Then the Commies came...

1930's- It was during these years that my great great grandfather built a beautiful apartment building. Today, my grandmother's sisters and their families live in four of the five apartments (one per floor). Now, these living spaces are not your typical apartments- generally somewhat cramped, low ceilings, not works of architecture. No, these have high ceilings, beautifully arranged rooms, original hardwood floors, and big windows. Not as large as a house and yard, but still very comfortable. The Polish word for them is "kamienica." It roughly translates to a "tenement house." Google -> images -> "Kamienica" and you'll get the idea. After World War II, the Communists didn't care too much for private property and decided they were lords of the house. Fast forward a few decades to when my grandmother's family regained full ownership of the building- let just say that most of the apartments required some serious renovations (which take time and money, so it's a slow process) to bring back their former grandeur.
Another apartment building from the 1880's that my great grandparents owned was also let out to strangers during Communism. Again, it required vast amounts of renovation after the fall of the Iron Curtain. The particular apartment that my grandparents own and have renovated is also very beautiful- higher ceilings than in the other building and bigger. Originally, it spanned the entire floor, but was divided in half at some point. The period furniture fits in perfectly. Life before the War must have been just grand...

Random note: After World War I, Poland regained its independence from Prussia, Russia, and Austria. Joining all the local governments and laws was somewhat of a challenge because each occupying country had different rules, including which side of the road you drive on. Some places used the left side of the road, others used the right side. Supposedly, car makers finally decided the confusion was too much and started making cars with the steering wheel in the middle. Did this cause people to drive the middle of the road, I do not know.