Julita Maciejewicz-Ryś is one of three Ambassadors for the celebrations of the Centenary of Gdynia. The granddaughter of engineer Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski lives in Krakow, but as she herself admits, she owes it to her grandfather to cultivate his memory and is an active guardian of one of the founding fathers of Gdynia. Today, we present one of three interviews with the Ambassadors.
What does the title of Ambassador of the Centenary of Gdynia mean to you personally?
The title of Ambassador of the Centenary of Gdynia is an honour for me, but also a certain obligation. I know that I owe this title mainly to my grandfather Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, whose name is inextricably linked with the creation of the port and Gdynia.
Where in Gdynia do you find a special place, and why?
For me, having lived in Krakow for almost eighty years and visiting Gdynia only on rare occasions, my favourite place to visit in Gdynia, when I have time, is Kościuszki Square and the South Pier with the ORP Błyskawica and the frigate ‘Dar Pomorza’ which was christened by my grandfather in 1930. From my early childhood spent with my grandparents on the coast, I have retained a fascination with the sea. I love to observe its changing nature depending on the season and weather.
What would you like to say to Gdynia and its residents on the occasion of the city's 100th anniversary?
On the occasion of Gdynia's 100th anniversary, I wish the residents and authorities to find within themselves the same zeal, enthusiasm and ability to work together as the first builders of the port and the city did to solve Gdynia's problems today. If this succeeds, Gdynia will be the most pleasant place to live in Poland.
What is the fondest memory of your grandfather?
I spent thirty-two years with my grandfather, so I have many memories. But perhaps the fondest ones are from the time when my grandfather returned to Poland after the war and my brother and I moved in with our grandparents in the Claaszen villa in Sopot (now the Museum of Sopot). As the Government Delegate for Coastal Affairs, my grandfather spent his days organising and coordinating the reconstruction of ports and towns that had been destroyed during the war and then regained. He would come home tired in the evening, but he was able to instantly transform into a caring grandfather. Every day at dinner, he would tell us a story in episodes, which he made up on the spot, whose characters had names similar to ours and experienced incredible adventures, and because my grandfather was a witty man, these stories were accompanied by a lot of laughter.
If you could travel back in time, what would you like to tell your grandfather about the future of Gdynia?
Looking back from today's perspective, I really appreciate the fact that my grandfather tried to make those difficult post-war times at least a carefree childhood for his grandchildren.
What do you think is Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski's most important legacy for the contemporary residents of Gdynia, and why is it worth cultivating his memory?
Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski's decision to accelerate the construction of the port in Gdynia in 1926, after he became Minister of Industry and Trade, was a strong impetus for the development of the city of Gdynia. My grandfather managed to demonstrate that there is a close relationship between the condition of the port and the city, and that care must be taken at all times to ensure that this relationship is as healthy as possible. This is not only in the interests of the residents of Gdynia, but also of Poland as a whole.