Objects

Statement by Henryka Malarska and Janina Parniewska confirming that Stanisława Katarzyna Olchawa and Kazimierz Olchawa were a married couple and had a daughter, Marta. The statement was notarised on 15 March 1956 – handwriting and typescript on two pages of a blank paper sheet, in Polish. The first page holds a handwritten statement with notes added in pencil. Underneath, there are hand signatures of Henryka Malarska and Janina Parniewska. Below them, there is typewritten text which continues onto the other page. The text was typed at the State Notary Office in Wołomin, but the document does not bear any notarial seals or notary’s signatures. Some fragments in the typescript are crossed out.

The statements of the two women, Henryka Malarska and Janina Parniewska – are not truthful. According to the testimony of Elżbieta Chmielewska – a friend of Marta Olchawa (born Bauer) – Stanisława Olchawa was never married. The identity of Kazimierz Olchawa has not been established. In the document, Stanisława’s maiden name is given as Olchawa (added by hand in pencil).

Marta Olchawa was rescued from the Lvov ghetto. Her biological parents, Ernestyna née Kutin and Izydor Marek Bauer (a violinist from Lvov) died in the Jewish quarter. Marta Bauer was taken in by Stanisława Olchawa. Marta took on her surname, and the new mother gave her a middle name – Józefa. Henryka Malarska is mentioned as the godmother in the birth and baptism certificate dated 1942. She helped Stanisława take care of Marta and raise her. | Text by Monika Harchut