Roll out the barrel: Polka queen, 102, kicks up heels at Akron club

Woodrow Wilson was president when Frances Kubalak was born.

That was the year that U.S. women gained the right to vote, the first commercial radio station began to broadcast, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford ruled the silver screen and the Akron Pros captured the first national football title.

Kubalak, who turns 102 on Thursday, celebrated a week early with friends and family at the Polish American Citizens Club on North Hill in Akron.

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Polka music filled the hall as the Akron centenarian arrived for the festivities Dec. 8. Sharply dressed and neatly coiffed, Kubalak smiled warmly as club members hugged and greeted her and handed her birthday cards.

“It’s so good to see you!” she told well-wishers.

Kubalak is a fixture at the club’s weekly polka jam from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at 472 E. Glenwood Ave. The free event, open to the public, includes a live band, homestyle food and cheerful camaraderie.

You can’t miss her at the gatherings. Look for the 102-year-old woman dancing in high heels.

She’ll be the first to tell you that her fancy footwear isn’t all about fashion.

“I have a high instep, and the flat shoes bother my instep,” she explained. “The low shoes are not comfortable on my feet.”

Kubalak enjoys going each week. It doesn’t take much coaxing to get her on the dance floor.

“I like all the people — and the band,” she said.

The polka group, featuring three accordionists, a clarinetist and a drummer, regaled the audience with such rollicking tunes as “Beer Barrel Polka,” “Julida Polka” and “My Melody of Love.”

Her favorite dance is the waltz, and her favorite song is “Polish Traditions.”

By the way, she knows a thing or two about Polish traditions. Kubalak was 3 months old when the club formed in March 1921.

World War II and Leon’s Restaurant

She was born Dec. 15, 1920, to Polish American parents Pauline and Frank Grucella, and grew up on Wellington Avenue in Goodyear Heights with siblings Frank Jr., Rosella, Jennie and Thomas Grucella. When she was a child, the family belonged to Annunciation Catholic Church in Middlebury.

Frances attended Barber Elementary School and graduated from East High School in 1938.

She met her husband, Leonard Kubalak, at Leon’s Restaurant, a popular dining spot that his father owned at Tallmadge Avenue and Brittain Road. The couple married in 1941.

When the United States entered World War II, Leonard joined the Army and served in the 391st Armored Field Artillery in Europe. Frances joined the Army Signal Corps and was stationed at Camp Hope, Louisiana, and Fort Knox, Kentucky.

The veterans returned to Akron and welcomed three children: Frances, Marie and Leon.

The couple took over ownership of Leon’s Restaurant, which was famous for its charcoal-broiled steaks, seafood and chicken. The establishment played host to wedding receptions, club meetings, sports banquets and dinner parties.

“It was all home-cooked,” Kubalak said.

Leon’s operated until 1979 when it turned into a Ground Round restaurant. Leonard died in 1994 at age 76. The building was demolished a couple of decades ago, but the corner is still known for its food.

“It’s right where McDonald’s is now,” she said.

The secret to her longevity

Kubalak belongs to Blessed Trinity, the former St. Martha Catholic Church. For years, she attended Christ the King until the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland closed it in 2009.

When asked the secret to her longevity, she didn’t hesitate.

“I think it’s really my faith,” she said. “And I think moderation in food and everything.”

It was difficult to be moderate at the Polish American club with the mouthwatering aroma of kielbasa and sauerkraut permeating the dining hall. The polka band took a break to chow down with the nearly 50 guests at Kubalak’s party.

Asked to describe her bubbly friend, Sue Jackson was effusive in praise.

“She’s an amazing woman,” she said. “She’s always been a very hard worker. A beautiful dancer.”

Ultimately, it came down to one word.

“She’s Polish,” Jackson said. “The best Polish you’ll ever meet in your whole life.”

Monica McNatt, who ordered the birthday cake, brought the balloons and drove Kubalak to the gathering, called her “the heart and soul” of the club.

“She’s a very outgoing lady,” McNatt said. “She’s not afraid to get up and dance in front of a ton of people. … She’s still in heels. She’s got heels on right now.”

‘She’s the best mom’

Daughters Frances Lutz and Marie Kubalak said their mother always took care of them when they were children, whether it was driving them to school at Our Lady of the Elms or encouraging them to study music, take art classes or follow other pursuits.

“She’s the best mom,” Marie said.

“She has a good attitude,” Frances said. “She can laugh about anything. She finds humor in a lot of things.”

Kubalak likes to read, keeps up on current affairs, watches the news every night and enjoys Turner Classic Movies. She stays active and loves company.

“She has the gift of hospitality,” Marie said. “Even now at her age, she’s cooking and cleaning.”

The polka music resumed. McNatt came up to Kubalak and said: “We have a surprise for you.”

She led the centenarian to a small table, seated her next to the band and gave her a purple crown to wear. As the musicians led the audience in singing “Happy Birthday to You,” the club presented a cake to the polka queen.

Kubalak blew out the candles and graciously accepted a slice of carrot cake. She chatted amiably with several people who came up to congratulate her.

The band struck up “Dreamy Fish Waltz,” one of her favorites. She smiled and clapped along to the music, and then she rose to dance.

Her high heels rocked back and forth as club members took turns waltzing with her.

The music swelled. Kubalak smiled and smiled and smiled.

What a wonderful time.

Happy 102nd birthday, Frances!

Mark J. Price can be reached at mprice@thebeaconjournal.com.

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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Polka queen, 102, kicks up heels at Akron club