What is a Polebilly and where did the term originate? When I was about fifteen years old and talking with my best friend, I coined the term “Polebilly” to describe myself. We were laughing and coming up with different word combinations to describe ourselves, and that one just stuck. Obviously a Polebilly is someone who is Polish and a hillbilly, like me. But it’s much more complex than that. It’s the confluence of two cultures; sometimes they align perfectly and sometimes it’s a serrated juncture. The name was created with humor and affection, and not with any negative connotations that one might associate with it. It is instead associated with a rich history and a spirit of survival. I have pride in both sides of my family, pride in my home state, and pride in my own story… as imperfect as it may be.

I hope this blog will tell a story of dignity, humor, and sometimes straight up ridiculousness.  This is my attempt to pay homage to my father’s world (may he rest in peace), as well as to my mother’s heritage as she is the matriarch we love, misunderstand, humbly accept, and treasure beyond words.