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My Grand Uncle John Stanley Poltrack was born in Poland on this date in 1887. He died in 1954 and I don’t remember him, but I was well aware of the Cycle Shop that bore his name.
As a kid, after church we’d drive past the shop and I would get see “my name” in lights on the storefront. Everyone in school assumed that my dad owned the store and I had unlimited access to bikes,
I have started a tradition of sharing family photos on family members birthdays. I usually share these privately among the family but I decided to make an exception today. I think some of these photos may be of interest to residents of Stamford Connecticut and anyone else who is interested in this historical time frame.
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| This is the storefront I remember as a kid, in the 1950s. |
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| John Stanley Poltrack – Born 126 years ago My Grand Uncle |
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| The Stamford Police force got their Harley’s from John Poltrack |
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| Great float. I’m guessing this was taken in front of Holy Name Church in Stamford. |
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| My first cousin 1x removed Bernie Dombroski and John Poltrack My wife remarked that this looks like our cellar. I blame genes. |
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| Ready to Ride |
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| Hare and Hound Rally. This must have been fun to do. I’m curious where it was held. If someone knows, please leave a comment on this blog. |
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| John Poltrack and ? |
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| Albert Poltrack, another first cousin 1x removed. A star of the rally. |
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| Note motorcycle chains for dirt traction |
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| That is a serious hill, guessing this may be the 1930s |
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| John on left |
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| A closer look at the tire chains |
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| Albert Poltrack |
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| Harley rules the day, go Albert |
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| I would love to the see the “moving pictures” of this event. Anyone know Albert DeCarlo? |
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| The shop in the 1930s |
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| This had to be a great party. I assume it was held after the “Hare and Hound” |
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| A family affair. John Stanley is holding John Adam. There are a lot of John Poltracks. |
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| Love these outfits |
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| Great photo |
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| Another early photo. Note all the sidecars. |
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| The 1940s, John’s sons were in the service. |
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| Tom Poltrack in the Army, with motorcycle |
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| I need to find which font is used on the storefront. It looks great with our name. |
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| Stamford Connecticut Tercentennial Parade |
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| John making a delivery |
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| The Shop |
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| The Laundry is a nice touch |
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| I got my first bike at this shop!
If you have a story about this shop and my family, please share it in the comment section. I want to learn more. |
Poltrack Pix 
If my memory is correct the Poltrck Family lived across the street from me on Garden Street in Stamford …..my name is John Sobolewski Junior…. I went to holy name of Jesus school and I remember the bicycle shop near Richmond Hill ….my father was an ironworker for Stamford iron and steel Works….
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Hi, I happened upon these photos from a google search. I’m also trying to find out more about my family history. Do you by chance know the names of the officers in the photo of them on the bikes? Or the address of the house they are standing in front of after the hare/hound? Thanks 🙂
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Sorry I cannot help with that information
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