Gloria Golec’s memoir is a love letter to the Polish neighborhood of Chicago in the 1950s known as Archer Heights. It’s available for pre-order now! We recently got a chance to sit down and chat with Gloria about her book….
EP: First of all, they always say you can’t judge a book by it’s cover, but that’s not true with this book. Tell us about that picture–the love just jumps from the page.
Gloria: This picture of my parents really captures the intense love they had for each other, even though they were opposites. What I like about this picture is that they had no idea how difficult their lives would be with grueling factory jobs, very little money, health issues and my father’s loss of his job at Ford Motor Company. There is such joy in their faces but also an innocence. Through all their tribulations, they clung to each other just as they are in this picture. They were at each other’s side, no matter what, for 53 years. On their 50th wedding anniversary mass at St. Bruno’s, my mom bent down to my father, who was in a wheelchair and kissed him. I’m sure they felt the same way about each other that day as they did in the picture.
EP: There are very few books about Chicago that take place in the Archer Heights neighborhood. Where is it exactly, and what are some of the landmarks in the area.
Gloria: Archer Heights is near Archer and Pulaski and the name comes from Archer Road. I don’t know if these are landmarks, but Mt. Pindos retaurant on the corner was an iconic place to eat and it was torn down in 2023. Across the street is Curie High School, known for the arts. Szykowny Funeral home on 49th and Archer has been there for many years. Laquan McDonald was shot on 41st and Pulaski, where I used to ride my bike.
EP: The thing I love about your book is that it really captures a time and place. The time is the 1950s–the years of your childhood. Everyone has a special place in their heart for the years of their youth. What is it about those years that resonate with you?
Gloria: What resonates for me of the years in my book is how nothing really changed and I mean that in a good way. I went to the same school with the same kids, neighbors never moved, my grandparents lived very close. We had the same rituals. Kids played on the street after school; you went to mass on Sunday. I had lots of friends and relatives and we all were there for each other. It was a simpler time and I found comfort in knowing I was a part of this lifestyle on many different levels. I fit in and I am grateful to have had this experience.
EP: Your book also has an ethnic element to it. You grew up in a Polish family. Chicago is a very Polish city, and I think that part of the story will appeal to everyone of similar origins. How did that shape the person you are today?
Gloria: I grew up in a very Polish neighborhood and household but ironically my grandmother forbade anyone to speak Polish to the grandchildren because we were in “America.” Despite not learning the language, I assimilated the culture, which focused heavily on religion and church. We had the same beliefs. I know that this does not only apply to Polish people; however, Polish people are extremely hard-working. I had role models for a strong work ethic. Polish people very highly value education. When I went back to my grammar school reunion, it was no surprise how educated and successful we were.
EP: One of the most memorable characters in the book is your grandmother. If she were around today, what do you think she would think about this book, and the successes you achieved?
Gloria: My grandmother. I get goose bumps and have tears in my eyes just writing about her. She planted the seeds that I could be anything I wanted. She loved me unconditionally so she was proud of me my entire life. She was so strong and pragmatic and I know she would be very proud of my book, but at the same time she would not be praising me excessively because in her heart she always knew I would accomplish much. When I am going through something difficult, I often think of my grandmother coming to America at age 16 with no education and no money; she would never see her family again. My grandmother never gave up and she would be very proud of my book but she would also take pride in that she was such a strong role model and inspired me to continue to work and hope, no matter what.
I grew up in the same neighborhood. Gloria and I have been friends since first grade in St. Bruno’s. My background was much the same – surrounded by a big extended family with the Polish culture. It’s always been fun for us to share stories about family growing up. Love that now she’s sharing these stories about that place and most of all the people. The relatives, friends and neighbors – really “ordinary” people who were extraordinary in so many ways. Can’t wait to read it.