Olszówka

Olszówka Commune, previously known as Drzewce Commune, is a rural municipality in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, located on the Kłodawa Upland. Its administrative seat is the village of Olszówka. The commune covers an area of 81.54 km², of which 92% is agricultural land and only 2% is forested. Despite its natural assets, the landscape of the commune is dominated by cultivated fields. The history of Olszówka dates back to the early Middle Ages, when the area was part of the Ląd Castellany. In 1294, it was recorded that the region was plundered by Lithuanian troops, and in 1331, the commune fell victim to an invasion by the Teutonic Order. Over the centuries, the area underwent various administrative changes; Drzewce Commune was established in 1866, and in 1954 its name was changed to Olszówka. The inhabitants of the commune participated in significant historical events, such as a strike organized by the Communist Workers' Party in 1919 and activities related to World War II, during which the parish priest of Umień died in Dachau. In 1945, the commune was liberated from German occupation, and after the war, its residents quickly organized local administration. Within the commune, there is the Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Umień, which belongs to the Włocławek Diocese. Olszówka is a typical agricultural commune with no industrial plants, and local cultural life revolves around the church and parish, where the Mariavite Church is also active. For transportation, Olszówka is served by provincial road No. 263 and the Tczew – Chorzów Batory railway line, enabling residents to connect with other towns. Notable features include its agricultural tradition and complex socio-political history, which has shaped the commune over the centuries, as well as the honorary title "Meritorious for the Development of Olszówka Commune," introduced in 1976.