The Wladyslaw Jagiello Society was founded July 3, 1912 by twenty-eight charter members living on Milwaukee's north side, and affiliated with Council 115 of the PNA. Lodge 1476 grew rapidly in size and in assets; within the following three decades membership had reached nearly 900, making it one of the largest PNA lodges in the United States. The lodge contributed to the war efforts during both World Wars, purchasing government bonds, and contributing to the Red Cross, Polish Relief Fund, and other groups, both in the United States and in Poland. Like other PNA lodges, the Wladyslaw Jagiello Society also established funds for sick benefits and life insurance (through sales of insurance to members), and contributed to community, civic, and patriotic activities.
The records were collected by John and Aniela Knap, who were both born near Tarnow, Poland, and who are currently (1981) active members of the lodge. John Knap was a charter member of Lodge 1476, and his wife, Aniela, served as president of Council 115 for 22 years. Both have been Lodge 1476 delegates to several national and regional PNA meetings.
