Francis and Helen Kowalski Collection

1339 THL

Inventory created by Archives Staff 11/1985. Last revised 08/2021.

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: Collection is open to all researchers.

USE RESTRICTIONS: Restrictions may apply concerning the use, photoduplication, or publication of items in this collection. Consult a member of the archives staff for information concerning these restrictions. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright.

EXTENT:  0.5 linear feet, plus ephemera and souvenirs

CREATOR: Kowalski, Francis, 1928-2016

DATE: 1924-2002

SCOPE AND CONTENT: The Francis and Helen Kowalski Collection contains a variety of materials collected by the Kowalskis, including business receipts and Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival souvenirs and ephemera. The collection also includes a large number of postcards with images from the Winchester-Frederick County area.

BIOGRAPHICAL/HISTORICAL: Francis and Helen Kowalski were Winchester residents and local business owners. Francis was a veteran of the US Navy and served in the Korean War. After his retirement from military service, he became an LPN and worked at the Winchester Medical Center and Winchester Memorial Hospital. He was active in many local civic groups, including the Winchester Moose Lodge #1283, as well as a congregant at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

CITE AS:  Francis and Helen Kowalski Collection, 1339 THL, Stewart Bell Jr. Archives, Handley Regional Library, Winchester, VA

ACQUISITION INFORMATION: Acquired as a gift.

ORGANIZATION:

BOX 1

Apple Blossom Brochures, 4 items, printed (includes the following years):
1963, 1991, 1993, 1997

Pins—Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival souvenir pins (1924-2015); 48 pins total

Receipts from Winchester Businesses—C.W. Ramsburg Bottling Works and Pasteurized Milk in account with Sanitary Dairy; dating 1912-1948, unnumbered leaves, manuscript on pre-printed form

The Winchester Star—Souvenir Edition; July 4, 1996; 100^th Anniversary of The Winchester Star; 1 newspaper, printed

BOX 2

Apple Blossom Festival Souvenir Mugs/Glasses, 5 items (includes the following years):

1988 (61st Annual); 1998 (71st Annual); 2000 (73rd Annual); 2001 (74th Annual); 2002 (75th Annual)

POSTCARDS (shelved with collection)

3 binders of postcards (both blank and with writing), unnumbered items

PHOTOGRAPHS: Photographs and other images belonging to this collection may be accessed online through http://handley.pastperfectonline.com