The Walter "Flash" Jarocki series (approximately 2265 photonegatives and 2 oversize photoprints; 1937, 1948 and 1952-1959) is the heart of the collection. The majority of images taken by Jarocki are those of mayor Zak at public events and a number of private gatherings; also images depicting Hamtramck public work projects, ceremonial functions, athletic events, political campaigns, public meetings and social gatherings. The series includes numerous views of the city, its downtown area, residential streets, and alleyways behind the residences. A number of images depict the city of Milan, Mich. leaders, events, and images. Also found in the series are two photoprints, one of an earlier date featuring Frank Murphy shaking hands with Mayor Rudolph Tenerowicz, most likely taken in 1937; the other is a photograph of President Truman, probably taken during the 1948 campaign, and being greeted by Hamtramck dignitaries. Photonegatives in this series are stored in original envelopes with descriptions of events, names of people, date, and time(s) of the day when images were taken. Container list in this finding aid reflects only main subject of images. Researchers may find more detailed descriptions on envelopes.
Oversize Folder 1
Governor Frank Murphy shaking hands with Hamtramck mayor Rudolph Tenerowicz 1937; President Harry S. Truman campaigning with Mayor Stephen Skrzycki, 1948 1937-1948
1952
April 15, 1952
Box 1
Inaugural of City officials; Copernicus School
July 30, 1952
Box 1
Mayor Zak
August 16, 1952
Box 1
Chester Upholstering
September 8, 1952
Box 1
Blood donation, red Cross Detroit chapter; a group photo
Box 1
Hamtramck Department of Public Works trucks
1953
January 10, 1953
Box 1
Slum clearance (older homes, buildings, and properties)
January 12, 1953
Box 1
Metropolitan Club installation
July 8, 1953
Box 1
Street scenes and views
July 10, 1953
Box 1
Dirty alleys; Mayor A.J. Zak beginning demolition of old building
July 19, 1953
Box 1
Slum clearance (older homes, buildings, and properties)
August 3 and 4 1953
Box 1
Mayor Zak and others; workers punching in
August 27 and 31 1957
Box 1
Mayor Zak cutting ragweed; Mayor Zak and others
September 2-6, 1953
Box 1
Hydrant
Box 1
Mrs. Alex Banas
Box 1
Picnic
November 30, 1953
Box 1
Thom McAnn, Woody, Mayor, Kolowich, with Christmas decorations
December 2, 1953
Box 1
Christmas decorations being installed along Joseph Campau Avenue
December 15, 1953
Box 1
Salt spreaders being used after first snow of the season
December 30, 1953
Box 1
Mayor's office; Christmas tree
January 8, 1954
Box 1
Men examining one-way signs at corner of Joseph Campau Avenue and Trowbridge
January 9, 1954
Box 1
Men taking out petition for Mayor Zak
January 11, 1954
Box 1
Fraternal Order of Police installation; Mayor Zak
January 15, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak and Office of Civil Defense truck
February 1, 1954
Box 1
City light poles along Hamtramck street
February 3, 1954
Box 1
Various street views of Hamtramck
February 10, 1954
Box 1
Group of ladies; safety patrol (envelope includes 2 group photos depicting ladies and gentlemen)
February 28, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak at UAW, Local #3 meeting and demonstration
March 3, 1954
Box 1
Board of Review
Box 1
Catholic war veterans
March 8, 1954
Box 1
Civil Service
March 12, 1954
Box 1
Hanging of flags along Joseph Campau (preliminary to parade?); stop signs and stop sign installation
March 14, 1954
Box 1
Signatures collecting
March 20, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak birthday
March 21, 1954
Box 1
Installation of Hamtramck Police Reserve
March 25, 1954
Box 1
C. Lubelt birthday party
March 26, 1954
Box 1
William Kozerski; Post 4404 V.F.W. at Pulaski School
Box 1
Judy Kozak
March 27, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak at Democratic Club
April 5, 1954
Box 1
Mayor's office after elections
April 13, 1954
Box 1
Copernicus High School; inauguration of city officials
April 19, 1954
Box 1
Dodge overpass
May 5, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak with Mayor King of Milan, Mich.
May 14, 1954
Box 1
Milan, Mich. Kiwanis Club at Mayor Zak's office
May 18, 1954
Box 1
St. Ladislaus Church at Mayor Zak's office
May 19, 1954
Box 1
Stanley and Bill Kozicki, Bill Kozerski
May 21, 1954
Box 1
Property along Joseph Campau (for development?)
My 27 1954
Box 1
Hamtramck Little League opening at Memorial Park (images of Mayor Zak)
June 8, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak with child; Mayor with Bowling League
June 14, 1954
Box 1
Post 4404 Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Police
June 23, 1954
Box 1
Copies of Hamtramck Allied Veterans Council; Mayor's painting
July 4, 1954
Box 1
Couple in their backyard relaxing on the Fourth of July
July 18, 1954
Box 1
Municipal League picnic
July 20, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak, Kaufman, H. Adamczyk
July 31, 1954
Box 1
Philip A. Hart, candidate for Lieutenant Governor, and Mayor Zak campaigning
August 7, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak and others
August 11, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak with Mayor McPherson and others
August 18, 1954
Box 1
Max's Jewelry; Rotary Club
August 24, 1954
Box 1
Men laying sidewalk along residential street
August 25, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak portrait
September 1, 1954
Box 1
Polish Kitchen at State Fair
September 3, 1954
Box 1
Commissioner William B. Malinowski
September 8 (?) 1954
Box 1
Street signs near Roosevelt and Joseph Campau Avenue in Hamtramck
September 20, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak, Ed. Banas, S. Czarnecki reading proclamation
September 24, 1954
Box 1
Detroit Yacht Club
October 8, 1954
Box 1
Alpena dump and Hamtramck alleys
October 10, 1954
Box 1
St. Ladislaus football game at Key Worth
October 11, 1954
Box 1
Hamtramck alleys and signal lights
October 14, 1954
Box 1
Pouring of cement at salt shelter; street views; dog warden vehicle
November 7, 1954
Box 1
Viaduct
November 9, 1954
Box 1
Dodge City Day press conference in Hamtramck
November 13, 1954
Box 1
Beauty Queen; Lee Barecki at Woody's
November 14, 1954
Box 1
Beauty Queen; Lee Barecki at Dodge Brothers
Box 1
Wider St; Dodge's
November 16, 1954
Box 1
Car presentation and Dodge City Day parade
November 17, 1954
Box 1
Roy Rogers in Hamtramck for Dodge City Day festivities
November 15, 1954
Box 1
All municipal mayors or representatives for Queen Agency
November 16, 1954
Box 1
Car presentation and parade; Mayor Zak
November 17, 1954
Box 1
Roy Rodgers at Dodge City Day
November 19, 1954
Box 1
Queen, Lee Barecki, and others
Box 1
Dave Stober; prizes
Box 1
Mayor Zak and Mayor King of Milan, Mich.
Box 1
Union
November 21, 1954
Box 1
Queen at football game
November 23, 1954
Box 1
Dave Stober; Beauty Queen
December 3, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak and others at sale at Woody
December 7, 1954
Box 1
Christmas tree decorators
Box 1
Lighting of Christmas tree
Box 1
New policemen
December 14, 1954
Box 1
Football players banquet
December 15, 1954
Box 1
Nativity scenes in park
December 22, 1954
Box 1
Nativity scenes in park
December 30, 1954
Box 1
Mayor Zak; Fair Employment Practices Committee
1955
January 7, 1955
Box 2
Christmas decorations along Joseph Campau Avenue
January 9, 1955
Box 2
Christmas lights at night
January 28, 1955
Box 2
Policemen sworn in
March 7, 1955
Box 2
Board of review
March 10, 1955
Box 2
Josephine Liski (8 years old)
March 31, 1955
Box 2
Police Department, new officers
April 2, 1955
Box 2
Presentation of trophy
April 18, 1955
Box 2
Mayor Zak and others
April 20, 1955
Box 2
Chief Walter Jaros testimonial
April 22, 1955
Box 2
St. Ladislaus Bowling Club; trophy presentation
April 28, 1955
Box 2
Citizen Open House
April 28, 1955
Box 2
Citizen opening
May 3, 1955
Box 2
Mayor Zak, the Lions
Box 2
New Chief car
June 18, 1955
Box 2
Dorothy Mlynarek, Richard Zak
Box 2
Zak Mlynarak wedding
June 19, 1955
Box 2
Al Zak birthday party
July 5, 1955
Box 2
New Library ground breaking
August 15, 1955
Box 2
Madonna College sisters and Mayor Zak
August 23, 1955
Box 2
Dedication of new firing range
August 30, 1955
Box 2
Chas. Zulkowski's promotion to Sergeant
August 31, 1955
Box 2
State Fair Polish Kitchen
September 1, 1955
Box 2
State Fair Polish Hut
September 12, 1955
Box 2
Recruiting trophy
September 26, 1955
Box 2
Workmen laying sidewalks on Sobieski
October 3, 1955
Box 2
Hamtramck Library fund raising
October 11, 1955
Box 2
Archbishop Gawlina at St. Florian
October 20, 1955
Box 2
Hamtramck Chess Club at City Hall
October 28, 1955
Box 2
Workmen repairing curbs to Hamtramck street
November 3, 1955
Box 2
Hamtramck Recreation Department
November 5, 1955
Box 2
Curb work along residential street
December 6, 1955
Box 2
Mayor A.J. Zak portraits
December 8, 1955
Box 2
Christmas display at Memorial Park
December 14, 1955
Box 2
Christmas decorations along Joseph Campau
1956
January 1, 1956
Box 2
Home owners installations
January 9, 1955
Box 2
Inspection of Library Committee
January 20, 1956
Box 2
Storeroom with city (?) records and individuals (Bielski) burning them
February 7, 1955
Box 2
Boy Scouts at City Hall
February 15, 1956
Box 2
Mayor Zak and Ed. Kondrat
March 2, 1956
Box 2
Mary Zak and Marlene Serwatka (12 years old)
March 21, 1956
Box 2
Mayor Zak birthday; Department heads
April 10, 1956
Box 2
Inauguration of elected officials for 1956-1958
April 24, 1956
Box 2
Veterans; poppy sale to girls
May 8, 1956
Box 2
Government Day at St. Florian
June 23, 1956
Box 2
Library staff and building
July 1, 1956
Box 2
Hamtramck Library dedication
September 10, 1956
Box 2
T.B. survey
September 16, 1956
Box 2
Promotions
October 2, 1956
Box 2
New policemen
October 9, 1956
Box 2
Street sign; St. Francis Hospital
October 12, 1956
Box 2
Little League
October 22, 1956
Box 2
Signing incinerator contract
October 29, 1956
Box 2
X-Ray office
November 6, 1956
Box 2
Kiwanis Club
November 7, 1956
Box 2
Crowning of queen at St. Florian
November 12, 1956
Box 2
Cub Scouts from St. Florian
November 23, 1956
Box 2
Lesinski; Christmas cards
Undated 1956
Box 2
Dodge automobile facility and other street views
1957
January 10, 1957
Box 2
Mayor Zak receiving new Dodge from Leo George
January 30, 1957
Box 2
Presentation of charcoal portrait to Library
February 5, 1957
Box 2
Boy Scout week
February 10, 1957
Box 2
St. Florian Father
February 11, 1957
Box 2
Lee Barecki
February 21, 1957
Box 2
Ground breaking for incinerator
March 21, 1957
Box 2
Al Zak birthday party
March 25, 1957
Box 2
Imperial Bar
April 10, 1957
Box 2
Broken-down equipment; dirty alleys
April 23, 1957
Box 2
Lions first cane taken
May 1, 1957
Box 2
Pouring cement at incinerator
May 2, 1957
Box 2
Poppy sale at Mayor's office
May 6, 1957
Box 2
Poppy sales
May 16, 1957
Box 2
Chester-Pierce fence
July 5, 1957
Box 2
Promotions
July 19, 1957
Box 2
New rubbish and garbage cans; alley views
August 19, 1957
Box 2
Celia Atma and Clarence Lubelt with awards
September 13, 1957
Box 2
New policemen
September 17, 1957
Box 2
Bill Brooks and sailors
Box 2
Prime Minister in Exile Antoni Pajak and Al Zak
September 19, 1957
Box 2
Birthday cake at Citizen
October 12, 1957
Box 2
Older properties along Wyandotte Ave.
October 20, 1957
Box 2
Homecoming football game
November 16, 1957
Box 2
Shoppers Free Ride
November 20 and 24 1957
Box 2
New truck chassis
December 7, 1957
Box 2
Shoppers Free Ride
December 12, 1957
Box 2
Christmas tree lighting at park
December 27, 1957
Box 2
Petitioners
1958
January 21, 1958
Box 2
Ukrainian organization at Mayor's office
January 26, 1958
Box 2
Knights of Columbus ground breaking
February 8, 1958
Box 2
Children going to the Hamtramck Public Library
Box 2
Tree trimming
March 20, 1958
Box 2
Mayor Zak's birthday party
April 22, 1958
Box 2
Inaugural of Hamtramck officers, Copernicus Hall
May 1, 1958
Box 2
Navy recruiting station
May 17, 1958
Box 2
Garbage cans (new and old)
May 23, 1958
Box 2
Alpena dump in Hamtramck
June 30, 1958
Box 2
Dodge Breakfast
July 8, 1958
Box 2
Slum clearance; meeting at Mayor's office
July 15, 1958
Box 2
Drain Commissioner Herrick and Mayor Zak at City Hall
August 1, 1958
Box 2
Citizen staff
August 6, 1958
Box 2
Flooded streets (Conant Ave. and Joseph Campau) in Hamtramck
August 12, 1958
Box 2
Mayor Zak and planning consultants
September 19, 1958
Box 2
Safety Award
September 26, 1958
Box 2
Polish editor of People's republic and Mayor Zak
October 12, 1958
Box 2
Knights of Columbus Cardinal Mercier Council No. 2723
October 15, 1958
Box 2
Portrait presentation
1959
March 18, 1959
Box 2
Mayor Zak's birthday party
June 4, 1959
Box 2
UAW-Local #3
June 26, 1959
Box 2
Acting Mayor Rooks and Acting Council President Kozerski
June 28, 1959
Box 2
Metropolitan Airport
September 2, 1959
Box 2
Safety Award for Hamtramck Schools
September 29, 1959
Box 2
Mayor Zak and Auxiliary Firemen
Box 3
Undated
Box 3
At Milan, Mich.; Mayor for a Day (May 5, 195-?)
Box 3
Back alley
Box 3
Baseball game
Box 3
Building interior
Box 3
Couples
Box 3
Exteriors of buildings
Box 3
Fire hydrant
Box 3
Fredricks
Box 3
Garbage cans and removal
(2 envelopes)
Box 3
Hamtramck quota
Box 3
Landscaping
Box 3
Lottery
(5 negatives)
Mayor Zak
Box 3
Group photos
Box 3
On fire truck
Box 3
Shaking hands
Box 3
Signing documents
Box 3
With handicapped children
Box 3
Milan Fire Department truck
Box 3
Parked cars
Box 3
Policemen
Box 3
Portraits
Box 3
Public events
(2 envelopes)
Box 3
Road works
Box 3
School children crossing the street
Box 3
Street cleaning
Box 3
Street light
Box 3
Street signs
Box 3
Street views
Box 3
Tree works
Box 3
Unidentified event, prisoner's uniform
Box 3
Unidentified meeting
Box 3
Women cooking, men eating
Box 3
Flash Jarocki's business card
Box 3
Miscellaneous
"Gordie," 1970s-1980s [series]
Box 3
St. Ladislaus basketball game March 1971
Untitled Envelope 1
Box 3
Couples seating outside
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Demolition site
(5 negatives)
Box 3
Hamtramck's anniversary
Box 3
Knights of Columbus ceremony
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Kowalski sausage (Mayor Kozaren)
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Mayor Robert Kozaren's office
Box 3
Mayor Robert Kozaren with unidentified
Box 3
Office workers
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Young people taking notes
Untitled Envelope 2
Box 3
Hamtramck Chancellors football game
(11 negatives)
Box 3
School children
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Unidentified girl
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Woods
(2 negatives)
Untitled Envelope 3
Box 3
Bank of Commerce open house
Box 3
Car accident on freeway
(4 negatives)
Box 3
Christmas
(3 negatives)
Box 3
Planting a tree
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Shifrin Willens Jewelers
(2 negatives)
Box 3
St. Ladislaus basketball game
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Storefronts
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Unidentified
(3 negatives)
Box 3
Unidentified group
Untitled Envelope 4
Box 3
Group portraits
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Individual portraits
(3 negatives)
Box 3
License plates
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Snow shoveling
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Street views
(5 negatives)
Box 3
Wedding
(4 negatives)
Unknown photographer 1970s-1980s [series]
The "Gordie" series (approximately 100 photonegatives; 1970s-1980s) takes its name from the name "Gordie" inscribed across five envelopes. One of the original envelopes was titled and dated "St. Ladislaus basketball game, March 1971"; the rest of the envelopes are numbered as they were found in the collection (Envelopes 1-4). Researchers will find description of subjects of photonegatives in these envelopes in the container list. Untitled and undated photonegatives in envelopes 1-4 depict Hamtramck's daily life and include images of school children, views of classrooms, school athletic events and athletic teams, street scenes, offices, businesses, a wedding, and portraits of individuals; also images of Hamtramck's mayor Robert Kozaren with others.
Untitled envelope
Box 3
Disrepairs, interior
(3 negatives)
Box 3
Hamtramck Chancellors football game
(5 negatives)
Box 3
Hamtramck police car
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Immaculate Conception football team
(4 negatives)
Box 3
Mayor Robert Kozaren and others
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Office scenes
(6 negatives)
Box 3
School children
(14 negatives)
Box 3
St. Ladislaus basketball game
(4 negatives)
Box 3
Store interior
Box 3
Street view
Loose photographs Undated
Box 3
Bicyclists
Box 3
Classrooms
Box 3
Exterior of building
Box 3
Group photo July 9 1972
Box 3
Hamtramck Chancellors
Box 3
Hamtramck's 50th anniversary (1972 ?)
Box 3
Landscaping
Box 3
Parked cars
Box 3
St. Ladislaus baseball game
Box 3
Unidentified man
"Gordie," 1970s-1980s [series]
Box 3
St. Ladislaus basketball game March 1971
Untitled Envelope 1
Box 3
Couples seating outside
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Demolition site
(5 negatives)
Box 3
Hamtramck's anniversary
Box 3
Knights of Columbus ceremony
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Kowalski sausage (Mayor Kozaren)
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Mayor Robert Kozaren's office
Box 3
Mayor Robert Kozaren with unidentified
Box 3
Office workers
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Young people taking notes
Untitled Envelope 2
Box 3
Hamtramck Chancellors football game
(11 negatives)
Box 3
School children
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Unidentified girl
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Woods
(2 negatives)
Untitled Envelope 3
Box 3
Bank of Commerce open house
Box 3
Car accident on freeway
(4 negatives)
Box 3
Christmas
(3 negatives)
Box 3
Planting a tree
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Shifrin Willens Jewelers
(2 negatives)
Box 3
St. Ladislaus basketball game
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Storefronts
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Unidentified
(3 negatives)
Box 3
Unidentified group
Untitled Envelope 4
Box 3
Group portraits
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Individual portraits
(3 negatives)
Box 3
License plates
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Snow shoveling
(2 negatives)
Box 3
Street views
(5 negatives)
Box 3
Wedding
(4 negatives)
Unknown photographer 1970s-1980s [series]
The Unknown Photographer series (approximately 70 photonegatives; 1970s-1980s) contains one original envelope bearing crossed out names "Gordie" and "Mitch," containing photonegatives with images similar to those in the "Gordie" series: school children, athletic events, street views, mayor Kozaren, portraits, etc. Also included in this series are photonegatives that were found loose in the collection: group photos, street scenes, athletic teams and events, etc.
