The Vistula social club at the corner of Main Street and Plauderville Avenue in Garfield, New Jersey is, for many, a small slice of a place called home. For the Polish immigrants who came to the U.S. in waves starting in the early years of the 20th century, and through both World Wars, it was a place to hear the old language and smell the old smells.
“Our club was founded in 1952,” said Chris Karcz, the 39-year-old player-coach of SC Vistula Garfield – the Polish club celebrating its 70th anniversary year. “The clubhouse is still up there in Garfield, with the bar, and we can use it anytime we want for hang-outs and get-togethers.
“It’s great for team bonding,” added Karcz, whose Vistula side – with a lot of talent and a little bit of luck – are through to the Final Qualifying Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
A Family Affair
Karcz’ father also played for the club. The traditions of Vistula are very much in his blood. He grew up playing with and against the youth teams and he now helps out with coaching some of those same teams when an extra hand is needed.
“The first team has really taken on the personality of Coach Karcz,” said President Dariusz Wesolowski who sees Vistula as more “a way of life” than a club. “He’s extremely kind off the field and a hard-worker and never-say-die guy on it.”
