Ignacy Jan and Helena Paderewski with Jackie Coogan, a Hollywood Child Star, During a Party at the Ranch in Paso Robles, California

This photograph was taken in the summer of 1921, during a picnic hosted by Ignacy and Helena Paderewski at the couple’s ranch in Paso Robles, California. The boy joined in a campaign organized by the Paderewskis to benefit Polish child victims of the First World War. To help Polish war orphans, he pledged to donate the proceeds from the sale of signed photographs. The American press enthused about the Paderewskis’ strong affinity for the young movie star. They reported how Helena Paderewska personally made scrambled eggs for the boy and that Ignacy sang him old Polish lullabies. The photos of Paderewski with Jackie Coogan from the picnic in Paso Robles are among the few surviving casual snapshots of the great pianist and statesman.