Paderewski “future ruler of Poland”

This month, during the Paderewski Festival, the Paso Robles Historical Society and The Pioneer Museum showcase displays celebrating Ignace J. Paderewski.  The Pioneer Museum has borrowed one of our Illustrated Review magazines showing photos and articles written by Paderewski.  Over the last couple years while researching, I have noticed quite a few articles, photos and references to Paderewski and his friendship with E. G. and Mabel Lewis.  The following article mentions M. and Mme. Paderewski were frequent visitors to the historic Printery Building (located at Olmeda and West Mall in Atascadero).  I find it intriguing the Premier of Poland spent many pleasurable hours in Atascadero.  The editor's (E. G. Lewis) following comments may be found in the December, 1919 edition of The Illustrated Review.

Coming events cast their shadows before, and sometimes these shadows are but the inadvertent disclosing of high state secrets concerning which the die has been cast by those in high places long before the actual event comes as a startling surprise to the masses.  More than a year and a half before M. Ignace Paderewski became Premier of Poland, the Editor of The Illustrated Review was his guest at a birthday party in the Paso Robles Hot Springs Hotel, eight miles north of Atascadero.  At this banquet several prominent Eastern men were also present.  A toast was offered M. Paderewski as the “future ruler of Poland”, which would seem to indicate that his selection to head the new State of Poland had been determined upon by the powers, secretly, and long in advance.  M Paderewski lived on his ranch close by Atascadero and both he and Mme. Paderewski were tireless in their efforts to help Poland, his native land.  M. and Mme. Paderewski were frequent visitors to the plant of The Illustrated Review and warm friends of the Editor.  His career in Europe is therefore of more than usual interest to The Illustrated Review. ~ EDITOR

James Wilkins is the president of the Atascadero Historical Society.  The Colony Museum is located at 6600 Lewis Avenue, mailing address: P.O. Box 1047, Atascadero CA 93423.  For more information, visit the website, www.atascaderohistoricalsociety.org or call 805-466-8341