The Last Summer 1

Thank goodness… you’re finally here! A journey out of town, especially on such a scorching day, is long and tiring. This year’s summer, exceptionally hot, is taking its toll and everyone is bound to remember the year 1939 for a very long time. In addition, the tram got derailed, and you were late for lunch! The hosts have gone out for a walk but have left the door open with a note saying “Make yourself at home!”.

You will not get bored; of this you may be sure. One entire floor of the house is left at your disposal. You can exercise a little to stretch your limbs after the trip, play a game of graces or cards, embroider something on a hoop, play the piano, make a sketch at an easel, rest on the porch with a book in hand, or sit down at the table waiting for afternoon tea. 

Actually… we would not be surprised if you took advantage of your hosts’ absence to snoop around the villa, which the Piechowicz family has rented for the summer. Since there is no one home, you can even take a sneak peek at the contents of the drawers… 

Do remember, though, that the matriarch of the family is famous for her sharp eyesight and will spot every single item you have misplaced! She is a stickler for manners, especially when they are lacking. 

The Piechowicz family is, naturally, a fictitious one, and the villa’s furnishings create an imaginary interior of a summer residence near Łódź in 1939. When working on the exhibition, we wished to demonstrate how people enjoyed their leisure time in the 1930s. The actual history of this villa and its residents is described on the porch wall opposite the cloakroom.

The rooms inspire our imagination, and the furnishings beckon you to use them. Do it! After all, this is a very atypical exhibit where objects can and should be touched!

The summer of 1939 is coming to an end. It was an especially hot one. Anyone with a head on their shoulders and some money in their pocket escaped to a summer rental. In the shade of the trees and amidst the buzzing of lethargic insects and the smell of fruit sticky with juice the heat was bearable, and even pleasant. 

The Piechowicz family were among the lucky ones spending the dog days of summer outside of Łódź. Franciszek’s veterinary practice brings in a solid income, especially since he became the head veterinarian at the horse races in Ruda Pabianicka. Now, renting a villa for the summer is no longer a splurge but a social obligation. But it’s his father-in-law who’s footing the bill – Knyszyński has given his life to his textile dying shop and he’s rarely at the villa, but business is booming. 

Franciszek, his wife Wanda, and their three children can enjoy the summer in comfort. The presence of Franciszek’s mother-in-law seems like a small price to pay for such luxury. Especially that Leokadia is the one who mainly looks after her kids. 

With the children in good hands, the couple can just lounge around or immerse themselves in their beloved pastimes. In a few days, Franciszek is heading off on a mountain getaway with the boys. They’ll likely be reminiscing on the 1920 war again. Wanda is putting the finishing touches on a travelogue she’s writing for the newspaper. She also took the photos for it. Her mind is already looking ahead to autumn – she’ll be starting a new semester of botany at the university in Warsaw as an auditing student. For the holidays she’s going to decorate the living room in line with the latest fashion. 

The children are in heaven at the resort. The twins love riding their bikes and exploring around Ruda. Leon enjoys spending time at the ponds ever since grandpa taught him how to fish and Kazik is constantly pleading with his dad for tickets to the movies. The boys don’t have much in common with their sister – Weronika is only six and she can’t climb trees. She plays with her toys and grandma is teaching her to play the piano. 

Grandma Leokadia is standing on the veranda looking at the garden and the family gathered there. She’s happy. Her daughter married well – Franciszek is a decent and educated man. The grandkids are growing, strong and healthy. And ever since she started tending it, the garden is looking much better. But a sense of unease comes over her when she sees Kazik’s paper soldiers and wooden plane.  

Perhaps that’s why Leokadia jumps when the phone rings. Phew, it’s only the racetrack. They’re looking for Franciszek – the heat must be taking a toll on the horses too. “We can walk him to work before the guests arrive,” she thinks to herself. One last stroll before heading back to the city. But there’s always next summer, God willing.