Published December 6, 2024
MONROE, LA – ULM History Professor Chris Blackburn recently returned from Buffalo, New York, where
he presented at a symposium commemorating the life and achievements of Dr. Francis
Fronczak. Dr. Fronczak, a Polish-American physician born in Buffalo in 1874, was a
pioneer in his field. He earned his M.D. in 1897, becoming the first Polish-American
to do so. A dedicated public health advocate, he served as Buffalo's Health Commissioner
and played a key role in WWI Polish war relief efforts. He represented the U.S. at
numerous international medical conferences and, post-WWII, worked with the UN to aid
Poland. Fronczak's legacy as a humanitarian and a champion of Polish-American relations
endures.
“It was an honor to be invited to share my research on the Polish Army Camp in Niagara-on-the-Lake
and Dr. Fronczak’s role in its success with local scholars and the Polish community,”
said Dr. Blackburn. “His efforts to boost the morale, health, and physical well-being
of the soldiers were crucial to the success of their mission.”
The symposium, held on November 9, 2024, at Canisius University’s Richard E. Winter
Center, was sponsored by several organizations, including the Canisius University
Polish Chair, the Polish Arts Club of Buffalo, the Kościuszko Foundation, and Daemen
University. The Fronczak Symposium marked the 150th anniversary of Dr. Fronczak’s
birth. Scholars from Poland and the United States explored his career as Buffalo’s
Public Health Commissioner and his significant role in Poland’s rebirth in 1918.
“Professor Blackburn's presentation was especially noteworthy, utilizing unique archival
resources -- including rare photographs and film footage -- that he collected in his
extensive research on the topic. His well-received presentation was a highlight of
the Symposium, and it fit perfectly within the framework and goals of the Symposium.
We look forward to the publication of Professor Blackburn's research," commented Professor
Andrew Wise of Daemen University.
Dr. Blackburn’s presentation, “Sacrificing All: Francis Fronczak and Morale in the
Polish Camp, 1917-1918,” delved into Fronczak’s support for American and Canadian
volunteers who joined the Independent Polish Army during World War I. As a civilian
leader of North American Polonia and a U.S. Army Medical Corps officer, Fronczak was
uniquely positioned to facilitate and observe the impact of morale on the Polish Army.
Mary Lou Wyrobek, the symposium organizer, praised Dr. Blackburn’s contribution: “With
a backdrop of incredible film footage and photos of the training camp and the military
force which consisted of Polish-Americans and Canadians who fought for a free Poland,
Dr. Blackburn focused on the role that Dr. Fronczak played in his efforts to boost
the morale of the soldiers and provide for their physical needs. As organizer of
the event, it exceeded my expectations and offered sometimes unknown material on the
life of this remarkable man. The Buffalo community is blessed to have the interest
of such eminent scholars on one of our heroes."
