The Eighth Tribe, 1981 (8. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1981-08-01 / 8-9. szám
August — September, 1981 THE EIGHTH TRIBE Page 5 REPORT ON THE CONFERENCE The miracle did happen! Even a month ago, we were warned by many that no one would show up for the Conference, but we continued with the preparation and waited. Slowly, the registrations came in — evert the day before the event, people called to tell us that they were coming. So the day, August 21st arrived, and the miracle became a reality. Three generations of American-Hungarians from Connecticut, New Vork, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and California, plus Windsor, Ontario, Canada - gathered in Ligonier as members of a family. They came as strangers, but they left like brothers and sisters, hoping to “see you next time”. The names of forty-nine people were on the registry, plus a few more who stopped in' when they could while they were here to attend another meeting. A total of fifty-nine people heard the interesting lectures and took part in the discussions. The Conference began Friday morning, and broke up late Saturday night. Sunday morning everybody started on' their way back home, some by plane; some by car. They had different opinions, but that didn’t seem to matter. There were no disagreements, for they all came with one purpose in mind. We asked these questions on our inquiry sheet; Why did I come to the Conference? What did I expect from the Conference? How can I help to achieve the aims of the Eighth Tribe magazine and the Eighth Tribe Foundation? — Here were some of the responses: “I came to join with other Hungarians in establishing a United Organization.” “I hope to join with other American-Hungarians in establishing an organization that will preserve our history and spirit.” “To learn something about the history and the Hungarian Heritage to relate to my children.” “To help publicize the conference through conversation with other Hungarians.” “To organize a Hungarian Heritage Institute.” “To secure more subscriptions (to the Eighth Tribe Magazine ).” “To contribute my time and money.” “Have more than one conference a year.” “Determine who is coming to the conference and adjust the program to their interests.” “Remember, the children of the 1890's - early 19G0’s immigrants are differently oriented than the later arrivals.” “Contribute more than $10.00 yearly for the magazine.” “To get in contact with more people who are also interested in our past.” * * # Most of the people that came, came as individuals — not representing any particular body. There were some churches and organizations present — hut it was a disappointing number. Those that did come were the churches from: (Reformed) — Ailed Park, Michigan; McKeesport, (Free Magyar) Pennsylvania; New York, (82nd St.) N.Y.; S. Norwalk, Connecticut; Windsor Ont., Canada; (Catholic) — Trenton, New Jersey; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and McKeesport (Byzantine) Pennsylvania. Bishop Dezső Ábrahám, representing the Hungarian Reformed Churches in America, was the leading clergyman there. Rev. Imre Bertalan, representing the Hungarian Reformed Federation, briefly attended. 'The William Penn Association was represented by Albert Stelkovics, secretary and William Kohut, board member. The American Hungarian Federation by Zsolt Vigh, board member. All the names of those who attended the Conferente will be listed on another page of this report. The only complaint that was expressed was that there was too little time spent on the subjects. The topics, especially history, should have been given a whole day, and even then it would be impossible to cover it thoroughly. Everyone regretted that Dr. Albert Wass and Tibor Flórián Could not attend the Conference due to illness. The program of the event had to be altered, since many of the speakers did not arrive on schedule. The history segment that was to have started us off, instead started us off Saturday morning. Herein follows an outline of the events as they occurred : After an ecumenical religious service, the Conference began at 10:30 A.M., Sándor E. Chomos, chairman and organizer of the Conference, welcomed those present, followed by greetings from the organizations present. Opening remarks of the chairman: “Fellow members of the Eighth Tribe Family - guests - Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you for coming to this conference - which I was told by many would never come to pass. About a month ago, Dr. Wass and I were discussing the conference, and a suggestion was made to call it off - people just would not come. I told him that we have to do it, whatever happens - for a decision has to be made on the future of the Eighth Tribe magazine and our plan for the Cultural Institute. These are not easy decisions to make, when only about 500 people regularly support the Eighth Tribe magazine, which costs much
