Paul Plotnick in front of his Shop

(from The Delano Eagle, December 14, 1893)

“Paul Plotnik is the blacksmith and dealer in farm machinery who located here two years ago and during that time has built up an extensive business. His work speaks for itself and when a man is once his customer he always is. Any work that is put in Mr. Plotnik’s hands is always done in the best manner possible, either by the proprietor or a workman who understands his business, as Mr. Plotnik will employ no others. He also manufactures bobsleds, and cutters and is working up a good business for himself. He handles all kinds of farm machinery and deserves the big trade he is enjoying. His show is located on River Street where you can always find him at work. He is an excellent blacksmith and devotes especial attention to this line of work.”

Paul Plotnik was born in German-ruled Poland in 1869, and immigrated to America in 1887. Three years previous to coming to America he learned the blacksmith trade. On arriving in America, he spent a year in Waverly, learning the English language. Eventually, because he could speak four languages, he became an interpreter in the courts. Paul came to Delano in 1889, and opened his own blacksmith shop, renting a small building on the corner of River Street and Elm Avenue (the current location of the Schaffer building). In 1891 he built a shop across the street (where the Delano Granite Works display yards were located), and in 1933 he built his shop on Highway 12. Paul retired after 55 years in business, after selling his business to his son George when he returned from WWII. Paul died in 1948.

Plotnick Family

Paul and his wife

Paul Plotnik Obituary (from the Delano Eagle, January 14, 1948)

“Paul Plotnik was born in German Poland, 3 miles southeast of Oppeln in the Province of Upper Silesia on January 15, 1869, and passed away suddenly on January 7, 1948 at the age of 78 years, 11 months and 22 days.

He received his early education in the German schools and learned the forbidden Polish language from his parents.

Three years previous to his coming to America (in March 1887) he learned the blacksmith trade. On arriving in America he went directly to Waverly, Minn. where his step-sister, Mrs. George Stackhart, now deceased, was living. After a year’s schooling to learn the English language, he went to North Dakota, where he worked at this trade.

In 1889 he came to Delano to open his own blacksmith business by renting a small building, then standing on the site of the present Red & White store. In 1891 and later years he increased his real estate holding until he owned all of the present Delano Granite Works display yards.

On January 30, 1894 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Theresa Lyrek. This union was blessed with eleven children, seven daughters and four sons of whom one son died in infancy.

He was one of the organizers and helped in the building of St. Joseph’s Catholic church of which he was a member.

He leaves to mourn, his wife, Mrs. Paul Plotnik; and ten children: Mary (Mrs. Albert Toman) Mill City, Oregon; Frances (Mrs. Ray Maas); Charles, Minneapolis; Betty (Mrs. Martin Libor, Jr.); Florence (Mrs. John Whalen) Minneapolis; Clara (Mrs. Vernon Dickhous), Minneapolis; Margaret (Mrs. Henry Christenson) Jordan, Minn,; Leo; Dorothy (Mrs. Don LePage); George; and two brothers, Louis Plotnik, Waverly, MInn., and Thomas Plotnik, Amberg-Abergf, American Zone, Germany, to who we extend our heartfelt sympathy.”