Magyar News, 1995. szeptember-1996. augusztus (6. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1995-11-01 / 3. szám

FEW NOTES ON MY MEMORIES In connection with the 1956 October 23 Revolution there were many things known about the Petőfi Circle. It was a group of intellectuals, who in the famous poets spir­it were opposed to the existing political power. A couple of years before the Revolution a young poet was peddling around with the idea. It only took off when three journalists, an architect, an econo­mist and a few others joined. It immediate­ly took shape and a clearcut structure was designed for the organization. First of all, what you might call a by-law, stated that members should be bom around WW I, have an intellectual career, be involved in creative work, and have an open mind to be able to judge what is truly in the inter­est of the Hungarian people. The next step was to have a legitimate cover. This meant conspiracy deceiving Party and Government officials. The easi­est road seemed to be through the Communist Youth Organization (DISZ). Finally, as a preliminary testing ground, a permit was given in December 1955, and later in February 1956. A meeting was held at the DISZ building on the Andrassy Avenue. It turned out to be a success and also a fiasco. The root of both was in the fact the members of the Circle were much better informed and prepared than the Party and DISZ officials sitting at the head table, including the Party Secretary of Budapest. The meeting ended on a sour note, the officials stating that they were very upset. The organization was not accepted. What later happened was that the DISZ under pressure from the Party tried to take control over this big group of talented peo­ple. Unfortunately Lakatos, the poet, went along with them, but we, the organizers, disengaged ourselves. The Petőfi Circle moved to the Kossuth Club and because of poor attendance the DISZ bussed in young people from the factories. Most of them showed no interest, so still under pressure from the Party, the DISZ made it into an open forum. With this, as we know, they were digging their own grave. We didn’t give up on our goals, so we continued in the original way, organizing illegally. We all felt that the risk was worth it. Those of us who made frequent trips around the country were to make contacts with people and groups who already responded to previous meetings. One of my favorite cities in this respect was Szeged. A former high school teacher of mine, László Vajda, was a professor at the University. Throughout the years I kept in touch with him. Whenever I was in Szeged, I made sure that I didn’t miss see­ing him. Also, when he was in Budapest, he rounded up a couple of us. One day, in Szeged, I couldn’t find him. I had to ask around. I was told that he was removed from the faculty because of his political views and now he is working in the library. Well, he didn’t give up, he continued to help the students in their effort to bring change in the political system. I kept in constant touch with him. One evening he took me to the library. It was late and the library seemed to be closed. But not so. It was dark in the building, only the lights from the street helped us to get around. He told me where to sit down and that I should be silent. Then he joined a group of stu­dents. I overheard him saying that I am OK, but he doesn’t want me to get involved. This meeting was part of what became the MEFESZ at the University of Szeged. I have an other meeting to remember. This was about midnight on October 23-rd. We were tired, worn down and even bruised trying to survive the events at the Radio. We were also hungry. So we limped to the Karpathia Restaurant next to the Franciscan Church. On our way we ran into friends who came along. At the restau­rant were sitting more friends with the same idea. As it turned out most of them belonged to the Gyorfiy Collegium, an institution that was known for its people oriented policy. Many of those who sat around the table became part of the Revolutionary government. Joseph F. Balogh UPCOMING EVENTS OCT. 22. SUNDAY at 3 PM CELEBRATION OF 1956 in Norwalk at the monument. OCT. 29. SUNDAY at 12 Noon HAM DINNER at First UCC, United Hall. Tickets:$7.00; children $3.00. Call 368-3103. NOV. 3. FRIDAY at 6 PM Sunday School SPAGHETTI DINNER at Bessemer Hall. NOV. 3. FRIDAY at 7:30 PM an operetta TOKAJI ASZÚ at the Bessemer Center NOV. 5. SUNDAY at Holy Trinity Social Hall SPAGHETTI DINNER. $5.00 per person. NOV. 18 SATURDAY from 10 AM to 4 PM CHRIST­MAS FAIR at Calvin UCC. At 5 PM stuffed cabbage dinner and raffle. THE A.H.H.A. MARY KATONA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORMS ARE AT THE CHURCHES, OR CALL MRS. BETTE JOHN­SON 255-8857 It’s here. Just call. Zwack Unicum is back in the U.S.I Since 1790 Unicum has been the national drink of Hungary where It is again being distilled. You can now find Unicum at a store near you by just calling toll-free: 1-800-254-4702. Zwack is backl The Zwack family and BBI will donate $.50 to the American Hungarian Foundation from every bottle sold through 9/30/96. © Beller Beverage Importers. 42% Ale. by Vol. ÄIFW im at St. Emery’s School Hall. Buffet Supper, Set-ups, Door Prizes and Party Favors. Music by Stan Danielczuk Band. Tickets $35.00 per person. No refunds. Advanced ticket purchase only. Call Frank Polke 334-5174 or Tony Zad 333-7480. page 2

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