Steć Tadeusz

September 1, 1925, Ścianka (now Ukraine) January 12, 1993, Jelenia Góra

Sudetes mountain guide, regionalist, storyteller, and publicist.

Tadeusz Steć

Tadeusz Kazimierz Steć – Sudetes mountain guide, regionalist, storyteller, and author of mountain guidebooks, books, and articles dedicated to the history of the Western Sudetes. Mentor to several generations of Sudetes guides. Known as the "walking encyclopedia of Silesia," the "good spirit of the Karkonosze," and the "guide of guides." In his writings, he used the pseudonyms: T.S., Tas, and tas.

He was born on September 1, 1925, in the village of Ścianka, located in Złoczów County in the Tarnopol Voivodeship (now part of Ukraine). His parents were small-scale farmers: Michał and Anna née Koziura. His father died in 1929, which forced his mother to leave the farm, unable to sustain it on her own, and seek other employment. First, between 1929 and 1931, she worked on an agricultural estate in Hanaczów (Przemyślany County), and then she moved to Warsaw. There, she lived with her son at 3 Sowia Street and worked as a maid at the “Europejski” Hotel. In Warsaw, young Tadeusz completed his primary education at a private school run by Helena Panke-Falkowa. From 1937 to 1939, he completed two years of middle school at the Lower Missionary Seminary of the Franciscan Fathers in Niepokalanów, thanks to Father Florian Maria, a Franciscan and the brother of Tadeusz’s uncle, Michał Koziura. The outbreak of World War II interrupted his education, which he later continued in secret underground classes in Warsaw. Before 1942, he completed the remaining middle school grades. Facing the threat of being deported for forced labour in Germany, his mother secured him a job as a night watchman’s assistant at the “Europejski” Hotel. While working, Steć continued his studies and, between 1942 and 1944, completed two years of high school at the underground Adam Mickiewicz Gymnasium. In July 1944, he passed his final secondary school exams (matura). In mid-July 1944, he left Warsaw for the summer holidays and stayed at the home of the Kicher family in Sulejówek. There, he was caught by the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising and the advancing Eastern Front. In the autumn of 1944, Steć travelled to his hometown, from which he had to flee to Lviv due to threats from Ukrainian nationalists. In 1945, he moved to Kraków, where he spent a year as a novice in the Benedictine monastery in Tyniec. In Kraków, in March or April 1946, he was reunited with his mother, who had returned from forced labour in Germany. In June of that year, Steć left the monastic life. Since their Warsaw apartment had been destroyed by the Germans, like most of the city, he and his mother moved west to Jelenia Góra. It was then that young Steć first saw the Karkonosze Mountains, with which he would remain deeply connected for the rest of his life.

In recent years, some literature (e.g., by J. Lamparska, H. Piecuch, J. Rostkowski) has propagated inaccurate information about this part of Tadeusz Steć’s biography, claiming that he arrived in Lower Silesia as early as May 1945, allegedly accompanying then-Colonel of the Polish Army—and future Prime Minister (1971–1980)—Piotr Jaroszewicz. According to these accounts, the two men supposedly discovered and examined, and even took with them, part of a cache of secret documents hidden by the Nazis in the palace in Radomierzyce, said to be from the archives of the Main Security Office of the Third Reich. These documents were later rumoured to be the reason behind both of their deaths. Without speculating on the causes of these tragic deaths or any acquaintance between the two men, it must be clearly stated that Tadeusz Steć arrived in Lower Silesia for the first time only in the summer of 1946.

The first place where Tadeusz Steć and his mother settled was the village of Trzcińsko near Jelenia Góra, located at the foot of the Rudawy Janowickie Mountains. On September 12, 1946, Anna Steć received an allocation from the State Repatriation Office in Jelenia Góra to settle on farmstead No. 104 in the village of Rożniewo, as Trzcińsko was still called at the time. It was in the surrounding mountains that young Tadeusz began his first excursions, starting to discover the land of Lower Silesia. He first climbed Śnieżka, the highest peak of the Karkonosze Mountains, in July 1948. However, being a talented and knowledge-hungry individual, he first decided to continue his education. On October 5, 1946, he enrolled in history studies at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Wrocław. In 1948, he interrupted his studies and returned to Trzcińsko, although he continued to describe himself as a student at least until 1950. He never fully gave up on the idea of continuing his studies; in fact, in 1962, at his request, he was admitted to the entrance exam for second-level external studies in history at the University of Wrocław. However, it is not known whether he actually took the exam. In any case, he never resumed formal studies. Nonetheless, his broad knowledge often led even official documents to refer to him as "magister" (a master’s degree holder), a title he never sought for himself. From his pre-war and wartime education, he had gained a good command of both German and Latin. Additionally, from his family roots and later contact with relatives who remained in Ukraine, he was able to communicate fairly fluently in Ukrainian.

After abandoning his studies in 1948, Steć worked for a short time as a primary school teacher in Janowice Wielkie. Around the same time, he attracted the attention of the military, which appointed him to the rank of private; however, almost simultaneously, the commander of the Military Recruitment Office (WKU) transferred him to the reserves. In 1948, Steć tied his life to tourism. He initially took a job at the Lower Silesian Tourist Cooperative (Dolnośląska Spółdzielnia Turystyczna) in Jelenia Góra, where he marked and painted hiking trails. He also served as an instructor and even as the head of the Tourist Traffic Service Office.

In 1949, he became a member of two tourist organisations: the Polish Tatra Society (Polskie Towarzystwo Tatrzańskie, PTT) and the Polish Sightseeing Society (Polskie Towarzystwo Krajoznawcze, PTK). On October 6, 1949, he was elected to the Board of the PTT Branch in Jelenia Góra. He was later chosen as a delegate of that Branch to the congress in Warsaw (he held a delegate card no. 146), at which both organisations merged on December 17, 1950, forming the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (Polskie Towarzystwo Turystyczno-Krajoznawcze, PTTK). He remained associated with this organisation for the rest of his life. In May 1950, he began leading training courses for future Sudetes tour guides. Around the same time, he reopened the “Szwajcarka” mountain shelter in the Sokoliki Mountains near Trzcińsko, and later (until 1952) also ran the “Pod Śnieżką” shelter in the Karkonosze Mountains, which he officially took over on behalf of the Regional Directorate of Tourism in Jelenia Góra on November 24, 1950. In 1951, he initiated the creation of a tourist trail in the Sudetes known as the “Piast Castles Trail” (Szlak Zamków Piastowskich), the route of which he mapped and largely painted himself using the colour green. The tourist trail network established at that time in the Western Sudetes was largely his work.

His increasing involvement in the work of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (PTTK), as well as his creative activities, led him to move closer to the centre of Jelenia Góra. On June 1, 1954, Tadeusz Steć was granted an assignment for a two-person municipal apartment, unit no. 4, located at 3 Orla Street in Cieplice Śląskie-Zdrój, where he officially settled together with his aunt, Prakseda Mazur.

Tadeusz Steć was very active in the work of the Jelenia Góra branch of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (PTTK). From 1953 to 1954, he served as the secretary of the local branch, while also being a delegate to the PTTK Regional Board in Wrocław. He worked at the Jelenia Góra branch of PTTK as an instructor of qualified tourism from June 1, 1953. In 1956, he became the head of training in the Jelenia Góra Sudeten Guides' Circle. In 1958, he resigned from his position at the PTTK Tourist Movement Bureau in Jelenia Góra. From 1956 to 1968, he was a member of two committees operating under the Main Board of PTTK, namely the Mountain Tourism Committee and the Ski Tourism Committee. From 1962 to 1971, he chaired the Local History and Monument Protection Committee of the Jelenia Góra branch of PTTK. He continued to train future Sudeten guides throughout this period.

In the autumn of 1949, Steć participated in a mountain rescue course organised at Hala Gąsienicowa in the Tatra Mountains. After this course, he became one of the strongest advocates and pioneers for establishing a mountain rescue organisation in the Karkonosze Mountains. In 1950, at the shelter on Hala Szrenicka, he conducted a rescue course, and in 1951, after another such course, this time held at the shelter on Polana (named after Bronisław Czech) by the rescuers of the Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service (TOPR), he became the chairman of the newly established Sudeten mountain rescue group. However, this group quickly disbanded. Steć continued his efforts to establish a real rescue organisation in the Karkonosze Mountains. He succeeded on December 14, 1952, when, after another mountain rescue course, which had just finished at the “Samotnia” shelter, the Sudeten Section of the Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service (GOPR) was founded, and Steć was elected its chairman. He worked towards making this section operational year-round, not just in the winter season, as a Ski Patrol. Due to his activity and commitment, he was elected a member of the Board of the Main GOPR for the years 1954-1956, as a delegate from the Jelenia Góra PTTK branch. After completing this term, he devoted himself to local history work, limiting his cooperation with GOPR to training sessions and lectures on regional knowledge.

In addition to his work with PTTK and GOPR, Tadeusz Steć was also a member of many other social organisations. From 1950 to 1952 (at least for this period, his membership fees are confirmed), he was a member of the Trade Union of Workers of Social Institutions. Between 1952 and 1954, he actively worked as a member of the Polish Ethnological Society – Sudeten Branch, where he held the position of section leader. In 1958, he became a founding member of the Society of Enthusiasts of the Jelenia Góra Region, which still operates today as the Society of Friends of Jelenia Góra. Since 1960, he has held the position of Social Guardian of Monuments. In 1969, he became a member of the Provincial Consumer Cooperative "Społem" in Jelenia Góra. At least from 1975, he was a member of the Nature Conservation Guard. From 1979, he belonged to the Jelenia Góra Social and Cultural Society. In 1973, he even became an honorary blood donor, although he only donated blood once (he had blood type "0" Rh+). However, he never engaged in any one organisation for too long. Typically, after two or three years, he would stop his active involvement, cease paying membership fees, and his membership, except for his affiliation with PTTK, would automatically expire.

On June 6, 1958, Tadeusz Steć began working at the newly established Centre for Knowledge about Western Lands in Bolków, created by the Society for Universal Knowledge. On October 1, 1958, he was appointed the head of this institution. He also moved to Bolków, living in a house at 17 Niepodległości Street. His work mainly involved organising various types of training, trips, and lectures focused on the history of Silesia. He also started collaborating with television, for which he wrote scripts for several educational films. From 1959 onwards, at the request of the Provincial Conservator of Monuments in Wrocław, he worked on the inventory of monuments of architecture, sculpture, painting, and applied arts for the Jelenia Góra and Jawor districts. He had also performed similar work earlier, when, in 1952, he received a commission from the same office to create 25 inventory cards for monuments in the Jelenia Góra district. On January 31, 1963, after the reorganisation of the Bolków institution, the Society for Universal Knowledge terminated his employment contract. It was at that point that Steć permanently returned to the Jelenia Góra Valley, once again residing at 3 Orla Street in Cieplice. He began to support himself almost entirely through guiding and writing.

Tadeusz Steć published his first works in 1949 in the Wrocław daily "Słowo Polskie," where he was an official field correspondent at least from September to November. From the beginning of his work, he was preoccupied with issues related to regionalism, monument protection, and tourism. At PTTK meetings, he often criticised the guidebooks that were being published at the time. At one of these meetings, somewhat spitefully, he was told that since he was so knowledgeable, he should write a better guidebook himself. So, in 1952, Steć immediately wrote two guides: "Wycieczki i wczasy jednodniowe z Jeleniej Góry" ("Day Trips and Holidays from Jelenia Góra") and "Zamek Chojnik" ("Chojnik Castle"), which became true hits and attracted the attention of major publishing houses. Two years later, the first editions of Steć's two most important works were published, still quite modest at the time: the guidebook "Sudety Zachodnie"("Western Sudetes") and a regional monograph "Karkonosze", for which the geographical section was prepared by Professor W. Walczak. The next edition of the latter work, revised and significantly expanded, was published in 1962 and became, for several decades, a true "bible" for all regionalists of the Karkonosze Mountains. The same happened with the second edition (1965) of the "Sudety Zachodnie" guidebook, which remains unparalleled to this day in terms of methodology, content layout, accuracy, and detail in describing trails and monuments. This guidebook was supposed to be the first in a series describing the entire Sudetes mountain range, but the other parts were never created. Tadeusz Steć had significant difficulties with meeting publishing deadlines, which often resulted in the cancellation of contracts by publishers, and sometimes even lawsuits over advance payments, which were repeatedly enforced by a bailiff. Perhaps it was these difficulties with deadlines that dissuaded Steć from writing after many years, especially since he received rather modest compensation for his work. Despite these challenges, many other valuable regional publications came from his pen, such as the first guides for qualified tourism for skiers and cyclists, the first Polish guide to the Czech Karkonosze, separate guides to the areas around Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba, as well as many tourist maps, for which he developed the content. These maps can still be seen in the hands of older tourists on mountain trails. In the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Tadeusz Steć also published several articles in various local journals ("Nowiny Jeleniogórskie", "Wiadomości Legnickie", "Odra"), as well as in national tourist periodicals ("Wierchy", "Światowid", "Turysta"). In the 1970s and 1980s, he prepared several tourist brochures dedicated to towns in the Western Sudetes.

Many of Steć's publications, although generally based on earlier German and Czech works, were pioneering in Polish regional and historical literature on Lower Silesia. They provided many unknown details, synthesised the most important phenomena, encouraged visits to the described places, and promoted independent studies. In their propagandistic layer, though not intrusive and free from political contexts, these works were highly patriotic. They taught respect for monuments and nature, as well as love for the region.

However, literary work was far less profitable for Tadeusz Steć than conducting tours, especially those in German. In the 1970s and 1980s, he became an incredibly popular guide among German tourists, both from the GDR and West Germany, who eagerly competed for the chance to have him, rather than someone else, lead their group. Steć used his popularity, but above all his vast knowledge and talent, to earn extra income. He would take photos of the tourists and sell them his photographs, as well as later slides of the most interesting Silesian monuments, natural sites, or landscape shots. During these tours, he charmed the participants with his magnificent storytelling skills, for which he was highly valued. It’s no wonder that he was frequently invited to give lectures at schools, community centres, industry events, and others. By skillfully combining information with slides, and most importantly with anecdotes and humour, he could keep his "audience" engaged and attentive for long periods. His sense of humour became famous, and Steć himself became the subject of many anecdotes. One story went that once he was asked to lead a tour for party officials, including the freshly appointed first secretary of the Provincial Committee of the PZPR in Jelenia Góra, Stanisław Ciosek, who had arrived from Gdańsk. Steć didn’t know Ciosek and was unaware of his personal role in the event. He told him that Ciosek had been promised in Warsaw, for his party merits, that he would "go up", but ended up in Jelenia Góra! Another event that spoke to Steć's storytelling talent happened in the mid-1970s. When the then first secretary of the Central Committee of the PZPR, Edward Gierek, was scheduled to visit the Karkonosze Mountains for a "working visit," the provincial party authorities, without hesitation, entrusted Steć with the task of guiding the distinguished guest. However, when the first secretary of the Provincial Committee, Stanisław Ciosek, found out about this, he was enraged, saying: "Steć?! What Steć? Who came up with Steć? If Gierek listens to him, he won’t want to talk to us anymore, and you know how many matters need to be dealt with! Cancel Steć!" So, Steć did not meet with Gierek, although the year before, he had guided other party bigwigs, like comrade Babiuch and his wife. Tadeusz Steć also eagerly participated as a guide in bus tours around Lower Silesia, the Czech Republic, and the German Democratic Republic.

In December 1991, Tadeusz Steć was an honorary guest at the opening of the exhibition titled "Polish Tourist Guides of the Jelenia Góra Region", organised by the Provincial Public Library in Jelenia Góra and the Museum of Sport and Tourism in Karpacz, which provided its premises for the exhibition. Steć's publications made up a significant part of this exhibition. At that time, there were also plans to organise a monographic exhibition dedicated to Steć's work to celebrate his 70th anniversary, which was scheduled for 1995. In 1992, Steć, together with Henryk Szok, produced a tourist film about the Baroque Cistercian Abbey in Krzeszów, for which he served as the narrator, both in Polish and German versions. Although he had not written any books or articles for many years and very rarely gave lectures, he remained an extremely popular figure in the region. This is evidenced by the fifth place he secured in 1992 in a local poll by the Słowo Polskie newspaper, ranking him among the top 10 most popular people in the Jelenia Góra region.

Tadeusz Steć was honoured with numerous awards and titles, primarily related to tourism and regional activities. Among these were, for example: the badge "For Merits in Physical Culture" on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the liberation of Lower Silesia (1960); the Golden Badge of PTTK (1961); the distinction and badge "Meritorious Activist of Tourism" (1963); a diploma of recognition from the Presidium of the Provincial National Council in Wrocław "For dedicated work in the field of tourism in Lower Silesia" (1964); the Golden Badge of the Minister of Culture and Art "For Protection of Monuments" (1968); the annual award of the Society of Workers' and Peasants' Clubs in Jelenia Góra "For outstanding achievements in culture with great value for the Jelenia Góra region" (1973); the Medal of Aleksander Janowski (1973); the 100th Anniversary Medal of Polish Tourism (1973); and the Honorary Jubilee GOT Badge on the 50th anniversary of GOT (November 16, 1985).

Tadeusz Steć was murdered on the night of January 11-12, 1993, in his apartment in Jelenia Góra, at 3/4 Orla Street. The perpetrators of this crime were never identified. He was buried on January 16, 1993, at the municipal cemetery on Jagiellońska Street in Jelenia Góra - Cieplice. A memorial plaque dedicated to his memory was also placed at the Symbolic Cemetery of Mountain Victims in the Karkonosze's Kotle Łomniczki. Since Tadeusz Steć never started a family, and after the death of his mother on November 3, 1993, there were no heirs, all his collections, mainly books and maps, were taken over in November 1995 by the then District Museum (now Karkonoskie Museum) in Jelenia Góra. In 1996, the museum organised a special exhibition dedicated to Tadeusz Steć’s life and work. They also planned to publish his biography in 2001, prepared by Stanisław Andrzej Jawor, which was not realised due to financial reasons. However, the biographical book was eventually created, and perhaps it will be printed someday, as it concerns a figure who undoubtedly had a huge impact on the post-war history of the Karkonosze, the Western Sudetes, and all of Lower Silesia.

Bibliography of Tadeusz Steć’s Works:

    1949
  1. Youth Tourist Circles, Słowo Polskie, No. 254, 15.09.1949, p. 6.
  2. A Historical Monument is Decaying. Who Will Take Care of It? [Bolczów], Słowo Polskie, No. 269, 30.09.1949, p. 6.
  3. 100 Junaks from SP Build a Dike for the Mine, Słowo Polskie, No. 297, 28.10.1949, p. 6.
  4. The Glories and Decline of Miedzianka, Formerly Mniszków, Słowo Polskie, No. 341, 11.12.1949, p. 6.
    5. 1950
  5. The Park on Kościuszko Hill Is Ashamed of Its Appearance. It's High Time to Remove the German Inscriptions, Słowo Polskie, No. 48, 17.02.1950, p. 6.
  6. Did You Know That..., Słowo Polskie, 1950: [1] No. 55, 24.02.1950, p. 8; [2] No. 59, 28.02.1950, p. 4; [3] No. 62, 3.03.1950, p. 6; [4] No. 64, 5.03.1950, p. 6; [5] No. 71, 12.03.1950, p. 6; [6] No. 97, 7.04.1950, p. 6.
  7. Let’s Take Care of Monuments. Grodziec, the Oldest Castle District in Silesia, Requests a Renovation and a Caretaker, Słowo Polskie, No. 58, 27.02.1950, p. 6.
  8. Kowary in the 12th Century Was a Mining Settlement, Słowo Polskie, No. 119, 1.05.1950, p. 10.
    9. 1952
  9. One-Day Excursions and Holidays from Jelenia Góra, Warsaw 1952, pp. 47.
  10. Chojnik Castle, Warsaw 1952, pp. 30.
    11. 1954
  11. Western Sudetes. Tourist Guide, Warsaw 1954, pp. 246.
  12. [Co-author with:] W. Walczak, Karkonosze. A Monographic Outline, Warsaw 1954, pp. 97.
    13. 1955
  13. On Skis Through the Izera Mountains and the Karkonosze, Warsaw 1955, pp. 57.
  14. Cycling Routes in Lower Silesia, Warsaw 1955, pp. 49.
  15. Contributions to the History of Tourism in the Sudetes: [1] On the History of Winter Tourism in the Karkonosze (pp. 116-119); [2] On the Past of Cieplice (pp. 119-120); [3] A Polish Epitaph from the 19th Century on Śnieżka (pp. 121); [4] Interesting Events from the Karkonosze Accident Chronicle (pp. 121-122), Wierchy, Vol. 24, 1955, pp. 116-122.
  16. ”Purple Little Lake" - A Natural Curiosity of the Rudawy Janowickie, Wierchy, Vol. 24, 1955, pp. 205-206.
  17. On the History of Jelenia Góra, Gazeta Robotnicza, 1955: [1] In the Darkness of Legends, 4.02.1955, p. 4; [2] The Castle on the Hill of Krzywousty, 11.02.1955, p. 4; [3] At the Confluence of the Bóbr and Kamienna Rivers, 21.02.1955, p. 4; [4] The Castle of Krzywousty, 28.02.1955, p. 4; [5] On the Western Side, 7.03.1955, p. 4; [6] In the Circle of Stone Walls, 21.03.1955, p. 4; [7] On the Gates of the Old Town, 22.03.1955, p. 4; [8] On the Old Town Halls, 4.04.1955, p. 4; [9] Life in the Old Town Hall, 18.05.1955, p. 4.
    18. 1956
  18. Zamek Chojnik. /Souvenir Guide/, Warsaw 1956, pp. 40.
  19. Tourist Routes of the Sudetes. Eastern Part, Scale 1:180,000, Wrocław 1956.
  20. On Sudeten Pearls (Freshwater), Wierchy, Vol. 26, 1956, pp. 251-253.
    21. 1957
  21. Tourist Routes of the Sudetes. Western Part, Scale 1:180,000, Wrocław 1957.
  22. [Author of tourist route maps], Lower Silesian Tourist Guide, Wrocław 1957, pp. 111.
    23. 1958
  23. [Author of tourist content], Karkonosze. Tourist Map - Shaded, Scale 1:75,000, Warsaw 1958.
  24. Among the Old Hillforts and Closed Ruins, Turysta, No. 21, 1958, pp. 8-9.
  25. A Short Bibliography of the Jelenia Góra Region, Turysta, No. 21, 1958, pp. 15.
  26. The Sad Adventure of Odrowąż Pieniążek, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 32, 1958, p. 5.
  27. At the Cradle of the Cieplice Health Resort, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 34, 35, 1958, p. 5.
  28. ”He Was a Great Whoremonger, and Probably Someone Equal to Him Won't Come Here Soon", Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 37, 1958, p. 5.
  29. How Our Ancestors Took Baths, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, Nos. 39/40, 1958, p. 13.
  30. How Crystals from Szklarska Poręba Traveled to Riga and Beyond, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, Nos. 39/40, 1958, p. 6.
  31. World Record in Ski Jumping, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, Nos. 39/40, 1958, p. 3.
    32. 1959
  32. The Knight's Tower in Siedlęcin through Borowy Jar and the Pearl of the West: One-Day Excursions from Jelenia Góra, Jelenia Góra 1959, pp. 32.
  33. On the Trail of Karkonosze Treasure Hunters, Turysta, No. 4, 1959, pp. 4-5.
  34. Yesterday and the Day Before at Cieplice Spa, Turysta, No. 9, 1959, p. 3.
  35. On the Trail of Forgotten Crimes, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 9, 1959, p. 5.
  36. More About Ciszyca, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 10, 1959, p. 5.
  37. Bear, Mister?, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 13/14, 1959, p. 5.
  38. A Virgin Urgently Sought [Bolczów Castle], Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 15, 1959, p. 5.
  39. … And the Clock Struck Till Midnight [On the Jelenia Góra Town Hall], Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 17, 1959, p. 4.
  40. The Most...Most...Most... in the Field of Botany, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 18, 1959, p. 4b.
  41. ”... Without Sticks, Canes, and Completely Sober", Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 20, 1959, p. 5.
  42. Mr. Jiři from Rasna Measures the Height of Śnieżka, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 21, 1959, p. 4.
  43. Historical Curiosities [Szklarska Poręba], Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 23, 1959, p. 5.
  44. Curiosities with a Mouse. Gold Seekers, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 24, 1959, p. 4.
  45. The Oldest Road to Czechia, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 28, 1959, p. 4.
  46. A Dispute Over One Little "i" [Pilchowice], Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 51/52, 1959, p. 5.
  47. Death in Cicha Valley, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 51/52, 1959, p. 6.
    48. 1960
  48. [Preparation of Tourist Content], Karkonosze. Shaded Tourist Map, Scale 1:75000, (2nd edition), Warsaw 1960.
  49. Along the Kaczawa River, Wiadomości Legnickie, 1960: [1] In the Darkness of History (on the Slavic Trzebowian and the Origin of the River Name), No. 1, p. 3; [2] Among Old Hillforts and Slavic Settlements (The Continuation of the Trzebowian Story), Nos: 2, 3, 5 [map], p. 3; [3] A Little Geography "... Kaczawa and Its Most Rebellious Sister Nysa Szalona", No. 10, p. 3; [4] Two Hours of Travel and a Little Patience, Nos: 13/14 and 16, p. 3; [5] The Hill of Skulls, No. 17, p. 3.
  50. On the Trail of Forgotten Crimes. A Drama in the Forest (On Silesian Penitential Crosses), Wiadomości Legnickie, Nos: 19, 21, 22, 1960, p. 3.
  51. This Moss in Warmth or Between Clothes, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 17, 1960, p. 4.
    52. 1961
  52. Karkonosze. Tourist Convention Area with the ČSSR, Warsaw 1961, pp. 68.
  53. Polish Traditions of the City, [in:] Legnica in Photography, Wrocław-Warsaw-Kraków 1961, pp. 5-12.
  54. Legnica Monuments, [in:] Legnica in Photography, Wrocław-Warsaw-Kraków 1961, pp. 13-18.
  55. White Madness in Karkonosze, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 3, 1961, p. 5.
  56. From the History of Karkonosze Winter. In Winter, People Come Out of Houses through the Roof, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 4, 1961, p. 5.
  57. In the Laborers' Guild, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 7, 1961, p. 5.
  58. Customs and Uncustoms of Old Tourism, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 13/14, 1961, pp. 7, 11.
  59. Sketches from the History of Kowary, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 15, 1961, p. 6.
  60. From the History of Karkonosze Legend, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, 1961: [1] The Exile to Hell, No. 20, p. 5; [2] The Mountain Spirit Shakes the Apples, No. 21, p. 5; [3] The Mountain Spirit, Who Doesn’t Know Him?, No. 22, p. 5.
  61. Wanderings in Czech Karkonosze, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, 1961: [1] Why "Špindleruv Mlyn"?, No. 25, p. 5; [2] Lu ni Bouda Yesterday and Today, No. 29, p. 5.
  62. Did Bolesław Krzywousty Wander through Karkonosze?, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 34, 1961, p. 5.
  63. Truth and Legends about the Karkonosze Klondike, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, 1961: [1] When Gold Was Searched for in Karkonosze, No. 40, p. 5; [2] The Expedition for Treasure, No. 41, p. 4; [3] Stone Castles, No. 42, p. 4.
  64. How the Kowary Coat of Arms Was Created. History and Legends, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 44, 1961, p. 5.
  65. Cataclysms. The Dark Margin of Human Adventures in the Mountains [Chronicle of Accidents in Karkonosze: Avalanches, Floods, Getting Lost, Earthquakes, Freezing in Summer], Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 51/52, 1961, p. 10.
    66. 1962
  66. Karkonosze. Tourist Convention Area with the ČSSR, (2nd edition), Warsaw 1962, pp. 47.
  67. Karkonosze. Tourist Convention Area with the ČSSR, (2nd extended edition), Warsaw 1962, pp. 103.
  68. [Co-author with:] W. Walczak, Karkonosze. A Tourist Monograph (2nd updated and expanded edition), Warsaw 1962, pp. 327.
  69. [Preparation of Tourist Content], Karkonosze. Shaded Tourist Map, Scale 1:75000, (3rd edition), Warsaw 1962.
  70. Karkonosze Legend, Odra, No. 4, 1962, pp. 47-54.
  71. Count Schaffgotsch "on Poles", Światowid, No. 6, 1962, pp. 8-9.
  72. ”Śnieżka Smiles at Us with Her White Graces...", Światowid, No. 6, 1962, p. 11.
  73. From Horned Sleighs to Bobsleighs, Światowid, No. 6, 1962, pp. 15-16.
  74. Following the Trail of Forgotten Crimes, Światowid, No. 36, 1962, pp. 10-11.
  75. The Story of One Rock and One Peasant Rebellion (in the 16th century), Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 16/17, 1962, p. 7.
  76. Karkonosze Excursions of Wincenty Pol, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 19, 1962, p. 5.
  77. By the Waters (B. Z. Stęczyński in Karkonosze), Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 21, 1962, pp. 4-5.
  78. Vrchlabi - The Capital of Czech Karkonosze, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 22, 1962, pp. 4-5.
    79. 1963
  79. Szklarska Poręba and Surroundings: Michałowice, Jagniątków, Sobieszów. Guide, Warsaw 1963, pp. 130.
  80. [Preparation of Tourist Content] Wałbrzych Mountains. Tourist Map, Scale 1:75000, Warsaw 1963.
  81. [Preparation of Tourist Content] Karpacz, Szklarska Poręba. Tourist Plan, Warsaw 1963.
    82. 1964
  82. Valuable Monuments of the Wrocław Voivodeship. Issue 6. Districts: Jelenia Góra, Lwówek Śląski, Lubań, Zgorzelec, Wrocław 1964, pp. 67.
  83. [Preparation of tourist content] Karkonosze. Tourist Map, scale 1:75,000, (4th edition), Warsaw 1964.
  84. Sudetic Contributions: The History of Research on Wielki Staw in the Karkonosze Mountains; The Bear in the Sudetes; Pilchowice or Pilichowice; The Radziwiłłs in Kowary, Wierchy, vol. 32, 1963 /published 1964/, pp. 163-175.
  85. Natural Rarities of the Karkonosze and Its Foothills, Wierchy, vol. 32, 1963 /published 1964/, pp. 284-285.
  86. Pompeian Columns Under the Karkonosze Mountains, Wierchy, vol. 32, 1963 /published 1964/, pp. 292-293.
    87. 1965
  87. Western Sudetes, part 1: Jelenia Góra Basin, Karkonosze, Rudawy Janowickie, Kamiennogórska Basin, Czech Karkonosze (Convention Area), (2nd corrected and expanded edition), Warsaw 1965, pp. 411.
  88. From the Prehistory of Karkonosze's GOPR (Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service), Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 5, 1965, p. 5.
  89. These Are Not Mammoth Ribs, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 11, 1965, p. 5.
    90. 1966
  90. Karpacz and Surroundings: Kowary, Sosnówka, Borowice, Podgórzyn, Przesieka. A Tourist Guide, Warsaw 1966, pp. 181.
  91. [Preparation of tourist content] Karkonosze. Tourist Map-Hypsometric, scale 1:75,000, (5th edition), Warsaw 1966.
  92. [Preparation of tourist content] Karpacz. Szklarska Poręba. Tourist Plan, (2nd edition), Warsaw 1966.
  93. The Radziwiłłs in Kowary, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, No. 27, 1966, p. 6.
  94. The Devil at Wielki Staw, Nowiny Jeleniogórskie, Nos. 36 and 37, 1966, pp. 5 and 6.
    95. 1967
  95. [Preparation of tourist content] Wałbrzych Mountains. Tourist Map, scale 1:75,000, (2nd edition), Warsaw 1967.
  96. [Preparation of tourist content] Karkonosze. Tourist Map-Hypsometric, scale 1:75,000, (reprint of the 5th edition), Warsaw 1966 [published 1967].
    97. 1968
  97. Karpacz and Surroundings: Kowary, Sosnówka, Borowice, Podgórzyn, Przesieka. A Tourist Guide, (2nd edition), Warsaw 1968, pp. 181.
  98. [Preparation of tourist content] Karkonosze. Tourist Map-Relief, scale 1:75,000, vertical scale 1:50,000, Warsaw 1968.
  99. [Preparation of tourist content] Karkonosze. Tourist Map-Hypsometric, scale 1:75,000, (6th edition), Warsaw 1968.
    100. 1969
  100. [Preparation of tourist content] Karkonosze. Tourist Map-Relief, scale 1:75,000, vertical scale 1:50,000, (2nd edition), Warsaw 1969.
  101. [Co-author with] S. Arczyński, In the Karkonosze Mountains, Warsaw 1969, pp. 138.
  102. [Co-author with] S. Arczyński, In the Karkonosze Mountains, Warsaw 1969, pp. 138.
  103. [Co-author with] S. Arczyński, Im Karkonosze Gebirge, Warsaw 1969, pp. 138.
    104. 1970
  104. [Preparation of tourist content] Kaczawskie Mountains. Tourist Map, scale 1:75,000, Warsaw 1970.
  105. [Preparation of tourist content] Karkonosze. Tourist Map-Hypsometric, scale 1:75,000, (7th edition), Warsaw 1970.
  106. [Preparation of tourist content] Wałbrzych Mountains. Tourist Map, scale 1:75,000, (3rd edition), Warsaw 1970.
  107. ”A Horse for a Prize" or Brandy, Gazeta Robotnicza, No. 141, 16.06.1970, p. 4.
    108. 1971
  108. [Preparation of tourist content] Karpacz. Szklarska Poręba. Tourist Plan, (3rd edition), Warsaw 1971.
    109. 1972
  109. Szklarska Poręba. Poland [brochure], Warsaw 1972, pp. 18 [also in Czech and German].
  110. [Tourist update] Karkonosze National Park [brochure], collective work under the editorship of W. Rydzewski, Warsaw 1972 [also in English and German].
  111. [Preparation of tourist content] Izera Mountains. Tourist Map, scale 1:75,000, Warsaw 1972.
  112. [Preparation of tourist content] Karkonosze. Tourist Map-Hypsometric, scale 1:75,000, (8th edition), Warsaw 1972.
  113. [Preparation of tourist content] Karkonosze. Tourist Map-Shaded, scale 1:75,000, (8th edition), Warsaw 1972.
  114. [Preparation of tourist content] Wałbrzych Mountains. Tourist Map, scale 1:75,000, (4th edition), Warsaw 1972.
    115. 1975
  115. Jelenia Góra, the City of Bolesław the Wrymouth [brochure], Wrocław 1975 [also in German].
  116. Karpacz [brochure], Jelenia Góra-Wrocław 1975.
  117. Kowary [brochure], Jelenia Góra-Wrocław 1975.
  118. Szklarska Poręba [brochure], Jelenia Góra-Wrocław 1975.
    119. 1977
  119. Karpacz [brochure], Jelenia Góra 1977 [also in German].
  120. [Co-author with] M. Jarmoluk, Cieplice Spa, Warsaw 1977, pp. 14 [also in German].
  121. [Preparation of tourist content] Szklarska Poręba. Plan, Warsaw 1977 [also in German].
  122. [Preparation of tourist content] Karpacz. Plan, Warsaw 1977.
    123. 1978
  123. Śnieżka. Karkonosze [brochure], Warsaw 1978.
  124. Zgorzelec [brochure], Jelenia Góra 1978.
  125. [Co-author with] M. Jarmoluk, Cieplice Spa (2nd edition), Warsaw-Jelenia Góra 1978, pp. 14.
  126. [Co-author with] M. Jarmoluk, Cieplice Resort, Warsaw-Jelenia Góra 1978, pp. 14.
    127. 1979
  127. Bolesławiec [brochure], Warsaw 1979.
  128. Rudawy Janowickie [brochure], Warsaw 1979.
    129. 1981
  129. Bolesławiec [brochure], Warsaw 1981.
  130. Karpacz [brochure], Warsaw 1981.
  131. Rudawy Janowickie [brochure], Warsaw 1981.
  132. Szklarska Poręba [brochure], Warsaw 1981 [also in English].
  133. Zgorzelec [brochure], Warsaw 1981.
  134. [Preparation of tourist content] Szklarska Poręba. Plan (2nd edition), Warsaw 1981.
    135. 1983
  135. Karpacz [brochure], [bmw], 1983.
    136. Annexe (Works Published Posthumously) 1997
  136. From Tadeusz Steć’s Files [Churches in Maciejowa], Skarbiec Ducha Gór, No. 1, 1997, p. 13.
  137. Truth and Legends about the Karkonosze Klondike. Stone Signs, Skarbiec Ducha Gór, No. 3, 1997, p. 14 [see item 63].
    138. 1998
  138. From Tadeusz Steć’s Files. The History of Mining and Chemical Industry under Czerna Mountain in the Izera Mountains, Skarbiec Ducha Gór, No. 1, 1998, pp. 10-11.
  139. From Tadeusz Steć’s Files. The Knight's Tower in Siedlęcin, Skarbiec Ducha Gór, No. 4, 1998, pp. 21-23.
    140. 1999
  140. From Tadeusz Steć’s Files. Truth and Legend about the Karkonosze Klondike. When Gold Was Sought in the Karkonosze Mountains, Skarbiec Ducha Gór, No. 1, 1999, p. 16 [see item 63].
  141. From Tadeusz Steć’s Files. The Expedition for Treasure. Mysterious Books, Skarbiec Ducha Gór, No. 1, 1999, p. 17 [see item 63].
    142. 2000
  142. From Tadeusz Steć’s Files. Chapel of St. Lawrence, Skarbiec Ducha Gór, No. 3(15), 2000, pp. 15-16.
  143. From Tadeusz Steć’s Files. Chapel as a Tourist Shelter, Skarbiec Ducha Gór, No. 3(15), 200

Bibliography of works about Tadeusz Steć and his collections:

  1. Czerwiński J., Tadeusz Steć (1925-1993), "Karkonosz", No. 1(8)/1993, pp. 6-11.
  2. Czerwiński J., Tadeusz Steć (1925-1993), in: 50 years of the PTT-PTTK “Sudety Zachodnie” Branch, Jelenia Góra 1996, pp. 107-111 [reprint of text from item 1].
  3. Czerwiński J., Tadeusz Steć (1925-1993), in: Polski Słownik Biograficzny (Polish Biographical Dictionary), vol. 43, issue 1, Warsaw 2004, pp. 110-111.
  4. Firszt S., The Complex Fate of the Inheritance of Anna and Tadeusz Steć, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, pp. 12-13.
  5. Firszt S., Exhibition Dedicated to, among Others, Tadeusz Steć at the District Museum in Jelenia Góra, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, p. 15.
  6. Jawor S.A., Tadeusz Steć, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, pp. 3-4.
  7. Jawor S.A., Spat upon after death, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, p. 9.
  8. Jawor S. A., Sajnog M., Reminiscences of Tadeusz Steć. Unexplained Circumstances of the Death of the Elder of Jelenia Góra Guides, "Gazeta Robotnicza", 1993, No. 21, pp. 8-9.
  9. Krzeptowski L., Farewell, "Nowiny Jeleniogórskie", 1993, No. 3, p. 3.
  10. Kraska T., The Book Collection of Tadeusz Steć, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, p. 14.
  11. Krzeptowski L., Head of the Training of Sudetes Guides of PTTK, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, p. 5.
  12. Lamparska J., The Lethal Archive, "Wprost", No. 1236 (20 August 2006).
  13. Łaborewicz I., Bibliography of Tadeusz Steć's Works, "Karkonosze", No. 3-4, 1998, pp. 28-31.
  14. Łaborewicz I., Tadeusz Steć (1925-1993), in: Tadeusz Steć (1925-1993). Tourist Trophies, 50 Years of the PTT-PTTK “Sudety Zachodnie” Branch, Exhibitions at the District Museum in Jelenia Góra, September-October 1996 [p. 3] – (exhibition guide).
  15. Łaborewicz I., Tadeusz Steć – Bibliography of His Publications and Works about Him, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, pp. 10-12.
  16. Mazurski K. R., Deserving Lower Silesian Regionalists, Wrocław 1977 [T. Steć – p. 14].
  17. Murański J., The Inheritance, "Nowiny Turystyczne", No. 3, 1994, p. 20.
  18. “At Every Call...” Fifty Years of the Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service 1952-2002, collective work edited by A. Jonak, Kraków 2002, pp. 507 (pp. 141, 143, 145, 159 - photo - 160, 217, 244).
  19. Paczos A., Remembrance of Tadeusz Steć, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, pp. 7-8.
  20. Podwysocki T., A Man from the Nysa Szalona Valley [Tadeusz Steć], "Trybuna Robotnicza", 1964, No. 163, p. 4.
  21. Rostkowski J., Radomierzyce – Archives Smelling of Death,
  22. Rzeszowski R., The Legacy of Tadeusz Steć in the Collections of the Archaeological-Historical Department of the Jelenia Góra Museum, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, pp. 13-14.
  23. Sajnog M., What a Loss, What a Great Loss, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, p. 7.
  24. Steć A., Diary of a Maid from the “Europejski”, Warsaw 1972, pp. 207.
  25. Szoka H., The Karkonosze Bard, "Karkonosze", No. 1, 1996, pp. 16-17.
  26. Szoka H., Memory Stops, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, p. 8.
  27. Turski C., How Citizen Steć Led the Highest Companions, "Skarbiec Ducha Gór", No. 3(15), 2000, p. 6.
  28. Tadeusz Steć, "Wierchy", vol. 59, 1993 [1994], p. 265.
  29. Timen J., Jeleniogóra Profiles. The “Good Spirit” of the Karkonosze, "Nowiny Jeleniogórskie", 1959, No. 18, p. 4b.
  30. Wilczek W., People of the Western Lands – Tadeusz Steć, "Odra", 1960, No. 23, pp. 1, 4.
  31. Zych E., Jeleniogóra Readings: Regional Excerpts, Jelenia Góra 1971 [biographies of T. Steć: part 1, p. 52, part 2, p. 103].
  32. Zych E., Bibliography of Tadeusz Steć’s Works, "Wędrowiec", No. 1, 1994, pp. 6-14.

    33. Internet Sources:

  33. Official website of the Sudetes Guides Circle – Czerwiński, J., Mateusiak, A “Guide of the Guides” – Tadeusz Kazimierz Steć. [online]. [Jelenia Góra]: Official website of the Sudetes Guides Circle at the PTTK "Sudety Zachodnie" Branch in Jelenia Góra, 2006 [accessed on 31 January 2007].

Author - Ivo Łaborewicz

Translation: Nikola Szymanowska