A Stitch in Time

 

Last month, Stanislaw Szewczyk had to close Stanley’s Custom Tailoring on Purdy Avenue. He wasn’t planning to retire just yet, but he said it had become very tough to pay the rent.

 

In his native country, Poland, he was an award-winning tailor, creating costumes for the Polish Theatre in Kraków, among many coveted projects.

 

Soon after emigrating to the United States 28 years ago, he went to work for Corrado Tailors.  Mr. Corrado sold him the business ten years later and Stanley put out a new shingle.

 

His skill with needle and thread, charm, and magical stories attracted a large and loyal clientele. Kurt Masur, the late music director of the New York Philharmonic, was among them.

 

Stanley came by our office the other day to take out an ad in the paper. “I want to thank my customers for supporting my business, for the honor and privilege of making and altering their clothes, and, most of all, for making me feel at home,” he said with great emotion.

 

We told him we weren’t accepting payment this month from talented gentlemen whom we will miss and wish all good things to in the next chapter of their lives.

 

The following day, two wrapped bottles of wine appeared outside the office door. We look forward to having Stanislaw Szewczyk come by one night after work and to raising a glass to once and future endeavors.

 

• Robin Jovanovich