Photos of Poland... curious where it could be?

Hello All,

I was recently given some photos from Poland taken in the 1960's (I think) and I was wondering if anyone would be able to identify the location based on the photos. I appreciate any help!!

Thank you,
Sarah :)

now that admin edited the images i cant see what was on them anymore lol

Hi Sarah,

What does the writing say on the photos?

Those photos look much older than from the 60's.

I am sure i can see Osiol on the right hand side of the first photo.....just in front of the fence.....anyone else see him....?

The top photo looks much, much older than 1960. Perhaps 1930's-40's. That typical Polish street with a monastery or church in the backdrop could be any town in Poland. The only way you will find out the city is if someone recognizes the bottom picture as a specific church. Otherwise, it will be very hard.

There is some writing in blue ink on the bottom of the top picture. Can you please tell us what that says?

Assuming that they are connected to letters you posted, these pictures could be from Opatów, Sandomierz or Iwaniska.
First pic - there seem to be a word "opatowska" (right upper corner; "to jest kolegjata opatowska"?) which would indicate Opatów

Wow.. good eyes. Indeed, it must be Opatów then.
Could it be Saint Martin's Church, from the 12th century? It is very similar. Note the positions of its towers.

Looks older than the 60's. Perhaps even pre-1939?

On the back of the photo with the priest in front of the church was a short letter to my great-grandmother that said...

"The parish church which I give to Mrs. Maria Rucinska in memory and in the name of greatful parishioners, words of deep respect along with thanks for the offertory, father Leon Janieki"

I don't understand what, "The parish church which I give to Mrs. Maria Rucinska" means?! Anyone have any thoughts on this one??

Thanks for all the help :)

It means that father Janicki gave the picture of the parish church to Maria Rucinska as a keepsake/souvenir.

I looked into Saint. Martin's Church in Opatow Poland and found it's webpage. It lists all of the priests that the church had since 1903 and father Janicki isn't listed so once again I am stuck.

Thanks for all the help thought, I really appreciate it!

Maybe he was just a transitionary priest, and was at the parish for only a short time before they found a replacement. That would explain why he wouldn't be listed.

not really. you have a name. if you write to the correct authority you may get the answer you want.

short of the vatican.... write to the office of the head of church in the area you are researching. or failing that.. the office of the head of the church in Poland.

The priest may not have been in residence. You have no idea if he was filling in or not.

edit: filios put it so much better than me

I've already tried writing to the head of the church in the Opatow area and I've heard nothing back and that was about 3 months ago :( I'll just keep searching online and see what I can come up with. Thanks for the help!