment of Ms. Zawadzka Zofia. It should be mentioned that starting on December 1, 1934 one more teacher arrived who worked as an unpaid teacher in-training until the end of the 1934/35 school year. For this intern position the School Inspector appointed Ms. Zawadzka Zofia.

Changes in the number of students at the end of the school year are as follows: At the beginning of the school year there were 305 children registered. During the school year 5 more were added – altogether 307 [sic!] at the end of the school year. 256 were awarded positive grades and 32 – negative grades. 19 were not awarded grades. The average absence rate was 20%.

The year 1935/1936

Movement of students at the beginning of school year. The school year began with a solemn mass in the parish church. This year subject to compulsory education were 331 children of whom the following forms were created: Ia and Ib, IIa, IIb, III, IV, V, and VI.

Teaching staff. At the beginning of the school year there were 4 teachers. The changes in the teaching staff were as follows: in place of Mr. Kuś Franciszek who was transferred to a post in Żurowa arrived Mr. Czaja, a contract teacher from Osobnica Górna. Also religion was taught by the new priest Fr. Daszkiewicz.

Because of the lack of one projected teacher, two first and two second grade forms were joined into two forms.

As of November 1 the fifth teacher arrived, Ms. Wierzejska Kazimiera, for the post of a contract teacher in this school. She arrived from a 3-classroom school in Błażkowa in the district of Jasło.

After November 1 education was conducted normally without any impediments.

During the summer vacation and during fall there were no major events in Osobnica worth noting in the school chronicle.

For November 11 the school prepared a solemn celebration on the anniversary of Independence Day. The celebration consisted of a mass and a program performed by children.

Visitation. On November 28, 1935 our school was visited by the Inspector from the Kraków School District, Mr. Rzepecki, and the School Inspector Mr. Gunia. After this inspection Mr. Czaja received a teaching contract in Łużna [?] in the county of Gorlice, and in his place a new full-time teacher was nominated, Mr. Andrzej Oczkowski. He arrived here from Brzostek where he had been a contract teacher.

Fall and winter. Fall this year was calm, people managed to sow on time and gather harvest without any impediments. The crop was abundant so the lack of food was not felt in the village as happened in past years.

Winter also was mild. Children attended school 80% of the time with the exception of a few cold days with blizzard and snowdrifts.

For Christmas the school prepared the Christmas Pageant which was performed with great success. After Christmas the school arranged a Christmas tree celebration for the children. It should be mentioned that the income from the Christmas Pageant was 20 zlotys and 20 groszy, which was allocated for the school library.

Spring. The year 1936 began with quite an early and warm spring. At the end of spring, in May, there was a lack of rain which greatly affected the crops in the fields. In general, the harvest promised to be fairly good, with the exception of wheat which was burnt by the sun. In Osobnica itself during spring there were no accidents among the people in the village as well as in nature.

Graduation. On May 26 the school hosted a graduation committee which arrived to conduct Mr. Oczkowski’s practical exam. For this exam arrived Mr. School Inspector Gunia, a seminary professor in Nowy Sącz, Ms. Smoluchowska, and Mr. Mordawski, a teacher from Jasło.

End of school year. The school year ended with a solemn mass after which certificates were handed out and farewell to the students was bid.

One of the very big moments should be mentioned, to wit, farewell of students with the Teaching staff. This year this moment was especially noticed because the children went home with regret. Teachers assessed this fact positively as an expression of students’ gratitude for their work during the school year.

The school year 1936/37

Level of organization. Beginning of school year. The 7-grade elementary school prospers despite difficult economic conditions in the country and despite the apathy of the local population. Suitable classrooms; cold, modest but healthy accommodations for the teachers in the school building, an extensive playing field, it all stimulates the students and their educators to more intensive work which until recently was deficient due to poor conditions. Even though the school still lacks educational aids which the school, with the gracious help of Fr. Prior Władysław Gliwa, slowly acquires, but each month it enters the normal track of upbringing and teaching the local youth.

Attendance. At the beginning of school year 327 children registered for school, among them 174 boys and 153 girls. The youth attends school fairly well and enjoys learning. Regrettably, there is no lack of indolent citizens who don’t send their children to school or often distract them from learning for trivial reasons, like a trip to the market to Jasło every Friday. No wonder then that those parents’ children make poor progress at school.

Teaching staff. The makeup of the teaching staff: Stefanowski Jan, the school principal, nominated as a result of the competition on August 1, 1936 with the ordinance of the Kraków School District Superintendent’s Office; Misiołkowa Antonina, the permanent teacher; Niedźwiedź Zofia, Oczkowski Andrzej, and Zygadlewicz Jan, temporary teachers; Olbrychtowicz Janina, a contract teacher who performs the duties in place of teacher Mr. Józef Matuszewski who during this year is studying at the Higher Teacher Training Course in Warsaw; Fr. Franciszek Daszkiewicz, the religion teacher.

The National Council for Public Enlightenment. As indicated in the speech given by the Minister of Religious Faiths and Public Enlightenment, Professor Wojciech Świętosławski, directed to teachers and parents on the radio on September 3, 1936, and at the session of the National Council for Public Enlightenment on November 24 in the current year, while implementing the curriculum, teachers try to transform the printed dull book pages into a living substance, exuding emotion, awakening hidden strength of the spirit and longing for action for the benefit of the nation and the security of the Republic.

The Commander in Chief, Major General Edward Śmigły-Rydz mobilized all creative forces of the nation under the banner of the Defense of the State. He said: “It’s not about money but about embracing this program in a wider sense. I am deeply convinced that everything will find its place in this program, that there will be a way out of our economic situation, that there will be a way which will lead to releasing the moral and creative forces in the nation.”

The State Defense Fund. The above slogan of concentrating national forces to strengthen the country’s defense received a great response of the entire nation. We as well fulfilled this dictate, this inner need.

November 11. November in Poland. Who doesn’t know it? A child remembers it, a young heart beats stronger, flags flutter, houses, squares and streets are decorated. Hearts and souls rejoice. Strength stands on guard at the borders. Honor and Motherland!

This year the Independence Day celebration was preceded by presenting of the Field Marshal’s baton by the President of the Republic to the Commander in Chief Edward Śmigły-Rydz for His exceptional merits for the sake of the good and power of Poland. In a passionate demonstration in honor of the Heir of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, the youth along with the teachers also took part.

Winter aid for the unemployed. To aid the unemployed and the poor during the winter months, under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Professor Ignacy Mościcki, the National Civic Committee for Winter Assistance to the Unemployed emerged in Warsaw, which oversaw the organization of the entire effort and distribution of gathered funds, food items, clothing and heating materials. Knowing that unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and, as a result, an increase of disease and crime are the result of the deepest economic crisis and our specific conditions, such as overpopulation and a ½ million annual population increase, Polish society headed to the front of the battle with poverty to fulfill their civic duty.

New spelling rules. Despite the numerous objections from the education circles, the Ministry of Education introduced in schools new spelling rules, passed by the Spelling Committee of the Polish Academy of Learning. Students were learning the new spelling rules with great difficulty.

Due to constant rains people were unable to dig potatoes and sow winter crops. This work was done on and off whenever it stopped raining.

Tree planting. In late fall in the school garden the children planted 20 fruit trees. These were the first trees by the new school building. In the spring the school garden was set up and plots were installed where children carry on propaganda gardening which has outstanding economic importance. Using effective plant cultivation treatment, the children were preparing for future life.

School social organizations. On school campus the following school social organizations existed and were successfully evolving: the Chapter of the Society for the Support of Building of Public Elementary Schools, School Savings, and the school store. Under the supervision of teachers students ran these organizations, getting accustomed in such a school of social life to being good citizens of the Polish State.

The youth affiliated with these organizations takes active part in preparing National Holiday celebrations, the Christmas Pageant, and reserves the income earned from such events for community purposes. Children honored the Nameday feast of Marshal Józef Piłsudski with true deed, gathering for their poorest friends grain and eggs which then were presented to them by the chosen committee. [read on 21 May 1937, - signature]

Since February 1, 1937 in this locality a Postal Agency has been opened which is located in the district office building.

A disastrous year for farmers. This year was disastrous for farmers. Due to constant rains in the fall, winter crops failed. In the spring, on the other hand, there was drought which negatively affected the condition of vegetables and fodder. Only in the second half of June did heavy rains come, with storms and hail in many neighboring parts of our country. In the Province of Kielce, in the counties of Stopnica and Miechów, a flood caused enormous damage. Almost the entire August was rainy which did not allow farmers to gather lush clover which they counted on because the hay and other fodder failed completely. This year there also wasn’t much honey. But there was an abundant harvest of fruit. Although in our village the aforementioned natural disasters were not felt as much, however poor yields of grain and fodder were painful for the local population because the bread of the poor folk – potatoes – failed also.

Due to the abovementioned reasons attendance in school left a lot to be desired, as did the level of education due to poor attendance.

The school year 1937/38

Beginning of school year. Registered for school were 348 children, among them 187 boys and 161 girls. Due to the increase in attendance, the number of forms and teachers also grows. This year children learn in 10 forms in the morning and in the afternoon because there is not enough room before noon in 6 tight classrooms for all children.

Fr. Prelate Jan Kłos retired. In November 1937 Fr. Prelate Jan Kłos, the local Pastor, retired and moved to Jasło. For 46 years he had performed the pastoral duties with great dedication. He taught religion in the local school for many years, was the President of the Local School Board and the Treasurer of the School Building Committee. He eagerly devoted himself to the social work that he was entrusted with, and with his tact, calm and love, won the hearts of his parishioners. Students loved Him with all their souls, showing Him their devotion at the farewell celebration which they arranged for their pastor and teacher at their own initiative even though Fr. Prelate as a very humble man did not wish for that. The Bishop Curia appointed Pastor Fr. Okulicki Walenty.

[note on the margin: Died on 5.VI.1939 in Jasło. Buried at the cemetery in Osobnica]

[note on the margin and underneath original text: together with the case of an anonymous letter with which – perhaps unintentionally – he did the school principal moral and financial harm. The issue was an anonymous letter to the Bishop about Fr. Okulicki and Fr. Gliwa which was written by Fr. Prelate Kłos and his housekeeper Bergerowa, but the school principal Mr. Jan Stefanowski was suspected and accused of writing it.]

Transforming of the school. With the letter of November 15, 1938 No 4203/37 the School Inspector in Gorlice, Mr. Franciszek Gunia transformed this 7-grade school into a level III public elementary school, to wit based on article 2 of the regulation of July 8, 1937 which referenced adaptation of regulation of February 17, 1922 regarding establishing and maintaining public elementary schools in order to bring into effect the new education system (Journal of Laws of the Ministry of Religious Faiths and Public Enlightenment, No 8, item 231)

Collaboration of home with school. The day of February 6, 1938 was a real manifestation of the collaboration of home with the school. On this day a dance party took place which was organized by the Parent Committee who dedicated the entire profit in the amount of 132 zlotys for the school library and for Polish education abroad. Participation of numerous parents and youth of this village – that’s proof of understanding this important collaboration.

Exceptional year for fields and gardens. Despite a violent and most exceptional hurricane that went through on January 29, 1938 over Małopolska and other parts of Europe, despite quite an unpleasant spring, full of disturbing frost and winds, this is a promising year for fields and gardens. Grain of all four types is promising to be very good; for certain this year we won’t have any shortage of hay and fodder; vegetables and fruit, especially strawberries, yielded a rich crop this year. Almost throughout the entire country there is hope for a better harvest than last year. This hope is disturbed by fear of any surprises caused by prices, whether the good harvest won’t be wasted.

Government’s concern over the profitability of agricultural production. In order to prevent an overly sharp decline of the price of grain, the Government of the Republic activated sufficient resources for this purpose. Additionally, the Government brought a bill to the special session of the Parliament regarding the support of economically justified agricultural price fixing. The law introduces a special fee from wheat milling when the price of wheat is lower than 20 zlotys per quintal. The income from collecting this fee will be allocated to alleviate the cost of the agricultural price policy.

Hurricanes rage over Poland. Tropical heat, up to 40-50°C cause hurricane-like storms with thunder and torrential rains. In Podhale there has been fear of flood but it passes after three days. Many people died as a result of lightening which caused a number of fires around the entire country. For example, in one of the counties 20 fatal accidents were noted. In the Province of Poznań and the surrounding area grains and orchards suffered severely due to the hurricane. Damage caused by storms has reached 100,000 złotys.

Gale. The Almighty spared Osobnica and the surrounding area from calamities and misfortunes. Although on June 26 a cottage in our hamlet of Wysłaniec burned down as a result of lightening, but the entire village escaped unscathed from a violent gale. Harvest this year has been delayed. Only in the second half of July did people start to reap. Storms and occasional rains impede the harvest. At the end of July the weather turned so beautiful that farmers leisurely gathered gorgeous dry grain into the barns.

Crisis in the education system. Improvement in the country’s economy and in the condition of the country in general notwithstanding, a serious and deep crisis arises in the teacher job market. It relates both to the secondary as well as to the primary education where, due to poor wages and laborious school and after school work of a teacher (a young teacher collects 150 zlotys monthly), a lack of teachers in our schools has been felt. A teacher who, in a way, was supposed to be an authority in a village, suddenly became someone of a lower sort both morally and materially. Despite that, he works ardently like a real hero and incorrigible idealist because he loves his work as an educator.

Educational courses for adults. One of the pieces of evidence of such arduous work in the field of education is after-school work of the teachers, in educational courses. Such a course was conducted in this village, in which 48 people participated. The course participants were divided into two groups: 1) illiterate and semi-illiterate people, 2) Participants consisting of the youth with fairly good knowledge and the ability on the primary school level. Education at this course took place twice a week for 3 hours. The material that was taught consisted of grade VI and VII curriculum of level III schools. The participants attended the course regularly and expressed an honest interest and desire to obtain more knowledge about contemporary Poland.

Anonymous letter – a bullet from behind the fence. However, there were a few people in Osobnica, members of the intelligentsia [blacked out line] who did not like the genuine and conscientious work of the school principal, Jan Stefanowski. Driven by intrigue and common envy they stirred up conflicts, wanting to impede his school and after-school work, and settle personal scores which they were not brave enough to bring up to the platform of an honest and clear fight. Finally they took the school principal by surprise with a defamatory anonymous letter which some coward and wretch wrote to the Bishop in Przemyśl regarding Fr. Okulicki Walenty and Fr. Gliwa Władysław, right after the Pastor position had been filled following Fr. Prelate Kłos. The school principal, completely innocent, was accused of being the author of this anonymous letter and a lengthy lawsuit was brought against him. All persuasions, pleas, and supplications were to no avail. The school principal, groping for the invisible enemy, had to surrender in view of the opinion of a graphologist – a fallible man, and had to believe in God’s justice that his innocence, if not in this, than perhaps in the next world will be proven, and that this wrong will be amply rewarded. In the meantime, intrigue and meanness of soul triumphed, a few flunkeys–flatterers triumphed.

It should be noted with great sadness that the author of the anonymous letter was Fr. Prelate Jan Kłos and his housekeeper Bergierowa.

The school year 1938/39

In the current school year attending the school were 205 boys and 157 girls, among them 2 children from Łazy Dębowieckie, 13 from Osobnica Górna, and 4 boys from Harklowa. Students out of this school district attend higher grades which this year are very numerous which shows the importance, the need and the significance of a level III school and the understanding of this by the local population.

Organization of the school. The make-up of the teaching body: Stefanowski Jan, the school principal; Bolkowa Stanisława, a full time teacher; Bolek Stanisław, a temporary teacher; Kasztelowicz Maria, a full time teacher; Kasztelowicz Tadeusz, a full time teacher; Szafirowa Maria and Szafir Edward, full time teachers. Because of his pastoral position, religious education is taught by the local pastor Fr. Okulicki Walenty.

Course for preconscripts. At last year’s evening course the majority of the youth was in the age closest to conscription who, in anticipation of military service, this way wished to eliminate their primary education deficiencies. In this respect it was decided to organize this year a supplementary level II course for the preconscripts, based on the curriculum of the Institute of Adult Education, bearing in mind an educational dictate for which such courses are organized, to wit, national defense along with civic awareness. At the course there are 23 participants who twice a week for 3 hours receive education at the V and VI grade level. The participants attend school for 6 months in the winter, they benefit from the education and perform well. This is a real voluntary tribute of teachers of the local school who desire to effectively contribute toward performing the highest, at this time, national obligation: the increase of the defense of our State.

School social organizations. Social organizations which exist and evolve well in this school are the real school of civic duty. Under the care of teachers, students develop their characters in the School Chapter of the Society for the Support of Building of Public Elementary Schools, the School Savings, the Student Store, a Chapter of the Maritime and Colonial League; and prepare to perform their civil duties well in the future. The number of members continues to grow in the aforementioned organizations; their capital also grows. Details can be found in the Board of Teachers minutes.

Feeding of the poorest students. Pursuant to the appeal of the County Committee for the Help to Children and Youth, the school principal and girls from VI and VII grades help feed the poorest students, the number of which is 80. For elevens the children receive white coffee and bread which are prepared by the principal’s wife, Ms. Anna Stefanowska.

Participation of Teachers and students in the Anti-aircraft Defense Loan. The Government of the Republic of Poland announced the internal national loan earmarked for the upgrade of our air force and reinforcement of the anti-aircraft artillery. The Polish nation unified around its new Army and the Commander in Chief and, responding to the appeal of the Anti-aircraft Defense Loan Committee, rushed with donations in order to secure their Country with financial means for reinforcement of the defense.

Students affiliated with the Social Organizations of this school actively participated in the Loan. The Board of the School Store purchased two bonds at 20 zlotys, and members of the Chapter of the Society for the Support of Building of Public Elementary Schools levied themselves voluntarily and purchased one bond. And so the Teachers with the students rose to the selfless patriotic race to bring help to the State in such an important historic moment. [signed: Jan Stefanowski, school principal]

The school year 1939/40

Beginning of school year. War. On September 1, 1939 the German Army crossed the western and the southern border of Poland. A terrible war began which was destroying everything. The entire cultural inheritance, and with it the Polish education system, also suffered much damage.

After 25 days of difficult struggle a motorized, equipped with modern weapons and strong air force, well prepared for war German army occupied our Motherland, and the eastern part was occupied by Russia. The remaining western region was incorporated into the Reich.

On the territory consisting of former provinces of Kraków, Kielce, part of Warszawa, Lublin and part of Lvov, the highest administration authority, General Government, has been established with its seat in Kraków; and in the counties - the Kreishauptmannschafts have been established, and along with them – Schulrats which are beginning to organize education in the district, with participation of Polish inspectors Mr. D. Gnoiński, Mr. J. Rączka, and Mr. Fr. Cegielski. Because most school buildings were occupied by the army, and the evacuated teachers have not returned from the east to their posts, education could not began on November 1, 1939 even though the authorities approved it.

The school in Osobnica and the entire village, thanks to Divine Providence, was not directly stricken by the war. The school principal hasn’t left his post even for a moment; he guarded school property and was insistent on trying to make sure that children take advantage of education.

Organization of education in this school. Nevertheless, his cries and pleas were lost in the chaos of war, they did not find their way to the hearts of indolent parents who in the first year of war were doing quite well and were able to send their children to school.

Attendance and education results. Unfortunately! Out of 378 children who were subject to compulsory education, only 63 children registered for school. Out of this number, by the end of the school year 45 children were advanced to next grade. The makeup of the Teaching body remained the same with the exception of Mr. Bolek Stanisław who was lost in war. In his place starting on February 1, 1940 assigned was Mr. Nowak Stanisław, a teacher from Folusz.

This was a difficult situation for the teachers who, trying to cope with poor attendance, with a lack of textbooks and with their meager wages, worked with a handful of children. Carrying throughout the village a barely burning torch of education, teachers tried to raise their spirits with hope of a speedy end to the war and the coming of relaxed normal work.

The school year 1940/41

Europe in the midst of terrible war. Rapidly developing events which we witnessed in the previous year, disposed us to anticipate a speedy end of the war. It seemed to us that the war must come to an end any day. But unfortunately, things turned out otherwise. Despite tremendous changes throughout Europe, a life and death struggle is under way between Germany and England.

After living through the tragic events of September 1939, we stayed somewhat out-of-the-way of the great warfare. We paid our ransom to the war and currently we are observing the gigantic wrestling, participating in it only mentally.

Partial stabilization of the situation in the country. As far as the war permitted, situation in the country stabilized to such a point that it was possible to undertake work in many sectors of social and economic life.

Order of the Authorities. Public schools opened their doors on September 1 and, despite their modified capacity, continue to educate the young generation. With the regulation of the Generalgouvernment – Dar Chef das Distrikts Krakau – Abteilung Kultur und Untervich I Kreisschulrata Jaslo – it is forbidden to teach History, Geography, it is forbidden to use previous textbooks and, for teaching of the Polish language fairy tales and stories should be introduced, while for all children in 3. grade and older the magazine Ster should be subscribed.

Attendance. This school year there were 359 children of school age. To school irregularly attend 213 children; others don’t come to school because of the lack of clothing and shoes, or because of apathy of their parents.

Frost. Damage to orchards. Poor grain and potato harvest due to frosty and snowy winter (-35°) and rainy summer, levies and other burdens place on the citizens, the lack of clothing, deepens suffering of the people. Sixteen trees succumbed to frost in the school garden.

Teaching body. Polish teachers, having lived through a terrible tragedy, became convinced that despite all they need to work according to the hymn “To work, together to work.” Taking no heed of difficulties and misfortunes, the teachers set to work. The teaching body consists of: Messrs. and Madams Stefanowski Jan, Bolkowa Stanisława, Grenikówna Maria, Kasztelowicz Tadeusz, Kościelny Konrad, Cieśliński Zygmunt, Nowak Stanisław and Fr. Okulicki Walenty. As of October 5, 1940, due to the lack of sufficient attendance in school and setting a teacher’s school work to maximum 30 per week, Mr. Nowak was transferred; and as of December 1, 1940 Mr. Cieśliński has been transferred to Jasło to an office post in the school Inspectorate. Admittedly, as of January 1, 1941 to his place assigned was Mr. Jan Barasiński, and as of March 1, 1941 Ms. Helena Piskorska, but it was not because of better attendance at school but because of the great number of teachers displaced from the Poznań province and the Śląsk region and remaining without work and financial means.

The Committee for Teacher Mutual Aid. As of the end of January 1940 in Jasło the Committee for Teacher Mutual Aid was organized which turned to the teachers from the county with an appeal that they impose on themselves a levy at the rate of 10% for the benefit of their displaced Colleagues, the refugees and those married and unmarried women whose posts have been reduced. The campaign included unemployed male and female teachers.

Occupation of school by German troops. Because of passage of German troops to the east and occupation of the school building by soldiers, classes did not take place at all between June 1 and June 25, 1941, whereafter classes were taught only in two rented rooms for a shortened time or only in one classroom in the school building.

Despite these difficulties and the beginning of war with Russia on June 22 in the current year, the school year was completed as usual in view of the decrees of the Authorities, to wit on June 30, 1941.

After a victorious march east in defense of Christianity and culture, as was announced at the beginning of war with Russia, the German troops seized the eastern part of Poland which in 1939, as a result of the agreement with Germany, was occupied by the Bolsheviks.

At the order of Führer Adolf Hitler, out of south-eastern Polish territory the “Galicia District” was established and it was annexed to General Government. Lvov became the seat of the authorities of the new District. /August 1, 1941/

Attached is a clip from the newspaper Goniec Krakowski, No 182/41

Harvest 1941. Because of cold spring harvest started only on July 26 and was very difficult this year because all this time, to wit until August 12, it was raining; and rain caused damages in crops.

newspaper clip

Citizens!

Terrible years of suffering and oppression by reckless and dictatorial regime of the Warsaw government cabal are over and the times of terrible despotism of the Soviets are over as well. Thousands of your brothers and sisters became innocent victims of the Jewish-Bolshevik bullies.

The Führer’s soldiers liberated you, among the biggest victims, from systematic murder, terror and infamy of culture. The powerful Greater German Reich took you in its protection. The name Adolf Hitler guarantees that these times of terror will never return.

The Führer trusts that after this terrible experience which you suffered, you are ready to cooperate with all your force in shaping of the new Europe. We will do our best to amend all injustice that has been inflicted upon you. Your private property will be returned to you; freedom of your cultural life and religious worship will be ensured. Therefore, based on the affiliation with the Greater German Reich’s superpower you enter the commonwealth of the European culture from which the Kremlin despots forced you out of. Thus, Galicia re-established with the Reich the connection which for centuries allowed the rise of your country.

I call on you to, fully trusting the Führer and the persons assigned by him, calmly and cheerfully, return to your work so now in Galicia can be ensured order which for future generations will determine prosperity and happiness.

The school year 1941/42

Attendance. Despite the war, attendance in school improved. Out of 367 children who were subject to compulsory education, 280 children attend school while last year only 215 children attended. It should be noted with pleasure that a few children born in 1925 signed up for 7^th grade which proves that some people appreciate the value of a 7-grade school and, disregarding the difficult living conditions, send to school even the children who are older than the school age.

Changes occurred in the makeup of the teaching staff as a result of transfer, at their own request, of Mr. Kasztelowicz Tadeusz to Łużna and Mr. Kościelny Konrad do Harklowa. To this school Ms. Halecka Katarzyna was assigned, the school principal in Harklowa, who became ill and did not take up teaching duties. Due to the aforementioned reasons only four teachers work in the school, to wit: Stefanowski Jan, Bolek Stanisława, Grenik Marian, Barasiński Jan. Religion is taught by Fr. Piotr Łącki, the vicar, due to his ministry. In place of Mr. Halecka who did not assume her teaching position Mr. Kosmatka Szczepan, a teacher from Polesie, was assigned.

Division of school district. Based on the decree Kult 1-100-3603/41 a division of the Jasło school district took place into school districts Jasło I and Jasło II. The head of district Jasło I, to which this school belongs, is Mr. Superintendent Franciszek Cegielski. The official language is German. Correspondence currently needs to be directed to Kreishauptschaft Ableilüng Schulamt Jasło. It is forbidden to use any books and textbooks other than those allowed by the German Authorities.

Death of Fr. Gliwa Władysław, President of local School Board. On November 23 in the current year after a 4-year severe illness died Fr. Władysław Gliwa, President of the local School Board and of the school building Committee. Steadfast in his decisions and unstinting. His native village should always keep his memory alive because of his civic work. The school principal and his family will remember Fr. Gliwa to their last breath because of the trial which tormented them as a result of the anonymous letter which Stefanowski did not write.

War spreads across the entire world. With the declaration of war against the United States of America by Japan, and further by Germany and Italy (the so called axis powers) terrible ravages of war swept across the entire world. The year 1941 was fraught with events at the east of Europe and on the Pacific. Population of the General Government in Poland, and our village and school with them, deeply felt the war operations. Suffering caused by them, often bordering with despair, is intensified by a wet, rainy year, scant in crops. One could often hear wishful supplications: „From air, hunger and fire, save us O Lord – from war, deliver us, deliver us O Lord!”

School break in the village. The main school break in the village was divided into two parts: from July 15 to August 20, and from September 20 to October 20 (so called, potato break). This division proved beneficial to the children of farmers who during this time help their parents in their work.

Year 1942 was very sunny and warm, and abundant in moderate precipitation. Therefore, the harvest was beautiful, with the exception of rye. Especially the potatoes were gorgeous, and the time of their harvest – fabulous.

The school year 1942/43

School days. Teaching staff. Attendance this year promises to be quite good despite the deepening lack of clothing and shoes. For school 341 children registered, to wit, 189 boys and 152 girls who attend regularly since the beginning of the school year.

There have been no changes in the teaching staff. The School Councilor (Schulrat Gattner) and school Superintendent Franciszek Cegielski, a displaced person from the Poznań region, continues to head education in the county.

Organization of school work. Teachers run into great difficulties in the organization of school work due to the lack of textbooks and school supplies. Even “Ster”, the magazine for children issued by the school Authorities, the only teaching aid since the pre-war aids have been taken by the Germans, is published rarely and irregularly as a result of the terrible war. (Only five issues annually.)

Sowing and crops. Sunny and warm fall of 1942 and mild winter are favorable to the development of winter crops which yielded beautiful harvest. They were harvested with no impediments, with favorable weather. Therefore, the wailing at the high grain levy, for not providing of which the residents were threatened with the death penalty, temporarily subsided.

The school year 1943/44

Beginning of school year. The school year 1943/44 began normally and promises to be good as a result of good harvest, especially the bread grain. Even the high levy imposed on the residents was submitted at 116% (among that, 70 kg of rye and 300 kg of potatoes were turned in by the school principal.) For now there is no threat of starvation. However, the situation in regards to clothing and shoes is bad.

Attendance is good although most of the children are forced to help parents in their work. The number of children in school continues to increase. The makeup of the teaching staff has not changed.

Difficulties in teaching and upbringing. Difficulties in teaching and upbringing of the youth continue to grow because this is the fifth year of this terrible war. Admittedly, Her Honor rages there over the Dnieper but we severely feel her ominous breath in various ways here in Podkarpacie.

“Paratroopers”. Often in the village “people from the forest” turn up, called “paratroopers”. Some of them, armed, take food and clothing under the punishment of death. Others, on the other hand, issue death sentences and carry them out immediately, for sympathizing with the Germans and sending local residents to terrible camps in Oświęcim and Przebrno [?].

The “paratroopers” carried out such sentences on Paweł Bania and Jan Kwilosz who supposedly accused their innocent neighbors before the enemy.

Gunfight in Osobnica. On January 17, 1944 this matter was eventually cleared. At the hamlet of Łęgi at the house of Józef and Maria Lazar (a mute) the Police surrounded two Jew bandits who, after a two-sided gunfight, died on the spot. The Lazars, who were hiding the Jews and the items plundered by them, were met by the same fate. Jews who were being exterminated by the Germans, ran into forests where they organized gangs of people hunted down by the Authorities. These gangs robbed and murdered in Osobnica and the surrounding area. The children left there, poor orphans, suffered the most: Jan Lazar, a student of 1st grade and Adam Lazar, a student of 6th grade, having been left without parental care, thrown into the fate of terrible war. In connection with the Jewish case a few of the local farmers innocently fell in Oświęcim: Gierut Marcin, Brągiel Jędrzej, Szot.

Bolshevik offense. On the anniversary of the declaration of war by Germany, on June 22, the Bolsheviks began an offensive and re-gained their territory. As a result, crowds of people from the east, especially Poles, ran away and hid in the western part of G.G.

Death due to heart attack of a retired teacher, the late Anna Stefańska, the wife of the school principal. In Osobnica as well, there were a few unfortunate families, among them also the family of the wife of the school principal. The school was partially occupied by the stragglers and evacuated Ukrainians, the Cossacks who volunteered for the German army and who were trained here.

Based on the decree of March 16, 1940 regarding the organization of the education system in the General Government and reorganization of education in Polish public schools, a new curriculum has been issued which introduces instruction of Geography. To implement this curriculum one entire issue of “Ster” has been published which was devoted to the curriculum of this subject, without a map of course, because all Geography teaching aids were ordered to be turned in to the custody of the district school Authorities in the previous year.

Dr. Eichholz – the President of the Main Department of Authority and Education [?] in the General Government – announced that the new curriculum will be expanded as conclusions from teaching experience are drawn and as implementation of the curriculum is tested by teaching staff; and this way the launched reorganization will be brought to the conclusion according to the plan.

The school year was concluded on July 5, 1944. Out of 360 children registered for school, 33 graduated, 274 advanced to higher grades, 53 stayed in the same grade as a result of unsatisfactory marks or not receiving marks due to poor attendance. This year the school principal got seriously ill and almost paid for it with his life. Walking to school he fell so unfortunately on the cement surrounding the school building and hit his head so hard that he lost consciousness. For the time being this ended with a 1-month stay in the hospital in Jasło. During his illness teacher Ms. Maria Grenikówna substituted for the school principal.

The school year 1944/45

School children without primary education. Already at the beginning of August 1944 military operations intensified in the area closest to Jasło, and on August 2 first bombing of said city and evacuation of the area population began. In other words, the front was approaching and with it, the terrible horror of “cultural” war.

First Bolshevik raid. For that reason the school year did not begin in September. On September 8 in the current year our village, especially the residents closest to school, lived through the first attack of the Bolsheviks who determined that the German armored troops arrived in the village. Incendiary and demolition bombs were used. Up in smoke went farmyards of Adalik, Paluch, Budzinkowa and Wojciech and Stanisław Woźniaks. Several people were wounded, among them only two German soldiers.

Last phase of treason of the Poles. On September 15, 1944 the residents of Jasło were evacuated. The poor souls with children and bundles in their hands dispersed into the surrounding villages, leaving their lives’ work to war’s fate. In Osobnica there were about 2,000 people displaced from Jasło and the surrounding area. Such families lived several to one room, suffering hunger and cold. And although until January 1, 1945 there were no major war events near Jasło, it was burned or mined allegedly by some “paratroopers.” That is what the Germans announced in newspapers and the radio. How was our Polish question on the arena of international politics after the fall of the Warsaw Uprising, after the destruction of the capitol and evacuation of its residents?  Let the articles from Goniec Krakowski No 177 and 297/1944 and 2/45 be the proof of that. The last phase of treason and the cabinet meeting in Kraków, etc. which I enclose.

Cabinet meeting in Kraków. During this meeting, among many questions in the G.G. it was decided to introduce such steps that would ensure, in a much broader sense than previously, an active cooperation of the entire Polish population, and which, at the same time, would bring to all working classes relief greater than ever.

Threat of evacuation from Osobnica. The local Ortskomenda alerted the residents of our village whose houses are located on the right bank of Bednarka to be ready for relocation. Since then a constant anxiety persists in the village because relocation these days would mean poverty – death. But until January 1, 1945 the Almighty kept us from this terrible punishment. We patiently endure various war suffering. Our children do not benefit from school which continues to be occupied by the troops. Teachers, selling the remnants of underwear and clothing for the meager support for their families, impatiently await a better tomorrow. We raise our voices: From evacuation from Osobnica, deliver us O Lord!

The feast of Three Kings was disturbed by massive reconnaissance air-raids which, as it appears, preceded the great Bolshevik offensive.

Soviet army offensive. As was sensed, the Soviet army offensive began on January 15, 1945. At the Glinnik sector the German front was broken through and a surprise attack was launched on the enemy troops which ran away west in panic. On that very day the Soviet troops already arrived in Osobnica. As a result of the bombing our village suffered; about 15 buildings were burned or shattered, among them the house of Marcin Brągiel right next to school. Two 50-ton bombs fell in the school garden but they did not cause much damage. Only window glass fell out in the front of the school and the roof was damaged on the west side. A few people in the village were killed and wounded. In spite of all this, Osobnica came out unscathed from this offensive, and the school miraculously survived. Soviet troops liberated the Poles and our country from the German invader. Our free and independent Motherland emerged, however weak because damaged by the bloodthirsty and brutal occupiers.