Fraternity-Testvériség, 2010 (88. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2010-01-01 / 1. szám
Fraternity i Testvériség The White House asked the American Hungarian community to make ornaments for the White House Christmas Trees. Our Fraternal Administrator, Baba Ujvagi, created beautiful decorations incorporating Hungarian themes in these ornaments which were mailed to the White House and hung on its trees. HRFA appreciates Mrs. Bertalan’s creative work and thanks her for the efforts, Christmas Tree Ornaments to the White House by Baba Ujvagi, HRFA Area Fraternal Administrator Hungarian Sisters Impact Our Lives in America Kathy A. Megyeri T wo Hungarian sisters have profoundly impacted our daily lives in America. If you’re a mother and have ever dressed your daughter in a matching outfit, you can thank Mariska Karasz (1898-1960). If you’ve ever dressed formally in a piece with fine embroidery and intricate applique or purchased a needlework or embroidery kit, you can again thank this Hungarian woman. As needlework editor at House Beautiful magazine from 1952-53, Mariska brought the art of stitchery and embroidery into the American home and revitalized the industry. She’s remembered most for telling Americans, “You are more creative than you think.” Her sister Ilonka Karasz was just as influential. She’s mostly known for designing Christmas cards and gift paper. Beginning in the ‘20's and really in the ‘40's and ‘50's, Ilonka illustrated books, book jackets, wrapping paper, line drawings, wood-block prints and lithographs. She designed the first nursery ever for the very modern “American child” and built her reputation as one of the top wallpaper designers in America in the late 40's. So, just who were these Karasz sisters and how is their influence still being felt in America? Ilonka Ilonka Karasz was born on July 13,1896 in Budapest to Samuel and Mary Karasz. She had two younger siblings, Mariska and Steve. The family lived primarily in Budapest but spent part of each year in the country so the children developed an early interest in nature which they brought to their handicraft classes in public school. Their father was a silversmith but died when the children were 13 1
