Sokrates Starynkiewicz

Sokrates Starynkiewicz (

, between 1875 and 1892. During his presidency he ordered the construction of municipal water works as well as the tramway and telephone network in Warsaw.

Biography

Sokrates Starynkiewicz was born on 18 December 1820 in

.

On 18 November 1875 he was appointed the 19th president of Warsaw. Although at first he was considered yet another Russian official assigned to govern a Polish city, he soon became known as a great organiser and engineer. He was also a good economist and during his presidency the city's treasury more than tripled. He became particularly popular with the Varsavians after he started to consult most of his decisions with the press, a thing that was uncommon in 19th century Russia.

Among the most notable public works started by Starynkiewicz were the horse-drawn

was created which remains until now one of the most popular and picturesque parks in Warsaw.

Starynkiewicz also introduced modern gas street lighting, built a modern marketplace and started construction and paving of streets in the city centre. Finally, he ordered two censuses (in 1882 and 1892).

He retired on 6 October 1892. He decided to stay in Warsaw, where he took active part in various philanthropic societies and organisations, including the Cheap Kitchens Society which provided the poorest inhabitants with food. He died in Warsaw on 23 August

.

See also

• Warsaw
• President of Warsaw

References

• Stanisław Milewski, Jak Rosjanin Warszawę cywilizował..., Histmag, 2013-03-29