Download or read book The Polish Community of Chicopee written by Stephen R. Jendrysik and published by Arcadia Publishing. This book was released on 2005-11-02 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first group of Polish immigrants to come to Chicopee arrived in 1880. These Poles filled many of the manufacturing jobs in the city's two large textile mills. In less than 30 years from their arrival, this aggressive, self-assured group boasted more Polish-owned businesses than any other community in New England. The Polish Community of Chicopee chronicles an immigrant population that was fiercely dedicated to the ideals of free enterprise and democratic pluralism.